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Council Proceedings of the City of Shreveport, Louisiana

July 10, 2007

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana was called to order by Chairman Walford at 3:01 p.m., Tuesday, July 10, 2007, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Invocation was given by Councilman Webb.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Wooley.

On Roll Call, the following members were Present: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Absent: None.

Motion by Councilman Webb and Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman to approve the minutes of the Administrative Conference, Monday, June 25, 2007 and Council Meeting, Tuesday, June 26, 2007. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Walford, Long, Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 6. Nays: None. Out of the Chamber: Councilman Lester. 1.

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

Councilman Walford: Mr. Mayor.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Chairman, and members of the Council. We have two today. We’re going to start off with a young man that we’re all very proud of. 2LT. Is Gwen Campbell here from our office? Gwen is not here yet? Alright. She’ll be here in one minute. We’re very proud today to present 2LT Wesley Lafitte, an up and coming young military leader, top ranking graduate of the United State Military Academy at West Point. He graduated on May 26^th. Wesley is the son of Mrs. Clara E. Lafitte and the Grandson of Mrs. Clara M. Lafitte, and the nephew of United States Air Force CMSGT Joe Lafitte.

Councilman Shyne: And tell them where his mother went to high school at.

Mayor Glover: Well, you got to my next point Councilman Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: Okay.

Mayor Glover: Wesley grew up in the MLK area known to us originally as the Cooper Road, and graduated with honors from my Alma Mater Caddo Magnet High School. It was his life long dream to attend the Army’s military academy and his hard work and dedication awarded Wesley a congressional nomination. While at West Point, Wesley excelled both academically, and in sports. A true leader in every sense. Wesley led his track, engineering and science crews to victory that will remain in the history books at West Point for many years to come. Lt. Lafitte saw that it was important to mentor other African-American cadets and other cadets in general while at West Point and became involved in a cultural awareness in minority admissions program at West Point, playing integral role in opening doors for other young African-Americans to join the long gray line at West Point. Lt. Lafitte graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Life Sciences, and was commissioned as a 2LT. He will continue his training at Ft. Sill, OK to prepare him to take command of a platoon at Fort Polk, LA. Members of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, I take great pride today to introduce to you one of our own, a future military leader of this country, Lt. Wesley Lafitte. While you take your seats, I’d like to also have you recognize Wesley parents, grandparents. Would you please stand?

Councilman Shyne: And his mother is a graduate of Green Oaks High School, one of the best in the state.

Mayor Glover: And Mr. Lafitte, the uncle?

Mrs. Lafitte: He’s from Oklahoma.

Mayor Glover: And (inaudible) is not here. Is anyone else from Magnet here? Great to have you here. Now at this point, you do us great honor. It is my honor and privilege to present to you this Mayor’s award of excellence, and 2007 version of my Mayoral pin. Congratulations.

Lt. Lafitte: First of all, I want to thank God for what he did, because this wouldn’t be possible without him. I want to thank my mother and grandmother, single parent, single grandmother for raising me and kept me on the right track, and mentors like SGM Warren there, kept me on the right also through school. That’s all I got.

Councilman Walford: I want to let your mom come up here and take a photo of you though.

Mayor Glover: Please come up.

Councilman Shyne: Y’all need to put the Mayor in there so we’ll have two guys from the Cooper Road.

Councilman Webb: Yeah, shaking his hand.

Mrs. Clare E. Lafitte: I would just like to say I was blessed parent to be single, to have a young man to be so focused from elementary all the way up to want to be somebody. And I’m proud of him, and I love you.

Mrs. Clare M. Lafitte: I’m the granny, so I started him out on his way, so we tried to steer him in the right direction, because this day and time, all children need somebody to steer them in the right direction. And if they keep on that track, they will not stray away. They might go away a little bit, but they’ll get back on track. So, we did our best. God bless you.

Councilman Walford: Wait just a minute. Mr. Long.

Councilman Long: I just want to commend you. My dad is class of ’48, so I know what you’ve been through for the last four years. It’s not easy. And to graduate the way you did, is exemplary, is pretty fine. So, I’m proud for you, and I’m proud for your mom and grandmamma. Y’all’ve done a good job, so but keep it up and do well in your career as well.

Councilman Shyne: I think Mike said his dad was class of ’48. They wouldn’t even let my dad go. So you see how times have changed. We are proud of you. Thank you very much.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Mayor, any other communications or distinguished guests?

Mayor Glover: Yes, I have one more group. Council Members, I want you all to know it’s going to be a tradition of this Administration, that every Spring, early Summer, we’re going to recognize and honor the young people from this area who graduate from our service academies. And it just so happens that Lt. Lafitte happens to be the only one from Shreveport area that’s graduating from one of the service academies this particular year. So, in the coming years, look forward to joining the Administration as we recognize these young folks, as they go into service to our country, and we recognize them for the great accomplishments that they’ve made so far. And now - - - next, as you can see I’m sitting here, putting John Hancock, on a few little souvenirs for a group of young folks who I am also very proud of. I’m proud today, members of the Council to introduce today a local group of national champions. The winners of this past weekend, Super Series 2007 National Baseball Championship Games in Cordona, TN, just outside of Memphis. They are the MVP Muckdogs. I said that correctly, and I did ask to make sure it was the correct term. Muckdogs. And we’re going to ask for the definition of a Muckdog. You guys stand up at this point. Now guys, notice I did say ‘National Champions’, not City Champions, not State Champions, not Regional Champions, but ‘National Champions’. They are ten outstanding, committed, hard working, and highly skilled youngsters, who brought home the Gold, in the 9 year old Minor League Division. It’s a 10-man team, each of them 9 years old, and we are honored to have all but one of the members here today. They are here with a very proud coach, Shreveport Police Officer Troy Skeesick. Give him a standing ovation as well. The MVP Muckdogs are a Shreveport team with members from Bossier, Haughton, and all the way from Shongaloo. You might notice that their coach has a very low haircut, and we’re going to let him tell you all about that and introduce you to each of the team members. What’s your rank?

Cpl Skeesick: Corporal. These young men, I’ll be honest, they’ve been working since last November for this, they’ve been training that long to win this National Championship. And a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication. I’m just an assistant coach, the Manager couldn’t be here today since his son’s playing for his National Championship in Beaumont, TX. So he had to go, leave immediately after these boys won theirs.

Councilman Walford: Cpl, can I interrupt you just one second, I see parents trying to take photos, and y’all are welcome to come up here, so you can get a photo.

Cpl Skeesick: Y’all come on. But anyway, I started out telling them if they won this National Championship, then I get to tie my hair in a pony tail as of this past Saturday, that they could shave my head. They shaved my head on the pitchers mound in Tennessee. A couple of people, I’d like to thank for this, we really appreciate you honoring these young men. The whole city of Shreveport, the parents that are here which there are plenty of them, they’re the ones who were dedicated to this team since last November. I don’t know many people who will be that dedicated to baseball for that many months for 9 year olds. But they had to be dedicated to do this. Also, I want to thank MVP. MVP is a baseball academy here in Shreveport that these kids play for, and they’ve been a big, big supporter of us since the beginning. So, I’d just like to thank them. We also would like to present the City Council as well as the Mayor with a few pins of our own. So, if you don’t mind, they’d like to come hand them out to you real quick.

Mayor Glover: Alright guys, we’ve got a little something for you all as well. We have for you official Mayoral Baseballs. One for you, one for you, one for you, one for you, and one for you, and we have one for you, one for you, one for you, and one for you. And we have some extras for the coaches, and also for each of you, we have a 2007 Mayoral pin. One for you you.

Councilman Shyne: And tell them if they get in trouble in school, they show that and they’ll get out. One free get out of jail pin.

Mayor Glover: It just won’t help a speeding ticket. And I think it’s also significant to point out, though Coach Skeesick made reference to it, these young folks have been training up in my old neck of the woods, in terms of my Council and Legislative District, in an area of town where they are much welcomed and greatly appreciated in a facility I believe that’s also connected to and affiliated with Major Leaguer Todd Walker, if I’m not mistaken. The MVP Baseball Training Academy on Grimmet Drive. If you’ve ever had occasion to pass along there right around the corner of Grimmet and North Thomas I believe, just south of North Thomas, there are some outstanding things that are going on there with regard to helping young men become great baseball players, but also great young men as well. So, we’re very proud of you all today. Keep up the great work, and know that the City of Shreveport stands behind you 110%. So, keep up the great work, and we look forward to seeing you guys go on to bigger, better and greater things. Thank you.

Mr. Michael Hollingsworth (MVP): Council Members, citizens in attendance, first of all representing these young men and their families, we want to present you with this Muckdog Championship Ball. We have a Muckdog Hat, and an MVP Cap, making you an official Muckdog. And the Number 1 Muckdog.

Mayor Glover: Thank you all so much. We appreciate you. Now, can I get the official definition of a Muckdog before we go.

Mr. Hollingsworth: A nine year old that wins the Championship.

Councilman Webb: Coach, would you introduce each one of the players and tell us what position they play?

Coach Skeesick: Absolutely. This is Gunner Stephens, centerfield; Zack “Jaws” Hire, Jlarenz Beene, pitcher. Outstanding pitcher by the way, and he plays outfield as well; Brandon Worley, he plays outfield, right filed, left field; Kyle Backofen, he plays first base and pitches for us; Cameron, he plays left field, centerfield, and right field, plays just about every position imaginable. He’s an excellent hitter by the way; Trent, he plays third base for us, pitch for us, outfield, pretty much everywhere; this is my son Justin, third base, short, pitch and first base. That’s everyone of them right there. You’ve got two that are missing, and they’re Colin and he’s down with his little brother playing for the 11 year old championship, and G-Mac (Gunner McEachern), and he is playing in his local league also tournament this week, soon as he got back, he had to step in and play for them. So, we do appreciate everything very much.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Chairman, I need to ask the coach - - - Coach? I have a five year old left hander, I need to holler at you.

Mayor Glover: And Mr. Chairman, we are joined today by the illustrious group of individuals who are members of the 2007 Class of Leadership Shreveport/Bossier. At this point, I’d like to ask all the individuals who are members of the Class to please stand. If you are already standing, please raise your hand. And also will invite Cpt Dyas to come to the mic to say a few words to us and whomever else. Whose the coordinator? Whose the - - - Tracy? Come on up Tracy. Tell us a little about obviously most folks that know about Leadership Shreveport/Bossier, but want you guys to share a few words to the Council, and the citizens of this City, tell them what its about, and why it is so significant that we have this outstanding group of young leaders here today.

Cpt Dyas: Okay, I am the host, myself and Ms. Jarvis, we are the 2006 graduates of the program. And we’re hosting local Government Day today, and it’s the Greater Shreveport Chamber Leadership Program where people that are aspiring to become great leaders participate in this program. And I was just blessed last year after about three years of trying to get in the program, I finally got in it last year and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. We learned so much information about the local government city wide and everything. And Tracy is the person that’s over everything. And she does a marvelous job. So, I’m going to let her talk a little bit more about the program.

