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Council Proceedings of the City of Shreveport, Louisiana

February 26, 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 3:01p.m., Tuesday, February 26, 2008, in the Government Chambers in Government Plaza (505 Travis Street).

Invocation was given by Councilman Pastor Bradley.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Walford.

Councilman Shyne: I’m looking around, I was looking for - - - is Mrs. Liz Washington in the audience?

Mr. Dark: Mr. Shyne she was in a meeting that we just got out of, she should be down shortly.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, and how about our Internal Auditor. Is she?

Councilwoman Bowman: She was around, I saw her a moment ago.

Councilman Shyne: Okay.

Councilman Walford: There’s Ms. Washington right there.

Councilman Shyne: Liz, I was asking for you, I’m going to ask for you in a minute or two. Because you are a very important person today. I mean really you are everyday. I saw Calvin roll his eyes at me when I said ‘today’. (Inaudible) important everyday.

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

Motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Walford to approve the minutes of the Administrative Conference, Monday February 11, 2008, Council Meeting, Tuesday, February 12, 2008.

Councilman Long: Mr. Chairman, I see we have an amendment on there, do we need to deal with that or - - -?

Mr. Thompson: Yes sir.

The Clerk read the following:

Amendment No. 1 to the February 12, 2008 City Council Meeting Minutes - City of Shreveport

Amend the Council Proceedings of the February 12, 2008, City Council meeting as published in the Official Journal (The Times) February 18, 2008 on Page 13C, Column 10, as follows:

Delete:

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Wooley to introduce Ordinance No(s). 15, 16, 17, and 18 of 2008 to lay over until February 26, 2008 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None

And insert:

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Wooley to introduce Ordinance No(s). 15, 16, 17, and 18 of 2008 to lay over until February 26, 2008 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 6. Nays: None. Out of the Chamber: Councilman Walford. 1.

Motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Long to approve Amendment No. 1 to the City Council Meeting Minutes of February 12, 2008. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Motion by Councilman Webb, seconded by Councilman Bowman to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes as amended. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, we also have a technical amendment to the Agenda. The official agenda has the wrong number on it for a resolution. It list that number as 17, when it should be 16. We need a motion to amend the Agenda relative to the number of the resolution as it appears on the official agenda by striking the No. 17 and inserting the number 16.

Amendment No. 1 to the City Council Meeting Agenda – February 26, 2008

Amend the City Council Meeting Agenda for February 26, 2008, as follows:

Delete:

17 A Resolution declaring the official intent of the City of Shreveport to reimburse certain capital expenditures from proceeds of lease-purchase agreements and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

By striking the number 17 and inserting the number 16 as follows:

16 A Resolution declaring the official intent of the City of Shreveport to reimburse certain capital expenditures from proceeds of lease-purchase agreements and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Bowman to amend the City Council Meeting Agenda for February 26, 2008. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

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

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I see you have quite a few. I see you got some pretty guests today. I mean, how did all that come about?

Mayor Glover: You shouldn’t leave yourself open Mr. Chairman. Thank you Mr. Chairman, Members of the Council. I will go down front if you don’t mind. Mr. Chairman, members of the Council, we are very lucky today to have - - - and blessed, to have two outstanding beautiful young ladies who are here and honored me in such a way several weeks ago over at the Feist-Weiller Center. I am very proud to introduce to this Council Ms. Kelnesha Odom. Come on up here Kelnesha.

Councilman Shyne: Wow, what a pretty.

Mayor Glover: And Kamryn Chauncy, who also goes by Kammie.

Councilman Shyne: Beautiful, two beautiful young ladies.

Mayor Glover: They are in fact two beautiful and talented and very brave young ladies as well. They are patients of St. Jude’s Children Hospital in Memphis, TN, and they are also patients at Shreveport’s Feist-Weiller Cancer Center. They are also, in addition to being very smart, very capable, outstanding students as well, they are also very talented artists. And they are here today with their parents and Mrs. Jane Glass who coordinates the Arts program along with her husband Dr. Glass to make a presentation. Parents and Dr. And Mrs. Glass, would you all stand up please.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I’m a little jealous. I want to come around and stand by those two young ladies right there.

Mayor Glover: You are more than welcome Mr. Chairman and any other members of the Council that would be so inclined. Please do so.

Mrs. Glass: We’ve been doing Arts and Medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center for 6 years. We started in the hospital with the Chemotherapy patients up on the Oncology floor and then we moved to the new Feist-Weiller Cancer building when it opened 4 years ago, painting with the outpatient adult patients. Then we moved two years ago to the St. Jude Clinic. And we started painting with the children there, and they’ve done about 50 paintings. And we’ve started a new Wall of Fame, where they all paint their portraits when they are patients at St. Jude and the Cancer Center. And they have done their self portraits and they are so charming that we decided that they should do our new Mayor. And (inaudible) Wiggins, our artist with the project takes a picture and then she sketches the outline. And the children get to choose what colors to paint and just anything they want to do with the painting, which is what they did with the two pictures of Mayor Glover. And we told Kelnesha to do a traditional one, and we told Kammie to do just a wild - - like ‘pop art’. So you will see when we unveil them how wonderful they are. They chose all the colors and it was up to them, how to apply the paint, and they just did a fabulous jobs. They are two of our stars and we see them every Monday and their moms are here, Thelia, Kelnesha’s mom and Jill is Kammie’s mom. And they are very supportive wonderful parents, very good friends of ours. And we’re just so happy to know them. Would you girls like to go unveil the painting now? Go with Mayor Glover.

Councilman Shyne: I guess the girls got their talent from their mothers huh? Oh Cedric, wow!

Mayor Glover: You all are wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Thank you so much. I am so honored. You can see here on the monitor, but we will turn it around. Now the last time I did this, I almost dropped it. Alright girls, help me with it so I won’t drop it.

Councilman Shyne: That is so beautiful.

Mayor Glover: Thank you all so much. Now I have a little something for you all as well. Rick, would you come and get this please? We’re going to hang this in a very, very prominent place in the Mayor’s office. And bring you guys back so you can take a picture in front of it also. Now, I want to present each of you with honorary Deputy Mayor’s pins. You are now official Deputy Mayors Kelnesha and Kammie. Thank you guys so much. Now I have one additional announcement with regard to the Arts and Medicine Program. As these young ladies did such an outstanding job in helping to render these wonderful portraits of yours truly, I was so touched that I went back to the program, the Arts and Medicine Program and ask if they could help me with another assignment, because I’m not an artist at all. I can barley draw stick people. And so I struggle greatly. But there’s an event coming up this Friday, the Mad Scientist Ball, the annual fund raiser for the Sci-Port Center in Shreveport, on the Shreveport Riverfront. And we know that this year’s theme has to do with tennis shoes. And so as Mayor, I was asked to paint a pair of my tennis shoes. But now besides taking out a can of spray paint, I didn’t know what else to do. So I decided to call on my friends at the Arts and Medicine Program to see if they could help me. Because I’m rather unusual in size and girth, it took a little while for my tennis shoes to come in. So I didn’t have them here as quickly as some of the other folks who have tennis shoes that will be auctioned on this coming Friday, but they came in today’s mail. And so young ladies, I understand that you all will not actually be doing the painting, but there will be another (inaudible) on Thursday, who will be painting them on Thursday. But I want you all, if you get a chance to, to deliver them to him. Okay? Alright, so Kammie, I’m going to give you one.

Councilman Shyne: Wow, that must have been your Jr. High School. That’s a big one Mr. Mayor.

Mayor Glover: Good size, good canvass to paint on. That’s one for you. You could probably paint a couple of different pictures. Here’s for you to deliver okay? Alright. Thank you so much.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, before you go on, I think they have an Auntie, maybe a grandmother and somebody else. Would you all stand also, you all are part of the family.

Mayor Glover: All the family. Mr. Chairman, I see a few of my neighbors. I did not know there was a family connection. The Bradley’s who helped to raise me there on Joe Lewis Blvd. It’s so wonderful to see them here as well. So, God bless and thank you all for being here.

Councilman Lester: Just really briefly Mr. Chairman, you look really natural with the young ones around.

Mayor Glover: Well, I’ll take that as a hint.

Councilman Lester: Just as a word of caution, that’s how they got me.

Mayor Glover: Really? Well, I’ve told my wife my preference is to adopt college students. I don’t know how this is going to work out. We’re going to (inaudible) for our part. Thank you Mr. Lester, and members of the Council. Now my next individual I’d like to call up today to honor and recognize is a face and a name that anyone whose been around here since 1979 would know well and recognize. He is without question very much a Shreveport icon. Someone who has helped to enlighten, inform and assure us so many points in times and so many days. Is Mr. Carl Pendley here?

Councilman Shyne: That’s “Mr. Channel 12”.

Mayor Glover: Absolutely, “Mr. Channel 12”, there was someone else who thought that, but this is the real “Mr. Channel 12”.

Councilman Shyne: (Inaudible) to selling cars right now. Mayor, I don’t know if that’s was nice of you or not. It might have been a little ugly in doing that.

Mayor Glover: I am honored Mr. Chairman to have the opportunity to be here as Mayor to honor this wonderful man. You know I was, I won’t say how young I was, but I was a young man in 1979 and had the chance as I viewed the retrospectives over the last several days, remember that young, bright, chipper, energetic face that arrived here on the scene here in Shreveport almost three decades ago, and as one who really, as I said earlier appreciated the great work that you did, not only in terms of providing a fair and accurate presentation of the news but also more importantly his commitment to the Shreveport community is something that I treasure, respect and honor. And so as Mayor, I am honored today in recognition of his decision to move on to the next phase of life. I’m assuming that maybe he’s decided to expand the Pendley Piano franchise to points around the region. I’m not quite sure what he plans to do. But I know that before he concludes his tour as the voice of KSLA Channel 12 at 10:00 p.m. tomorrow night. I wanted the City of Shreveport to stop and pay honor and give recognition of what he’s meant to all of Shreveport, Bossier and Northwest Louisiana. So, I’m honored today to present to him this proclamation. And it reads thusly.

The Mayor read the following:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport honors Carl Pendley and wishes him a fond farewell on his retirement after 30 years with KSLA in Shreveport; and

WHEREAS, Carl Pendley, a native of Lubbock, Texas, took his first job in television at Lubbock’s ABC affiliate during his senior year at Texas Tech University, where he graduated with high honors, and also worked at the CBS affiliate in Beaumont, Texas; and

WHEREAS, Carl Pendley joined KSLA in 1979 and anchors the 5, 6 and 10 o’clock newscasts; and

WHEREAS, among his many accomplishments, Carl Pendley has anchored every newscast KSLA has produced and won state, regional and national awards for his reporting. He is especially proud of having covered stories involving every U. S. President since he became a journalist, beginning with Gerald Ford in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Carl Pendley firmly planted his roots in the Ark-La-Tex when he married his lovely wife in 1981. They later became proud parents and part of the Northwest Louisiana business community, opening the Pendley Piano Gallery; and

WHEREAS, it is with highest commendation and esteem that the City of Shreveport honors Carl Pendley for 30 years to service to KSLA and the television industry;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, CEDRIC B. GLOVER, MAYOR of the City of Shreveport, do hereby proclaim TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2008, as:

“CARL PENDLEY DAY”

in the City of Shreveport, and urge all citizens to extend to Carl Pendley our very best wishes for a happy and enjoyable retirement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Shreveport to be affixed.

CEDRIC B. GLOVER

M A Y O R

Mr. Carl Pendley: Mr. Chairman, esteemed members of our City Council, thank you. Thank you very much. When Gwen Campbell called me yesterday afternoon and asked me if I could be here, that they Mayor had something for me. Oh good, the keys to the new Suburban.

Councilman Shyne: That’s pretty good.

Mr. Pendley: But I got to tell you, this is even better than I could even imagine. The wheels won’t fall off, it’ll never go out of warranty and it meets more than I can imagine. Mr. Mayor, to be so honored, I didn’t figure anything like this, but thank you, thank you very much Members of Council, Mr. Mayor, it means so much to me.

Councilman Shyne: Carl, just before you leave, I want to let you know and I know others members of the Council want to let you know how you have enhanced Shreveport. You know it’s not very many people who get an opportunity to enhance their surroundings. And when God gives you that opportunity, you need to take it and do the best with it. And Carl, that’s what you have done. We are all very extremely proud of you. So, whatever you decide to do, do it with the same degree of professionalism that you delivered the news day in and day out. God bless you Carl.

Mr. Pendley: Thank you Mr. Chairman, I appreciate it very much. And rest assured I shall. And Mr. Mayor, thanks again for giving nice plugs to my wife’s business, Pendley Piano Gallery. She sends her blessings as well.

Mayor Glover: I’ll be down for my first lesson. Thank you Carl, thank you Mr. Chairman and members of Council. At this particular time, I would like to invite to the podium Mr. Doug Thornton. And he will introduce several members of his staff. As you all know, Doug is the regional manager of SMG, the company that manages the Shreveport Convention Center. He has a brief report that he would like to make as well as two individuals that he would like to introduce. So, at this particular time, Doug, would you join us.

Mr. Doug Thornton: Thank you Mr. Mayor, Members of the Council. Thank you for the opportunity to come back before you today. We have a few folks from the staff that I’d like to introduce. And starting here with Debbie first, Debbie is our Director of Sales who many of you probably know, Charlie Gardner who is our interim or was our interim GM, and Sam Voisin, who is our new General Manager of the Convention Center, and before I call Sam to the podium, let me tell you a little about him. Sam is a native of Lafayette, LA. He’s spent probably I guess about 11 years in the Convention Industry. He’s spent a great deal of that time in Lafayette, helped to develop the Cajun Dome and it’s convention complex there before moving on to Fredericksburg, VA where he was right before we hired him here. He was in Fredericksburg for about 2 ½ years. Worked (inaudible) out of Washington, D.C. in a conference center very much like the one we have here in Shreveport, about the same size, hosted about 235 event days a year, largely geared toward the military sector, corporate meetings, and of course trade shows. So, we think Sam will be a great addition to our staff here. In the wake of Mike Carrier’s departure and our commitment to you that we’re going to progress and move forward with the convention center. I want to also say thank you to Charlie, whose been with us I guess now six months, as the interim GM. He’s done a very fine job of handling our staff issues, and handling the direction of the convention center in his interim period. Charlie will be moving on to another one of our facilities, and we want to thank him for his hard work. Sam would you like to come up and say a few words.

Mr. Sam Voisin: Thank you Mr. Chairman, and Council. I’m ecstatic to be in Shreveport. Right out of Metro D.C., I’m probably 30 minutes out of the beltway, I’d been there 2 years, going on 3 years and there’s no place like home. Native Louisianaian, 37 years, some of my strengths in sales and operating efficiencies. I certainly appreciate your warm hospitality also. I have an open door policy, anything you need I’m here for you. Thank you.

Mr. Thornton: We believe Sam will be a great addition. During his tenure at the Cajun Dome, he actually I think, sat on the board of the LSAE, which is the state association of Louisiana State Association of Executives, which is the governing body, if you will, for all of our state associations. There are about 200 state associations in the state of Louisiana, and of course, that’s a big target market for us. So I think he’ll be a great addition to our staff here and will work very closely with the Hilton (inaudible) to market our facility. As the Mayor said, we have a presentation today. I want to break it down for you. It’s really three things. It’s a look back at the 2007 operations, the fiscal year end 2007, which concluded of course at the end of December. A look forward to 2008 and a comparison if you will, to the original proforma that we submitted to the Administration back in 2004, before the facility opened. We want to show you how we measure up to that proforma in terms of that utilization, and then finally we’ll close with a briefing on the non profit program. We had a meeting today, the second meeting with many of the not for profit organizations over at the Convention Center. We hosted lunch for them, and had an opportunity to unveil this to them today. It was a working lunch, and pleased to say I think we made a considerable amount of progress. Thanks to the Mayor’s leadership in bringing these groups together. We’ve been able to fashion a non profit policy for the center. I think it’s going to work for everybody, and we’ll get into that in just a few minutes. Lets just take a look at some of the highlights of 2007. As you may recall, I was here about eight months ago, I guess it was late June. And we were at that time dealing with a revised budget. Our budget had been revised to reflect the opening of the Hilton and some allocation of parking revenues, and I committed to you that we would make our budget rules for they year on the revised basis. And I’m pleased to tell you that we beat that budget by about $35,000 this year.

Councilwoman Bowman: Good for you!

Mr. Thornton: So, we did hold true to our commitment. Also I think we greatly improved our marketing relationships with the CTB and the Hilton, we’re now working very closely with them. Debbie has regular meetings with Stacy and with the Hilton Staff, and I think you’re seeing the results now with some of the events that we are beginning to book. As I mentioned, we developed a not for profit policy. That’ started back in November, and I think after today’s meeting, we’re well on our way to having something that’s going to work for everyone. And most importantly, you’ll see from these slides that I’m going to show you in a few minutes, we’ve increased the utilization rates to the building which is the ultimate measure of the Convention Center’s success. The Convention Center is here to drive business into the city and to keep it filled or the occupancy rates in utilization rates, that’s the key measurement tool. You know what it’s generating in terms of community impact. Certainly the financial component is very important, but what I’m going to show you today is some of the trends that I think are positive for us. We’ve also implemented our connect to customer service training program, which is an internal proprietary program that we have with SMG that all of our sales folks go through. We conducted that training in October, that’ll be an ongoing thing. Debbie, I think, attended a meeting in Charleston. I believe it was in Charleston. A lot of our sales people go and learn things mostly about customer service. It’s a two day orientation (inaudible), and finally we want to give you a report on how we measured up on the fair share goals. You’ll see that in the next few slides. We think we’ve done a very good job there meeting the expectations of the city. Some of the variables that affected our budget this year. Just to digress a minute and remind you, we’ve been dealing with this throughout 2007. The hotel was scheduled to open in January. It was June before it opened. How did that affect us? Well not having those rooms next to the Hilton obviously makes a difference in terms of the relationships that we can develop with other users of the building. And that delay did impact our budget to some degree. Also the higher than anticipated utility costs. It’s no secret that we have increasing fuel costs, not just here, but all over the nation. That was about an $80-85,000 impact directly (inaudible) bottom line. With the opening of the Hilton, there was an allocation of parking revenue to the hotel, about $180,000 impact to our budget, but we retained the expenses, so there was no net revenue to offset those expenses, and again, that’s really not an issue, because the Hilton is still part of the family. It’s owned by the city, we want obviously, to see it succeed. So that allocation obviously benefited that budget, but it took away from the Convention Center budget. And then of course, the increased costs due to the Hilton Meeting Room standards. We revised our operational policies with the Hilton which allowed them to use the 10 meeting rooms that we had in the building, and we are required to set those rooms in accordance with those standards, their standards which mandate pads and pens and water and water service and skirting tables and that sort of things without any expectation of reimbursable costs. We get to keep the food and beverage revenue. When I say we, we on behalf of the city for those expenses. But by changing that policy a little bit, it did impact our budget. And finally, we had lower than expected food and beverage revenues. And I think that was simply due to poor cost management on our part. We’ve got to do a better job of that and that’s one of the things you’ll hear me talk about as we go forward. Just to review the numbers for a moment. We can see how we finished ’06, where we finished ’07 and what we’ve budgeted for ’08. Again, we beat that budget in 2007. It looks like for 2008, we have a very conservative estimate of about $2.1 (million). That’s about all these expenses that’s all in, that’s an ‘all in budget’. I will tell you that I think we’re going to do a lot better than that, but we’re going to be fairly conservative and not have to come back here in six months and say that we’re achieving that number. So my commitment to you is that we’re going to beat that number this year. But this kinda gives you an idea of how we finished 2007 compared to ’06 and what we’re expecting in 2008. In terms of the Fair Share Program. Very proud of our accomplishments there. As you know, only a portion of our total operating expenses are discretionary. A lot of our expenses, the utilities and insurance and things that are none discretionary. But of the discretionary spending which is about 26% of our total operating budget, about $600,000 we spent $176,000 with minority and women owned businesses here in the community, which is about a 30% rate. 14 different sub-contractors, you see the categories here that are listed, so we feel that that program has been very successful. We worked very closely with the city in developing those relationships with the community sub-contractors. Let’s go take a look behind the numbers and see how we compare to the original proforma. When SMG was hired in 2004 to manage your facility, we presented the Administration at that time, with a proforma. A proforma is simply a projection of numbers based on comparable data. So, we took several facilities that are similar size and similar size markets like Savannah, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Rhode Island, convention centers that are very comparable to the Shreveport center and are projected out to what we thought we could do in terms of gross revenues, utilization, attendance, event days and etcetera. The next sequence of slides is going to show you how we’ve done in comparison to that original proforma. The first slide is the adjusted gross revenue category. And you can see that in ’06, we were off. When we first opened the building, if you recall, we didn’t have food and beverage equipment for the first six months of operation. We didn’t even have a liquor license for the first six months. So we were a little handicapped. But we missed the proforma by a considerable amount. But look at what happened with the Hilton opened here in June of 2007. That blue line has trended up and we have exceeded the projections for 2007. Now as I mentioned, we conservatively budgeted for 2008, the dash line that you see is where we believe we’re going to be able to wind up here. There’s about a $310,000 difference there, that is largely enough (inaudible) to be made up in the food and beverage category in what we call service income. And that’s properly tracking expenses that are reimbursable by clients. We think that we’ll be able to track right along that red line which is the proforma number that was originally submitted in 2004. So yeah, conservative budget we believe in 2008, the dash line represents where we hope to finish the year in terms of actual numbers. But again trending upwards. Total attendance, another measure of success for the community. You can see how we greatly surpassed this red line here, which is the original projection. And again, attribute a lot of that to the opening of the hotel, the ability to do events like the Cyber Command Symposium that bring in a lot of visitors from out of town. We went back and looked at the composition of our trade show and convention business for 2007, and we extrapolated the numbers, and we believe, we don’t have empirical evidence to suggest this, but based upon what we know about the conventions that were here, and I think Stacy would probably would back us on this, that approximately 81,000 of those people were from outside the city and many were from outside the state, outside the region which would be about a 33% share of the 245,000 visitors or people that came through the doors of the convention center. But those people were obviously spending money in the community and many of them have multiple night stays if they were from out of state, or out of town. So again, another measure of success of our convention center. In terms of total bookings. These are actual convention trade shows, banquets, meeting rooms, these are events booked. Take a look at the number. We had proformad a number of 195 back in 2004 that we would be able to hit. We finished in 2007 at a number of 172. So again, missed the target just by a little bit, but we’re projecting in 2008, that we’re going to be right on pace with that proforma. Why do we believe that? Well, we believe because of what we’re seeing with the integrated marketing approach that we have with the Hilton, and the CTB and some of the early results that we’re getting in 2008 in terms of tenatives going to (inaudible) contracts. So, we’re headed towards the right direction. And it’s unfair just to look at total bookings. We think in this particular in any convention center, that you’ve got to break that down by space. So, what we did was we looked at the exhibit hall, which is a measure of success for trade show, convention business and consumer shows. Your large shows that will take up 50-75-100,000 square feet as opposed to the meeting room business, which is more driven by the short term bookings and the Hilton ballrooms, the banquet space and that sort of thing. So, we thought in terms of fairness it would be good to analyze how we did with the ex-halls versus the meeting rooms. And you can see again, the number is trending up. It’s going in the right direction, even though we’re not where we want to be with the exhibition space. We’re getting there and certainly on the meeting rooms. We’re getting there, and certainly on the meeting room side and the banquet rooms, we believe we’re going to surpass the proforma projections sometime during the middle of 2008. And again, that’s a lot of short term business, regional business, that’s booked 6, 7, 8 months out, and this convention business and trade show business over here usually books 2, 3, and 4 years out. So somewhere along the way, these numbers should intersect with the exhibition hall. Another measure of success, again for the bookings you use, you’ve got to look at total event days. Total event days are inclusive of move in and move out. It’s a day that the building is utilized and cannot be booked by someone else. And again, you can see, the lines dramatically increases here in 2007, brought about largely due to the Hilton opening and it is tracking right along the proforma projections for 2008. Again, we break that down in terms of exhibition space, and eating and ballroom space and you can see that the results are pretty positive. That the numbers - - - what you want to see, oh, I’m sorry, I think we just lost it. Can we go back?

Mayor Glover: It’s on over there.

