CC 3827

05 28 07

Council Proceedings of the City of Shreveport, Louisiana

May 22, 2007

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana was called to order by Chairman Walford at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 22, 2007, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Invocation was given by Councilman Wooley.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Webb.

On Roll Call, the following members were Present: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long (Arrived at 3:07 p.m.), Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Absent: None.

Motion by Councilman Webb, seconded by Councilman Shyne to approve the minutes of the Administrative Conference, Monday May 7, 2007 and Council Meeting, Tuesday, May 8, 2007. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 6. Nays: None. Out of the Chamber: Councilman Long. 1.

Awards, Recognition of Distinguished Guests, and Communications of the Mayor which are required by law.

Councilman Walford: If I’m a little bit slow, Mr. Dark from the Administration will make it up here, and I can see if the Administration has anything for us.

Mr. Dark: Thank you for being patient Mr. Chairman. The Mayor will be here in just a minute, and he may have something at that point. Looks like he does, because Gwen is walking up there as well. The only thing that I’m aware of is that at some point in the meeting, there is a representative from Walton here, and you all had asked for that person to be here. So, y’all can do that at whatever point you need to.

Councilman Walford: My suggestion is at this time, unless there is objection from the Council would be to go ahead with Ms. Campbell and what she might have (inaudible)

Councilman Shyne: I think that’s a good suggestion.

Councilman Walford: Ms. Campbell.

Ms. Campbell: Yes sir. Good afternoon. To the honorable members of the Shreveport City Council, and to you President Walford, and to my Council Representative, Mr. Shyne, on behalf of Mayor Glover, I’m proud to present to you, two of our finest members of the community, Mrs. Libby Murphy of Lifeshare Blood Centers, and Ms. Feamula Bradley, of the Louisiana Campaign for a Tobacco Free Living. These are two ladies that represent great organizations here in our city. They are concerned about the health and welfare and the wellbeing of the citizens of this, ‘The Next Great City of The South’, as distinguished guests of Mayor Glover, I ask that you allow them to approach Council at this time. First we’ll hear from Libby Murphy.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, could I take credit for some of that because I see of lot of those people that live out in my neighborhood. Not only my district, but my neighborhood.

Mayor Glover: By all means Councilman Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: Thank you.

Ms. Murphy: Good afternoon Mr. Mayor, President of Council Walford, and members of the Council. I appreciate the opportunity to be here. I am Libby Murphy with Lifeshare Blood Centers. I’m here to say thank you to the City of Shreveport for supporting Lifeshare Blood Centers since it’s founding in June of 1942, the oldest Blood Center in Louisiana, and the second oldest licensed blood center in the nation. Today in particular, I would like to express our thanks to the Mayor of the great City of Shreveport, and to the Mayor of the great city of Bossier City, who have joined forces today to proclaim May 22^nd as Mayors for Life Patriotic Blood Donors Day. It’s not to late for y’all to come and donate after your meeting. And the purpose is to bring to light the fact that people do if they can, need to be blood donors, and to help our fellow citizens. And just wanted to express our appreciation to our mayors of our twin cities here, for supporting Lifeshare Blood Centers through the years. We look forward to 65 more years of support from you all. Thank you very much.

Councilman Walford: Thank you.

Ms. Campbell: Ladies and gentlemen in our audience, we have members of the Louisiana Campaign for a Tobacco Free Living, and we would ask all of them to stand. They are the men and women that you see in the light blue T-shirts. Ms. Feamula Bradley is here to congratulate you members of the Council.

Ms. Bradley: Thank you. To our distinguished councilmen, Council President. I am here today on behalf of the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living, but I also represent the citizens of Shreveport, and other organizations as well. I’m here first to say that on April 26, 2005, this Council did what it took to make us, that means Shreveport No. 1. We were in fact the first city in the State of Louisiana to pass a Clean Indoor Act Ordinance. With your forward progressive thinking, you heard our voice, and you voted accordingly. As a result of your vote stance, over a dozen other ordinances were passed within the next year and a half, and as a result, this year, January 1, 2007, the Louisiana Clean Indoor Act, known as Act 815 was passed. We are here today to say thank you. On behalf of the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living, the Cancer Action Network, the American Cancer Society, Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, the Louisiana Cancer Control Partnership, Mothers Against Drugs, One Great River, The Airport Park Seniors, and other organizations, again, we say thank you. Today, we’ve also come to say because you took that bold stance then, we say that our work is not done. Even though Act 815 is in place, there are still workers who were not covered, and still they remain unprotected. I work to protect all workers and educate men, women, boys and girls about the dangers of second hand smoke as well as the dangers of smoking in general remain. We are here to remind you as citizens also that World No-Tobacco Day is May 31^st, and that this is yet another opportunity to educate. We want to also say that the theme for this year is ‘Smoke free inside creates and enjoy 100% smoke free environment’. I leave with the question, ‘who will be the first municipality in the State of Louisiana to protect all workers from the dangers of smoking and second hand smoke’?

Councilman Shyne: Shreveport.

Ms. Bradley: Lets hope so. Also at this time, several ladies, Mr. Mayor and President of the Council, will allow us to present a token of our appreciation to each of the Council Members. Again thank you, and Councilman Shyne, we’re going to hold you to that.

Councilman Shyne: Thank you. Mr. Mayor, you hear that, huh?

Councilman Walford: Thank y’all very much. Welcome Mr. Mayor, if I may back up, do you have anything for us Sir?

Mayor Glover: These were the two communications from the Mayor that I wanted to make sure were presented at this particular point and time. I will take a moment to express my appreciation to Libby Murphy, and the folks at Lifeshare Blood Center for all the great work that they are doing here, and also obviously to Feamula Bradley and to all of the wonderful men and women here who are dressed in blue, and standing up for a smoke free Louisiana, I’m honored to have them here, and I commend the City of Shreveport, and in particular Mr. Chairman, you and Councilmember Lester as well as the previous council for being at the cutting edge of this effort in Louisiana. Efforts and actions that were taken here in the City of Shreveport ended up being a clarion call for folks around this state, and also the legislature to step forward and take some action that I think ultimately results in safer and healthier Louisianians so, I’m honored to be here joining you all in recognizing each one of these individuals before us today.

Councilman Walford: Thank you Mr. Mayor. Mr. Dark, I understand now you have a representative of Walton available sir?

Mr. Dark: Well, I think at whatever point in the meeting you’d like to have them come. I believe Mr. Lester had asked that someone be here at this meeting.

Councilman Walford: Unless there are some objections from the Council, we can call it now.

Councilman Shyne: No objection on my part Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Walford: Okay Mr. Dark, if you would since I don’t have a name.

Mr. Dark: Yeah, Mr. Kanaus, I saw him in the back.

Mayor Glover: Would that be like give us Barabbas?

Councilman Lester: They were talking about blood a few minutes ago.

Councilman Shyne: They might want to get the bucket.

Councilman Walford: Welcome Sir, and if you would state your name and address for the record, and then the floor is yours.

Mr. Derrick Knauss: (3530 Tower Avenue, Pensacola, FL)

Councilman Walford: Thank you sir. Now, Mr. Lester, I’m going to defer to you. Do you have questions, specific questions, or does Walton have a presentation?

Councilman Lester: Well, I was going to give - - - what’s your name sir?

Mr. Knauss: Derrick.

Councilman Lester: Derrick? What’s your last name?

Mr. Knauss: Knauss, K N A U S S.

Councilman Lester: I was going to give Mr. Knauss an opportunity to make any statement or presentation he wanted, and then I was going to ask questions.

Mr. Knauss: I don’t have any prepared, because I don’t have - - - well, go ahead.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Lester, the floor is yours sir.

Councilman Lester: Thank you. Mr. Knauss, tell me what is your position in Walton? What do you fall in the hierarchy of the company?

Mr. Knauss: I’m the Vice President of Operations.

Councilman Lester: And what is your area of responsibility?

Mr. Knauss: Currently all of Shreveport.

Councilman Lester: And how long have you been so employed?

Mr. Knauss: 2 ½ years.

Councilman Lester: Was that - - -?

Mr. Knauss: With Walton, approximately 7 months in Shreveport.

Councilman Lester: 2 ½ years with Walton, 7 ½ months in Shreveport?

Mr. Knauss: About Seven months, correct.

Councilman Lester: Who was your predecessor in this position in Shreveport, or was there a predecessor in Shreveport?

Mr. Knauss: Gregg McCrocklin was.

Councilman Lester: And is Mr. McCrocklin still with the company?

Mr. Knauss: No sir.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Knauss, were you - - -what is your level of familiarity if any with the contract that was signed for construction of the hotel, the Shreveport Convention Center Hotel?

Mr. Knauss: Fairly familiar with it.

Councilman Lester: Are you familiar with the responsibility for Fair Share contracting?

Mr. Knauss: I understand there was a goal and a commitment.

Councilman Lester: And what is your understanding of the Fair Share goal?

Mr. Knauss: My understanding of the Fair Share Program in general is to get 25% minority , women-owned and small business local companies in all your city contract work.

Councilman Lester: And are you familiar with the commitment that was made?

Mr. Knauss: I’m familiar with the goal that was made, yes.

Councilman Lester: Okay, well let me ask this question. Are you familiar with the 21% commitment that was made as a part of the contract?

Mr. Knauss: I’m familiar with the 21% goal, yes.

Councilman Lester: Okay, well lets stop right here. Isn’t it a fact that in fact the 21% figure for Fair Share participation was not a goal, but it was actually part and parcel of the addendum to the contract?

Mr. Knauss: Not to my understanding it was a goal. We don’t have a contractual change order that brings that into the contract per se.

Councilman Lester: Okay, so it’s your position, and Walton takes the position that the 21% Fair Share number was a goal, not a commitment?

Mr. Knauss: It was a goal with a good faith effort to make the commitment to get there.

Councilman Lester: And, and - - - well let me ask you this? Do you have authority to speak for Walton?

Mr. Knauss: Yes.

Councilman Lester: You do?

Mr. Knaus: Yes.

Councilman Lester: So, would it be a fair characterization that Walton’s position is that, would it be a fair characterization that Walton’s position is that the 21% number was a goal, and was not part of a contract?

Mr. Knauss: That is correct.

Councilman Lester: And because it was not part of the contract, you were under no obligation whatsoever to fulfill that?

Mr. Knauss: No, I think there was a - - - certainly a goal, and a great effort put forth to try to get the 21%.

Councilman Lester: But your position is that there was not contractual obligation towards the 21%?

Mr. Knauss: That’s correct.

Councilman Lester: Now if Mr. McCrocklin - - - are you familiar with the statements and testimony that Mr. McCrocklin gave before this Council, prior to the contract being signed

Mr. Knauss: No.

Councilman Lester: Is somebody with the company familiar with the statement that Mr. McCrocklin made relative to adding the 21% language to the body of the contract, and agreeing on behalf of Walton that at no point in the construction would their Fair Share participation fall below the 21%?

Mr. Knauss: I don’t believe so, because as I said before, there is not contractual obligation by change order or amendment. There is no (inaudible) to speak to that.

Councilman Lester: So, your position - - - so Walton takes the position that absent a change order, there was no obligation to fulfill the 21%, it was just a goal.

Mr. Knauss: No, as I said before, we obligated, and we made the best good faith effort to obtain that goal. We’ve done everything we can to get there.

Councilman Lester: Okay. Mr. Knauss, let me ask you this question. Gregg McCrocklin, Senior Vice-President, did he have the ability to bind Walton Construction in contractual matters?

Mr. Knauss: Yes.

Councilman Lester: Okay. And as his predecessor, he just like you had the ability to speak for the company. Is that correct?

Mr. Knauss: That’s correct.

Councilman Lester: And his signature authority on behalf of the company was not something that needed to be ratified by a Board of Directors, or Shareholders or anything of that nature?

Mr. Knauss: As pertaining to change orders and contracts, yes.

Councilman Lester: I’m going to turn your attention to something that’s been labeled, I going to give you a chance to look at that and see if you recognize it.

Mr. Knauss: I’m familiar with this.

Councilman Lester: Okay. And could you, for the benefit of those in the audience, could you read the top of that document that I’ve given you.

Mr. Knauss: Addendum to contract between owner and contractor?

Councilman Lester: Yes sir. And are you familiar with - - - - well could you read that document for me, for those that - - - there are people that are watching that don’t have the benefit of seeing that.

Mr. Knauss: The entire document?

Councilman Lester: Yes sir.

Mr. Knauss: Whereas the City of Shreveport owner, and Walton Construction, LLC of Kansas, contractor, entered into an agreement dated June 14, 2005 for the construction of the Convention Center Hotel, via IFB-05-057, the contract and;

Whereas Resolution No. 135 of 2005 authorized to execute and addendum to said agreement, relative to Fair Share participation by the contractor and;

Whereas owner and contractor do not wish to amend the contract in accordance with said resolution,

Now Therefore owner and contractor hereby agree as follows:

Article 1.1 and 1.2 are hereby added to the contract as follows:

1.1 Contractor agrees to maintain Fair Share participation MBE, DBE, WBE or participation of 21% of the value of the contract for the construction of the Convention Center Hotel property.

1.2 A letter dated July 25, 2005 from Mr. Greg McCrocklin to Mr. Ken Antee, relative to the Fair Share Plan for the Shreveport Convention Center Hotel is attached hereto and made a part of the contract. All other terms and conditions of the contract shall remain in full force and effect. This contract addendum is entered into as of the 27^th day of September, 2005 and is executed in at least three original copies, of which one is to be delivered to the contractor, one to the (inaudible) and the remainder to the other.

Councilman Lester: And there are two signature lines. Is that correct?

Mr. Knauss: Correct.

Councilman Lester: One signature line is for owner. Correct?

Mr. Knauss: Correct.

Councilman Lester: And one is for contractor?

Mr. Knauss: Correct.

Councilman Lester: And the one for owner is the City of Shreveport, Keith Hightower, Mayor? Is that correct, and is it so signed by Keith Hightower, Mayor?

