CC 3827

12 03 07

Council Proceedings of the City of Shreveport, Louisiana

November 27, 2007

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana was called to order by Chairman Monty Walford at 3:03 p.m., Tuesday, November 27, 2007, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Invocation was given by Councilman Bowman.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Wooley.

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

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Bowman to approve the minutes of the Administrative Conference, Monday, November 12, 2007 and Council Meeting, Tuesday, November 13, 2007. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

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

Councilman Walford: Mr. Dark, anything from the Mayor’s office?

Mr. Dark: We expect him to come in later. I know he wanted to introduce to you the new area Captains and newly promoted folks in Police, and when he gets here, you might want to come back and do that.

Councilman Walford: Okay. Well I was hoping to get with him on this, but I’m going to go ahead, and if the Council will indulge me for a minute. I had the opportunity last week to join Arlena Acree with some Disney folks. And the things I heard about the movie industry in Shreveport, just really - - - I thought I was in the know about what was going on, but it really surprised me. And she did a wonderful presentation today at Rotary, and Arlena I would ask you if you would come forward and give us just the brief version of what I learned at dinner, and what you told Rotary today. Because I think it’s going to surprise the public and some of our Council Members.

Ms. Acree: Well first of all, I want to thank you for inviting me today. And a recap of what’s happened in the film industry in this area since January of 2007. To date, we’ve had - - - it’s either had production or in production 22 movie and TV productions for this area. And what that means for economic impact for the area, so far, the estimates on the budgets are $190,000,000 for the year so far. And so the experts say you take a third of that, and the multiplier according to the State, they hired economic experts, our multiplier is 1.85. So, you’re looking at about $63,000,000 that was spent in the area, in the State of Louisiana, and the multiplier makes it about $117,000,000 for the year. The previous year, the economic impact, we had 12 productions, post Katrina from August 2005, to the end of 2006, and their budgets totaled $300,000,000. So the multiplier on that would be $185,000,000 through that time frame. But as you know we had the big budget movie, “The Guardian” which was $100,000,000. So far, for 2008, it’s going to be a great year, hoping the Writers Guild strike ends hopefully soon, but I think for the first two quarters of next year, we’re going to be in good shape. We have three that are in pre-production now, and their budgets total approximately $130,000,000 for the first quarter of next year. And we’ve got more coming. So, it’s really exciting, and I’m glad to be a part of it, and anytime I can answer questions for any of you, please let me know.

Councilman Walford: Questions from the Council?

Councilman Shyne: I just want to know when they’re going to do an old fashion western? I might be able to - - - we got a banjo player over here, and we got - - -

Ms. Acree: Well we know who the leading cast is going to be on this one okay. So, stand by. We do have areas with sand, so it’s just a matter of time.

Councilman Walford: What I really enjoyed in the visit with the Disney folks was the things they were saying about Shreveport though. How much the people involved from - - - and I’m thinking more of crew, from what they were telling us how much they like Shreveport, and how some have actually moved here, put their kids in school here, and - - -

Ms. Acree: We have an estimate of about 100 that have moved to the area, primarily from the L. A. area, and approximately 10-12 new companies that have moved in. So, that’s part of our infrastructure growth, and we want that to continue, because it always helps with the Louisiana stand on their tax credits. So, yeah, we’re going to keep that rolling as well.

Councilman Walford: And tell them one more thing that you said today, where we rank in terms of movies made.

Ms. Acree: Well, L. A., I mean California is No. 1, New York is No. 2, and the State of Louisiana is No. 3.

Councilman Shyne: That’s right.

Ms. Acree: And we still hold that ranking, and I’ll just tell you this, that this whole area has really gotten a whole lot of attention with the film industry. We were in Market Watch yesterday, we’ve been in Wall Street Journal, we’ve been in, oh gosh, Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Washington Post, and these are all free things for now promoting our area in the film industry. So, we’re real excited. Three is good.

Councilman Webb: Arlena, you said Louisiana was No. 3, where do we rank in South Louisiana versus North Louisiana? Are we getting most of - - - (inaudible)

Ms. Acree: Well, I think so far for this year, we’ve had 42 films in the State of Louisiana so far, and we’ve had 22. So, we’re ranking pretty good. We have more production I think than anywhere in the state at this time.

Councilman Walford: Any more questions? Comments?

Councilman Lester: Mr. Chairman, coming in 2009 production starts in January, Joe Shyne, Calvin Lester, and Art Thompson star in Three The Hard Way, the remake. Just to let y’all know, we got green lighted. Either that or The Good, Bad and the Ugly. One or the two. I’m the good one. Let me state that up front.

Councilman Shyne: Yeah, I’m the Bad one.

Councilman Lester: Okay, that’s fine Joe.

Reports: Property Standards Report.

Councilman Walford: Okay with that, yesterday we had our Property Standards Report, does anybody want another shot at Mr. Holt?

Councilman Lester: Yeah, I do.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Holt.

Councilman Lester: Thank you Mr. Holt. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and Terrence Green, the Inspector for Allendale as well as CLO Michael Dunn. We had some complaints regarding the 1900 Block of Looney Street today, and we spent a couple of hours out there and we left a few green stickers and what have you. One of the things, and I have a contact, some contact information for a person. One of the things that intrigued me, and I guess I need to speak to Ms. Glass as well as Ms. Scott. We have a gentleman there at 1912 Looney that is basically running a garage in the middle of the neighborhood. And once before we sent Codes out there, and you guys I think hauled off about 20 cars from in front, behind his house and going into that alleyway, going into Milam Street. Well he’s got about seven or eight of them back. But what I found out in talking to our zoning inspector was our zoning law requires us to cite the property owner as opposed to the person that’s actually violating the ordinance. I guess what we’re going to have to do is sit down Ms. Glass and look at making some changes to that because the property that this gentleman is operating out of is an adjudicated property. It’s been adjudicated to the City and the Parish since 1999, and yet he’s there running a garage out of the neighborhood, and he’s parking cars in abandoned houses next door to him, and parking them on the street. Well, when the zoning folks show up to give him a citation, they can’t cite him, they actually have to cite the property owner. And that puts us back into the situation that we had before as we dealt with Property Standards. I’m the owner, I’m renting this property to this person. I’m thinking they’re living there. I have no idea that this person is running an illegal garage. He’s got oil and stuff all up and down the street. So, we’re definitely going to have to take a look at that. And I also understand that we’re waiting on some of our citation books to be printed.

Mr. Holt: The citation books with the new codes as amended have to be printed, (inaudible) get going on then new ordinances.

Councilman Lester: Well good, good. We were hoping to give him the first taste of the new ordinance, but apparently we can’t. But that’s fine. But I just wanted to tell you, I appreciate what you guys were doing, and afterwards I want to sit down with you and probably Mr. Kirkland to try to see what we can do to deal with that zoning problem because it’s ridiculous that you have a person like this guy. I mean, there are three bad houses in the 1900 block of Looney Street. They’re all there together. And this one guy that’s operating a garage at 1912 is making the rest of the block look bad. We apparently can’t do anything to him because he’s not the property owner. Well, we can get rid of his cars, but in terms of shutting down his operation it’s a bad scenario. So, I appreciate it. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilwoman Bowman: I have one thing. In reference to what Councilman Lester was just saying with the actual property owner, and the person who basically is carrying out the business, does that - - - is that what applies to this guy that I have on West 70^th Street who is running this business, but I don’t think he owns the property.

Mr. Holt: Mr. White?

Councilwoman Bowman: Mr. White.

Mr. Holt: Under the new - - - under the amended Property Standards Code, we can go after the occupant, lessee, renter, any party in interest or the owner.

Councilwoman Bowman: Okay, so we went after Mr. White, right? Did we go after the owner of the property?

Mr. Holt: I can’t answer that, I’ll have to find out. I think there were two violations. I think there was Zoning violation as well as the Property Standards Care of Premise.

Councilwoman Bowman: But each time, it’s been towards Mr. White. So, I think we need to concentrate on the owner of the property.

Mr. Holt: Okay.

Councilwoman Bowman: I mean kinda let him know we mean business Jim.

Mr. Dark: Just so y’all’ll be aware, the IT folks have been putting together a list and about to be able to give to Jim that takes occupied properties, or at least properties with a significant assessment on them that are adjudicated and splits them up by Police Districts/Code Enforcement Districts, so we can begin to let his inspectors look and see where we have occupied adjudicated property, because those seem to be a particular thorn to us in terms of Code Enforcement. So, we’ll have something hopefully soon. Pretty good deal to put that up there huh?

Councilman Lester: I was being inconspicuous with it, but Councilman Webb reminded me if I wanted it to be seen, I needed to put it up there. So I mean, - - - who am I? I mean Ron is right. And you know.

Councilman Shyne: No, Ron is just trying to be funny at this particular point, because I’m sitting next to him. Calvin why don’t you take it down. It looks better where people can’t see it.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Dark, be careful when you do that because there is one owner whose got adjudicated properties that are occupied, but I believe he agreed to pay within the next 30 years?

Mr. Dark: I think he might have something to do with why we’re doing that.

Councilman Walford: No.

Mr. Dark: Mr. Chairman, We contacted the Mayor, and he said rather than have the gentlemen from Police have to hang around too long, we could call on the Chief and ask him to come up and introduce his new folks or newly promoted folks.

Councilman Walford: Chief, would you do that for us please?

Chief Whitehorn: Sure.

Mr. Dark: They all look like they got places they need to be.

Chief Whitehorn: Fighting crime.

Councilwoman Bowman: (Inaudible) off vacation.

Chief Whitehorn: Good afternoon Mr. Chairman and Members of the Council. We’ve tried twice already to introduce you to the new Area Commanders. The third time is always the charm, I’ve been told. So, we have some folks here that I would like to put some names with faces so that you will know who the Commanders are for your particular neighborhoods. We’re going to start with East Side and the Assistant Chief of Police for the East Side is Assistant Chief of Police Glenn Schach, that covers Areas 1 and 2, and as I call your names, please come up. Area 1 is Captain is Cpt David McDaniel. His area of responsibility will be North Highlands, Martin Luther King, Cherokee Park, Hearn Extension, Agurs, Allendale, Ledbetter Heights, and the Central Business District (CBD). Area 2, Captain Travis Hayes, covers Highland, Stoner Hill, Anderson Island, Fairfield, Waterside, South Highlands, Broadmoor, Shreve Island, Dixie Garden, South Broadmoor, Cedar Grove, Town South, Spring Lake, East Ridge, part of that Wallace Lake area that’s been incorporated, and out by Robinson Plantation area. Area 3 is Captain W. J. Nelson, his area is on the West Side, and his Assistant Chief of Police is Robert Dowell, Chief Dowell, please come forward. Captain Nelson’s area covers Lakeside, Queensborough, Warner Park, Country Club, Mooretown, Westwood, South Lakeshore, (inaudible) Sherwood Hills, Western Hills, Hollywood Heights, Huntington Park, Fox Crossing, Walnut Hills and Airport area. Area 4 Commander is Captain Calvin Abrams. Cpt Abrams covers Ingleside, Caddo Heights, Sunset Acres, Hollywood, West Cedar Grove, Garden Valley, Pinecroft, Hyde Park, Suburban Acres Brook Wood, Southern Hills, Summer Grove, and Southwood. These areas of responsibility, if you have some problems in those areas, these are the folks that should be addressing them. If they don’t address them, then I certainly will. But you can always contact me as well.

Councilman Shyne: Chief, let me see if I can get Mr. Dark’s attention one minute. Mr. Dark, could you get a copy of that from the Chief, and make a copy of that available to all Council Members so - - - I have a tendency if Calvin and Bryan and Joyce probably don’t have this problem, but I know Michael probably have it worse than I do, and I know Monty has it. And Ron, you can look at Ron and tell he has it - - - a few senior moments from time to time.

Councilman Webb: Everyday.

Councilman Shyne: And we might forget whose where and what time, but if I have it in my office where I can just look at it, and with the telephone numbers, it’ll make it so much better for us.

Chief Whitehorn: Yes sir. I had prepared copies for y’all, and as I was sitting there going over them, I realized that we had transposed names on the Area Commanders, so I’m shredding all those, and I’ll have them for you. I’ll get them to you.