Tracy Smith (Greater Chamber of Commerce): It’s a nine month session, we begin in February, and graduate in November. And it’s run by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. If anyone is interested - - -

Councilman Walford: Tracy for the benefit of our TV audience, could I get you to speak into the microphone.

Tracy Smith: So, if anyone is interested, just call me at the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, and I’ll be happy to get the information for you.

Cpt Dyas: And thank you Mayor for entertaining our group. We took so much of his time earlier, that’s why he was signing the baseballs in here. We were blessed that he took so much time with us, and thank you.

Mayor Glover: And lastly Mr. Chairman, and Members of the Council, you all heard me go on, some would say now probably ‘ad nauseas’ about the idea of Community Oriented Policing, Broken Windows Policing, the whole new concept of law enforcement that this Administration is looking to bring to the City of Shreveport, and how we have connected the issues of disorder, and a lack of commitment to addressing a quality of life offenses that many people identify as some of the most disturbing aspects of their day to day lives. You heard me talk about it. I would have to say that Joel Anderson did an outstanding job this past Sunday of the ladies who or the public in general, the source of how it is that we arrived at this point. This is a process I guess that I’ve been engaged in since even before I got elected to the City Council back in the late 1980s when I was privileged to be the President of one of our Neighborhood Associations, and accepted as my responsibility to work with all that would be willing to work with me to come up with some means and mechanism to address the issues affecting not only the neighborhood, but the city in general. Through that I began to develop a great appreciation for the need of the community, our neighborhoods to work in conjunction with law enforcement, and other governmental leaders to be able to effectively develop the kind of network that allows us to be able to ultimately effectively address our public safety challenges. Through that process I came across a great deal of material that had been written, and poured through so much of it, and was absolutely struck over the course of the years by an article that was written some 25 years ago, by two gentlemen, Dr. George Kelling, and Dr. James Q. Wilson, and they called it Broken Windows. And broken windows is essentially a metaphor for the fact that if we as citizens allow the windows of a building to be broken and other signs of disorder, not just the broken window itself, but other signs of disorder - - - the loud music, the public drinking, the public gambling, the selling of drugs on the corner, the general disrespect of our neighbors, then what happens is we begin to seed over to the criminal element of those public spaces. Law abiding people become less inclined to sit out and converse with their neighbors. They become less inclined to take their families to the park, and when that happens, the disruptive element with any community begins to seize and take hold. And as the good law abiding folks further retreat into their homes, then that creates an even greater opening for the criminal element to seize, take hold, and ultimately control. And so part of what this Administration is about because many people think that we’re just simply trying to clean up and sweep up. But it’s about much more than that. We believe that by focusing on those lesser offenses, those things that when you go into neighborhoods that have some of the worse crimes in the city, as many of you heard during the course of the town hall meetings, places where there are the drive by shootings, the murders, the armed robberies, that we know are happening and you ask individuals what is it that they want us to address. Interestingly enough, what you hear is that they tell you that I want you to come and I discovered this afternoon while at the Agurs Business Association when the Representative from the Cherokee Park Neighborhood Association, and went on at length about the biggest concern is the loud music complaint that he has lobbed against the individuals throughout the neighborhood and the lack of an effective response that we’ve given so far, and so, while we know that these individuals see, hear, and are affected by the major crimes, they also understand almost intuitively or instinctively that the real source of the ultimately disorder that exist is the fact that we have just simply not maintained control of the neighborhood, the community in general. And so part of my efforts since I’ve been Mayor led me to call and have conversations and was blessed to end up and actually able to speak with at length Dr. George Kelling, one of the individuals who is responsible for the start of the whole Broken Windows concept of policing. The concept that ultimately being implemented in New York, and is now being used in Los Angeles, and is being used now in Denver, and has resulted in the kind of dramatic decreases in crime that those cities have experienced. Actually had the opportunity to speak with him at length about what it is that we’re trying to do here in Shreveport and I even extended to him an invitation to come and visit Shreveport. And his response was, “Mayor, I’d love to come, in fact I will come. But my schedule will not allow me to get there anytime before this fall. But I do have a young energetic visionary associate that has been with me for the last 12 years in this work that we are undertaking, and if you are willing to provide him a plane ticket and a place to stay, we’ll send him to Shreveport to visit with you for a few days.” And that was an easy one, cause I knew we could afford the plane ticket, and since we happen to now be in the hotel business, I figured we could get a pretty good rate on a hotel room. And so, what that has resulted in is we now have with us a young man who has had the chance to travel with me from yesterday evening through part of today. He’s met with the command staff at the Police Department was there with me this morning at the training academy, along with Council Members Bowman, and Webb, as we saw some demonstrations of some state of the art police camera tracking equipment. And also was with me to day at the Agurs Business Association Luncheon, but he’s also here just to share with this Council a few words about what it is that he and his associates do, and we also would like to have an opportunity as your schedules will allow, to have you meet with him more in dept to be able to get into some discussions about his experiences and what it is that he’s involved with right now. His name is Dr. Michael Wagers, he is currently the Executive Director of the Police Institute at Rutgers University, he is a native of North Carolina, so that will explain that while he has spent the last decade plus in New Jersey, he does not sound like Tony Soprano, he is soon to return to his southern roots this coming fall where he will be Professor of Criminal Justice at the Citadel. And so at this point, I will introduce to this Council and the City of Shreveport, Dr. Michael Wagers.

Dr. Wagers: Thank you Mayor. My parents still have reconciled the fact that their 6 year old grandson and 4 year old granddaughter were born in New Jersey. I don’t know if they’ll ever get over that fact, but we are moving back south to South Carolina. We thank the Mayor for bringing me out to Shreveport. The hotel is beautiful by the way and well worth the money, and the police department so far we’ve had a series of conversations this morning, and we’re going to continue them this afternoon and tomorrow meeting with neighborhood leaders and clergy this afternoon. The Mayor called us up and asked for some ideas. We were happy to come out here and speak with him and his staff and others. I keep describing what we’re doing the last three days, what I’m doing is listening and learning more than speaking. Although I had to provide a brief speech at the command staff earlier today. So what I hope to walk away from here by Thursday when we leave here is to get a lot of input again from the command staff, police officers. I’ll be doing some ride-alongs tonight and tomorrow, hopefully, and with neighborhood leaders and provide the Mayor with some assistance and police department with some advice on how to move forward, and really push the crime down even further, and prove citizens perception of crime, and decrease fear and increase quality of life for the citizens of Shreveport. I’ll take any questions that anyone may have.

Councilman Long: Not yet.

Councilman Walford: Thank you sir very much.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman and Council Members, you’ll remember I mentioned to you on yesterday we do want to get a chance for you all in a less public setting to stop and have some one to one conversations. Essentially as I have also shared with you all, many people talk about what it is that we can do about crime. Lots of folks reference that the solutions are generational in terms of their length of - - - the length of the solution. But one of the things I discovered in my conversations with Dr. Wagers and Dr. Kelling, and others is that it is possible despite the institutional and generational issues that we face. It is also possible for us to be able to affect our problem with a law enforcement solution. So, while we’re going to work on those entrenched long standing root causes, we also fully believe that it is possible for us to be able to come up with a law enforcement response to our current set of circumstances that will make a significant difference in terms of our current situation. So, we look forward between now and Thursday to have a more intimate direct conversation with you all. Thank you Dr. Wagers.

Councilman Walford: Thank you. Any other communications Mr. Mayor?

Mayor Glover: That’s it Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Walford: Do any Council Members have any distinguished guests? Okay, with that we’ll move to Property Standards Report which we had yesterday, unless a Council Member needs Mr. Holt.

Reports: Property Standards Report

Councilman Shyne: I have an address here, and I would appreciate it if you would - - - it’s 5110 Ellison Street. Right next door, would you send someone out to check that lot and see if it needs cutting. I’m told that it does. And again, I think maybe we kinda need to let the public know that we are doing a fine job, but we might be running behind two or three days because of the heavy rain. I’ve had a number of calls from persons who say the grass has grown tall, tall, tall. But I think you all have done an excellent job when you look at the weather conditions over the last, lets say six or seven days.

Mr. Holt: Thank you. In the last two weeks, we cut 250 of the adjudicated lots, and we think that we’ve probably gotten 50 or 75 more without the rain.

Councilman Shyne: Right, you all have done an excellent job.

Councilman Walford: Anyone else have anything for Mr. Holt?

Mr. Holt: Mr. Walford, you should know that I got a call about five minutes ago, and both of those citations have been issued.

Councilman Walford: Thank you sir very much.

Public Hearing:

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

Confirmations and/or Appointments

Adding Legislation to the Agenda:

The Clerk read the following:

1. Resolution No. 118 of 2007: A Resolution authorizing the mayor’s signature on a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement and/or Assignment of Option to Purchase Transit Buses between the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority and the City of Shreveport, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

2 Resolution No. 119 of 2007: A Resolution ratifying the mayor’s execution of a Voluntary Unit Agreement between the City of Shreveport, the State of Louisiana, 701 Airport, L.L.C., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

3. Ordinance No. 117 of 2007: An Ordinance authorizing the lease of city-owned property to Studio Operation, L.L.C., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman to add Resolution No(s) 118 and 119, and Ordinance No. 117 of 2007 to the agenda. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman and Members of the Council, we’ll take a little bit of suspense out of the situation, I know we’ve got three gentlemen sitting on the front row that some of you all may recognize, well four actually. Three of which I know, and I have to get introduced to the fourth. One is Dannye Malone, the other is an architect with Alliance. We discussed with you all last week the fact that we have a measure that you all just introduced onto the agenda, item no. 3, that deals with the lease of city-owned property. As we shared with you all last week, we are very excited about this particular effort. I have to give kudos to Arlena Acree for being one of the leading forces on this particular effort. I was kinda wondering what it would be like to have one of my former competitors on my staff as Mayor, but - - -

Councilman Shyne: How is it?

Mayor Glover: Well, John Madison, one of the local attorneys in town blessed me with a book called a team of rivals. It was written about the Lincoln administration that talked about how President Lincoln actually comprised a significant portion of his presidential staff with former competitors from that - - - I guess 1856, 1860 Presidential race, and that the great things to be found amongst those folks that he previously competed against. And so, Arlena Acree has been a great asset to this administration, and probably the most significant truth that she has borne so far is this effort that’s on our agenda today. She introduced me to these two gentlemen, two of these four gentlemen, at some point late last year, shortly after taking office, and I found them to be just simply inspiring in what they’ve been doing, and what it is that they plan to do here in Shreveport. I’m referencing Mr. Franklin De Martini, and Mr. Mick Flanagan, and they are affiliated with Millennium Studios, Millennium Films. And they have to date produced five?