Mr. Thornton: Okay. What you can see here is that we’re trending in the right direction. That’s the positive thing. We’re headed in the right direction which is up. So, utilization percentage. A convention center is a little different than a hotel. A hotel can be booked 100% of the time because all you have to do is change the bedding overnight and book the room the next day. But the convention center, you’ve got to have some down time to be able to move in and move out these shows. So, it’s generally accepted that 70% of capacity is the point at which you reach almost maximum utilization. Because you need that down time for maintenance and conversions. We’re not at 70%. The general rule of thumb is if you get to 70%, you ought to be thinking about expansion or a new convention center, or some expanded space in your market. We are at about 40% in terms of the exhibition hall and we are just above 50% in terms of the meeting rooms and the banquet space – the ballrooms. But again, trending upward and very positive and again, a very, very good indicator of success in terms of your convention center. I will tell you the New Orleans Convention Center this year is probably at 40 or a little bit below in terms of their overall utilization. So, I’m speaking in general terms, but they’re not seeing much higher utilization rates than we are here. So, I think the numbers are trending in our favor. So lets look forward to 2008. What do we have to offer for 2008? We’ve got a new management team. We’ve just hired a new Food and Beverage Director, who will start this Friday. We’ve got a new General Manager, who started two weeks ago. We’ve got a fully integrated marketing approach right now with the CTB and the Hilton. I think we’re cooking on all cylinders there. We have offered some discounted rates for non peak periods which is sort of a marketing incentive package if you will, for those slower months in July and August, where we’re traditionally slow in all buildings. We saw that yielding some success last year. I think we booked two or three shows as a result of that. An aggressive outreach to the community groups which we did today with the nonprofits. One of the goals that we have is to increase that net food and beverage revenue by 25%. We think we can do that by not only growing the (inaudible), but better cross management, cost of sales as we go forward. Some of the highlights for the 2008 calendar year, these are just highlights, of some of the major events that we have booked. You can see the list here. This doesn’t include all of them, but some of those larger ones, you’ll notice that the Cyber Command is not on there, we have dates on hold. It’s tentatively, but we have not at this point signed a contract, but we fully anticipate, are hopeful that they will return, just these events that you see. We have an estimated $15,000 visitors who will be coming to our city for a total of 30 event days. And a lot of these as you see are state associations that I mentioned before. And we have a very good relationship with the LSAE organization. Some of the marketing initiatives that we will be utilizing this year. Certainly advertising is a component. We’ll be in all our major trade publications. One of the benefits that you have as an SMG facility, is you get the coop ads that would be more expensive if you tried to place them on a (inaudible) basis. We’ll be utilizing the SMG national program to get into a lot of these magazines throughout the year, which really is the heartbeat of our industry. These go to all the trade show executive and all of the convention planners around the country. Obviously another part of our business is traveling to trade shows and associations around the country and around the state. The affordable meetings program which is I think held in Washington, D.C., which is a program for markets about this size where meeting planners go. It’s kind of a shopping center, if you will, a shopping center for affordable meetings and destinations. We’ll be there as well. We’ll be working with our SMG cooperate office on other cooperative initiatives like that and of course, we have access through our relationship with Tradeshow Week, which is a national publication to a database of over a thousand names and we’ll be sending out communications to them. And of course a lot of it is just (inaudible) on the ground. The blocking and tackling, just the fundamental stuff, sales program with the CTB and the Hilton. This is where it’s important for us to get out and see people. We’ll be traveling to Baton Rouge, to the LSAE offices, also the state association of Arkansas. We’ll have sales blitzes planned to Baton Rouge on a monthly basis to meet with those LSAE members, and we’ll be targeting national and regional clients as we go. And of course we’re working with the Hilton very closely. They have a database of their national clients, corporations mostly that will come in and do shows as well. Some of the advertising material that you see on the screen is what we send out. On the left you see the advertisement that was placed in a lot of our trade publications, offering the 25% discount on space, and the non peak period, what we call the shoulder periods. We have a database we send out email blasts on a regular basis to over a thousand meeting planners and of course, direct mail pieces for prospecting in conjunction with the CTB. As folks are identified as legitimate candidates for Shreveport. With that, I guess maybe I’ll pause, and answer any questions before we get into any of the non profit program, if there are any questions.

Councilman Shyne: Doug, we probably don’t have any questions at this particular point on what you are saying. But I just want to throw this out at you, I don’t know whether I need to do it now or maybe wait till the end. How much more - - - how much longer is it?

Mr. Thornton: Five minutes.

Councilman Shyne: I’m a very patient man.

Mr. Thornton: As I mentioned we met today for the second time with the community based groups in an effort to craft a non or not for profit program for the utilization of the Convention Center, and there were several things that came out of that meeting, but I think the common principles that we left there with today is that it is important for us to communicate to these groups on a regular basis, because not all of their organizations are the same. It’s important for us to be flexible, because all of their organizations are the same. And it’s important for us to be consistent once we set our policies with these individual organizations so that they know year to year what the expectations are. And I think it was a very positive meeting today, we made a lot of progress. So, we’re looking forward to having some of those groups back. Here are the core principles, if you will, of the nonprofit program. Terms of eligibility: The organization needs to be charitable in purpose. Which means 501c(3) status, must be a fundraising endeavor; must have a history in the community; and it needs to be something that benefits the community in some kind of way. Those are the eligibility requirements in a general sense. In terms of the booking policies, this is short term business. This is not long term business, and we had a lot of discussion about this today, and I think the user groups understand this. The Convention Center is there to generate economic impact. Also there for the community’s use, but the economic impact events book usually 6 months and out. Those large scale conventions are 18, 24 months, sometimes three years in their booking. So we felt that six months and under would be an appropriate timeframe for us to actually contract with certain nonprofit groups for the use of the space. Now once they’re booked, we will not move them. If we have another piece of business that is bigger and better, we will not move them without their consent. They must agree to it. If they are agreeable, then we can seek maybe alternate days for them. Now having said that, we found out today, that there are a couple of groups that have unique events that may need to be a little more flexible with that policy, so we kinda worked through that today. Getting back to the flexibility issue that I mentioned earlier. So, but these are general guidelines that we’ve come up with. And you see in terms of the contracting requirements, the deposits that are required, and the balance of the funds that are submitted two weeks prior to the event. A standard policy of any convention center around the country. In terms of the cost structure, which is most important to these nonprofits. Across the board, if you qualify, 50% reduction of published rates. And of course, some of these events are big enough to where they’re generating enough food and beverage revenue for us that we can waive the rent entirely. If the revenue is high enough to cover those costs. But if they don’t qualify for the rental waiver based on the food and beverage policy, then they will get a 50% discount off the rack rate. Also for the ancillary service charges that are in house charges such as electrical hookups, telecom, IT, anything like that, that we provide. Equipment that we provide in house, there’s a 50% discount. We heard loudly and clearly from these organizations and some of the service rates were not affordable to them when compared to some of the other venues, such as the Bossier Civic Center and the old Expo Hall. So we tried to listen and be accommodating in that regard. (Inaudible) party contracted services. Those are services that sounded like AV, decorator, things of that nature. We have preferred vendors that we can refer them to, but we’re not going to require them to use those vendors. If they have someone else that they want to use for a AV services, or for rigging, or for decorating, they can do it as long as that company meets the standards and the polices. Standards meaning they’ve got to have insurance, they’ve got to be licensed, normal business practices. In terms of Food and Beverage Policy, we’re giving them options. 25% off the published catering menu, or if they so choose, they can pay us a $5 per person corkage fee which covers our costs of setting the linens, and the tables and the chairs. Because we do have labor costs that we have to absorb. And of course, again we will work with them to determine which of those two options might make the most sense. We have to exclude the alcohol because we have the alcohol license to serve beer and alcohol in the convention center, and of course, we would prefer that they not use the kitchen facilities, but if they have a caterer that needs to use the kitchen facilities, we will discuss either some sort of appropriate rental with conditions or we will make available some space for them in lieu of the kitchen. So that’s generally it in terms of the overall nonprofit policy, and I guess at this time, I’ll just close by saying that we’re confident that 2008 is going to be an even better year than 2007. Those numbers are trending in the right direction in terms of the attendance and the utilization, event days, the number of visitors that are coming here. That’s the ultimate measure of success for your convention center. Financially, we’re going to beat those numbers that you saw on the board. We’re confident that we can do it. We did it at the second half of this year, last year rather. And I think we can do in 2008.

Councilman Shyne: Doug, thank you I just want to start off with this and then I’ll go to the Council Members. I like your presentation, and of course I’m kinda like some of the professional teams. You know when you come in and before you can be a winner, you know it takes a little while. I didn’t expect for you all to come in the first year or the second year and you start breaking even Mr. Mayor, if you understand what I’m saying. It takes you a while to be a championship team, so like I say once you get my age, you have a little bit more patience. It’s a lot of difference in my age and the Mayor, and when you’re young like that and you’re energetic, and you want a (inaudible) today and tomorrow. And I’m not saying that the Mayor does, but I’m old enough to understand that it takes a little while for you to be successful, so I appreciate what you all are doing. My problem is with how your administrative staff has been dealing with some of the employees. I’m a fond believer that a good coach in order to have a championship team, you have to know how to motivate your employees. You have to create that kind of environment that’s conducive to good work habits. To be truthful with you, I do not think that that has been going on. Because I’ve been given a lot of complaints and matter of fact, the Mayor’s assistant, Dale Sibley, I don’t see him here, but he and I met with a group of employees that were complaining about little things Doug, that shouldn’t have come up if you’ve got employees in supervisory positions who are strictly professionals. Matter of fact, we had a lil - - - I almost said a little lady, and I’m sorry for saying that. I’m a school teacher so I’m used to calling kids, you know little kids. But we had a young lady that was down here they other day at the last Council Meeting who brought a problem before the Council where her administrator had balled up something that was important to her and threw it in the trash can. And instead of him saying, hey look I made a mistake - - - cause we all make mistakes. You know I don’t like people who don’t make mistakes, because then I know they BSing me. And Doug, those are the kinds of things as a politician, that we get that comes back to us, because the hotel really belongs to us. Now if it belonged to you all, you know I’d come down and sit with you. I might pray and beg with you and all that kind of stuff and see if we could get it done, but since it belongs to us, it makes us look bad. And it doesn’t create the kind of productivity that we need to have. Other than that, I think you’re doing good. But I would hope that you would let the next director know - - - to make sure that he creates that kind of environment. And if you’ve got somebody on your administrative staff - - - see, this is about business, not friendship. So, I’m going to get down to business in a few minutes with some friends of mine. And it doesn’t have anything to do about our friendship, this is about business. So, if we’re going to be this great city, and we’re going to do what needs to be done for the hotel and the convention center, we’ve got to make sure that we have a staff that knows how to work with people. That’s what it’s all about So, whoever your top manager is, I almost said that you need to be careful how you socialize with your administrative staff, cause sometimes you develop that kind of relationship where you can’t make tough decisions, if you understand what I’m saying. If you do, remind your administrative staff of that because I don’t want the maids people down, you know might not be in those professional positions coming to me because they’ve been misused and abused. That’s one of the reason why I am where I am, because I want to be a voice for those people. But other than Doug, I really don’t have a lot of complaints. And like I say, I’m old enough to know that it takes a little patience in order to get things up to where you want to be. But please check into that.

Mr. Thornton: Well we have sir. First of all, I appreciate your comments on that note. Let me say a couple of things about it. 1) I don’t - - - I recall when I was here back in June or July, I believe that’s whey you met with a few of our employees. We’ve addressed a lot of those issues that you were talking about. But most importantly, those employees need to come to us. They’re our employees. If they have issues, they should come to us first. And I believe in some cases, they haven’t done that.

Councilman Shyne: Hold it. And I don’t want this to be a discussion back and forth. But see, you have to create that kind of environment where they want to come to you. That’s what I’m talking about. If you created that environment where they are afraid to come to you, hey Dough, they’re human. They’re not coming. That’s why I say, your employees have to make sure they create that kind of environment where those people would want to come to them. You know? See that’s the difference in being average than being good. If you’re a good coach, you create that kind of environment where if that player got a problem (inaudible) need a professional, but if he’s got a problem with his wife, he’d come to you with it.

Mr. Thornton: That’s the environment we’re trying to create Mr. Chairman. We are working very hard to create that chemistry, as you say. And we had a long talk several weeks ago about that very issue. Good football teams have good chemistry.

Councilman Shyne: That’s right.

Mr. Thornton: Good chemistry develops and you know what happens?

Councilman Shyne: Good business! Cause professional football now is a big multibillion dollar business. So what you’ve got over there is a business. I appreciate you saying that, but the way you started off, you started off real good with that, but you started off real good with them, turn it on the employees. I don’t want you to put it on the employees. Cause if you do, then my patience might get pretty short. And I don’t want my patience to get pretty short. That’s the truth. Communication is a two way street, and you have to understand. A lot of those people that you have working for you - - - hey, they be frightened at times. So that’s why your supervisors, your administrators, that’s why you have to have the best. They have to clear up that kind of environment where those employees would want to come to them, and tell them what their problem is.

Mr. Thornton: I agree with you.

Councilman Shyne: I’m sorry.

Mr. Thornton: I agree with you 100%.

Councilman Shyne: And I’m trying to use some patience. Trying to stay cool. Thank you. Anybody else want to - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: I just have one thing. I remember the last time you were here and I think I told you that you were feeding us a lot of bull. Well, I eat those words today. I appreciate the good news that you came to us with. If I’m wrong about something, I’ll be the first person to say I was wrong. And I appreciate all the good news I heard today. Thank you.

Mr. Thornton: Thank you, we’re going to continue to improve.

Councilman Shyne: Any more comments? If not, Dough we appreciate it. Mr. Mayor, we’re back in your hands for another group.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Doug and Tom, and Terry, and Charlie, and Stacy. There is additional great news to share with regard to the Convention Center and the Hilton. Since we tend to view them all now as one Shreveport complex. Thanks to the great work and the leadership of Mary Ann Tice and the members of the Shreveport regional authority along with Stacy Brown and her staff from Convention and Tourism as well as Charlie Garner who was acting as General Manager at the time. Along with all the folks at SMG, they have been successful in going out and capturing what very well could be the single largest even to ever come to Shreveport. And that’s the Bass Master Classic. It was something, quite honestly I was exposed to when I was still a member of the City Council for the City of Shreveport back in the mid 1990’s was contemplating Convention Center Complex, arena or a combination of the two. We knew we needed something else other than what we had. I remember seeing an article that talked about the new arena, I believe it’s either Greenville, South Carolina or North Carolina.

Mr. Thornton: South Carolina, a SMG building.

Mayor Glover: SMG building that was hosting the Bass Master Classic. And I read the article. And one of the pictures with the story was of the arena itself taken from the very top step. And you just simply saw thousands of people and way in the background of that picture, you could see a fellow down on the floor of that arena holding his hand aloft. And in his hand a string of fish. As I read the story, essentially all of those people were there to come and see the fish that had been caught and to see them be weighed and what have you. And I read the story that talked about the number of days that people were in town, the number of people who were there, the scale of the event, the amount of television coverage, and I said that would be something that would be great to one day bring to Shreveport. Unfortunately at the time, we did not have the facilities to be able to accommodate it, but due to the leadership of both Shreveport and Bossier, between our two communities, we do now in fact have the capacity to be able to not only compete for such an event, but now it appears that we have successfully captured it. Between February 12^th and 14^th of 2009, we will be the host of the Bass Master Classic. The arena in Bossier will be fully utilized for the weigh in. The Shreveport Convention Center will be home to almost 200 vendors. The Shreveport Hilton will be filled up to the gills along with every other available hotel room in Shreveport/Bossier and Northwest Louisiana. And we think that we get a considerable amount of coverage during the Independence Bowl, some three plus hours of time focused on Shreveport/Bossier and Northwest Louisiana where the Bass Master Classic will bring with it some ten plus hours of television time on ESPN. And so I just want to commend Mary Ann, the members of the board and all the folks who’ve been involved in helping us to secure this particular event. In addition to that, since I referenced the Hilton, and we know that we have now finally, Members of Council, gotten the kind of theme (inaudible) because I don’t think that was in effect when we all first started back in November of 2006. We’ve now got (inaudible) coordination and cooperation between the Hilton Hotel, between the Shreveport Convention Center and between the Shreveport/Bossier Convention and Tourism Board, all working together to market and push forward the facilities that we have here both in Shreveport and across the river. And I think that that cooperation is one of the reasons as to why I’m proud to announce to you, and you should have these numbers being handed out to you. I have them here now officially in my hand, that the month of January represents the first month in the operation of the Hilton, Shreveport, for the hotel to cover it debt service, it’s operating expenses, and manage to have $24,368 left over after all of the bills were paid for the month and all the expenses were accounted for. So, January 2008 represents the first profitable month for the Shreveport Hilton, and I hope it represents the first of what will be many. The rooms were 71% filled, at an average rate of $115 a night. And we’re looking forward to hopefully bigger, better and better things. I have Mr. Chairman and Members of Council, several other issues on the Council Communication, but I do want to be very considerate of those folks who are visiting here with us today. I know that there are several folks that are still on the front row. I believe they may be here for the fencing announcement. I would be willing to yield if the Council would certainly allow me to return after that to allow these individuals to be recognized, so that they won’t have to wait any longer. I know they have other things to do and we certainly appreciate them being here. And I know everybody is anxious to know why we’re honoring them today.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I would be glad to agree to that if we would taken those - - - in. I have my cousin and friend back there, the honorable Ernie Roberson who is here with a friend. I should say he’s a cousin of Joyce and I.

Mayor Glover: In fact, while we’re waiting for the fencing folks to arrive, could we have Mr. Keller to please stand up along with Ernie Roberson to be recognized.

Councilman Shyne: Would you - - - you want to come up to the mic for a minute and tell us where you’re from. He’s from New Orleans which Bryan Wooley knows a lot about. Ernie, you want to come up and stand by him?

Mr. Keller: Mr. Mayor Glover and Members of the City Council, this is indeed an honor and a privilege for me to be here this evening to say a few words in the honor of my good friend Ernie Roberson. To begin with to tell you something about myself, I was Chief Deputy Registrar of Voters for New Orleans back in 1978, and I became the first African-American to serve in that capacity as Chief Deputy since Reconstruction.

Councilman Shyne: We want to give you a hand for that, because this is Black History Month.

Mr. Keller: Ten years later. I was appointed Registrar of Voters in the City of New Orleans, and again I was again the first African-American to serve in that capacity since Reconstruction. So I served in two capacities that had never been served by an African-American before and I’m happy to say that, and it’s quite an honor to do that. During my time of service in the Registrar of Voters Office, I served 28 years. The first 10 years, I was the Chief Deputy of Registrar of Voters, and the last 18 years, I served as the Registrar of Voters for that city. Two of the most important elections, we have experienced during my time was the election between David Duke and Edwin Edwards. For that election, some of you may recall we registered more than 11,000 people in three days, registered to vote in that election. The last day of absentee voting, when we closed the polls at 12:00 noon, it was 4:30 in the afternoon when the last person voted. There were lines all over the city hall, and no one left until the last person voted during that period. The same thing about that election between Mayor Landrieu and Woody Jenkins. Again, we had problems in that election to the point that they were alleging that we had rigged the election so we had to send our records to Washington, D.C. They checked every item we had and they found nothing wrong, everything was up to par, then the district attorney for Baton Rouge, he had our records sent to his office, and again, they searched and they couldn’t find anything wrong with our records or for that reason. So, we have had problems in the Registrar of Voters’ office that we were able to handle without any problem whatsoever. But now I’m retired, and I’m looking forward to making my home here in Shreveport, LA.

Councilman Shyne: Beautiful.

Mr. Keller: We love it here. One of the things I found out about my 28 years of service in the Registrar of Voters’ Office was the passage in the Proverbs 3: 5 and 6. “Trust in the Lord with thine heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path.” So when Hurricane Katrina came, we lost everything we had, including the clothes on our back and everything else. But we found ourselves a home here in Shreveport, LA. We’re looking forward to being here a long time, and enjoy the hospitality. We found out the people here, and I hope I’m not going to be criticized for saying that, but we find that people here are very friendly. I definitely like it very much, so we’re looking forward to being a very valuable member of the community. If I can be of some help to you in anyway form, or fashion, based upon my experience and my expertise in voter registration and election, please let me know. I’ll be happy to do whatever I can.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Keller, we want to let you know that we are proud that you’re here, and I want to let you know that you are with a good man and we feel like he’s the best registrar in the United States. You can’t beat Ernie Roberson.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Chairman, at this point and time, we yield to the Chair and take direction with regards to (inaudible).

Councilman Shyne: I yield to the young honorable, Calvin Lester, Jr.

Councilman Lester: Thank you Mr. Chairman, I’ll take all of that. I would ask that Ms. Harkey and her group come forward. Also is Shelly Ragle? Come on up Shelly. Mr. Chairman and Members, about two years ago, I had a conversation with Ms. Harkey about fencing. Certainly you know fencing is one of those sports that is not - - - it’s new to the area to a certain extent. A lot of people haven’t been exposed to it and more often than not, there is a definite class and economic division between the haves and have nots in terms of the people that are exposed to this sport. But as I did the research, one of the things that I was very impressed with is that opening these doors to fencing and exposing children to fencing, exposes them to team sports, individual development, skilled development, coordination, but it also helps them to do what is very important, and for anyone who has children, help them get to college, scholarshipwise and things of that nature. So, we began dialogue over two years ago, on ways to expose the young people in inner city Shreveport to the sport of fencing. One of the barriers that we had was, there was not a coach available that had the expertise, the time, and the training to make that happen, well Ms. Harkey and her group at Swords Sports and the Fencing Foundation, have dealt with that issue. We’ve got one of the finest instructors, not only in this area, but in this country, all the way from I believe, New York. And we won’t even ask to get a (inaudible), but he’s here from New York, and he’s doing an outstanding job, so what we’ve done and I want to again commend Shelly, and the whole folks at SPAR, Patrick Wesley, and everyone. We have come up with a program whereby we’re going to teach fencing to children at the Lakeside Recreational Center. And this going to be - - - I think it’s going to be a tremendous program to expose our young people to something very positive. And they have a video. The actual roll out of this program is going to be March 5^th. They’re going to have a demonstration at the Lakeside Recreational Center there on Milam Street, but they’ve got a video that they’d like to play, and after that video Mr. Chairman, I’d like to give Ms. Harkey the floor. I’ll pass these flyers around and then let here introduce the members of the team, the coaches, and we’ll go from there. So, Terry, the floor is yours.

Ms. Terry Harkey: Thank you Mr. Chairman and the Council for having us here. And we want to use this to change lives, and we want to show you a very short (it’s three minutes), it’s a promotional video for U. S. Fencing. It has nothing particularly to do locally. But we want you to get the feeling of how an athlete at the elite level feels at that moment. Lets go. Ready?

Video Presentation: U. S. Fencing, Because it’s Time

Ms. Harkey: Okay, I would like to introduce to you first, our coach that is - - - we’re giving him proper training by the way, in the ways of our culture. Justin Mahand and some of his credentials are on the sheet that were passed around, and he has extensive experience with inner city youth programs and development of young athletes. I’m also very proud to present you our own local Evelyn Scarborough. Evelyn is the current reigning Division 1A Women’s FA Champion in the United States. And we have the potential here. Is everyone going to be an Olympian? No, they’re not. But everyone exposed to this sport has something on their resume for college. It sets them apart from everyone else. If you’ll notice part of the paper work is a picture of a young lady and myself at her graduation from Magnet High School. This young lady now fences for Columbia University. She’s not really that great of a fencer, but we had the connections for her and she is on the team, and she is doing her dream. That’s what we want to see multiply by dozens and dozens of times across the city, and I think we can do it if we do it together.

Councilman Lester: Thank you. Shelly, can you give us some specifics about and Terry and also Justin about how we’re going to do it. I think the program is March 5^th, we’re having a demonstration. If you want to speak about that to the folks in Shreveport.

Ms. Ragle-Stone: If you’ll go to myspar.org, we’ll have it all on the website about demonstration, classes, things that we’re going to be starting. Do you know we’ve talked about this many times at SPAR. We’re always looking for partners to help us bring nontraditional sports to our young people to expose them. We’re really excited about the partnership. We want to thank you for actually bringing them to us and putting us together. These are the kinds of partnerships that SPAR always looks for. The other thing is bring in nontraditional sports. We’ve always done a really good job of basketball, softball, baseball, those traditional sports, but there are a lot of children who don’t participate in those sports, and so we’re excited to be bringing them something different to participate in. And you know we talk a lot. Councilman Shyne and I talked about a lifetime of sports and bringing it to them that they can do forever. So we’re really excited about this program. We’ll be at Lakeside, and like I said if you’ll go to myspar.org, information, there’s the flyer, there’s all kinds of good information about the program and we just want to thank them for partnering with us.

Councilman Shyne: Any questions or comments from any of the Council Members? If not, we thank you all for coming today.

Councilman Lester: Thank you very much.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, do you have anybody else?

Mayor Glover: I just wanted to congratulate and welcome these good folks. Great to have you here. You’re welcome. I’m a big target, but I’m willing to try.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Chairman and Mr. Lester, I want to join you all in extending my appreciation for these great folks coming here. The Harkey family, great Shreveporters, great contributors to North Shreveport, and always glad to have the opportunity to be able to greet a fellow Caddo Magnet graduate. Go Mustangs! We’ll talk next Council Meeting about the great news that transpired this past weekend out at Independence Stadium involving said Mustangs. But very briefly, I know that my high school years there Mr. Settlemire was the coach of the fencing program and was the one who helped I think, to get organized fencing going at the High School level. I want to commend Councilman Lester for creating an opportunity to be able to expose this wonderful sport to a large audience. It’s kinda like what the folks over at Wiley right now are doing with debate. When I was in high school, debate was almost the exclusive domains of schools like Caddo Magnet and Jesuit and others, but now we’re having the opportunity to be able to allow others who otherwise be exposed to it, to have the opportunity to be able to find out they in fact have any particular talent in this area. I want to also next, since I’ve finished with the comments about the Convention Center, Hotel, the Hilton, Bass Master, and one of the things I think is connected to the Convention Center and the Convention Center Hotel, is that we are now said on yesterday, I’m very proud that we have concluded the unwinding of a bonded indebtedness to the City of Shreveport, that has essentially resulted in a savings of almost $2,000,000 for the City of Shreveport. You know as I mentioned on yesterday during the course of the Mayoral campaign, I know you all dealt with it as well, as Council Members campaigning for the Council, lots of folks asked us what would we do about the city’s debt. The one thing I knew that we have to do is to meet our obligations. But I felt that it would be possible with mine and brains and much larger, much more experienced than my own to be able to examine our existing debt and see if there may be means and opportunities for us to be able to restructure and reconfigure that debt in ways that might bring about some savings for us where have completed the first round of that effort with an unwinding of a bond process that’s known as a SWAP, and if you want to find good medicine for not being able to go to sleep at night, start reading some of these documents. And I know many of you have and they will quickly put you to sleep. So I had to first understand what a SWAP was, and then understand what it meant to unwind one. And I guess also figure out, had to also know what it meant to wind one up in the first place. Whether unwinding of these SWAPs, the bottom line is, it has essentially resulted in savings of close to $2,000,000 for the City of Shreveport, and at an expense I think that especially compared to previous bond transactions for the City of Shreveport, represented an excellent deal for us. So, I want to thank Ron Weems, whose one of the local representatives of the bond team whose here, along with Calvin Grigsby, and Billy Boles, and Jacqueline Scott, and Shante Wells and Charlie Sides who are a part of that team. Ron, are you still here? If we have any questions that any of you all wanted to ask with regard to the bond SWAP or the unwind, I asked Ron to be here for that purpose, and we certainly would entertain those at this time. If not, then we will take him off the clock of the City of Shreveport, and allow him to go back to the service of some of his other clients. Do we have any questions in that regard.