Mr. Knauss: I can’t verify his signature, but it looks like somebody’s signature there. It could be his.

Councilman Lester: And under the signature line for contractor, could you read that?

Mr. Knauss: Contractor, Walton Construction Co, Greg McCrocklin, Senior Vice President.

Councilman Lester: And does that appear to be Mr. McCrocklin’s signature?

Mr. Knauss: Yes as I know it.

Councilman Lester: Okay, I turn your attention to the document that was made referenced to in this addendum to the contract. Could you turn the page please sir? Do you see that letter?

Mr. Knauss: Yes sir.

Councilman Lester: And I’ll give you a chance to look it over.

Mr. Knauss: I’ve seen it.

Councilman Lester: What letterhead is that letter on?

Mr. Knauss: Walton Construction.

Councilman Lester: Okay, and that would be your company, right?

Mr. Knauss: Of course.

Councilman Lester: Heretofore known as the contractor?

Mr. Knauss: Yes.

Councilman Lester: And what is the date of that letter?

Mr. Knauss: July 25, 2005.

Councilman Lester: And to whom is that letter addressed?

Mr. Knauss: Mr. Ken Antee.

Councilman Lester: And from who is that letter addressed?

Mr. Knauss: Gregg McCrocklin.

Councilman Lester: And what is in the regarding section of that letter? What does that letter indicate it’s regarding?

Mr. Knauss: Fair Share Plan.

Councilman Lester: For the Convention Center Hotel?

Mr. Knauss: Shreveport Convention Center Hotel.

Councilman Lester: Okay. Mr. Knauss, could you read that letter please sir?

Mr. Knauss: Dear Mr. Antee: When I attended the City Council Meeting on May 23^rd, I emphasized that Walton Construction Co, was committed to the entire construction community in regards to subcontracting opportunities. To demonstrate our commitment, we agreed to award subcontracts to MBE, DBE, WBE business totaling 21% of the value of our contracts for the Shreveport Convention Center Hotel contract. I want to emphasize our commitment to 21% and the fact that our overall goal will be to exceed this commitment. It is our intention to deliver tomorrow and update of the Fair Share Plan to Sam Gilliam. Our plan will be updated weekly as it becomes finalized with subcontractors.

Councilman Lester: And is that letter signed by Mr. McCrocklin?

Mr. Knauss: Yes.

Councilman Lester: And he signed it in his position as Senior Vice President for Walton Construction Company?

Mr. Knauss: Yes.

Councilman Lester: Now lets go back to what I asked you earlier. Given this addendum to the contract between the owner and the contractor, signed by Greg McCrocklin, who was your predecessor and Senior Vice President, that specifically says in Section 1.1, that the contractor agrees to maintain the Fair Share participation MBE, DBE, WBE of 21% of the value of the contract for the construction of the Convention Center Hotel project, and it’s signed by both the owner, i.e. Keith Hightower Mayor, and signed by Mr. McCrocklin, who is the contractor or representative for Walton Construction, how then can Walton take the position that the Fair Share was a goal, and not made part and parcel to the contract?

Mr. Knauss: There were several things. First of all, I think the Fair Share Plan itself recognizes as a goal. Secondly, as your Council may offer there were certain procedures to include a contract change order to a contract, and this amendment is not on the form or the process to make it a change order. Therefore I’m saying that’s why it’s not included as a change order to our contract. I think it intent and maybe the additional goal was to have something in writing that would certify the goal and commitment of Walton towards this goal. I think that’s my interpretation of what that amendment is. It’s certainly not a contractual document.

Councilman Lester: Okay, so I want to be clear. Walton takes the position this document that’s labeled ‘Addendum to the Contract’, that is signed by Greg McCrocklin, Vice President and on behalf of the contract to Walton Construction, and signed by the City of Shreveport on behalf of the Mayor has no legal affect on the contract at all?

Mr. Knauss: That is correct.

Councilman Lester: Okay. Well, Mr. Chairman, I would say this. I came here with the idea that we were going to have an open conversation about Fair Share as it relates to the hotel project. But clearly, Walton has taken the position that a document that it signed says, which is an addendum to the contract, that their own personnel signed has no legal affect whatsoever. And I would surmise that if they would sign a document that says ‘Addendum to Contract’, and would walk away from an agreement that they signed, then what’s the point of even having any conversation about the Fair Share or anything else. I think that it says to me that they had absolutely no intention of following the Fair Share. At what point does a contractor decides to sign a document and say that they agree to be bound by the terms of the agreement, and then come back later and say ‘well, you know what, that document has no legal affect’.

Mr. Knauss: May I respond?

Councilman Lester: Sure.

Mr. Knauss: First of all, I’ve answered every question you asked me (inaudible) and factually. And I’m here to answer further questions, but I’ll only answer the questions that you ask me. If you ask me specific questions, I’ll certainly answer them. But let me speak to what you just mentioned. The Fair Share plan is a goal.

Councilman Lester: I know it’s a goal, Mr. Knauss. Let’s cut to the - - -

Mr. Knauss: Let me finish please.

Councilman Lester: Let me say this. I understand that the Fair Share is a goal. I’m a lawyer, okay? I know that we cannot bind you under the terms of the Fair Share contract. That’s why this addendum was entered into between this city, and your contractor, your company. We have an agreement. Now, I don’t know where you went to law school, but from where I come from, a contract is a law between the parties. And for us to negotiate in good faith, and the city puts together an addendum to the contract, and your organization prior to you coming to Shreveport signed and agrees to be bound by the contract, and then after you don’t meet the contractual obligations of this contract. You say that this contract has no affect, that’s more than just insulting.

Mr. Knauss: Well, I just wanted you to know this is not a contractual document. Secondly I have not received anything that shows that we have not met the 21% from your office. So, I can’t even address what your questions are. I can say, and I can validate that we have 20.95 minority, women, small business, disadvantaged percentage of contracts towards that project.

Councilman Lester: Well by your own definition, 20.95 is not 21 and then you put out (inaudible)

Mr. Knauss: (Inaudible)

Councilman Walford: One at a time.

Councilman Lester: Well then you put out a press release yesterday, the number was 18, and the number that we’ve gotten from our Fair Share office is 16, and that’s including a minority that’s not Fair Share certified. And if we give you the benefit of that contractor who is not Fair Share certified, your number is 16. Now you’re coming before us today, and you’re saying that your number is 20.95, but in your own press release, that you sent to the media, it said 18.1. So, I mean, you don’t even have track - - - your organization doesn’t even have track of it’s own number, so how are we to believe it?

Mr. Knauss: I believe our press statement does state 20.95. I have a copy here if you want to see it.

Councilman Lester: Okay, and I would ask - - -I’d like to see it, and I also ask not that I’m gong to go into my day job, but I’ve never been able to put Mr. Mayor a reporter under the oath. But I would love to, but as I appreciate it, the document that I saw on yesterday from Walton’s indicated that their press release said the number was 18.9. And I would ask members of the media that are in attendance that were the recipients of the press release, and I might add for the record, that that press release was never sent to the Council Office, but for whatever that’s worth, that number was not 20.9. Could I see that, and maybe while you’re making your statement to the Council, we can compare what you have with the press release that was sent earlier. Could we do that?

Mr. Knauss: Sure, you have something where you’re using the 16% number earlier? No, I’ve got it myself.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Mayor

Mayor Glover: Yes sir.

Councilman Lester: Could we get someone down from the Fair Share Office to get the report?

Mr. Dark: Actually Mr. Chairman, excuse me, I have the last report as of April 12^th of actual MBE and Fair Share subcontractors. It shows a figures of $5,492,266.26 which equates to roughly 16%. That’s - - - obviously, they’re not through, so the number could be somewhat larger, which might be difference between 16 and 18. Couldn’t tell you that. That’s all we have right now.

Councilman Lester: I’m going to let you talk to the Council. I’ll relinquish my time and let someone else - - -

Councilman Walford: Mr. Shyne?

Councilman Shyne: Could I ask the City Attorney to come forward too please? I don’t want to just sit up here and just chew on him, although I do enjoy doing it from time to time. I’m known to be kinda good at it, but I just - - - what kind of legal ramifications do we have. I mean, is it any kind of fine we can impose on them or it is anything legally we can do if they do not meet the Fair Share Goal?

Ms. Scott: Mr. Shyne, because the matter is basic contract, we can put them in breech of contract for not meeting their own stated goals. What our remedy would be however for that breech of contact at this point is subject to further discussion. Let me put it that way. So we very well may have a right, but what our remedy would be, we just don’t know at this point. It’s unclear.

Councilman Shyne: You know I understand generally breech of contract, you do have a legal remedy. But I was wondering with the Fair Share situation, since our Fair Share goals were based on goals. You know, if we would have a solid leg to stand on.

Ms. Scott: Yes sir, we do have a solid leg to stand on. And our measure of damages may very well be between the number that we can determine that they have actually complied with (inaudible) they said that they would attempt to achieve.

Councilman Shyne: Because the way I look at it, I mean this contract is almost complete. It’s almost like the horse has gotten out of the barn, and then you go and lock the door. I mean, I don’t see no way that they could come up to the 21 percentage between now and the time that they turn the keys over to the Mayor. And the only other course I would see would be the legal course for breech of contract.

Ms. Scott: Yes sir.

Councilman Shyne: Because in the next two weeks, and I know Tom said he was looking at 16, and it might be 18 depending on what has been done, but if you’ve had this long, and you didn’t do what was right, I don’t think you’re going to do what’s right in two weeks. Now, I could be wrong, but if you have not met the goals - - -

Mr. Knauss: (Inaudible)

Councilman Shyne: Let me finish sir. I’m going to give you a chance, and if you’d like for me to chew on you for a little while, I will. I’ve got a lot of experience in doing that. If over the last four year, if you have not done what you needed to do in four years, I just don’t see you doing it in the next two weeks, and you know how we can do numbers, we can juggle numbers up, and we can inflate it up, but my suggestion would be if they have not lived up to their contract, and I’m not a lawyer, although I do practice a little law now and then, but I’m really not a lawyer, then I would say then that what we need to do is just take the legal path. Because I don’t see them doing what’s right. You know I feel a little sick in my stomach, because I was not here in the beginning of all of this. If I had been here in the beginning of all of this, I think I would have looked at it a little bit different, would have kinda had some safeguards in place, but at this particular point, the only way I see is to take these folk to court. Because in the next two or three weeks, they’re not going to meet the goals. They are just not going to meet the goals in the next two to three weeks. So, I wish you would look at it from a legal standpoint, and Mr. Mayor, if that’s what we need to do, I think we need to do that. Because we need to let people know that we are serious. We are serious. We’re not up here for you to come and tell us lone thing, and it’s Christmas time, and then when it’s time for the toys to come, you know how you be disappointed, you know how your mamma and daddy tell you ‘well son, you know I didn’t work the whole week, or I didn’t work the whole month, so I couldn’t get you the bicycle.’ You know, and I’m tired of being disappointed. And people need to understand that the Fair Share goals, I mean this is something serious. We didn’t just reach up and pull this out of a hat. We looked at this, we thought about this, we looked at the legal ramifications. We looked at how this would enhance and improve our city. These are city dollars that we are spending. These are dollars that will be paid back, that will be generated by people here. When Walton goes back to Mississippi, they’re going to be taking all of this money back to Mississippi with them, and the Fair Share program in Shreveport would not have done what it is supposed to do. And you know I really think if we really look at that in a very serious way and with a fine tooth comb, we might not even be able to come up to 16%. I think it would be even lower than that. But we need to send a message that we are serious. This isn’t something that you can come up and pat us on the head and rub me on the back and tell me ‘you know Joe, everything is going to be alright’. I think we need to understand that this is a serious situation. I think that we need to send a message, that we are serious about our Fair Share program. I love you and I’m through with it, but I just don’t believe that you can meet the 21%. So, my suggestion would be if we have a legal leg to stand on, hey, I’ll see you in court. Thank you.

Mr. Knauss: May I respond now?

Councilman Walford: Certainly sir.

Mr. Knauss: A couple of things. Just to put everybody at ease. If the overall intent of the City is to award subcontracts to minorities, disadvantaged business, and women owned business, we are .05% shy of that goal. I’ve got documents to show that. If you want to talk about that, we can talk about that. We’ve done everything we can as required as said to by our original goal. We contacted every single subcontractor on that initial Fair Share Program list. Every single one of them. Beyond that, I don’t know what we can do. If the subcontractors are not there, we can’t just trade them out of thin air. So, we contacted every single one of them. So we had to go outside the Fair Share to get other minorities and small business participation. If that’s a problem, that’s a problem. We don’t’ think it is. Secondly, (inaudible).

Councilman Shyne: Hold on just one minute.

Councilman Walford: Well, he’s got the floor now Mr. Shyne.

Mr. Knauss: Secondly the Fair Share Program specifically notes if you have a problem reaching the goals, there are steps to take, that are always in there as far as legal ramifications. There are certain steps that had to be taken, and they hadn’t been taken from the city’s standpoint. So, to say that there is a lawsuit pending or whatever, you need to go back and read the Fair Share Program which lays out the non-commitment options, they are there. So, overall it’s a goal, and I’ll answer any other questions you have.

Councilman Shyne: I think we have a couple of minority contractors who are sitting in the audience back there who could - - - you know they could do a whole lot of the work that’s been done there now. Now, whether they’ve been contacted or not, but I know that they did not work on that particular project, and I wouldn’t look for you to pull any out of the air. But I would look for you to make the kind of money that you’ve made on that contract to make sure that you did find some. And I think that - - -

Mr. Knauss: And maybe (inaudible).

Councilman Shyne: Now I’m talking now, you were talking just a few minutes ago, I’m talking now, since this is the way you want to have it. I’m talking now.

Mr. Knauss: Go right ahead.