Mr. Dark: Chief, if you also get those to Jim, the next time we print T-Bone stuff up again, it would be useful to have that on there.

Chief Whitehorn: Sure.

Councilman Walford: Thank you very much Chief, and by the way congratulations to all of you. With that we move to Confirmations and Appointments, Adding Legislation to the Agenda and Public Comments.

Public Hearing: None.

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

Confirmations and/or Appointments:

Councilman Walford: Mr. Thompson, I believe we want to remove one?

Mr. Thompson: Yes, that’s right, that’s the MPC Appointment. It was put on there in error.

Metropolitan Planning Commission Mr. Dale Colvin

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to remove the executive appointment of Mr. Dale Colvin to the Metropolitan Planning Commission from the agenda. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Walford: And as clarification as I understand it, it’s just a procedural problem that it was added early.

Mr. Thompson: It was added before the Mayor made the appointment.

Councilman Shyne: You know that happens sometimes. So moved on Mr. Howard Allen if everything is in order.

SPAR Council Mr. Howard Allen

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to confirm the executive appointment of Mr. Howard Allen to SPAR Council. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Adding Legislation to the Agenda

The Clerk read the following:

1. Resolution No. 192 of 2007: A resolution declaring the intention of the City of Shreveport (The “City”) to proceed with financing in an amount not t exceed Nine Million and No/100 Dollars ($9,000,000) for the purpose of financing and/or refinancing the costs of the acquisition, construction and/or equipping of improvements, enlargement and/or upgrades to the City’s revenue producing utility system including facilities used for Biosolid Disposal, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Lester to add Resolution No. 192 of 2007 to the agenda. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Public Comments (Agenda Items to be Adopted)

Mr. Philip Downer: (333 Texas Street, Suite 1325) Again also present with me is the manager for Racetrac is Steve Branning. He’ll be here answering questions should the Council have questions. This matter originally came before the Council on November 13, 2007 requesting a special use zoning exception allowing for the operation of a convenience store at the corner of Hearne Ave and I-20 with the sale of low content alcohol packaged liquor. As previously presented at the November 13^th hearing, this is the exact same site that was unanimously approved in 2004. All Racetrac is asking is that they receive the same treatment as all other convenience stores operating in Shreveport regardless of the neighborhood . This being the same approval that was granted in 2004. After I left this hearing, I drove around trying to find a store that didn’t have it. And every convenience store in Shreveport, is my understanding, is allowed to sell low content alcohol just like we’re asking for. Just the standard procedure in our community. And I checked with the City Attorney, and I believe that’s an accurate statement, I son’t believe there are any. I’m happy to answer any questions y’all have.

Councilwoman Bowman: In light of everything negative that’s been happening over on that corner, this stuff was happening without you selling alcoholic beverages.

Mr. Downer: That’s right.

Councilwoman Bowman: But my question is what are your plans as far as curbing the activities that are going on, on the property. For instance, one letter we received said that some guy was in a blue van selling tennis shoes or something. That was one thing. You know of course I know for a fact with the problems I had on Greenwood Road and Jewella, those same problems have been there at this Raceway in the short period of time that it’s been there. Where the traffic just bogged up or the young people would all gather there. I mean of course it’s fairly cool right now, but at times, it doesn’t matter whether it’s hot or cold there, they choose to get out and caravan, that’s what they do. But they have done that on numerous occasions there, and they have blocked off Hearne Avenue there. I need to see what are your plans as far as addressing those issues.

Mr. Downer: And the Manager is also here, but I can tell you for a fact, that is not allowed under the Raceway contract. Their procedures require it to be operated as a convenience store and a refueling station only. The van selling tennis shoes was noted during one of these sessions, has been ceased. It’s not supposed to be there ever again. If the violation of that nature occur there, we’ll change employees, they will change people there. But as I told you at the last hearing, Racetrac District Managers does weekly inspections, I believe that’s correct, and then they have an independent service that actually goes to each of their sites and does an inspection, and that inspection is put in a written form and furnished to the company. And then like I say, you have the manager here, there is electronic surveillance. Certainly there are signs up that prohibit loitering or any sort of criminal activity. All we can do as most people in the city, we can certainly call the police if we notice criminal activity. But Councilman Lester had asked me about a shooting that had occurred. Well I noticed that in a parking lot completely across town, and you had somebody drive up and shoot someone. I mean those are unfortunate instances that occur, but there is very little that any business operator can do when something happens in a parking lot suddenly like that. But I mean, certainly if we see cars stacking up or people hanging out like you’re talking about, that’s a prohibited activity and the police should be called, and the Manager is the one that would call. And she’s here, I’ll let her address out they do handle that.

Ms. Williams: Yes Ms. Bowman.

Councilman Walford: No, no, no. I’m sorry, you’re out of order. You do have a request to speak, and we will be calling you, but you haven’t been recognized yet. We’re on Mr. Downer, and when the Council’s done with him, I’ve got some other requests and you’re in the stack.

Mr. Downer: And Ms. Bowman, that’d be the extent of my ability to answer. Apparently there will be someone that will speak later that should be able to address your question a little more directly. And I apologize, I’m not the one to do that.

Mr. Steve Branning: (120 Calloway Lane, ALABAMA) We do have procedures in place so that they’re not supposed to have vendors on the lot selling tennis shoes, watermelons, golf clubs, kites, tents, tacos, whatever. If it is seen, they’re ordered to take it away. If it’s not taken away, we cancel the operators contract, and we contract with somebody new. We do have procedures in place to make sure that this doesn’t happen. I am currently searching to hire a new representative for us in this town to make sure that these stores are better governed. To make sure this does not happen. Now we can’t control people, I can’t control if a group of kids come on the lot and hang out and neither can the manager. We can just call the local authorities. We will post the signs of NO LOITERING, we’ll register with the City or whatever we have to do, but we have the safeguards to try to keep the lot clean from vendors. That’s what we can do.

Councilman Shyne: And this is just a suggestion, and I do sympathize with you. I would hope that you would get with the local manager and possibly look at from time to time, there are stores that have maybe at high peak times when you’re going to have probably - - - cause I think Joyce a lot of those problems might happen on Sunday evening, and maybe a Saturday evening, I would look at the possibility of maybe hiring an off-duty officer for maybe a couple of two to three hours, when you have those high peak times, to make sure that the traffic continues to flow, and if people are not buying gas or buying cookies, or watermelons, or tacos or whatever it might be, or strawberries, if they are not doing that in the store, then the officer would just keep the traffic going. That might help in that area. Because I sympathize with you, but I also sympathize with people that live there, and have to tolerate that because I’m going to be truthful with you, if it was next door to me, I’d be just like these people, I’d be raising hell too. Cause I wouldn’t want that there. And I would want you or the people who operate that to make sure they come up with a problem where they could solve that. And that problem can be solved. You don’t have to have people hanging out there, cause you can have an off-duty officer there, whether it’s the Shreveport Police Department or whether it’s the Sheriff’s Department to make sure that these people don’t hang out there. So, it ain’t no such thing as we can’t solve that problem, because it can be solved.

Mr. Branning: Sir you’re absolutely correct, in our other locations where we do get with our contractors, and in some way, form or fashion, reimburse them monies so they can hire off-duty officers for certain hours, certain days, and that has been discussed with my superiors about actually doing that to control it. And we will be in a meeting as a matter of fact, this coming Tuesday. So, it is something that we will do here. It’s not a question if we are going to do that here, because it has been deemed to be one of the spots where we need to do that.

Councilman Walford: I have one question. Does your North Market store sell beer and wine?

Mr. Branning: Yes sir. To my knowledge, every store in this town - - - all the Raceways sell - - -

Councilman Walford: But it was closed just like this one.

Mr. Branning: No, I’m sorry. It will, it hasn’t yet sir. We’ve opened it back up. I’m sorry I got it confused, North Market, 6732 it’s not selling as of yet.

Councilman Walford: What about the one on Bert Kouns?

Mr. Branning: It hasn’t been closed as far as I know. North Market was in the same bind with Hearne, same problem we had there. We closed them both down at the same time.

Ms. Jeanette Williams: (6822 Jefferson Paige Road) Yes sir, the two stores were together. They were owned by the same individuals, and before Mr. Shyne, we did have an off-duty officer that assisted us on Thursdays Mr. Bowman, and Fridays - - - Thursday, Friday and Sundays are the heavy days where we have the teenagers coming in with the vehicles and often times we would have the officers there that would assist us. But I have to give kudos to the Shreveport Police Department. After we lost the other contract, the officers are coming through and assisting us even before we actually make the call, someone else has called or they are just riding through because they are posting, and they assisting us with the traffic.

Councilwoman Bowman: Basically dealing with the large crowds that gather there, and see I do have a problem not to you Ms. Williams, but with this company. It’s because of the problems we had at Greenwood and Jewella. And then for me to see the same crowd that’s left there and came over to where you all are, and then of course what happens is you’ve got to call SPD, take them out of the community over to that area to basically put out the fires there too. I mean that’s a major problem. I don’t know how we can go about stopping - - - well I know that they’re not at Greenwood and Jewella anymore, but your location seems to be the place of choice for them.

Ms. Williams: They’re between Monkhouse and our stores. They chase them from Monkhouse and they come to Hearne. They leave there, they roll to Jewella. Back to Monkhouse.

Councilwoman Bowman: No, they’re not back on Jewella and you know I’m proud to say for the last maybe six months. They have not been at Jewella.

Ms. Williams: I can’t argue with you Ms. Bowman, because all I know is - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: I know they were at your place.

Ms. Williams: (Inaudible) they indicated that they’re chasing them from one side to the other. And like I said, I’m working the graveyard shift, where I’m constantly there, calling and letting them know, we’re having this problem or that problem. I walk the area to let them know they cannot hang at the store. Mr. Hustle Man that was selling the shoes, he’s been removed. We’ve asked him not to come. We had an officer to come in and let them know that he cannot sell tennis shoes or anything on the property. So, we’ve taken care of that.

Councilwoman Bowman: And the only reason I address the person selling or whatever is because of the letter that - - - do you have a copy of this letter?

Ms. Williams: Yes ma’am. Mr. Shyne made sure I got it.

Rev. Roy King: (3816 Virginia Ave) I’m here today to voice or rather to voice our concern about the community, in which our church is housed. I shared with the Zoning Board several weeks ago how when we drive up on our campus a lot of times, beer cans and other alcoholic beverage bottles are on our campus, and sometimes even the six pack cartons that beer comes in. Not only is this a problem, but the crime as well. Now we are dealing with the community where there is much unemployed there, and young people walk the streets day and night. Drinking alcohol, using drugs, you name it, they’re doing it. We don’t need a hang out like Raceway is, or has become there. We don’t need anymore alcohol or drugs or none of this in the community. We’re at a point where we’re saying enough is enough. Now, I listened to the gentleman a moment ago, but I also know of places like this place that has been operating for years without a liquor license. Many of them are in the rural. They don’t have near the business that this place has, but they are able to weather and stay in business. So, today, I just want to say that we’re here, and we want to do what ‘s right in the community. We want to see it come up. We don’t want to see it brought down any further.

Councilwoman Bowman: Pastor King, I know that you and I had the opportunity to speak briefly, was it last week?

Rev. King: Yes.

Councilwoman Bowman: And I let you know my concerns as far as the Board was concerned. And basically the reason I voted for it (Racetrac) was because I didn’t think the process was fair. I didn’t feel that when the Board allowed them to have - - - to sell the first time, then when this little mishap or whatever happened that they had to shut down, which really didn’t have anything to do with them selling liquor or whatever, that they chose to not renew this time or to allow them to do that. And Charles, I don’t remember getting a good explanation as to why they chose to do that. Was it because you and some of the folks from the neighborhood went and spoke to them and they listened to what your thoughts were or what was - - -?

Rev. King: They were able to get a license because even the letter you have today, I believe it’s from Mrs. Macon, who attends our church Renee Macon and - - -?

Councilwoman Bowman: Right.

