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Council Proceedings of the City of Shreveport, Louisiana

January 8, 2008

The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana was called to order by Chairman Joe Shyne at 3:02 p.m., Tuesday, January 8, 2008, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Invocation was given by Councilman Wooley.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Walford.

Councilman Shyne: Before we get started, I want to congratulate the Mayor over there for losing some weight. Oh, that’s not - - - wait a minute. That’s not - - - Dale, I’m sorry. I didn’t know that was - - -.

Mr. Sibley: I was just trying to quietly sit here Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: I see that, I just happen to glance out the corner of my eyes.

Councilman Lester: A little too much celebration for the Tigers, that’s what happened.

Councilman Shyne: Say he lost his hair and some weight huh? Okay.

On Roll Call, the following members were Present: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman (Arrived at 3:10 p.m.). 7. Absent: None.

Councilman Shyne: I presume Ms. Bowman will be on shortly, Mr. Thompson?

Mr. Thompson: We haven’t heard from her today.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, well lets pray that nothing has happened to Mrs. Joyce Bowman. Mr. Mayor, Mr. Dark, do you all have any distinguished guests?

Mr. Dark: No sir, I don’t believe we do.

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Shyne, could we approve the minutes?

Councilman Shyne: I believe we can at this particular juncture.

Motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Long to approve the minutes of the Administrative Conference, Friday, December 21, 2008 and Council Meeting, Wednesday, December 26, 2008. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long, Wooley, Webb, and Shyne. 6. Nays: None. Out of the Chamber: Councilwoman Bowman. 1.

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

Councilman Shyne: Council Members, do any of the Council Members have any special guests? If not, I have a special guest. Mr. Rodney Scott. Mr. Scott would you please come forward and tell us a little bit about yourself, and I think Councilman Long is kinda waiting on you. Councilman Wooley, I think kinda smiled when he saw you come in. I tell you, you can just - - - Why don’t you just sit it right there and give each Council Member one, and then you can start talking. Just tell them to don’t eat it until they - - -

Councilman Walford: I don’t know if I’d leave that basket right in front of Mr. Shyne.

Councilman Shyne: Put it over here so Monty will feel comfortable with it. Mr. Scott tell us who you are and what you’re all about.

Mr. Rodney Scott: Okay, I’m Rodney Scott, and I’m from Ringgold, Louisiana. And what I do is I make gourmet Teacakes. Been working on a recipe for probably about seven years, and came up with a pretty good recipe, where I can make about 30-40 different kinds. And I started at home in the kitchen.

Councilman Shyne: Rodney, hold on just a minute. Liz, make sure you listen to this real good, because I’ve been told that you might be a pretty good teacake maker yourself.

Mr. Scott: And what happened was over the years, I’d been working on it for a while, and things kinda escalated. People from different states calling to get ‘em, and over the years, I had a lot of different offers. And one is that we are approved by WalMart to go into eleven stores. Of course they asked me if I could do from Shreveport to Florida. And of course, I said no. And just on yesterday, I had an offer from Mayor Smith in Arcadia to do a factory there. They want to do a factory. And right now, we have a factory in Ringgold that currently will employ about 25-30 people. And it’s just finished. This product is approved by the FDA. It is a real good product, and I guess you’ll see today. It’s FDA approved, it has $2,000,000 insurance policy. It’s well put together, and this is - - -

Councilman Shyne: You want to pass one to each one of the Council Members right now, and - - -

Mr. Scott: This we offer as a 12 pack, and we will do it over the internet. We will have shipping, and we will be able to hire people to market. We’ll need a large number of people. The building I have in Ringgold is 4600 square feet, but of course when WalMart made their offer, we wouldn’t be able to do it out of that building. Then also we have not only that, but what we have two in the pack, that will be able to go into vending machines, gas stations. They’ll be able to go pretty much anywhere with a three month shelf life. We can go anywhere in the United States. And it’s a product that’s never been on the market. And it’s pretty much new to the market, but everybody knows about it already. So, it’s a good product. And I think it would be good for Shreveport. Because I live here too.

Councilman Shyne: Rodney, I appreciate you coming down. And we spoke to Ms. Bonnie Moore just a few minutes ago, and Bonnie is going to give you her card. I’d like for you to call Bonnie. Dale, I hope you don’t eat too many of them, but I think Bonnie can kinda get you on the track that you need to go on. And Bonnie, whatever I can do to work with you all in order to assist you - - - because this is the kind of small business is the backbone of America. And instead of going to Arcadia, and I better not say that too loud, because my wife is from Arcadia, but - - -

Councilman Lester: Mr. Chairman, are these 12:00 midnight flavor in honor of you - - - ? Midnight flavor?

Councilman Shyne: Thank you. Thank you Cousin Lester. But we would like to work with you to make sure that we help you bring this factory to Shreveport. And I would offer my district as a good place that you could look and locate and I believe that we have a lot of good cooks out in District F. We have a lot of people you know who probably would have some understanding. Now, if you move over to - - - now where is Mike, if you go over in Michael Long’s District, they might hire a lot of cooking if you go over there, but if you come over in my area, Mike, I’m glad you made it back in. I was just offering my district to him for him to locate, because I told him we have a lot of good cooks in my area, and they might not find a lot of good cooks over in your area. So, I would like for you to get with Ms. Bonnie Moore. And I can tell you that I will work with you in order to bring that factory here to Shreveport.

Mr. Scott: Okay, and then one thing I would like to add would be when I started doing this product, it was not for sale. It was just out of doing it because someone promised to make some, and never would. And so many people started asking for them, I had to start figuring out a way to put it on the market. So, it was actually not a product that was for sale. Just kinda doing it out of - - - just trying to learn how to make ‘em.

Councilman Shyne: Well Rodney, I appreciate it and I will ask each one of the Council Members when they come back at the next Council Meeting, to let us know what they think about the product. Rodney, thank you very much. And if you get a chance - - - I don’t know how long we’ll be here, but if you get a chance just come around and shake each one of the Council Members hands. Thank you Rodney. Okay, do we have anymore special guests? If not, Mr. Holt, Property Standards.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Chairman, this is not for Mr. Holt, but in general on Property Standards, I had an occasion this morning to use the new program with a constituent on the phone, and I’ve got to tell you it was great to be able to tell them exactly where things stood.

Councilman Shyne: Councilman, that is beautiful. Wouldn’t you say so Mike. Okay, do we have any questions or concerns for Mr. Holt?

Councilman Long: Jim, I got your email about the corner house there at Preston and Youree. I appreciate it. Just keep on top of it.

Councilwoman Bowman: Yes, can you check 2533 W. College. I’ve had complaints in reference to Property Standards issues? And I’ll get with you on this other one.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Chairman, very quickly. Mr. Holt you might find interesting to know, I found out - - - on yesterday, I asked you about those four shotguns on Wienstock?

Mr. Holt: Yes sir.

Councilman Lester: I found out who owns.

Councilman Walford: I can tell by the smile, this is going to be good.

Councilman Lester: Very prominent family, and they’re still renting out shotgun houses.

Mr. Holt: Well that doesn’t surprise me.

Councilman Lester: No, but I just wanted to tell you that information. Terrence Green jumped right on top of that, so we’ve got a game plan.

Councilman Shyne: Jim, I just want to let you know that I appreciate you and the Chief the other day, the little situation we had on Doris Street. And is the Chief still in here? Chief, the people on that street really appreciate it, because that particular situation had gotten to the point where it was affecting the whole street, and until we can come up with some kind of solution, I wish you would inform your patrol officers to just keep a check on that, because like you say, those kind of people have a tendency to drift back if they think nobody is watching anymore. And I did tell the neighbors in that area that we would keep a look out on it, and they just wanted me to let you know that you’re doing a fine job, and I want to let you know that you’re doing a fine job. So, until we can come up with a permanent solution for that particular situation, just kind of have your patrol officers to keep a look on that. Jim, thank you hear? Okay.

Reports: Property Standards Report

Public Hearing: None.

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

Confirmations and/or Appointments

Councilman Shyne: I’d like to make three appointments to then Intergovernmental Committee between the City, Caddo Parish, and the School Board. And what I came up with, I’ll appoint the immediate past Chairman of the Council, which would be The Honorable Monty Walford. I thought for a minute or two Bryan, that we were going to lose him to what is it District 6?