Councilman Webb: Yes, I do.

Mayor Glover: Come on up Ron.

Councilman Webb: Good afternoon. I’m in favor of restructuring these bonds and everything. I’m certainly in favor of us trying to save the City some money. But I have a lot of reservations about one of the underwriters that we’re trying to use by the name of Calvin Grigsby. And I know I Googled hi s name on the internet, and was looking at some of his track record. And his track record, to be honest with you, scares me to death. And how did we go about choosing this particular person to come aboard with us on this.

Mayor Glover: That’s a question for me to answer Mr. Webb. I tend to think if you Google my name, or your name, or any member of this Council’s name, you might find some interesting things as well.

Councilman Webb: I Googled my name and I didn’t find anything that I didn’t know about already.

Mayor Glover: I’ll try it tonight and see what comes up. Mr. Grigsby is one of a list of individuals who stepped forward to offer their services as financial advisors for the City of Shreveport. I had a chance along with members of my staff to sit down and interview him. Look at the history of his work. You are correct. Like many folks Mr. Grigsby has some issues that some might find to be controversial. But I think as he would say to you, and I will say to you as well, just because there are rumors and accusations, doesn’t mean that you’re actually guilty of anything. And so if you found something that Mr. Grigsby has done, that he’s culpable for, then I would ask that you please come forward with that and be very specific. But I found an individual who had a history of being able to find situations like ours and present to us opportunities for considerable cost savings, and that’s exactly what happened here. This is an area of the City’s finances that no one had suggested we take a look at. Not Tom Dark, not Liz Washington, not anyone who was involved in this process except for Calvin Grigsby. And what he did in fact, began to evaluate the opportunities available to us here, the initial savings available to the City of Shreveport came in somewhere at about $500,000. Many of us at that particular point and time said, we can save half million dollars, lets go ahead and step forward and execute the opportunity to do that. His counsel, his advise said let’s not do that right now. I believe the market is going to trend a bit better in our favor, if we just wait and be patient, I think the opportunity exist for us to be able to gain even greater savings. And so we did just that, and about the latter part of last week, I finally as Mayor gave authorization to go ahead and say lets get this done, and we’re sitting here today some $2,000,000 richer for it. So I hope that becomes a part of what you’ll find when you Google Mr. Grigsby as well.

Councilman Webb: I don’t question that part of it, I just question why we didn’t try to get someone locally. It looks like we could have found somebody locally to have given us the same affects that we’re looking for, and didn’t have a cloudy history as I’ve referred to it as.

Mayor Glover: Well we’ve got a good number of individuals who are in fact local. Ron Weems is local. Shante Wells is local, Jacqueline Scott is local, Bill Boles is from Monroe. Charlie Sides is from Baton Rouge.

Councilman Webb: But this guy is from San Francisco.

Mayor Glover: Yes he is.

Councilman Webb: That’s what I’m in reference to. Why are we reaching all the way over to San Francisco?

Mayor Glover: Because the other names of those individuals I just called off to you didn’t step forward and say to me as Mayor, and this administration, here’s an opportunity for you to be able to possibly achieve some savings for the City of Shreveport. And so if we’re going to limit ourselves in terms of folks that we seek to access in terms of their expertise and ability, then we could end up costing ourselves in this case, millions of dollars.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Chairman, I still got a problem with refinancing the three year debt. I’d like to know what portion of the expenses apply to the three year? Cause I know there’s going to be insurance, there’s going to be the underwriters, there’s going to be the bond attorneys, there’s going to be the financial advisor, and frankly, the interest savings, I don’t think offset what I think the fee is going to be.

Mayor Glover: Well we know what the fee is going to be.

Councilman Walford: No sir, what you’ve told us is the fee for the whole deal. I’d like to know how much of that fee is part of the three year financing.

Mayor Glover: We’ll yield to Ron Weems on that one.

Mr. Ron Weems: Councilman Walford, if you’ll give me a few minutes, I have my file here to go look that up. But the figure I said yesterday at the Work Session, $152,000. The savings was net of any fees attributable to that particular portion of the refinance. In other words, there’s a figure in the work up that we did for the Bond Commission that was based upon the rates quoted at the time that work was done, about a month ago or three weeks ago. And the figure that was quoted there was roughly $152,000 in net interest costs. So it was after all expenses associated with that portion of the reissue.

Councilman Walford: That’s what I couldn’t make come out.

Mr. Weems: Well, I’m relying on the underwriters who have proposed it, and there were eight different proposals that came in pretty close to that from eight different underwriters that were in that ballpark. With respect to that portion of the reissue.

Councilman Walford: Cause I came up with about $41,000 worth of savings, and then I’d like to know what - - -

Mr. Weems: I’ll be happy to share with you the RFPs that came in response to the ’98 refinance. And each of them showed savings with respect to that three years of a significant savings, net of all reissue costs. I don’t have all of those RFPs.

Councilman Walford: I wonder, if you could, I’d like to know - - -

Mr. Weems: I’d be happy to meet with you

Councilman Walford: Or figure out where I’m making my mistake.

Mr. Weems: Alright, I’d be happy to meet with you and again, there were eight different responses from eight different underwriters who confirmed that order of magnitude of savings with respect to that three year issue.

Councilman Walford: And I can understand 4 ½ versus 3.188 - - -

Mr. Weems: Actually, it was over 5% as to that.

Councilman Walford: The three year was 5%.

Mr. Weems: Over that if you count issuance costs with respect to when it was done. And the figure that I’m comparing it to was 2.78. In the proposal that we submitted to the Bond Commission, as to the net interest cost after the cost of issuance. Now of course, that’s going to change as the market conditions change. It could improve or deteriorate.

Councilman Walford: The figure that was furnished to me was 3.188 I believe.

Mr. Weems: No, that was overall for (inaudible) ’98. But just looking only at the three million eight, round figures, the component of that if I recall, it was 2.78 I believe is what I quoted yesterday and I can dig through my materials here and discuss it with you later here or before the next meeting at which time - - -

Councilman Walford: I’d be glad if you’ve got materials, I’ll - - - (inaudible) take but a second to look at it, I’ll send it back.

Mr. Weems: Let me go see if I can grab that for you.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Walford, I think it’s also relevant to point out to you while Ron is retrieving that information to point out to you, that the original fees for these transactions which Mr. Walford in fact voted for and approved, totaled in comparison to $153,000, the original fees under the previous Administration, the previous Council totaled, $648,000 - - - $895. So, if you compare Mr. Webb, Mr. Walford and Members of the Council cost savings of almost $2,000,000 that we achieved for $153,000 compared to having to readjust those figures and those transactions at a cost of $648,000, lady and gentlemen, I’ll take the team that we’ve got working for the City of Shreveport right now.

Councilman Walford: The information that Ms. Washington gave us has the cost of this one at $376,138.50. Not 150.

Mayor Glover: $153,000 is the figure and Tom and I’ll yield.

Mr. Dark: We’re talking about for the SWAPs now. SWAPs are refunding.

Councilman Walford: Oh, they’re refunding.

Mayor Glover: Talking about the SWAPs here.

Councilman Walford: Okay, I’m sorry. We’re not talking apples to apples.

Mayor Glover: These are the SWAPs, $153,000.

Councilman Walford: Okay.

Mayor Glover: These are the original SWAPs.

Councilman Walford: We’re talking - - - I’m talking refunding, you’re talking SWAPs. So we’re on different - - - we’re not apples to apples here.

Mayor Glover: Alright, but I’m giving some context here, since my comments with regards to the SWAPs. I’ll take 378 over $648,000 again as well.

Mr. Weems: Still digging for the number on that particular issue.

Councilman Walford: Well I had it on a pad here, and my pad disappeared overnight.

Mr. Weems: See the cost of issuance for the entire reissue of approximately $20,000,000 that we submitted to the Bond Commission. But roughly $371,000. Of that amount roughly $94,000 was for bond insurance. (Inaudible) enhancement. The $15,000 to the rating agency State Bond Commission about $11,000. Proceeds fees and expenses of $5,000. Underwriters Counsel and basically lawyers involved in the deal for the Trustee to issue counsel, the bond counsel underwriter would be in the neighborhood of $85,000, a little bit less than that. $90 (thousand) or somewhere in that range. I’m having to add it in my head. The Financial Advisor fee, in that would be about twenty, so a total of Financial Advisors and lawyers involved in the deal of about $104-105,000 based upon the numbers that we submitted on February 11^th. Again, depending on market conditions, that could change.

Councilman Walford: But that’s for the whole issue?

Mr. Weems: That’s for the entire issue, and I was looking for a particular email that I had where we sent to the Bond Commission. We broke out costs and cost savings by component, and apparently I did not print that email out. But at the time, it was in the neighborhood of that $152,000 at issuance costs. Cause I lumped all those costs together. And it would not be proportional. We’re (inaudible) $3,800,000 on top of the other 15 or 16 cost less per bond issued incrementally than it would if you were doing it independently.

Councilman Walford: Now make sure I understand. That $3.8 (million) those are going to be issue only for the three years though? This is not going to be lumped and turned into one (inaudible)?

Mr. Weems: Yes, that is correct. This is what’s called a mirror refunding. The same maturities for those particular - - -

Councilman Walford: Just a different interest rate.

Mr. Weems: Just a different interest rate.

Councilman Lester: At some point, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Dark, I would like to get some figures in terms of what we’re doing with the refinancing under this Administration versus what we did previously. Because I remember sitting here on many occasions, we did many, many, many refundings as it relates to SWAPs, as it relates to the whole nine yards and certainly, I remember some of the questions that we had regarding fees. And as I can recall the fees that are associated with the refundings now and the SWAPs now are comparative and in some cases, much less and the savings are greater. So I guess I’m at a lost to understand the level of scrutiny, when at the end of the day, we pay lawyers to do a job, and at the end of the day, the City winds up with $2,000,000. I mean are we saying that we should not have done it and we should have cost the taxpayers more money and spent the extra money on additional higher interest rates? Are we saying that we should not have - - - I mean, we talk about being fiscally responsible and things of that nature, and you do something and it winds up inuring to the benefit of the city to the tune of $2,000,000 that you can do other things with in terms of debt service. I mean, I think that’s the responsible thing to do, so I would just like to look at what we’ve done in the previous Administration in terms of fees and issuance and those things, versus what we’re doing now. Cause as I sit here, I don’t see a tremendous difference between those two scenarios. In fact what I see is this Administration being on guard with lower interest rates and doing the responsible thing to refinance some of that debt at a lower interest rate to wind up saving the City money. And again, lawyers generally don’t do things pro bono. I mean it usually doesn’t work that way. And as I can recall in the last four years, we’ve spent a pretty piece of change in terms of refinancing and lawyers, and previously it was justified because of the savings that was made to the City. And I don’t know. I’d just be interested in looking at that scenario. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Weems: Councilman Lester, I think you are correct. The costs of issuance on a per bond basis for this proposed refinancing is about $20,000,000 of city debt will be a significantly lower overall cost of issuance and to say the prior GO bonds are refinancing. I’ve not studied that carefully, but I know we have been very careful in looking at these. The one peak variable in the market right now that is kind of beyond the City’s control is bond insurance or credit enhancement, because of the disruption in the market place and the financial instability of a large number of bond insurance, that has kinda made that whole market unstable. And we projected about $93-94,000 for bond insurance for this particular issue. And that could be a variable in terms of cost of issuance is totally out of the control of the City because of the instability if you will in the credit enhancement department. Although it has to come back to this Council before you make final approval.

Councilman Wooley: I just wanted to speak to Councilman Lester at least on my own behalf, because I know I had sent Tom Dark about 12 questions in reference to one of the bond issues. Obviously I can’t speak to Councilman Walford’s line of questioning, but part of the level of scrutiny I believe it’s our responsibility as Council Members and this is the legislative branch to hold the Administration and ourselves and the whole city accountable. So, it’s our responsible to be keepers of the taxpayers money. And I think any line of questioning outside of being just disrespectful is relative, okay and should be acceptable and should be done. Because at the end of the day, if someone in my district or someone sees this and says, hey Councilman, why did you support that bond and can you explain it to me? Well I don’t want to tell them I don’t know why I voted for it, and I don’t know exactly what I just did. You know that’s the reason for my level of scrutiny as far as asking like I said about 12 questions that I asked Tom, and Tom gave me answers to all those things. And I appreciate him getting back and doing that. So nothing wrong with asking questions. People want us to ask questions, I want to ask questions because I want to have a good knowledge of what I’m approving or disapproving of so I can make a sound judgement because people are depending upon that. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Lester: And to Council Member Wooley, certainly I have not ascribed any nefarious, connotations to your questions. And point of fact, my questions and my comment was related to what we are doing now at this Council versus what we did previously. And to the extent that you were not part of the previous Council, when I made those comments, those comments were not directed at you at all. In fact understanding that you had sent an email to Mr. Dark, certainly I was out of that loop. And many of us have questions. And I’ve told you both from this dais personally and privately, I take our responsibility here as very sacrosanct. And I think anyone can ask any question. I don’t have a problem with that at all. The problem that I have had and the problem that I always have and when I believe that it rears it’s head, I make a point to say why are we doing something differently now, than what we did previously. And that was my comment. To the extent that you were not part of the previous situation, I ascribe no ill connotations to your questions whatsoever. I encourage it. But again, my question was let’s look apples to apples, oranges to oranges. If we’re going to scrutinize what we’ve done as it relates to refinancing, fees and the whole nine yards. Lets put it on the table, and lets look. We have a job. We are responsible to our constituents. Ask the questions. That’s what we’re here for. I have no problem with that. But when we do things differently, yes. That raises a concern. And when ever it rears it’s head, I have been consistent, whether that’s been in my favor or against it, I’m the guy I guess the - - - what is it Joe, Jeremiah or Joshua crying in the wilderness, one or the two, that just raises his hand, makes a point and we move on. I take that as my responsibility.

Councilman Shyne: We’ve got Lynn Braggs out there who is a biblical scholar, might be able to give us some insight on those biblical (inaudible)

Councilman Walford: Mr. Lester’s exactly right, and I’m who he is pointing to, because I was on the previous Council. But lets be totally honest about it, in the previous Council, we never had one dropped on us on Monday with no prior knowledge. In each instance that we did refunding, we had advance knowledge, we had the information passed to us on a little bit longer timeframe. My question again was only about the - - - whether it was prudent to refinance something that was going to pay out in three years. If the savings truly offset the cost of issuance. I think you’ve answered that.

Mr. Weems: But I will go back to my office, but tomorrow I will email to the Council exactly what that savings is in comparison on that particular (inaudible)

Councilman Walford: And if they don’t have it broken down for the second one, that’s okay. My question was (inaudible).

Mr. Weems: We do have it broken down that way, because I responded to the Bond Commission on the very same question. I thought I - - -

Councilman Walford: You mean other people have asked this question? (Inaudible)\

Mr. Weems: And I responded on February 12^th. Our application was sent to actually to the Bond Commission on the same day, maybe an hour earlier than it was sent to the Council. And we were operating on a very short fuse because of this dramatic unprecedented market situation that we have. As a matter of fact, we’re doing everything that we can to get this closed as rapidly as we can, because the market is actually turning against that trade. So you’ll have an opportunity to see it. But I did actually, on the morning of Tuesday, the 12^th of February, less than 24 hours after sending it to the Bond Commission responding to that question. I believe I’m correct on my timeline. But it was after we had submitted our initial application, and they asked for additional information broken down by maturities to assure that there was a savings with respect to each of those series. We did respond to that, and it actually may have been on the 11^th. Now it may have been on a Friday, now that I’m thinking about it and Monday was the 11^th. But nevertheless, I’m going to go back and find that email and forward it to you.

Councilman Walford: But that’s the question that I’m asking and I think if the Bond Commission asked the same question, it’s a very reasonable question.

Mr. Weems: It is a very reasonable question, and I tried to answer that yesterday at the Work Session, when I was responding to you. And if you look at the analysis, the savings was about $152,000, at least upon what we (inaudible) Bond Commission. With eight different RFPs, everybody used slightly different assumptions. And so it did vary somewhat, but it was significant savings. And again just for the record as I said yesterday, under the Bond Commission rules, where you have a current refunding, which both of those are, both series of the ’98 are current refundings. That means they’re within the (inaudible). The - - - if there’s one dollar of savings, it meets the criteria for the Bond Commission on a current refunding. And so in this case of the total roughly $1,000,000 about $150 (thousand) of that savings was attributable to the refunding one of the series that only had three different maturities. The balance of that, about $850,000 was attributable to the other ’98 series, about $16,000,000.

Councilman Walford: And I will tell you have just a few minutes ago introduced a different interest rate. We were given 3.2%, not from you, and then we were given 3.188 I believe, and I used both of those - - -

Mr. Weems: 3.2 and 3.188 is rounded 3.2.

Councilman Walford: But I used both of them yesterday. So anyway, just get me that Ron.

Mr. Weems: I’ll send you the email.

Councilman Walford: That’s my question.

Mr. Weems: My point is that, I thin the 3.2 was the rate that was given to you for the blended rate for the entire refunding refinance. I think is what the answer to that question is. But I’m going to find that email and send it to all of you tomorrow.

Councilwoman Bowman: The email I sent you and I had to leave and come here for a Risk Management meeting, but did you get a chance to respond to it?

Mr. Weems: I - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: You don’t answer it now, just did you?

Mr. Weems: Before I went to lunch, I responded to your email.

Councilwoman Bowman: Thank you, I’ll look at it when I get home.

Mr. Weems: I think it’s self explanatory. If you have further questions, please call me or email me back, and I’ll be happy to give you additional information.

Councilman Shyne: And Ron, just before you go, and excuse me for saying this. But you’re a big boy, and you know anytime you come before this Council, I mean it’s our duty to scrutinize what’s going on. You know whether one of us agree with it or not, but you know that’s a part of the process. The Mayor should understand that. He’s been here. I mean that’s a part of being you know - - - if you can’t afford to be scrutinized, then don’t come up here. And I think you understand that, and I think that you understand that it’s nothing personal, it’s all business. And I know you know that Councilman Walford didn’t have any personal in that. But that was all business. If it was something that he didn’t understand, I mean matter of fact, I encourage Council Members while I’m Chairman, if it’s something that you don’t understand, ask. That’s the only way that you can find out. Somebody else might know the answer to it. They might think it’s a silly question. Might think it’s foolish, they might think that it’s something that’s been asked over and over and over. But hey, each one of us have a responsibility to the people who elect us. If somebody asked me why I voted for something, I’d tell him because Monty Walford voted for it, I won’t be back here no more. And I think you understand that Ron.

Mr. Weems: Mr. Chairman, I do. I’ve got a lot of gray hair and bite marks on my back from fighting with you over the last 30 years or so.

Councilman Shyne: That’s right, and we’re not going to prolong it any longer. But Ron, we appreciate it.

Mr. Weems: Mayor as far as I’m concerned, all of you are doing your job. I respect that. And respect the process. And I hope that when we disagree, we can do it without being disagreeable, and you’ll never have me not trying to respond to your questions, just as I did to Councilman Bowman. She sent me something right around noon, and before I went to lunch, I responded to that cause I think you’re entitled to have information as it comes up.

Councilman Shyne: That’s what we want to hear, don’t tell us why you’re asking us, or he didn’t ask us before and that kind of stuff. Ron, appreciate and we love you. Mr. Mayor, you got anybody else?

Mayor Glover: Thank you Ron, and certainly I want to join Ron in saying that we welcome your scrutiny, your evaluation. It’s an appropriate role for you all to play and certainly the people who elected you expect you to do it now, do it tomorrow, and hope you did it in the past. I want to specifically say with regard to Councilman Bowman’s question and I’ll go ahead and answer it Ron, if you don’t mind. Council Member Bowman sent an email to Ron asking about a name of a firm that was being compensated as a result of the SWAP unwinding that she didn’t recognize. It was one of the names that’s part of the Administration’s Bond Team right now. Wanted to know what their role was and why were they being compensated. Essentially, that particular firm represents the previous Bond Counsel, that was a part of these original SWAPS. It was felt by Ron and the other legal counsel, that in terms of rendering a legal opinion on this particular transaction, it was more appropriate for them to give that opinion, rather than Ron coming on just now at this point, because they would be in a position to know the history of the transaction, and felt that it would be a more cost effect way of getting it done. To their credit, they could have simply decided again, I guess Councilman Lester, making history. Lawyers choosing not to engage work that they could be compensated for. That particular fee/invoice was submitted to the City at a tune of $25,000. I as Mayor felt that that was inappropriate, that it was too high, and said that we were not going to pay it. And so Ron’s credit to Calvin Grigsby’s credit and the rest of the Bond Team, they negotiated with the firm that was used by the previous Council and the previous Administration. And that fee was in fact was reduced by some $10,000. And so the total cost of the transaction went from a total of $163,000 down to a total of $153,000. So that’s the answer just in the interest of full disclosure since there were some of you probably not on the email to that particular question. Thank you Ron.

Mr. Weems: Mr. Mayor, I’d like to set the record straight too, that neither my firm or any member of the current Bond Team in connection with that other than the FA, the legal team did not charge any fees. We have worked on it, we monitored the transactions throughout it to make sure that the City’s interested was protected. But we felt that it was more appropriate for the firm that had rendered the original bond opinion, were then to opine as to whether or not what steps had to be taken, what approvals needed to be obtained, and what (inaudible) did the Mayor have, and because they were more familiar with that, we deferred to them as a professional courtesy, but we also agreed that neither Bill Boles firm or Shante Wells, or Jackie Scott, or myself would submit any legal bills with respect to that advice. I think Calvin was giving me a hard time yesterday about doing pro bono work, but we do that occasionally, and I’m proud to have served the city in that capacity this time without charging a fee.

Councilman Walford: He was just disappointed that it wasn’t on the record yesterday. So we have it.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Ron, thank you Members of the Council. You are free to go. Somebody register the time please. So we’ll know how to count those hours. Also on tomorrow Members of the Council, I think I’ve notified at least two of you in whose district and whose business, this meeting on this particular enterprise will affect, but I want to make sure that we inform the rest of the Council as well. On tomorrow, I will be meeting in Baton Rouge with the new secretary of Department of Environmental Quality concerning the requested permit of operations by Louisiana Proteins. All of us here are familiar with Louisiana Protein. They were at one point Regal Bi-product, became Regal Brothers. They were shut down in October of last year because they had exceeded the number of pounds of material that they were licensed and permitted to process. And so they have been shut down since early October until now. And some of you may have heard or read they have recently reapplied to the Department of Environmental Quality for an operating permit, that will not only allow them to restart their operations, but this current permit calls for them to be able to go from processing some 200+ (thousand) pounds of material per month and when I say material, for those of you who saw the early morning news and saw that truck spill up in Texarkana and saw the chicken guts and heads and feet that spilled across I-30, that’s what we’re talking about. To go from 200 some odd pounds of processing that type of material to over 400,000 lbs of processing during the course of each month. And I’m simply outraged. As I know all the folks in North Shreveport, the Agurs area and anyone who has to live or drive Cherokee Park, Highland Park, anyone who is a part of that community, anyone who is downtown, anyone who in many instances is over at the Bossier Boardwalk, they are affected and impacted by this companies operations. We have made it well known that the position of this Administration, I think you all have spoken quite clearly, and eloquently as a council that these folks simply don’t represent the type of enterprise that needs to be in the city limits of Shreveport. I’m looking forward to hopefully making that case tomorrow to the Secretary. I would encourage any of you who think that you have any cache with this current administration to please do what you can to be able to help the Governor and the Secretary understand that with the good news that we have coming from the Hilton Hotel, the good news that we have coming from the Shreveport Convention Center, the good news that we have coming from downtown, the great news that has been the Agurs and North Shreveport Business District, the wonderful neighborhood that has been Highland Park and Cherokee Park, we cannot afford to allow this operation to come back up and once again defile the airs of the City of Shreveport. And so, we’re trying to be as proactive as we can, we’ve objected from the very first phase of this process, we’re going to fight it all the way down the line, and it’s simply at a point to where I think that they are going to have to be from my understanding, at the very highest levels of Louisiana government, exactly what we’re talking about here. Can any of you imagine last November as we were here entertaining a dozen generals, over a hundred colonels, some 2500 attendees in total at the Cyber Command Conference had that operation been going at full strength? Can any of you imagine the horrors that we will experience potentially next February as we will invite the world to Shreveport, and to the Shreveport Convention Center, the Hilton Hotel, and to have the good folks at Louisiana Protein operating in full vigor? And so I’m here today asking as I said anything that you all can help to do, in expressing the city’s sentiment I’ve called on several citizens across the city as well anything that they can do as well, or anyone here today to hear my voice, anyone who reads whatever account of it to end up in the media, to please express the paramount importance of this particular issue to the City of Shreveport.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I think Councilman Walford just before you say that, let him know that we want businesses to expand in Shreveport, but not that one.

Councilman Walford: Mr. Mayor, just before Council, in fact I was almost late showing one of my buildings, and the perspective tenant is noticing the doors on each side that this must be great to work in when you can open, (I’m serious), when you can open the doors and have that cross ventilation. And my immediate thought was I’m glad they’re not cooking. Cause it would have killed the deal.