Mr. De Martini: No. 5 starts shooting Monday. Four (inaudible)

Mayor Glover: There are four movies that have already been completed. The fifth on it’s way. And they plan to do more, or intend to do more. In fact, they’ve been looking for ways in which to do more. That way now appears to be construction of a large scale production facility, movie production facility within the Ledbetter Heights neighborhood. We have some seven, nine acres?

Mr. De Martini: Almost seven.

Mayor Glover: Almost seven acres of land within the Ledbetter Heights Neighborhood, that ironically enough I worked to acquire as a member of the Shreveport City Council, during my first term in an effort to fulfill one of the first campaign commitments I made to the folks in that neighborhood, while I was running for City Council, back in 1990. They wanted a neighborhood recreational facility. At that time, the neighborhood was filled with people. There was a great need for a facility of that nature, and in 1996, there was a bond issue that was passed. But before then through the efforts of the Beard family and through some HUD dollars, and CDBG dollars, we managed to be able to come up with the necessary funds to acquire the property. By the time the money came available to build a park, unfortunately the people left. To the point to where today, as Councilman Walford has reminded me we now only some 17 registered voters in all of Ledbetter Heights. And so, and wanting to try and come up with a vision that would allow us to be able to bring some energy back to the Ledbetter Heights neighborhood, it’s proximity to downtown, I think is something that brings with it a great deal of potential. These gentlemen were looking for some real estate that was developable into a comprehensive facility, and so we married up those two interest. And so, I would like to ask them , their attorneys, Mr. Malone, their architect from Alliance to come forth, introduce themselves, and share with the Council, just a little bit about not just - - - well they can talk to you about the studio, and the movie making end of it. But we also from the City side has accepted this as our opportunity with Bonnie Moore and her folks and the people at the MPC to develop a comprehensive vision for the redevelopment of the Ledbetter Heights neighborhood that takes the energy that will come with what I’m referring to as Millennium Ledbetter. I’m sure they’ll give it some other official name. But to use it as the driving impetus, not only develop the movie production facilities, but to also at the same time develop mixed income housing within that area, additional retail development, and also use it as a spur to help facilitate additional energies just in the whole western edge of downtown. And potentially lead to some positive things that could happen with the Municipal Auditorium, but also they’ve made a commitment to working with our school system. We’re looking to develop a partnership between them and the folks at the performing arts high schools here, Green Oaks Performing Arts Magnet, where my sister is the counselor as well as the other school systems across the city. And also to partner them with the LA Technical College System, and the Bossier Parish Community College, as well as our office of Workforce Development, as we develop internships for young people to be able to go and learn what it is that they need to be able to do in order to join this industry. And so it is a great opportunity that we’re looking to partnering with them on, and at this point, I would invite them to come up and share just a few details about the studio end of it, if you guys will.

Councilman Walford: If you would, for the benefit of Bea, whose going to have to do our minutes, just state your name.

Mr. Flanagan: Michael Flanagan.

Mr. De Martini: Frank De Martini.

Mr. Ferrago: Jeff Ferrago.

Mr. Malone: Dannye Malone.

Councilman Walford: Yes it is.

Mr. De Martini: Well, as I mentioned earlier, and as the Mayor pointed out, we are about to start our fifth feature film, production on our fifth film here in Shreveport. We’ve been here for 13 months so far, and it’s been a terrific experience for us, so much so, that I actually bought a house here a couple of months ago, because we’ve spent so much time, and we find it to be a great city and working with the city has been terrific. I’m sure you’ve seen our trucks around town for about a year now, so I think it makes the most sense for us to build our own facility to have stage facilities, and storage. We’re actually currently purchasing a building right now that we’re using for our immediate needs, just housing all the set dressing and property that we’ve purchased for the last four films, so I think this is a very good opportunity for us, and like I said, working and living here in Shreveport has been terrific. That’s pretty much it. But we obviously, our intention - - - we’ve done five films or are about to start our fifth film. That’s basically what our capacity would be on a yearly basis is we’ve had I mentioned a young guy, that’s been working with us Diego Martinez has been working with us, he was the first person that we hired, a Shreveport guy that we brought on, on our first show as a production arts coordinator, and we’ve since then moved him up to production supervisor which is pretty much the level right below production manager or line producer. So, it’s really been important to us to kinda train the local workforce so partnership with the schools and really working with the schools, and we’re really working on internships and these type of things is very important to us, because we do tend to spend a considerable amount of our budget having to house people who don’t live here, having to bring in people that don’t necessarily have the skills yet to work on a crew. So, I also use my former assistant, Jeanette as an example, someone who started with me first job in the industry as an assistant is now a set costumer. She works in the wardrobe department now. So, these are the things little by little we’re getting there, and if we continue with our goal of five to six films a year, we can really in a couple of years, have a great workforce. You know this worked very well in Vancouver 15 years ago, this didn’t exist. And if it wasn’t for the exchange rate right now, I still think a lot of work would still be up in Canada. So to have slowly trained up a force here, it would just be great. We’ve got a lot of people who have moved here from other states as well. We didn’t realize that so much of the business is here now. That’s our plan.

Mr. Flanagan: To date, we’ve spent approximately $60,000,000 in the City of Shreveport since last August.

Councilman Walford: Wonderful.

Councilman Shyne: Let’s give them a hand on that.

Mr. De Martini: We’ve got another $15-17,000,000 picture that we’re working on right now, with more to come. I mean we’ve set up shop. We - - - several producers have bought houses here. We have four total with our production manager, Josh bought a beautiful place out at Cross Lake, so we’ve got roots down here and we’re planning on staying, so what makes sense for us, we need to build a facility.

Mr. Flanagan: And this facility, upon it’s completion will be similar to a small audio studio, like a Warner Bros, or Paramount.

Mr. De Martini: Phase I is basically office building which is two story office building. And the sound stages, and then all of the restrooms, and green rooms for actors, and dressing rooms, and that sort of thing as well as the (inaudible) with facades and construction building.

Mr. Flanagan: And then we want to build kinda (inaudible) facades around the building so we can - - - you know we successfully in a film called Blonde Ambition, we actually doubled Shreveport for New York, and it worked very well. So, to be able to kinda build those facades around the stages as well, so we don’t have to leave the comfort of our own stage, I think is going to be a good thing. So we’ve doubled - - - we shot Shreveport for Shreveport on our first film, Homeland Security with Antonio Vanderas and Meg Ryan, the second film we did was Blonde Ambition, and that was doubling for New York. The third film was Cleaner, we were doubling New Jersey, the fourth film we doubled Kansas City, and it all works. So, it’s been a great experience, and I think this is an excellent step.

Council Walford: You didn’t have any problem with the accents doubling us for New Jersey?

Mr. Flanagan: No.

Mr. De Martini: A couple of guys can pull off that Tony Soprano thing.

Councilman Walford: I think Mr. Long had a question.

Councilman Long: I just want to thank y’all for making a commitment to this area. This is wonderful news. I hope that more folks in your business make the same decision and decide to come here, because if we do create Cinergy here, then we can develop our crew base and do all the things necessary to make this a viable long lasting industry. So, again, I want to thank you and commend you for making the decision. And whatever we can do to help you, please let us know.

Mayor Glover: Thank you gentlemen. Members of the Council I think as I mentioned to you on last week, this is a three reader. This is introduced today, it will sit over at the next Council Meeting. It won’t come up for the next Council Meeting. It won’t come up for passage any point before the first meeting in August. Between now and then, we’ll continue to flush out the (inaudible) concept as we begin to have coming from both the MPC and from Community Development, the actual visual concept of what we see this transforming the Ledbetter Heights area into. And so we thank you all for your interest, your commitment, and your enthusiasm.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I might have to give my Council seat up, if there is a good role for a middle aged man with a kinda of a romantic touch to it. I just might have to leave you. You may have to appoint somebody.

Councilman Walford: Are you going to be my manager? Is that your point?

Mayor Glover: Councilman Shyne, I want you to know, they did get a chance to see you one day with the cowboy hat on, and did mention that the remake of “Lonesome Dove”. And you got to remember, that was a mini series.

Councilman Shyne: That’s right.

Mayor Glover: So you could be busy a while.

Councilman Shyne: That’s right, might make Ron a little happy here.

Public Comments (Agenda Items to be Adopted)

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, while she’s coming up, I saw somebody just slip in, newly elected State Representative, Patrick Williams, just eased in. I like that new swagger you have.

Mrs. Irma Jamison: (1034 Sprague) The issue that I’m here, I’m told that he’s going to postpone this for Proposition 109, because he hadn’t had time enough to investigate it. I don’t know whose over that district. I don’t know what her name is. It’s concerning the Community Renewal, and which building it is that he’s saying what property. Is it the Petroleum Tower? I located a building - - -

Councilman Walford: No ma’am.

Ms. Johnson: That’s located on Market Street, 619?

Councilman Walford: I can’t answer you, because I believe - - - because I don’t have the benefit - - - my computer has died.

Ms. Johnson: Okay, well that’s the reason she had said that he had postponed that.

Councilman Walford: I think we’re talking about two lots on Clay Street.

Ms. Johnson: Oh, well no then. See that is the reason, it was a different area.

Councilman Walford: Hang on just a second. Mr. Wooley, would you mind?

Councilman Wooley: It says the purpose is to declare City-owned property at 1516 Clay Street and 1520 Clay Street.

Ms. Johnson: Well, no that’s the reason. That’s not the property.

Councilman Wooley: Well let me finish please. It says Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana (the "Property") to be surplus property and to authorize the donation of the Property to Shreveport/Bossier Community Renewal, Inc. ("Community Renewal"), for construction of affordable housing for qualified homebuyers.

Ms. Johnson: No, that’s not the one. That’s the - - - I was trying to locate exactly which property he was talking about for the Community Renewal.

Mr. Thompson: Would it be Resolution 100 of 2006?

Ms. Johnson: Resolution 109? I believe that’s the one.

Councilman Walford: 109 is the one he just read to you.

Ms. Johnson: Okay, it’s on what street?

Councilman Walford: In fact that was Ordinance 109.

Ms. Johnson: 109? See that’s what I’m saying, I don’t know exactly where the property was located. And the thing about it is because of the Community Renewal period, and it’s a good organization, but it has to do with my nursing license, and that’s the reason why I’m addressing it. I’ve called and left messages with the Community Renewal about this, and I would like for someone to contact me and exactly know where these properties are. Because when I left town, I copied a proposal for the Downtown River District, and that area is not in Shreveport. Downtown River District. It’s in Bossier City. And that’s the reason I need to find out exactly. And I left that stuff out of town, when she told me that you was not going to be able to address it today - - - that’s the reason I wanted to find out. Cause I copied a book by Morgan, Hill, Sutton and Mitchell in 1997.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Chairman, I think I know what she’s talking about.