Rev. King: They live directly behind the Raceway, and they didn’t have a letter or information concerning a liquor license. Neither did we get one at the church. Had we received the information concerning zoning or Council hearing for a liquor license, we would have appeared like we’re doing now. But we had no knowledge of this. In June, I monitored this store. In June, I passed there, and I saw the beer sign in the window. I said, ‘Wait, this is a no, no’. A couple of days later, I stopped, I went in, I scanned the cooler there, and sure enough, there is beer, okay. I said, ‘Now, I’ve got to see somebody about this’. But the next couple of days it closed up. So we backed off, and while they were closed, I passed there one day, I saw the truck taking the beer out. I said, ‘Okay, maybe this is the reason they’re closed, because they’re operating with beer illegally. So, but when we saw the sign on the door when they reopened, the beer license had been provoked until later, and then the Zoning sent us a letter stating that they were applying, that’s when we showed up. Had we had knowledge of it prior to it before with the other license, we would have been here like we are now. Sure we would have.

Councilman Webb: Yes, you made a mention of a store operating without a liquor license.

Rev. King: Well, that’s just a thought, but I know they know better. But as I said, how did they get this without allowing the community to know. Because everybody I talked to, they say we learned about it the day after or two days after we got a letter. I said, ‘Okay, maybe it the postman’.

Councilman Shyne: This is the first time in a long time, when I really don’t know what to say. Because usually I do Joyce. But traditionally, I’ve always been against liquor. I used to be against cigarettes until a good friend of mine, Mike Strong, started smoking and then I was alright with it. But I don’t want to put the store at a disadvantage, and I don’t want to put the community at a disadvantage. Charles, do we have any other stores in that area that’s selling beer?

Mr. Kirkland: (Inaudible)

Councilman Shyne: Reverend, to be truthful with you, if it was some kind of way we could stop everybody from selling, I’d be for you. You know we could stoop everybody (inaudible), but my experience has been those people that’s going to buy beer, if they don’t get it at one store, they’re going to walk across the street and get it. My only suggestion would be, and I don’t know whether we can do this. I haven’t been there as long as Monty and Calvin so, I don’ t know what, cause they’re old timers down here. If it was some kind of way that a part of their license or a part of them getting their license would be that they would have to maintain and diffuse all of this hang around traffic. Now if you’re in business, you want traffic, cause that’s how you make money. You don’t go into business not to make money . I’m not like Monty, but I’m a capitalist, and you really don’t go into business not to make money. I mean that’s how you stay in business, and that’s how we pay for things in the city with tax dollars. And again, I’m not for alcohol being sold in neighborhoods, because it took me a long time to get a bunch of them out of Mooretown. Cause at one time, Ms. Bowman will tell you, we had them on every corner, and in the middle of the block. But over a period of time, we were able to get a lot of them out. I mean it’s kind of a Catch 22, because I don’t want to put them at a disadvantage, but I want to make sure though that they do the right thing, by making sure that they have security there on their property. And I would advise them like I have a store on the corner of one of the streets where I represent, every now and then hire you a youngster to go out there and clean up. Pick up cans, pick up bottles, pick up trash. Then this makes it better for the neighborhood, and they can hire a high school youngster for $6 an hour and just go out and pick up trash and lets say that’s maybe three hours a week. One hour three days a week, and they could pick up all the trash. Now, I’ve driven through there and I really don’t see where it’s a lot of people that stay in the neighborhood, that probably would go there and buy beer, and walk down the streets, and throw the cans. What I’ve noticed is the drive in traffic that comes in there. Some kind of way like I believe I stated to the Manager or to the owner that they’re going to have to hire and off-duty officer at their high peak hours. Like a lot of stores do for security. In order to make sure that that traffic continues to flow and those people who do buy beer will continue to go and not hang around in the neighborhood. But I don’t want to put them at a disadvantage unless it’s some kind of way we could just revoke all the beer license in there. That we could revoke all the beer license in there, then it would be a different thing. So, I do sympathize with you. And I know you’re saying if I sympathize with you so much, then I ought to vote with you.

Rev. King: Yes.

Councilman Shyne: But I’m not saying that. This is really a tough decision to make, and if I make what you think is a wrong decision, I’m doing it out of love. Now, it may not make it any easier to handle, but I’m doing it out of love.

Councilman Walford: If there’s no objection from the Council, I’d like to go back up to Communications of the Mayor which are required by law, and welcome Mayor.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Chairman and Members of the Council. And we have none.

Councilman Walford: That was very quick. Moving right along.

CONSENT AGENDA LEGISLATION

TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

REGULAR AGENDA LEGISLATION

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

The Clerk read the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 179 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH CADDO PARISH AND OTHER ENTITIES FOR THE SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES TO ADJOINING LANDOWNERS AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport, the Parish of Caddo and other taxing authorities in Caddo Parish entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement and an Addendum, both dated March 6, 2000 for the sale of adjudicated properties; and

WHEREAS, the pursuant to La. R.S. 33:4720.41 et. seq., City of Shreveport has adopted Section 26-301 of the Code of Ordinances authorizing the sale of certain adjudicated property to adjoining landowners; and

WHEREAS, the consideration for such sale is one dollar and the requirement that the purchaser has maintained the property for one year prior to the sale; therefore, the taxing authorities will not receive the amount of taxes due and an agreement is needed whereby the entities waive the collection of the taxes due them.

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 to execute an amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement described above between the City of Shreveport, the Caddo Parish Commission, the Red River Waterway Commission, the Caddo Parish School Board, the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission, the Caddo Parish Law Enforcement District, the Caddo Assessment District, the Caddo Parish Levee District and any other necessary party, substantially in accordance with the draft thereof filed in the Office of the Clerk of Council on November 13, 2007.

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

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

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

Councilman Walford: Mr. Mayor, if I may, does this - - - has there been communication or is this a prelude to it?

Mayor Glover: Which item are we referring to?

Councilman Walford: 179 sir.

Mayor Glover: Terri can you ?

Mr. Dark: I think Julie is familiar with it.

Ms. Glass: I’m familiar with that. That’s the one where we drafted a letter. They Mayor’s office sent it out to the entities that need to approve the amendment to the existing Intergovernmental Agreement. So, they’ve all gotten that now. I’ve gotten - - - I think the Parish has already approved it. I got a call from the Levy Board Attorney, and he said they would meet this week I think. And them Mr. Stadtlander’s going to follow up with the rest of them to push that through.

Councilman Walford: Okay, and for the benefit of the Council, this is an agenda item for our joint meeting with the School Board, Commission, and us on December 7^th or whenever it is.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 180 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR’S SIGNATURE ON A PERMIT TO ENCROACH ON A PORTION OF CROSS LAKE BELOW THE 172 FOOT CONTOUR LINE, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, Helene Richards Brown is the owner of record of Lots 13, 13A, 14, 14A, 15, 15A of R-C Subdivision in Pine Island Subdivision, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat recorded in Book 650, Page 273, and by instrument recorded July 11, 2003, and recorded as Registry Number 186353 in Conveyance Book 3617, Page 82, of the records of Caddo Parish; and

WHEREAS, a request has been received from Helene Richards Brown for an encroachment in and to a portion of public property as depicted on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, to accommodate the improvements already located thereon; and

WHEREAS, the proposed encroachment upon public property is not adverse to the public interest of the citizens of the City of Shreveport; and

WHEREAS, Helene Richards Brown promises that if the encroachment is granted, she will not construct any additional improvements on said property; and

WHEREAS, Helene Richards Brown shall not, without the express written consent of the City of Shreveport, assign the permit or any interest hereunder; and

WHEREAS, any consent which the City of Shreveport may give for an assignment shall not destroy the above provision, and later assignments shall be made likewise only with the prior consent of the City of Shreveport hereunder; and

WHEREAS, the instrument or Permit to Encroach shall provide for the payment by Helene Richards Brown to the City of Shreveport of $300.00 for the encroachment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened, that it hereby authorizes the Mayor’s signature on the Permit to Encroach and Helene Richards Brown shall be bound by all provisions of the Permit to Encroach, as well as this Resolution, and, after due notice thereto and after the effective date of this Resolution, the Mayor of the City of Shreveport is hereby authorized and empowered to execute and deliver, for and on behalf of the City of Shreveport, an instrument or Permit to Encroach substantially in the form of the document filed along with the original copy of this Resolution in the Office of the Clerk of Council on October 18, 2007, attached hereto as Exhibit A. Provided further, the instrument of Permit to Encroach shall provide for the payment by Helene Richards Brown to the City of Shreveport of $300.00 for the encroachment.

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 Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt.

Councilman Long: What was behind all that, what was the purpose for that?

Mr. Dark: I think this is the one where the improvements have long since been there, and someone was attempting to get a loan on the property, and we’re simply legitimizing it for them.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 183 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2008 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROGRAM OF WORK AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, Act 554 of 1978, which authorized the creation of the Downtown Development Authority, requires that a formal Program of Work for the DDA be adopted annually by the City Council; and

WHEREAS, the DDA has prepared and formally adopted its Program of Work for the year 2008 and recommended its approval by the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that it approves the 2008 Downtown Development Authority Program of Work, as provided to the Clerk of Council with the original copy of this resolution on November 13, 2007.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 185 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RELATIVE TO VISION 2020 AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana has adopted Vision 2020 as the master plan for economic development for the state; and

WHEREAS, in support of the goals of Vision 2020, the City of Shreveport, through the Shreveport Airport Authority and for a public purpose, proposes to undertake the programs and projects set forth in Vision 2020 as shall fulfill the legislative mandate of plan, provide for the continued presence of Continental Express at the Shreveport Regional Airport and, assure and promote the economic development of the Airport; and

WHEREAS, this resolution would authorize the Mayor to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development for such purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, regular and legal session convened that the Mayor is authorized to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, substantially in accordance with the draft thereof which was filed for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of Council on November 13, 2007.

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 resolution or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 186 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DEDICATION FOR 7.5 FOOT UTILITY SERVITUDE IN THE KING OAKS UNIT NO. 5 AND OTHERWISE

PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

and regular session convened, that the dedication for 7.5 foot utility servitude in Section 17, (T18N-R14W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and as shown on the plats attached hereto and made a part hereof, be and the same is hereby accepted as dedicated to the public for public use in the City of Shreveport.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the original plat reflecting the dedication for 7.5 foot utility servitude be recorded in the official records of the Clerk of Court for Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

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 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 RESOLVED that all ordinances or resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

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

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Lester, was that named after that group that was started back, I want to say in the early 90s, the Kingsmen?

Councilman Lester: No, I don’t believe so. Exploits of that group are somewhat legendary, but this is not in their honor.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 187 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DEDICATION FOR GILBERT DITCH AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

and regular session convened, that the dedication for Gilbert Ditch in Section 7, (T17N-R13W), Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and as shown on the plats attached hereto and made a part hereof, be and the same is hereby accepted as dedicated to the public for public use in the City of Shreveport.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the original plat reflecting the dedication for Gilbert Ditch be recorded in the official records of the Clerk of Court for Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

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 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 RESOLVED that all ordinances or 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 Webb: Question: Why do we need a dedication for this? I mean, I don’t understand.

Mr. Strong: Because it was private property, and it was long past being a private lot. We never had a dedication or an easement through it, and this actually makes it legitimate. But it is a city ditch, even though we’ve maintained it.

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

RESOLUTION NUMBER 188 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 139, Oak Forest Subdivision, Unit #2 Geographic Number 181419-004-013900

Municipal Address: 1758 David Raines Rd

Council District “A”

Lot 14, Block 3, Breezy Hills Addition Geographic Number 181434-043-001400

Municipal Address: 2852 Ashton St

Council District “G”

W. 32 Feet of Lot 8 & East 28 Feet of Lot 9 Geographic Number 171412-043-03300

Blanchard Place

Municipal Address: 1049 Blanchard Place

Council District “B”

Lots 38, 39, & W. 16 Feet of Lot 40, Block E Geographic Number 171409-005-005800

Re-Plat Forest Glen Subdivision

Municipal Address: 3722 Hardy Street

Council District “G”

Lots 46, 47, 48 & 49, College Park Subdivision Geographic Number 171416-013-006700

Municipal Address: 4120 Hollywood Avenue

Council District “F”

Lots 61, 62 & 63, Greenwood Acres Subdivision Geographic Number 171521-003-009600

Municipal Address: 6805 Washington Ln

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 including but not limited to Resolution Number 122 of 2006 are hereby repealed.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 189 OF 2007

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A JOINT COMMITTEE COMPOSED OF REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES LOCATED IN CADDO PARISH, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY: COUNCILMAN WALFORD

WHEREAS, on October 5, 2007 the City Council for the City of Shreveport and the Caddo Parish Commission met in joint session to discuss various issues of common interest between the City and the Parish; and

WHEREAS, at that meeting a consensus developed that there are a number of issues facing the citizens of the City of Shreveport and Caddo Parish that could be more efficiently addressed jointly by the various governmental entities within the City and Parish; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Shreveport and Caddo Parish that the elected representatives work together to address items of common interest and concern.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that it does hereby authorize the creation of an intergovernmental committee composed of representatives of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and other governmental entities that may be identified in the future. The purpose of this intergovernmental committee will be to identify and study issues of common interest between the affected entities and to make recommendations to their governing bodies regarding said issues.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairman of the Shreveport City Council and the President of the Caddo Parish Commission are authorized to appoint the representatives of the City of Shreveport and Caddo Parish that will serve on the aforesaid intergovernmental committee

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED 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 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 this resolution shall take effect immediately.