Councilman Wooley: That’s correct.

Councilman Shyne: But I’m glad that he decided not to, because Shreveport would have lost a tremendous leader. Mr. Ronald Webb who is the current Vice Chairman, who does not have any aspirations at this particular point to run for a State Representative position and the current Chairman.

Councilman Lester: What is your aspiration Joe?

Councilman Shyne: To make sure I make it home safe everyday. When you reach my age Calvin, you - - -

Councilman Lester: Now you started, that wasn’t me. I’m eating my Teacake.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Thompson, do we need a motion at this particular point?

Mr. Thompson: The Chairman can make those appointments. I think that was just an announcement that you had done.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, so that was an announcement.

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman on yesterday, the Administration passed out and notified the Council that the Mayor has appointed Josephine Wade to the Library Board. I didn’t know whether anybody wanted suspend the rules to confirm her today, or just for us to put it on the agenda for the next time.

Councilman Shyne: What is the pleasure of the Council? Councilwoman Bowman?

Councilwoman Bowman: Yes, I move that we confirm Ms. Wade.

Councilman Lester: Second.

Councilman Shyne: Well the motion is to suspend the rules to add her to the agenda. And then we will come back and vote on it.

Motion by Councilman Bowman, seconded by Councilman Lester to suspend the rules and add the executive appointment of Ms. Wade to the agenda. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Shreve Memorial Library Board Ms. Josephine Wade

Motion by Councilman Bowman, seconded by Councilman Lester to confirm the executive appointment of Ms. Josephine Wade to the Shreve Memorial Library Board.

Councilman Walford: Are we voting on the Confirmation?

Councilman Shyne: Yes.

Councilwoman Bowman: Okay, the first one was to move to suspend the rules - - -

Councilman Shyne: And to add her to the agenda.

Councilman Walford: I just have a question is we’re voting on the confirmation or if I’m jumping the gun.

Councilman Shyne: No, we’re voting on the confirmation.

Councilman Walford: Okay, we don’t have a resume or anything?

Ms. Johnson: I have the resume Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Walford: Okay.

Mr. Thompson: We already carried the motion to suspend the rules?

Councilwoman Bowman: Right.

Councilman Shyne: And to add it to the agenda. Would you need time to read this Councilman Walford? If so, we can come back to this if it’s alright with the Council.

Councilman Walford: This is someone I don’t know, if I could have just about 30 seconds Mr. Chairman and try some speed reading. If I take my glasses off, I can read it now.

Councilman Shyne: You’re so nice Monty.

Councilman Walford: Okay, I just found what I wanted. I’m ready to vote. She is a Librarian. Makes it like Calvin said. “A no-brainer.”

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

Councilman Shyne: Okay, Ms. Wade has been confirmed.

Councilman Lester: An outstanding choice Mr. Chairman. If I say so myself, and I did.

Councilman Shyne: You did, and thank you Councilwoman Bowman. The two of you work so well together. I saw the question mark on Councilwoman Bowman’s face. Mr. Thompson, do we have any legislation to be added to the agenda?

Adding Legislation to the Agenda

The Clerk read the following:

1. Ordinance No. 2 of 2008: An Ordinance to authorize the refinancing of up to $9,000,000 in Utility System Indebtedness and to acquire the Biosolid Disposal Facility; approving the forms and authorizing the execution and delivery of the loan agreement, and other documents, required in connection therewith; and authorizing the Mayor and Director of Finance of the City to do all things necessary to effectuate this ordinance and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Walford to add Ordinance No. 2 of 2008 to the agenda. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Public Comments (Agenda Items to be Adopted)

Councilman Shyne: We have two for the end of the meeting. Since we only have two, would it be the pleasure of the Council that we would bring them up at this particular point to keep them from waiting.

Motion by Councilman Bowman, seconded by Councilman Wooley to allow public comments on matters that are not to be considered today. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Ms. Sheva Sims: (P. O. Box 193, Shreveport, LA) Council, this is Mr. Everett Harris. He’s the new Chief Administrative Officer at the Y.W.C.A. So, I wanted to make sure you put a name with a face. And any other questions or concerns relative to his position, he can simply answer them impeccably.

Councilman Shyne: Atty. Sims did I see where he had 20 years of Military experience?

Ms. Sims: Yes. His credentials are (inaudible).

Councilman Shyne: I should have joined the military then, maybe I wouldn’t have all this gray hair.

Councilman Walford: Well, it didn’t work for me.

Ms. Sims: But the mustache looks good. Ms. Martin and I have taken the liberty of taking on this tumultuous task of being placed in a position at the Y.W.C.A after a lot of things had previously occurred that I’m sure the Council is aware of to some extent in ’07 and ’06 prior to our involvement at the end of ’07. And we want to first of all thank the Council and the Mayor for placing the agenda of safety and equality of life important on the Council’s agenda for the citizens of the City. And in that vein, the Council has supported in the past the purpose of the “Y”, and the historical purpose of the “Y”, and the existence of the “Y” to be here to continue along that line for the safety and the quality of life of the citizenry at large of Shreveport/Bossier and the surrounding areas as it relates to the Y.W.C.A., because we cover several parishes. So, first of all we want to thank you all for placing safety and quality first on your agenda. In that vein, you all are I’m sure, aware of many of the problems that have transpired. There was a legal action that was filed at the end of ’07 that suspended all of the actions or the purported actions of the “Y”, so things could not be done legally until there was a resolution in the courts. So, if there is some concern why we didn’t present ourselves before you in ’07 is because we could not have because of the legal proceedings that was going on. So this is the earliest juncture we could have come before you. Five days ago, I was voted unanimously as the Board President to help to resolve this. Ms. Martin has spent countless hours working with, fight for the existence and continuing existence of the “Y”. We are in financial straits right now. The “Y” cannot exist for the purpose, the historical purpose without the City looking in its heart to assist us stay afloat with regard to the issues that occurred prior to our involvement. There were many things that may or may not have gone wrong before Ms. Martin’s and my involvement, and if there has been some dissension between various Council Members and previous persons on behalf of Ms. Martin and I, we would like to apologize for those actions or inactions that caused some dissension between Council Members and the “Y”. The purpose of the “Y” is to be a beacon of hope for people that are necessitous circumstances, that are victims. Many of us know a woman, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, aunt, child, grandchild, niece that has been a victim of rape, has been a victim of someone placing their hands on them inappropriately, thus giving rise to criminal actions been brought against the individual, the “Y” serves as a beacon of hope and a safe haven for these individuals. So, I’m asking the Council to assist us to stay afloat. Many of the grants that we have received have been suspended. Though some people may think that we have all these grants, and we can continue our existence with those prior grants. Those grants have been suspended because of the problems that existed before. Ms. Martin and I and Mr. Harris are working numerous hours to try to fix those problems. In the process of fixing those problems, we cannot operate. We’re asking for the city’s assistance for operation costs so we can do that. If we cannot stay afloat, it will shut down. So we are asking you to consider the itemizations I have here monthly expenses as well as the revenue that we continually have in the profit and loss that I can present at this time, so you all can actually see the numbers and what we need and are asking of the City, because this is an emergency situation, and we’re asking for emergency funds.

Councilman Shyne: Just give a copy of that to Sharon, and - - -

Ms. Sims: While I’m giving her this, I’m going to defer a portion of my time to Ms. Martin at this time.

Ms. Debbie Martin: Thank you. Of course, I know many of you have been involved in the City, I appreciate very much you letting us speak today. As she has stated, I have been involved in this just a very few months, and Lord knows it has been unbelievable what I have experienced. But in my heart, I know we’re doing the right thing. We’re trying to save the “Y”, and save the program. We’re not here asking you to bail us out of everything, it’s just so much going on. But we have to have the program in place to protect the women and children. I’m not sure how many are there today, but over the holidays, it was just so many. And we just have to have the help of the City. We are setting about, we’re looking for volunteers, we’ve had so many people to come forward to help us that wanted to straighten out the situation. We are going to be accountable. Those that have messed it up are going to be accountable, and we believe that we can fix this. But the issue at hand today is the fact that before we can move forward, we need to be able to operate to keep the program in place and let you know that we are diligent about making this work in any way that we can, but the resources have to be there for to be able to stay afloat, to be able to accomplish this.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, do we have any questions for the speakers from the “Y”?