Mayor Glover: Absolutely.

Councilman Walford: And I cannot go tomorrow, but I urge you to please express my concerns, as if DEQ up here hasn’t heard it. They’ve heard it many times, it may not have reached Baton Rouge.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Mayor, this is easily the most important issue in north Shreveport. Easily. I mean, it cuts all lines, all economic, all everything, and I do appreciate your leadership in terms of not letting the message be lost in the translation from a letter or a phone call, hopefully you will make enough of an impression on the State Department of Environmental as well as the Governor’s office to actually help do their job and protect the citizens of Shreveport, because for them to permit this operation would be dereliction of duty, and it would basically kill and erase what has been done in the last few months, and it just can’t happen. So, obviously I’m not going to be able to make it. I’m the bus in the morning, so I’m not going to be able to make the ride, but please express to the folks at DEQ that everyone in North Shreveport is 100% in favor of what you’re trying to accomplish. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Councilman Lester, we will certainly deliver that message and deliver it as fervently as possible. Councilman Walford, you made reference to the local DEQ Office. One of the things that fills me with such fear, is that the local DEQ office was not the entity that stepped forward to recognize that Louisiana Protein had exceeded it’s processing limits for the calendar year. It actually took outside voices and an order from the court for them to acknowledge that and so that’s one of the points that we’ll be making on tomorrow, is that unfortunately, and this is after I’ve tried to have an open mind and give them every opportunity and every chance, we have not gotten the kind of assistance and support from our local DEQ that we would have hoped for. That we would have expected, and the point that I make to people also as well was for several folks who have communicated to me, why is it that the Mayor’s office in the City of Shreveport would want to shut down a business. And my response to them is because their point was is that usually what happens is that a rendering plant is constructed out in the country side somewhere, and the city ends up going to the rendering plant. My response to them is that, that is by no means what transpired here. This is a plant that originated in the early 1950s, it was already in the midst of an area that was more populated then than it is now, and it’s always had neighbors of both the commercial and the residential type. And just simply since they have become Louisiana Protein and seemingly have focused on the exclusive processing of chicken parts, have they become the unacceptable neighbor that they are right now. So again, for those of you who have concern for the City of Shreveport and the ability to make this administration in Baton Rouge hear your voice, we would ask and request your support.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, just one more comment on that, and then we won’t go back to it.

Councilman Wooley: Thank you Mr. Chairman. Just curious Mr. Mayor, what has been DEQ’s response to the City on this issue?

Mayor Glover: Well, DEQ is of the mind that this particular operation, should be, they’re the ones who are cooperating and helping to facilitate this licensing process. They’re the ones who suggested that it’s possible despite the fact that there have been 18 months worth of efforts to try and mitigate the scenario. That not only should they allowed to reopen, but they should be allowed to reopen with processing limits that are twice what they previously were. And so it is part of the reason why I would burden this Council at this particular point and time and in this particular forum to say that this is an issue that is of paramount importance, because apparently there are some folks here at the local level who just simply do not get it. And I’m hoping that between the leadership from the Governor’s office and the new Secretary, who is a person I have not yet had the opportunity to meet, that there will be some clearer heads to prevail and we’ll end up with some support that we previously have not gotten. But at this point, the local folks are doing everything apparently that they can to get these folks back up, back open, and back operational.

Mayor Glover: The next item I have and I just simply have two more Council Members, has to do with what obviously has riveted the worlds attention on the City of Shreveport over the last week or so. Has to do with an incident that occurred back in November of 2007. And was revealed, as I understand, a week ago this Sunday night on our local ABC affiliate. Chief, if you’re still here, make yourself available. And you as well Terri. I want to share with you all the history, as I understand it, of the Garbarino case. And my role in this situation, and at what particular point in time that things became public notice to you and the rest of the City of Shreveport. Because as I mentioned, the event occurred in November of last year.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, not cutting you off, but could we just pause with this one minute. I got two people that I invited to come down and I had no idea that we would run two hours with communications from your office. I want to just get them to come up for one or two minutes, and I want to recognize them right quick Mr. Mayor if it’s alright?

Mayor Glover: Mr. Shyne, on the top of the agenda it says “City Council Meeting”. Councilman Shyne: Right.

Mayor Glover: I’ll understand that. It doesn’t say Mayor’s meeting. It says City Council Meeting. So I’ll move at your direction and certainly welcome (inaudible)

Councilman Shyne: Right. Well we have Mr. Connelly, and Dr. Connelly. Would you all come up just for a minute or two and I want to recognize, matter of fact, Mr. Mayor your brother graduated from that university. Let me say this. And this is coming to the end of Black History Month, and we have talked about men of color who have made contributions to America and who have been great American citizens. Would have been a great American citizen, wouldn’t have mattered what color they would have been. They could have been Asian, and I hope I’m not offending any Asians that are in here. But Dr. Connelly, and Dr. Connelly if you don’t mind me saying this, but Dr. Connelly and her husband, because what you know what goes on is team work, has done and excellent book about the life of Dr. Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones. If you live in Louisiana, if you live in North Louisiana, matter of fact, if you live in America, you should have heard that name when you talk about education. Even when you talk about athletics. So, I wanted Dr. Connelly to come down and I wanted her husband to come with here Calvin. Not only is she a very, very intellectual, and she has prepared herself academically, but she’s an attractive lady, and she has her handsome husband with her. And y’all see, he said yes. And she has her handsome husband with her. But I just wanted her to give us, to tell us a little bit about the book that she has published.

Dr. Connelly: Thank you Councilman Shyne and other Council Members. I certainly do appreciate you granting me this brief audience to share something about a very magnanimous soul, Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones, who was the second president of Grambling State University. Although he was the second president, he was the first in so many areas. He was the first Band Director, the first Dean of Men, the first Registrar, the first Football Coach, the first Baseball Coach, and perhaps one of the only coaching presidents in higher education in America. Waldo Emerson Jones has helped to prepare people who work in practically every industry here in Northwest Louisiana, and I would (inaudible) say, perhaps even in North America. He is a man whose shadow extends even to this day. He was named for the great essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson. His mother loved Emerson’s works and decided that she wanted to name her son for him. And Emerson said one time that an institution is the length and shadow of one man. There are so many of us who stand here at this moment who linger in the shadow of Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones, and as I prepare to yield my time graciously, I just want to share a few things that people have said about him. And I will begin with Dr. E. B. Robert, Emeritus of the LSU Baton Rouge School of Education. And he said that Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones was a man who possessed perhaps the sensitivity, the intellect, finer than that possessed by any other man that he knew, and he knew him for well over 50 years. Pres, as we lovingly and affectionately called him, Dr. Robert said, “Never failed to respond to the needs of the staff and students of Grambling”. Some of you are familiar with Dr. Morgan Peoples, out of Louisiana Tech, and he says that Pres was color blind. He was guided by love, he was guided by knowledge of the young lives, and he knew he has his hand in shaping and he was guided by an uncanny ability, an uncanny sense, of what was good for all people, Black and White. There are so many people here in this room, who stand under his shadow, Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones has sent thousands throughout this world to take their place and he was very modest in so doing. He said simply that, “Perhaps I did help out through rough times.” He said he had seen yellow people who came to Grambling deprived, poverty stricken, depressed, and he saw them find themselves, and he saw them by the thousands understand what the wonderful and beautiful American Dream was. And I end with our Council Chairman’s observation of Pres. And he said that people had the prevailing thought that if they could just get to Grambling, Pres would see to it that they got an education, and that they would be productive. And Pres himself said a few years before his passing, that no bells should toll for him, he said that “I am going to live, and live, and live.” And since there had not been anything written specifically about him, we decided to write this book and to close that deafeningly silent void about Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones. In all of us, Pres lives, the title of the book. Thank you very much.

Councilman Shyne: I want you all to know that she has done a magnificent job. And first of all, we need to be proud of her, because she’s one of us. She is a local high school administrator here. And I hope she doesn’t mind me saying this, but Chief, like you said the other day, you came out of the cotton fields picking cotton. She came off the farm. Came off the farm and matriculated through some of the finest institutions in America. Has a Doctor’s degree who understands the importance of education. I want you to know that we are proud of you, and we are proud of the work that you have done, to let people know what Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones was all about, and how he helped so many people, both Black and White. He not only helped Black people, but he helped Black and White people, and at one time, if you finished from Grambling State University with a degree in education, you could get a job before students who finished from LSU with a degree in elementary or secondary education. That was the kind of reputation that Pres made sure that the students who came to Grambling was prepared to go into this world and make their mark. And be like he would always say, be good American citizens, regardless of what color. Dr. Connelly, we appreciate it, we’re so proud of you. I had no idea that the meeting would run this long, but you understand how it is. But we appreciate you coming down, and if you all get a chance, and I’m not her salesperson, but please buy the book, please buy the book, it’s wonderful. Thank you.

Dr. Connelly: Thank you so very much.

Mayor Glover: Councilman Shyne and Members of the Council, I just wanted to say I as a relatively young man, as you pointed out, still had the distinct privilege and honor of getting to know Dr. Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones. Our family is some four generations deep in Grambling. And Dr. Connelly was so kind as to bless me with a copy of this great book last year, when I spoke at her church, the St. Rest Baptist Church, and it just simply blessed me, because it brought back so many memories, but more importantly, it gave me so much insight into things that I remembered and thought maybe I had some understanding of, but it gave me so much more than that. And so I want to thank her for what she said about the life of a great man, and Chairman Shyne, I would invite you at some point when you get a chance, as my dad used to tell me the story of, I’ll invite you to tell this Council the story of the old gray mule.

Councilman Shyne: That’s right.

Mayor Glover: That Dr. Jones was so fund of sharing with students right before Christmas break I believe of every year. So thank you so much for being here, and great contribution to Louisiana and to American History.

Dr. Connelly: Thank you so very much, and yes the mule is Chapter 8.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, thank you so much. Alright Mr. Mayor, we’re back.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Shyne and Members of the Council, as I was saying before we were pleasantly diverted, there’s been much attention brought to Shreveport as a result of what transpired on the night/early morning of November 7^th. I like so many of you have gotten calls, and emails practically from every corner of the globe, and I have to admit, if not 100 to 1, it may be 1,000 to 1, all tell me that we are just simply a horrible people here in the City of Shreveport. And that people that have been here before tell me that they will never come back again, and people who’ve not yet been here, but who were planning to say that they were in fact not coming. And some folks who they’ve identified themselves as potential business prospects who were considering the City of Shreveport, but will not anymore based upon what they had the opportunity to witness, and I like you was bothered and upset by what I saw. Now the question here in addition to the attention that this has brought to the City of Shreveport is exactly what transpired with regard to what I knew, what this Administration knew, and how it is that we could have put you all in a better position to have been prepared for what in fact did transpire. I want you all to know that the first knowledge that this was about to be released to the public, came via an email on a week ago, this past Friday. That email came after 5:00 and it said that ABC, Channel 3, the local KTBS affiliate was about to air a story based upon this particular video. It was at that point my assumptions into - - - it was after 5:00 already for their first broadcast, that this was going to be something that was going to be aired at 5:00, at 6:00, at 10:00 and probably every other point thereafter. Well, it turns out and certainly I don’t know the television or the media business, 5:00 on a Friday or 6:00 on a Friday, or 10:00 on a Friday or anytime on Saturday or Sunday before 10:00 doesn’t appear to be the best time to air a controversial story. So it turns out that the story did not in fact end up airing until 10:00 on Monday night. And that’s when many of you found out and the rest of the world found out as well. I think that’s very important for all of us to understand is this. There are several this that’s very important for us to understand. This particular vide tape was released by Mrs. Garbarino and her counsel. They had a right to it, since they were a part of the criminal proceedings. It was not province of the City of Shreveport to be able to release this particular matter, because it was still a part of an ongoing process inside the City of Shreveport. There is a thing that I have been reminded of going back over a decade called the Policeman’s Bill of Rights, that speaks in great detail about what it is that a particular municipality has the capacity to be able to do with regard to the rights and privileges of police officers. Because the City of Shreveport had taken action against this particular officer, that action had been appealed or has been appealed to the Civil Service Board. None of what was contained within those proceedings or that particular video was subject to be released to the public. The reality of the matter is despite the fact that the Chief viewed the video in early December, members of the City Attorney’s office viewed it in close proximity. CAO Tom Dark viewed it sometime in January. I as Mayor, did not choose to view the video until Tuesday, a week ago today when I returned from a trip from out of town had the opportunity to be able to watch all 30+ minutes of what transpired. I do know and will inform you that this Chief informed that there are issues within the Police Department that he’s having to deal with. And he described this one in some very specific terms. My statement to him was that, “Chief, I hired you so that I would not find myself in the position of micromanaging the Shreveport Police Department. You have a job to do, I have every faith and confidence in you that you will do that job.” Him doing that job resulted in his decision to fire the particular police officer. My review of the tape came to the conclusion that in addition to firing that it would be appropriate to have appropriate authority, District Attorney’s office, U. S. Attorneys office invited themselves to the opportunity as well to come and review what was there to determine whether or not there was any particular criminal proceedings. I want you all to understand that at no point prior Ms. Garbarino’s releasing this video to a local media would have been appropriate, allowable or legal for anyone outside of the individuals who had already viewed it to be in a position to do so. Having been a member of the Council, having been a member of the Legislature, I want to personally apologize to each and everyone of you for not putting you in the position to be able to have fore knowledge and have been forewarned so that you could have responded to the many emails and the many calls that you have already gotten. We will certainly seek to try and find a better and more effective means of being able to handle and address these types of situations as we go forward. In fact, as some of you may recall, in response to one of the questions posed, an email I forwarded to you all on last week. I asked the Chief and I asked City Attorney Terri Scott if it might be possible for us to come up with some means and methods of mechanisms of being able to put you all as the Council in a position to be able to have access to what could be some other issues that might be similarly controversial. When the Chief answered that back, and I think you all were probably copied on that as well, and that is that as long as these proceedings are still working their way through the process and that is (inaudible) to a PDC hearing, or if it’s between a PDC hearing and an appeal to the Civil Service Board, then the only individual whose in a position to be able to go public with the release of this information and make it known to the public, would be the individual whose on the other side of it, and not the City of Shreveport. So, I have the Chief here and the City Attorney, Terri Scott to answer any questions that you all may have with regard to this matter, and certainly I’m prepared to answer any questions that you all may have as well.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I guess I’m the as they say in baseball, the lead off hitter, I want the Chief to come forward first and then I’ll come back to the Mayor and I’ll ask the Council Members. Chief, I did want you to know that I support what you did. He should have been fired. After watching the tape, anytime you handcuff an individual, you have the responsibility as an officer to make sure that that individual is safe, while they are under arrest. I don’t know what kind of police policies and procedures you have, but just looking at it from common sense - - - I mean common sense was not even used in that particular instance, and I would suggest to you, I know you’re officers short, but any of those officers who think that he did the right thing, and that’s the way you’re supposed to police in Shreveport, if I was you, I would ask them for their resignation. And if they are watching this Council Meeting, they can quote me as the Council Chairman saying that if that’s the way you think that we want our streets to be policed, we love you, we’re not going to fall out with you, but bye! Like I told somebody the other day, and I think you heard me yesterday and this morning, we’ve come a long ways from George D’Artois to Henry Whitehorn. I mean a long ways. Chief, I’ve been around a long time. I was one of those guys who was out there fighting, I didn’t march with Lynn Braggs, because during that time, I didn’t have as much patience as I have now. See, if I’d been on one of them picket lines and somebody hit me, then I’d have been ready to hit back, and you can’t do that. Nonviolence. But Chief, I appreciate what you did. I think I told somebody Sunday that I didn’t have to give them a rundown of your qualifications because you have an impeccable record. And Mr. Mayor, I want to commend you for choosing and submitting his name to the Council. Now I can say that that’s one real good decision you made. Now I might disagree with you on some others and I’m going to tell you in a minute or two. But that was a real good decision that you made. This man is truly a professional. And not only is he truly a professional, but he is a gentleman. Like I told him this morning, I don’t have no reason to tell him this, because he doesn’t put any kind of food on my table. And if he was not, I would tell him. So I want you to know Chief, that I support you. Because I was called from California, and I thought the guy was kidding me. He say Joe, he say what kind of Chief of Police you all got in Shreveport. He say, you tell me y’all done started beating up on White women? I thought he was joking with me, because I had not seen it Mr. Mayor. I thought he was joking. So I said, what are you talking about? He said, Joe now you tell me, you Chairman of the City Council, and you don’t know what is happening in your city? I say, sure. I say you know we are a growing city. We’re going to be the next great city of the south. He say, not if you keep on beating up on White women. And I had a chance - - - he said, watch the news. So I had a chance to see the news. But Chief, what they don’t understand is these are the kinds of things that will cost us money. See this is money that we could be putting into the Police Department for salaries. Remember Mr. Mayor, when y’all came up with the idea maybe we need to pay a little bit more so we can get some better officers? We can’t do that if we keep on doing this. And I really haven’t had a chance to talk to Liz, but I think over the last few years, not during this Administration, but we have spent millions of dollars on law suits by the Police Department with a group out there hollering, “back the badge”. You back the badge, but if it’s my brother, you don’t back him when he’s wrong. We have spent millions of dollars and Mr. Mayor, you know under your administration, and under my watch on the Council, I don’t want us to get back into that. Where we spent a lot of money with police officers over reacting, and we think it’s alright. And I was shocked when I guess the president of the union stepped forward and say well, this is alright, he was within him limits. I couldn’t believe it. You back you fellow officers, but you don’t back them when they’re wrong, because it cost the taxpayers money. Millions of dollars that could be going somewhere else, for their salaries, for their equipment, and for other programs. And Mr. Mayor, I think all of the Council Members look to be called and be given a blow by blow of what was going on, and to watch the film and all. I think we were hit in the stomach, and I was totally disgusted, because we were not briefed on what had happened in November. I had to have somebody in California to call me to brief me on it. I didn’t want to know the blow by blow, I don’t think any of the other members wanted to know. Now I can’t speak for all of them, but I know two or three of them didn’t want to know the blow by blow. The only thing that we wanted to know was that there was a situation that might get out of hand that happened with the Police Department. So we could be aware of what’s going on. Whether you want us or not, we’re a part of your leadership team. People ask us questions. I can’t tell them, don’t ask me that, ask the Mayor. I’m not the kind of person that’s going to dump everything on you. And you’re my friend. I supported you, I campaigned for you, and not that you asked me to, but I did it because I like you. And I think you understand that don’t you? You and I have always been together.

Mayor Glover: I thought you did it because I was the best qualified - - - and my friend.

Councilman Shyne: There you go. You see, you want to let the air out of me, but that’s okay. But that’s true. But you know you and I had been together.

Mayor Glover: Absolutely.

Chairman Shyne: But I would hope Mr. Mayor, now in the future, that if an incident happens like this, brief us on it. You don’t have to tell us blow by blow what’s going on. Just say there’s been an incident. It doesn’t have to be in the Police Department. It could be in the Fire Department - - - we could have somebody - - - where is Mike Strong, Water and Sewerage who might get hurt. We don’t want to know the details, but at least let us know. Because if you are successful, we are successful. If you are a failure, we’re a failure. Now whether we want to be or not, for the next four years, we’re married together.

Mayor Glover: Absolutely Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: Now, you might not like to be married to me, you know?

Mayor Glover: We go all the way back to 1990 Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: That’s exactly right, that’s exactly right. You and I have been married a long time, and you know it just kinda hit us in the stomach. So, I’m asking you don’t let this happen again. Brief us, and you can tell us, “Now I can’t tell you everything, because there is a confidentiality clause that’s involved.” And Chief, I know you’re going to do it, cause you’re smart enough. If something happens in the Police Department, you need to let the Mayor know as soon as you find out. And Mr. Mayor, you need to brief us when you find out. And you don’t have to tell us blow by blow, but please in the future, I would hope that you would do that and it wouldn’t make us look so bad. You know I felt bad and the guy was laughing. He said, “Well Joe you tell me the Council don’t know”? What’s wrong with y’all? I said look, we’re a better city than San Francisco. Maybe I shouldn’t have called the city, he might want to catch me out in San Francisco and do me some harm. But I hope you understand what I’m saying, and Chief, I hope you understand what I’m saying. I know we’re short, but we don’t need that kind of policing. If they want to turn their badge in and their gun in tomorrow. Please accept it. Mr. Mayor, you understand what I’m saying?

Mayor Glover: I appreciate it Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: We don’t need that kind of stuff. I’ve had a chance to live through that in Shreveport. The only thing about it, it was the flip side. I remember once we had a Commissioner, George D’Artois who went up to Booker T. And the next thing you knew, were out there with some White kids in Virginia Park that went to Centenary. But guess what? He wasn’t here long after that. That’s a black eye to the City, we’re trying to recruit industry to come in here. As a matter of fact, Willis Knighton is building a $200,000,000 retirement center. Who wants to retire and come to Shreveport with that kind of ole trashy stuff going on? And then you get somebody to get up in front of the TV and say, this is alright, and this is accepted, and he did what he wanted to do. Any man that wants to snatch a woman around is less than a man. You don’t do that. You don’t do that. So, I hope I’m communicating and I hope that we don’t have this to happen again where we’re not briefed, and you don’t have to give us every I and cross every T.

Councilman Walford: I want to use your time to make a brief comment if you don’t mind. I’m very disappointed by what happened. I’m disgusted with what happened. But I have been flooded with emails and unfortunately this is not the right forum for this. I would like to be on Good Morning America to say this. But I’m angered and disgusted that people out there would paint our whole city with a negative brush because of what happened with one person. Or would paint our police department, fine men and women that do serve and protect with that same negative brush because of the actions of one individual. And I would love nothing better than to be on Good Morning America and let everybody hear that, because it makes me mad that they do that us. I’m tired of the emails, I’ve actually started to answer them with that. I forward one to you that got me because they couldn’t get the Mayor. But it’s not fair. It’s not right, it’s certainly incorrect, and it just really angers me that we (inaudible) because of the actions of one individual. Because we’re not that kind of city. We’d rather you were on Good Morning America. I’ll get too emotional about it, and really tell ‘me what I think. I’ll let you be eloquent. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Wooley: I just wanted to comment, pretty much what Councilman Shyne said in regards to communication. I guess what’s important for the Council to know is where is our legal parameters as far as knowledge. At what point are we allowed to have knowledge on things, or maybe as Councilman Shyne suggested, if we could know something’s up or something’s going on, but can’t give you details for obviously the Bill of Rights for officers, that’s important for us, because you know I’d made a comment on an interview, and the whole thing wasn’t broadcast, but I did make the point, but I actually was quoted on Channel 12’s website. I said if you’re allowed to know in full knowledge, and you’re an elected official, then why can’t we have that same right unless made by default of your position as Mayor, you can know. And then we get to know. That’s fine with me, I don’t have a problem with that. But if you (inaudible) know and you’re not part of the investigation, or someone in the Administration, I know the Chief had mentioned Tom Dark’s name, he not part of the investigation, he’s not an elected official, or whatever maybe for that particular person, then I would like to have that same right, if I’m allowed to. But just so I can inform the residents who call and email me, so I can give that information as soon as I can. I would like to know our legal parameters, that way we can understand where we are, and we can communicate effectively. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: Just before you make your statement Mr. Mayor, Councilman Lester.

Councilman Lester: Thank you Mr. Chairman. I want to direct this question to Ms. Scott, the City Attorney. I’m quoting here, Revised Statute 40:2532, Release of Personal Information. No person No person, agency, or department shall release to the news media, press or any other public information agency, a law enforcement officer's home address, photograph, or any information that may be deemed otherwise confidential, without the express written consent of the law enforcement officer, with respect to an investigation of the law enforcement officer. My question, where does that leave us from an information standpoint. And kind of encountered in terms of the adjudicative process and certainly where your office plays a role in that, and where do we sit in the Council. Because quite honestly, the problem that I’m having, I understand the whole nature of the making sure that no public information is released about the officer to the media. That makes perfect sense to me. Because if the Police Chief wants to deal with an officer, in a disciplinary setting, there should be some sanctity to that process such that it remains the process has a certain level of integrity so that people aren’t outside influence or whatever. Because obviously you know people can say different things mean different things. You don’t always have a scenario where you’re talking about video, sometimes you can have audio recording, sometimes you can photographs or sometimes you can have neither one of those, and there’s an argument going back and forth between officer and the question of a policy and it may find out that the Chief or the Administrator in charge of instituting those proceedings was incorrect in their assessment, and so certainly you would not want to prejudice and officer moving through the process until there is some final resolution. I’m clearly understanding that. What I’m having a problem with is where you make, and where does the law differentiate between us as a Council, and the public per se. And specifically, are there cases on point that deal with this particular issue. Because I could understand if the Chief knew, if the City Attorney knows because certainly you’ve got a scenario where once the charge is brought and what have you. We have City Attorneys, I think Mr. Jones is our representative from the City Attorney’s office on their board. And certainly the Council is not a part of that process that operates outside of us. But when you then bring in the Mayor, the CAO, and things of that nature, how shaded is that line in terms of the public and what is - - - and what isn’t.

Ms. Scott: Mr. Lester, what you have to understand first is, and you’ve read through the Police Officers Bill of Rights. And I think you’ve articulated very well, what the intent of that is, so is to be sure that the officer will receive a fair review, as he or she goes through that investigative process. There is nothing from what you read however, that alludes to or even mentions the City Council. What happened in this instance though if anyone wants to assume or infer that there was some error in relying on that, then I would vehemently disagree. Because again, the intent is always to insure that the officer is afforded every privilege that is afforded to them by virtue of that statute. And that is entirely what happened in this case. There was an investigation that is ongoing, and again because of that investigation that’s ongoing, there is very little that can be said in this particular forum with regard to that investigation so as not to jeopardize the officer and his opportunity to have a full and fair hearing or to have his appeal, which is where this matter is now, fairly and without prejudice by the Civil Service Board. So, in all probability, if and when it comes up again, there may be some rethinking as to what information is given to Council. But by and large, specifics on a particular investigation, it will never be recommended that that information be disclosed for fear of again, of violating the police officers (inaudible).