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

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS: (Not to be adopted prior to Dec 11, 2007)

The Clerk read the following:

1. Resolution No. 190 of 2007: A resolution authorizing the donation of Shreveport Police Department property, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

2. Resolution No. 191 of 2007: A resolution authorizing a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Caddo Parish School Board relative to the mutual use of facilities, buildings, and equipment, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

3. Resolution No. 192 of 2007: A resolution declaring the intention of the City of Shreveport (The “City”) to proceed with financing in an amount not t exceed Nine Million and No/100 Dollars ($9,000,000) for the purpose of financing and/or refinancing the costs of the acquisition, construction and/or equipping of improvements, enlargement and/or upgrades to the City’s revenue producing utility system including facilities used for Biosolid Disposal, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Shyne to introduce Resolution No(s). 190, 191, and 192 of 2007 to lay over until December 11, 2007 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: (Not to be adopted prior to Dec 11, 2007)

The Clerk read the following:

1. Ordinance No. 199 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Budget for the General Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

2. Ordinance No. 200 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Budget for the Community Development Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

3. Ordinance No. 201 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Budget for the Metropolitan Planning Commission’s Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

4. Ordinance No. 202 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Budget for the Fleet Services Internal Service Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

5. Ordinance No. 203 of 2007: An ordinance amending the 2007 Budget for the Riverfront Development Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

6. Ordinance No. 204 of 2007: ZONING APPEAL – C-93-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the north side of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, 575 feet west of Linwood, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-A, Residence Agricultural District, to B-3, Community Business District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley)

7. Ordinance No. 205 of 2007: ZONING – C-95-07/P-42-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located the east and west sides of Buncombe Road at its intersection with Shrevepark Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District, B-2, Neighborhood Business District, and B-3 Community Business District, to B-2 Neighborhood Business District with Planned Building Group and MPC Approval, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (F/Shyne)

8. Ordinance No. 206 of 2007: ZONING – C-101-06/P-34-06: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located the south side of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, 1500 feet east of Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish Louisiana, from R-A, Residential-Agriculture District to B-1, Buffer Business District, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley)

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Wooley to introduce Ordinance No(s). 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, and 206 of 2007 to lay over until December 11, 2007 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

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

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, I believe 191 is to be postponed, it’s not yet ready.

Councilman Walford: I believe Mr. Dark had recommended they wanted a postponement on that one.

1. Ordinance No. 191 of 2007: An ordinance authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $9,000,000 of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana Taxable Special Facilities Revenue Bonds on behalf of the Shreveport Airport Authority, authorizing the pledge of certain revenues to secure the Bonds, awarding the Bonds to the Purchaser thereof, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS RELATED TO AN INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT; and providing otherwise with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on October 23, 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 Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to postpone. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

2. Ordinance No. 192 of 207: An ordinance amending Section 62-78 of the Code of Ordinances relative to the Department of Public Assembly and Recreation fee schedule, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on November 13, 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 Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt.

Councilman Walford: Got awfully quiet there for a minute.

Councilman Shyne: Well, you know I don’t believe in raising taxes like the Republicans do.

Councilman Webb: Does that mean you’re going to vote against the water bill increase?

Councilwoman Bowman: Sick.

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

3. Ordinance No. 193 of 2007: An ordinance amending portions of Chapter 94 of the Code of Ordinance relative to water and sewerage rates, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on November 13, 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.

Councilman Long: Actually I’ve heard quite a lot from my constituents on this issue, and I’m inclined that I’m not going to support it right now. I mean I desperately understand our need for water pressure down there in that area, but I have an overwhelming feedback from my constituents, and they’re opposed to this increase at this time.

Councilwoman Bowman: Of course Councilman Wooley, when it came up in a prior meeting, and I mentioned to you and others about my 94 year old grandmother, and those who are like here who are on a fixed income, and have a difficult time as it is, and you know we’ve gone up on their rates, we didn’t, but it has been done a few times in the past, and not just for them, I’ve received quite a few calls also, from citizens that I represent and those that I do not represent calling me in reference to this, and especially yesterday and last night, and I can’t support it.

Councilman Wooley: Mr. Strong, could you come up please? I know I’d sent an email or Ms. Bea sent an email early this morning, and I know you and I discussed this out in the hall a little bit. What has been the average rate increase for the last decade?

Mr. Strong: What we have looked at is from 1993, is when some of the major projects began on the repair work that had been done on our system from the water plant, sewer plant, water and sewer mains. And from April 1, 1993 to today’s date, the increases have approximately 56%, or 56% over that period of time from 1993 through today. And these projects have been for major rehabilitation of plants. This is what kept us in compliance with the EPA. These projects that we’re talking about today are - - - two of the major transmission lines that will be supplying the water to Southeast Shreveport as it continues to grow. This is in accordance with our Master Plan that has been set up from originally in 1984 to where it was updated in 1999. So, everything is consistent with the Master Plan that we have in place today. In comparison to this, to kinda show how the department has continued to go with this rate increase that’s in here, the CPI in that same period of time has gone up approximately 41%, so you’ve seen that at the same time going up with this rate increases, and the approximately some $200,000,000 in major projects being spent throughout. In comparison to this, we have done a comparison of other cities, going back in ’05, April of ’05 to show and Shreveport is somewhere in the neighborhood of about the middle of cities throughout the state of Louisiana and in surrounding areas. And when you get outside of Louisiana, we’re actually less expensive on our water utilities.

Councilman Wooley: Did we go outside of the state?

Mr. Strong: Yeah, we looked at Birmingham, AL, Tulsa, OK, Little Rock, areas like that. So, we’ve checked those in comparison to Baton Rouge, Bossier. Now, we’re less than Bossier in the prices, but there have been a lot of subsidizing of their water utilities where Shreveport does not subsidize their water utilities.

Councilman Wooley: We’re less than Bossier or more than Bossier?

Mr. Strong: We’re more than Bossier.

Councilman Wooley: Okay, you said less than Bossier.

Mr. Strong: Excuse me.

Councilman Wooley: That’s okay. Just checking. I was getting a little excited.

Mr. Strong: And from Monroe to New Orleans, Lake Charles, Little Rock, Jackson, Birmingham and Tulsa.

Councilman Wooley: Now, let me ask you this, Two of these projects are already underway. Is that correct?

Mr. Strong: Well all three projects are in design, and are completing up the design. But all of them, the one project that is in place is not a part of this, is the Southern Loop line that will actually loop the system from Norris Ferry - - - well actually over to Hwy 1, and then back into our water tower there at Flournoy Lucas, and then the interstate. The other two projects are in design state, they’re not under construction.

Councilman Wooley: Right, and they’re do to complete by 1^st quarter of ’09?

Mr. Strong: That would have been by the end of the first quarter of

’09.

Councilman Wooley: Let me ask you this. If this tax rate does not go through, then where does that leave the Water Department in funding these projects?

Mr. Strong: Well, this is a water increase, and not tax. Because that would be set up there, it would be for this to pay off the project. If this is not approved to do the funding, I don’t see that we would be going forth with this.

Councilman Webb: Yeah, Mike you said that if this does not go through, then you would not be going through with the - - -?

Mr. Strong: There is no funding that would be able to fund these two projects.

Councilman Webb: I too likewise have had a lot of calls about this. I’ve been really struggling with this one, and I just - - - I don’t know.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Chairman, let me say this. I have gone on record on more than one occasion. When the city has done the bringing in more people into the city, extended our lines, extending our boundaries, I have said, at a certain point, you know the City of Shreveport has to stop, because as we continue to go forward, we’re going to be in a situation where we’re going to leave Shreveport, and walk right into the front door of Mansfield. I think it has to stop. But at the same time, against what I believe to be prudence, the city has and this Council has routinely voted to extend the boundaries of the city to include those areas in the Southeastern portion of the city that for higher dollar, properties and what have you, no one likes to vote for any rate increases. It’s one of those things, people don’t want to pay more, the sad reality is you get what you pay for. If people think, and the constituents and the citizens of the city believe that there is some magic formula by which our aging infrastructure will be magically healed without paying for it, they’re sadly mistaken. I mean, it’s going to cost us to deal with our infrastructure issues. And so, we’re in a scenario where the people that this is going to benefit, or citizens of the City of Shreveport, therein, do I think it’s the most prudent thing to bring them in, and I’ve been on record dealing with that. That being said, they are in, they are paying, and for us as a council to summarily neglect and just decide that we don’t want to deal with their water pressure issues, and the other sewerage issues as if that is going to solve the problem, I don’t think that’s prudent either. And certainly in my district, the citizens of District A were the beneficiaries the last time this was dealt wit in terms of increasing the size of the water main. The main water main as I appreciate it comes from the Amiss Plant coming up the left of North Hearne. I mean many people that live in that area noticed for the better part of six months to almost a year, a lot of construction going on parallel to Hearne Ave, and that was to strengthen the lines in that area. And so it would be hypocritical of me in as much as the citizens of my district have benefited previously in previous issues for an increase for me not to vote to deal with citizens in other parts of the City of Shreveport, so obviously and again nobody likes to vote for water rate increases, but we all know that our water and sewerage is an enterprise fund, and if you make capital improvements, which we know need to be made, they have to be paid for. Otherwise we’re going to be in a situation where our infrastructure is not going to be changed, and things are not going to get better. And so, I’m voting YES. And I think that at this point, that is a prudent vote for the Council, and I would urge other Councilmen to look at the large picture, the large issues in terms of water pressure and continued growth for the city, and vote yes.

Councilman Shyne: Councilman Wooley, I’m going to hang my political future on this vote on supporting you. I’m not a person who generally votes for tax increases, and Ron, I’m very conservative. But, I do think that we do have a moral obligation and I see Mike Strong doing this, and Mike’s a good church going man, so I know he wouldn’t mislead me. But I do think that we have a moral obligation to make sure that we provide the kind of services to this area of town that’s going to make this city The Next Great City of The South, so Councilman Wooley, I’m hanging my political future on you.

Councilman Walford: I’m going to grab a first debate, and then I’m going to come to you gentlemen who have asked to speak, and I think Mr. Lester has said much of it very well, but none of us up here voted when these areas were annexed. As I recall, they had water problems, and that was one of the reasons they wanted to come into the city, and they were willing to pay taxes to be in the city. And now, like Mr. Lester says, we now find ourselves with a moral obligation, they are in the city, some of my friends.

Councilman Shyne: (Inaudible) moral obligation.

Councilman Walford: Maybe it was Mr. Shyne who said a moral obligation. Some of my friends try to keep it a little light with me, when they talk about taking a trickle, when I get to take a shower. Because their water pressure is that bad. We’ve brought them into the city. They are citizens, they don’t have proper water service, and they deserve it. And unfortunately, the only way we can do it is to raise the water rates to property fund the system. It is an enterprise fund, it does not get tax dollars, it’s funded by the charges that are levied on each of the water customers. I’m going to support you on this one Mr. Wooley, I don’t like it. It’s one of those things, I don’t like to raise taxes. I don’t like to raise fees, but sometimes it’s necessary. And this is one of those times. So, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go back to first debate on Mr. Webb and I’m going to come back to you. So, Mr. Webb.

Councilman Webb: Mike, tell us once again, if this passes how much increase the average bill is going to be.