Councilman Walford: Looking at your monthly expenses, you’re not servicing debt right now, you’re just paying interest?

Ms. Sims: That’s correct. Are you talking about the mortgage on the building?

Councilman Walford: Yeah. It doesn’t show any debt service, so it’s $70,200.

Ms. Martin: Right, this is no debt reduction Councilman Walford, strictly to keep us afloat.

Councilman Walford: Just strictly paying interest.

Ms. Martin: To get in there (inaudible) to keep that program going. And as you’re aware, Mr. Harris just joined us about three days ago. He accepted the position and went directly to the “Y” and started working as of last Thursday.

Councilman Long: This is your only revenue source I’m seeing right here?

Ms. Sims: Right. All of the grants that we had have been suspended because of what has occurred prior to this moment. So, we’re trying to fix those, and in the process of fixing those, and many of those we may fix, but it won’t happen overnight. So we need a window of time to fix them. If the city would be so kind as to let us some grant writers, that would help also. But for us to get other people and have to pay other people, that’s not even on here. There are numbers that we also need that are not on here as Mr. Walford had asked me earlier.

Councilman Long: How much time is it going to take for a grant situation to get to the point where cash is flowing again?

Ms. Sims: There is no way we can give you an exact time, but we’re thinking somewhere around 90 days. Or less of course, at the maximum of the long end, 90 days. But of course it could be fixed within that window.

Councilwoman Bowman: Atty. Sims, exactly how much are you requesting from the City?

Ms. Sims: If on the long end it takes approximately 90 days, we’re asking for these monies on a monthly basis.

Councilwoman Bowman: Okay, but this is what I don’t understand. Is it the total expense here? Or I have one sheet with total expense, I have another one that has - - - just has Allendale on it. And of course it shows the total revenue on the other one.

Ms. Sims: We’re asking somewhere approximately $200,000 to stay afloat, because this is an emergency situation. And we service so many parishes and those women and victims would be at a loss, trying to find somewhere else. And since it has been publicized so much in the media, in many instances are looking for sound bites, and it’s not for the protection of the women in trying to put this out. So since it’s out in the public, the safety of the women and children is first and is paramount. So once it’s out, sometimes the alleged persons who victimize the individuals are present, waiting for us to ship them somewhere, and then their safety is compromised. So, I’m keenly concerned about the safety once we try to, if we don’t exist, move these individuals somewhere else, because it’s been placed in the media so much.

Councilwoman Bowman: So this $70,000 is your expenses per month?

Ms. Sims: Yes. And that’s not the other indebtedness that we have. We have more than that. It was secured before Ms. Martin and I got there. That’s how - - - - we’re trying to fix these things.

Councilman Wooley: Thank you Mr. Chairman. The tail end of Councilwoman Bowman, your utility bill from November-December are $17,000? Gas and electric?

Ms. Sims: That’s in Allendale. Councilman Wooley, the Allendale Branch is a separate facility, not the one downtown, and they have separate costs.

Ms. Martin: But its funds that we pay and were remitted some of those back.

Councilman Webb: Yeah, I wanted to inquire about the salaries and wages. How many people are included on this?

Ms. Sims: I believe that’s a question that Mr. Harris may can answer.

Mr. Everett Harris: About 10-12 employees right now sir.

Ms. Sims: This is bare bones. I mean there are additional salaries that are not incorporated on this document. This is absolutely of what we’re asking the City Council for.

Councilman Lester: My questions are several. 1) Looking at the documents that you gave us, this one that says ‘Estimated Monthly Expenses’, that says a total expense of $70,200. This is strictly for - - - well, I’m not going to suppose what it is. Is this for all of the operations or is this strictly for the shelter, or is this a combination of what? I guess what I’m asking is - - - just like for instance, there is a breakout of on this sheet the profit and loss, and then it says ‘Allendale Total Expenses’, monthly expenses. Do you have something that you could give to us that speaks specifically to the shelter in terms of staff, specifically for the shelter. Just operations for the shelter specifically.

Ms. Sims: It’s all encompassed on there to the bare bone amount, and then of course we have threshold too. Threshold is separated $68,000 (inaudible).

Ms. Martin: What they were saying was the HUD grant that would take care of that is frozen at this time. But their recap on here Councilman Lester would be gasoline for the van to transport the victims back and forth. Utilities on a pro rata basis, but you have some of the employees that are overriding duties. I think that’s some of what we’re seeing here. Utilities obviously you can’t just segregate that to one area. The building, that would be the total amount. We do have food and supplies - - -

Councilman Lester: Okay, well we’re starting to talk the same language. So, this sheet that has total expenses, monthly expenses of $70,200 speaks to the actual building on Travis Street, downtown?

Ms. Martin: Right. Because for example for the double asterisk on the bottom where it says supplies and food for shelter, to the left, is probably the one that’s keyed in too directly for food for the shelter. The reason that we have that. But short of knowing how exactly how many people they are trying to do it on a basis like that would probably be a little difficult. And of course we have the threshold where we’re taking care of the families that are there. But again, you and I’ve had discussions about this as well as other Council Members. You know we walked into an absolute disaster situation. But our heart is in this to make this work to bring back credibility, but we’re asking not to be bailed out of this, we’re asking you to help us step in there, to be able to keep things in motion, and to do an analysis, figure out what we’re going to do to take care of the victims and move forward. Because I do believe after we clean this up, we will be able to move forward. We’re committed to that. Our heart is there to do this.

Councilman Lester: Well what I would like to see is something that’s specifically speaks to the operations of the shelter in terms of employees, the overhead that’s associated with the shelter. Certainly you cannot segregate your utilities, because it’s all in the same building, but I would like to see something that specifically speaks to the issue of the shelter. If these are the line items that are directly attributed to the shelter and the operation of the shelter from a salary standpoint, an employee standpoint and those things, so that we can kinda get a picture of what we’re dealing with.

Ms. Martin: I’m not sure that these are real far off.

Ms. Sims: They’re pretty much exact except for the other entity of (inaudible) that we have to have. The hospital management that goes out to the hospital for rape crisis, so all of them are essential. We don’t just focus on just the shelter as all encompassing. So this figure is (inaudible) to all of those individuals and the secretary.

Councilman Lester: What I’m saying is, I’m not doubting that. As I appreciate it, there are a number of duties and programs and things that happen at the “Y”. Certainly as you have expenses with the operation of the downtown facility, and you have operations of the Allendale facility. Okay? And just for the sake of argument, I think that the exigency that exist that we’ve heard from you speaks to not the overall program of the “Y”, it speaks to the shelter. And so that we can have a true apples to apples, oranges to oranges kind of scenario, I think it would be beneficial, and I’m just one person, I can’t speak for any other persons up here, but I would like to see something that speaks specifically to the shelter from an exigency standpoint. Because that might be something different than this. It might be the exact same thing. I don’t know, but I would like to see something that specifically says this is the bare minimum what we need to do on this, this, this and this. As it specifically related to the operation of the shelter. The other thing that I would like to see, you gave us a statement of estimated monthly revenue, and there is this one source. And you’ve indicated that there are some other grants that you had that were put on hold for a period of time, I would like to see a breakdown of those grants that - - - well the income that you had before. Before the restructure and the reorganization and clearly before your involvement, and show what the status of those items are so that we can get a true picture of you know - - -

Ms. Sims: The status or the amount?

Councilman Lester: The amount and the status.

Ms. Sims: The status is they are suspended, that’s why they’re on here.

Councilman Lester: Well no, no. I understand you’re saying the status, they’re suspended. But I don’t know if suspended is suspended indefinitely, I don’t know if suspended as is - - - you know, give us some performa information, I don’t know if we’re dealing with a situation where they’re saying 30 days – 90 days cause I don’t know what they have communicated to you.

Ms. Martin: You’re asking us if we were receiving them, what would that number?

Councilman Lester: Mm hmm. And what, if there is any hope of getting those again, are they simple scenarios where they said if you provide us these three things, then we will resume the payments of the grant or if they grants have been terminated, or if the grants had been suspended indefinitely, to kinda get an idea of where you are financially, and if in fact there was a budgetary shortfall again that predated your involvement with the organization, that’s something that I think we would like to know as well, so that we can kinda get a clear picture of what we’re getting into.