Councilman Shyne: Calvin, hold it. I want to say this, and then you go back again. I don’t think we were asking for specifics. Just to let us know that the situation is there. We don’t even have to know any names or anything like that. I think that’s what we were talking about. Not necessarily specifics. We understand, at least most of us, because most of us have been around long enough to understand that you can’t get into specifics. Not only with the Police Department. But anytime you get into personnel records, you don’t get into specifics. Councilman Lester, I’m back to you and then Councilwoman Bowman.

Councilwoman Bowman: No, this is germane to what he’s saying. What if Councilman Lester, if the Chairman of the Council had - - - I mean if the Mayor was out of town, then look at that scenario. This is still Council Member. You see what I’m saying?

Councilman Lester: And where I’m - - - I guess I’m a creature of habit. I’m laying a foundation for going somewhere, and I think that’s an excellent question. My concern is this. I understand the desire of the department to maintain the integrity of the process. And I will say as others have alluded to, I hope this is a one instance situation. I hope that we never have this situation again, where something so unfortunate occurs. But having said that, my question is can we not treat this situation, and I think there has been some conversation from the Mayor’s office through email and some other comments that I’ve heard, what would prevent us from treating this instance like we treat an instance where we have an ongoing litigation by which that information is routed to a Risk Management Committee? Or an instance where there is ongoing litigation where clearly at a Council Meeting, we cannot discuss that, but we can go into an executive session, and discuss that. Understanding that when you deal with executive session, not for the Council, but for the public, when we go into executive session, one of the rules is there are no recording devices, there is nothing written down, there is simply a discussion of very specific and confidential issues. How is this situation not analogous to a scenario where the Council could be called into an executive session to deal with an incident occurring at this date, this time, involving an unnamed police officer and an unnamed citizen?

Ms. Scott: Mr. Lester, this situation was different, and I must agree with you whole heartedly. Hopefully this will be the last situation that we have to deal with. But you’ve got to remember that the officer was not terminated. The officer was terminated for policy violation. The reason for the termination has significant bearing on what was on that tape and relates directly what was on that tape in terms of those violations. And that’s what makes this one different, that’s what makes this one (inaudible) which is why, and again, hopefully, this will be an aberration this will never happen again, but the reason that the officer was terminated related to policy violations that were clearly evident and demonstrated on that tape.

Councilman Lester: And my question is not to the merits of the termination. I’m not even going to discuss that. My question is whether or not the fact that we got certainly, once an officer is terminated, they clearly have the right to appeal that process. And those processes go on all the time. We have someone that represents both the City from an attorney standpoint, with the Mayor, through the Council., the Mayor appoints, the Council confirms. People to that Board, citizens and that whole process. And it is a separate and distinct process away from the political process, because certainly you’re talking about Civil Service. I guess the concern that I had is that when it’s all said and done, if there are allegations of bad acts by an officer, whether they be found to be accurate at the time of the adjudicative process, i.e., where we are right now. The other side of that coin is there is going to be litigation from a civil standpoint. And you and I would look at that tape and say, both as someone who has defended the city for many years, and someone who has practiced plaintiffs’ law, you look at certain situations and you know, there is a distinct possibility that litigation will flow from this. And so I guess where I’m trying to go is, it would seem to me that there is a way both to protect the officer and not - - - cause the last thing I want to do and any of the Council wants to do, is have the Mayor, the City Attorney or the Police Chief, to violate the law to uphold the law. Or to violate the law so that we can feel better about answering some questions from our constituents. Because you know that’s an absurdity in the process, because we feel better about giving our constituents information, and we look good, and at the end of the day, the Police Department and the Chief feels that this person that has been disciplined needs to be disciplined, then if that information gets out, one of the things that the Civil Service Board is going to say is you know what? We find that the Police Department and the City has violated 40:2532, so we’re going to dismiss this action, overturn and this person that may or may not have been a bad actor is back on the force, and no you’ve got a bad actor that has been put back in a negative situation from a technicality.

Ms. Scott: And I understand what you’re saying Mr. Lester, and it’s going to come down on a case by case basis. With each particular case, there may be information that can be disclosed. And so the question is what is that information based on that particular (inaudible) if I understand your question.

Councilman Lester: And you do. Again, I just think that there has to be a way to serve first the law in terms of the Bill of Rights of the Police Officer, and for us because when it’s all said and done, you know I have to use a new phrase because people have started quoting my ‘end of the day’ thing. So when it’s all said and done, and I didn’t get credit for that, I need to put that on a T-Shirt.

Councilwoman Bowman: Point of order. I read that in several books.

Councilman Lester: I know.

Councilwoman Bowman: Getting like Hillary.

Councilman Lester: Ooh, no, no. no. Yes we can, yes I can. (Inaudible) but when it’s all over, if there are bad acts, this Council is going to have to appropriate those funds to deal with those bad acts. So, I’m not saying again I think there should be some level of detail that’s there, and I do want to know the details. All of the details that I can. Not that we say that okay I know that there is something going on. But I mean certainly knowing that, that is out there would guide us in some of the other decisions that we make in terms of a budgetary scenario. I mean we could decide you know what at a certain point, there are additional resources out there, and we decide as a Council, lets pave some more streets. Well, we’re not going to have a conversation about paving streets when you know that the 500 lb elephant in the back of the room is this particular scenario, that lawsuit that may come to fruition this year, may come to fruition next year, and that guides many of our policy decisions. Obviously our primary policy decision being the budgetary process.

Ms. Scott: Let me say this Mr. Lester. It comes down to at what stage in the process we are, and from all appearances, it’s looking as though this particular incident will have at least three different processes. There will be the personnel process, there will be the civil litigation, and there will be the criminal proceedings. At this point we are still in the midst of the personnel process. And again, as we said before, there is very little information that can be disclosed while we’re in the middle of that process. Once there is a lawsuit filed, that becomes a matter of public record. Anybody who wants a copy of the petition can go to Caddo District Court and get one. And so, again you’re allowed to disclose certain information depending on what stage of the process and for purposes of this process, there was very little information.

Councilman Lester: Well, with all due respect I disagree, and we can do that. Because I don’t see how disclosing - - - once it gets beyond the Police Department and the City Attorney’s office that is charged with the responsibility of prosecuting and consequently defending it, and you go to the CAO and the Mayor, then I think almost by design, you would have to include the Council. Now of course, the counter argument is you work for the Mayor, and there is an interchange and that’s all and executive branch function.

Ms. Scott: Councilman, the counter argument is that the Mayor is the appointing authority that represent the appointing authority. So that puts him in a different line with regard to police officers and other civil servants.

Councilman Wooley: What happens if the Mayor is out of town and he becomes the Mayor Pro Temp?

Ms. Scott: He is in fact representing the appointing authority at that time, then he would receive the same information that would come to the Mayor.

Councilman Wooley: And what about Tom being the CAO?

Ms. Scott: Mr. Dark was brought in because he is the Chief Administrator Officer and this has the potential to affect the budget by charter, responsible for preparation of.

Councilman Wooley: We are also affected by our roles in the budget.

Ms. Scott: In that you make the appropriation.

Councilman Wooley: Right, so where does our role come in as far as communication? I mean I can argue the point back and forth between the CAO and the (inaudible). He sets it up, and we gotta approve it. So we’ve got to work together (inaudible) happen.

Ms. Scott: You’re absolutely right on that Mr. Wooley. But again in this instance Mr. Dark was brought in and I personally made the phone call to Mr. Dark to advise him that there was a matter that I deemed that a representative of the Mayor’s office should be made aware of.

Councilman Wooley: Well, I have to agree with my fellow Councilman Lester. I do disagree with the way it was handled in some respects feeling that - - - and that’s why I asked the question as far as the legal sphere, and I felt like there may have been some category or title. When you said appointing authority, I do understand that. But reference to anyone else, I totally disagree, and I think there should be some type of standard put in place that doesn’t go against the law and protect the Bill of Rights for the officer, but at the same time, he failed to communicate to the Council, because obviously that’s been an overall theme of the issues that we’ve been dealing with. And so I disagree and I have to join Councilman Lester on this one.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, before we come back to Councilman Lester, and you too Madam Attorney. I hope you all are understanding what we’re saying. You know we need to be briefed. This is not my first rodeo. This is not the first Mayor that I’ve had an opportunity to work with and you’re not the first City Attorney. Tom isn’t the first CAO. Cause he and I’ve been around a long time. Chief, you’re not the first chief, and I think you understand that. We’ve had incidents like this that have happened before. We have been briefed. We might not have gotten the details, but at least we got enough to not make us look foolish. And Mr. Mayor I want to say this, and I don’t want to say this behind anybody’s back. Is Gwen Campbell still in here?

Mayor Glover: Maybe upstairs.

Councilman Shyne: Well, I hope she’s listening. If I’m wrong, I want to apologize. But the word got back to me that Gwen made the statement that Council Members want to know too much anyway. Gwen hasn’t been - - -

Mayor Glover: I would suggest that if you didn’t hear her say that directly - - - then you may not want to go on hearsay.

Councilman Shyne: Naw, but let met finish saying what I’m about to say Now if it’s hearsay, they say or whatever it is, if I’m wrong, I’m like you. I’ll apologize. I’m big enough to apologize. But if I’m not wrong, then I want her to understand. And I think you know it. That Gwen hadn’t been involved in City Government long enough to know what Council Members ought to know or what they should know. And I would hope that you inform her, whether she said it or not, that there are certain statements that you don’t make. And those are the kinds of statements that you don’t make, when you don’t know.

Mayor Glover: She can’t account for it Mr. Chairman, if she didn’t make it.

Councilman Shyne: Well, but I’m saying in case she did. I want to make sure - - - you know that’s just like, you know you might be a bad little boy, I might give you a spanking. Well, in case you didn’t do that, this will help you. So that’s what I’m trying to say. But what I’m saying is

Mayor Glover: (Inaudible) prophylactic is what you telling me?

Councilman Shyne: Right if that’s the way it wants to be taken. But what I’m saying is you or I neither one know whether she said it or not. That’s why I asked if she was in here. Now if she didn’t say it, I don’ t have no problem apologizing. But if she did, I don’t want to have to bring the person that said that she said. But I’m saying this to you, that there are certain statements that she doesn’t have any business making, because she hasn’t been here long enough.

Mayor Glover: Mr. Chairman, I’m responsible for my staff and anything of that nature that you’re pursuing right now, I’d prefer that you direct to me. If I’ve got some issues with something that - - -

Councilman Shyne: That’s why I’m directing it to you. That’s why I wanted to know if she was in here.

Mayor Glover: If I had an issue with a member of you staff may say about me or about this Administration, I’m not going to sit here in open Council and tell you what Arthur or what Bea, or whatever anybody else may have said.

Councilman Shyne: Well, I’m going to sit here Mr. Mayor in open Council and tell you that those kind of statements, and I’ll make them to you. I thought she was in here so she could hear me, but I’m making this statement to you because you’re standing right here in front of me. If the statement was made, if it was any truth in it, it doesn’t have any business being made. Now if it was not made, I apologize now. But if it was made, don’t do that no more.

Mayor Glover: I’ll accept it on those terms. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: Because we don’t need that. Because we - - - like I told you, we’re married. We are a leadership team together. It ain’t no such thing as we don’t need to know. That’s why I accepted when you apologized. You remember when you apologized that maybe we should have been briefed, if I heard you right. Or maybe I didn’t hear you right. Maybe you didn’t apologize.

Mayor Glover: What I said up to this point is in the record.

Councilman Shyne: No, what I’m talking about when you first started.

Mayor Glover: What I have said to this point is in the record.

Councilman Shyne: Well, it might be in directive, but I’m taking it as a directive statement.

Mayor Glover: What I said, I said directly to you, (inaudible) to this Council.

Councilman Shyne: That’s right, that’s what I’m saying. So, what I’m saying, I’m saying directly to you. You’re standing right here in front of me. This is what I’m saying to you. We need to be briefed on situations. And I want the City Attorney to understand that. Now we might not go into details. But we need to be briefed. We don’t need to be left out. We are a part of the leadership team. That’s why people elect us. I can’t tell them when they’ve got crime going on in their neighborhood, I can’t say, well I’m not responsible for that or streets, I’m not responsible for that. We are a team. If you go down, we go down. If you stand up - - - look, I don’t care how much you think you’re pulling this wagon by yourself, if it pulls across the finish line, we all win. This is a team effort, and that’s the way it has to be. Like I say now, this is not your first rodeo.

Mayor Glover: This is not my first rodeo.

Councilman Shyne: This is not my first rodeo.

Mayor Glover: This is a team.

Councilman Shyne: This is your first rodeo as Mayor, not your first rodeo.

Mayor Glover: In that sense Mr. Chairman, frankly we are on a team. We are on the same team. We are pursuing the same goals and objectives. But we have different positions and different responsibilities.

Councilman Shyne: Now I think you know that - - -

Mayor Glover: And that’s called a checks and balance system.

Councilman Shyne: Hold it, hold it, hold it.

Mayor Glover: That is a part of the American (inaudible) process.

Councilman Shyne: I think you know that I ought to know that because I taught that. I got a degree on the wall, and I think you know that I’ve been here long enough, matter of fact, I’ve been down here longer than you. And I’ve done a pretty good job, because for some reason they keep on bringing me back. I understand that. But in the meantime, that’s just like the guy who is playing quarterback, and you played line. You all are at different positions, different things to do, but you were together as a team. If he didn’t do his part, and you didn’t do yours, then (inaudible) didn’t be successful.

Mayor Glover: But to extend your metaphor Mr. Shyne, there were duties and responsibilities that the quarterback was responsible for, that I as a lineman was not privy to. Because that was not a part of the way the team was set up and structured. And unfortunately as it stands in this particular situation and circumstances, it appears as if the appointing authority, there are certain obligations and responsibilities that I am bound by this charter to uphold. And I intend to uphold those. Now as I said to you and the rest of the Council, in the email that I sent to you last week and some of the conversations that I’ve had with you, if we can find as Councilman Lester has suggested a way and a means by which we can within the charter and the statutes of the State of Louisiana, find a way to be able to effectively communicate these types of issues to you without breeching any law or any statute or any ordinance or any provision of the charter, we’re going to look to do that. Because that will help you as a Council Member, you as a Council, it will help this administration, and it will help the City of Shreveport. I’m more than interested and willing to do that.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, if you’re a good quarterback, you know what the player is going to do. If you’re a good player, you know what the quarterback is going to do. Now if you sit there, if you stand there, and if you think that we don’t need to be informed or briefed on what’s going on, I think you’re making a mistake. I think you are making a serious mistake. I think it would be to the advantage of your administration, it would be to the advantage of this city, if an incident like this happens, not only with the Police Department, with any department, that has the potential of costing this city some money, and we are the ones that’s going to have to appropriate that money, because we are held responsible. Just like you are. We take an oath, just like you do. People look toward us to make this a great city. This isn’t only Cedric Glover’s vision. This is all of our visions.

Mayor Glover: This is not individual - - - -

Councilman Shyne: Right, right, right. Naw, naw, naw. And this is all of our vision.

Mayor Glover: And if we end up with a larger window of vulnerability, (inaudible)

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, we’re not going to end up - - -

Mayor Glover: (Inaudible) broken and violated,

Councilman Shyne: Naw, naw, naw. - - -

Mayor Glover: Of the Louisiana revised statute, then that liability that you referenced has just gotten larger.

Councilman Shyne: No, no, we’re not asking you for that. We’re not asking you for that. What I’m asking you is not the same as what Councilman Lester asked you for. And I thought I made it clear to the City Attorney. We need to be briefed, if there is potentially a situation out there that is going to cost the city some money. Now if you think that that’s violating what was the section that you read Councilman Lester?

Councilman Lester: 2532.

Councilman Shyne: Well you and I are going to disagree on this. Because I believe you should. You believe that Council Members shouldn’t. So, maybe I can understand that statement that maybe we want to know too much. So maybe it’s going back to that statement was actually made. But Mr. Mayor in closing so we won’t prolong this, my position to you whether you agree with it or not, we need to be briefed on situations that have a tendency to be explosive, whether it’s with the Police Department, or if it’s Water and Sewerage, or whether it’s with the Fire Department or whether it’s with Parks and Recreation, or whatever it is. We are a team, and I hope we continue to be a team. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Anybody else have any comments?

Councilman Lester: I do.

Councilwoman Bowman: One section, Councilman Lester, everyone. I have some citizens and I notice (inaudible) On SC-18-08, I apologize. Will you all just bear with us a little while longer. Thank you.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Chairman, let me - - - Ms. Scott. You know one of the things that they used to tell us is it’s easy to spot issues, but it’s something different to deal with solutions. Spotting issues only gets you what - - - only 2 points? Citing the law and the other stuff and resolving it is how you deal with it. So, I think we’ve done a brilliant job of spotting the issue. My question and my concern is about how do we resolve the situation? So, all that we’ve heard aside, my question is this. If we are in the mindset to remedy the situation which I clearly think that we need to, my question is would the appropriate venue be a City Ordinance, or would the appropriate venue be State Legislation? Because again, we can jump around and say who should have done what? I don’t ascribe any negative connotations of what the Police Chief did. Cause I think at the end of the day, his concern was I’ve got a bad situation, I need to handle it, there needs to be some integrity to the process. We’re in the talking business, he’s in the business of being a professional and dealing with his department, and dealing with the public trust. And many times, our goal is to say what we want to say, while the lights are running, get our name in the paper and we move onto the next thing. The Police Department and the men and women that are tasked with their responsibility have to deal with all of this stuff everyday, and they are left many times to deal with some of the messes that we have created as we move on to other things. So having said that, my question is how do we remedy the situation. Because I think clearly what needs to happen is there needs to be some mechanism that allows us certainly on one hand not to violate the police officer’s Bill of Rights. But also to service what I believe, and I think the Council believes is our fiduciary duty to our citizenry in terms of knowing what’s going on so that if there is a potential situation that could have a fiscal or budgetary impact, we know that before the general body politic because certainly we have decisions that we have to make that may be changed or affected by this. So, would it be sufficient to come up with a city ordinance to deal with a policy, or do we need state action? And let me say this. If you don’t know, if that is an answer that you have to research, then I will accept that. Because for me, the thing that I don’t want this to happen is one thing. I don’t believe in just talking, I want to do something. I think (inaudible) my own editorial comment) it’s easy for us to talk about something, but it requires work to do something about it. And that’s what my concern is. How do we do something about it?

Ms. Scott: Well, you came up with option B or 3 Mr. Lester, that was actually how I was going to answer your question. I don’t know that either is an appropriate remedy. But then again, I don’t know that either is not. Everything that happens in the City of Shreveport has a potential to affect us financially. Be it a claim with a sidewalk trip and fall, a sewer backup or anything. But right now, I don’t know how to respond to that in such a way that gives you the answer that you need. Because without knowing when you would want to be involved, how small of an issue, how large of an issue. Again, I just don’t know how to respond to that. If legislation is appropriate at all, it may something that could just be discussed and agreed to as far as what will be disclosed, the instances of situations, when it will be disclosed and how.

Councilman Lester: Well I guess what I would like to do at this point is make a formal request of you and certainly Julie Glass, our counsel to come up with a resolution. Because again I can only speak for myself. What I would want to know is at the time when, and again I’m going to trust the Police Chief, at the time when the Police Chief decides that this is an issue, you know what, this is what I’m about to do, and certainly his professionalism dictated to you that this is what’s is going to happen, and your training, skill, and intimate knowledge of city municipal law made it clear to you that this is something that more people than I need to be aware of. At that point, early on in the process, I would like for the City Council to be made a part of that loop. So, I guess that would be the hypothec from which we would work. And if there is a way for us to get to that point by legislation, lets do that. If there is a way to get to that point by looking at maybe an Attorney General opinion, and saying does this violate or do the research that says, if we do this, does this violate the spirit or the letter of - - - or breech the Bill of Rights of the police officer, Police Department, lets do that. But I want for us to have something that again, in the unfortunate incidence that this ever happens again, that we would say, okay, we’ve been through that, this is all (inaudible), at this point this is something that’s not happened before, this is what we’re going to do if this happens again. And I do appreciate that.

Councilman Shyne: Councilman Lester, I think that’s an excellent point, and Mr. Mayor if you don’t mind, we’d like for the City Attorney to look into that. If we have to finance our own, I see a good attorney sitting out there in the back, but we would appreciate it, if it’s not a conflict with your boss there. But if it is, then we know how to take a different route. But we’ve gotta get it some kind of way. We appreciate it, and thank you very much. And you understand, this is nothing personal. This is about taking care of business. Cause after this is over with, Mr. Mayor and I are going to go out and have a salad. We’re going to go out and have a salad when this is over with. It’s too late for me to eat, and Chief one day, you’ll get to that point where it’ll be too late for you to eat. But you know we just - - - we want to make sure that somebody doesn’t have to call us from New Jersey or from Chicago and inform us about something that we ought to know a little about. Cause we are the ones that’s going to appropriate the monies and all. And we need to know that. Again Chief, I appreciate how you handled the problem, I just wish you would look into whoever the supervisor was on the shift that night and - - - cause it looked like to me a little more common sense could have been used. I worked in the school system for a lot of years, and you’d have to be careful Lynn, how you handled those kids at Booker T. I’m calling Lynn’s name cause Lynn went to Booker T. and he knows how it used to be up there. So you have to make sure that you have yourself covered, you have to make sure that no matter those kids be fighting, kicking and going on, and of course, it could be Fair Park where I worked at too. I worked at Booker T. and Fair Park. But you had to make sure that just because they were swinging at you, you didn’t knock his eye out or knock her eye out in order to control her. You have to know how to diffuse hostile situations. And I know we’ve taught them in our Police Department, you can’t escalate and incident. You have to know how to diffuse these kinds of situations, because ultimately it’s going to cost taxpayer money. The money is going to come out of you all’s pocket. And you all, - - - they don’t re-elect us to come back down here for that to happen. And Mr. Mayor, I want you to understand you almost said, you haven’t been married as long as I have, but you know sometimes you do have heated discussions with your wife. If you haven’t had one yet, you’re blessed. Cause it’s one coming up. So we appreciate it and Chief again, we appreciate what you’re doing and I’ve been here long enough. I can see the difference. Just keep up the good work. Thank you very much. And I don’t think we really have anymore questions pertaining to that. Now Mr. Mayor if you have some more comments you want to make on the video, you’re welcome. If not, then I have one question I’d like to or comment that I’d like to make about the “Y”.

Mayor Glover: I just want to say to you, if it’s too late for you to have an entrée, and you’re ready for the salad, but by the time we go home tonight, they only thing you’re going to be good for is some warm milk.

Councilman Shyne: Now you’re about right.

Mayor Glover: You need to turn the gavel over to the Vice-Chairman for a second, and go back and have you a little something, we’ll be here waiting for you when you get back.

Councilman Shyne: We’re not going to be that long, I just want to make one comment about the “Y”.

Mayor Glover: Well now in reference, I’m not sure if they are still here. There were - - -

Mr. Dark: They’ve left.

Mayor Glover: There were several of the employees who were here who were hoping to address the Council as well, but I guess due to the lateness of the hour, they’ve had to leave.

Councilman Shyne: What, and again now, maybe I’m wrong, maybe some of the members have been briefed on what’s going on at the “Y”, I have not, and I trust that the Administration is being and doing an excellent job. I know when it comes to talking about the money part - - -.

Councilman Long: Mr. Chairman, you need to read your emails.

Mr. Dark: Or check your text messages.

Mayor Glover: Or have Arthur read them to you.

Councilman Shyne: Hold it, hold it, let me say this. I got ‘em. But I also have a cell phone. I’m a little old fashion. Emails are good, but I like to hear your voice. When I hear your voice, I relate to you. And now all you all that like the emails, that’s well and good. I don’t have nothing to do with that. As a matter of fact, my boys told me. Say, “You know you from the old school”. I said, you’re right, I am. And I’ll probably be from the old school until - - - I see an old teacher back there. I don’t mean an ‘old teacher’, but a teacher back there, that we probably (inaudible), but what I’m about to say Mr. Mayor, I hope it’s some kind of way, and I’m not putting all this on the City of Shreveport. A lot of this goes with the administration of the “Y”. And as I look around, I don’t see any of the heads of the administration of the “Y”. I don’t like to talk about people behind their backs, but you found out I will.

Mayor Glover: I knew that before tonight Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: But I think the “Y” could have made some concessions. I think we could have made some concessions, but whatever it is Mr. Mayor, I would hope that for us to be a great city, and I think that’s what you and I both campaigned on, and probably everybody up here, I would hope that we would go the last mile. I would hope that you would keep your door open until the 12^th hour. And then if it looks like a possibility to come back at 1:00 to come back and open it up again, because I’ve gotten a lot of calls. I know you have, and maybe other members on the Council have gotten a lot of calls. Where is Shelly? Shelly, we’ve had some good programs, and I have to commend you, and Shelly I was kinda getting to the point where I might have to go over there and get in the pool. Mr. Mayor, I’m getting to that age now. You can laugh at me if you want to, but I’m being truthful. Where I might would have had to go over there and get in the pools in the morning.

Mayor Glover: I’m sure Carl Pierson would make sure you wouldn’t drown.

Councilman Shyne: That’s right. And Arthur is getting to that stage too. He doesn’t want to admit it.

Mr. Thompson: I go to the “Y. M”.