Councilman Walford: Okay, let me call on Mr. Lester, and see if he can help you with this.

Ms. Johnson: Well see she had told me that he was going to research it, Mr. Lester because his name is on the thing.

Councilman Lester: Right, let me say something. First of all good afternoon.

Ms. Johnson: Good afternoon.

Councilman Lester: I think the reason why they said something about postponing, we had you confused with another lady.

Ms. Johnson: Well, that’s what I’m saying because - - - I am totally confused. I needed to find out exactly.

Councilman Lester: Okay, the issue that Ms. Jones was here to speak on is the issue with horses. And we’re going to postpone that matter. Alright item 109 is the donation of property to Shreveport Community Renewal, and we’re going to deal with that. It had been postponed previously because when you deal with property, it has to be on the agenda three times. We tried to vote on it last time, but we couldn’t because it’s a three reader.

Ms. Johnson: And it’s not downtown?

Councilman Lester: No Ma’am. This particular property is in the 1500 block of Clay Street as I appreciate it.

Ms. Johnson: Okay.

Councilman Lester: So that’s something that’s completely different. Now, if you have some questions about, and I think the plan that you’re talking about was that plan that I saw that Morgan, Hill, Sutton, and Mitchell did that dealt with Cross Bayou and something about A-frame, and putting a hotel - - -?

Ms. Johnson: Well, the Community Renewal is placing their signs up on a lot of buildings that need to be (inaudible), and that is the reason I talked with Mr. McCarter about that.

Councilman Lester: Well Ma’am, let me say that issue is separate and apart from what is on the agenda for today. What we’re dealing with today is property in Allendale. And as fate would have it Mr. McCarter is here, and maybe you can talk to him about that. I’ll give you my card and maybe if some of the property that you’re concerned about is in the Allendale community, I will be more than willing to talk to you about that. But that’s what’s going on.

Ms. Johnson: Okay, thank you.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Chairman, I was going to say, if Ms. Jones wishes to speak, she’s more than willing and able, and we will hear her comment. But this is the matter relative to the horses on S. Lakeshore, and like I said at the Work Session on yesterday, I’m going to be asking to postpone. I’ve gotten a chance to meet Ms. Jones, and what my plan to do is to have a meeting with Ms. Jones and the Brazzell’s. She was the chief opponent in that particular ZBA Case, and my intention is to sit down with the two of them and see if there can be any type of mediation before we move forward on that. I did inform Ms. Brazzell of that on yesterday, and Saturday when I spoke with her on the phone, and mentioned to her that it was not necessary for her to stay. I know that she was here earlier, and she has several of her supporters here, but I told them since we were not going to deal with it, that she was free to leave, if she so chose so. If Ms. Jones wants to come and make a comment, that’s fine. But I just wanted to let her know and the Council know that’s what my plan of action is on that particular issue. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Ms. Billie Jones: (5304 S. Lakeshore Drive) Next I would like to thank the Councilmen for giving me the opportunity to speak and provide documents as to why I think that horses should be removed from 5311 S. Lakeshore Drive. I have provide each Council Member with a protective covenant that are of official records, that have been recorded. They were recorded April 25, 1956. Is there any Councilman that does not have the information that I provided for you? All Councilmen have it?

Councilman Shyne: I’m sorry, I - - -

Councilman Walford: Ms. Bowman says she doesn’t have it.

Councilman Shyne: I don’t want to say that.

Councilman Lester: Ms. Jones, if you could provide a copy of that to Mr. Thompson, if you only have one, we could direct some of our staff to make copies.

Ms. Jones: I can put this up. Okay these records were recorded in 1956, and they’re records stating covenants, protecting covenants in this particular area. And they are - - - okay, I’m not sure if you can see this. C8, and it says Nuisance. Any type of nuisance that’s in the residence here. I’ll give you a chance to look at that. The next one is C9, Temporary Structures, should not be placed on the property. I indicated in the letters and I called down this morning, and they said that each letter that I had sent previously was placed in the Councilmen’s folders. Okay, this particular one which is C9, Temporary Structures. I indicated that there is a trailer or a house trailer, horse trailer, or some type of trailer that is located on this property. This is a violation. No. 12 indicates clearly as you can read it, I don’t think I need to read it. Okay, no animals, livestock, other than - - - you can read it. This has been violated. Now to me, there are three things that have been violated. Covenants that have been violated. That’s C8, C9, and C12. These are official documents. The next thing that I mentioned that the horses were in the front, and these are the pictures that were taken from the street. And I must add that they are not protected, and I’m sure Animal Control would not be happy. These horses are out in the rain, in the mud, and etc. No protective shed for them. And the horses were moved to the neighborhood in August of 2006, without any notification to the neighbors, nor the Zoning Commission. The Brazzells later applied for zoning, eight months later after they moved the horses into the area. To me, this is a violation. It has been almost a year, and the horses along with the trailers or a house. Trailer house is still there. Once again, I would like to reiterate, those horses have no protective shed. I’ve been (inaudible), and it’s been raining. And it’s nothing but slop and just a mess. That front yard is just a mess. Okay, earlier, to the Metropolitan Commission, Mrs. Brazzell stated that there were several neighbors that she had spoken to and they shared with her that the horses were okay in that area. Now, if this is true, I have seen no documents from the neighbors. If it is true, the neighbors should have written letters stating so that they could be stating that it was okay with them. So, it could be official record. If it is not an official record, it is all hearsay. The next thing today, I have presented to you, I’m sorry, one more thing. One of the neighbors that lives next door to the Brazzells wrote this statement also, that’s down below my statement. This letter was presented to the Zoning Commission. (Inaudible) it was not sent to them, they were not aware of it at the time because they were in transition, (inaudible) and they had just purchased this house. But this is one of the letters, down below here. In closing, I would like to give you once again (inaudible) not only do I think (inaudible), please try to understand that you would not want these situations in your neighborhood, nor do I. Along with the covenants which have been recorded as legal documents, I feel that it is unjust for the Brazzells to keep the horses in the area. In closing, I would also like to say how can the Brazzells be so persistent in violating the protective covenants that were recorded in 1956. I would like to know what legal system is in agreement with the Brazzells, to further encourage them to insist on breaking the protective laws, and I thank you once again for hearing me.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Chairman, just so the record is complete, Ms. Brazzell had a number of her supporters that were here today. I spoke with her on Saturday, saying that we were not going to vote on this. She came on yesterday. We also said that we were not going to vote on this. I had no idea that Ms. Jones was going to come. Ms. Brazzell came, filled out a card, and staff told her that we were going to postpone the situation, therefore her card was taken out. I asked staff to give her a card so that she could at least have her say even though we’re not voting for it, I think it’s only fair to at least allow her the same amount of time that Ms. Jones had, to at least say what she needs to say, even understanding that I’m still going to ask the Council for a postponement so that I can get them together. I just want her to have a fair shot and equal time.

Ms. Kathleen Brazzell: (5311 S. Lakeshore)

Councilman Walford: Let me stop you for one minute. So we don’t have to you during your presentation, Mr. Lester has for Council equal time, so it’s six minutes. So, we don’t have to stop you and interrupt you, let’s go ahead and do this.

Ms. Brazzell: First I want to start with, as far as I know there are no covenants in my neighborhood. But there is a covenant also in the Bluff neighborhood, it’s essentially Briarcliff, and I was told actually at some point that we were included in that covenant, which does allow for one horse, and one pony. And my next person that’s going to speak at the next meeting, she will have a copy of that covenant also. And for the most part too, I do believe my home is that old for one thing. And also to address the muck or whatever, I want to show some pictures if I can. These photos were taken at all different points of the weather, for that reason too. This one where the weather has been really bad, and it has been very wet. This is my horse Chico, this is the middle of our property looking towards S. Lakeshore. And I also have a picture of - - - and y’all have a copy of all these pictures too, they just didn’t show ‘em. And this is the view from Ms. Billie’s home, which my horses don’t stay up there all the time, but they do go up to the front, especially if someone stands at the front to coax them towards the fence, they will come towards because they are very friendly. They’re not thoroughbreds that will run from you. This is also Ms. Billie’s home. To me it’s a very country like setting. She has no paved driveway. There’s actually a horse (inaudible) in the very middle of her yard if you’ll notice. To me, I feel like I have approximately 400 foot paved driveway with a circular driveway that is paved in my yard. And as far as the trailer goes, there is a transport trailer there for that reason. If the horses get hurt, we’ve got to transport them out. And across the street from me is the (inaudible), he has barns, trailers, welding machines. It’s not offensive to me at all. And that’s why I like this neighborhood, it’s very eclectic But I do want to show you what was at the end of the neighborhood for three to four days. This is a home in the front, and again, it is really not offensive to me, but I just ask that you consider if you prefer the horses or this car on four cinder blocks. And for the record, this car was moved this morning, but I usually (inaudible) to make sure nothing happen to anybody. And that’s at the very end of the street towards Curtis Lane. And actually closer to my husband and I, if you are looking out my property toward the left and right, toward the right the very right is American Legion, right across, and actually closer than Ms. Jones’ home, is a (inaudible) property that I have been trying to find out who owns it, it is out of the city limits. And that is listed with Ernie Bobay, and I have called. I have two realtors working on this for me, trying to find out who owns it, and apparently it’s hard to find out. And also I want to say this. This is the map that you all have and it is very confusing. So, I lined it out. My husband and I are in between two properties besides the Bixlers who Ms. Jones by the way said we had no support. I do have a letter and it is in your packets and in your email from the Bixlers. She did not know, she was not aware of what Ms. Billiard had approached her with and she expressed that to me. And she’s not angry or anything, but she is in support of us. She waves to my horses everyday, and comes over and talks to us about it. And they’re not offensive to her whatsoever. And I have expressed to her that I would do whatever to keep them as long as it doesn’t bother her, to let me know what bothers her, and I will. But to go back to this, I’m between B-2 and B-1. And we’re R-1-D. And then also American Legion sits on approximately 15 acres, we’re on three and a half. The Bixlers are on three, and then Smith is on eight acres. All of us (inaudible) this just fine. Nobody ever had a problem with anything until actually the house beside me, that’s the Bixlers now, was Ms. Doris Peters, and Ms. Doris passed away, and ironically the person commissioned to help sell the home was Mrs. Jones. And at that time, she died in November, and it was around approximately June to February when the Zoning people received a phone call, and the Bixlers also out of everybody in the neighborhood, they were the only ones who did not get a zoning letter. And I was told by a family member that Ms. Pierce, that she was also supposed to pick up the mail, and she was authorized to do so, so I just think that’s ironic that that zoning letter was lost. And the only reason I bring that up today, is because she did bring it up at the MPC meeting, and also at the other meeting which I did not regret being, because I did not get a chance to talk to a family member until now. And so I do want them (inaudible) about that because that’s very serious offense I think. And it’s not fair to me, when I’ve been very fair about this I think. And I’m still am willing to work with her, I’d like to do whatever to make her happy, and I’ve also spent about $700 in two weeks, well about the last three weeks putting plants out front and they’re Crepe Myrtles, they’re very pleasing, I actually picked red because Ms. Billie likes red, so I put like about four Crepe Myrtles up front for her benefit. This is just another photo just to show you that’s my offensive trailer back there to the back, it’s a 35 foot transfer trailer for my horses. On that side over there, that is where the Legion is, this right here. This is also about 100 feet of our property. Ms. Billie cannot even see this trailer from her home actually, and this is like a storage facility. I also have all of our bins that keep our food. They’re all critter proof, or I believe the word was vermin that was used in one of the letters that somebody wrote in. We have no vermin on our property. I have about three cats that take care of that. Right here, we have a two car garage right here, and we have a carport up front. And no, we have not put a shelter up for the horses. To address that, and livestock actually do not fall under Animal Control. And I have a letter from the Equine Rescue Group, which I’m a big supporter of. I donate all the time to them. And that letter is in your folder from them. Horses do not desire to be in a pat tux or like you know in a pinned in area. I’ve also - - - I think I addressed that the last time in one of the meetings.