Mr. Strong: It’ll be 3%. Which equates to on the water side, on the per thousand gallons will go up from $2.62 per thousand to $2.70. And the sewerage side will go up from the $3. - - - my glasses are going out on me.

Councilman Shyne: Turn to Tom.

Mr. Dark: Somebody read that for him there. $3.47 to $3.58 on the (inaudible).

Mr. Strong: Thank you.

Councilman Shyne: Tom got contacts on.

Mr. Dark: We can fix that for you Mike.

Mr. Strong: But that’s where we are and what we’re seeing. And what the average bill is running is somewhere in the neighborhood of around $30-35.00 on the average. So they’re seeing somewhere in the neighborhood of about a $.90 per month rate increase. And the impact on this, and understand too that with the low water pressures that we’re seeing, and especially in the summer months, can have an impact on the fire ratings too. And where we are in making sure that we have the adequate pressures in all areas of the city. So all of this is to be factored in also.

Councilman Webb: Thank you Mike. Like I said, I’ve been struggling with this one, and I know looking at reality, it’s hard to say no, and I’m going to support it because I know, my heart tells me we don’t need to, but my gut tells me that we got to. I’m going to support it.

Councilman Shyne: I call for the vote then Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Wooley: I’d like to make one more - - -

Councilman Walford: Yeah, we’ve got two more that would like to make their points. Mr. Wooley?

Councilman Wooley: Thank you Mr. Chairman. This is a sensitive issue obviously for the tax payers of our city. Obviously as the representative for District D, I have the obligation to my constituents who have very adamantly over the last year have raised their concerns about the low water pressure, particularly Ellerbe Road Estates, the oldest neighborhood south of Flournoy Lucas. Many people have difficulties taking showers, flushing their toilets, things of that nature. Things that most of us just take for granted. That was due to a very aggressive annexation policy of the last decade or so. And just not having the proper infrastructure in place to handle that. Without repeating some of the comments already made by Councilmen Walford and Lester, we do have an obligation to these people who are tax paying citizens to our community, but obviously we’re providing other services to them, and their services are working fine. This is one that we need to catch up on if you will. One thing I do want to point out is that I like the fact Mike as you said, that this is part of the Master Plan. You know we heard Charles speak very passionately yesterday about having a Master Plan for development of our city, overall how we want to grow and develop things of that nature. Well, we have a Master Plan here that we’re working out, that we’re moving forward with. And part of that process, unfortunately from time to time involves money, and putting our money where out mouth is, saying we have a plan, but it’s going to cost us something. We definitely have seen the growth in Southeast Shreveport. I think it’s been beneficial to business and residents alike, and I think in order to continue to support that will benefit the city in many ways, obviously through taxes, and obviously through a good quality of life, this is one of those necessities. I do want to say thank you to all the Council Members that will support this. And like I said, my constituents do appreciate it very much. Thank you.

Councilwoman Bowman: Yes sir, and I’m glad that my fellow Council Members will be voting in the manner they so choose, but I shall not be moved. My grandmother and several other seniors who are paying the increase have paid it for 50-60 years now. No one made provisions for them. If this was going to be done, in my opinion, I would have suggested that something would have been done for the elderly. For those who have already paved the way. In addition to that, my vote is also for the citizens I represent in Queensborough, who continuously have broken water mains. Every time you look around, it’s a problem over there. Old, failing infrastructure problems that we are experiencing. I know this is probably what the citizens out in that area do need. But I look at the needs of my own, and I look at the needs of the elderly, and those who are struggling everyday just trying to make ends meet, and gasoline being extremely high, and they have to - - - no one gives an account of that, no one gives an account of the fact that their medications are constantly on the rise. So, therefore my ‘NO’ vote is for the seniors and for the citizens in Queensborough. Thank you.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, I was going to try and sit this one out, especially since I tend to see the direction the vote appearing to be going, but I do think that from the Administration’s standpoint, I do need to offer at least some comment on this issue. Without question, the City of Shreveport over the last several decades has engaged in a - - - of what some would consider to be an aggressive annexation policy. One that has seemingly been the only means by which as a city, we’ve been able to for the last three, four decades stay within that 200,000 range in terms of our overall population. The reality of it is, is that substantial residential growth that’s taking place within Caddo Parish is occurring within the southeast portion of our city right now for the time being. One of the very first things that this Administration did when we came on board, in addition to going out and meeting with each and every Council District within this city, we also sat and we counseled with the various department heads of this city as well. There were two things that matched up. For the folks in Southeast Shreveport, and for Mike Strong and his staff as Director of Operational Services, both mentioned the challenges that we face in this city right now in terms of being able to provide adequate water pressure out to Southeast Shreveport. We’ve got individuals there which previous Administrations and previous Councils, some of those Councils I was a member of, voted to let into the city limits of Shreveport. And I would say to you, despite some of the issues and challenges that we face, we did so for what I think were some very sound reasons as I mentioned previously. Population, it’s helped keep our numbers where they are. Each and everyone of those homes, most of which are valued well into the six figure range, all of the materials that we use to construct those homes, the sales taxes on those materials came to the coffers of the City of Shreveport. The individuals who live in those homes, when they make their large ticket purchases, be they refrigerators, freezers, and certainly cars and other recreational vehicles because those individuals reside in the city limits of Shreveport, the sale taxes calculated on those Lexus’, and Benzs and Cadillacs and other things all end up directing dollars to the city coffers of the City of Shreveport. The property taxes on those homes all end up coming to the coffers of the City of Shreveport. They’re not only appreciated, they’re welcomed. And we have taken the position within this Administration that we have looked at the remaining area that’s left between Southeast Caddo Parish, and Desoto Parish, and we have identified those areas that would reasonably make sense for us to allow to be annexed into the City of Shreveport, and we look forward to working with the development community to bring those particular properties into this city. And we need to do so for a couple of different reasons. We right now on the (inaudible) as we stand here today on the first day of this Cyber Symposium hopefully are being about to welcome what could be thousands, if not tens of thousands of new jobs to Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana. To put ourselves in a position to where those folks who would look to come here and are looking for homes, some of whom will be looking for high dollar homes to be told that you should not only go to Shreveport, because we don’t think it’s safe there, but you can’t water your grass, wash your car and take a shower at the same time, without question, we will end up losing that competition to other areas of this region. Now, we shouldn’t necessarily look to just say that we’re competing against one side of the river or the other, or one suburb or the other, but certainly, we need to keep the City of Shreveport as attractive and as viable an option as possible when it comes to folks who are looking for new and high dollar homes. The contribute to the bottom line of this city. Just also happens, I’ll tell this truth as well. When it comes to our law enforcement resources, they happen to make less of a demand than some other areas, and so while they contribute a lot, in many respects, they demand with regard to certain services, less. And so we need to put ourselves in a position to be able to facilitate the needs of those who are here and realistically have an option to be able to take advantage of future growth potential that comes here. When this Council was elected, one of the first issues that Councilman Wooley and I sat down and spoke of were the water issues and needs within his particular district. We identified them as being the most pressing under these current sets of circumstances. They happen to be the most pressing, because as Councilman Lester made reference to, but dating all the way back to my tenure on the City Council, back in 1993, this Shreveport City Council has made some very tough decisions to make some very substantial investment to the water and sewerage infrastructure of Central Shreveport. That’s why you see the construction that was done as Councilman Lester made reference to of the expanded water main along Hearne Avenue and other areas of this city. The North Shreveport sewer treatment plant that exist up in the MLK areas. Other projects that have been done because previous Administrations and previous Councils had the foresight, the wisdom, and the courage to stand up and to do that which is right. Now, for those who are new to the electoral process, here’s what you are seeing right now. You’re seeing the inner section of political rhetoric and public service. Political rhetoric says to a newly elected Council Member like Bryan Wooley that somebody at some point in the future is going to be able to stand up possibly even tomorrow’s newspaper or this evening’s newscast and say, ‘He voted for $29,000,000 in new taxes, and tried at some point to use that against him politically. It may be against each and everyone of you and me as well. Public service says this represents the needs of our city, and I’m willing to do that which is necessary to insure that we continue to be able to grow, develop, and advance as a community. There’s been specific reference made to that which has or has not been done with regard to our seniors and the other (inaudible) within the City of Shreveport. And Mike correct me if I’m wrong, dating back, I know to some point in the early ‘90s, the City of Shreveport on a yearly basis contributes hundreds of thousands of dollars to at least two non-profits locally that I know of - - -

Councilman Shyne: I was on the Council during that time.

Mayor Glover: We were on the Council during that time, where we said that if we’re going to see an increase in these rates, then we’ve got to make sure that we make provisions - - -

Councilman Shyne: Community Action Agency.

Mayor Glover: Community Action Agency and some Socialization Services, Inc. There are other entities out there like the Salvation Army and others who got so much money, they couldn’t even expend it all, we had to go out and make them give that money back to be able to put in the hands of some other non profits that were apparently closer to the community and had a greater ability to be able to identify those folks who had those real legitimate needs and were able to offer them the type of assistance that they need. And I would say dating back to the early 1990s, the amount of assistance that has gone to those non profits would probably range somewhere close to five plus million dollars or more if you just simply calculated it at a minimum of $300,000 each year being given to those agencies. I know that that number is greater than that. But just using $500,000, then based on that you’re probably talking about somewhat closer to $10,000,000 worth of assistance that’s gone to the various non profit groups throughout this city to ensure that individuals who are poor, elderly, and indigent have access to what they need in order to be able to pay bills when they find themselves in those difficult situations and circumstances. So, as I said earlier, political rhetoric, public service the choice is before this Council today, and I ask that you guys make the right choice. Thank you Mr. Chairman, thank you Members of the Council.

Councilman Shyne: I would call for the vote with one statement. Mr. Wooley, that’s why I said to you earlier, and Mr. Mayor, I like how you put it, I was putting my political future on the line for you.

Councilman Wooley: I appreciate it Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: Thank you. I call for the vote.

Councilman Walford: How about we’re there. If you call for the vote, then we’ll have to vote on that and then - - - call for the question. Lets just vote.

Councilman Shyne: Lets do it then.

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

4. Ordinance No. 194 of 2007: An ordinance amending and re-enacting Section 94-3 pertaining to water and sewerage, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on November 13, 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 Shyne to adopt.

Councilman Walford: I think for the record, this is a personnel issue. Am I correct Mike? This has nothing to do with fee structure or rates. This is strictly a personnel matter.

Councilman Shyne: Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Walford: I didn’t want people thinking we were voting on another increase.

Councilman Shyne: I don’t generally vote for taxes and fees.

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

5. Ordinance No. 195 of 2007: An ordinance creating and establishing a No-Through Truck Route on W. 84^th Street between St. Vincent Avenue and Fairfield Avenue and on E. 85^th Street between Fairfield Avenue and Line Avenue, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley)

Having passed first reading on November 13, 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 Shyne to adopt.

Councilman Wooley: I just want to briefly say this was really upon the request of the Cedar Grove residents. A great number of commercial trucks utilizing this throughway basically for a shortcut. So, we’re trying to put a stop to that.

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

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, my notes indicate that 196 needs to be postponed.

6. Ordinance No. 196 of 2007: A Supplemental Ordinance amending and supplementing Resolution No. 131 of 1984 (the "General Bond Resolution") adopted on June 12, 1984, as amended; acknowledging and approving the issuance of not to exceed $28,900,000 principal amount of Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority Revenue Bonds (Shreveport Utility System Project) Series 2007, on behalf of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, approving and confirming the sale of such bonds; pledging revenues of the System to secure such bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

Having passed first reading on November 13, 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 Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to postpone. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

7. Ordinance No. 197 of 2007: An ordinance adopting the 2008 Budget for the Downtown Development District Budget, appropriating the funds authorized therein, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on November 13, 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, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Walford: Let me look and see if Janie and Don are smiling. Thank you very much. Mr. Thompson, 198, we want a postponement?

Mr. Thompson: Yes sir.