Councilman Shyne: Now, I really think that you could have found some if you had really wanted to. You see, I’ve been here in this ole thing for the last 50 years, and I guess I’m telling my age. You know Joe, we would, but we just can’t find any that’s qualified. Or, Joe we would but you know it’s just only two or three of you all. You know I remember the time even I look at the Mayor over there. People say ‘well, Joe you know we’re going to get a Black Mayor, but we just don’t have nobody that’s qualified. Or, Joe we’re going to have some members on the City Council, but we just don’t have any qualified now.’ And I be doggone if you don’t come up here in 2007 and tell me the same thing, and I’m supposed to tell you ‘yes sir, you know you’re right, cause it’s none of them there’. I’m looking at some. And if you turn around and look behind you, you’d see one shaking his head that can do as good a work, and as a matter of fact, he’s a little Blacker than I am. So, you know you wouldn’t even have to be confuse on whether he’s a minority or not. So, that old thing about we can’t find you can’t find them? That horse ain’t going to pull no more now. You might have to come up with something else. And I’m going to leave it at this, but I would say if we have a legal avenue, I’m going to ask the Administration, and I’m going to ask the City Attorney to lets look at it, and we’re going to give you a chance then to prove this in a court of law. That we don’t have the capacity. You know that’s the word that you’re probably looking, the capacity. But we have the capacity. You all just didn’t have the will. My daddy used to always say, where there is a will, there is a way. If it’s not a will, then there is no way. We do have the capacity to have come up to more than 21%. We’ve got people who can finish concrete, we’ve got people who can do electrical work, we’ve got people who can lay bricks, we’ve got people who can lay carpet. We’ve got people who can do anything when it comes to a construction site. So for you to stand there and tell me that we don’t have the capacity here in Shreveport, it makes me sick of the stomach and I’m through Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Knauss: Let me respond to that please. Because I did not say that in the context that you took it. I said we made the effort, we went outside the Fair Share Program because we had to, and we kept the commitment, and we got 20.95% outside the Fair Share, but they’re still minority, small business, women owned companies. I don’t know how to respond to your reaction to that. I will share one other thing. The original Fair Share Plan as outlined by Greg McCrocklin, only had eight subcontractors originally. We ended up with twelve. At 50% increase of participation. So, the money was shared and spread out in the community, not to select a few. Unless there’s another question - - -

Councilman Walford: I’ll come back to you, Mr. Wooley.

Councilman Wooley: Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank you sir for coming down. I do appreciate you taking the time. That documentation that you’re reading and referencing, can we as Council Members get a copy of that?

Mr. Knauss: Through Tom Dark here.

Councilman Wooley: I’m sorry?

Mr. Knauss: Through Tom Dark.

Councilman Wooley: Tom, can you make sure we get a copy of the information.

Mr. Dark: Do I have it?

Councilman Wooley: No, I said, can we get a copy of that?

Mr. Dark: If I get I will, yeah. I’ll go run a copy of it now.

Councilman Wooley: Okay, that’d be great, thank you. That’s all Mr. Chairman, thank you.

Councilman Lester: Thank you. Lets go back to the press release and the 20.95. I’ve put in front of you two documents. One on the top line is a fax from Walton Construction dated May 18, 2007, Friday at 8:53 a.m., and the other one is a fax from Walton Construction on May 22^nd, at 10:15 a.m., and this is Walton Construction for immediate release. You familiar with that?

Mr. Knauss: Yes.

Councilman Lester: Could you look at bullet point number, lets see ah, 1, 2, 3, 4. Could you read what that bullet point says.

Mr. Knauss: The current minority participation on the Convention Center Hotel project is 18.09, slightly under the project goal of 21%.

Councilman Lester: Okay, now this is the press release that was sent out by Walton, correct?

Mr. Knauss: I don’t know where this fax came from. I mean, I’ve seen a draft of this. I don’t know where this particular one you handed me - - -

Councilman Lester: Okay, lets say this. I didn’t put it out right? I don’t have - - - Is Walton’s fax number 797-4306?

Mr. Knauss: Yes sir.

Councilman Lester: Okay, alright. And at the top, that says where that fax is from, right?

Mr. Knauss: Correct. Yes, we send statements out to the press.

Councilman Lester: And the statement that was sent out to the press was, the current minority participation was18.09% right? That’s what it says.

Mr. Knauss: On the one dated May 18^th , yes.

Councilman Lester: Okay, now you’re saying today, that that number is 20.09? And my question is what happened between the 17^th and today?

Mr. Knauss: Well, I think what you’re simply seeing here is that the Fair Share portion of that is close to the 18%. The overall percentage is the 20.95 like I mentioned earlier.

Councilman Lester: This says the current minority participation, didn’t say Fair Share, it says the current minority participation in the Convention Center Hotel project is 18.09%, slightly under the project goal of 21%.

Mr. Knauss: Well then that needs to be changed and corrected to 20.95.

Councilman Lester: Okay, and I guess my question is what was the difference between May 17^th and today? Y’all get some new contractors?

Councilman Shyne: No, I think it was the tooth fairy.

Mr. Knauss: No, like I said before, I think whoever wrote this, our Kansas City folks, were reference the Fair Share per se, like I mentioned earlier, but the overall percentage was 20.95.

Councilman Lester: But that’s - - - so we have to accept - - - what you’re asking us to do is accept your figure of 20.95, as opposed to the figure that you also put out to the media of 18.09%. Correct?

Mr. Knauss: You can accept whatever you want. I’ve given an updated list to Tom Dark, which shows those numbers.

Councilman Lester: Well, let me ask this question Mr. Knauss. If the number was 20.95, convenient, why would you have not communicated that to the media at the point that you sent the press release out on May 17^th?

Mr. Knauss: At the time, we wanted to respond quickly, so we responded with the numbers we had. I updated this list this morning, and that’s where the 20.95 came from. I included all recently issued change orders, future changes that the city owes us are included in that number. So, that’s where the most accurate up to date number is 20.95.

Councilman Lester: So my question was what happened between the 17^th , when you sent this press release out and today?

Mr. Knauss: I updated the spreadsheet that I just handed to Mr. Dark.

Councilman Lester: Okay. So the numbers that you sent out on your own letterhead on the 17^th or the 18^th, and the 22^nd was inaccurate?

Mr. Knauss: No, they were up to date as of the time.

Councilman Lester: So did you get a new contractor?

Mr. Knauss: As you know, it’s a large contract. We have 40 or 50 subcontractors. So, what we did was we went through all those subcontract files, and included all the pending change orders and all the future change orders, and all delinquent change orders in that number. So, that is the most accurate number of this morning.

Councilman Lester: I guess my question Mr. Knauss is knowing what’s at stage, knowing what was asked of your company, and your company being the repository of that documentary information, not the city, why would you have not exhausted every effort to give us that information on the 17^th? Understanding that this was not sent to the Mayor’s office, to the Council Office, it was sent to the media. So, I guess my question was why wouldn’t - - - it seems as if, and I don’t want to draw any conclusion as to the intent, but it seems as if there is a “bait and switch” kind of thing going on. You don’t inform the Council what your numbers are. You talk to the media as opposed to talking to the Council, with whom you have a contract with, but I guess that’s not really accurate, because your position is you never had a contract with us as it relates to the addendum anyway. So, if you know what’s at stake, why wouldn’t you have not added up all of the information and sent it when you sent out your original press release? That just doesn’t make sense.

Mr. Knauss: First of all, the 16% that’s coming from wherever - - -

Councilman Lester: Not talking about that. We’re talking about this issue right here on your press release. That’s what we’re talking about.

Mr. Knauss: Could I respond to that, because I like you are questioning. I can’t respond to 16%, because I was given the information. So, all we did in an expeditious response to the numerous phone calls and contact we received from the press, not from the Council or anybody else, from the press. We responded with the information we had at the time. Due diligence told us we needed to do that today, this morning obviously. So, this morning the number’s been updated by going through all the records we have on file, everything we know, and the current number is 20.95. Is that clear?

Councilman Lester: I mean, I hear what you said. I guess what I’m trying to understand is it seems as if you were more concerned with your obligation to the media than you were to your obligation to the citizens of Shreveport, with whom you have a contract with.

Mr. Knauss: What obligation?

Councilman Lester: The contract.

Mr. Knauss: In what sense? We did everything we were supposed to do?

Councilman Lester: Well, if you were concerned about the accuracy of your numbers, then you would have sent that information to us as opposed to the media. And you by your own testimony have said that because you were in a hurry, you gave them the best that you had in response to their questions. And as I appreciate it, the request for your presence came from me, and the Administration. And when that was communicated to the media, they called you. And it would seem to me that if you were concerned about your contractual obligations to your owner, i.e., the City of Shreveport, then you would have delayed your conversations with the media relative to the overall issue of whether or not you completed your contractual obligation. And you would have been accurate, and certainly you would have sent that information to the city before you sent it to the press. And I guess that’s what I’m trying to find out. Why was it so important to communicate to the media, with whom you have no contract as opposed to communicating with the city?

Mr. Knauss: The city has the same exact numbers we do. There is no need to - - - you have the same exact numbers in hand that we do.

Councilman Lester: Well, let me move on. Let me ask this question. If we follow your line of reasoning, and you said that your position, your company’s position was the 21% was the goal, and not a contractual obligation, that’s going to be (inaudible) for another (inaudible), and understanding that the Fair Share goal is 25%. Correct?

Mr. Knauss: The program’s goal, not ours.

Councilman Lester: Okay, well let me ask this question. If it was a goal, then why aren’t you standing before us today with a number saying ‘Councilman Lester, our Fair Share participation is 24.95?

Mr. Knauss: Because apparently there was an understanding two years ago between Greg McCrocklin, and whoever it was at whatever meeting they had, and they all agreed that perhaps 25% was unrealistic, and obviously the number was lower than 21%. That was the goal that was set. Not 25. The 25 is in the Fair Share program as their goal. It’s not our goal.

Councilman Lester: Okay. So let me ask this? Would it be fair to say that Walton ever had a goal, or had an intention of meeting 25%? Given everything we’ve done and transpired.

Mr. Knauss: The because even in your own documents on your amendments that you’re trying to hang your hat on says 21%. So, why would I agree that it was 25%? That’s the Fair Share Program goal. Not Walton’s goal. And I think the intent was to bring to some kind of compromise to make a realistic goal, and that’s what was done. And we’ve achieved that.

Councilman Lester: And that compromise is memorialized in a document that you said doesn’t have any legal affect?

Mr. Knauss: That’s correct. Because it was a goal.

Councilman Lester: I have no further questions for Mr. Knauss. I would want to say to this Mr. Chairman and members of the Council. You know we can talk about safeguards as it relates to Fair Share and things of that nature. But our system of jurisprudence, I mean that’s why we don’t shake hands on agreements anymore. We memorialize them, people sign contracts. They agree to be bound by the words on the contract. Now you can say every kind of safeguard that you want to have, but if you enter into a bilateral contract, where two parties agree, that they will do this if I do this, and they agree to be bound, which I take the position, that’s what this is, no amount of contract is going to be a safeguard with a person that is not going to honor their agreement. I mean, if they’re not going to honor their agreement, they’re just not going to honor their agreement. You can put every safeguard, procedural (inaudible) or otherwise, but at the end of the day, if a contractor or an individual is going to sign a piece of paper saying that they’re going to do something and they don’t do it, and they crawfish, there are no safeguards for that. And the only safeguard is to make sure that we don’t do business with those people anymore, but you know at that point, they’ve done what they want to do. They’ve made the money, and they’ve moved on to the next thing. That’s why it’s so important, Fair Share is so important to this community. I mean you talk about you know, making sure that you have a project like this that’s done on time, and we haven’t even discussed the issue of timeliness, which the project is 200 days late. And I believe that’s in the contract too, but then again, Mr. Dark, Mr. Mayor that might be part of that same deal that we just gloss past that as well. It’s more than just insulting. Or, a member of an organization that has the legal authority to buy that organization to come to this Council and say before the City Council of Shreveport, and the citizens, “On time, and to the owners satisfaction”, yes we will do this, yes we will agree to be bound, yes we will do this, and they just don’t do it. It’s not enough that they signed, and didn’t do it. They signed after they came before the Council, and someone stood right there and walked away from it. It doesn’t matter. And you talk about economic impact. I mean what would have been the economic impact of minority local companies being able to do 25%? People get hired. As I appreciate the history of Walton Construction, Walton Construction started out as a small concern, and over a period of time, they were given more opportunity, and as they were given more opportunity, they were able to build more capacity. And as they were able to build more capacity, they were able to do bigger and better jobs, and look at where they are. A national company. Who’s to say one of these contractors in the audience, if they were given an opportunity to do good quality work, would have started out as a subcontract, and the next time around they get to be the General Contractor, and they go and do things. They hire local people, we talk about brining the kids home giving them something to do. It’s not just a goal, it’s not just fanciful language. We’re talking about people’s lives, we’re talking about opportunity, we’re talking about building wealth and creation. We’re talking about doing the things to make sure you don’t have a permanent under clad. We’re talking about doing things that give hope to people. We’re talking about things that help build communities. And for a non resident corporation to come into town, and deal with a $50,000,000 project, and leave and say “Heh, I’ll holler back at you”, that’s more than just insulting Mr. Chairman. I think it’s actionable, at least.

Mr. Knauss: When you hear me say that Walton has done everything that we committed to doing. We called and contacted every Fair Share participant at the time, we’re were .05% from the goal of the plan for the project, and we’ve continued to support the community and minorities and disadvantaged and women owned businesses.

Councilwoman. Bowman: Mr. Knauss, what did you say your official title with Walton is?

Mr. Knauss: Vice-President of Operations.

Councilwoman. Bowman: Is that the same position that Mr. Greg McCrocklin, Senior Vice-President, it says on here. I mean are those basically the same positions?

Mr. Knauss: No, he was more in a role of a divisional head.

Councilwoman. Bowman: And what do you do?

Mr. Knauss: I’m an operations person.

Councilwoman Bowman: Explain to a lay person what that means.

Mr. Knauss: Well, he started the office here in Shreveport. His was development wise and operations wise. He was responsible for - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: So, he did his job as Division, and also the job that you have right now?