Councilman Walford: Ms. Brazzell, can I get you to wrap it up, we’ve given you equal time, and we’ve actually run a little bit over that so. And it will be postponed according to your Councilman, that’s the request that he’s making, that I certainly will support.

Ms. Brazzell: Thank you and I do appreciate it. Thank you Councilman Lester.

Councilman Walford: I think the rest of the Council will also.

Ms. Brazzell: I’m sorry that I talk so fast.

Councilman Lester: That’s alright. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Walford: Okay moving - - - I’m back in the electronic age. I have the agenda again. With that we move to the Consent Agenda Legislation.

CONSENT AGENDA LEGISLATION

TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES:

RESOLUTIONS:

The Clerk read the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 116 of 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LITTLE BIG HORN, L.L.C., LOCATED AT 10281 SOUTH HIGHWAY 1 TO CONNECT TO THE WATER & SEWER SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, Little Big Horn, L.L.C. have agreed to secure all permits and inspections required by the Shreveport Comprehensive Building Code. Said party having submitted a petition for annexation to the City of Shreveport, and having agreed to fully comply with the regulations of the City of Shreveport in connection with said property, all as set forth in Section 94-1, et. Seq., of the Shreveport City Code. Said request and petition are attached hereto.

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that Little Big Horn, L.L.C., be authorized to connect the proposed building to be located at 10281 South Highway 1, to the water & sewer system of the City of Shreveport.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provisions or items of this resolution or the application thereof are 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 resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

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

Councilman Long: Well, they just would like to connect their sewer and everything to the city water.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 6. Nays: Councilman Walford. 1.

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. 104 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE MAYOR’S EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A CLEAN CITIES PROGRAM AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

By:

WHEREAS, the U. S. Department of Energy (USDOE) has developed an initiative, known as the Clean Cities program, which is intended to develop markets for alternative fuels for motor vehicle fleets throughout the nation, in order to reduce U. S. dependence on foreign oil and to improve air quality; and

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has offered to extend the term of an existing grant agreement with the City of Shreveport to June 30, 2009, allowing additional time for the City to utilize the grant for the purpose of participating in the Clean Cities program and for promoting the use of alternative fuel vehicles in this area.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Shreveport, in due, regular and legal session convened, that the execution by Cedric B. Glover, Mayor, of the attached Amendment No. 3 (a copy of which is attached hereto) to the Cooperative Agreement between the State of Louisiana, Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Shreveport, (DNR Interagency Agreement No. 2029-05-03), is hereby ratified.

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

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

RESOLUTION NO. 105 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION INDICATING THE INTENTION OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TO BECOME A PARTICIPATING POLITICAL SUBDIVISION IN THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (THE “AUTHORITY”); APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR TO REPRESENT THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY; AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, Chapter 10-D of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, comprised of La. R.S. 33:4548.1 through 4548.16, is known as the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority Act (the”Act”); and

WHEREAS, the Act creates the Authority for the purpose of assisting political subdivisions, as defined in the Act, and other designated entities in acquiring, financing and constructing certain facilities, including environmental, public infrastructure, community and economic development purposes and to otherwise establish programs to aid in the financing of local government and economic development projects; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, is eligible to become a participating political subdivision of the Authority in accordance with the Act; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to La. R.S. 33:458.4 of the Act, the governing authority of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, desires to become a member of the Authority (“Member”) and to approve the appointment of Mayor Cedric B. Glover to serve as a Director of the Authority and ratify any action taken heretofore by and on behalf of the member.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in regular and legal session convened that, pursuant to the authority of La. R.S. 33:4548.4 of the Act, it is hereby declared to be the express intention of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, to become a participating political subdivision and member of the authority.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that pursuant to the Act, the appointment of Mayor Cedric B. Glover to serve as a Director of the Authority for a term of two (2) years from the date this resolution is effective.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of the 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 ordinances or resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilmen Shyne and 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. 106 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR’S SIGNATURE ON A VOLUNTARY UNITIZATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND SKLARCO, LLC AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY:

WHEREAS, Sklarco, LLC maintains a mineral lease on approximately fifty-six (56) acres covering the City of Shreveport’s old Bagley Landfill; and

WHEREAS, Sklarco, LLC has another mineral lease on an adjacent tract of about forty-nine (49) acres and that tract was donated to the City of Shreveport by the Dutton family, subject to that lease; and

WHEREAS, Sklarco, LLC has begun exploration in the area by drilling a well on a nearby property and seeks to include these two tracts in a Unit, along with the well, which will allow the City of Shreveport to collect royalties in the event Sklarco, LLC is successful in its exploration; and

WHEREAS, passage of this resolution will authorize the Mayor to execute the Voluntary Unitization Agreement, placing the two tracts into the Unit.

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has no objection to this request.

WHEREAS, 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 Voluntary Unitization Agreement substantially in accordance with the document filed along with the original copy of this resolution in the Office of the Clerk of Council on June 20, 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 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.

RESOLUTION NO. 107 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE WAIVER OF BUILDING PERMIT FEES AND THE DONATION OF BUILDING MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES TO 12 TO 14 QUALIFIED LOW INCOME HOMEOWNERS IN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, World Changers Ministries, an organization sponsored by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Church, will paint and/or repair 12 to 14 homes within the City of Shreveport between July 23 and July 27, 2007; and

WHEREAS, all persons assisted by World Changers will be low to moderate income homeowners residing in the Cedar Grove, Cherokee Park, Hollywood, Lakeside Acres, Mooretown and Queensborough areas of the city; and

WHEREAS, all work will be performed by volunteers and will enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Shreveport and directly improve the housing conditions for 12 to 14 families in the City of Shreveport thus providing a public benefit; and

WHEREAS, World Changers has sponsored at least six (6) previous repair projects within the City of Shreveport; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport through its Department of Community Development desires to participate with World Changers by donating materials and/or supplies to the 12 to 14 homeowners that will be used by World Changers to repair and/or paint these properties and by waiving the building permit fees required by the City of Shreveport Comprehensive Building Code for the repairs; and

WHEREAS, the donation of the materials and/or supplies and the waiver of the building permit fees is a permissible exception to Article 7 § 14 of the Louisiana State Constitution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal, and regular session convened, that building permit fees to paint and/or repair 12 to 14 homes by World Changers Ministries between July 23 and July 27, 2007 are hereby waived.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Shreveport is hereby authorized to donate materials and/or supplies to the 12 to 14 property owners selected to participate in the World Changers project.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 108 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR’S SIGNATURE ON A CONSENT TO ASSIGNMENT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY:

WHEREAS, Resolution Number 119 of 2004 authorized the Mayor to approve and Intermodal Transit Facility Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (“Agreement”) between the City of Shreveport (“City”) 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 Agreement between the City and the Foundation 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 on an Intermodal Transit Facility Agreement between the City and the Foundation entered into on April 20, 2007, which sets forth the respective responsibilities of both, as well as the flow of funds during the acquisition of property and construction of the facility; and

WHEREAS, the Foundation has requested that it be able to assign all of its rights, title and interest in and to the above agreements to “Intermodal Transit Facility, LLC” (Exhibit A); and

WHEREAS, the City has no objection to this request.

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 Consent to Assignment substantially in accordance with the document filed along with the original copy of this resolution in the Office of the Clerk of Council on June 18, 2007, attached hereto as Exhibit B.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 109 OF 2007

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

BY:

WHEREAS, the City desires to donate one Mobile Vision VHS camera system to the Town of Hosston, 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 Hosston, Louisiana has agreed to accept all responsibility, financial obligations and liability associated with the acceptance of this donation; and,

WHEREAS the camera system described herein is no longer compatible with the current digital recording system used by the Shreveport Police Department, and is 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 camera system.

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 Hosston, Louisiana donating one Mobile Vision VHS camera system.

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.

Councilman Shyne: The Mayor and I have some friends up that way.

Councilman Walford: The Mayor’s got family up that way.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 110 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DONATION OF SURPLUS SHREVEPORT POLICE EQUIPMENT TO THE VILLAGE OF DIXIE INN, LOUISIANA, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY:

WHEREAS, the City desires to donate two Mobile Vision VHS camera systems to the Village of Dixie Inn, 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 Village of Dixie Inn, Louisiana has agreed to accept all responsibility, financial obligations and liability associated with the acceptance of this donation; and,

WHEREAS the camera systems described herein are no longer compatible with the current digital recording system used 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 camera systems.

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 Village of Dixie Inn, Louisiana donating two Mobile Vision VHS camera systems.

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 Wooley, 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. 112 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION SUSPENDING THE EFFECTS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 10 RELATIVE TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CHAPTER 106 RELATIVE TO ZONING FOR THE FRIEND'S LOUNGE LOCATED AT 1655 KINGS HIGHWAY AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

By: Councilman Monty Walford

WHEREAS, the Friend's Lounge located at 1655 Kings Highway will be celebrating their first anniversary on July 28, 2007; and

WHEREAS, the establishment desires to dispense, and allow the consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages on the parking lot of the establishment, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., with no music being played outdoors after 8:00 p.m.; and

WHEREAS, Section 106-130(6) provides that unless otherwise excepted, all uses shall be operated entirely within a completely enclosed structure; and

WHEREAS, any special exception approval granted to the establishment for alcoholic beverage sales, consumption and/or dispensing does not specifically authorize outside sales and/or consumption on the premises; and

WHEREAS, Section 10-80(a) makes it unlawful for any person to sell, barter, exchange or otherwise dispose of alcoholic beverages except within those sections of the city wherein such sale is permitted by the applicable zoning ordinance; and

WHEREAS, Section Chapter 10-103(a)(5) provides that the city council may suspend or revoke any permit if a retailer allows any person to consume any alcoholic beverage on the licensed premises or on any parking lot or open or closed space within or contiguous to the licensed premises without a proper license; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of this resolution would allow the dispensing, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the parking lot of the Friend's Lounge, 1655 Kings Highway, for their first anniversary celebration on July 28, 2007, with no music being played outdoors after 8:00 p.m.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened Section 106-130(6), 10-103(a)(5) and 10-80(a) are hereby suspended on July 28, 2007 for the celebration of the first anniversary of the Friend's Lounge located at 1655 Kings Highway, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., with no music being played outdoors after 8:00 p.m.