Ms. Martin: And that’s where we are, and that is where Mr. Harris is. Because we walked into the fact that these things had not been taken care of and handled, therefore we’re not able to get the money, not able to receive funding. Because they’re not completed, and until we are able to do that. And so the request today, if I can go back to the estimated monthly expenditures, the way that I read this, we do have some for example, the insurance expense and of course the utilities are not going to be accurate because you’d have to allocate footage to that. So that number is in here. But for the most part, these are actual numbers, because you have employees that are working two and three jobs, and their jobs overlap, and their duties overlap, and that’s I believe this is pretty much the shelter. This would be very, very close to being accurate. But we can (inaudible) a couple of those if you so desire.

Ms. Sims: And the line item that would actually be separate would be $67,000 which is attributed to Minden travel employee. Everything else other than $67,000 goes directly to Minden as attributed here for the shelter here primarily.

Councilman Lester: And the other question is does your budget request - - - does it speak mainly to the operation of the shelter, or does it also deal with occupancy expenses with Allendale?

Ms. Sims: I’m sorry, I didn’t hear.

Councilman Lester: Does your budgetary request speak strictly to the operations of your facility on Travis Street, or does your request also include a request to deal with your expenses in Allendale?

Ms. Sims: Well, we separated them both. Our request as much as we can possibly do to deal with both of them. That’s why we separated them for the Council can see the separateness of the numbers. And whatever we can salvage, that’s what we will salvage. But we can only do so much since we can’t meet payroll next week. We cannot meet payroll next week.

Councilman Shyne: Excuse me Councilman. I think what you’re saying is that it would be good if we could have both, but you would settle for one. Is that what you’re saying?

Ms. Sims: And that’s why we broke them up for Council’s edification.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, I believe we have our Budget Wizard who wants to ask a question.

Mr. Dark: I have a couple of questions. 1) The numbers you gave the Council today show expenses between Allendale and Travis are about $90,000 a month. $80-89,000.

Ms. Sims: Excuse me if I may interject. And the $19,000 is for November and December so that’s two months.

Mr. Dark: Okay, well lets split it. Let’s say $80,000 a month. You’ve got United Way of $13,000 a month. If you got all your grants, everything that’s suspended right now for operations and other things, would they make up the gap?

Ms. Sims: We wouldn’t be here.

Mr. Dark: What I’m saying is if you got your wish, and all the people who were giving the “Y” money, gave it again, does that make up the $60 something thousand difference a month.

Ms. Sims: We wouldn’t be here if everything was maintained.

Mr. Harris: The confusing part about this entire thing is the money was misappropriated, they were basically robbing Peter to pay Paul, the insurances were not being paid, the payroll tax was not being paid. But to stay afloat, they manufactured each allocation to insure that salaries were paid. The administrative portion is not a part of the grants. The administrative portion, that’s the $70,000 that you see. That is not factored into the grants. So, there is not general operating fund. All grants are specified for certain restricted allocations. You can’t mess with it. So, every month, to meet payroll and to meet the other expenses that are not within the actual expenses, goes into this. So we constantly find ourselves every month in debt. And this went on for about ten years, and that’s how we arrived at about $600,000 in debt.

Ms. Sims: And if I may, for legal purposes, he means allegedly misappropriated.

Mr. Dark: Let me talk about something that I know happened, which is the prior “Y” Board mortgaged the facility in Allendale for several hundred thousand dollars as I understand it.

Mr. Harris: It was a the Travis Street building.

Mr. Dark: Mortgaged the Travis Street building. And that money was gone through. So it’s gone. Do you have any idea? Well, I guess what I’m trying to - - -

Ms. Sims: For legal purposes, I don’t know if certain things we can get into in this forum. We don’t know where the monies are. I’ve only been here five days in this capacity. We’re trying to find those monies, and whomever needs to be held accountable for whatever that may have occurred, will be dealt with in the appropriate situation. Not here.

Mr. Dark: The other question I guess I have is where else are you going looking for money? If you’re clearly most not for profits have annual funds or at least have people who’ve been giving money or used to give money for whatever. If you’re as desperate as it certainly sounds you are, have you begun to reach out to those folks to see if they can help?

Ms. Sims: Yes, we’re preparing for a fundraiser right now, but that takes time and the issue is payroll next week. And nothing we will do for the most part will take care of payroll next week. But we’re in the process - - - I’ve only been here five days, but we’re in the process of knocking on and we will knock on every single door.

Mr. Dark: That’s all I have Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: Suggestion before I go to Councilman Walford. It might be a good thing, if you look at this from a month to month basis. You know, I mean I’m just throwing this out to the Council, and to the Administration. Maybe if not the full $200,000 in one whop as the old folks used to say. If we could just look at it from a month to month basis. I think Councilman Walford was next, and then we come to Councilman Long.

Councilman Walford: First of all I still I think Councilman Wooley approached this once, but I still don’t understand the utilities for Allendale.

Mr. Harris: The Allendale facility, because it has a heated pool, we have a utility bill that is due this month that’s $8900.

Councilman Walford: For one month?

Mr. Harris: For one month. Because it’s a heated pool, that’s gas bill.

Councilman Walford: Okay. My next question is have you ever given any thought to selling the Allendale facility?

Ms. Sims: Not at this juncture. We again, only been in this capacity five days. So, that’s not something that I have looked at, at this juncture, we’re trying to make it through next week. So that’s going to take more time to see what is feasible for the Allendale Branch. And whatever is feasible, what’s best for the women and victims, that’s what we are going to try to do. But we’re not taking anything off the table, but that is not the primary issue right now. When women and children may be on the streets tomorrow.

Councilman Long: It sounds like, and I know this is a problem y’all have been hearing. It is the situation where the prior management of this operation was not raising enough admin money to support the overhead of the admin in function. Granted you can go out and get a grant for a specific program, you administer that program, you might get a little admin money off it using not a lot, but generally speaking that money went straight to the program. So, in the meantime, you keep walking along and you’re levering assets and spending value, blah, blah, blah, and now you are where you are. Is the money you’re looking for from us, is this is loan? Or is this a gift that you’re looking for?

Ms. Sims: It’s to provide the service to maintain the existence of the historical purpose.

Councilman Long: I know, but is it - - - you want us to give you money with no demand or request to pay it back?

Ms. Sims: We would like the Council’s consideration for any emergency funds in any capacity, preferably the former as opposed to the latter.

Councilman Long: Does the program, and I know you’re about to address this.

Ms Sims: We do have some loans that we have to pay back.

Councilman Long: I understand that. Is the heated the pool, is that a requirement to keep your program alive and going?

Mr. Harris: The programs at the Allendale were allocated funds through that. The funds were not used, the programs were not used for over a year and a half, so the grants were suspended.

Councilman Long: I understand that, but my question to you is, are you still trying to heat the pool? (Inaudible)

Mr. Harris: It’s a SPAR Program, so we can’t stop it. They actually utilize it.

Councilman Long: Alright, Shelly’s coming up.

Mr. Dark: Cause we’ve been paying part of the utilities.

Councilman Lester: We’ve been paying half the utilities for almost a year. And as I appreciate it Mr. Chairman, we’ve paying our half to the “Y”.

Mr. Dark: Shelly please explain the whole relationship and how - - -

Ms. Ragle-Stone: If all of you remember, we entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement almost over a year ago. They send us a monthly statement which is one-half of all the utilities and service. Half the pest control, half the trash removal, half the electricity, half of the Water. As soon as we get that, we make a payment. We have been doing that all the long. Every time they send us a bill, we’re not behind. They in turn send us - - - we send them bills for repairs, cause what we agreed to was SPAR would take over maintaining the facility, and managing it and running it, except for some programs that they were being funded by the United Way for. Cause they had to continue to do those to get their United Way funding. SPAR went in and basically, if you remember, we had a small center at Allendale, no bigger than about this area right here, we couldn’t provide the kind of programming and services that that community wanted. But when we became partners, it was a win/win not for SPAR only, but for the community. And it hasn’t only been for the Allendale community, but a win/win for people from Southern Hills because they don’t have an indoor pool, people from Airport who have been coming to use that indoor heated pool. Otherwise you’ve got to be a member of a club, or a workout facility or something like that, so when you say is it essential?