8. Ordinance No. 198 of 2007: An ordinance to amend and reenact Section 10-44 of the Code of Ordinances relative to qualifications of applicants for alcoholic beverage permits and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on November 13, 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 Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to postpone. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

9. Ordinance No. 155 of 2007: ZONING – C-64-07: Amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the south side of Lakeshore Drive, 140 feet west of Mertis Street, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District, to B-1, Buffer Business District, with MPC Approval for a Day Care, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (G/Bowman) (Postponed October 23, 2007)

Having passed first reading on September 25, 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 Bowman, seconded by Councilman Wooley to postpone until December 11, 2007. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

The adopted ordinances and amendments follow:

ORDINANCE NO. 192 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 62-78 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY AND RECREATION FEE SCHEDULE AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

By:

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened that Section 62-78 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport is hereby amended to now read as follows:

***

Sec. 62-78. Fee schedule.

A fee schedule for activities, rentals and uses in the department of public assembly and recreation is hereby established as follows:

***

Golf Course Fees

Annual memberships shall not be pro-rated.

Semi-annual memberships purchased January 1 to June 30 will expire June 30.

Semi-annual memberships purchased June 30 to December 31 and annual memberships will expire December 31.

(All fees listed below do not include applicable tax. When applicable, taxes will be applied to any charges listed below.)

Greens Fees/Cart Rentals	Huntington	Jerry Tim Brooks	Querbes
Weekday
Regular	17.12	8.11	17.12
Senior/Junior/Disabled/City Employee	12.98	8.11	12.98
Weekends/Holidays
Regular	20.35	8.11	20.35
Senior/Junior/Disabled/City Employee	15.28	8.11	15.28
Twilight Green Fees (Only offered during Daylight Saving Time)
Weekday
Weekends/Holidays
Cart Rental
9 Holes	$10.50	$8.00	$10.50
18 Holes	$21.00	-	$10.50

Memberships:	Annual	Semi-Annual
Regular	$662.99	$331.50
Senior/Junior/Disabled/City Employee	$386.74	$193.37
Family of Two	$828.73	$414.36
Additional Family Member	$138.13	$69.07
Cart Memberships (These memberships were discontinued in 2006 and only existing members are grandfathered-in)
Private Cart:
Regular	$359.12	$179.56
Senior	$368.32	$184.16
Family Membership(two people, under 62)	$515.65	$257.83
City Cart Membership:
Weekday Only	$681.40	$340.70
Unlimited	$902.40	$451.20

Other Fees:
Pull Carts	$4.60
Range Balls	$3.68 per bucket
Junior Program:	$115.10
Tournament (Shotgun):
Half Day
Huntington	$2,800.00
Querbes	$2,900.00
Full Day
Huntington	$4,300.00
Querbes	$4,500.00
Food Fee*	$2.00 per player
Beverage Fee*	$4.00 per player
Beverage Cart Rental*	$100.00 per day

The following fees include taxes:

School Teams:
High School or Middles School Teams
Team Membership, per player	50.00*
Individual team member, per round	$6.00
College Teams
Annual membership, per player	$275.00
Individual team member, per round	$7.00

* Entitles team member to play golf Monday through Friday in all school golf team activities, including practice and scheduled matches during the "golf season". The "golf season" shall be defined as 30 days prior to the first official match and ending with the completion of the high school playoffs.

***

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this ordinance shall become effective on January 1, 2008.

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 application 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. 193 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 94 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO WATER AND SEWERAGE RATES AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY:

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport operates the water and sewerage systems which serve its citizens; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor has recommended a three per cent (3%) water and sewer rate increase, to be effective January 1, 2008, to provide the water and sewerage utility with adequate revenues for operations and debt service.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that Section 94-164(5) is hereby deleted and Sections 94-164(1) and (2) and Sections 94-165(1), (2)(c), (3) and (6)(b)(2) of the Code of Ordinances are hereby amended and re-enacted as follows:

Chapter 94 UTILITIES

* * *

Sec. 94-164 Water Charges

The following monthly rates shall be charged for water furnished to residential, commercial and industrial customers:

(1) Monthly water customer charge. The monthly water customer charge shall be as follows, effective January 1, 2008:

[Bulk water purchase]. In all cases, monthly water customer charges for bulk water purchase shall be the same as for regular commercial quantity rate, plus an administrative fee of $10.00 per month.

(2) Quantity charges. The monthly water customer quantity charge shall be as follows, effective January 1, 2008:

* * *

94-165 Sewerage charges

The following rates shall be charged for wastewater collection and treatment provided for customers served by the sanitary sewer system of the city. The charges provided in this section are to be for the full payment of the costs of operation and maintenance, including replacement, of the wastewater collection and treatment system.

(1) Monthly sewerage charge. A monthly service charge for all users is established as follows:

Inside City - $3.87

Outside City - $7.74

(2) Quantity charge.

* * *

c. Calculation. All quantity charges shall be calculated at the following rates per each 1,000 gallons of metered water use:

(3) Excessive strength surcharge. In addition to the charges listed in subsection (2) of this section, all monitored commercial and industrial customers shall pay for excessive wastewater strengths (BOD and SS) based upon the following formula, effective January 1, 2008:

S= Vs X 8.34 ($0.0749 (BOD -250) + $0.0252 (SS - 250)

Where:

* * *

(6) Flat rate customers. The following residential customers shall be assessed flat rate monthly charges:

* * *

b. All customers who are served by both the sanitary sewer system and water distribution system, but who have not established an average monthly water usage for the months of November, December, January and February.

* * *

2. Effective January 1, 2008, the flat rate charges shall be as follows:

QUANTITY CHARGE

Inside City

Customer Charge - $3.87

User Charge - $14.31

Capital Charge - $9.47

Total - $27.65

Outside City

Customer Charge - $7.74

User Charge - $28.62

Capital Charge - $18.94

Total - $55.30

***

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

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

ORDINANCE NO. 194 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 94-3, PERTAINING TO WATER AND SEWERAGE, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that Section 94-3 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Shreveport pertaining to Water and Sewerage is hereby amended and re-enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 94-3. Director of water and sewerage; deputy director; assistant director; environmental affairs manager; division managers; supervisory control and data acquisition system administrator.

* * * * * * * * * * *

(b) The offices of deputy director, assistant director of administration, environmental affairs manager, division managers and supervisory control and data acquisition system administrator are hereby created for the department of water and sewerage. The mayor shall appoint, after recommendation from the director of water and sewerage, the positions stated herein, subject to confirmation by the city council.

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

ORDINANCE NO. 195 OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH A NO THROUGH TRUCK ROUTE ON W. 84^TH STREET BETWEEN ST. VINCENT AVENUE AND FAIRFIELD AVENUE AND ON E. 85^TH STREET BETWEEN FAIRFIELD AVENUE AND LINE AVENUE AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

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

legal and regular session convened that W. 84^th Street between St. Vincent Avenue and

Fairfield Avenue and E. 85^th Street between Fairfield Avenue and Line Avenue is hereby

created and established as a No Through Truck Route and it shall be unlawful for trucks

exceeding fifteen thousand (15,000) pounds gross vehicle weight to use any portion of these

streets except for local pickup and delivery.

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. 197OF 2007

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2008 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT BUDGET, APPROPRIATING THE FUNDS AUTHORIZED THEREIN, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport, pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statues 33:2740.38, is authorized to and has levied a special ad valorem tax on property subject to ad valorem taxation within the area of the Downtown Development District of the City; and

WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority is authorized to expend these funds and such others as it may lawfully collect for activities which benefit the users and property owners of the City’s downtown area; and

WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority has approved its proposed budget for the year 2008 and has requested that the City Council approve said budget.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that the 2008 Downtown Development Authority budget is hereby approved and appropriated as follows:

Funds Available for Appropriation

Operating Budget

DDA Property Tax $ 810,000

Interest Earnings 90,000

Other Income

Streetscape Contract $220,400

Streetscape Misc. Income 17,800

Parking Services Contract 450,000

DSU Reimbursement 11,000

DSDC Reimbursement 25,000

Salary Reimbursement 55,000

Other Income 2,000

$ 783,600

TOTAL REVENUE $1,683,600

Appropriations for 2008

DDA Administration and Programming $1,111,200

Debt Retirement 150,000

Parking Services 437,400

TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS $1,683,600

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

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

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this ordinance shall become effective on January 1, 2008.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Councilman Walford: Unfinished Business. Mr. Thompson, are you aware of anything coming off?

Mr. Thompson: Yes sir. No. 1. The Clerk read the following:

1. 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)

This was an earlier version of Chapter 38 revisions, and we adopted a later one, and this one needs to be removed.

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Long to remove Ordinance No. 131 of 2006 from the agenda. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

2. 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)

3. 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)

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, we also have No. 4, Ordinance No. 13 of 2007 which was sent back to the MPC and it came back in another form. So, we need to remove it from the agenda.

4. 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)

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to remove Ordinance No. 13 of 2007 from the agenda. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

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

6. Ordinance No. 122 of 2006: Amending portions of Chapter 90 of the Code of Ordinances relative to traffic and vehicles and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester) (Tabled September 11, 2007)

7. PROPERTY STANDARDS APPEALS:

HBO0700145 – 426 Woodrow, Shreveport, LA (F/Shyne) Mr. Adrian Gerard Gallion, 124 Carroll Street, Shreveport, LA 71105 (C/Long) (postponed August 27, 2007 until February 25, 2008)

HBO0700081 – 1062 Dalzell Street, Shreveport, LA (B/Walford) Mr. Stanley W. Burke, III, 8848 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA 71115 (D/Wooley) (Postponed August 27, 2007 until October 8, 2007)(Postponed Nov 12, 2007 until Dec 26, 2007)

HBO0700076: - 1601 Martin Luther King Dr., Shreveport, LA (A/Lester) Mr. Freddie Thomas, 1525 Martin Luther King Dr., Shreveport, LA (A/Lester) (Postponed October 22, 2007 until December 10, 2007)

HBO0700132 – 2231 West College, Shreveport, LA (G/Bowman) Ms. Johnnie M. Johnson, 1518 Easy Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 (B/Walford) (Postponed October 22, 2007 until December 10, 2007)

HBO0700147 – 359 W. 75^th Street, Shreveport, LA (C/Long) Ms. Marilyn Wilhite, P. O. Box 535021, Grand Prairie, TX 75050 (Postponed October 22, 2007 until December 10, 2007)

HBO0700137 – 1919 Walnut Street, Shreveport, LA (A/Lester); Ms. Ethel J. Reed, 4745 McDaniel Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109 (F/Shyne) (Postponed October 22, 2007 until November 26, 2007)

PSD0700065 - 2513 Dupont Street, Shreveport, LA (B/Walford); Mr. David Bates, 2509 Dupont Street, Shreveport, La 71103 (B/Walford) (Postponed October 22, 2007 until December 10, 2007)

PSD0700058 - 557 Egan Street, Shreveport , LA (B/Walford) David Szwak, 509 Market Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 (Postponed October 22, 2007 until December 10, 2007)

HBO070139 - 440 E. 72^nd Street, Shreveport, LA (C/Long); Mrs. Jo D. McGraw, 9958 Minock Street, Detroit MI 48228-1344 (Postponed Nov 12, 2007 until Nov 26, 2007)

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, the next item is No. 8 which was postponed from the last meeting.

8. BAC-97-07: Property located on the SE corner Claiborne and Hearne Avenue. (B/Walford) (Postponed Nov 13, 2007 until Nov 27, 2007)

Councilman Wooley: So moved.

Councilman Walford: Well, this is the one - - - give me a - - - what you are moving to? You want to uphold the ZBA, overturn the ZBA?

Councilman Wooley: Oh, I’m sorry, I retract that, I misunderstood.

Councilman Lester: My motion is to overturn the ZBA

Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Wooley to overturn the ZBA.

Councilman Walford: Okay, I’m going first discussion to Mr. Lester if he wants.

Councilman Lester: No, I voted ‘YES’ the last time, and I’m talked out.

Councilman Walford: Alright, real quick. Mr. Lester.

Councilman Lester: Yes.

Councilman Walford: Since there is neighborhood concern and there’s been a lot of discussion about what goes on at this location, would you consider amending your motion to overturn the ZBA and include a stipulation that the approval is for 1 year, and then they can reapply without (inaudible) which in my mind would provide an extra measure of - - - I don’t want to call it control, but you know where I’m trying to get.

Councilman Lester: I will accept as a friendly amendment.

Councilman Walford: Will you amend your motion?

Councilman Lester: I will amend my motion.

Substitute motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Wooley to overturn the ZBA with reapplication in one year, with no fee.

