Motion by Councilman Burrell, seconded by Councilman Cooper for approval of the minutes of the Administrative Conference of January 12, 1998 and the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 13, 1998. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green, and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Awards, Recognition of Distinguished Guests and Communications of the Mayor which are
required by law. Mayor Williams: Back in December, Evangel Christian Academy Eagles
Football captured the four state championship title in five years with 51-13 victory over the
Independence High School Tigers. I've asked the team members, their coaches, and staff to
come today so that we can honor them for this great achievement. At this time, I would like to
ask the football team to come forward. At this time, I would like to read a proclamation and I
would like to, immediately after, present it to Coach Dunn:
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, the Evangel Christian Academy Eagles football team captured the Class 1A State Championship in 1993 and 1994, and the Class 3A State Championship in 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Eagles took their fourth State Championship title in five years on Friday, December 12, 1997, with a 51-13 victory over the Independence High School Tigers in the 3A Gatorade Superdome Classic game; and
WHEREAS, Evangel Coach Dennis Dunn said of his team, "They've been phenomenal all year and it was no different tonight;" and
WHEREAS, Evangel quarterback Brock Berlin set Superdome Classic composite records for attempts (47), total plays (54), and total offensive yards (445), and may have broken the National single-season passing record set by Evangel's Phillip Deas last season; and
WHEREAS, the Eagles finished the season with a 15-0 record and will take a 30-game winning streak into next season against Leesville High School; and
WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport and its citizens offer their congratulations to the Evangel Christian Academy Eagles for this outstanding achievement.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROBERT W. "BO" WILLIAMS, Mayor of the City of Shreveport,
do hereby proclaim Tuesday, January 27, 1998, as:
"EVANGEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY EAGLES DAY"
in the City of Shreveport, and urge all citizens to show their appreciation to the Eagles for once again bringing the State Championship title home to Shreveport.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Shreveport to be affixed.
/s/ROBERT W. "BO" WILLIAMS
M A Y O R
I would like to say to the team, congratulations you are a great honor to our city and we just commend you for an outstanding season; congratulations team.
Coach Dunn: Mr. Mayor and Council Members on behalf of Evangel Christian Academy, our Administration, Facility, Coaching Staff and Football Team it was once again our greatest privilege and honor to represent this great city in New Orleans at the Louisiana Superdome, to have brought home our fourth state championship was truly a great honor for us and we thank you for having us today; God bless you.
Councilman Burrell: Mayor, it appears that you have stolen my thunder from my boys over in Evangel. I do, at this point, would like to recognize them too since they are in my Council District and I requested their presence to be here today and their Coach. We do have a resolution for them and at this time and Dianne, would you please read it. (See text of resolution in numerical order of Resolutions on Second Reading and Final Passage).
Councilman Green: We have Mr. Jason with the 4H Leadership Club would like to make a comment to the Council and present to some wonderful cookies. Councilman Green: Jason, as you come, anytime you all want to come and bring some cookies, it is fine.
Mr. Jason: As a part of our 4-H Week activities, we the 4-Hers come to express our thanks for your continued support of the Caddo 4-H Club. We have brought you some cookies and we hope you enjoy them and we have an update for you on our club activities throughout the parish. We are in 65 schools with over 1,600 4-H members. Our Junior Leadership Program is going strong at 105 members. We have been very busy with our various community service projects such as collecting over 1 ton of rice and beans for the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank.
We also have collected small toiletry items to be given to local home health agencies for over 300 homebound patients at Christmas time. We are very much involved in our own projects such as photography, computers, environment, food and nutrition, and livestock; just to name a few. One other program that 4-H has implemented is Character Counts Program. This teaches the six pillars of character which includes: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness, and citizenship. We are all looking/working to improve our diet and health through another 4-H program called Team Nutrition. We enjoy our 4-H program and the life skills that we are learning will be great assets for our future; thanks for your time.
Councilman Spigener: I'm a great supporter of 4-H and always have been since my junior high and high school years and it always gives me a great pleasure to say to 4-H members that, I would agree with you that you are in a great organization that teaches character, leadership skills, and various others real life abilities; and again, we appreciate ya'll being here today. I will be sure that the cookies stay here until the end of the meeting before they would get back to the conference room, and again, thank you for coming. It is always a real pleasure having you with us.
Mayor Williams: I would just echo what Councilman Spigener said. As a former 4-H'er also, I appreciate what your organization stands for and the goals, and standards and I just encourage to also continue the good work and thanks for bringing the cookies.
I have two other items. This morning Shreveport Green kicked off its Image Campaign for the City and I've asked Ms. Donna Curtis to come today and brief us on this program. Ms. Donna Curtis: I know you all had a real important meeting this morning so you didn't get to come, but we have some real exciting news that I wanted to briefly share with you. This morning we kicked off the image campaign for Shreveport and we were thrilled to be able to do this because as you know this is what we do. We really try to make a real difference in Shreveport and we think it starts with staying clean and green, but it goes a lot further than that. And one example, I think was having our Evangel football players recognized as being first in the state; I mean, that is a tremendous thing. We all know it, but we really don't celebrate it enough. So we hope this campaign will eventually work to be sure that everyone knows all of the good things about Shreveport.