Councilman Lester: Yes!

Ms. Ragle-Stone: SPAR says Amen, it is. And we’ve been paying our fair share. The other thing I want to say to you and these guys may not know this, but for over two and a half months, maybe longer than that, there has been a proposal sitting on the desk that says we will take over, we will take this burden off you because it’s become such an essential function of SPAR to have the Allendale “Y”. We will take over (inaudible), anymore. We have not had a response to that. That’s not their fault. You know these three people who came five days ago, a week ago, but I’m saying to you, we’ve offered a way to remedy some of their expenses. We don’t want to buy the building, we don’t change the name on the building, we just want to manage it, and pay the fees.

Councilman Long: Is that in your ’08 budget?

Ms. Ragle-Stone: Yes.

Councilman Lester: Yes, we cover our bases in Allendale.

Ms. Ragle-Stone: So, just so you know, the City has tried to offer a way to help them, at least the Allendale portion. But that doesn’t take their problem or their other issues away. But that would take that piece away.

Councilman Long: Well, my recommendation would be to go ahead and do that.

Ms. Ragle-Stone: But I think the Board has not - - - they have to - - -

Ms. Sims: That is too early for us to decide. I’m sure there are issues that Mr. Walford wants as it relates to that entity, that structure, that edifice as well as their concerns. So, whatever it is, we’re going to do what’s best. I don’t know if Mr. Walford’s suggestion is correct, or if her suggestion is correct. At this juncture, that is not the primary concern right now. And there are options, either one could be good. We don’t know right now. We haven’t been here long enough to make that determination.

Councilman Long: It could be a primary concern, if it saves you $10,000 a month right now. You’re operating overhead.

Councilman Shyne: Let me say this and then we’ll come to Councilman Lester. I think we really need to help - - - I almost said ‘these people’, but that would have been the wrong statement. You know, you grow up in an environment where you hear that a lot, and sometimes we’re products of our environment, Councilmen Lester and Long, if you understand what I’m saying. So, I’m not going to say these people, but I think we need to help the “Y”. I would suggest that we might need to do it on a monthly basis, kinda like my daddy used to do me. I would say, daddy, I need $50, and he would say take $20, and see what you can do with it. And if you need some more, you come back and we’ll look at giving you another $10, and another $10 until we get up to the $50 so we can make sure that the $50 is being used wisely. So, my suggestion to the Council, because I know you all are not in a position at this particular point to probably give us all the information that we would like to have. I mean, we could continue this for another hour, and I saw Bea over there raise her hand letting me know that the time was moving on, and we might need to move on. But I would suggest Mr. Thompson, if you and Mr. Dark would get together and see what is the best way to facilitate this, and when I get through, I’m going to ask the Council Members if they agree to that. If they agree to maybe on a month to month basis, because there is a lot of information that you all don’t really know right now. I mean being on the job for five days, you don’t even know your way to the restroom over at the “Y” yet. You know it would take you a little longer than that to find the shortcut to the restroom if you had to get there, and I would also like for you all to sit down with Shelly, and see - - - Shelly what would be a most feasible way to handle the situation there and is it Allendale?

Ms. Sims: I don’t know if Councilman Walford’s suggestion is not better than hers. I don’t know. It may be.

Councilman Shyne: Well, whether it’s better or whether it’s not better. I still want you all to sit down with Shelly. And if Shelly needs to call in Councilman Walford, Shelly, I think you know how to do that. You know how to pick up the phone and call him, and I think Councilman Walford knows how to get in contact with Shelly, but in the meantime, we’re not going to be able to settle this today, right now.

Councilwoman Bowman: Councilman Shyne, do you mind if I ask a question?

Councilman Shyne: Please.

Councilwoman Bowman: And I’m just going back to when the building was mortgaged. How long was that? They mortgaged the building last year?

Ms. Sims: Yes.

Councilwoman Bowman: Did your Board authorize?

Ms. Sims: This Board?

Councilwoman Bowman: No, no not this Board, the previous Board. Did the entire Board authorize the mortgaging of that building?

Ms. Martin: From what I understand Councilwoman Bowman, some of the members of that Board were parties to that, and some members say they did not agree to the mortgage. That’s all I know. That’s something else (inaudible).

Councilwoman Bowman: Okay, so was the majority of the Board in agreement with mortgaging the building?

Ms. Martin: I believe they were.

Councilwoman Bowman: Okay, and it was mortgaged for how much?

Ms. Martin: Either $250,000 or $275(thousand). I believe there were a couple of lines of credit that were paid off early in, and then the other $103,000 was used to pay several months of bills in the arrears. That were later located, but the money was gone within a week or two (inaudible) that is correct.

Councilwoman Bowman: Well when the Board voted to do this, did the Board also specify that this was to do the things that were done with the money? What did they authorize them to do with it when that happened.

Ms. Martin: I’ll answer this the best way that I can. Some of the minutes from those Board meetings are not available for us at this time. I’m not really sure, I can’t answer, and that’s what being looked into.

Councilman Shyne: Joyce, just one minute, let me just butt in, and I think the attorney said it. Make sure you be careful not, because this is a public forum and this goes out over the airways, and you don’t want to be getting a letter now from somebody’s lawyer whose going to be suing you for liable, because you made a statement that you cannot document. So, this is why I said again, this is why we might need to do this in a private setting, because I wouldn’t want you to get a suit coming up, I wouldn’t want Joyce, I wouldn’t want myself, I wouldn’t want anybody else, and I hope Calvin and Dale doesn’t mind me saying this, of course, you’re standing next to a lawyer. You know lawyers are glad to see you now, and they’ll be happy to do it, so I just wanted to put that in, so you and Joyce’s conversation will - - -

Ms. Martin: Well, Councilman I was a Board member after that occurred, so I do not know.

Councilwoman Bowman: And the majority of what I know, is public knowledge anyway. It’s been in the newspapers, it’s been on television, it’s been everywhere. So, I’m not repeating anymore that what I have already publicly read.

Ms. Sims: It’s just the answers. Excuse me the answers - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: Exactly, and that’s no problem.

Ms. Sims: (Inaudible) legal world, and I don’t want any - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: I understand that, but then also if I can’t sit here and ask questions and be afraid that somebody is going to come after me, for asking questions, then I don’t need to be here. My questions as a Council Member, I have a judiciary responsibility to the citizens of Shreveport. The money we’re speaking about is not my money, and it doesn’t personally belong to either one of us up here. And it’s not like this is Shreveport City Bank and Trust. So, I need to be sure about what I’m voting for or what the City is going to do. And you know Councilman if it’s a legal issue, then maybe we need to have the attorneys involved. You know the City Attorneys involved. But certainly I cannot sit here and look at taking $200,000 of taxpayers money, putting it into something that I can’t ask questions about, and has been mismanaged from the get go.

Councilman Shyne: And Joyce, we agree with you on that, but they have to be careful about implying any wrong doing, and would the City Attorney please come up? And I know we have an attorney up already, but you all have to be careful, because you all might not have the same legal protection that Joyce might have as a duly elected official. You want to comment on maybe how far this discussion needs to be?

Ms. Scott: Mr. Shyne, I think that considering your request that’s come before you, if there are questions or if there is information, that the Council that may better help it to respond to the request, then you may either want to ask the Administration if they will meet with representatives from the Board, and if you will pose those questions to them or again, that list of information that you need that will better help you to respond to the request, some of the information that you need may not be appropriate to be discussed in this public forum, may be better coming another way. But so that you can get the information though.

Councilman Shyne: Right. We want all the information to come out, but I’m a little leery about discussing it in a public forum like this. Kinda like I said in the beginning, I would suggest that because we’re not going to settle it at this particular meeting. We would have a meeting where any of the Council Members that we want to that would meet with you all, and ask you any questions then that maybe they want to, and if you all point the finger at somebody in here, I don’t want anything to do with that.

Ms. Scott: And I’m sorry, I was out of the Chamber a little earlier, but it may be that some of the questions that are being asked right now, these representatives don’t have the answers to.

Councilman Shyne: Right, that’s what I’m saying.