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 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 application, 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 Walford, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt.

Councilman Walford: I will tell you very briefly in the way of discussion, this is the same family that we did this for on Mansfield Road. There’s no residential within two blocks and they will stop their outdoor music at 8:00. So, I don’t see it being a problem.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 113 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION REJECTING BIDS RECEIVED ON IFB #07-016, 2007 FIELD OPERATION CONCRETE ASPHALT STREETS, DRIVEWAYS, & SIDEWALKS CONTRACTS AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, four (4) bids were received as a result of solicitations for 2007 Field Operation Concrete Asphalt Streets, Driveway, & Sidewalks Contracts, IFB #07-016; and;

WHEREAS, the City has rejected these bids in accordance with La R.S. 38:2214 B, as the City has determined not to proceed with the proposed project.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that the bids received on IFB #07-016 be rejected.

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 declared repealed.

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

Councilman Walford: And in the way of a question, Mr. Strong are we going out for re-bid on that or - - -

Mr. Strong: We are actually looking at this as part of the Water and Sewerage, and we’re looking at part of the specs on it and if we want to do it a little differently. So the possibility of doing it in a different way will come about.

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

RESOLUTION NUMBER 114 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 4, Cooper Heights Subdivision Geographic Number 181421-002-000400

Municipal Address: 1703 Dakar StreetCouncil District “A”

Lot 38, Block G, Ingersoll Heights Subdivision Geographic Number 181435-061-003800

Municipal Address: 1616 Templeman Street Council District “A” 1 Acre-East half of Lot 118, Jones Mabry Subdivision, Unit #2 Geographic Number 181421-001-014900

Municipal Address: 1729 Kelsey Street Council District “A”

Lot 6, Block 30, Queensborough Addition Geographic Number 171403-065-000600

Municipal Address: 2825 Frederick Street Council District “G”

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. 115 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION SUSPENDING THE EFFECTS OF SECTION 26-171 (a) OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH REGARD TO PAYMENT OF LEGAL INTEREST IN THE MATTER ENTITLED “CITY OF SHREVEPORT V. NOEL ESTATE, INC. ET AL, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport filed seventeen (17) lawsuits between 1987 and 1988 to expropriate property for use in construction of the Clyde Fant Parkway; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with law, the City deposited $130,848.00 into the registry of the court as compensation for payment of compensation was originally deposited into the registry of the court by the City as compensation for the expropriations; and

WHEREAS, judgments were rendered against the City of Shreveport in this matter on the sole issue of ownership of the property; and

WHEREAS, the plaintiffs withdrew the funds from the registry of the court after the March, 1999 judgment and sought further compensation and severance damages; and

WHEREAS, a trial was held in September, 2004 to determine the amount to be paid to plaintiffs as compensation for the expropriation of the property; and

WHEREAS, following the trial, the trial court issued a Valuation Judgment awarding plaintiff’s $341,143.00, plus attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, costs and interest; and

WHEREAS, the trial court judgment was affirmed by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and the City’s writ application was denied by the Louisiana Supreme Court on January 26, 2007; and

WHEREAS, on September 26, 2006, the Shreveport City Council adopted Ordinance No. 153 of 2006 which provides, among other things, that the City will not pay interest on judgments of Louisiana courts; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the ordinance, the City tendered payment of the principal amount of the judgment ($598,976.97) to plaintiff’s counsel on May 25, 2007; and

WHEREAS, in expropriation cases, Louisiana law requires the payment of legal interest when the amount awarded for compensation exceeds the amount deposited in the registry of the court; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with applicable provision of law, the City of Shreveport desires to suspend the effects of Section 26-171(a) of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances in order to permit the payment of legal interest on the judgment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that Section 26-171(a) of the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinance is hereby suspended with regard to payment of legal interest on the judgment rendered against the City of Shreveport in the matter entitled “City of Shreveport v. Noel Estates, et al”, Docket Number 337,256-B; First Judicial District Court, Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all other provisions of Section 26-171(a) shall remain in full force and effect.

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 application, 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 Wooley, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt.

Councilman Webb: Can I get legal to come up here please?

Councilman Walford: Mr. Webb, can I ask if there’s any discussion on this that we postpone and consider discussing in executive session?

Councilman Webb: That might be better.

Councilman Walford: If you’d like to make a substitute motion to postpone, we can do that, but I - - -

Councilman Webb: Yeah, because I did have some questions I wanted to ask, so maybe I’ll make a motion to go into legal session so we can discuss this thing.

Councilman Walford: Can we go into executive session?

Councilman Lester: Second

Motion by Councilman Webb, seconded by Councilman Lester to go into executive session.

Mr. Thompson and Ms. Glass: Mr. Chairman?

Ms. Glass: Mr. Chairman, you have to give 24 hour notice before you go into executive session.

Councilman Walford: That’s why I said postpone.

Councilman Webb: Well okay, I didn’t know. I know in Commission, we went into legal session immediately, so if we have to give 24 hour notice, then I’ll withdraw my motion and make a motion to postpone for two weeks.

Substitute motion by Councilman Webb, seconded by Councilman Lester to postpone for two weeks.

Councilman Lester: For the reasons that he described, because we do need to go into executive session, I think that’s proper.

Councilman Shyne: That’s why I’ve consistently told Mike that this is a different ballgame from the Commission.

Councilman Webb: So Mr. Chairman, when we have our work session two weeks from now, would it be proper at that time for us to make the motion to go into executive session, to be able to do it Tuesday?

Councilman Walford: If it’s noticed.

Ms. Glass: I think we usually include that as part of the regular meeting, it would just be - - - if you were in the regular meeting, then you vote to go into executive session. So, it would be part of your meeting agenda, whichever day you wanted to put it.

Mr. Thompson: But if he wants to do it, we’ll notice it.

Councilman Shyne: Can I say this Mr. Chairman? If everybody else is comfortable, and if it’s something that he needs to know, could we recess for two minutes, and let the two of them get together? I mean, do we just - - - do we need to pass this today Mr. Mayor?

Councilman Webb: Unless somebody else had questions, I don’t know - - -

Councilman Shyne: Let’s recess and the two of you all go out - - -

Councilman Webb: I mean, there may be some other Council Member that might want to ask some questions too.

Councilman Shyne: Well whoever else wants to know, all of y’all get up and go out then.

Councilman Walford: Let me suggest this.

Councilman Shyne: I mean, we can recess.

Ms. Glass: Mr. Chairman, I’m sorry. When I was saying no, you kind of laughed at me. You can’t all go out and talk together in the hall.

Councilman Shyne: Now, what I mean - - - I don’t mean all of them just go out there because then that’s a quorum, but you know we can all go out one or two at a time.

Councilman Walford: Ms. Scott.

Ms. Glass: There are court cases on (inaudible)

Councilman Shyne: But we can recess at any time.

Ms. Scott: Mr. Chairman, if there are other members of Council who have questions about this particular matter, then it’s the Council’s prerogative as to whether or not you want to postpone it to have all of those questions answered. But I would recommend that we go into executive session before we discuss this matter. So, if questions can be resolved fine, but otherwise I would recommend that you postpone.

Councilman Webb: Let’s just postpone.

Councilman Walford: Is there any problem with postponing for two weeks as far as - - -

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, let me ask this. Is it possible for us to post for an executive session, that would take place tomorrow during the regular course of the regular Council Meeting?

Councilmen Lester, Walford, Webb, and Shyne: Today is the regular Council Meeting.

Mayor Glover: I’ve lost my place. I’ve been a little busy.

Councilman Shyne: Then lets have a recess.

Mayor Glover: I lost my place a little bit. Mr. Chairman, Members of the Council, here’s why. The Administration has reached a decision that this is an issue that we need to address and take care of. Our failure to do so results in this. It will cost us an additional $150 per day for everyday that we fail to address this issue. Roughly by the time we get back here, in two weeks, it’ll be a little over $2000 that will have been added to what it is that we owe to resolve this situation. So, it would be my request that if necessary we try and figure out some way to get this resolved so that we can deal with it, otherwise as I said, we’re looking at $150 a day, in additional expense to the City of Shreveport.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, I move we recess for five minutes, so that Councilman Webb get his questions answered.

Councilwoman Bowman: I second him.

Councilman Shyne: If anybody else has questions that they would like to have answered, you get those answered. Of course I don’t think his questions would be - - - what was it $2500?

Mayor Glover: About that.

Substitute motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman to recess for five minutes.

Councilman Walford: We do not want four or more Council Members discussing with Ms. Scott. So, we will take a five minute recess if the vote passes.

Councilman Shyne: I mean we sit here like we don’t know anything about Roberts Rules of Order.

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

4:32 p.m.: Council goes into recess.

4:37 p.m.: Council reconvenes.

Councilman Walford: At this time, I would like to call us back into session. Alright to revisit Item No. 115, do I have a motion?

Motion by Councilman Webb, 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.

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS (Not to be adopted prior to July 24, 2007)

1. Resolution No. 117 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute grant documents with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, and otherwise provide with respect thereto.

2. Resolution No. 118 of 2007: A Resolution ratifying the mayor’s execution of a Voluntary Unit Agreement between the City of Shreveport, the State of Louisiana, 701 Airport, L.L.C., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman to introduce Resolution No(s). 117 and 118 of 2007 to lay over until July 24, 2007 meeting. 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 August 14, 2007)

1. Ordinance No. 117 of 2007: An Ordinance authorizing the lease of city-owned property to Studio Operation, L.L.C., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to introduce Ordinance No. 117 of 2007 to lay over until August 14, 2007 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None

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

1. Ordinance No. 122 of 2006: An ordinance amending portions of Chapter 90 of the Code of Ordinances relative to traffic and vehicles and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester) (Postponed June 26, 2007)

Having passed first reading on August 22, 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 Wooley to postpone.

Councilman Lester: And for the Council’s information, like I said at Work Session, I was out, hadn’t had a chance to sit down with City Attorney. We’re going to get together this week, we should have something to the Council by the next meeting.

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

2. Ordinance No. 109 of 2007: An ordinance declaring certain city-owned property to be surplus property; Authorizing the donation of the property to Shreveport/Bossier Community Renewal, Inc., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester) (Postponed June 26, 2007)

Having passed first reading on June 12, 2007 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.