Councilman Shyne: Question. Charles I see you nodding your head, so that means that - -

Councilman Walford: Charles, and if you would make sure that we’re wording this.

Councilman Shyne: I know that we have done this before, but Monty and I’d had a senior moment.

Mr. Kirkland: Simply granted for one year and with the understanding that they have to reapply to extend it, and no fee, I think it’s - - - Ms. Glass that’s fairly straight forward.

Councilman Walford: Julie, we’re good like we’re doing it.

Councilman Shyne: Another point. Would you make sure that we explain this to the applicants what’s going on.

Mr. Kirkland: Well let me, if you’d like Mr. Shyne, I’ll try again right now. If this motion passes, I think - - - I know Mr. Downer follows this, it’s approved for one year. And if you let that year expire without reapplying, you will lose these rights again, and you would have to reapply prior to rights expiring probably nine months from now in order to get your approval if it’s forthcoming. And my understanding is you’re running on your record. If there are Police Department complaints or other things coming from this site, that will be a major detriment to your getting reapproved. If that’s the course that sought within that time frame.

Councilman Shyne: Yeah. Right, I would hope that the attorney would come forward and make sure that you understand what we’re about to do.

Mr. Downer: I appreciate the explanation. I’m not certain I do understand. Would we reapply to the Council or would we reapply to the ZBA?

Mr. Kirkland: MPC or to the ZBA.

Mr. Downer: And I guess my other question would be are other businesses being operated and being required to do the exact same thing because the store exactly across the street, and there’s a store.

Councilman Shyne: I think what we’re doing, we’re trying to do this to make sure you don’t get a ‘NO’ vote.

Mr. Downer: I understand.

Councilman Shyne: Now if you don’t want this tacked on, you probably are going to get a ‘NO’ vote, so this is what I was trying to say to you in the beginning. And that’s why I was explaining to the Pastor, that in case I voted against him, it was a love vote, so I’m explaining this to you. This is kind of like a gift to you, and this is kind of like saying now, you’re open, make sure that you take care of these problems, because if you don’t take care of these problems, you see you’ve got people that live in that area that’s going to be suffering. So we don’t want to put them at a disadvantage, and we don’t want to put you at a disadvantage. So, the best compromise is to say that if you do it, you run on your record, if you really mean what you say, then you don’t have no problem with this. So, if you’re going to get security on high peak hours and if you’re going to make sure that you keep around your property clean and that kind of stuff, it’s kind of a safeguard for all of us instead of us saying to you, NO, we’re going to turn you down.

Mr. Downer: I certainly appreciate that, and when you said he was explaining, I wanted to make sure that I did understand what procedure we were putting in place. And it was a question, it wasn’t an argument sir, and if it sounded that way, I didn’t mean it to.

Councilman Shyne: You didn’t. Sometimes I’m a little hard of hearing.

Mr. Downer: I will get with Mr. Kirkland and make sure I have whatever procedures for reapplying down pat. Thank you sir.

Councilman Wooley: Thank you Mr. Chairman, and the reason I joined Mr. Lester on this, especially with the substitute or amendment I should say, I was concerned even the last hearing about the level of management. Nothing personal. But when you hear about people selling shoes out of the back of U-Hauls on a gas station/convenience store lot, it makes you question what exactly going on and whose overseeing the operation. That was my concern, obviously in an area of some crime activity, granted it could happen anywhere, but we didn’t get calls about other gas stations, we got calls about this gas station. I think it’s important to note that and I think it definitely concerns the Pastor, and for the residents of the area that are concerned about what goes on there. So, I think this is a great compromise and I think positive results will come from it.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Chairman, just one other statement. I would just like to say I think that you have one of the best managers that you could find anywhere. Ms. Williams there has an impeccable record of making sure that things operate the way they need to operate. Now you know we’re all human, and if it’s you or I, whoever it is, some things slip by us, but Ms. Williams, I want you to know that I have the utmost of respect and the utmost of trust in you. And this is probably one of the reasons, it could be one of the major reasons the owner and to the attorney that I’m voting the way that I am and I kind of suggest it because this is in Monty’s district and I didn’t want to come up with it, but it’s because of the kind of management that you have there, Ms. Williams is a super lady. And it’s not because you were in school with the Mayor either, but it’s just because you are a super individual Ms. Williams, and I have the utmost of trust in you, and of course if you don’t mind, it’s really not my district, but it kind of borders my district on the other side, and on the other side, it’s Joyce’s too. So, we will be coming by from time to time, and maybe buying a stick of candy or something.

Ms. Williams: I just want to let you know, the owners have given me the opportunity to let the students at the Job Corps Center to come in because of different (inaudible) so we don’t have to worry about those things, so he has given me that opportunity.

Councilman Wooley: That’s excellent, excellent.

Councilman Shyne: That’s supper.

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

9. 2008 Budget Appropriation Ordinances (Introduced and Tabled on October 9, 2007) (To be adopted by December 11, 2007)

160 Adopting the 2008 Capital Improvements Budget, appropriating the funds authorized therein, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

161 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Riverfront Development Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

162 Adopting the 2008 General Fund Budget, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

163 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Community Development Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

164 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Water and Sewerage Enterprise Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

165 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Airports Enterprise Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

166 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Golf Enterprise Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

167 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Information Technology Internal Service Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

168 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Metropolitan Planning Commission Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

169 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Fleet Services Internal Service Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

170 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Retained Risk Internal Service Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

171 Adopting the 2008 Debt Service Fund Budget, appropriating the funds herein, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

172 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Police Grants Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

173 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Environmental Grants Special Revenue Fund, appropriating the funds authorized therein, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

174 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Convention Center Hotel Enterprise Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

175 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Downtown Entertainment Economic Development District Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

176 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

177 Adopting the 2008 Budget for the Shreveport Redevelopment Agency Special Revenue Fund, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

178 Adopting the 2008 Budget Funding Contractual Services provided to SPORTRAN by Metro Management Associates, Inc., and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, I believe we move now to New Business. I’m not aware of anything else that needs to be acted on under that section.

NEW BUSINESS:

The Clerk read the following:

MPC APPROVAL:

C-59-07: Property located on southwest corner of Fairfield and Jacobs. (B/Walford) - MPC Approval – No Ordinance Required

Mr. Thompson: Charles, I believe we can vote on that today, is that correct? That was not an appeal, that just has to come to the Council for approval.

Mr. Kirkland: That’s one of the more unusual (inaudible) you and I, I think were on the Planning Commission when that happened. This actually is considered a penal institution. Even though it’s really not functioning as that, these women are under still court order, they’re still under the penal system, and are subject to - - - they don’t have the liberty for example to chose not to go back there at night. It’s a work release program, and we need these type programs. We had no real objection at the Planning Commission level, we had to work out some parking issues. As you know this area is the one that parking was under a lot of older properties, it was not under some of the new codes and requirements for parking. We worked those out, and we would try to recommend your approval (inaudible). Sir?

Councilman Walford: Let me interrupt you just one minute. I will make a motion to approve, and if I could get a second, we kinda just jumped into the discussion.

Motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Shyne to approve.

Councilman Walford: Go ahead Mr. Kirkland.

Mr. Kirkland: Anyway, MPC approval is required for this type of facility, and also the ordinance required that the Council act on it as well. And I’m sure that was because of the highly sensitive nature of imprisonment type facilities. These can have a high level of concern from local businesses and residents and others, but it’s really - - - if you’re familiar at all with the facility over on Austin, it’s a federal facility, one of the older homes there that was remolded, that was turned into a sort of holding - - - it really works great for work release, and we saw no problems, and again would recommend your approval as a needed facility.

Councilman Webb: Mr. Kirkland, was there a public hearing on this matter at the MPC?

Mr. Kirkland: Yes sir, there was.

Councilman Webb: And was there any - - -

Mr. Kirkland: The area businesses - - - you know where the State Office Building is, and then the Harrison Paint, and the Shreveport Federal Credit Union is right down the street on Jacobs. And it’s the old CNB building that’s been there for a long time. But no objections. We got a few calls, and those calls were about what we were already dealing with which was the lack of parking, but once we took some of that old building out of the non-conforming status, that’s a little on the technical side, we were able to get it in a manageable position.

Councilman Webb: That was my only concern. I wanted to make sure that they have plenty of opportunity to address it.

Mr. Kirkland: The people had the right to speak to it.

Councilman Walford: Charles, I do have one question before you sit down. The only complaints I got and I called your office and addressed them with Roy, is when they were lining up cars parked on the sidewalk. That’s been addressed and dealt with.

Mr. Kirkland: It has. As you know, Monty, you’re more familiar with that district. The old (inaudible) story building was basically a non-conforming and didn’t have to meet any parking requirement, but with the right (inaudible) a legal way to deal with that, and Ms. Scott agrees with us as well, thank goodness. We’re able to deal with the parking issues, and can now enforce required parking.

Councilman Walford: Does the applicant understand that parking on the sidewalk is not - - -

Mr. Kirkland: They understand at the time of the approval that we would make certain that they continue to understand it if that’s a problem.

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

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, I believe the next item is the ABO Appeal that was continued until today.

PROPERTY STANDARDS APPEALS:

PSD0700243: 129 Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA (B/Walford); Mr. Raul Perez, Jr. 226 Cattail Trail, Benton, LA 71006

ABO APPEAL

Mr. Henry B. Jones, 3204 Stafford, Bossier City, LA;

Mr. Thompson: I was directed by the Council to write a letter to Ruby Tuesday, which I did, and we faxed them and I also talked to the manager. And in the letter it said if Ruby Tuesday is willing to continue to employ Mr. Jones, please provide the City Council with a written statement to that effect and fax it to me today before 3:00 p.m. And I got a statement on Ruby Tuesday’s letterhead from the manager. The person I spoke to which says “Ruby Tuesday is willing to continue to employ Henry Jones at this location.”

Motion by Councilman Shyne, seconded by Councilman Wooley to approve a Site Specific (to Ruby Tuesday) ABO Card. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Long Wooley, Shyne, Webb and Bowman. 6. Nays: Councilman Walford. 1.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Thompson, I like this next item.

Mr. Thompson: I believe we’re down to the Election of Council Officers.

Councilman Wooley: Is the passing of the torch, or the gavel?

Election of Council Officers

Chairman of the Council

Motion by Councilman Bowman, seconded by Councilman Webb to nominate Councilman Shyne for Chairman.

Councilman Walford: At this time, I’m going to have to ask you to abstain from voting so that you won’t violate state ethics law. You will be voting yourself a huge pay raise.

Councilman Shyne: With a new governor in, and a new mayor, I will make sure that I will not violate any - - -

Councilman Walford: Any discussion?

Councilwoman Bowman: Yeah, I do have one discussion. If he promises - - - I’m going to leave that alone.

Councilman Lester: Yeah, leave that alone.

Councilwoman Bowman: Going to be a rough go.

Councilman Walford: Do we want him to leave the room, or are we going to vote with him hear.

Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Long to close the nominations for Chairman.

Councilman Walford: So the nominations are closed and we are now voting again. I would ask you to - - -

Councilman Lester: Would he just be accepted by acclamation?

Councilman Walford: Julie do we need a vote?

Ms. Glass: I don’t think any vote has been taken yet. So I mean there was no vote on closing the nominations, so one way or the other - - -

Councilman Walford: We need a vote. Alright, so we’re voting to close the nominations.

Motion to close the nominations approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb and Bowman. 6. Nays: None. Abstained: Councilman Shyne. 1.

Motion to elect Mr. Shyne Chairman of the Council approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb and Bowman. 6. Nays: None. Abstained: Councilman Shyne. 1.

Vice Chairman of the Council

Motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Bowman to nominate Mr. Webb, for Vice-Chairman of the Council.

Motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Long to close the nomination. Motion to close the nominations for Vice-Chairman approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, and Bowman. 6. Nays: None. Abstained: Councilman Webb. 1.

Motion to elect Mr. Webb as Vice-Chairman approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Shyne, and Bowman. 6. Nays: None. Abstained: Councilman Webb. 1.

Councilman Wooley: Can we hear some victory speeches?

Councilman Walford: Are you? Never mind.

Councilman Wooley: I retract that.

Councilman Long: Effective next meeting right?

Councilman Walford: Do we pass the gavel, or is that effective next meeting?