Councilman Shyne: Oh.

Mayor Glover: He doesn’t need the 94 degree water just yet, he can make it with the 90 degree water. (Inaudible) up to 92.

Councilman Shyne: But Mr. Mayor, I hope it’s some kind of way that we can save that program. And I hope it’s some kind of way that not only that program at Allendale, but we have a lot of ladies who in this program that’s from sexual abuse, or some type of domestic abuse that we have a moral responsibility. You know the greatness of any government is what they do for the less fortunate. We are the greatest and wealthiest country in the world. And God has a tendency to bless you, even when you have to go the last mile. Even when people think they might be using you. Even when people think that you might be soft and they’re getting the best of you. And if it’s any preachers out there, I’m not preaching. But God has a way of blessing a community or a city. When we look out and we take care of the less fortunate ones. Now, I don’t know how much you’re doing. Like I say, I’m from the old school. I do know how to read and write, so I do know how to read these, but I can use this better. So, even if you have to let Rick do it, if you have to let Rick call me and queue me in on what’s going on. Especially with the “Y”, because my heart goes out to those people. And a lot of them there are there because they need that service. God will continue to bless you and I. Cause you know God has been good to us. From where we have come from to get where we are. And it wasn’t all on our abilities. And it wasn’t all because we were just so good. That’s why I was glad to hear Chief Cochran say before he left, he said, “Now if people knew everything about me, they might not say what they say”. And that’s true for all of us. None of us are where we are because we just so good. And that’s why Joyce and I were so glad when we heard Tom say the other day that he had made a mistake. Not that Joyce, I hadn’t heard Tom say that before. But Mr. Mayor, I hope you understand what I’m saying. Do whatever you can. And I know you have a tough group that you’re negotiating with. I’m not going to call no names here, but if I catch you over there.

Mayor Glover: I’ll tell you they’re interesting, I’m not sure how tough they are, but they certainly are interesting.

Councilman Shyne: Right. And when I catch you over there, I might call their names. But I’m not going to do it out in the public meeting. But you say they’re interesting, but I’m gong to say they are tough. You got some tough people that you’re negotiating with . So I would hope some kind of way Mr. Mayor that we could save that “Y”, even if we have to bring in some resources from outlying Parishes. So, I thank you, and unless you have something else.

Mayor Glover: Just some other comments with regards to the “Y”, I would certainly entertain those before I respond. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity today to be able to address the “Y” situation because it was not one of the things I was specifically intending to communicate with you about, because there’s been so much email traffic and I’ll have to take note of the fact that you were not a regular email reader, so we’ll have to account for that in terms of our efforts to consistently communicate with the Council. But there has been considerable correspondence.

Councilman Shyne: If you send me an email and tell Art, say, “Art make sure you let Joe know, hear?

Mayor Glover: Now that’ll be the caveat, I’ll make sure - - -

Councilman Shyne: Other than that, just give me a little call.

Mayor Glover: Gotcha. We’ll make sure that we avail ourselves to both. But the bottom line is this. And to take the requested action that the leadership of the “Y”, the current leadership of the “Y”, stood before the Council and this Administration several weeks ago, if not a couple of months ago, to have set that as a precedent, I think would have been something that would have opened up a ‘Pandora’s Box’ for the City of Shreveport to have a nonprofit experiencing financial difficulty to come to the City of Shreveport and say, based upon our circumstances, we’re asking you to step forward and whether it’s give, loan, or what have you, that was something that 1) just simply made me uncomfortable. But No. 2, it was something as you mentioned Mr. Chairman, I want to be open to, because you never know. You never say never because you never know what the circumstances are. So certainly, rather than to just to simply categorically say ‘No’, we sat down, and listened to everything that had to be said. We also did what we considered to be our (inaudible) due diligence, and we went out and had some conversations with other folks who were able to offer us some insight in terms of what the circumstances of the “Y” were at that particular time. And I can tell you that they have, they’ve degenerated since that point and time. And so, ultimately as Mayor, I came to the conclusion that it would be one thing for the City of Shreveport to infuse money into a nonprofit organization. It would be another thing to infuse money into a nonviable nonprofit organization. And unfortunately, I’ve come to be of the opinion that the “Y” as it is currently organized and constituted is just simply nonviable. And unfortunately that happens to us as individuals, it happens to businesses, and it happens to nonprofits. And when it does happen, you have to be in a position to make some very, very hard decisions. We did want to help, and we’ve sought to do that. But now, most importantly, take out the City of Shreveport, take out Cedric Glover, take out the Y.W.C.A, the one thing that I and this Administration and this Council, I believe, that we’ve been focused on is addressing the needs, that the “Y” to this point has been filling, I would have to come the conclusion - - -

Councilman Shyne: And that’s what we need to do.

Mayor Glover: At this point, but they are only attempting to fill them. Because they are not in my opinion, adequately and effectively filling those needs, and rather than being a (inaudible) of trying to save the “Y” and not effectively ensure that the services that need to be provided are provided, our focus has been on trying to ensure that we can be in a posture to be able to provide those services to battered women and children, when that times comes. Because that situation could be approaching. We’ve been told several times over the last month to a month and a half, that that drop dead date is approaching. And it appears to be getting closer. And in anticipation of that, the Administration has gone out and networked with the nonprofit social service community across this city, and we have in place contingencies to be able to provide the types of services that are needed by these women and these children if and when the decision is made by the current management of the “Y” that they no longer can. And frankly, one of the things, and I’ve said this several times before, one of the things that concerns me and worries me the most is that because of the fact that this situation has been in such turmoil and has had such confusion, that there are individuals out there who need these services. There are women right now who are in abusive situations. There are children who may be watching their mothers be abused, but those mothers and those children are deciding to stay in their current circumstances because when they turn on the television, and they see Channels 3, 12, and 6 and open up The Times, and they see what’s happening, they’re not sure if this is a more secure and stable environment that I’m going to, than the one I’m already in.

Councilman Shyne: And this is (inaudible)

Mayor Glover: And so the level I know, may be better than going to the level that I don’t know, and so that’s why we are encouraging that there be some resolution to this issue. And it needs to be. It needs to be as quickly as possibly. We’ve had even further meetings, so that with other members of the social service sector that’s given us some indication that we may be getting closer to that point. Now we also offered the Y.W.C.A an opportunity to be able to enter into a financial relationship with the City of Shreveport, that would not entail (inaudible) directly loaning or giving them money. Obviously, we have a great appreciation for the Allendale Y.W.C.A. You know the history of it far better than I do. You know back in the 70s, the leadership that stood up of every color and stripe in this community that said that this is an opportunity for us to be able to go and do something great in this neighborhood. And I know going back to my youth, I’ve attended everything from weddings, to balls, to banquets and everything else right there in that facility. Not to mention the other day to day activities that go on there. And so I thought it was visionary of the previous Council and the previous Administration to work with the previous management of the “Y”, to have the cooperative relationship between the City and the Allendale Y.W.C.A, to be able to do together what we could not do apart. Now it was only as a result of a letter that we received on January 11^th from the current management of the Y.W.C.A., that said, “According to the stipulation of our current lease, please accept this as official notice of our intent to terminate this current lease”. Provisions of the lease gave us 30 days to get out. No, I’m sorry, 30 days to shut down operations. 60 days to get out. Again, knowing that we are a team and have to be aware of the fiduciary responsibility to the City of Shreveport, when we say shut down, we’ve not only shut down, we’ve got to get out. Because if we just simply shut down, if we leave behind a hula hoop, or something else, a roller skate that someone goes in there that belongs to the City of Shreveport, and they slip on it, and they fall and they hurt themselves, despite the fact that we’re no longer in the building, the program the building, or have control of the building, we still have responsibility. And so the decision was made that not only would we adhere to what has been directed to us by the “Y” board to cease operations, we now also need to shut down. Now all throughout this process, I and others attempted to say, let see if we can work this out. We met, we exchanged letters. We did all sorts of thing, all of which I think we’ve inured to the mutual benefit of both the City and the “Y”. None of those fell on fertile ground. And so, we made the decision February 11^th, that the City of Shreveport needed to completely shut down and remove itself from the building. Since that time as you all have probably seen in the media, you know I’ve been kicked out of the Y.W.C.A building, the other folks have had doors slammed in their faces. I’ve met upstairs with dedicated social services professionals who currently work at the “Y”, who have said Mayor, we need someone to step in and help us. As it currently stands right now, the CAO has resigned. Sent that letter last week. I guess there was some confusion over the weekend, that’s since been clarified that his last day will be this coming Friday. And where the situation goes from there, we’re not sure. But I can tell you this, and that is as (inaudible) maybe even less, Gene Eddy and the folks at SPORTRAN are prepared to be standing out in front of 17 Travis with buses ready to load up the women and children there. Chief Whitehorn and the men and women of the Shreveport Police Department are prepared to escort those buses to a safe secure location and to protect those women from any threats or harm that may come their way while they are there. There are social service professionals who are prepared to step in and answer those phone lines, so that those calls for help and assistance can be answered. There are professionals who are ready to step forward and offer the kind of counseling and other support of wrap around services that are services that are necessary to ensure that these women don’t suffer any more than what they already have, and can begin the process of empowering themselves to improve their lives.

Chairman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, you know - - - cause maybe some of the Council Members did, I didn’t, but I wanted to make sure that we fulfill our moral obligation to do whatever we could in order to make sure that those people who needed help, got help. Now I read in the Shreveport Times, and you know how I am, I believe every word they say, because if I don’t they might write something ugly about me. So, if they’re out there I want them to hear this. But you know every now and then, not very often, I might no believe what they write. So, if it’s a reporter in here, most of the times I believe what you all say. But I want to be able to sleep at night. As an elected official, and as an elected leader in this city, I want to make sure when I meet my maker, I want to make sure that I’m able to say that I did everything that I could do to help the less fortunate ones, because God has been good to me. And I know it. I’ve been able to go in ditches and come out. I’ve been - - - maybe bled a time or two and come back alive. I know it’s only because of the goodness and mercy of God. So, I want to do everything I can do. My heart goes out more for them than for the video we just got through talking about. So, I want to know that you are continuously - - - that’s the thing that lets me know about the goodness of you, and the goodness of me, and the goodness of other members. So, you know I know it’s a tough road, but I’m going to end it here. But continue to do whatever we can do. And I know sometimes people have closed doors in your face. And I know sometimes it’s hard to negotiate. But you’ve got to hang in there. But you’ve got to make sure that we do what God wants us to do. Mr. Mayor, thank you.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Chairman. And with that door slammed in my face, we came right back here to City Hall, and in fact, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to make a public clarification with regard to this issue. Because what it afforded me the opportunity to be able to do, was to meet with and listen to these employees, who sent out the fax message that you may have read about in the newspaper, that went out to the TV stations and to the newspapers and what have you. And we finally managed to get a copy here. Basically saying we are alarmed about what’s going on here in the City of Shreveport, and that’s all of us. Would you please step up and help. And that was the other thing that prompted me to go there and offer to hear what it is that they had to say. It turns out that they came here, we met for an extended period of time. Late into the night. Not knowing at that point Mr. Chairman and Members of the Council, whether or not this contingency plan that we’ve been working on since early January, was about to go into affect. But it was based upon the conversations that we had during those meetings that also prompted me as Mayor, as you said, to be able to go and sleep at night, to be able to rest at night. To hear stories of individuals telling you about women and children who are already coming from abused situations having to suffer through a building that does not have properly functioning heat. And to know that the temperature is dipping into the 30s on that particular night. And that women and children, and some of less than proper health are in much less than desirable situations and circumstances. But now that was bad enough. What was alarming to me was a report that there were conditions in the building that might be a threat to the life and safety of the children and the mothers who were housed there, as well as the workers who are there to support and take care of them. That Mr. Shyne, was something that did trouble me greatly. And I would not have been able to sleep on last Friday night, had I not and this is contrary to what some folks in the current “Y” board situation may have shared in some segments of the community. I could not have slept that night knowing that the possibility existed that a building that has years of deferred maintenance, an operation that has barely been able to make payroll, much less take care of some of the other basic things, but to have first hand reports that there are life safety issues that need to be investigated and cited and corrected if possible. I could not have slept that night, had I not taken it upon myself to reach out to Fire Chief David Glass and ask him in an abundance of caution to send over members of the Shreveport Fire Department responsible for inspections and direct them to do just a thorough, proper and appropriate inspection.

Councilman Shyne: So Mr. Mayor, you come from a Christian family. A good C.M.E. family, cause your grandfather gave the land and built a church. So, that’s why I’m sticking this at you.

Mayor Glover: And I’m accepting it Mr. Chairman. No question without hesitation.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, okay.

Mayor Glover: Now if that means I’ve got Tom Dark up there cooking dinner, and nursing babies on Friday night, then that’s just how it’s going to have to be. I fully accept the responsibility.

Councilman Shyne: Cedric, get somebody besides Tom. Now if you got a budget to work on, yes. (Inaudible) Tom cooking for nobody.

Mayor Glover: Well now Mr. Chairman, there is a different side to Tom.

Councilman Shyne: Really?

Mayor Glover: Absolutely, absolutely. Not only is he a marvelous cook, but he’s wonderful with children. It’s just (inaudible) with that’s all

Councilman Shyne: Well I’ve seen him in this budget situation, but if you say so, I’ll agree to it. Mr. Chairman, thank you hear?

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Chairman, and I have my one last issue which I know from my media friends who are all here. I don’t know if we’ve missed the 6:00 News time, but I apologize.

Councilman Shyne: Look, I apologize, because I’ve had you up here - - - well matter of fact, I’m going to give you the credit. You’ve been up here for what? Almost four hours.

Member of the Audience: 4 HOURS! Yep.

Mayor Glover: And I do apologize. But when you accuse me of not properly communicating, I’m looking to correct the problem.

Councilman Shyne: Well, you did it tonight then.

Mayor Glover: And so if you would allow me one last brief moment so that we can put this issue to rest and resolution. It involves the Suburban.

Councilman Shyne: Wait a minute. Does everybody hear? Hold it, hold it Mr. Mayor, I tell you what. Why don’t send - - - Mike won’t you go get the other two Council Members.

Mr. Dark: They can hear, they’re back there. They can hear it.

Councilman Shyne: Well don’t blame me. I didn’t want them to be out when you’re talking about the Suburban.

Mayor Glover: And certainly, my apologies to those folks who are still here. The folks who are at home, but these issues, I felt needed to be dealt with and addressed directly and specifically. I attempted at the previous Council Meeting to communicate to you all via letter. Came to the conclusion, based on the response that that was an inadequate method of being able to convey my thoughts and my sentiments. So I figured the best course of action for me to pursue was to come here today and speak directly and specifically to each of you. And so with regard to the Suburban, I wanted to take you back to the origin of this situation. It actually is an issue that has several different levels. All intertwined with the others. My motivation in the latter part of last year, in directing staff to make use some of the surplus dollars for my vehicle acquisition fund within police, to acquire this particular vehicle, was not any attempt on my part to circumvent the charter, to undermine the authority of the Council, or to in any way put you all in a position to not be able to properly and effectively exercise your duties and responsibilities. So anything that my actions have done to create that impression, or to give you the idea that that’s my intent, and Mr. Chairman, I want to you to make sure you were listening - - -

Councilman Shyne: I’m listening.

Mayor Glover: I do apologize. My motivation was to address two issues. 1) The Shreveport Mayor’s office, unlike others in the area, does not have any assigned transportation to it at this particular point. At the current time, I am the only member of my staff who receives a car allowance. I offered to you all in the correspondence that I shared with you last week, that if you were to compare the City of Shreveport to our good friends across the river in Bossier, the Mayor’s office in Bossier has four vehicles assigned to it. One to the Mayor, one to the CAO, one to Ms. Glorioso, who I think is Special Projects Director, and the other to Mr. Mark Natalie. If you go a little further down the road, heading east, the Mayor of Minden has a Ford Exposition, 2007 version with a gas card to go along with it. My great friend, Curtis McCoy down in Mansfield, used to drive a 2006 Grand Marquis, courtesy of the City of Mansfield, he now has a $600 per month car allowance that he uses instead. And so recognizing that none of the individuals who are currently working within the Mayor’s office who are responsible including Gwen and Rick, and Chloe, and Dale for going back and forth, across this city, and across this region, and across this area everyday addressing business on behalf of the Mayor’s office, I thought it would be appropriate to go ahead much like the Council has done, and provide a vehicle that would be available for a multiple of uses within the Shreveport Mayor’s office. One of those uses would be to transport me under certain situations and circumstances when it was necessary and appropriate. Other use would be for Rick Seaton to go and pick up supplies, to take up displays, to take up various things that he and Gwen, and others carry to various neighborhood meetings, and various town hall meetings that we have across the city, and to extend and afford that same privilege and opportunity to Chloe and the rest of the staff. Thought it would make sense to do that as well. Also, as I shared with you all as well, I have heard since the night of November 7^th, when I was blessed to hear that I was to be the 55^th Mayor of the City of Shreveport, that I was a blithering fool, to not have assigned that night and from that point going forward some form of security detail for me and my immediate family. Well being an old country boy from the Cooper Road, I’ve always believed that generally I’m impervious to most harm. And that I don’t think there’s anybody out there who’s big or bad enough to come up and try to hurt me.

Councilman Shyne: Now, I agree with that.

Mayor Glover: Well, and I tend to believe that as well Mr. Shyne, and I’ve tried to adhere to that. I’ve had folks from November 7^th of ’06 forward, who’ve tried to counsel me otherwise. Including my friend and the new Chief for the City of Shreveport, Henry Whitehorn. So one of the other considerations in acquiring this particular vehicle was that if in the event that I do in fact begin to listen to those friends, those loved ones, those fellow Mayors, who say, “Cedric, you may think that Shreveport is Mayberry, or you may think that some other small idyllic place, but it’s really not. There are folks who didn’t like you the night that you won, and you’ve made more enemies throughout the duration that you’ve been Mayor. And the things that you are doing, especially in terms of our focus, collectively, to make Shreveport a safer and better city, adds to that level of potential risks. And so I became more open and more sensitive to those areas, and those issues, and those possibilities. At no point and time was my intent to not account for this particular vehicle in the proper budget, whether it was the Police Department budget, if there were a police officer assigned to it, to provide security, or if it were to be assigned to the Mayor’s office and be paid for through the Mayor’s budget. Those mistakes again, me as the appointing authority, are all mine, and I accept them and take responsibility for them. And so my intent here tonight is to say to you all that going forward, this vehicle will stay at this particular point and time, under the purview and control of Chief Henry Whitehorn. Going forward members of my staff who currently do not have car allowances, will not be provided one. Going forward, I will give up my car allowance, and take my consideration of an appropriate form of transportation as well as security back through the 28^th of November, 2006 and make a decision in terms of what would be the appropriate thing to do going forward. And so as of this coming Monday, I will not have either a city provided vehicle, I will neither have a city provided car allowance. We will make a decision in terms of what I will do at some point towards the future. So, at this point, I’m open to any questions, any suggestions, any criticisms that any of you all might have.

Councilman Shyne: I’m going to defer to the Council, I just want to say this one thing. I appreciate what you said. And that’s what leadership is all about. And like I was telling some people, you know they were talking about it, and I want you to understand. I’ll tell you the same thing I told them. You know when you refer to the safety part, I told them it didn’t matter to me if you rode around town in a tank. We were just concerned about the process of it. So, you’ve come up tonight and you’ve cleared that process up. And Mr. Mayor again, this is what it’s all about. Because you and I go back a long ways. We go back a long ways, cause I’ve said give me Cedric, and y’all have - - - and you remember that.

Mayor Glover: Absolutely.

Councilman Shyne: And we’ve been together. So, you’ve come here tonight, and you’ve made some good statements. Like I say, it was really the process. If you had went out and bought a tank, you say ‘look I need a tank to ride around town in’. I’d have thought it would have been foolish, but I would have gone along with it, but it’s the process. But any Council Members have any - - -? Councilman Wooley.

Councilman Wooley: Well Mr. Mayor, I do want to say I do appreciate your comments, and appreciate the apology you made as far as the communication on this particular subject. Obviously we were concerned, or I was concerned, my colleagues expressed to me they were concerned about the purchase of the vehicle. Especially using the police budget money. Obviously we sent you a letter, and you responded to that letter, we were concerned about the violation of the ordinance we had passed in ’07 as it related to the budget in the Police Department. We felt that money should be allocated, it wasn’t - - - not that we think it should be, it was allocated just for the specific use of the police vehicles, equipment and everything else that falls within the police budget. Obviously we were concerned and expressed that to you in a letter saying that we felt like it was a violation in order for you to purchase a vehicle from the police budget for your offices use. And granted, I do have a copy of the letter where you cited the other gentlemen, the other gentlemen being the other Mayors of Minden and Mansfield and their car allowances, and things of that nature, and I do appreciate the information. To be quite frank, it’s my responsibility to the City of Shreveport Obviously I know we do comparisons and comparable studies and things of that nature, I guess to see where other people are. But I do like the approach you’ve taken thus far by saying that you, at this time, basically no company vehicle, and no car allowance at this moment. I guess you’ll decide at some point what you think you may need to do for your office and for your staff. Because definitely going into this Council Meeting I was very concerned that a vehicle that was purchased with police money was going to be used for a Mayor’s staff. I communicated to you obviously at the last meeting I believe also, that I feel like that at some point, if you’re going to have a vehicle, it should come from your direct budget, not from the police budget or operating reserves, or any other place that you should be able to allocate that money out of your own budget for your use. So, anyway just wanted to make those comments to you. And I appreciate your time. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Councilman Wooley.

Councilman Shyne: If it’s no more comments, Mayor, we appreciate you.

Mayor Glover: Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: And I apologize for the Council Members for keeping you up here - - - uh oh, I’m sorry, we’re going to keep you a little longer.

Councilman Lester: I want to make a statement, but Mr. Chairman I want to advise that I think Councilwoman Bowman definitely had a statement that she wanted to make. And I think it was clear, I don’t know if - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: I want to suspend the rules.

Councilman Lester: Let me say this and then lets move on to that. I was one of the ones, and I’ll say on the record, I was one of the ones that said, don’t (inaudible) somebody’s life by letting them knock you off the Pines Road, because it’s a long way from where you live to where you are downtown, and you drive by yourself a lot. So, I was one of the ones that said that. And I still think it’s silly that you don’t have some type of protection. Because if someone were to be able to do you harm, they would be able to score some points, and I understand why you did what you did today. I think that validates the faith that a lot of us had in your leadership style. I’m comfortable that this issue is over, in terms of the whole - - - what is it? What were they calling it?

Councilman Long: Controversy.

Councilman Lester: Well, not controversy.

Mayor Glover: Suburbangate I think is the term I heard used.

Councilman Lester: Suburbangate. Yeah, yeah.

Councilman Shyne: I like that term. Will that go down in history?

Councilman Lester: And I would hope that having said this, we can get down and deal with some substitutive issues. Because I was just disappointed that we spent so much time obsessing over something that could have been handled a whole lot different. Having said that, I will say I think communication is a two way street. And I think if we’re going to say and suggest to the Mayor’s office that you have open dialogue with us, and communicate with us, I think we on the Council have an incumbent responsibility to speak to the Mayor about issues that concern us. And if there are some issues relatively to our responsibility and things that happen in our district, pick up the phone and call, send a text message, send an email, but to involve other people outside the process, I think that kinda demeans the process. Because if you know, we made a lot about the sports analogies, about the whole team work thing, and the one thing that I do know, is successful teams don’t throw their teammates under the bus. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I think Councilman Lester was probably speaking for himself. I want you to know that I was concerned about it. And if you consider me throwing you up under the bus, then you and I have never been friends. I think you know me, and we know how it is. (Inaudible) me holding something, I’m going to let you know. And we had some problems with the process. Like I say again, it wouldn’t have actually mattered to me if you had bought a tank, because you’re the Mayor. But it was just the process of it. And if you think that we’re throwing you under the bus, I think you have the wrong opinion. That’s just like coaching football, or baseball, or basketball, you can’t do it now, you might bring a kid to the sideline and you give him a little spanking, and you tell him, ‘Now son, I’m not doing this because I don’t love you’, and they understand that. And they understand that. And I hope you understand that nobody is trying to throw you under the bus, this is a part of the political process.

Mayor Glover: I’m a big boy Mr. Shyne, and you know that. And frankly, it may be my Cooper Road bravado speaking, but if you want to throw me under the bus, I’d be more concerned for the bus. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: That’s what I’m talking about. Before we go into Public Comments, I just want to recognize three people. I want Leanis Graham, Liz Washington, I want you all to stand please. Since this is coming to the end of Black History Month, these two women have made history here in the City of Shreveport. The first female and she just happen to be Black, the Director of Finance. And let me say this, a pretty Black. A brown – a paper sack brown, but we’re going to say Black, you know, cause Monty is hunching me up here. Leanis has made history. The first female and the first Black Internal Auditor. And let me say this, they didn’t get these positions because of affirmative action. These two ladies have impeccable credentials. They would have gotten, they would be qualified for this position almost if you lived in South Africa, you know during Apartheid. So, I want to let you all know that we are extremely proud of you all, and you all will go down in the history books of the City of Shreveport. Thank y’all very much, and I want to recognize Ms. Tammy Phelps who is a member of the school board, and she has the - - - you want to introduce who you have Ms. Tammy?

Ms. Phelps: (Inaudible)

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Price, you want to stand? Mr. Price usually we’d have you to come up and say a few words. Dealing with Tom Dark, you see what has happened, we’ve taken all this time. We appreciate it, whatever we can do to facilitate you all’s stay here in Shreveport, Chief, beside taking care of traffic tickets. Alright.

Ms. Phelps: Also I’d like to remind you that on Thursday (inaudible).