3. Ordinance No. 110 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Capital Improvements Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on June 26, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Walford, 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.

4. Ordinance No. 111 of 2007: An ordinance showing closure and abandonment of the 10 foot-wide utility easements located in the Sparks Subdivision Unit No. 1 of Section 16 SE (T18N-R14W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

Having passed first reading on June 26, 2007 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 Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

5. Ordinance No. 112 of 2007: An ordinance creating a stop intersection within the City limits of the City of Shreveport, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley)

Having passed first reading on June 26, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Wooley, 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.

6. Ordinance No. 117 of 2007: An Ordinance amending the 2007 General Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on June 26, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Walford, 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.

7. Ordinance No. 113 of 2007: ZONING – C-38-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the NW side of Mansfield Road, 250 feet north of Burson Drive, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-1, Buffer Business District to B-3, Community Business District with MPC approval, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (E/Webb)

Having passed first reading on June 26, 2007 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 Shyne to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

8. Ordinance No. 114 of 2007: ZONING – C-52-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the NW corner of Phelps and Martin Luther King Drive at its intersection with Russell Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-2, Neighborhood Business District and R-1H, Urban, One-Family Residence District, to B-3 Community Business District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

Having passed first reading on June 26, 2007 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 Shyne to adopt.

Councilman Lester: This is a great project, we’re talking about new construction. We’ve got a family that is taking what has been a blight on the community, which is the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive, and Russell Road. They are undertaking to take down a gas station, and a little rest area for bikers. And basically, what they’re going to do is redevelop that entire corner for a child care center. And they’re doing it with their own money. They were born and raised in the Martin Luther King/Cooper Road Community and they’re doing this because despite what some people say, that area is growing and positive things are happening. And so we’re very pleased with this and I want to thank Mike Strong’s office in advance for helping the family that’s working on this with the Brownfield situation with those storage tanks.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor is that the same old service station where we used to buy gas at?

Mayor Glover: Mr. Shyne, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Council, in fact I was going to offer a few comments. I used to walk past this location everyday on my way to elementary school, at Northside Elementary School. And in my younger days, it was a more proper corner. But I can tell you as I begin to reach Jr. High and High School age, it devolved a little bit. And I must admit, that the little corner that I did, that was one of the corners that I hung on.

Councilman Shyne: That’s what I was about to say.

Mayor Glover: In fact, the first pool game I ever played, I played in a little establishment that was right behind this particular filling station, and suffice it to say that my game was not all that good, and so I was quickly disabused of the habit.

Councilman Lester: Fortunately for us.

Mayor Glover: Exactly, exactly. But I want to take some time to commend Councilman Lester as well as the family involved in this effort for bringing something very positive. This is one of the main intersections within this neighborhood that a great deal of traffic traverses everyday, and that has been a great deal of opportunity and potential that obviously the Councilman has seen and I talked about and others for years. And I’m glad to see that there is a group of individuals who stepped forward to take advantage of that. But now having said that, this is also an opportunity that I don’t think would have come into fruition had it not been for the very presence of something that I think the Councilman has taken quite a bit of heat for, and I have as well, and others of you also. But the population of this neighborhood has changed in the last five or six years, quite frankly because of the infusion of quite a few younger families who have children into this particular region of Shreveport. When you have working mothers, working families, who have children, then they have a need for childcare. So then we’ve got some wonderful market forces that are intersecting right at the corner of MLK Drive and Russell road. And I’m looking forward to being there for the groundbreaking and the ribbon cutting.

Councilman Shyne: Is that some of the heat that’s been brought up on you all from the Commissioner in that area, I want you all to keep all that heat, and don’t put any over here on me.

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

9. Ordinance No. 115 of 2007: ZONING – C-53-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located the north side of Grimmett Drive, 175 feet north of Thomas Drive, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-3, Community Business District, to I-1, Light Industry District and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

Having passed first reading on June 26, 2007 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 Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

10. Ordinance No. 116 of 2007: ZONING – C-54-07: 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 Dee Street, 300 feet west of Shreveport-Barksdale Highway, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from B-2, Neighborhood Business District to B-3 Community Business District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (C/Long)

Having passed first reading on June 26, 2007 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 Shyne to adopt.

Councilman Long: I appreciate your support, we’re taking an area that was a former bowling alley, and actually we’re going to put in a little strip shopping center in there which is good.

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. 109 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE DECLARING CERTAIN CITY-OWNED PROPERTY TO BE SURPLUS PROPERTY; AUTHORIZING THE DONATION OF THE PROPERTY TO SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER COMMUNITY RENEWAL, INC., AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

By:

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport is the owner of property located at 1516 Clay Street and 1520 Clay Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana (the "Property"); and

WHEREAS, the Property is not needed by the City for a public purpose; and

WHEREAS, Shreveport/Bossier Community Renewal, Inc., is actively engaged in redevelopment efforts in the Allendale area; and

WHEREAS, the organization has constructed a number of affordable housing units for qualified homebuyers, most of which are constructed on property previously donated to the organization by the City; and

WHEREAS, the organization desires to continue revitalization efforts in the area and has requested donation of the Property for this purpose; and

WHEREAS, the Property will be used for construction of additional affordable single family housing for qualified homebuyers which is a public purpose; and

WHEREAS, the organization’s efforts in the Allendale area compliment and are compatible with the City’s redevelopment efforts in the area and provide much needed affordable housing for residents of the City of Shreveport; and

WHEREAS, LSA-R.S. 33:4712 requires that notice of this ordinance be published at least three (3) times within fifteen (15) days, one week apart.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that 1516 Clay Street and 1520 Clay Street are hereby declared to be surplus property.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the City of Shreveport is hereby authorized to donate the Property to Shreveport/Bossier Community Renewal, Inc., for construction of new affordable single family housing for qualified homebuyers.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Mayor is authorized to execute and deliver, for and on behalf of the City of Shreveport any and all documents relative to the authorization granted herein after review and approval of such document(s) by the Office of the City Attorney.

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. 110 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 shift funds among active projects 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 D (Drainage):

Increase the appropriation for City-wide Drainage - 2001 Bonds (01D015) by $350,000. Funding source is 2003 GOB.

Decrease the appropriation for Purchase of Flood-Prone Properties (01D017) by $350,000. Funding source is 2003 GOB.

In Program F (Sewer Improvements):

Decrease the appropriation for SSO Abatement Program (98F004) by $2,154,300. Funding source is 2005 URB.

Decrease the appropriation for Querbes Lift Station Force Main Repair (02F004) by $750,000. Funding source2005 URB.

Increase the appropriation for Darien Lift Station Improvements (05F005) by $500,000. Funding source is 2005 URB.

Increase the appropriation for Hardy Lift Station Improvements (05F007) by $400,000. Funding source is 205 URB.

Increase the appropriation for Long Lake Lift Station Improvements (05F012) by $130,000. Funding source is 2005 URB.

Increase the appropriation for Lucas Lift Station Improvements (05F013) by $484,300. Funding source is 2005 URB.

Increase the appropriation for Pine Hills Estates Lift Station Improvements (05F015) by $110,000. Funding source is 2005 URB.

Increase the appropriation for Querbes Lift Station Improvements (05F016) by $750,000. Funding source is 2005 URB.

Increase the appropriation for South Highlands Lift Station Improvements (05F017) by $530,000. Funding source is 2005 URB.

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.

ORDINANCE NO. 111 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE SHOWING CLOSURE AND ABANDONMENT OF THE 10 FOOT-WIDE UTILITY EASEMENTS LOCATED IN THE SPARKS SUBDIVISION UNIT NO. 1 OF SECTION 16 SE (T18N-R14W), 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 10 foot-wide utility easements.

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 10 foot-wide utility easements located in the Sparks Subdivision, Unit No 1 of Section 16 SE (T18N-R14W), City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana and as shown and as indicated on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, are hereby closed and abandoned.

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. 112 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE CREATING A STOP INTERSECTION WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in regular and legal session convened that the following is hereby made and created a stop intersection:

West Wilderness Way and Dumbarton Drive Stop at Dumbarton Drive

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications of the resolution 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, including subparagraph 7 of Ordinance No. 35 of 1972, are hereby repealed

ORDINANCE NO. 113 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NW SIDE OF MANSFIELD ROAD, 250 FEET NORTH OF BURSON DRIVE, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM B-1, BUFFER BUSINESS DISTRICT TO B-3, COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT WITH MPC APPROVAL, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the zoning classification of property located on the NW side of Mansfield Road, 250 feet north of Burson Drive, legally described as Lots 4 and 5 of Oaklawn Subdivision, less and except the south 50 feet of said Lot 4, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, be and the same is hereby changed from B-1, Buffer Business District to B-3, Community Business District with MPC approval.

SECTION II: THAT the rezoning of the property described herein is subject to compliance with the following stipulations:

1. Development of the property shall be in substantial accord with the site plan submitted with any significant changes or additions requiring further review and approval by the Planning Commission.

2. Dumpster pick up hours shall be between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Dumpsters shall be located as far as possible from the residential district.

3. A lighting plan which directs lights away from abutting residential structures shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Director.

4. Zoning Board of Appeals approval of a parking variance shall be required prior to the issuance of any permits.

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.

ORDINANCE NO. 114 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY REZONING PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NW CORNER OF PHELPS AND MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH RUSSELL ROAD, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM B-2, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT AND R-1H, URBAN, ONE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT, TO B-3, COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the zoning classification of property located on the NW corner of Phelps and Martin Luther King Drive at its intersection with Russell Road, legally described as Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, Versa Sparks Subdivision, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, be and the same is hereby changed from B-2, Neighborhood Business District and R-1H, Urban, One-Family Residence District to B-3, Community Business District.

SECTION II: THAT the rezoning of the property described herein is subject to compliance with the following stipulations:

1. Development of the property shall be in substantial accord with a revised site plan showing fencing to ordinance standards. This plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Director. Any significant changes or additions shall require further review and approval by the Planning Commission. No permits shall be issued until the revised site plan and/or replatting of lots has been approved by the MPC Director or the Planning Commission.

2. Zoning Board of Appeals approval for a variance in the front yard setbacks shall be required prior to the issuance of any permits or a revised site plan showing compliance with ordinance requirements shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Director.

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.

ORDINANCE NO. 115 OF 2007

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 GRIMMETT DRIVE, 175 FEET NORTH OF NORTH THOMAS DRIVE, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM B-3, COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT, TO I-1, LIGHT INDISTRY DISTRICT AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the zoning classification of property located on the north side of Grimmett Drive, 175 feet north of North Thomas Drive, legally described as Lot 1, Grimmett Industrial Area District No. 3, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, be and the same is hereby changed from B-3, Community Business District to I-1, Light Industry District.