Ms. Scott: They need to get that information again, to make sure that they are bringing the Council and reliable information.

Councilman Shyne: Right. So, this is my position. You know I didn’t want to put anybody in an uncompromising position, if you understand what I’m saying. Because Art has accused me from time to time of practicing law, but I don’t really do that. But I’m going to ask Councilwoman Bowman ask y’all anymore questions, and if you feel like it’s not proper for you to answer it in this particular public forum, I would appreciate it if you tell here that you’ll do it when you’re not in a public forum.

Councilwoman Bowman: I’m not going to ask anymore questions. I yield my time to Councilman Lester.

Councilman Shyne: And let me say this. We’re gonna probably ask a couple of more questions, because we’ve been on this now for about 45 minutes, and I don’t think we’re going to really settle any - - - you know we’re going to really get anything settle right here. I would say that we would meet with Shelly and Art and Tom, and any of the Council Members that would like to meet with you all, and kinda do it when you wouldn’t necessarily be on record. Cause you know Shreveport Times always reports exactly what happens. So, you don’t have to worry about them sensationalizing anything, but you don’t know what other newspaper might be listening in. But I would suggest that maybe we would handle this from a month to month basis. And after Councilman Lester makes his comments, or ask his questions, then we’ll come back to that and then we’ll move on, because we’re not going to be able to settle this today.

Councilman Lester: Thank you Mr. Chairman. What I was going to also - - - a couple of things I wanted to just to put in the public discourse, just so we’re clear. I think and as the representative from Allendale, I can honestly say that our partnership with the “Y”, at the Allendale Branch “Y”, in terms of programming has been an unqualified success. What it has allowed us to do is a number of things. 1) We had a scenario where the “Y” spent some money to refurbish their pool, the heated pool. It allowed us to open up the use of the heated pool to citizens across the width and breadth of the city, not just the young people in Allendale. It also allowed us to move forward with some changes at the Lakeside Recreational Center on Milam Street. We had a pool that was inoperable. Rather than to have a pool that was an inordinate cost, just for the Council’s knowledge, the pool there at Milam Street was going to require a complete replacement. We had repaired it so many times it was just, it was to the point where it was leaking from the base, and it was going to be very much cost prohibitive for us to repair that. Working at the “Y”, we came to an agreement where we were able to program that particular facility, and still provide an aquatic athletic opportunity for children in the Allendale area and spread it out to children across the width and breadth of the city. That was a good thing. Allowed us to do the spray park over at Lakeside which is great. And just for the Council’s knowledge, we have taken to this partnership so well, we’ve taken a small facility that was on the corner of Abby and Allen Ave, given that to a church, that they are not programming some things in the neighborhood rather that spreading ourselves so thin, pull all our resources into the Allendale Branch are doing some really great things. Important fact, trying to get some resources to do even more things for the folks in the area. So, I think that part of it has been a success. One of the things that quite frankly has concerned me was the whole issue of the payments and the utilities, and what have you. I think the think that makes the most sense both from our perspective, from the City’s perspective as well as from the “Y’s” perspective is to enter into the agreement and just, you know let the facility become a SPAR facility, “Y” facility, it would always have the name, ‘The Y.W.C.A and SPAR’. The reason why that’s important, again, just not to gloss past history, but history is something that’s important for a lot of reasons. That Allendale Branch Y.W.C.A was one of the first times folks in the African-American Community banded together with people outside of the community to put together some recreational opportunities for children in Allendale and in minority neighborhoods. And it was a historic partnership back in the ‘70s that signaled some good things happening. So we don’t ever want to gloss past why that place is where it is. And so I think that we should really, and the “Y” should really look very seriously at working that part of the partnership. Because clearly it will save you somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000 per month. That’s the first thing. The other thing that I would like to see happen is as Councilman Shyne, our Chairman has so aptly put it, we’re not obviously going to solve this scenario today. But I do think what we need to do is the “Y” folks take heed to those things that we’ve requested in terms of grant information, in terms of grants that were given, grants that were suspended, prior grants, future grants and the whole financial outlook, and then set up a meeting with not only representatives from the Council, but representatives from the Administration, and just put everything on the table and find out what a true picture of what’s going on. Again, I can only speak for myself. I don’t think anybody wants to - - - we don’t want the “Y” to shut down. But at the same time as Councilwoman Bowman very aptly put it, we do have our fiduciary responsibility to not continue to perpetuate a bad situation. You know we don’t want to be labeled as enablers when you’ve got a situation that’s out of control when we’re already pressed for dollars. It’s hard for us to say, well this is more important that that. Because every dollar that the City has, and every dollar spends has a constituency. You know there are some people that say, ‘Well wait a minute, if you can spend that amount of money on the “Y”, saving the “Y”, why don’t you save my street over here, or why don’t you spend that money saving my behind by sending some police over to my house?’ So, before we decide to do whatever it is that we’re going to do, and I do think something should be done Mr. Chairman, I do think it would behoove the “Y” Administration to get a true picture of what your problem is, what specifically goes to the operations of the shelter. Because I don’t think anybody wants to see us in a scenario where those women that have had to seek shelter from abusive situations are turned out on the street. No one wants to see that. And I think even in your own commentary, you have said exigency of the situation is not so much the payroll, it is those folks, those women, those children, those families. And I think we understand that. But we want to make sure that if something is done, it speaks to that. Deal with the emergency situation first and then lets see if there is a game plan that can be worked out early. And I certainly will want to count myself Mr. Chairman, when you put that group together, I would like to be involved in that process.

Councilman Shyne: Hold up, hold up. Before you respond to that because we got two lawyers going, and I know how it is with a preacher’s son. You know we’re going to have this debate and this discussion going on all afternoon, and I see Mr. Luberda Myles out in the office looking at me, a former co-worker of mine. But let me suggest this at this particular point. Why don’t we put together a committee, and if it’s alright with the Council, I’d like for Arthur Thompson, Tom Dark, Joyce Bowman, Calvin Lester, Shelly Ragle, and Mr. Mayor, I’d like for the City Attorney to sit in on that particular meeting to make sure that everything is legal. Not that I’ve had any brushes with the law now, don’t be looking at me like that. Because I have not. But I do want to make sure that everything is legal. So, you know I would suggest if maybe you all are not in a big hurry, to just kinda wait until after the Council Meeting, and these persons can get together, and then you all can decide on whether you want to meet in the morning, or whether you want to meet tomorrow, or whatever. Because we’re not going to solve this at this particular juncture. And then Councilmen Long and Webb have been hunching me and they’ve been looking at their watches. And I understand how you feel. I understand how you feel

Councilman Webb: (Inaudible) that’s the truth.

Councilman Shyne: And so at this particular point, I’d like to bring this discussion to an end, and if you all could just wait around, because we’ve been at this juncture for almost an hour. And we’re not going to really settle anything, so I appreciate you all coming down, and I’m going to ask us to move back into the regular agenda, and if you all would just wait around.

Ms. Sims: Thank you so much for your time Mr. Chairman.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, Members of Council. I need to offer a few comments, especially Mr. Chairman, since you’ve included members of the Administration in the committee that you’ve suggested. I want you to know that the Administration is already engaging this particular situation. I’m not sure if you may not want to possible impanel a Council Committee if that’s your inclination, of Council Members and Council Staff. I have one meeting that’s already scheduled and getting with these ladies and schedule them as well for a meeting before this Thursday, if that accommodates their particular schedule. We share the concerns that have been expressed by the Council, obviously that’s been expressed by these ladies especially with regard to the shelter situation. And with regard to the situation at the Allendale “Y”. So, we’re in the process of engaging on these matters as well. So like I said, I’ve got one meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Rick will be communicating with these ladies to determine what their schedules will allow as well, but I would suggest based upon what I’ve heard you say that you may want to put together a group that includes Council and Council Staff, and allow what we’re already doing to go ahead and move forward. And then we’ll come back and put our heads together and see what we can collectively come up with since whatever it is that the Administration may propose ultimately would have to be approved and supported by the Council.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I appreciate that. Sometimes I’m able to do - - - I can read minds. This just happen to be one of those days when I couldn’t. And I look over there at you and I didn’t realize that all of this was going on with the Administration, nobody had said this, and this just happen to be on of my off days in mind reading. But I would suggest that Mr. Thompson and Members of the Council to look at this, because ultimately we are going to have to come back, because ultimately in order for this government to be effective, the Administration and the Council will have to work together, because ultimately if any funds are appropriated, I believe the Members of the Council are the ones that will have to do that, and that’s why I kinda wanted us to look at it together. But if the Administration has started already, well and good. And of course I would suggest that maybe you all want to kinda wait around for a minute or two, with Mr. Thompson, and Councilwoman Bowman and Councilman Lester, and other Council Members who would want to meet with you all, because the appropriation of funds will have to come from this illustrious body right here, and of course sometimes the Administration makes suggestions that we might not even want to go along with. Sometimes we might want to do things that the Administration might not want to go along with. So, ultimately in order for this problem to be solved and for us to be effective, we’re going to have to do it together as a team approach from looking at LSU on last night. They won the game, they won it because they had a team approach. So, in order for us to be effective and to become ‘The Next Great City of The South’, we’re going to have to have the Administration and the Council as a musician say, ‘on the same sheet music’. So we need to kinda be on the same

Ms. Sims: On the same page.