Mr. Thompson: Next meeting.

Councilman Shyne: Question Mr. Chairman. I think Bryan has a point. Thank you all for your vote.

Councilman Walford: That’s the shortest he’s done.

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES:

Councilwoman Bowman: We did have the meeting on the 20^th in reference to Kokopelli’s and is the Chief still here? During that meeting, the only Council Member, I think was Councilman Long that attended and several department heads and of course the Chief, and other members that served with us on the Public Safety Committee, but if you’d like to give us an update maybe on your 58 Point Plan because that’s where he first announced his plan in our Public Safety Meeting.

Chief Whitehorn: Yes ma’am, thank you Councilman Bowman. Tomorrow morning at 8:30, we have a meeting planned with Ed Jones from the City Attorney’s office to discuss our approach to the 58 Point Plan that was developed as a best practices by nightclub - - - The New York Nightlife Association in conjunction with NYPD. That has been somewhat of a success for them. We’re looking at some of the laws that’s appropriate in New York that may not be appropriate here in Shreveport. So, we’re going to be meeting with the City Attorney’s office because they require certain types of training for the security officers that’s required by law in New York. Here a nightclub can take someone like myself with no experience, and put a shirt on and say you are now security. Or they can do other sorts of things that’s not really required by law. So we have to make sure that the practices that we put in place here are in line with our current ordinances and statutes. And that meeting will take place at 8:30 in the morning. After that we have a meeting planned with the nightclub owners, and managers to seek input from them on the plan that we established. It may be 58 points, it may be 50 points, but we want to make sure that we incorporate as many of these best practices into that pamphlet or agreement as we can. And then from there, we will probably approach the Council with recommendations for Chapter 10 amendments to make sure that these laws or something that has some teeth in it, something that we can enforce, and also meet with the Metropolitan Planning Commission to make sure that any zoning regulations that need to be adopted with these best practices are also included. One thing that we talked about this morning with the Mayor present at one of our Staff Meetings, we talked about some of the zoning for nightclubs that stay open past 2:00 a.m. - - - the clubs that’s not open that long may not be required to include some of those requirements in their particular license.

Councilwoman Bowman: Thank you Chief.

Councilman Lester: Chief, what time is that meeting with the nightclub owners tomorrow?

Chief Whitehorn: No. tomorrow we’re meeting with the City Attorney’s office to discuss what we will present to the nightclub owners.

Councilman Lester: Okay, I gotcha. That meeting with the club owners hasn’t been set yet?

Chief Whitehorn: No sir.

Councilwoman Bowman: Now Councilman Walford, I do recall at that other meeting, we thought that Mr. Chad was going to be attending the public safety meeting.

Councilman Walford: He usually attends the Wednesday morning meetings. You must have scared him away. I can’t answer why he wasn’t there.

Councilman Wooley: I just want to ask Councilwoman Bowman, you said that the manager of Kokopelli’s was not at that meeting?

Councilwoman Bowman: He did not show up. And he stood right here where the Chief is standing with his attorney the last meeting that we had, and if I recall, when Councilman Walford mentioned that the meeting would be held in that location, and where it was, you know we thought that all the parties would be there, those that are involved.

Councilman Wooley: Did he try to contact you, did he try to communicate why he didn’t make it?

Councilwoman Bowman: No, and I haven’t talked to him.

Councilman Wooley: Just one more question. Mr. Mayor, I know we had the gentleman from Kokopelli’s here, obviously you expressed your concern about his operational style. I know you said you were - - - in the days to come, you were going to send some type of communication to him. I was just curious if you’d sent anything at this point, and if you had, have you received a response from him.

Mayor Glover: Now, we have not yet set that meeting. Part of what we’re doing right now is in line with what the Chief has just suggested, and that is looking at the idea that he’s come forward with, implementing the 58 Point Plan, and how it is that we may propose that as something to address specifically the issues that we’re facing right now within the B-4 District. I’ve had some individual meetings with some other property owners, club operators and restaurant operators within the downtown B-4 District, but have not yet had any kind of direct meeting with Mr. (inaudible) other than our little exchange at the last Work Session.

Councilman Wooley: Right, I was just - - - you know, I always like to give people the benefit of the doubt. I’m sad to hear that he didn’t show up for the meeting, and eve more sadden to hear that he didn’t communicate why he was not there. So, I would hate to think it was a lack of regard and concern to our city government and our concerns for his establishment. I do appreciate it Mr. Mayor, thank you.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I’d just like to commend you for expressing yourself in a very compassionate and a very forceful manner.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Lester: Question. The Wednesday morning meeting Shelly, that still takes place tomorrow at 8:30? Okay, same (inaudible) time, same place?

Councilman Walford: Expo Hall Conference Room Shelly? Yes sir.

Councilwoman Bowman: That place was very dismal. Outdated.

Councilman Shyne: Now look, will you let us know when the overall meeting is set up? So we can all be a part of it?

Mayor Glover: Certainly. Absolutely. And Mr. Chairman, as Chief Whitehorn shared with you, part of the thinking that evolved out of this morning’s meeting with Chief Whitehorn and his staff was that because the current B-4 Zoning area provides the benefit that others outside of it don’t have, that too much is given I guess. Much should be required, my Bible teaches me, and so that’s kinda of the thinking behind where I think the Chief and the Administration may be trying to move toward, and we definitely look forward to having the Council be a part of that process. Because ultimately anything that we would end attempting to put into ordinance would have to come back to you all with changes to Chapter 10 as well as to possibly the Zoning Ordinances as well.

CLERK’S REPORT:

Letters of Appeal:

The Deputy Clerk read the following:

SC-88-07: Property located on the north end of Danny R. Wimberley Drive, north of Greenwood Road, east of Pines Road (Westwood Neighborhood) (G/Bowman) Subdivision Request – No Ordinance Required.

C-93-07: Property located on the north side of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, west of Linwood. (D/Wooley)

BAC-111-07: Property located on the southwest corner of Midway Street and Rightway. (F/Shyne)

Councilman Lester: Does that mean that these three issues are going to be on the agenda to be considered?

Ms. Johnson: At the next meeting.

Councilman Lester: We got to make sure we got to bring a lunch.

Ms. Pilkinton: That’s budget also.

Councilman Shyne: If I could ask Charles to come up for a minute or two and kinda get the gist of the one on Midway.

Mr. Kirkland: Let me turn to that one real quick.

Councilman Shyne: Cause Joyce I think that one might join - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: No Joe, you take every bit of that.

Mr. Kirkland: I’m sorry Mr. Shyne, I should have been faster. This is that Midway Food Mart, Joe, which I’m sure you’re familiar with. It’s a convenience store with packaged beer. The Board voted to deny it, and they appealed it to you or the Council for approval.

Councilman Shyne: I have a tendency to go along with the Board. So, the Board denied it?

Mr. Kirkland: The Board denied it. It was 6-0. But it was unanimous for the ones that were there. We were missing one Board Member.

Councilman Shyne: That sounds like a pretty strong no then.

Mr. Kirkland: Yeah. Well, there was some neighborhood oppositions again.

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

Councilman Walford: Before I adjourn, I believe the Mayor would like a minute on the record.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Chairman, and members of the Council. I just wanted to say before I go any further, this is the first time in my four years on the City Council and my first term and part of the second term that I served before being elected to the legislature that I can ever remember a City Council Meeting going forward, and there were no requests to address the Council in Public Comments. Some of you, other veterans may have had similar experiences, but I don’t know if that speaks to the great job that you guys are doing, that everything that needs to be addressed and taken care of is already being done, so we don’t end up hearing from our citizens, but certainly this is a first. I can remember back in my first term on the Council, there used to be a man who would come down Councilman Shyne, and talk to us about the need for Cross Lake to be dredged at the end of every Council Meeting. That was kind of how we knew the meeting was about to come to an end. In fact, we had one Council Member who served at that time, who had two young daughters, and that was the way the two daughters knew that the father was on his way home, because the fish man got up to speak. So, whatever you guys are doing that results in us not having a fish man, you guys just keep doing it. But on a serious and unfortunately somber note, I want to take a moment to ask Mr. Chairman and Members of the council that we extend a moment of silence in honor and recognition of an outstanding Mayor from Northwest Louisiana, who unfortunately passed away this past Friday, I did not even know that he was ill. But discovered that while I was away from the City and returned on Sunday, that in fact Mayor Dennis Freeman of Logansport was buried on yesterday. And so at this point Mr. Chairman, if you would, would you please engage in a moment of silence in honor of Mayor Dennis Freeman of Logansport. Thank you Mr. Chairman, Members of the Council. Want to also on a very positive note welcome anyone who might be somewhere in the City of Shreveport amongst the thousand plus visitors who will be joining us here over the next several days for the Cyber Symposium that’s taking place at the Shreveport Riverfront. Want to take this opportunity to welcome them to our wonderful city, to Northwest Louisiana. Hope they will enjoy the time that they will spend here in Shreveport and Bossier City, and throughout all of Northwest Louisiana. I would also like to encourage you as members of the Council, if your time and your schedule will allow to please come in and join at least a portion of what’s going on over there. We will be having a reception tomorrow evening down at ArtSpace with a good number of the attendees. I think the projected count at this point is well over a thousand. We’re expecting possibly even as many as 11-1300 before it’s all said and done. And myself along with CAO Tom Dark attended this morning’s educational session, and I must admit that it was slightly overwhelming in terms of the level of discussion, and the topics that were covered. But it certainly hopefully, the type of dialogue the types of presentations that we’ll be seeing a lot more of throughout Shreveport and Bossier City, and Northwest Louisiana in the coming years. I was very impressed with the wide range of companies that were represented at the symposium. They have an exhibit area that is just simply filled with a Who’s Who of defense contractors, software developers, and every particular endeavor that you can imagine, and I will also interestingly enough say that when you are in a competition, one of the best ways to be able to be successful is to go and meet that competition head on. I was amused to see that one of the exhibitors at the symposium is the Chamber of Commerce from the City of San Antonio, TX. San Antonio happens to represent one of the communities that is in competition for the permanent standing up of Cyber Command. And also there were several leaders from the San Antonio area. I think I may have mentioned to you all before while I was in Washington, D. C., for the Air Force Association who said to me that you guys have it now, but we’re going to have it when it’s all said and done. Which I said that we’re just simply going to continue to put our shoulder to the wheel, pray, and work hard, and expect that positive things are going to happen. So it’s going to be an interesting representation of the exact type of competition and challenge that we find ourselves in, and I certainly ask all of you who come across them to extend a warm and hearty welcome to our friends from all over the country, but especially the good folks from San Antonio. And lastly, I want to say to each of you congratulations. Today represents the first year of service on the Shreveport City Council. Obviously, my first year of service as Mayor of this city. If it were a mile race, then we would be right now, crossing the quarter mile point in that effort. It’s been a very rewarding experience. I want to commend you all I think as Council Member Walford just referenced for the way in which you all have conducted yourselves. These Council Meetings, the spirit of cooperation, seemingly always focused on trying to do that which is ultimately to the best interest of the people who sent us here, and that’s the people of Shreveport. So, thank you. It’s a privilege, and I’m looking for three more success filled years. And the last thing I’ll leave you with is Councilman Lester, from what’s before me, there’s always next year.

Councilman Wooley: Can we get a close up of that one?

Councilman Walford: Before we adjourn, Councilman Long had an item?

Councilman Long: Yeah, I had a comment. I think San Antonio’s here. They really want us to come down and spend tourist dollars in their city, that’s about the extent of it.

Mayor Glover: Well, I’m hoping I’ll be able to convince them to take a quick boat ride with me along Cross Bayou. So, we can show them how wonderful our natural waterway is and may be able to have them give us a few pointers in terms of how we go about developing the water front area we have here. But with regard to Cyber Command, we want them to know that we’re going to send them back home empty handed.

Councilman Long: Forget it.

Councilman Walford: And Mr. Mayor, I have the party barge that we can use for that Cross Bayou trip.

Councilman Lester: If we need to, I mean Cross Bayou, dumps up into some (inaudible) in Lakeside that we can just leave them. I mean, we won’t leave them, they’ll just have to find their way back.

Councilman Walford: And with that we are adjourned. Thank you very much.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:20 p.m.

____________________________________

//s// Chairman

____________________________________

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