SECTION II: THAT the rezoning of the property described herein is subject to compliance with the following stipulation:

1. Development of the property shall be in substantial accord with the site plan submitted with any significant changes or additions requiring further review and approval by the Planning Commission.

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.

ORDINANCE NO. 116 OF 2007

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 DEE STREET, 300 FEET WEST OF SHREVEPORT-BARKSDALE HIGHWAY, SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM B-2, NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT TO B-3, COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT, AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the zoning classification of property located on the south side of Dee Street, 300 feet west of Shreveport-Barksdale Highway, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, legally described below, be and the same is hereby changed from B-2, Neighborhood Business District to B-3, Community Business District:

Commencing at a point on the NW’ly R-O-W line of the Shreveport-Barksdale Bridge Approach Road, said point being located 1895.7 feet E of, and 891.2 feet N of the SW corner of Section 4, T17N-R13W, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, run thence N46°43’E, along the NW line of said road, a distance of 185 feet; run thence N43°18’W a distance of 160 feet to the P-O-B; run thence N43°18’W, a distance of 330 feet; run thence N46°43’E, a distance of 185 feet; run thence S43°18’E, a distance of 330 feet; run thence S46°43’W, parallel to the NW line of said road, a distance of 185 feet to the P-O-B containing 1.40 acres, M/L.

SECTION II: THAT the rezoning of the property described herein is subject to compliance with the following stipulation:

1. Development of the property shall be in substantial accord with the site plan submitted with any significant changes or additions requiring further review and approval by the Planning Commission.

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.

ORDINANCE NO. 117 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 Miscellaneous by $216,000.

In Section 2 (Appropriations):

In General Government, appropriate Improvements and Equipment at $216,000.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Mr. Thompson: I’m not sure about that Mr. Chairman, I don’t know if any member wants to - - -

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, I’d like to make a motion to take Resolution No. 100 off and put it on the agenda so we can take a look at it for today.

Councilman Long: I’ll give a second on that for discussion.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to remove Resolution No. 100 of 2006 from the table.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, I think it’s kinda time for us to make some kind of action of this piece of legislation.

Councilman Long: I’ll defer to Councilman Lester.

Councilman Lester: Thank you Mr. Chairman and Mr. Long. I’m kinda at a lost as to why Councilman Shyne has taken such a keen interest in this particular issue that deals with serious revitalization issues in the heart of the Allendale community which is squarely in District A, not District F.

Councilman Shyne: I can explain it.

Councilman Lester: Second of all, for the Council’s information, two weeks ago, obviously before the death that I experienced in my family, I had an opportunity to sit down with the local director of the Fuller Center for Housing, a gentleman by the name of David Snell. We had a very good and very productive conversation relative to Resolution No. 100. There’s been a lot of water under the bridge on this particular issue. There have been a series of misinformation that has been pervasive as it relates to this particular issue, and I was very pleased that the Director of Fuller Center came to me and we sat down, we had a very good, long and I believe very productive conversation. Obviously with what I’ve had to deal with, we were not able to talk again. Subsequent to that Mr. Snell is out of the country. He went out of the country on a trip to Africa. I believe he left July 3^rd. We spoke very briefly on the phone before he left. I think he was in the airport. And before he left I reiterated to him my commitment to get this done in such a way that allows their organization to meet a deadline that they have relative to September. I’m a man of my word, I’m a man of my commitments. There are a number of issues that must be dealt with in this. No. 1, we’re talking about developing property, but beyond that there are some issues as it relates to the attachment and the amendments relative to property taxes, and things of that nature. I would just simply ask the Council to indulge this particular Councilman who has been working on this particular issue for quite some time, to give me an opportunity to work with the proponents of this, i.e., Mr. Snell with the Fuller Center and whoever his designee is, now that he’s out of the country to bring some resolution to this. I made a commitment to them to do that, and I intend to fulfill my agreement. I find it interesting that when we had our Work Session on yesterday, no one made any mention of bringing Resolution No. 100 off the table. And it has been my habit, and again I guess this must just be one my particular issues, that when I have had issues that are on Unfinished Business, I let the Council know if I intend to bring one of my particular issues of the table, give the Council notice, and say at the next Council Meeting, I intend to bring this off the agenda, and if there are any questions or concerns you have, I would like to discuss that with you. This was not done at the last meeting, as I appreciate it, nor was there any conversation as it relates to this on Monday, and there are a myriad of issues legal, and otherwise that need to be rectified before we move forward on this. I understand that Mr. Shyne has an issue that he wants to - - - wants us to move forward on this, but to the extent that this issue deals with the revitalization of District A, an area that I have a tremendous amount of concern about, an area that I have a tremendous amount of - - - I’m over there literally everyday. And because there have been a number of people that have discussed this issue, I would ask that he would respect that, and allow me to work the scenario out so that we can move forward. I don’t think it’s asking very much.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, let me respond to - - -

Councilman Walford: And let me ask you, we’re not debating the merits of the legislation itself. The debate is bringing off the table. Go ahead sir.

Councilman Shyne: I would hope that we would all understand that, and this is nothing personal, this is business. I mean this is about the development of Shreveport. This is not so much development about District A, or District C, or District D, or District F, this is about the development of Shreveport. And there are persons that are involved in this development who would like to bring it off the table for discussion. And from what I can understand, this is what it is, bringing it off the table for discussion. If you don’t want to bring it off the table for discussion, you know how to vote ‘NO’. If you feel like bringing off the table for discussion, you know how to vote ‘YES’, this isn’t anything personal where I need to go and inform somebody on really why I want to do this, or why I want to do that. I have the legal authority to be able to do this. Now if my colleague, the Honorable Calvin Lester, Jr. feels like that he wants to leave it on the table, the only thing he has to do is vote ‘NO’. If there are other Council Members that want to bring it off the table for discussion, the only thing that you have to do is vote ‘YES’, and from what I - - - and my understanding of this, this is to bring it off the table for discussion. After we discuss it, if the Council Members feel like that it needs to be put back on the table, or it needs to be voted down, or it needs to be voted up, then I would say this is what we need to do with this, but what this does is give us an opportunity to make some kind of action on this piece of legislation. There are persons who are involved in this who want some action on this piece of legislation. So, you know it’s nothing personal about somebody disrespecting somebody else’ district, because I would never disrespect anybody’s authority in their district. I consider myself as a born again Christian and a man with a great deal of compassion for my colleagues. So, I would never do anything that would be disrespectful to anybody Mr. Chairman.

Councilwoman Bowman: I just have one comment to make. Councilman Lester, before the meeting started I gave my word that I would vote to do that for discussion, and I have to stand by that. I just want the record to show it.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Walford, Long, Wooley, Shyne and Bowman. 5. Nays: Councilmen Lester, and Webb. 2.

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)

Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Webb to postpone for two weeks (July 24, 2007).

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, I respect the motion and the second, and I respect the two gentlemen who voted against bringing it off the table. But at this particular point, we have it on the table, so we can have some discussion on it. So, I would ask my colleagues to vote this issue down and lets have some discussion. We might have some persons that we might want to call up and get some insight on this, and then at the end of discussion and looking at doing this, then if we want to table this or whatever action we want to take on it, I would ask him to lets do it at that particular time, but lets don’t bring it off the table, and then all of a sudden, then just go snap it right back off.

Councilman Walford: Are you making a subsidiary motion?

Councilman Shyne: I’m not, I’m asking my colleagues to vote this particular motion down, so we can leave it on the table for discussion.

Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Long, Webb, and Bowman. 4. Nays: Councilmen Walford, Wooley, and Shyne. 3.

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. 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)

8 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)

9. 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:

PROPERTY STANDARDS APPEAL:

PSD0600245: Ms. Kathy Clark, 1755 Irving Place, Shreveport LA (B/Walford) 1755 Irving Place, Shreveport, LA (B/Walford) (Postponed until July 9, 2007) Decision rendered July 9, 2007.

MPC APPROVAL:

ZONING – BAC-42-07: 5311 South Lakeshore Drive, Kathleen and Klint Brazzelll, property located on the north side of S. Lakeshore Drive, 400 feet NW of Maurice. (A/Lester)

Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Webb to postpone for two weeks (July 24, 2007).

Councilman Lester: And for the record, what I’m postponing for is to allow myself to have a meeting between Ms. Jones, and Ms. Brazzelll to see if we can resolve any of those issues.

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

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES:

Councilman Walford: I thought Audit and Finance was going to have me a report.

Councilman Long: Well, we’re having a meeting next week. The 23^rd at lunch. I’ll let you know more later, after we confirm.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Lester, I have a request for our Property Standards Committee. If you would discuss with the Administration getting us a draft of what Mr. Malone has done and revisions to the Property Standards Ordinances, that I haven’t seen. I don’t know if you have.

Councilman Lester: I haven’t.

Councilman Walford: And perhaps we could meet and not bring the whole, all the other departments, but at least our committee meet and take a look at that.

Councilman Lester: I will make that request and schedule a meeting.

Councilman Shyne: And Mr. Chairman, in relation to that, Ms. Scott, would you have the other piece of legislation in relation to the adjudicated properties?

Ms. Scott: Yes, do you want that on the next agenda?

Councilman Shyne: Yes Ma’am.

Councilman Walford: And for my Civic Appropriations Committee, I’ve had discussions with Mr. Dark, the organizations will be submitting their requests through the Administration shortly, and so we will be meeting with Mr. Dark to go over those - - - Tom, can you kinda give me an approximate date that will be - - -

Mr. Dark: Probably some time the latter half of August or the first half of September, depending on what the Council - - - how you want to do it. But obviously we’d like to be mostly done with that before the end of September. Because we’ve got to put something in budget, and we’d rather do what reflects the committee’s activity.

Councilman Walford: Okay, and so we would probably look for mid August to meet with you and will we have the applications by then?

Mr. Dark: We’ll have them by early August.

Councilman Walford: And Sharon, can you work with us on the fine information you provide us so our committee can plan to meet then. With that we go to Clerk’s Report.

CLERK’S REPORT:

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, I received a message from Tonya in our office saying that they lost reception up there of this meeting, and she talked to Alvin Moore from Comcast, and he said that they’ve lost power at the station. And I got another message from her saying that about 5:00 they were still out, they didn’t have the reception back. I’m just telling everybody so that if you receive phone calls, apparently it was a problem with power at the station, at COMCAST station.

Councilman Walford: Well, I hope that they get it back because I have a very important message to convey when we get to Council Member Comments. But anything else sir?

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, I was about to say Councilman Long, maybe your ‘come to Jesus’ meeting with Director of COMCAST didn’t last very long.

Councilman Long: Probably terrorism.

ZONING - C-47-07: Property located on the south side of Alkay Drive 770’ west of Mansfield Road. (E/Webb) (MPC Approval in a B-3 District, No Ordinance required, to be considered July 24, 2007)

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 5:16 p.m.

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

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