Mr. Knauss: Right, he was Business Development of any new work, as well as Operations, whereas I’m purely Operations.

Councilwoman Bowman: Do they have someone else in his capacity? I mean that basically as the Division guy?

Mr. Knauss: You’re speaking to him right now.

Councilwoman Bowman: Okay, so not only are you Operations, but you’re Divisional, right?

Mr. Knauss: I am now, yes.

Councilwoman Bowman: And as in another contract like this was signed, then an addendum to a contract, you would be the person to sign it this time. Right?

Mr. Knauss: That’s correct.

Councilwoman Bowman: Do you mind my, not do you mind, but I’d like to know how long has he been away from Walton?

Mr. Knauss: Mr. McCrocklin?

Councilwoman Bowman: Yes.

Mr. Knauss: I think approximately a year.

Councilwoman Bowman: A year. And you started when?

Mr. Knauss: I came to Shreveport in October of ’06.

Councilwoman Bowman: So you really haven’t been here that long after all of this stuff took place? Thank you.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Dark, I believe you had been signaling you had a question or a comment sir?

Mr. Dark: Yes sir, what I wanted to do for the Council, this will be brief sir, for the Council’s enlightenment, I’m looking at the sheet that I just handed you all, the copy that I’d made of Mr. Knauss’ calculation of Fair Share, the one that gets to 20.95%. It looks like reading that and looking at the last report I have from Fair Share, that there are three fairly large differences that may or may not be real. I can’t tell. Our last report on a subcontractor called True Bond shows less than $90,000 worth of work, theirs shows almost $600,000.

Councilman Shyne: That’s a big difference.

Mr. Dark: There are two other subcontracts at the bottom of that page, U.S. (inaudible) Hardware and roofing, that we tried very hard to get any documentation on through the Fair Share office, we were never successful. I don’t know whether they’re minority and women owned businesses or not. And we can certainly try again to find out, and perhaps after Mr. Knauss has listened to all this, he might help us a little more try to find out, but those subs were not responsive at all to discussions with the Fair Share office trying to determine if in fact they were what they said they were. All we have is payroll numbers and reports that come in on what’s called a Monthly Subcontractor Payment Utilization Form that’s sent through purchasing whenever a payment request comes in. It may be that you can justify perhaps difference in 16 and 18 because they have somewhat larger numbers. But a couple of contractors who are still working out there. So, it may be that between April 12^th and now that they’ve earned a little more money, and that’s certainly possible. But the biggest differences we see in these and things that obviously we can try to help verify, but Fair Share’s tried and hadn’t seen anything yet, is the three that I mentioned. And those are the differences between what Mr. Knauss is saying at this point at 20.95, and what Fair Share said was 16.3 as of April 12^th.

Councilman Webb: Thank you. Of course I wasn’t here when the Fair Share program was passed through the Council, but I’ve been looking at this real close, and I’ve talked with some of the AGC Contractors on Southern Avenue, some of the members of that organization. And in my conversation with them I asked them do we have 25% minority? They tell me we do not. In my opinion, I don’t feel that the Fair Share program should be held to 25% minorities, if we have to reach outside our own city to get them and even go out of state to get them. It’s a shame that we’re going to take away local contractors just to meet a goal. I’m personally against it. I applaud you for almost getting to the 25%.

Mr. Knauss: Thank you.

Councilman Webb: I’m really surprised that you were able to do that after talking to some of the members of the AGC. I know that some of the things that they told me, a lot of the minorities don’t understand the bid documents. And don’t want to participate in them. A lot of the contractors, minorities that they tried to contact, the phone numbers have been disconnected. All they can go by is the list and the numbers that they have. And I understand that they also offered classes for the minorities. And waived the fee, just so that they could come on board and be eligible to bid on some of these jobs. And they didn’t even have any shows for that. So, and also talking to a previous employee and not the gentleman, the person I’m talking about, his name hasn’t been mentioned here today, but I was told by him that Walton Construction, he said I certainly can’t say that. And I said well, I can and I will. That they had I’m going to call it a ghost company if you may, the company actually existed, but they did no work, and that they were basically hired or put on the payroll just to meet the Fair Share program. And that’s a shame if we have to do that to meet the goal, and that’s my whole point. I think the 25% at this point and time, it can be a goal, but right now, I think it’s really unrealistic that we can actually do it. And especially do it with local contractors. I certainly don’t want to change the name of it to the “Something for Nothing Program”, I guess you could say, but it’s - - - I don’t really see - - - I think right now we’re just expecting too much out of it at this stage of the game. I would like to see us continue to try do what we can to get some of these people on board, but I would love to one day have some of the members from that organization, maybe the director or whatever comes down and maybe they’ll speak openly about that. But I certainly don’t think that we as suggested, that we should file a lawsuit. The last thing I think we need to do is to put the contractors in the position that don’t do business with Shreveport, if you don’t meet the goal, you’re going to get sued. And I just have a problem with it.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Shyne, can we wrap it up pretty quick?

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, I will. I’ve just been insulted. I don’t know whether it’s because of racism or a lack of intelligence. I’m just almost sick that in 2007, we would have an elected official that would not be in favor of the kind of program that we worked for years to create. And I hope I didn’t misunderstand, but it seems like to me, that if it was left up to him, he’d take it and ball it up and throw it in the trash can and say ‘you folks don’t need this, because you don’t know how to do this’. We’ve got folks who look like me who know how to be President of the United States. We’ve got folks like me who came up with the first heart operation. We’ve got folks that look like me who are astronauts. And I doubt if he could pass the test. It’s an insult in 2007 to even sit up and think that I’m going to sit here and listen to some crap like that.

Councilman Walford: Alright Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: Hold it, hold it.

Councilman Walford: No, no, no sir.

Councilman Shyne: Now hold it, hold it. No, no, no, no. Uh uhh. Uh uhh.

Councilman Walford: We’re not going there.

Councilman Shyne: No, I’m not.

Councilman Walford: You have your Councilman’s time, you may make those comments. Right now we’re dealing with Walton.

Councilman Shyne: Well look, that’s what we’re dealing with Walton. I’m dealing with him on this.

Mr. Knauss: I did not say anything offensive.

Councilman Shyne: Right, right. No, no.

Councilman Walford: No, I don’t think this is aimed at you. Councilman Shyne, let’s put this to rest please.

Councilman Shyne: Just hold up. I don’t want you leaving here thinking that we applaud you for not meeting these goals. Because this is a program that we put a lot of work into. Now the Chairman doesn’t understand that because this program was in place when he came on. I worked on this program. I started working on this for years. And this program was put in place so we could help people. This is a program about helping people who need help. This is a program about building capacity. This is a program not talking about sending you to school. We’ve got people out there that can do any kind of work that you all want done. So, I feel offended when you tell me, or when somebody says that we do not have people who can compete. Because we do. I don’t want you leaving here feeling good because you didn’t meet the goals. I know you have not met the goals, and the only other remedy that I see is like the City Attorney said that we might have some legal grounds to stand on. This is a serious situation to me. Now it might not be serious to other members up here. But it’s a serious situation to me. Because I am my brother’s keeper. Now, I don’t go and pray and say, “God bless me”. I say “God bless everybody”. I am my brother’s keeper. So, whatever I can do to make sure that we reach out and help people who have traditionally been left out of the main stream, this is what I’m all about. It doesn’t matter whether you say the Council is being embarrassed. You can’t say that. You can only speak for yourself. And I want you to understand I’m serious about this. I’m not up here playing games. And this is nothing personal between you and I, and I hope you understand that. But this is about making sure that we help everybody. We want to help everybody. We want to build capacity here. I didn’t ask you to go to St. Louis, or go to El Dorado, or go somewhere else to get minorities contractors. I feel like that we have them here. And I hope you understand that. And I hope you understand that we’re serious about building capacity. That we are serious about reaching out, helping people. And I hope that you understand that I’m serious when I say that I am my brother’s keeper. You know I’m sorry that you had to come up here, but that’s what you pay when you make $50,000,000. You know, if I can make $50,000,000 and come up here and stand and somebody pat me on my back and say well, Joe, you didn’t do the goals, but that’s alright, because I know you couldn’t find people. But I want you to understand that we are serious about this sir. And it’s nothing personal between you and I.

Mr. Knauss: I’m not taking anything personal out of this.

Councilman Shyne: Well alright, but I just want you to understand, and I want the Chairman to understand that we have people that we have to reach out to. That’s why I’m elected to fight for them. To make sure that their voices are heard. I’m not going to sit up here and try to act Mr. Too Goody Shoes because somebody might think I’m stepping on their toes. That’s why I’m elected. I’m elected from a district just like everybody else. And I represent people. And I love you. This is nothing personal against you. I love you. But it’s so many people that we need to reach out and help. Thank you very much.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Wooley, and then Mr. Lester. But I’m going to ask you to please confine your comments related to Walton. If you have other comments, we’ll catch them during the Council Member Comments.

Councilman Wooley: Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank you sir again. Earlier you made a comment, I just wanted to ask you about it. You said that there were steps that the city did not take. Do you remember making those comments?

Mr. Knauss: Well it was in regards to the - - - that there was a process where it was not seemingly going to meet the goals, there are certain steps in the Fair Share program outlined, there are steps to take to get it back on track.

Councilman Wooley: And what were the steps that you believe that the city did not take?

Mr. Knauss: Well they’re written in the Fair Share program.

Councilman Wooley: I know, but I’m asking you.

Mr. Knauss: The first is to call a special session with the Fair Share Group, which I think is one. Written notice is another. All the discussions and mutual efforts to address whatever the issue was, and to my understanding there was kinda like a three strike process, in each of those elements.

Councilman Wooley: Right. Now are you saying that the city did not make an effort to do any of those steps? Or they made maybe one or two? Or do you remember off hand. I know you came on board late in the game in regard to the project. But I mean as far as - - -

Mr. Knauss: As far as the formal process, it was not done. I understand that there were some sessions where certain people met. Maybe in certain venues, but I’m not sure (inaudible).

Councilman Walford: Mr. Lester, if I could, would you confine it to Walton if it’s related to the Fair Share Program, we’ll catch it later?

Councilman Lester: Yeah, I’m going to deal with Walton, real quickly. Mr. Knauss, are you aware that there was no member of the local Associated General Contractors that had the bonding capacity to bid this project?

Mr. Knauss: No members of the AGC as subs or as prime?

Councilman Lester: No, no, no. As prime?

Mr. Knauss: I don’t know.

Councilman Lester: I mean, could someone talk about capacity, and your concern as a Mississippi company. Y’all not a Shreveport company, is that correct?

Mr. Knauss: No, let me correct that. We are not a Mississippi company. We bid and negotiated and no, not negotiated. We bid this work and contracted the work, as a locally owned business. Our headquarters is in Kansas City. And we have an office in Mississippi. That’s your neighbors next door.

Councilman Lester: Okay, and we like to be friendly with our neighbors to the north, south, east and west. But the point that I was trying to make was Walton is not headquartered or the corporate office is not in Shreveport. Correct?

Mr. Knauss: Correct. It’s a divisional office.

Councilman Lester: Right. I just want to make a point that we talk about capacity. But there was no number of association of general contractors in the Shreveport chapter, that had the capacity to bid this project.

Mr. Knauss: Well, we are.

Councilman Lester: Well now, after you had a local affiliate. My point is when we talk about capacity, we should really deal with what we’re firmly routed on. Because there wasn’t a local company, a local contractor that had the bonding capacity to bond this project in and of itself. So, you talk about local minorities that don’t have the capacity, the White companies didn’t have the capacity to bond this project. So, I mean I don’t know what we’re talking about.

Mr. Knauss: I’m not sure what - - - we’re not a White company, but we are bondable and we were a Shreveport company when the contract was signed.

Councilman Lester: My argument is not with that. You are not a minority concern. You’re not MBE, DBE, FSC certified, correct?

Mr. Knauss: Correct. As a general contractor.

Councilman Lester: Correct. And at the end of the day, I pass the building a lot. You talk about the capacity of people to do the work, I saw a lot of - - - I don’t know what you want to say, a lot of my Hispanic brothers and sisters that were doing a lot of the building, so, I don’t know that we’re talking about the people that the ability to do the work. I didn’t see any members of the AGC out there in the hats doing any of the work. I mean they might have been contractors or subcontractors, but as it relates to doing the work, it was my Hispanic brothers and sisters. By and large, a high number of them that was doing the work. So, I’m wondering where this whole capacity thing is coming from.

Mr. Knauss: Is that a questions? I’m not sure where you’re going with it.

Councilman Lester: Well, the good part about is I have a name tag, and I can pretty much say what I want to say at this point. So, you know, I appreciate that. And I’m concerned that you know, the whole point of this exercise is to grow the capacity of local minority businesses.

Mr. Knauss: We agree, and we’ve said that.

Councilman Lester: Okay, I’m not a contractor, but if you grow that contracting base, you build entrepreneurships and you give people like these young people in the blue shirts in the back row, if they so decided to come back to Shreveport after they finish with their high school and their collegiate education, they have opportunity. But I’m not going to sit here and be a party to anybody saying that local minorities don’t have the capacity. Because for you to say something like that, goes so far beyond, in my mind what is a salient issue.

Mr. Knauss: I never said they didn’t have the capacity.

Councilman Lester: For someone to say that, would be to say that Mayor Glover can’t be Mayor. And I think he’s doing a hell of a job. That’s to say that I can’t be the Councilman, and I know I’m doing a heck of a job. And we’re saying that the judges at the courthouse can’t do their job. And it’s mind boggling for me to be sitting here in 2007 with a law degree. And for someone to say that the local minorities don’t have the capacity. I don’t expect it. I guess I’m a little thrown because people like Joe Shyne, people like Ed Dickson, they had to deal with stuff like that. They slew that dragon. Okay? My joy is to make sure that those young people in the back can get contracts. It’s not a ‘back of the bus’. To talk about capacity, that’s a ‘back of the bus’ kind of conversation. We’re 20-30 years beyond that. We’re talking about ownership of the bus lines. We’re talking about owning the bus and things of that nature. And for us to reel us back in to this capacity argument.