Councilman Shyne: Tammy, I salute you. Sir, I salute you. Lets go into Public Comments. And before we get into Ms. Avery, would you please come forward. Ms. Avery has a statement Mr. Dark, that she would like to make to the Administration and to the Council Members. Would you come in and then we’re going into people who want to speak on - - - what’s the number of the case?

Councilwoman Bowman: SC-18-08.

Ms. Christi Avery: (9714 Monticello) I guess everybody is burnt out by now, but I thank y’all. First of all I thank the almighty God, (inaudible) Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. I wanted to come here today to thank the Council Board. I want to thank Councilwoman Bowman for her cry for mercy, and Councilman Lester, Councilman Wooley, Councilman Webb, and Mr. Chairman, for your cry for compassion with my situation. I thank God for allowing y’all to handle my matter, because it has been corrected. I know Mr. Shyne that the Spirit of God is really working with you, because some stuff that was on my heart, y’all have pretty much said here today. I wanted to thank Mr. Dark for letting the light shine on him, to work with Central Storage promptly to get everything taken care of. It was not my intention to come here to criticize, belittle or insult anyone, and I do want to apologize. If anyone here was insulted, I only came to simply exercise the rights that I felt like I was entitled to. It was never about the officer. Because of all of us have skeletons in the closet as we said. I just realized what his name was. It was about the issue and the matter at hand. And I’m glad to know that the Spirit of the Lord working with everybody who were able to put issues aside to address that. Because that’s what Jesus loved and that’s what he looks for in us. I want to thank the Mayor for supporting everyone’s decision where y’all came together that nigh to help me handle my crisis situation because it was a nightmare for me.

Councilman Shyne: I’m going to shake his hand for you.

Ms. Avery: I want to - - - I know he could have had to (inaudible). But I want to thank Chief Austin, who not only did he leave messages for me to call him, but he kept calling until he made sure that my matter was taken care of. So, it wasn’t taken lightly. Mr. Leviston with the Leviston Motel, with the Good Samaritans who supported me, and I do want to let the Council Members know whether it was said or not, I’m glad y’all want to know too much. Because without the people, there is no city. And that’s what people don’t understand. The City of Shreveport is the people. We divided City, State and Church, we didn’t divide a term, we divided the people. People make up the Church, and they make up the State. And it was good to know that we were able to pull things together, to come together with love and compassion for the next man, even though you did not know me. I have a son that does everything he can to please his dad, because he say he makes him laugh. And he claimed him the Prodigal Son, and he said that whatever you do, it’s okay, because I’m happy. Well, my son did not understand that it’s not funny to everybody. So as the mother, I have to come along and tell him, son it’s not funny to everybody. Just because your dad is happy, you know you can’t just do things. Mr. Mayor as Mr. Shyne said so well, he’s married to us the people of this city as well. Because we chose him, because we loved him, because we believe in him. Because everybody didn’t choose him as mayor. You know the police force, everybody on the police force did not choose him as mayor. They were adopted once he became mayor. So it’s us. It’s our cries that we want to be heard. When matters occur, we want people like Mr. Dark and everyone, we come to you, because we want you to understand that we have issues that’s importance to us and we believed in y’all. And Jesus used y’all and put y’all in positions to that. Stereotyping. I once had a teacher to call me up and my son had two weeks of failing and told me that the reason why she didn’t call was because they told her that nobody cared. And I told her, I said, “Ma’am, you know what you just did? You just hurt somebody by feeling like that. For the simple fact I care about my child.” I said, you not only hurting him, but you’re hurt me, because now I’ve got to work hard to make things better for him.

Councilman Shyne: Ms. Avery, not cutting you off, but thank you. You’ve gone overtime and we appreciate it. And before you leave, lets give Tom Dark a hand. Thank you Ms. Avery for coming back. We didn’t want you to be like - - - what was that Joyce in the bible where Jesus healed - - - the leprosy? Only one returned to say thank you? We want you to come back and thanks. So, we appreciate that. You are so sweet.

Public Comments (Agenda Items to be Adopted)

Ms. Joyce M. Lawrence: (4107 Scenic Drive) Due to the lateness of the day, and the tiredness I’m experiencing, I would just like to read a statement and have it submitted. I have copies, as my official testimony. I want to say first of all that this is truly a test of patience, commitment and a real protection of what we believe is a vital community. I’d like to read to you a statement that I prepared. It’s been revised somewhat, but this is my official take and comments to you as the City Council of Shreveport in opposition of the denial of MPC of SC-18-08. First I thank for your prior support and vote to avoid the makings of a community for future blight in West Shreveport. Unfortunately, I and the community are in the position of asking for your support again in sustaining the MPC’s vote that denied SC-18-08 on your agenda for February 26^th, today. I and my neighbors understand the complexity and difficulty of your roles and responsibilities in representing all of your neighbors and constituents and realize this one is not easy. However, we ask for your support and vote to sustain the denial of SC-28-08 by the MPC. In your deliberations I would ask that you consider how the current projects in place were presented to the MPC, and the City of Shreveport and community as lease to own units, which has not materialized and in all likelihood will not happen. It may not be of immediate interest to you during the this Phase III of deliberations for planning by the developer and the investors, but the lease to own homeownership did not materialize and I would think some explanation or accountability is in order. I would think you would be most interested if the developer received a substantial loan of over $750,000 from the City to provide home ownership opportunities and didn’t. My point is that after receiving and reviewing the previous applications for Phase I and Phase II of Mr. Wimberly’s development for using low income housing tax credits. It appears that he may have accessed home loans from the City. The question is did he or didn’t he? That question has been validated. He did in fact receive $815,000. The loans are a line item in his financing packet, and in the audit report upon the completion of Phase I. If he didn’t, was the Louisiana Housing Finance advised of the funding and implementation changes, or was this just a ploy to get 30 points in the approval process? He got an additional 20 points for amenities he didn’t build on site for the tenants and I also found no change filed with the Louisiana Housing Finance and what was sent to us. Wonder if he would have passed without these points? At issue for all of us is at least four communities here in Shreveport, including my own, oppose such developments that potentially degrade currently economically viable communities, substantially change the character and demography of the community, devalue property and have been shown to increase crime. We ask you to consider that the census tracks earmarked for usage of the tax credit developments still suffer for want of revitalization and renovation, and thus should be targeted for this development. And the proposed site is not one identified by IRS Section 42. In fact that census tract is census tract 244. We need you as the governing body to address planned communities in a more accountable and comprehensive way. We need your assistance in bringing forth a Master Plan for the City now, rather than later. Yes, it takes time, but the political will of the elected officials have to drive the timetable for the planning and development of a Master Plan. In closing, at no time would I begrudge an individual an opportunity for a safe affordable place to live, rather I see only the residents and potential renters here as pawns in an elaborate financing scheme that lines the pockets of developers and syndicators and attempts to pit those of us have invested in our community against the lest fortunate. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Joyce Lawrence, Resident of Western Hills Estates.

Mr. Billy Roy Wayne: (6144 Farrington) Members of this esteemed Council, Chairman Shyne, Honorable Glover. My planned presentation for today changed. When I listened on last night to Mayor Glover, at the Police Community Meeting on last evening. The Mayor talked about the ‘whole hog initiative’, and I believe it’s analogy is applicable to SC-18-08 today. The members of this West Shreveport Alliance Community came before this Council back in December and you voted down this planned project. You brought home the bacon. Just a few weeks ago, we went before the MPC on this same project. It was again denied. We brought home the pork chops. We come again today seeking the chitterlings, pig ears, the pig feet, all to be ground into sausage. Members of this Council, between the slicing of the bacon, the cutting of the chops, and the grinding of the sausage, your rejection of this proposal today will allow us to leave here with the ‘whole hog’. The members of the West Shreveport Community have said unmistakably and you have agreed that this is not in the best interest of our community. We ask that you deny this proposal.

Councilwoman Bowman: I don’t have a question for him, but I’m looking everywhere, and I know what’s missing. Where is Mr. Wimberly, is he not here?

Councilman Shyne: Yeah. I think he’s sitting right - - -

Councilman Webb: His representative is here.

Councilwoman Bowman: Okay, okay. I knew you were here Tom, I’m just looking for him. That’s what I missed.

Mr. James Anderson: (6127Masters Drive) I have an economic interest in the neighborhood. I participate in the neighborhood association. In your wisdom, you turned down a similar project last time that was approved by the MPC. This time, the project was disapproved by the MPC, and I ask that you uphold that and turn down this project again. I am for affordable housing for our neediest citizens. I just think this is a project that’s in the wrong place. I suspect that the previous project that was built there, the Council and everyone was misled about what it was going to be. There’s no swimming pool there, there’s no tennis court there. All these things that were said to be there are not there, and I don’t know what the - - - if once you approve something, if it’s anyway to go back and say you didn’t do what you said you were going to do. So that makes it suspect like (inaudible). If somebody tells you they’re going to do something and they don’t, next time, I think it just pays to be even more weary when they tell you what they’re going to do. I appreciate your patience. And I’m glad you’re going to be here a lot later than me tonight. Thank you.

Councilman Shyne; Ms. Ansley, it’s so good to see you out tonight.

Ms. Pearlie Ansley: (6706 Sagewood) Actually Councilman, I believe you owe me one. As I was patiently sitting back there, I think I heard you say and look in my direction “old teacher”?

Councilman Shyne: No, no. I was looking at Billy Wayne. Now Billy, come to my rescue. I (inaudible) teacher, but I never would have said ‘old teacher’. I was pointing at Billy Wayne, not at you.

Councilman Walford: Excuse me, should I whistle for him to tap dance like this?

Councilman Shyne: I apologize. Now look, if the Mayor thought he apologized tonight, I apologize.

Ms. Ansley: Okay, and I have a statement to make that’s not in reference to this case. When Dr. Connelly was here earlier, and talked about her book on Dr. Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones, there was one important fact that she forgot to mention. And that is that he was a graduate of Southern University. So that means Southern made (inaudible). Now back to the case. Again, I come before you to ask each of you to uphold the Zoning Commission’s decision of February 6, 2008. In each of the Zoning and City Council hearings of this case, you have heard about the nobility and integrity of the developer of this project from people who live more than 35 miles from the city limits of Shreveport. These people will not be affected by the construction of this project, nor will the developer. Many of the people who qualify to rent these homes will come and go. But the homes will remain a part of our community. The people who spoke and signed the petition, almost 800, in opposition to this project are homeowners who have worked long and hard to build and develop this community to it’s current state. Therefore the real issue is the economic and possible social impact. A subdivision of 40 11-1200 square foot subsidized rental homes would have on this community. It has been well documented that the plan for this project is not homeownership. Last but not least, I resent the fact that we have been portrayed as a group of uncompassionate, social slobs with little or no concern for our fellow man, when in reality, we are just a group of citizens trying to maintain and protect the greatest economic investment we will ever make in our lives which is our homes within this community. And in voting, I would like to ask you to please keep in mind as to whether or not this project would serve to benefit this community, or would it serve to destroy or bring down the community. Thank you.

Ms. Barbara Young: (6233 Sunhaven Drive) I too am in opposition to SC-18-08, and ask that you deny it.

Mr. Tom Arceneaux: (400 Travis, Suite 1400) Good evening Mr. Shyne, Members of the Council. So that I may be as brief as possible, you’ve been here quite a long time, I did learn patience in 8 years with you Mr. Shyne, but I believe (inaudible) testing it all this time. I had submitted to the Council last Friday, a letter along with a package, and I have another one of those, and I would request that this simply be made a part of the record of this Council proceedings. What is before you is a subdivision plat. Period. It is a subdivision plat. The City of Shreveport has an ordinance that says what has to happen to subdivide land and when that happens you should approve the subdivision. There is a detailed factual statement where the MPC staff has gone through and evaluated this application, and it is clearly stated that it complies with the requirements of your subdivision ordinance. The previous application that was before you, the reason that there is a different one is, after your denial, when we looked at it before, there were lots that did not meet the minimum sizes. That was one of the criticisms that was placed before you. And in fact those criticisms were accurate. That’s why there is a different subdivision plat that meets all of the requirements of the subdivision ordinance. Therefore I believe that it is your duty to approve this plat by overturning the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Because you have set the standards in the subdivision ordinance. This subdivision meets all of those standards. We ask that you reverse the MPC. I’ll be happy to answer any questions.

Councilman Long: Why did the MPC deny it?

Mr. Arceneaux: Mr. Long, I was present at that MPC meeting actually on another case. And I did not hear the deliberations, and I do not know the answer to that. What I can tell you is the MPC is a very good body, and occasionally makes mistakes. On this one, it made a mistake.

Councilman Wooley: Could I have Roy Jambor come up? Thank you Tom. I’m sorry, are there more public comments?

Councilman Shyne: Yes.

Councilman Wooley: I’m sorry, I’ll defer to later.

Motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Long to suspend the rules to deliberate Case No. SC-18-08. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, and Shyne. 5. Nays: None. Out of the Chamber: Councilmen Lester and Bowman. 2.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS:

SC-18-08: Property located approximately 1000 feet north of Greenwood Road and approximately 800 feet east of Pines Road (Westwood Neighborhood) (G/Bowman)

Councilman Shyne: Let me say this. Is there anybody else here that we overlooked that wanted to speak on this particular matter? You all wanted to speak on this particular matter? Oh, okay. Please come up. We want to be hospitable.

Ms. Rosie Casson: (3505 Milky Way) My speech is in opposition to this development. This development brings back to me the 1960s, when 235s were popular in this city. Those houses were built in neighborhoods that were relatively settled. And we are out in Southwest Shreveport. The only people who benefited from 235s, were the developers. Their pockets were well greased. These houses brought into our neighborhoods much crime, litterers, and you name it. In Southwest Shreveport, we are thriving to have communities that we are comfortable in. We have spent thousands of dollars buying the types of homes that we thought we could live in comfortably. Some things have happened out there which is comparable to this, that has ruined our neighborhood. And we’re trying to put a moratorium on it. That’s the reason we’re in opposition to this. We’re not against anyone who wants to live in decent housing. We are homeowners. I have gone down there and looked at this area, and it adds nothing to the area. Those townhouses are just there. No amenities, and we are people that we try to keep around where we live clean, beautiful. Spring is coming and you’re going to see us in our yards. And we do not want anything else. Because some things have come to the area already where we have shopping carts being left at the bus stops. Litter being thrown in our yards at night. Beer cans and what have you. And we need no more of that. And this is what this type of development breeds. Thank you and I hope you turn this down.

Councilman Shyne: Ms. Casson, thank you. Anybody have any questions for Ms. Casson? Ms. Casson, thank you for coming down and participating in your local democracy. Where is Monty? Ms. Bowman, we’ll entertain any comments from you or a motion to uphold or overturn.

Councilwoman Bowman: I’m sorry, I’d stepped out. Did the opposition speak?

Councilman Shyne: Yeah, everybody spoke.

Councilwoman Bowman: Sorry about that.

Motion by Councilman Bowman, seconded by Councilman Wooley to uphold the decision of the ZBA. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 4. Nays: Councilmen Lester and Long. 2. Out of the Chamber: Councilman Walford. 1.

Councilman Shyne: Thank you all for coming, and if you want to, we’ll pause a minute and let you all leave the Chamber. I apologize for these gentlemen keeping you all so long. If it had been left up to me, we would not have stayed this long. But you understand how it is. I serve at the pleasure. Thank you all.

Councilman Wooley: You want to let these guys go, since it’s only two more left?

Councilman Shyne: Okay right. If it’s alright with the Council Members. They want to know if we want to let - - -?

Councilman Wooley: Yeah, it’s only like two public comments left.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Lester, I move to suspend the rules to consider all public comments at this time.

Councilmen Long and Bowman: Second

Rules were suspended to hear additional Public Comments without objection.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Wilson, it’s so nice to have you down

Mr. John Wilson: (No Request to Speak Submitted) Well I enjoyed last weeks staying down here late and watching you Lady and Gentlemen and the way you act. And I’m humbled by it. And I think you’re doing a good job. I’m not hear to ask you for anything. I’m hear to tell you about something. You know we have obligations that if we can help the city, we ought not always be down here, give me this, do this, do that, do that. We have an obligation, those of us who can do some things, and will do some things. My case in this subdivision, and the annexation and all, I went to our Councilman and told him about the whole matter and what our tax problems were and everything out there. That we felt like we ought to be some people that’s staying out and trying to do something. And by that I mean this. To repair our streets is going to be extremely expensive. We paid the taxes and it should be done. But lets look at the thing realistically. Realistically, if you had all the money in the world, you could do everything. But you don’t, you’ve got to make choices. Representative, I mean Councilman Bryan Wooley offered to help us a little bit. And so we said if you’re going to do that, then we’re going to assume fixing part of those streets with our money. Even though we have the taxes and all of that. But what I wanted to do was simply let y’all know that we need to have people who want to get involved in things, and who are not always saying you’ve got to fix this, you’ve got to fix this, you’ve got to fix this, you’ve got to fix this. We must as citizens take hold. Certainly we could have a little help, but if we can afford to help, then we have that obligation too. So I really recognize our Councilman in our area. He didn’t have the money to do it all. He helped us much as he could. We then have gotten together and we will be kicking in money out of each of our pockets to complete the thing. And it will be done. So I would suggest and hope that when you run into these situations, you have the right to ask we the people to help, as well as to ask you to do everything. I appreciate what y’all have done and I think that if we could do that more, we would have a lot less problems, and that’s all I really wanted to say. Thank you again, and we appreciate you.

Councilman Wooley: Mr. Wilson, I just wanted to say I appreciate you coming down, I appreciate your compliments and your encouraging words. And whenever we can find residents who want to be team players with the city to do things together and to make things happen, that’s always a good thing. So thank you.

Councilman Shyne: Did we leave out anyone who wanted to come and speak? We can now move back into our regular session.

Reports: Property Standards Report

Councilman Shyne: I think Jim left for the night.

Councilman Webb: (Inaudible) is gone by now

Council

Public Hearing: None.

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

Confirmations and/or Appointments:

Shreveport Bossier Convention and Tourism Board Mr. Thaddeus Pugh

(Postponed February 12, 2008)

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

Adding Legislation to the Agenda

The Clerk read the following:

1. Resolution No. 47 of 2008: A Resolution urging the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality not to grant a permit to Louisiana Proteins to operate a processing plant in the Agurs area of the City of Shreveport and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

2. Ordinance No. 19 of 2008: An Ordinance to amend Section 78-139 (b) of the Code of Ordinances and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Long to add Resolution No. 47 of 2008, and Ordinance No. 19 of 2008. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

CONSENT AGENDA LEGISLATION

TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS: None.

ORDINANCES: None.

TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS:

The Clerk read the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 19 of 2008

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GARY JASON BROOME & ANGELA MOTT BROOME, LOCATED AT 1860 LEONARD RD., TO CONNECT TO THE WATER SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that Gary Jason Broome & Angela Mott Broome, be authorized to connect the building located at 1860 Leonard Rd., to the water system of the City of Shreveport.

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

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

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Long Wooley, Webb, and Shyne 5. Nays: Councilmen Walford and Bowman. 2.

RESOLUTION NO. 20 of 2008

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GARY JASON BROOME & ANGELA MOTT BROOME, LOCATED AT 1912 LEONARD RD., TO CONNECT TO THE WATER SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that Gary Jason Broome & Angela Mott Broome, be authorized to connect the building located at 1912 Leonard Rd., to the water system of the City of Shreveport.

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

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

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Long Wooley, Webb, and Shyne 5. Nays: Councilmen Walford and Bowman. 2.

RESOLUTION NO. 21 of 2008

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING H.M. WELCH CONSTRUCTION, INC., LOCATED AT 9009 MITCHAM ST., TO CONNECT TO THE WATER & SEWER SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that H.M. Welch Construction, Inc., be authorized to connect the structure, located at 9009 Mitcham St., to the water & sewer system of the City of Shreveport.

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

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

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long Wooley, Webb, and Shyne 4. Nays: Councilmen Lester, Walford, and Bowman. 3.

RESOLUTION NO. 22 of 2008

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BIZBIKI INTERESTS, L.L.C., LOCATED AT 242 & 246 OLYMPIA DR., TO CONNECT TO THE WATER & SEWER SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

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

BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that Bizbiki Interests, L.L.C., be authorized to connect the structures, located at 242 & 246 Olympia Dr., to the water & sewer system of the City of Shreveport.

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

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

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Webb to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Long Wooley, Webb, and Shyne 5. Nays: Councilmen Walford and Bowman. 2.

Mr. Thompson: If there are no objections, you could consider the resolution urging the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality not to grant a permit to Louisiana Proteins to operate a processing plant in - - -

Councilman Walford: I’ll make that motion.

Councilman Lester: Second. Mr. Chairman, I would ask that Mr. Thompson read that into the record please, and while he’s doing that, I would like to commend Councilman Walford. It’s a shame that we were here long enough to get our staff to put that together, but it’s an excellent piece of legislation, and hopefully we can give this to the Mayor to take with him to give him some more ammunition in expressing the will of the Council to the good folks in Baton Rouge at DEQ.

The Clerk read the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 47 OF 2008

A RESOLUTION URGING THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY NOT TO GRANT A PERMIT TO LOUISIANA PROTEINS TO OPERATE A PROCESSING PLANT IN THE AGURS AREA OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

By: Councilmen Walford and Lester

Whereas, the officials of the City of Shreveport have received numerous complaints of offensive odors emanating from the Louisiana Proteins processing plant in the Agurs area of the city; and

Whereas, the Louisiana Proteins plant has made application to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to greatly increase the volume and quantity of animal waste materials it is authorized to process; and

Whereas, officials and citizens of the city are vehemently opposed to the operation of said plant within the city in any capacity, and particularly in any greatly increased capacity.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that it hereby urges the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to deny the application of Louisiana Proteins to operate an animal waste processing plant in the Agurs area of the City of Shreveport.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

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.

Councilman Shyne: Let me pause right here for a second. Bonnie, you and Terri - - -

Councilwoman Bowman: Joe, you waited until they had just put something in their mouths.

Councilman Shyne: You know I’m sorry. What I want to do, first of all I want to apologize. Terri is our first Black female City Attorney, and Terri, congratulations.

Ms. Scott: Thank you.

Councilman Shyne: You deserve it, and you earned it. And you are a fine attorney, although Councilman Lester and I might disagree with you from time to time, but remember, it’s nothing personal now, it’s only professionally.

Councilman Bowman: Mr. Chairman, you forgot to tell her, “And you know I love you”.

Councilman Shyne: Alright I love you Terri.

Mr. Dark: Run Terri, run.

Councilman Shyne: Tom, don’t say that. Bonnie, now I believe Lillian - - - Tom, you and I probably been around longer than anybody else. Lillian was never head of that department, was she?

Mr. Dark: Lillian was head of that department under Hazel Beard.

Councilman Shyne: Under Hazel. Okay. Well Bonnie,

Councilman Walford (whistling): Come on, dance.

Councilman Shyne: I want to congratulate you for being the second - - - don’t let ‘em trip me now. Don’t worry about that. But congratulations to both of you all for making history.

Ms. Moore: Lillian was a fine director.

Councilman Shyne: She was, and I’m not taking anything away from Lillian. Lillian is not here, but I can say that you have served longer than Lillian. Alright then. I love you Bonnie. Mr. Mayor, what happened to all that you brought in?

Mayor Glover: It’s in the back. I didn’t want to breech protocol.

Councilman Shyne: Can’t you have someone to - - - did we vote on that?

Councilman Walford: No sir, but I have one little bit of discussion if I could.

Mayor Glover: I’ll bring it back out, I just didn’t know - - -

Councilman Shyne: Yeah Mr. Mayor, and I’ll meet you with you.

Councilwoman Bowman: Break bread with us.

Councilman Walford: Before you leave Mr. Mayor, if I could get my discussion in, this is a resolution from the Council opposing the granting of the permit to Louisiana Proteins that we would like for you to take with you and we will see - - - can we see that he gets it - - -?

Mr. Thompson: If we get the vote, we could give it to him now.

Councilwoman Bowman: I already voted.

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Lester is not here.

Councilman Walford: Since he was the coauthor, I feel comfortable that Mr. Lester was going to vote ‘YES’. Mr. Lester, you didn’t vote on that piece of legislation, could we take that as a ‘YES’ please?

Councilman Lester: Yes. I would. As the cosponsor, yes please register me as a ‘YES’.

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

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, I appreciate this.

Mr. Dark: You’re hurting the microphone.

Councilman Shyne: I’m sorry.

Councilman Webb: We’re live on TV, and we’re sitting here eating pizza.

Councilman Lester: Mr. Webb, you’re the chairman.

Councilman Webb: I’m not the chairman.

Councilman Lester: Right now you are.

Councilman Walford: Lets go, we’ve got some more legislation. That’s not a salad. I thought you and the Mayor were going to eat a salad.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, tell ‘em we changed our minds. It’s nothing wrong with us changing our minds is it? We’ve been here so long.

Councilman Long: Somebody call the next item on the agenda please.

Councilman Shyne: I’m ready.

ORDINANCES: None.

REGULAR AGENDA LEGISLATION

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

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, we’re now on Regular Agenda Legislation, 9A, Resolutions on second reading and final passage or which only require one reading.

The Clerk read the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 15 OF 2008

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DEDICATION FOR REGENCY BOULEVARD IN REGENCY BOULEVARD RIGHT-OF-WAY DEDICATION PLAT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A DONATION INTER VIVOS FROM SHERWOOD FORREST ESTATES, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

BY: Councilman Wooley

WHEREAS, Sherwood Forrest Subdivison is located in the southeast part of Shreveport close to the intersection of Norris Ferry Road and Overton Brooks Road; and

WHEREAS, Regency Boulevard is currently a private street in the Sherwood Forrest Subdivison; and

WHEREAS, the residents of the subdivision requested that the City accept Regency Boulevard into the City public street system; and

WHEREAS, the City has agreed to accept Regency Boulevard in accordance with the letter dated April 16, 2007, attached hereto as Exhibit A; and

WHEREAS, as evidenced in said letter, Sherwood Forrest Estates has agreed to give a donation to the City in the amount of $80,000.00 for purposes of repairing the street and curb on said street; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport desires to accept this donation inter vivos.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the dedication for Regency Bouelvard in Section 17, T16N, 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 Regency Boulevard be recorded in the official records of the Clerk of Court for Caddo Parish, Louisiana.