Councilman Shyne: Yeah on the same page of the sheet music. So I appreciate you all and lets move on.

Ms. Sims: And if I may briefly, Ms. Martin and I are available anytime. This is my first time hearing of this, and I appreciate it. So, I just want to let the Administration and the Council know that we’re available anytime. So anytime that is set, we’re ready.

Councilman Shyne: If you all would just wait around cause I know if I was looking for $70,000 or $20,000, I think I’d have 10-15 minutes that I could wait around on and I’d talk to Mr. Thompson and Councilwoman Bowman and Councilman Lester. That’s what I would do. Okay. Lets move on, Mr. Thompson to the Consent Agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA LEGISLATION

TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS: None

ORDINANCES: None.

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, we don’t have anything on the Consent Agenda.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, lets move on to the Regular Agenda Legislation Mr. Thompson.

REGULAR AGENDA LEGISLATION

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

The Clerk read the following:

1. Resolution No. 197 of 2007: Authorizing the use of certain equipment by Loyola College Prep and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (Not to be adopted prior to January 22, 2008)

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

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS: (Not to be adopted prior to January 22, 2008)

The Clerk read the following:

1. Resolution No. 1 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the waiver of all building permit fees for the construction of up to ten single family residences by Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Louisiana, Inc., and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (B/Walford)

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: (Not to be adopted prior to January 22, 2008)

The Clerk read the following:

1. Ordinance No. 1 of 2008: An ordinance amending and reenacting Section 26-211 of the Code of Ordinances relative to City Contracts, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

2. Ordinance No. 2 of 2008: An Ordinance to authorize the refinancing of up to $9,000,000 in Utility System Indebtedness and to acquire the Biosolid Disposal Facility; approving the forms and authorizing the execution and delivery of the loan agreement, and other documents, required in connection therewith; and authorizing the Mayor and Director of Finance of the City to do all things necessary to effectuate this ordinance and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Long to introduce Resolution No. 1 of 2008, and Ordinance No(s). 1 and 2 of 2008 to lay over until January 22, 2008 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Councilwoman Bowman: Mr. Chairman I know the Mayor wasn’t here earlier when we got started, but I see Ms. Myers and a group of distinguished women here. Do you think it’s - - - Mr. Mayor, do you mind?

Mayor Glover: Madam Council Member, I would welcome, if the direction I see you moving in potentially is a suspension of the rules that was a schedule requested for about 4:30. We’re about 4:25 at this point, so if that’s the direction you’re heading in, I would certainly welcome it.

Motion by Councilman Bowman, seconded by Councilman Wooley to suspend the rules to hear a presentation by The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, at your pleasure.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Shyne, Members of the Council. I want to thank you all for entertaining that motion to suspend the rules. I want to also offer a brief explanation, and apologize for my tardiness. But I have just flown in from Baton Rouge and boy are my arms tired, if I may borrow a pun. But in all seriousness - - -

Councilman Shyne: I thought I saw you last night. At the game.

Mayor Glover: No, no, no Mr. Shyne, you did not. I followed on this particular occasion, I’m starting to learn, I followed the lead of our Governor-Elect, and rather than use my position as Mayor to deprive one committed LSU fan from the opportunity to enjoy that game live and in person, I watched the game in fact last night sitting on my couch with my lovely wife. We sat there and watched it the same way Governor-Elect Jindal did. At home before home and hearth. And was glad to see the victory, but I in fact did leave early this morning to fly to Baton Rouge to be in attendance at a luncheon today where Governor Jindal was the guest speaker, and probably about two-thirds of the Legislature happened to be there as well. And had a chance to make some points on behalf of the City of Shreveport and so we look forward to welcoming the new Legislature and the new Governor as they take office on next Monday. But I know that we also scheduled for Mrs. Lueburda Myles and the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. to come and join with us today to make a presentation concerning one of their great efforts involving Reading is Fundamental I believe. And the volunteer work that they do all throughout Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana helping to instill an love and appreciation of reading in young people all across this city.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, before Ms. Myles makes her comments, I just want to remind you that Ms. Myles was working on the Cooper Road when you were a little boy running around barefoot.

Mayor Glover: As I understand it, you were a veteran teacher who welcomed her.

Councilman Shyne: Now I didn’t ask you for all of that. See Ms. Myles, I didn’t ask him for all of that.

Ms. Lueburda Myles: Thanks for the opportunity to share with you today. On behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Lambda Omega Chapter, we would like to make a special presentation to the Honorable Mayor Cedric B. Glover. This presentation is being done on behalf of Reading is Fundamental. Our Reading is Fundamental Project is located at West Shreveport Elementary School where all students are served, the Mayor has been a positive role model and he has visited with the children and served as one of the readers. And so, we wanted to make a public presentation to the Mayor for being a reading advocate. And that is what we need. The intent of Reading is Fundamental is to encourage the community to support children in reading and let children know that adults also read beyond their job assignments. And so at this time Mayor, - - -

Councilman Shyne: Wow, look at the smile on the Mayor’s face.

Ms. Myles: Now the pin is an open book, with a smiley face. It is the official pin of Reading is Fundamental, and it has the smiley face because reading brings smiles to children’s faces, and we hope that all of you at some point are reading to children and encouraging them to become good readers. As Alpha Kappa Alpha begins it centennial celebration today, founded in 1908 and our local chapter, Delta Lambda Omega is beginning its 61^st year, it is our goal and it has been the role of the sorority since it’s inception that we serve our fellow men, and in particular with emphasis for boys and girls and education is important and we’re trying to give that signal to the community, and we hope that all of you as leaders in the community and of course one of our readers is also a Council Lady there, and we’re inviting others of you to come by to let the children know that not only are you an elected official, but you’re a leader in the community, and we want them to look up to you for the role that you played. So again, thank you Mayor.

Mayor Glover: Thank you so much.

Ms. Myles: Beginning this centennial celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha with this pin.

Mayor Glover; Thank you so much Ms. Myles.

Ms. Myles: And these are the other ladies, would you all please stand, these are our volunteers.

Councilman Shyne: Would you stand and introduce them Ms. Myles.

Ms. Myles: We have with us our President, Sharon McCarty, and we have one of our newest members, (inaudible) Sawyer, we have Barbara Bennett, we have Faye Green, and this is one of our community volunteers, she was selected because she worked so well in helping us and this is Ms. Marcus. This is Joyce Patton, this is Bobbie Kendrick, also Joe Shyne’s co-worker. And this is Sandra (inaudible). Thank you for the opportunity to make this presentation to our Mayor, and Mayor we look forward to your continuing as an advocate for reading for boys and girls in the City of Shreveport.

Mayor Glover: I just want to say Ms. Myles, Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., and Members of the Council and all those are here gathered as well as those home listening. I am honored, I am humbled, and I just simply have followed the lead of some wonderful women. You all asked me to be a part of it. You know I have a love of reading, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to go out there to West Shreveport, as well as other students across the city and share with them my love of reading and to encourage them to become actively engaged readers, and so I want to let you all know that as Mayor, I will continue to support you in your efforts and I look forward to having the chance to return back to West Shreveport which I know is dear to the heart of Councilman Lester there, because his lovely wife is on the faculty there - - -

Councilman Lester: And a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, so I must say Happy Birthday so I can go home.