Mr. Knauss: We’re not making that argument, I think our numbers were presented (inaudible)

Councilman Walford: Sir, thank you very much for joining us. We appreciate your patience and with that - - -

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, thank you. I just can’t allow this issue to pass without offering some perspective from the Administration. You know during the course of last year’s campaign, many of you all heard me refer to Shreveport as ‘The Next Great City of the South’. And I have had more than a few folks who have said to me during the course of that time, why the South. Why not America? Why not the world. And my answer to them has been ‘because we are in fact a southern city’. We have a southern history, and that southern history is a part of American history. And if we are to forge our way into a better and brighter future, it will be in my estimation from learning from the lessons and the examples that have been set forth and laid out by our fellow southern cities. Because they in fact have similar histories, and situations, and circumstances to our own. One of the examples I have studied and related to many of you over the last year or so, lies to our east. The City of Atlanta. One of the cities that I believe that Shreveport has the potential and the capacity to aspire to. One of the mantras that the City of Atlanta adopted in its post Civil Rights time frame was ‘The city that’s too busy to hate’. In conjunction with that, one of the things that the leadership of that particular community developed keen appreciation for was the need of the value or the benefit to expand the pool of opportunities to all within that community. And that by doing so, you are not creating a zero sum gain, but that you were in fact engaging in a synergistic process that would result in the growth and the increase of wealth throughout the entirety of the city and throughout the region. I know as Councilman Shyne referenced, that was the goal and the objective of the previous Council and the previous Administration in attempting to construct this Fair Share program. I know that, that’s what it intends to do. I know that it is not yet perfect. But I want you all on this Council to know, and I want Mr. Knauss (I believe the name is), all the folks who are affiliated with Walton and anyone else who seeks to come to this city to do business, and anyway that this administration can influence or affect, that we intend to use every means to our disposal to create the kind of win/win relationships that in the long term, will result in the growth, the betterment, and the explosive development of Shreveport, in fact into that next great city of the South. In order to do that, we’ve got to understand that there have to be some individuals from some places that have normally not been at the table, or who heretofore have not been a part of the process.

Councilman Shyne: Amen.

Mayor Glover: Or who previously did not have access to the opportunity. And in doing that, we’re not creating a zero sum situation. Where in order for one to win, someone else has to lose. There are examples of cities, of regions who have done it before us. I think we just have to have the vision, the commitment, the will to be able to follow those positive examples. And I can assure you that as Mayor of this city, I’m looking forward to working with you all and the business community, and all folks of good will throughout this region to help us achieve that goal and objective. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank you members of the Council.

Councilman Shyne: Thank you Mr. Mayor.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Mayor, I don’t - - - I’m gonna for one second here, I don’t think there’s any doubt that the commitment is here on this Council. And with the commitment from the Administration, I think it’s a program that can only get better. So, I look forward to working with you. With that, does any Council Member have a distinguished guest?

Councilman Shyne: I do.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: I believe we have someone from the School Board who had someone here who is a very important person in North Louisiana. Am I - - - yes.

Ms. White: I’m Flora Jean White, the first Black female mayor.

Councilman Shyne: Come on up Ms. White. Just come on up, we want to see you. You were a mayor when Cedric and I were knocking on doors.

Mayor Glover: Amen.

Councilman Shyne: Come on up. We’re talking about building capacity. Come on up. You built capacity a long time ago. Now that’s what’s embarrassing, when you have people with racist remarks. Come on up Flora Jean and at least say hello to us.

Councilman Walford: Welcome to you.

Ms. White: To Mayor Cedric Glover and to this Council, I must say that it is a privilege to be here today. I really came upon the invitation of Feamula because I’m working with the Louisiana Campaign for a smoke free Louisiana. And that’s really why I’m here today, but it has been a great experience, and I’ve witnessed some things that I myself being the first Black Woman Mayor in North Louisiana, that I had to go through with trying to bring about change and improvement in Cullen. And I often time would go to meetings and they would ask me, ‘Are you the Mayor’, and I’d say ‘yeah’. The first thing they wanted to know was what is the population? And I’d say, “does it really matter what the population is”? I’m kinda like Joe Shyne on that. Wherever there are people, there are needs and there are wants, it doesn’t matter if there are 10 people. Everybody wants jobs, want a comfortable living, want all the other basic things in life, so it doesn’t matter. I said, “I’m not here to represent a specific number, I’m speaking to you all to represent people”. And I don’t have to tell you how many there are in Cullen, but I do know that they have the same needs that 100,000 people have in New York or any place else. So it was great to be here today, and I was kinda put on the spot, but they say you have to be ready at all times, especially when you’re in the public. So I guess I was ready to address the Council, and that’s all I have to say. Thank you.

Councilman Walford: You did a beautiful job after we put you on the spot.

Councilman Shyne: Flora Jean, I saw Cedric looking at you, but I think he thought you look so young, you know that he just wasn’t sure.

Ms. White: I have a son here in the audience that used to work for the City of Shreveport, Booker White that now works for the Caddo School Board.

Councilman Shyne: I didn’t want you to tell people that. I was going to tell them that Booker was your brother. You look so young, doesn’t she Cedric?

Mayor Glover: Absolutely Mr. Shyne.

Reports: Property Standards Report

Councilwoman Bowman: It won’t take but a minute, in the back before the meeting started, Wardell came running with his big book, and he said now look Ms. Bowman, I’m going to give you every bit of this information right now, before we get started in the meeting. So therefore I have my information right here.

Councilman Walford: Well, guess what he did to me? He opened his book and showed me all this information. Mr. Long?

Councilman Long: Wardell, good afternoon. 4606 Ackerd. What’s the latest on that one? If anybody else wants to join in with you, I welcome them to step up to the podium.

Mr. Bowie: Okay, the situation we have on that Councilman is that the homeowner has a permit for a garage sale. The permit expired yesterday, and tomorrow, the inspector is going out to do an inspection. If these items still exist in the yard, then we’re going to cite them with a care of premise violation. A warning citation.

Councilman Long: Yeah, I went by there last night and evidently, the front yard is fairly clean, but they seemed to have moved most of the junk around to the side and into the carport, as it appears. But evidently there’s been a long history of all kinds of all kinds of craziness at this property location, so I would encourage you and your folks and of course Chief Van Zant, I think you’re aware of some activities there as well, just to keep up pressure, lets try to do what we can to help these people do right.

Chief Van Zant: Just to let you know they sent Animal Control Officers out there and they found no violations, but they will keep monitoring. We’ve been right on top of it so - - -

Councilman Long: Okay, good deal. I’ve been exchanging emails with some of Mr. Kirkland’s staff too as to who actually lives there. We think it might be the grandkids of the owner. The property is owned jointly by a mother and two children, and obviously it’s part of an estate, and these might be the grandkids that are actually living there now, but whatever. But okay, I appreciate it. And please lets keep the pressure on these people, and get them to do right.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Bowie, I’m going to call you Thursday, and I’m going to have a bout four bottles of water, and I’ve got a few places that I need for us to go, and I don’t want to do it right now, but Mr. Mayor, I saw you on TV last night, and you looked well. And I enjoyed what you said. And we had kinda discussed that in relation to Property Standards, and Tom kinda gave us a little hint. I really feel like that we’re on the right track. And I don’t know whether our minds are working alike, because we rubbed shoulders a long time ago. But I liked what you said, when you said we’ve got to look at these streets where we might have 10 or 15 good houses, people who are keeping their property up, and we might have four or five people that we need to zero in on in order to make this a good street. I hope that you will bring us some information on this if it’s not in this Council Meeting, at a later date, because I really feel like Mr. Mayor, that’s the only way we’re going to be able to save these neighborhoods. Because I have neighborhoods, I’ll just say for example Hollywood Heights and a couple of others, where it’s a good neighborhood. But we’ve got four or five eyesores that we need to focus in on, and I’ve talked with a couple of ministers. Rev. Franklin, and Rev. Seaberry, I want to say. I think they’re going to call you, and I’m going to go out and meet with them, and they’re going to get their churches involved in working on these neighborhoods and improving the living conditions within the neighborhood. Because this is really what City Government is all about, so I was so glad to see you until I ran and grabbed my wife. She was in the kitchen cooking. And you know if I get somebody from cooking to come see somebody on TV, you know what you’re saying must have been important. So, do you plan to kinda tell us a little bit about this today or you’re going to wait until later?

Mayor Glover: Mr. Shyne, I’m just shocked that you’re surprised that I look good.

Councilman Shyne: Now Mr. Mayor, you know that I’ve always felt like you looked good. Now you don’t look as good as your sister, because I think she’s the prettiest in the family. Hold your hand up so everybody can see. Are you going to comment on it later.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Shyne, Council Members, you know that we’re in the process of submitting to you all our funding request to go ahead and move forward with what we outlined in the Property Standards initiatives, and begin our campaign towards addressing these problems and what have you. (Inaudible) to you all and both before Council, and possibly in some one to one conversations between now and the time it comes up for final passage.

Councilman Shyne: Okay.

Councilman Long: I was going to tell Wardell, I had another too. 1747 Bayou Drive, are you familiar with that one at all?

Mr. Bowie: (Inaudible)

Councilman Long: Okay, I’ll just forward you an email. But we’ve got a situation abandoned house in the middle of that block that needs to be possibly looked at for - - -

Mr. Bowie: I believe we addressed that last year. We went out and cut it and secured it up. It needs cutting again I believe.

Councilman Long: Okay, check that out please. Thank you.

Public Hearing: None

Confirmations and/or Appointments, Adding Legislation to the Agenda, and Public Comments.

Confirmations and/or Appointments:

Adding Legislation to the Agenda

1. Resolution No. 92 of 2007: A Resolution amending the pay plan for municipal police civil service personnel to provide certain incentive pay and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Councilman Lester: And this is for adding?

Councilman Walford: And can I back up just a moment to Confirmations and Appointments. Mr. Mayor did you wish these added to the agenda today?

Mayor Glover: We’d like those to be added to the agenda for a vote at the next Council Meeting.

Mr. Thompson: I have them.

Councilman Walford: So, Art are those covered with our adding legislation or?

Mr. Thompson: Well, if he just wants them voted on at the next Council Meeting, then we don’t have to add them today. We’ll just put them on and you can vote on them at the next meeting under the regular rules.

Mayor Glover: I want maximum exposure Mr. Thompson.

Mr. Thompson: Okay. If you’d like for me to read them I can.

Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Bowman to add Resolution No. 92 of 2007.

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, did the Mayor want us to add the DDA and the Shreveport Airport Authority to the agenda, we can. Even though it’s not necessary.

Councilwoman Bowman: So moved.

Councilman Walford: My understanding is that he wants those voted on at the next meeting, so we’re good to go on those as is.

Councilman Shyne: Is it next meeting, or would you - - -?

Councilman Lester: Well, if we move to add them to the agenda, we don’t have to vote for it, which we can just let them - - -

Councilman Walford: Otherwise they will be on your agenda next time.

Councilman Lester: These are one readers right?

Councilman Walford: Yeah.

Councilman Lester: Well is it (inaudible) to add them now and vote on it later.

Mayor Glover: I want them to essentially be received by the Council, and be there for you all to review and deliberate between now and the next Council Meeting as well as the public as a whole.

Substitute motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Bowman to add Resolution No. 92 of 2007, the DDA, Ms. Debra Wayt, Mr. Michael Parker, and Mr. Michael Whitemaine; and Shreveport Airport Authority, Mr. Keith E. Gamble appointments to the agenda, and table the vote on the appointments.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, since we’re going to wait until the next Council Meeting, is it anyway that you could convince them to be at the next Council Meeting? I’m kinda like Thomas, who wanted to see. So, if you could do that I would appreciate it.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, before you move on to the next phase of the agenda, I wanted to take an opportunity to ask a point of personal privilege, if I may?

Councilman Walford: Mr. Mayor, you have it.

Mayor Glover: Since Councilman Shyne has already alluded to the fact that my sister Rosalind Glover Bryant is here with us, I did want to take an opportunity to formally recognize her. She is my ‘big’ sister as most of you all know, but in addition to my sister being here, I also have my first cousin who is here with us, Veronica Washington Crandall who is here today with a group of young people that she is responsible for leading and directing at Southern University. A group that is know as the Youth Network Initiative. They’ve been here today touring City Hall. Had a chance to come up and visit in the Mayor’s office as well, and they are here today in this Council Session, listening and learning, and possibly being inspired to become the next generation of leaders in the next great city of the south. So, I just wanted to take a point to recognize my sister and my cousin and these outstanding young folks who graced us with their presence today.

Councilman Walford: Thank you Mr. Mayor, and on behalf of the Council, welcome to you all.

Councilman Shyne: And Rosalind, I’ll still hang with you.

Public Comments (Agenda Items to be Adopted)

CONSENT AGENDA LEGISLATION

TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS:

ORDINANCES: None.

TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES:

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

REGULAR AGENDA LEGISLATION

RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE OR WHICH REQUIRE ONLY ONE READING

The Clerk read the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 73 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DONATION OF SURPLUS SHREVEPORT POLICE VEHICLES TO THE TOWN OF VIVIAN, LOUISIANA, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY:

WHEREAS, the City desires to donate a 1999 and a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria to the Town of Vivian, Louisiana which serves a public purpose and renders a public service; and,

WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 315 of 1979, requires City Council approval of an agreement made and entered into by the City of Shreveport and any person or entity, whereunder such person or entity receives a donation in return for service which serves a public purpose; and,

WHEREAS, Louisiana Constitution Article VII, Section 14 provides for the donation of surplus properties between political subdivisions engaged in public safety activities as are the parties hereto; and,

WHEREAS, the Town of Vivian, Louisiana has agreed to accept all responsibility, financial obligations and liability associated with the acceptance of this donation; and,

WHEREAS the vehicles described herein are no longer capable of use by the Shreveport Police Department, and are hereby deemed surplus of the City of Shreveport; and,

WHEREAS, this donation, under these circumstances, provides for the most cost effective way to dispose of the vehicles.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to execute an agreement between the City of Shreveport and the Town of Vivian, Louisiana donating a 1999 and a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision of this Resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or application of this Resolution which can be given affect without the invalid provisions, items or application and to this end the provisions of this Resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION 74 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A DONATION FROM THE CADDO PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY:

WHEREAS, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office has offered to donate a 1988 Monark aluminum boat, a 1988 MCFA aluminum boat trailer, and a 2001 Yamaha boat motor to the Shreveport Fire Department for use in rescue operations; and,

WHEREAS, the items are valued at ten thousand eight hundred dollars ($10,800.00); and,

WHEREAS, Shreveport City Code Chapter 26-187 requires City Council approval for acceptance of any donations valued in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00)

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due regular and legal session convened, that the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to accept the donation of property referenced herein and execute any necessary documents to complete the donation,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision of this Resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or application of this Resolution which can be given affect without the invalid provisions, items or application and to this end the provisions of this Resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, I’d just like to take a point here to publicly express on behalf of the city our appreciation for a good donation on the part of the Sheriff’s office. We’ve had an occasion several weeks ago to get together with Sheriff Prator, and our wonderful Chief, Kelvin Cochran to talk about issues of mutual interests. We discovered a need to do some cooperative work together with regard to our water rescue and water patrol efforts. And some of that equipment may have in fact been used just this past weekend in the Shreveport Fire Department’s support of a couple of the water emergencies that we experienced on the Red River. So, just wanted to say thanks to Sheriff Prator and all the men and women on the Caddo Parish Sherif’s Department.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, in relation to that Chief Cochran, since Mr. Lester went out with the Code Enforcement Crew, I want to go out with the Firemen sometime, hear?

Chief Cochran: You’re welcome, every last one of you. I’ll put you on the biggest truck in the city.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 75 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND THE RED RIVER REVEL ARTS FESTIVAL, INC., AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport desires to support cultural, educational and leisure activity programs which serve the public and render a public service; and

WHEREAS, for the past 31 years, the City of Shreveport has partnered with Red River Revel Arts Festival, Inc., ("Contractor") in sponsoring the Red River Revel Festival on the Shreveport Riverfront; and

WHEREAS, the Festival serves a public purpose; and

WHEREAS, the City desires to continue this partnership for an additional three (3) years; and

WHEREAS, the City also desires to develop the Festival Plaza Depot as a compliment to Festival Plaza and the Contractor desires to assist the City in this effort; and

WHEREAS, the City and the Contractor desire to support and provide services as identified under the terms of this agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that Cedric B. Glover, Mayor, is hereby authorized to execute an agreement with Red River Revel Arts Festival, Inc., substantially in accordance with the draft thereof which was filed with the original copy of this resolution for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of Council on May 1, 2007.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications, and to this end the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Bowman, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 76 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO REQUEST THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, OFFICE OF THE STATE MINERAL BOARD, TO LEASE CERTAIN MINERAL INTERESTS OWNED BY THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport may own certain mineral rights underlying the following described property, to-wit:

That certain parcel of land containing 12.59 acres, more or less, being the South 11.25 chains of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (SE/4 of SE/4) of Section 21, Township 16 North, Range 15 West, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and being more specifically described as follows:

The North 429.34 feet of the South 742.5 feet of the West 1,277.36 feet of the East 1,317.36 feet of Section 21, Township 16 North, Range 15 West, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, containing 12.59 acres, more or less, being the same lands conveyed to the City of Shreveport in that Judgement of Taking from Civil Suit No. 324640, 1^st JDC, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in Conveyance Book 2363, Page 216, in the records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has received a written request from Stephen M. Jenkins, Inc., on behalf of Saye Oil Company, that the City seek public bids for an oil, gas and mineral lease covering said property; and

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, State Mineral Board is available upon the request of the City of Shreveport to lease the aforesaid property for oil, gas and other minerals if requested to do so by the City of Shreveport.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Shreveport City Council in due, regular and legal session convened, that the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, State Mineral Board be and it is hereby requested and authorized to seek public bids for an oil, gas and mineral lease covering the property described hereinabove.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any such lease contain a no surface operations provision as follows: Lessee, its successors or assigns, may produce oil, gas and other minerals from the leased premises by drilling from a surface location on other lands, but notwithstanding any other provision of this lease, Lessee, its successors or assigns, shall not use the surface of the Lessor’s property for drilling or any other operations without prior written permission of Lessor, which permission may be withheld at Lessor’s discretion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any such lease contain a horizontal pugh provision as follows: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, at the end of the primary term or any extension thereof by operations, if the Commission of Conservation of the State of Louisiana establishes a drilling unit which includes a part of the land herein leased, the production of oil, gas and other minerals from such unit shall maintain this lease in full force and effect only as to such portions of the leased land embraced in said pooled unit; and this lease shall expire as to that part of the land herein leased not included in such unit; and lessee, its successors and assigns agrees to relinquish by formal instrument any portion of the leased land not included in a unit created by the Commission of Conservation while this lease is in effect.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any such lease contain a vertical pugh provision as follows: Upon the expiration of the primary term hereof or any extension thereof by operations, this lease shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect except as to all that part of the leased premises then included within the geographical boundaries of a producing unit duly established by governmental agency or authority having jurisdiction, from the surface of the earth to a depth of 100 feet below the deepest depth from which any well commenced during the primary term hereof on the leased premises or on lands pooled therewith is completed and from which there is production in paying quantities, such depth determination to be made on a unit by unit basis. In the absence of units so established, this lease shall terminate except as to 40 acres around each producing oil well and 160 acres around each producing or shut-in gas well located on the leased premises, in as near the form of a square as is practicable, from the surface of the earth down to a depth of 100 feet below the deepest depth from which said well or wells are completed and from which there is production in paying quantities, such depth determination to be made on a well by well basis.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any such lease contain a minimum royalty provision as follows: Royalty of not less than 1/4^th or 25%.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any such lease contain a minimum bonus provision as follows: Bonus of not less than $200.00 per acre.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any such lease contain a maximum term provision as follows: Primary term of lease shall not exceed three (3) years.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED if any provisions or items of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications, and to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 77 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR’S SIGNATURE ON A RIGHT OF ENTRY AGREEMENT BETWEEN UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY AND THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has determined that the crossing at Union Pacific Railroad and Jewella Avenue is in such a condition that it poses a safety hazard to the motoring public; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to reconstruct the roadway at the railroad crossing to eliminate this problem; and

WHEREAS, due to the fact that the repairs will take place within the existing railroad right-of-way, it is necessary for us to obtain a right of entry agreement with the railroad and pay a $545.00 permit fee prior to commencing any repair work.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened, that Cedric B. Glover, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized and empowered to execute a right of entry agreement between Union Pacific Railroad Company and the City of Shreveport, substantially in accordance with the document filed along with the original copy of this resolution in the Office of the Clerk of Council on May 3, 2007, attached hereto as Exhibit A.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Webb , seconded by Councilman Shyne to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

6. Resolution No. 80 of 2007: A resolution expressing the intention of the City of Shreveport to revoke the Cable Television Franchise held by Comcast Corporation and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Bowman to withdraw.

Councilman Walford: And let me briefly in the way of discussion say that we did get audited statements as well as statements from Time Warner, which were furnished to us by Comcast.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 81 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION SUSPENDING THE EFFECTS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 10 RELATIVE TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR THE LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL FESTIVAL ON JUNE 15 THROUGH 17, 2007 AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY: Councilman Lester

WHEREAS, Rho Omega and Friends, a non-profit corporation of Rho Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, intends to sponsor the Let the Good Times Roll Festival at Festival Plaza on June 15 through 17, 2007; and

WHEREAS, a major liquor company wishes to participate as a sponsor of the festival, and Rho Omega and Friends wishes to sell and serve beverages of both high and low alcoholic content; and

WHEREAS, the event will contribute to the economic, recreational and cultural opportunities and development of the city; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that Sections 10-80(a) and 10-172(a) of the Code of Ordinances are hereby suspended to the extent necessary to allow the sale, dispensing and consumption of beverages of high and low alcoholic content at the Let the Good Times Roll Festival at Festival Plaza on June 15 through 17, 2007 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and midnight on Friday, June 15, between the hours of 12:00 noon and 12:00 midnight on Saturday June 16, and between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on June 17.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all other applicable provisions of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances shall remain in full force and effect.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, with my religious background, I’m a little skeptical about voting for alcohol.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NUMBER 82 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY’S INTEREST IN CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES AS SURPLUS AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, there are numerous parcels of property which have been adjudicated to the City of Shreveport and Caddo Parish for non-payment of ad valorem taxes; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Caddo Parish under which Caddo Parish will undertake to sell or donate said properties as authorized in R.S. 33:4720.11 or R.S. 33:4720.25; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 26-294 of the Code of Ordinances, the city’s interests in said properties can be sold after the City Council declares them to be surplus; and

WHEREAS, the purchasing agent has inquired of all city departments regarding the property described herein and has not received any indication that it is needed for city purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that the following described properties are hereby declared surplus:

Lot 21 & S. 20 Ft of Lot 20, Block 12, West S’Port Geographic Number 171402-072-003100

Municipal Address: 1430 Madison Avenue

Council District “A”

E/2 of Lot 57, Oak Forrest Subdivision, Unit 1 Geographic Number 181419-002-012800

Municipal Address: 3053 Jonquil Dr

Council District “A”

W/2 of Lot 57, Oak Forrest Subdivision, Unit 1 Geographic Number 181419-002-012900

Municipal Address: 3055 Jonquil Dr

Council District “A”

E/2 of Lot 58, Oak Forrest Subdivision, Unit 1 Geographic Number 181419-002-013600

Municipal Address: 3057 Jonquil Dr

Council District “A”

Lot 116, Legardy Hills Subdivision, Unit 2 Geographic Number 181417-050-011600

Municipal Address: 1711 Gilliam Street

Council District “A”

Lot 115, Legardy Hills Subdivision, Unit 2 Geographic Number 181417-050-011500

Municipal Address: 1707 Gilliam Street

Council District “A”

Lot 4, Block 24 of the West Shreveport Addition Geographic Number 181435-023-000400

Municipal Address: 939 Madison Avenue

Council District “A”

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications, and to this end the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith

are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 83 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION RATIFYING AND CONSENTING TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF REAL ESTATE BUY-SELL CONTRACT FROM LSU HEALTH SCIENCE FOUNDATION TO INTERMODAL TRANSIT FACILITY, LLC, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, Resolution Number 119 of 2004 authorized the Mayor to approve an Intermodal Transit Facility Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City of Shreveport and the LSU Health Sciences Foundation (“Foundation”), as well as authorized the submission of a 5309 grant application to purchase land for an intermodal transit facility; and

WHEREAS, Resolution Number 164 of 2004 ratified an amendment to the Intermodal Transit Facility Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to provide that the grant funds will be used by the Foundation for the purchase of immovable property for an intermodal transit facility and for the construction of improvements on same; and

WHEREAS, Resolution Number 69 of 2007 ratified the Mayor’s signature of April 20, 2007, on an Intermodal Transit Facility Agreement, which was a necessary document required by the seller of the immovable property which will be utilized for the intermodal transit facility (“subject property”) and for the construction of improvements on same; and

WHEREAS, on April 27, 2007, the Foundation inadvertently entered into an Assignment of Real Estate Buy-Sell Contract conveying all of its right, title and interest in and to an Agreement to Buy and Sell Immovable Property (subject property) to Intermodal Transit Facility, LLC without first obtaining the prior written consent of the City, as required by the 2004 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement; and

WHEREAS, on April 30, 2007, Intermodal Transit Facility, LLC purchased the subject property as evidenced by the Cash Sale Deed, which was filed in the Conveyance Records of the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court bearing registry number 2093062.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Shreveport, in due, regular and legal session convened, that the Assignment of Real Estate Buy-Sell Contract from LSU Health Sciences Foundation to Intermodal Transit Facility, LLC is hereby ratified and consented to.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications, and to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Shyne to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

10. Resolution No. 92 of 2007: A Resolution amending the pay plan for municipal police civil service personnel to provide certain incentive pay and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt.

Councilman Lester: Question. Thank you Mr. Chairman, to the Administration, I would ask this incentive pay is this linked to the State supplemental pay, or is this something that we are deciding to do?

Mr. Dark: Well, this is an item that actually relates to what we thought we were going to have to do through the Legislative package which is the Property Tax Rebate for officers who live in the city. It may be that you may wish because of the impact of this one, you may wish to postpone it until next time.

Councilman Lester: That’s what I was going to ask.

Mr. Dark: It was not necessarily our intention that it pass today. We simply wanted to get it in front of you, and now that we’ve been told that a legislative staff that we don’t have to have a bill to do it, that we have the local power to do it, this is the mechanism for doing that, but it certainly would be prudent for the Council to postpone this one, and look at it in three weeks when you come back.

Councilman Lester: Okay, that would be my motion to postpone.

Substitute Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Wooley to postpone. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, would certainly also ask that you all take some time at your convenience to review the measure that was introduced today. Because of in fact that Tom Dark just made reference to will be the mechanism that we will seek to advance in order to incentivize police officers residing in the City of Shreveport. A part of our Public Safety Initiative, you will notice, it is a two tier system that the general rebate extends to the entirety of the city as a whole, there is a doubling of that rebate for those who chose to domicile themselves in CDBG eligible neighborhoods.

Councilman Lester: Okay, I like that.

Councilman Shyne: Wow, that’s great. We’ve got to hurry up and fix up my neighborhood then so I can get some of that.

Mayor Glover: It’s all a part of our effort to make sure that Southern Hills never becomes a CDBG eligible neighborhood.