BE IT FURTHER 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 accept the donation inter vivos from the Sherwood Forrest Estates.

BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened, that Cedric B. Glover, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized and empowered to execute a Donation Inter Vivos, substantially in accordance with the document filed along with the original copy of this resolution in the Office of the Clerk of Council on January 29, 2008, attached hereto as Exhibit B.

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

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

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

Councilwoman Bowman: Wait a minute, that’s not any water is it?

Councilman Walford: No, a street.

Ms. Johnson: Mr. Long, how are you voting?

Councilman Long: Yea.

Ms. Johnson: Thank you.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 16 of 2008

A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE OFFICIAL INTENT OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FROM PROCEEDS OF LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport intends to acquire certain equipment and other property as generally described below (hereinafter, the “Property”);

SPAR vehicles, mowing tractors, mowers, and recreational and operational equipment

Police vehicles and equipment

Fire trucks, vehicles and equipment

Department of Operational Services vehicles, trailers, equipment, rollout carts

Community Development vehicles and equipment

WHEREAS, the City may pay certain capital expenditures in connection with the Property prior to its receipt of proceeds of a lease-purchase agreement (“Lease Purchase Proceeds”);

WHEREAS, the City reasonably anticipates that it will make expenditures with respect to the Property in the principal amount not exceeding $8 million (“Principal Amount”) for which the City may or expects to enter into one or more Lease-Purchase Agreements;

WHEREAS, Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service Regulations do not allow the proceeds of a tax-exempt borrowing to be spent on working capital;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport (“Governing Body”) in due, legal and regular session convened that:

Section 1. The Governing Body finds and determines that the foregoing recitals are true and correct.

Section 2. This Resolution is adopted by the Governing Body of the City for the purpose of establishing compliance with the requirements of Section 1.150-2 of Treasury Regulations. This Resolution does not bind the City to make any expenditure, incur any indebtedness, or proceed with the purchase of the Property.

Section 3. The Governing Body of the City expects the City will pay certain capital expenditures in connection with the Property prior to the receipt of Lease Purchase Proceeds for the Property.

Section 4. The Governing Body of City hereby declares the City’s official intent to use Lease Purchase Proceeds to reimburse itself for Property expenditures.

Section 5. This resolution and declaration of official intent shall take effect in accordance with Section 4.23 of the City Charter.

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

3. Resolution No. 18 of 2008: Making application to the State Bond Commission for approval to hire professionals in conjunction with the issuance by the City of Shreveport of not to exceed Twenty-One Million Dollars ($21,000,000) aggregate principal amount of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2008 in one or more series, for the purpose of refunding certain existing indebtedness of the city

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

RESOLUTION NUMBER 23 OF 2008

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 5, Block 26, West Shreveport Subdivision Geographic Number 181435-025-000500

Municipal Address: 933 Kenneth Avenue

Council District “A”

Lots 3 & 4, Plot Y, Geographic Number 171404-018-005200

Lakeshore Heights, Unit 2

Municipal Address: 110488 None

Council District “G”

N. 28 Feet of Lots 1 & 2, Plot Y, Geographic Number 171404-018-001100

Lakeshore Heights, Unit 2

Municipal Address: 9994 None

Council District “G”

Lots 2 & 3, Mava Park Subdivision Geographic Number 171409-034-008600

Municipal Address: 4039 Curtis Lane

Council District “G”

Lots 110 & 111, Coleman College Subdivision Geographic Number 171421-027-012400

Municipal Address: 3938 Crosby Street

Council District “F”

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

5. Resolution No. 24 of 2008: Making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of issuance by the City of Shreveport of not to exceed Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000) aggregate principal amount of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2008 in one or more series, for the purpose of refunding certain existing indebtedness.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Walford 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 March 11, 2008)

1. Resolution No. 25 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept grant funding from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and otherwise provide with respect thereto.

2. Resolution No. 26 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-2, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

3. Resolution No. 27 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-4, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

4. Resolution No. 28 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-11, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

5. Resolution No. 29 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-13, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

6. Resolution No. 30 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-14, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

7. Resolution No. 31 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-15, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

8. Resolution No. 32 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-17A, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

9. Resolution No. 33 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-18, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

10. Resolution No. 34 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-19A, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

11. Resolution No. 35 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-20, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

12. Resolution No. 36 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-21, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

13. Resolution No. 37 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-27, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

14. Resolution No. 38 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-28, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

15. Resolution No. 39 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-29, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

16. Resolution No. 40 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-30, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

17. Resolution No. 41 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-31, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

18. Resolution No. 42 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-32, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

19. Resolution No. 43 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-33, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

20. Resolution No. 44 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-34, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

21. Resolution No. 45 of 2008: A resolution authorizing the institution of expropriation proceedings against certain described property within the City of Shreveport in connection with the Ledbetter Heights Land Banking Project, Project No. 07A001, Parcel No. P-75, and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

22. Resolution No. 46 of 2008: A resolution employing professionals for the issuance by the City of Shreveport of not to exceed Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000) aggregate principal amount of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2008 in one or more series, for the purpose of refunding certain existing indebtedness of the City.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Long to introduce Resolution No(s). 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 of 2008 to lay over until March 11, 2008 meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: (Not to be adopted prior to March 11, 2008)

1. Ordinance No. 19 of 2008: An Ordinance to amend Section 78-139 (b) of the Code of Ordinances and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Read by title and as read, motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Walford to introduce Ordinance No. 19 of 2008 to lay over until March 11, 2008 meeting.

Councilman Lester: Question Mr. Chairman. I’d just like for Ms. Scott (you don’t have to come up) and Roy to give me something on this deal with the streets, the street vendors. Cause I’ve had a number of my constituents that have some questions about the rules and regs in terms of street vendors. Who can and who can’t. A question about the food you’re having to be consumed versus making trash and things of that nature. So, if you could give me a primer on that I’d appreciate it. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Councilman Shyne: Okay, you want her to come up now?

Councilman Lester: No, she’s going to send me the information later.

Councilman Shyne: Mr. Mayor, this is almost sinful.

Mr. Thompson: Mr. Chairman, we need everybody to vote now.

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

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

1. Ordinance No. 191 of 2008: 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 February 12, 2008 until February 26, 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. 3 of 2008: An ordinance amending the 2008 Budget for the Police Grants Special Revenue Fund. (Postponed February 12, 2008 until February 26, 2008)

Having passed first reading on January 22, 2008 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 Lester to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

3. Ordinance No. 7 of 2008: An Ordinance amending the 2008 Capital Improvements Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (Postponed February 12, 2008 until February 26, 2008)

Having passed first reading on January 22, 2008 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Long.

Amendment # 1 to Ordinance No. 7 of 2008

AMEND THE ORDINANCE AS FOLLOWS:

In Program A (Buildings and Improvements):

Increase the appropriation for Festival Site Development (98A001) by $15,000. Funding source is Other Funds.

In Program E (Water Improvements):

Establish a project entitled West 70^th Street Water Main Relocation (08E001) and fund it at $800,000 from 2005 URB.

Establish a project entitled Flournoy-Lucas & Ellerbe Roads Water Main Relocation (08E002) and fund it at $250,000 from 2005 URB.

Adjust all totals and subtotals accordingly.

Motion by Councilman Wooley, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt Amendment No. 1 to Ordinance No. 7 of 2008. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

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

4. Ordinance No. 8 of 2008: An Ordinance amending the 2008 Riverfront Special Revenue Fund Budget and otherwise providing with respect thereto. (Postponed February 12, 2008 until February 26, 2008)

Having passed first reading on January 22, 2008 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Long.

Amendment #1 to Ordinance No. 8 of 2008

AMEND THE ORDINANCE AS FOLLOWS:

In Section 2 (Appropriations), delete the second line and substitute in lieu thereof:

Decrease Operating Reserves by $150,000.

Motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Long to adopt Amendment No. 1 to Ordinance No. 8 of 2008. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

Motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Walford to adopt Ordinance No. 8 of 2008 as amended. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

5. Ordinance No. 9 of 2008: An ordinance amending the 2008 Budget for the Downtown Development District, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on February 12, 2008 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Walford, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

6. Ordinance No. 10 of 2008: An amending and reenacting portions of Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances relative to Alarms and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on February 12, 2008 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 Bowman to adopt.

Councilman Walford: I just want to thank Cpl Adams, she is doing yeoman’s work on the alarms. That’s all of my discussion.

Councilman Shyne: Beautiful.

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

7. Ordinance No. 11 of 2008: An ordinance declaring certain adjudicated properties needed for a valid public purpose and otherwise providing with respect thereto.

Having passed first reading on February 12, 2008 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 Lester to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

8. Ordinance No. 12 of 2008: An ordinance declaring certain adjudicated properties to be surplus and to authorize the Mayor of the City of Shreveport to sell the City of Shreveport’s tax interest in certain surplus adjudicated properties, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester/B/Walford/F/Shyne/G/Bowman)

Having passed first reading on February 12, 2008 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 Lester to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

9. Ordinance No. 13 of 2008: An ordinance closing and abandoning the five and ten foot-wide utility easement running thru lots 93 to 98 in the J. R. Russell Subdivision Unit No. 2 in the SE ¼ of Section 21 (T18N-R14W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (A/Lester)

Having passed first reading on February 12, 2008 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Lester, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

10. Ordinance No. 15 of 2008: An ordinance closing and abandoning a 60 foot-wide East 66^th Street located between Thornhill Street and Line Avenue located in the Belmount Grove addition in the SE ¼ of Section 24 (T17N-R14W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (C/Long)

Having passed first reading on February 12, 2008 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Long, seconded by Councilman Wooley to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

11. Ordinance No. 16 of 2008: An ordinance closing and abandoning the northern portion located between Lots 264 and 265iof the 60 foot-wide, public right-of-way known as Dillingham Place located in the Land Subdivision in the SW ¼ of Section (T17-R13W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (C/Long)

Having passed first reading on February 12, 2008 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 Bowman to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

12. Ordinance No. 17 of 2008: An ordinance closing and abandoning the 10 foot-wide utility easement located in the Forbing Unit Subdivision Lot 1, Forbing Annex Home Sites, Unit 1 and Lot 1, Forbing Annex Home Sites, Unit 1 in the NE ¼ of Section 7 (T16N-R13W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (D/Wooley)

Having passed first reading on February 12, 2008 was read by title, and on motion, ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilmen Wooley and Long, seconded by Councilman Bowman to adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

13. Ordinance No. 18 of 2008: An ordinance closing and abandoning the following public right of way name Bullen, Benny & Kristy Streets located in the Country Club Heights Subdivision Unit No. 8, located in the SE ¼ of Section 8 (T17N-R14W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana and to otherwise provide with respect thereto. (G/Bowman)

Having passed first reading on February 12, 2008 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 adopt. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Lester, Walford, Long Wooley, Webb, Shyne, and Bowman. 7. Nays: None.

The Adopted ordinances and amendments follow:

ORDINANCE NO. 3 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2008 BUDGET FOR THE POLICE GRANTS SPECIAL REVENUE FUND AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it desirable to amend the 2008 budget for the Police Grants Special Revenue Fund, to adjust revenues and for other purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that Ordinance No. 172 of 2007, the 2008 budget for the Police Grants Special Revenue Fund, be amended and re-enacted as follows:

In Section 1 (Estimated Receipts):

2007 and Prior-Year Receipts:

Reduce Prior-Year Anti-Gang Initiative by $8,400.

In Section 2 (Appropriations):

From 2007 and Prior Years Revenues:

In Prior-Year Anti-Gang Initiative, decrease Personal Services by $16,100, Materials and Supplies by $500 and Contractual Services by $700. Increase Improvements and Equipment by $8,900.

Adjust totals and subtotals accordingly.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the remainder of Ordinance No. 172 of 2007 shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance, or the application thereof, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other sections 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. 7 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2008 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

By:

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to amend the 2007 Capital Improvements Budget to shift project funding and for other purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that Ordinance No. 160 of 2007, the 2008 Capital Improvements Budget, be further amended and re-enacted as follows:

In Program A (Buildings and Improvements):

Increase the appropriation for Festival Plaza Covered Pavilion (04A001) by $150,000. Funding source is Riverfront Development.

In Program F (Sewer Improvements):

Increase the appropriation for Cedar Grove Lift Station Improvements (05F004) by $200,000. Funding source is 2005 URB.

Adjust totals and subtotals accordingly.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the remainder of Ordinance 160 of 2007, as amended, shall remain in full force and effect.

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

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

Amendment # 1 to Ordinance No. 7 of 2008

AMEND THE ORDINANCE AS FOLLOWS:

In Program A (Buildings and Improvements):

Increase the appropriation for Festival Site Development (98A001) by $15,000. Funding source is Other Funds.

In Program E (Water Improvements):

Establish a project entitled West 70^th Street Water Main Relocation (08E001) and fund it at $800,000 from 2005 URB.

Establish a project entitled Flournoy-Lucas & Ellerbe Roads Water Main Relocation (08E002) and fund it at $250,000 from 2005 URB.

Adjust all totals and subtotals accordingly.

ORDINANCE NO. 8 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2008 RIVERFRONT SPECIAL REVENUE FUND BUDGET AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BY:

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to amend the 2007 budget for the Riverfront Development Special Revenue Fund to transfer funds between expenditure categories and for other purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that Ordinance No. 163 of 2007, the 2008 budget for the Riverfront Special Revenue Fund, is hereby amended as follows:

In Section 2 (Appropriations):

Increase Transfer to Capital Projects Fund by $150,000.

Decrease Operating Reserves by $870,600.

Adjust totals and subtotals accordingly.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the remainder of Ordinance No. 163 of 2007

shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

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

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

Amendment #1 to Ordinance No. 8 of 2008

AMEND THE ORDINANCE AS FOLLOWS:

In Section 2 (Appropriations), delete the second line and substitute in lieu thereof:

Decrease Operating Reserves by $150,000.

ORDINANCE NO. 9 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2008 BUDGET FOR THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.BY:

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to amend the 2008 budget for the Downtown Development District.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in legal session convened, that Ordinance No. 197 of 2007, the 2008 budget for the Downtown Development District, is hereby amended as follows:

Under “Funds Available for Appropriation”, increase Streetscape Contract by $25,000.

Under “Appropriations for 2008", increase DDA Administration and Programming by $25,000.I

Adjust totals and subtotals accordingly.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the remainder of Ordinance No. 197 of 2007 shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

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

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

ORDINANCE NO. 10 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REENACT PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 6 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO ALARMS AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened that Sections 6-28(a) and 6-32(b) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport are hereby amended and reenacted and Section 6-33(a)(9) is hereby added to read as follows:

Sec. 6-28. Licensing required of alarm business.

a) Every Alarm Business which shall engage in the business of altering, installing, maintaining, moving, repairing, replacing, servicing, selling or leasing onsite, furnishing or monitoring Alarm Systems in the City of Shreveport shall be required to possess a state license under the alarm industry licensing act, R.S. 40:1664 et seq. and any applicable City ordinances.

* * *

Sec. 6-32. Additional non-monitored alarm user requirements.

* * *

b) Non-monitored Alarms shall be recorded as an alarm when reported to the Police Department by any citizen and verified as audible for a specific location by a responding officer. Non-monitored alarms shall also be recorded as alarms when an Alarm User or Keyholder calls for police dispatch based on any electronic signal received from the Alarm System.

Sec. 6-33. Alarm business requirements to police.

* * *

(a)(9) The name of the Alarm Business under contract with the Alarm User.

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

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

ORDINANCE NO. 11 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE DECLARING CERTAIN ADJUDICATED PROPERTIES NEEDED FOR A VALID PUBLIC PURPOSE AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has a tax interest in certain properties adjudicated for more than five years for the nonpayment of property taxes, said properties being more fully described below along with the names of the last known owner of record of each property and the names of the other interested parties of record for each property; and

WHEREAS, under La. R.S. 33:2891.1 et. seq. property adjudicated to a city more than five (5) years for nonpayment of taxes or paving and other local improvement assessments, may be declared by the city as needed for a valid public purpose, defined in La. R.S. 33:2891.2 as “the revitalization of economically depressed areas by placing abandoned properties back into the economic stream of commerce”; and

WHEREAS, each of said properties has been abandoned by its owner and the lack of use has contributed to the decline of this economically depressed area; and

WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport intends to use this property for lease or other grants of use to persons or businesses, whether public or private, which will use the property for purposes which help to revitalize this area, or for any other valid public purpose.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that it does hereby declare the following described adjudicated properties needed for a valid public purpose:

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that in accordance with La. R.S. 33:2891.1 et. seq. the City of Shreveport shall acquire the subject properties in full ownership upon expiration of sixty (60) days from the date of recordation of this adopted ordinance in the conveyance records of Caddo Parish, provided no owner or interested party (as defined in La. R.S. 33: 2891.2) files suit in Caddo Parish District Court contesting the acquisition within said sixty (60) days.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Office of Property Management of the City of Shreveport shall give notice of this acquisition to the owners and interested parties described herein in accordance with La. R.S. 33:2891.2 and 33:2891.3.

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

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

ORDINANCE NO. 12 OF 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

Property No. 1: Legal Description - Lot 31, Sherwood Park Subdivision, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 650, Page 625 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#171426-011-0031-00) Municipal Address - 7116 Burlingame Blvd.

AMOUNT OFFERED: $320.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $2,000.00 DISTRICT F

Property No. 2: Legal Description - Lot 16 & 17, Block D, Hillcrest Subdivision, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 50, Page 431 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#171414-086-0038-00) Municipal Address - 1656 Caroline Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $480.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $3,000.00 DISTRICT B

Property No. 3: Legal Description - E. 20 Ft. of Lot 28 & the W. 30 Ft. of Lot 27, Block P, Pine Grove Addition, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 100, Page262 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#171403-017-0040-00) Municipal Address - 3146 Chestnut Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $1,600.00 ASSESSED VALUE: $9,500.00 DISTRICT G

Property No. 4: Legal Description - Lot 26, Pear Grove Subdivision, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 150, Page 222 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#171410-058-0026-00) Municipal Address - 3232 Jackson Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $1,200.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $4,000.00 DISTRICT G

Property No. 5: Legal Description - South 40 Ft. of the North 85 Ft. of Lots 14 & 15, Foster & Long Subdivision, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 9, Page 238 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#181436-008-0043-00) Municipal Address - 423 North Allen Avenue

AMOUNT OFFERED: $225.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $1,500.00 DISTRICT A

Property No. 6: Legal Description - Lots 366 & 367, Caddo Heights Subdivision, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 50, Page 35 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#171413-113-0366-00) Municipal Address - 1537 Oakdale Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $160.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $1,000.00 DISTRICT B

Property No. 7: Legal Description - Lot 21, Block "E", Holly Park Subdivision, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 250, Page 326 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#171414-007-0021-00) Municipal Address -1938 Oakdale Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $160.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $1,000.00 DISTRICT B

Property No. 8: Legal Description - SW 34 Ft. 10 inches of Lot 28, R.A. Gray Subdivision, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 24, Page 99 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#181437-087-0041-00) Municipal Address -1312 Oakland Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $160.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $1,000.00 DISTRICT B

Property No. 9: Legal Description - Lot 16, Block 14, Queensborough Addition, a subdivision in the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, as per plat thereof recorded in Book 41, Page 385 of the Conveyance Records of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements located thereon.

(GEO#171403-050-0016-00) Municipal Address -3002 Stonewall Street

AMOUNT OFFERED: $250.00 APPRAISED VALUE: $500.00 DISTRICT G

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

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

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

ORDINANCE NO. 13 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AND ABANDONING THE FIVE AND TEN FOOT-WIDE UTILTIY EASEMENT RUNNING THRU LOTS 93 TO 98 IN THE J. R. RUSSELL SUBDIVISION UNIT NO. 2 IN THE SE ¼ OF SECTION 21 (T18N-R14W), SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, today the Property Management Section of the Department of Operational Services has received a request to close and abandon the above 5 foot-wide and 10 foot-wide utility easements.

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the five-foot wide and ten foot-wide utility easements running thru lots 93 to 98 in the J.R. Russell Subdivision Unit No . 2 of the SE ¼ of Section 21 (T18N-R14W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and Louisiana and as shown and as indicated on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby closed and abandoned.

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

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

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

ORDINANCE NO. 15 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AND ABANDONING THE 60 FOOT-WIDE EAST 66^TH STREET LOCATED BETWEEN THORNHILL STREET AND LINE AVENUE LOCATED IN THE BELMOUNT GROVE ADDITION IN THE SE ¼ OF SECTION 24 (T17N-R14W), SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH. LOUISIANA AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, today the Property Management Section of the Department of Operational Services has received a request to close and abandon the above 60 foot-wide East 66^th Street between Thornhill Street and Line Avenue located in the Belmount Grove Addition.

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the 60 foot-wide East 66^th Street located between Thornhill Street and Line Avenue located in the Bellmount Gove Addition in the SE ¼ of Section 24 (T17N-R14W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and Louisiana and as shown and as indicated on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby closed and abandoned. Water,Sewer, Drainage and Utility Servitudes are herby retained.

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

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

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

ORDINANCE NO. 16 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AND ABANDONING THE NORTHERN PORTION LOCATED BETWEEN LOTS 264 AND 265 OF THE 60 FOOT-WIDE PUBLIC RIGHT- OF-WAY KNOWN AS DILLINGHAM PLACE LOCATED IN THE LAND SUBDIVISION IN THE SW ¼ OF SECTION 6 (T17N-R13W), SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, today the Property Management Section of the Department of Operational Services has received a request to close and abandon the above unimproved public right-of-way known as Dillingham Place located in the Land Subdivision.

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the northern portion located between lots 264 and 265 of the 60 foot-wide public right-of-way known as Dillingham Place located in the Land Subdivision in the SW ¼ of section 6 (T17N-R13W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and Louisiana and as shown and as indicated on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby closed and abandoned.

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

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

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

ORDINANCE NO. 17 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AND ABANDONING THE 10 FOOT-WIDE UTILTIY EASEMENT LOCATED IN THE FORBING UNIT SUBDIVISIONS LOT 1, FORBING ANNEX HOME SITES, UNIT 1 AND LOT 1, FORBING ANNEX HOME SITES, UNIT 5 AND THE 5 FOOT-WIDE UTILTIY EASEMENT ON THE EAST SIDE OF LOT 2, FORBING ANNEX HOME SITES, UNIT 1, IN THE NE ¼ OF SECTION 7 (T16N-R13W), SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, today the Property Management Section of the Department of Operational Services has received a request to close and abandon the above 10 foot-wide and 5 foot-wide utility easements.

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the 10 foot-wide utility easement located in the Forbing Unit Subdivisions Lot 1, Forbing Annex Home Sites, Unit 1 and Lot 1, Forbing Annex Home Sites, Unit 5 and the 5 foot-wide utility easement on the east side of Lot 2, Forbing Annex Home Sites, Unit 1, in the NE ¼ of Section 7 ( T16N-R13W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana and as shown and as indicated on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby closed and abandoned.

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

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

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

ORDINANCE NO. 18 OF 2008

AN ORDINANCE CLOSING AND ABANDONING THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY NAME BULLEN, BENNY & KRISTY STREETS LOCATED IN THE COUNTRY CLUB HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION UNIT NO. 8 LOCATED IN THE SE ¼ OF SECTION 8 (T17N-R14W), SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, today the Property Management Section of the Department of Operational Services has received a request to close and abandon the above unimproved public right of way name Bullen, Benny & Kristy streets in the Country Club Heights Subdivision Unit No. 8.

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the following public right of way name Bullen, Benney & Kristy Unit No. 8, Located in the SE ¼ of Section 8 (t17N-R14W), Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and Louisiana and as shown and as indicated on the plat attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby closed and abandoned.

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

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

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

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 February 25, 2008 until March 10, 2008)

HBO0700081 – 1062 Dalzell Street, Shreveport, LA (B/Walford) Mr. Stanley W. Burke, III, 8848 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA 71115 (D/Wooley)(Postponed February 11, 2008 until March 10, 2008)

HBO0700137 – 1919 Walnut Street, Shreveport, LA (A/Lester); Ms. Ethel J. Reed, 4745 McDaniel Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109 (F/Shyne) (Postponed February 25, 2008 until March 10, 2008)

PSD0700065 - 2513 Dupont Street, Shreveport, LA (B/Walford); Mr. David Bates, 2509 Dupont Street, Shreveport, La 71103 (B/Walford) (Postponed February 11, 2008 until April 7, 2008)

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

HBO0700179 – 611 Argyle (F/Shyne) Mr. Raymond Stevenson, 4145 Carver Street, Shreveport, LA (F/Shyne) (Postponed January 7, 2007 until March 10, 2008)

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS:

BAC-5-08: Property located on the west side of East Ridge Drive, 160 feet south of Berkshire. (C/Long) (Remanded to MPC February 12, 2008)

NEW BUSINESS

ABO APPEAL:

Ms. Lequita Simmons, 2939 Meadow Avenue, Shreveport, LA (F/Shyne) Circle K, 9009 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA (D/Wooley) (Postponed February 25, 2008 until March 10, 2008)

REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES

CLERK’S REPORT

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

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:33 p.m.

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//s// Joe Shyne, Chairman

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