Mayor Glover: So, it’s all one big lovely circle.

Councilman Lester: There you go.

Mayor Glover: Absolutely. So thank you so all much.

Ms. Myles: Mr. Mayor, pardon me. On behalf of West Shreveport Elementary School, the Principal, the Counselor, and the Coordinator were scheduled to be here today, but because we had a change from 3:00 to 4:30, they weren’t able to come due to other obligations and meetings. So, thank you.

Councilman Shyne: And Mr. Mayor, before you take your seat, I just want to let you know that you are very fortunate and very lucky to have been honored by so many, so many outstanding ladies in this community. I don’t know how you do that. You seem to have a knack of doing that, I think I’m going to have to call your wife and your mother and see what it is.

Mayor Glover: Well, Mr. Shyne, I will say if I were a little lighter (inaudible)you would see me blushing right now. As such, you have to put your hand to my forehead in order to feel the flush. I am humbled and I am honored, and you did mention we do have another member that you were able to welcome when they arrived on campus at Green Oaks High School, I know that you were a couple of decades on that ride when they showed up as young teachers was Mrs. Kendricks, and I would be remiss if I did not mention going back home as well, Mrs. Barbara Mason Bennett, who I still tell the story I used to stand on the corner of the bus stop and watch her as she would catch the bus going to Green Oaks, and I was walking to Northside. Absolutely. But I told her she would only get one chance to break my heart. But thank you, appreciate it, we look forward to great work with you all into the future. God bless you.

Councilman Shyne: Joyce you see what you got us into, huh?

Councilwoman Bowman: Hello. Ms. Thomas came in late too! Hi Margaret.

Councilman Shyne: Margaret it’s good to have you down here. Okay. Ms. Bennett, be careful when you hug him on the way out now.

Councilman Long: Mr. Chairman, while we’re on the topic of ladies, I wanted to wish Councilman Bowman an early birthday, because her birthday is Saturday.

Councilwoman Bowman: How’d you know that?

Councilman Webb: 39 right?

Councilwoman Bowman: And holding.

Mayor Glover: Happy Birthday.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Thompson, we’re back in your hands.

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

Mr. Thompson: We’re back at 191, and the Administration asked that it be postponed.

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. (Postponed December 26, 2007 until January 8, 2008)

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

2. 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. (Postponed December 26, 2007 until January 8, 2008)

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 Webb . The Clerk read the following:

Amendment No.1 to Ordinance No. 198 of 2007

Relative to Qualifications Of Applicants For Alcoholic Beverage Permits

In Section 10-44(a)(8)(c), delete the words “two years” and substitute the words “thirty-six months”.

Motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Webb to adopt Amendment No. 1 to Ordinance No. 198 of 2007.

Councilman Lester: I’m in favor of it, but I just wanted ask a quick question. Is there - - - from 2 years to 36 months. Was there a reason why you went longer or what?

Councilman Walford: That came from my meetings with Cpl Collins and Chief Whitehorn, and we agreed that 36 months would give them ample time to do - - - not time to criminal background checks, but people would be residents of Louisiana long enough to establish residency.

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

Motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Webbto adopt Ordinance No. 198 of 2007 as amended. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

3. Ordinance No. 210 of 2007: An ordinance creating and establishing the intersection of Jessica Drive and Oakridge Drive as a yield intersection, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley) (Not to be adopted prior to January 22, 2009)

4. Ordinance No. 211 of 2007: ZONING – C-94-07: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by rezoning property located on the southeast corner of Dalton and Sentell Streets, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District, to B-2-E Neighborhood Business/Extended Use District, LIMITED TO “A DOG KENNEL WITH APPROVAL FOR A RESIDENCE”, only, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley) (Not to be adopted prior to January 22, 2009)

Having passed first reading on December 26, 2007 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Bowman to postpone Ordinance No(s) 210 and 211 of 2007. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

The adopted ordinance and amendment follow:

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.

By: Councilman Walford

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened that Section 10-44 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport is hereby amended and reenacted by adding Subsection 10-44(a)(8)(c) to read as follows:

Sec. 10-44. Qualifications of applicant.

(a) Applicants for alcoholic beverage permits of all kinds shall meet the following qualifications and conditions:

* * *

(8)   Is not the spouse of a person whose application has been denied or whose permit has been revoked or is otherwise ineligible for a permit as required by this section unless judicially separated or divorced, provided that in such cases:

* * *

c. The spouse of the applicant is not required to be a citizen of the United States, as long as he or she has been a legal resident of the state of Louisiana continuously for a period of not less than two years preceding the date of the filing of the application.

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.

Amendment No.1 to Ordinance No. 198 of 2007

Relative to Qualifications Of Applicants For Alcoholic Beverage Permits

In Section 10-44(a)(8)(c), delete the words “two years” and substitute the words “thirty-six months”.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, under Unfinished Business, we have one item, it’s a Zoning Board of Appeals matter BAC-108-07.

1. 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)

2. 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)

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

4. 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)

5. 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 January 7, 2007 until January 18, 2008)

HBO0700076: - 1601 Martin Luther King Dr., Shreveport, LA (A/Lester) Mr. Freddie Thomas, 1525 Martin Luther King Dr., Shreveport, LA (A/Lester) (Postponed December 10, 2007 until January 18, 2008)

HBO0700137 – 1919 Walnut Street, Shreveport, LA (A/Lester); Ms. Ethel J. Reed, 4745 McDaniel Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109 (F/Shyne) (Postponed December 21, 2007 until January 18, 2008)

PSD0700065 - 2513 Dupont Street, Shreveport, LA (B/Walford); Mr. David Bates, 2509 Dupont Street, Shreveport, La 71103 (B/Walford) (Postponed December 21, 2007 February 11, 2008)

PSD0700058 - 557 Egan Street, Shreveport , LA (B/Walford) David Szwak, 509 Market Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 (Postponed January 7, 2007 until January 18, 2008)

PSD0700243: 129 Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA (B/Walford); Mr. Raul Perez, Jr. 226 Cattail Trail, Benton, LA 71006 (Postponed December 10, 2007 until February 11, 2008)

PSD0700241: - 1512 Easy Street, Shreveport, LA (B/Walford) Mr. Marcus Grant, 524 Lomax Street, Shreveport, LA 71104 (B/Walford) (Postponed December 10, 2007 until February 11, 2008)

6. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS:

BAC-108-07: Property located within Springlake Mall (C/Long) (Postponed December 26, 2007 until January 8, 2008)

Councilman Long: I’d like to postpone this, we’re still working out the details till the next meeting.

Motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Webb to postpone until January 18, 2008.

Councilman Wooley: Question Mr. Chairman. Councilman Long, is there progression? Is it moving in a positive direction?

Councilman Walford: Loaded question.

Councilman Long: Let’s just say we’re trying to satisfy all the parties involved in this deal, and we’re working towards a compromise.

Councilman Wooley: Very good. Thank you.

Councilman Shyne: I want to see this. If you can satisfy everybody.

Councilman Long: Well, how about the majority.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, there you go. Alright.

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

NEW BUSINESS

ABO APPEALS:

Ms. Charlene Zimmer, 1939 Milam, Shreveport, LA (A/Lester); Lydia’s, 5204 Monkhouse Drive, Shreveport, LA (F/Shyne) Decision rendered January 7, 2008

PROPERTY STANDARDS APPEALS:

HBO0700177 – 1011 Caddo Street (B/Walford) Mr. Bennie Mims, 2810 Fifth Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71107 (G/Bowman) (Postponed January 7, 2008 until January 18, 2008)

HBO0700179 – 611 Argyle (F/Shyne) Mr. Raymond Stevenson, 4145 Carver Street, Shreveport, LA (F/Shyne) (Postponed January 7, 2008 until March 10, 2008)

TAXI LICENSE APPEALS:

Mr. Thomas Nester; 232 Ashley Drive, Shreveport, LA (C/Long) Action Taxi, Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, LA Decision rendered January 7, 2008

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES: None.

CLERK’S REPORT : None.

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

Motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Wooley to resolve ourselves into Committee of the Whole. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:08 p.m.

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//s// Joe Shyne, Chairman

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