Councilwoman Bowman: I appreciate you doing that because the other night I had the opportunity to speak to a couple of our police officers who basically patrol that area, but live outside of Queensborough, I’ll say. And I certainly had the opportunity to tell them that I’m looking for some homes for them, and they can take advantage of that. I know that - - - I appreciate you doing that because my citizens really would appreciate having that presence there.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Council Member Bowman. And I also want you to know that we’re going to be packaging this entire effort with some of the existing things that we have to offer through Bonnie Moore’s department in Community Development. There are some outstanding initiatives that are presently in place right now to help to support law enforcement, school teachers in particular. I think that some consideration in being able to expand that to our fire fighters and what have you. But right now, it’s a police officers/teachers focused initiative that we will be kinda partnering this particular effort with, and going out and making the case for why it is that we want our personnel to come and give Shreveport a chance. It’ll be next year, once we’ve had a chance to pilot it here with this initiative, that will go back to the legislature and expand it beyond just Shreveport post certified personnel with take home vehicles, but also extend it to Caddo Sheriff’s Deputies and anyone else who has a marked law enforcement unit that would chose to make Shreveport their home. And to offer that same sort of tiered incentive, a (inaudible) that applies throughout the entirety of the city, a doubling of that for those who would look to come here and be a part of our CDBG eligible communities.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, when we get it to the department heads, I want Mike Strong to be able to move into my neighborhood.

Councilman Lester: I’m not going to lose Mike as a constituent.

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS (Not to be adopted prior to Jun 12 2007)

1. Resolution No. 84 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a cooperative purchasing agreement between the City of Shreveport and the Parish of Caddo, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

2. Resolution No. 85 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a cooperative purchasing agreement between the City of Shreveport and the Tangipahoa Parish Government, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

3. Resolution No. 86 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to make application and execute grant documents with United States Department of Justice, and otherwise provide with respect thereto. (2007 PSN Gun Crime Reduction)

4. Resolution No. 87 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to make application and execute grant documents with the United States Department of Justice, and otherwise provide with respect thereto. (2007 Justice Assistance Grant)

5. Resolution No. 88 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to make application and execute grant documents with the United States Department of Justice, and otherwise provide with respect thereto. (2007 Anti-Gang Initiative)

6. Resolution No. 89 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Subordination Agreement with Shreveport Renewal Limited Partnership relative to the United Jewelers/Lee Hardware Project, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

7. Resolution No. 90 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the employment of legal counsel to represent the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board of the City of Shreveport, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

8. Resolution No. 91 of 2007: A resolution ratifying the cooperative endeavor agreement with the Southern University at Shreveport Foundation for the Gentlemen’s Cooking Classic Event, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (B/Walford)

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Walford to introduce Resolution No(s). 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, and 91 of 2007 to lay over until June 12, 2007 meeting.

Councilman Long: I’ll maybe offer a substitute motion to - - - wait a minute, just hold on.

Councilman Walford: These are just for introduction.

Councilman Long: Alright, well you want to - - -that particular one we talked about, you want to leave it in or out?

Councilman Walford: Leave it as is until the next meeting.

Councilman Long: Okay.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES (Not to be adopted prior to Jun 12 2007)

1. Ordinance No. 86 of 2007: An ordinance amending Section 78-4 and to enact Article VIII of Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances relative to limited access gates, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (B/Walford)

2. Ordinance No. 87 of 2007: An ordinance creating and establishing a no through truck route on Creswell Avenue, between Kings Highway and Stoner Avenue, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (B/Walford)

3. Ordinance No. 88 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 General Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

4. Ordinance No. 89 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Budget for the Community Development Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

5. Ordinance No. 90 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Budget for the Retained Risk Internal Service Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

6. Ordinance No. 91 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Budget for the Police Grants Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

7. Ordinance No. 92 of 2007: An ordinance changing the names of Bethume Drive and Bethume Place to Bethune Drive, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (F/Shyne)

8. Ordinance No. 93 of 2007: An ordinance amending Section 62-78 of the Code of Ordinances relative to the Department of Public Assembly and Recreation Fee Schedule, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

9. Ordinance No. 94 of 2007: ANNEXATION – Tag No. 06-07: An ordinance enlarging the limits and boundaries of the City of Shreveport – A 61.210 acre tract of land located west of Southern Trace Subdivision in Section 31 (T16N-R13W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley)

10. Ordinance No. 95 of 2007: ZONING – C-16-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the north side of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop 300 feet east of New Castle Drive Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1C, Suburban, One-Family Residence District, to R-1C (PUD), Suburban, One-Family (Planned Unit Development) District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (E/Webb)

11. Ordinance No. 96 of 2007: ZONING – C-35-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the south side of East 78^th Street, 360 feet west of Henderson, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1H, Urban, One-Family Residence District, to R-1H-E, Urban, One-Family Residence/Extended Use District, LIMITED TO “AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR AND PARKING OF CONTSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AS DESCRIBED AT THE MAY 2, 2007 PUBLIC HEARING”, only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley)

12. Ordinance No. 97 of 2007: ZONING – C-39-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the south side of Edgemont, 325 feet east of Line Avenue, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-1, Buffer Business District, to R-2 (TH), Urban, One-Family Townhouse Residence District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (C/Long)

13. Ordinance No. 98 of 2007: ZONING – C-40-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the southeasterly side of East 70^th Street, 2040 feet south of the Dixie Meadow Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-3 Community Business District to B-3-E, Community Business/Extended Use District LIMITED TO “AN AUTO PAINT AND BODY SHOP” only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (C/Long)

14. Ordinance No. 99 of 2007: ZONING – C-41-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF Bert Kouns Industrial Loop and Dean Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District, to R-3, Urban, Multiple-Family Residence District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (E/Webb)

15. Ordinance No. 100 of 2007: ZONING – C-42-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the north side of West 84^th Street, 270 feet north of Long Bayou, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District, to R-1D-E, Urban One-Family Residence/Extended Use District, LIMITED TO A COMMUNITY CENTER AND COMPUTER LAB” only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (F/Shyne)

16. Ordinance No. 101 of 2007: ZONING – C-43-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the southeast corner of Hearne Avenue and Morningside Drive, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-1, Buffer Business District, to B-2 Neighborhood Business District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (F/Shyne)

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Shyne to introduce Ordinance No(s). 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, and 101 of 2007 to lay over until June 12, 2007 meeting.

Councilman Webb: I would like to make a motion that we postpone No. 95 for two weeks.

Councilman Walford: These were all for introduction.

Councilman Webb: I know. I don’t want it introduced.

Councilman Walford: Let me suggest that you make a subsidiary motion to introduce all but 95 if I may.

Substitute motion by Councilman Webb, seconded by Councilman Shyne to introduce Ordinance No(s). 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, and 101 of 2007 . Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Thompson, as I understand it, if we don’t introduce No. 95, it doesn’t - - -

Mr. Thompson: That’s correct. It would just fall off the agenda.

Councilman Walford: Is that your preference Mr. Webb?

Councilman Webb: Yes sir.

ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE (Numbers are assigned Ordinance Numbers)

1. Ordinance No. 77 of 2007: An ordinance to amend and reenact Section 50-212 of the Code of Ordinances relative to smoking and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on May 8, 2006 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

2. Ordinance No. 78 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 General Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program)

Having passed first reading on May 8, 2006 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Bowman, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt.

Councilman Shyne: Question.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, how is that coming along?

Mayor Glover: Going along well Mr. Shyne. We are looking forward to kicking the program off I believe on June 4^th if I’m not mistaken. We are getting what appears to be a good response from the various groups and entities out there that will be hosting these young folks, and we’re also for the first time planning to do a pre-employment orientation session, where we will look to provide these young people with an afternoon of activities that will let them know exactly what it is that constitutes a good employee. How it is that we expect them to (inaudible) themselves, and exactly what our expectations are in terms of what they should gain from this program. And to make it clear in no uncertain terms that as quickly as you can be hired, you also can be fired. There are 250 positions at this point, and we know that that is well below what the demand, what the desire, what the need is, and we don’t want anybody who is not absolutely serious about coming out and giving us a full days work for a full days pay.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

3. Ordinance No. 79 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Community Development Special Revenue Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program)

Having passed first reading on May 8, 2006 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt.

Councilman Lester: I just want to make a really brief statement. I want to applaud Ms. Moore, and the Mayor’s office for this initiative. It is something that is I think tremendous. A lot of people talk about opportunity, and we vilify our young people because they aren’t doing the things that we want them to do. But we as adults and those in leadership, don’t give them the opportunity. And from what I’ve seen, the city’s given these young people a tremendous opportunity, and young people from across the width and breadth of the city, from every neighborhood and every background of every persuasion are participating in this program. And I think it’s a great thing. One of the things that I think that we lost as a community is when the federal government decides to get out of the JTPA Program, because a lot of people were introduced to the world of work through the JTPA Program. That introduced a lot of people to the world of work, and gave them some experience that helps motivate them to their career. And so I really am encouraged that the Mayor’s office and Community Development are being innovative with these funds to give children and young people an opportunity. I mean it’s one thing to say we want you to be better, but it’s one thing to give somebody an opportunity to do something better for themselves. And that is what government is about. And if this is what the next eight years is going to be like, I think we’re going to be in for some good things. So, I just wanted to congratulate the Mayor and his Administration for an outstanding idea. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I would hope that for both of these programs and I was looking at your sister and I was thinking about other educators that from time to time, if we could get these young people together and stress the importance of education. Because the one thing that’s going to really make us the next great city of the south, and you know yourself, as city government, we have not been as involved in the educational process as we needed to be, even when you and I were on the Council together, because we kinda left this up to the school system. But we realize now that education is a community job, that everybody needs to be involved. And I think that if we could get these young people involved. People like your sister who is a professional educator, and others that would volunteer to come in and speak to these youngsters. And let them know just how important it is to get an education in America today. That it’s the underlying fiber of anything that you try to do. So if you could kinda look at that amongst this. Is Ms. Moore back there? Am I talking loud enough for you to hear me too Ms. Moore? If you all would kinda - - - and I’m sorry, I guess Rosalind will tell you, when you’ve been a school teacher, you kinda like to look at the folks you’re talking to. If we could kinda of instill and work that in, I think it would be an additional plus that we could get out of the program.

Mayor Glover: Absolutely Mr. Shyne, absolutely. And thank you Council Members.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

4. Ordinance No. 80 of 2007: An ordinance closing and abandoning the dedicated alleyway running between Cheatham and Lyons Streets and Joplin Street and Wallace Avenue Located in the Vernon Annex Subdivision and the NE ¼ of Section 14(T17-R14W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (B/Walford)

Having passed first reading on May 8, 2006 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

5. Ordinance No. 81 of 2007: An ordinance amending and replacing Section 74-26(c) (1) and Section 74-29(c) Collection and Disposal, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on May 8, 2006 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt.

Councilman Long: Mike, whose doing this? What is this about? Just trying to keep containers out of the right of way?

Mr. Strong: What it is to do is years ago, and somehow, it fell out of the ordinance how it came out I’m not sure, but there was a permitting process if someone was doing some sort of demolition of sorts, and they needed to bring a container in and they did not have the area to put the container on their property, they would get a permit from us to set it on the right of way. And what this does is re-establish that. We put a time limit. There is also in this same ordinance is with all of the attention that’s come up on the roll out carts, and the time that they’re to be removed from the streets, we had issues of what our intent was, was not totally clear, and what this does is, establishes that the cart is to come no more than 12 hours prior to the morning of pick up, and is to be off of the curb by 10:00 at night.

Councilman Long: Okay, very good. I hope everybody complies with this.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Strong, before you sit down, can I ask a question on this? I know that part of this coming up, came up from my district. What is the policy on putting the large roll off dumpsters on the street?

Mr. Strong: That’s the permitting process on that. That was part of this, that it has to come in through a permitting process.

Councilman Walford: Do we look at how they’re placed? Because I think part of the issue on this was whoever - - - no, it was in the street. But it was inconvenient to at least one resident. I think it got moved. But that’s what brought some of this to the forefront.

Mr. Strong: It is and we looked in the ordinance to find out exactly where it was. Because I knew it was there, because when we put it in initially, and it was taken out. And of course a lot of it had to do with we’re not regulating the color of some of these, but it was a bright color out there too, and they didn’t like it in that neighborhood.

Councilwoman Bowman: Yes sir, I just wanted to make one correction. When of course you said 12 hours, and it’s 24.

Mr. Strong: Excuse me, 24 hours.

Councilwoman Bowman: Yeah, I was at one of my community meetings last night, and they read it to the citizens there, and then I checked here just to be sure.

Mr. Strong: Not to get out so early in the morning.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

6. Ordinance No. 82 of 2007: An ordinance creating and establish the intersection of East Jordan Street and Martha Avenue as a yield intersection and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (B/Walford)

Having passed first reading on May 8, 2006 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Webb, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt.

Councilman Walford: This is my district, and it’s badly needed, so I would appreciate a yes vote.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

7. Ordinance No. 83 of 2007: An ordinance to amend Section 102-62 of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances relative to vehicles for hire and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on May 8, 2006 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Webb to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

8. Ordinance No. 84 of 2007: An ordinance declaring certain adjudicated properties to be surplus and to authorize the Mayor of the City of Shreveport to sell the City of Shreveport’s tax interest in certain surplus adjudicated properties and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester and F/Shyne)

Having passed first reading on May 8, 2006 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

9. Ordinance No. 85 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Capital Improvements Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on May 8, 2006 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman. The Clerk read the following:

Amendment # 1 Ordinance No. 85 of 2007

AMEND THE ORDINANCE AS FOLLOWS:

In Program C (Street Improvements):

Increase the appropriation for Southern Loop Extension (01C013) by $300,000. Funding source is 2003 GOB.

In Program F (Sewer Improvements):

Decrease the appropriation for SSO Abatement Program Improvements (98F004) by $510,000. Funding source is 2005 URB.

Increase the appropriation for Cedar Grove Lift Station Improvements (05F004) by $510,000. Funding source is 2005 URB.

Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Shyne to adopt Amendment No. 1 to Ordinance No. 85 of 2007.

Mr. Dark: We’re trying to award two projects. Some work at the Cedar Grove lift station where we received bids actually went out twice to see if we could do better. We’re taking some of that money from the SSO Project. The other one is the extension at Southern Loop, from I-49 to Linwood, where we have received bids, and we need an additional $300,000 to make that work, and we’ve found that in unappropriated funds.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Dark, I would hope that you all would look high and low to make sure that if it’s possible, when you get Fair Share included in that, and I would hope that you would not take the word of the AGC. I would hope that you all look and make sure that we do, because we do have minorities who are able to do anything from hanging paper to heart surgery. We have Black heart surgeons. Mike you didn’t know it.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Shyne to adopt Ordinance No. 85 of 2007 as amended. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

The adopted ordinances and amendments follow:

ORDINANCE NO. 77 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REENACT SECTION 50-212 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO SMOKING AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened that Section 50-212(A)(4) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:

Sec. 50-212. General smoking prohibitions; exemptions.

A. Except as permitted by subsection (B) of this section, no person shall:

* * *

(4) Smoke within 25 feet of the entrance or exit to any building or facility occupied or operated by the city or any of its agencies, or a building or facility occupied or operated by the parish or any of its agencies within the City of Shreveport.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this Ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this Ordinance which can be given affect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all Ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ORDINANCE NO. 78 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2007 GENERAL FUND BUDGET AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to amend the 2007 budget for the General Fund to appropriate additional funds and for other purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that Ordinance No. 163 of 2006, the 2007 General Fund budget, is hereby amended as follows:

In Section 1 (Estimated Receipts):

Increase Taxes and Special Assessments by $375,000.

In Section 2 (Appropriations):

In General Government, increase Transfer to Community Development Fund by $375,000.

Adjust totals and subtotals accordingly.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the remainder of Ordinance No. 163 of 2006 shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications; and, to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ORDINANCE NO. 79 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2007 BUDGET FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL REVENUE FUND AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY:

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to amend the 2007 budget for the Community Development Special Revenue Fund, to adjust appropriations and for other purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that Ordinance No. 166 of 2006, the 2007 budget for the Community Development Special Revenue Fund, is hereby amended as follows:

In Section 1 (Estimated Receipts):

Under "Fiscal Year 2007 Funds":

Increase Transfer from General Fund by $375,000.

In Section 2 (Appropriations):

Under "2007 Revenues":

In Workforce Development, appropriate Summer Jobs Program at $375,000.

Adjust totals and subtotals accordingly.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications; and, to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or portions thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ORDINANCE NO. 80 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AND ABANDONMENT OF THE DEDICTED ALLEYWAY RUNNING BETWEEN CHEATHAM AND LYONS STREETS AND JOPLIN STREET AND WALLACE AVENUE LOCATED IN THE VERNON ANNEX SUBDIVISION AND THE NE ¼ OF SECTION 14 (T17N-R14W), CITY OF SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, today the Property Management Section of the Department of Operational Services has received a request to close and abandon the above alleyway.

WHEREAS, Water and Sewerage Engineering has reviewed this request and has no objections to this closure and abandonment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the dedicated alleyway running between Cheatham and Lyons Streets and Joplin Street and Wallace Avenue located in the Vernon Annex Subdivision and the NE ¼ of Section 14 (17N-R14W), City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana and as shown and as indicated on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby closed and abandoned. Utility, sewer and drainage servitude is hereby retained.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that a certified copy of this ordinance be filed and recorded in the official records of the District Court for Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof is invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ORDINANCE NO. 81 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND REPLACING SECTION 74-26(c)(1) AND SECTION 74-29(c), COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that Section 74-26(c)(1) and Section 74-29(c) of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Shreveport pertaining to Collection and Disposal is hereby amended and replaced to read as follows:

Sec. 74-26. Collection.

* * * * * * * * * * *

(c)(1) Unless granted specific written permission by the Director or his designee as provided herein, private collectors (whether collecting solid waste, industrial waste or other wastes) shall not place containers, dumpsters or other such receptacles on City streets, alleys, easements or other City rights-of-way. The Director or his designee may, however, grant specific written permission, upon written request, to allow private solid waste collectors to place containers, dumpsters or other such receptacles on City streets, alleys, easements or other City Rights-of-way for up to 30 calendar days in order to accommodate a construction, renovation or similar project. Extensions of 30 days may be requested in writing, however, no more than two 30 day extensions will be allowed in any continuous 12 month period. Such permission shall only be granted if no other reasonable alternatives exist and if safety or other hazards and legitimate problems will not result.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Sec. 74-29. Curbside collection.

* * * * * * * * * * *

(c) Containers of household waste may be set out up to twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the day of collection and must be set out prior to 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection. All curbside containers for household waste shall be removed from the curbside, off of the right of way, no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day of collection.

(d) All property owners, and/or their tenants and agents, shall be held responsible for violations of this section.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ORDINANCE NO. 82 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH THE INTERSECTION OF EAST JORDAN STREET AND MARTHA AVENUE AS A YIELD INTERSECTION AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in

legal and regular session convened to create and establish the intersection of East Jordan

Street and Martha Avenue as a yield intersection. Martha Avenue shall yield to East Jordan

Street.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or

the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or

applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or

applications and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or resolutions or parts

thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ORDINANCE NO. 83 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 102-62 OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO VEHICLES FOR HIRE AND TO OTHERWISE

PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY:

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and

regular session convened that Section 102-62 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of

Shreveport is hereby amended and now reads as follows:

Sec. 102-62. Qualifications

Each applicant for a vehicle for hire driver's license shall certify that he meets the following qualifications:

* * *

(2) He has never been convicted anywhere under the laws of this state, or any other state, or of the United States, or of this city or any other city, within five years, and has not served any part of a sentence therefor within five years before the date of the filing of this application, of the offense of murder, aggravated rape, simple rape, aggravated burglary, simple burglary, armed robbery, simple robbery, illegal possession or sale or use of narcotics (felony grade), contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile, has not been convicted three or more times within the past five years of any traffic offense, and has not been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the year preceding the filing of the application.

(a) He has never been convicted anywhere under the laws of this state, or any other state, or of the United States, or of this city or any other city, within one year, and has not served any part of a sentence therefor within one year before the date of the filing of this application, of the offense of illegal possession of narcotics (misdemeanor grade), pandering, prostitution, or soliciting for prostitution, first offense.

(b) He has never been convicted anywhere under the laws of this state, or any other state, or of the United States, or of this city or any other city, within two years, and has not served any part of a sentence therefor within two years before the date of the filing of this application, of the offense of illegal possession of narcotics (misdemeanor grade), pandering, prostitution, or

soliciting for prostitution, second offense.

* * *

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provisions or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ORDINANCE N0. 84 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE DECLARING CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES TO BE SURPLUS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT TO SELL THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT’S TAX INTEREST IN CERTAIN SURPLUS ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has a tax interest in the herein below described properties which have been adjudicated for the non-payment of City property taxes; and

WHEREAS, the herein below described properties are not needed for public purposes and should be declared surplus properties; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has received offers to purchase its tax interest in the herein described properties as indicated below.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that the following described properties are hereby declared surplus:

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the City Council of the City of Shreveport does hereby authorize the sale of its tax interest in the herein below described properties for an amount not less than the offer as indicated below:

Property No. 1: Legal Description - Lot F, Mims Subdivision, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 800, Page 601 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#181417-031-0006-00) Municipal Address -2732 Hawkins Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $150.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $650.00 DISTRICT A

Property No. 2: Legal Description - Lot 21, Block 46, Queensborough Subdivision, 2^nd Filing, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 50, Page 85 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#171403-082-0021-00) Municipal Address - 3148 Judson Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $900.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $4,500.00 DISTRICT A

Property No. 3: Legal Description - Lots 25 & 26 of Block "B", Oakmont Subdivision, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 150, Page 305 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#171426-026-0025-00) Municipal Address - 716 West 73^rd Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $200.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $550.00 DISTRICT F

Property No. 4: Legal Description - Lot 43, Linwood Park Addition, Unit No. 2, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 600, Page 433 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#171426-018-0043-00) Municipal Address - 410 West 76th Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $3,300.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $16,500.00 DISTRICT F

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor of the City of Shreveport shall be authorized to do any and all things and to sign any and all documents, including Acts of Cash Sale, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney necessary to effectuate the purposes set forth herein.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ORDINANCE NO. 85 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2007 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

By:

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to amend the 2007 Capital Improvements Budget to appropriate additional funds and for other purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that Ordinance No. 164 of 2006, the 2007 Capital Improvements Budget, be further amended and re-enacted as follows:

In Program H (Airports):

Increase the appropriation for Acquire ARFF Truck (05H003) by $82,100. Funding sources are Federal Aviation Administration $74,100, State Grant $4,000 and Shreveport Airport Authority $4,000.

Increase the appropriation for Construct West Parallel Taxiway (07H003) by $1,950,100. Funding sources are Federal Aviation Administration $1,764,300, State Grant $92,900 and Shreveport Airport Authority $92,900.

Adjust totals and subtotals accordingly.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the remainder of Ordinance 164 of 2006, as amended, shall remain in full force and effect.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications; and, to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Amendment # 1 Ordinance No. 85 of 2007

AMEND THE ORDINANCE AS FOLLOWS:

In Program C (Street Improvements):

Increase the appropriation for Southern Loop Extension (01C013) by $300,000. Funding source is 2003 GOB.

In Program F (Sewer Improvements):

Decrease the appropriation for SSO Abatement Program Improvements (98F004) by $510,000. Funding source is 2005 URB.

Increase the appropriation for Cedar Grove Lift Station Improvements (05F004) by $510,000. Funding source is 2005 URB.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, I believe we are not at Unfinished Business.

Councilman Walford: Are you aware of anything coming off?

Mr. Thompson: I’m not aware of anything to be removed or voted on today.

1. Resolution No. 100 of 2006: Authorizing the release of mortgages and cancellation of promissory notes executed by Shreveport Publishing Corporation (now Snap Property, LLC) in favor of the City of Shreveport in connection with the neighborhood improvement leveraging project and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (Introduced June 13, 2006 – Tabled - November 28, 2006)

2. Ordinance No. 122 of 2006: An Ordinance to amend portions of Chapter 90 of the Code of Ordinances relative to traffic and vehicles and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester) (Introduced August 22, 2006 – Tabled - November 28, 2006)

3. Ordinance No. 131 of 2006: Amending certain sections of Chapter 38 of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances relative to housing and property standards and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (Introduced August 22, 2006 – Tabled November 28, 2006)

4. Ordinance No. 204 of 2006: An ordinance amending the 2006 Budget for the Riverfront Development Special Revenue fund and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (Disparity Study) (A/Lester) (Introduced November 14, 2006 – Tabled December 12, 2006)

5. Ordinance No. 205 of 2006: An ordinance amending the 2006 Capital Improvements Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (Introduced November 14, 2006 – Tabled December 12, 2006)

6. ABO APPEAL: Mr. Marcus Stephens, 8500 Jackson Square Apt., #18E, Shreveport, LA 71115 (D/Wooley) GiGi’s Martini Room, Commerce Street, Shreveport, LA) (B/Walford) (Postponed until outcome of upcoming trial) – DECISION RENDERED May 21, 2007

7. Ordinance No. 13 of 2007: ZONING APPEAL – C-101-06: Amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, the City of Shreveport by rezoning property located on the south side of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop 1500 feet east of Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-A, Residence Agriculture, to B-2 Neighborhood Business District, with PBG (Planned Building Group) approval, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley) (Remanded to MPC February 13, 2007)

8. Resolution No. 184 of 2006: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into, or request the Authority to enter into, one or more Swap Agreements, all in connection with certain outstanding bonds of the City or the Authority and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Tabled February 27, 2007)

9. PROPERTY STANDARDS APPEAL - HBO070006: - 1901 Perrin St., Shreveport, LA (A/Lester) Rev. Wilbert L. Malone, 7819 Gideon Street, Shreveport, La 71106 (D/Wooley) (Postponed April 9, 2007 until October 8, 2007)

10 Ordinance No. 73 of 2007: ZONING APPEAL C-33-07: Amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance by rezoning property located on the southeast corner of West 84^th Street and St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from I-2, Heavy Industrial District, to R-2, Suburban, Multi-Family Residence District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley) (REMANDED TO MPC April 24, 2007)

12. Resolution No. 51 of 2007: A resolution supporting the Employee Free Choice Act, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (Tabled May 8,, 2007)

NEW BUSINESS:

Councilman Walford: And under New Business, we dispensed with the ABO Appeals and the Property Standards Appeals yesterday.

Mr. Thompson: That’s correct. And the MPC Approval, Zoning, that’s at the next meeting.

ABO APPEALS:

Ms. Laquisha Gilbert, 3617 Sunset Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109 (G/Bowman) Wal-mart -6235 Westport Avenue. – DECISION RENDERED May 21, 2007

PROPERTY STANDARDS APPEALS:

HBO0700015 – 524 Stoner Avenue, Shreveport, LA (B/Walford) Ms. Mary Smith, 452 Connie Lane, Waskom, TX 75692 – DECISION RENDERED May 21, 2007

HBO0700075 – 3436 Palm Road, Shreveport, LA (F/Shyne) Mr. Darien Kirkendoll, P.O. Box 8703, Bossier City, LA 71113 – DECISION RENDERED May 21, 2007

HBO0700033 - 6808 Antioch Street, Shreveport, LA (C/Long) Mr. Forrest W. Moore, 203 29^th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98122 – DECISION RENDERED May 21, 2007

MPC APPROVAL:

ZONING – SC-18-07: Property located on the NE corner of Buncombe Road and its intersection with Flournoy-Lucas Road. (Subdivision Request – No Ordinance required) (E/Webb)

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES: None.

CLERK’S REPORT: None.

THE COMMITTEE RISES AND REPORTS: (Reconvenes Regular Council Meeting)

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at approximately 6:00 p.m.

____________________________________

//s// R. M. Walford, Chairman

____________________________________

//s// Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council