There are three ways we are going to do it, our campaign is three faceted. The first one is the media. We have got PSAs that will start running today and we are hoping to have well-known people around Shreveport extolling the virtues of a clean and beautiful Shreveport and some of the good things that are going on. Our first one is with Kenny Wayne Shepard and he is a PSA, I couldn't work it out to show it to you here, but we are real excited about it. It will coordinate the video PSAs with regular PSAs and it will have banners on the buses that will also do this. And he says, when it comes to keeping Shreveport and clean and green or when it comes to taking pride in Shreveport, we all sing the same tune. I means its really, it is suppose to be real clever. And if we are hoping to get a lot of other celebrates and I hope to have all of you all in one of them, if we can work that out. I talked to Reverend Green to see if we couldn't work that out and get you all on there and get you all on there if we could think of something that we could all agree on. Councilman Burrell: "Well all be there." Ms. Donna: Or vote the same way or something for Shreveport. But we are real excited about that and that's the media portion and we really worked hard on that.
The second facet is education. And we are going to bring in the elementary schools and let them do murals of their favorite places in Shreveport and do a big mural and have it travel around and have four or five of these walking into schools. And then in then in the public schools we'll do the third grade, will all do these wonderful murals of their favorite tree and their favorite flowers and we'll work all of these together and do a big wall size mural of Shreveport which will be shown at Art Break. So, we coordinate all of that and we will go through schools, we'll work with the schools to show them how important it is to have a city that we are all proud of it.
And then third facet is the most exciting, because that is where we are calling it our Showcase of Pride and we are calling on all of the citizens of Shreveport to call Shreveport Green and report good news. Like the Evangel winning the state championship which we would know of, but we are going to find a venue to get this out to the public. There are two or three that we are working on and they are not completely firmed up yet, so, I don't want to say anything before we got it firm, but we want all good news. It may be something as wonderful as the success of our Weed and Seed and COPS Program in reducing the crime rate in Shreveport. It might be, winning the state championship. It may be a civic club that completed this wonderful phenomenal project. It may be a classroom that every child in that classroom is on the Honor Roll; just everything, anything good about Shreveport, we'd like to get that out. Because as you know, everyone is so proud of Shreveport right now, we are doing so well. The economy has picked up, our unemployment number is down, and it is just a real good time to be here. We have all of these new restaurants opening, that is one good news we can talk about, is all of our good food we've got; so, we are real excited about that.
There are a lot of other ways we are going to do it. We walked out the door without our tee-shirts for each one of you, but we all have tee-shirts that we are going to hand around to people who give us good ideas, that sort of thing. And this is our logo: Show your true colors. And that goes in with our mural, it goes in with talking about our colors and how important it is to be clean and green and be proud. So, we are real excited about that and we look forward to that and we appreciate your confidence in us to be able to do this, we are real excited about it. We hope this leads up to our All American City application. We will go through that, we are one of the top ten cities in the country. So, we appreciate it and we look forward to working with each of you and hope to get you all on tape.
Mayor Williams: I have one other item. We have representatives of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce here today. We have Mr. John Hubbard, the President; Mr. Russell Autry, the Executive Director; Mr. Jim Purgerson; and Mr. Don McDuffy. They will present an Economic Development Update and Review for 1997. Mr. Hubbard: We appreciate the opportunity to address the Council and the City on some issues that we feel are very important. As your banner states: A Cooperative Council + An Inclusive Mayor = A Winning Team For Shreveport. We believe there is another winning team here in Shreveport and that being the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce that just this past year won four national awards for their efforts in different areas. And we want to thank the City for being a part of our team and being a, actually, being the catalyst for a model public-private partnership in this relationship. As you know, we tried to leverage the dollars that we had to do the most we can for our citizens in this area. And a good illustration of that is our Government Procurement Center, this past year, where we took $50,000 dollars of local money, tied that with $100,000 dollars of federal dollars, and ended up with over $60 million dollars in contracts to our area, and we think that is something to be quite proud of. There are hand-outs that you have been given. There is a lot of detail in those and I'll be glad to answer any general questions but (inaudible), I'm just kind of profiling our program. We'll let Jim Purgerson come up and give you a little more detail.
Councilman Hightower: I would like to congratulate him from all of the Council members on being elected President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Hubbard: Thank you. Councilman Hightower: And having known John down at SWEPCO, he's been real responsive; certainly, we look forward to you being the same way as President of the Chamber. Like I said, want to congratulate you on your new role. Mr. Hubbard: Thank you very much and we will be.
Councilman Burrell: I would like to echo on a personal basis. John and I were in Leadership Shreveport together and we both made it out of Som-Sa without too many bruises but we learned a lot and I see that he's using that to go forward. I'm looking for bigger and better things out of you John. Mr. Hubbard: Thank you very much, I appreciate the comment.
Councilman Green: I would just like to say congratulations.
Mayor Williams: John thank you for making that report to us today, you and Russell and Jim. At this time, I would like Mr. Tom Dark, if he would to come forward.
Mayor Williams: Thank you John for making that report to us today, you and Russell and Jim. At this time, I would like Mr. Tom Dark to come forward.
Mr. Hubbard: Can I get Jim Purgerson to come forward and discuss this in a little more detail. Mr. Purgerson: I know that economic development is vitally important to each and everyone of you and as John said, you all have been very, very supportive to the Chamber. But I also know you have a very lengthy agenda, so I'm going to try to keep this very brief because there is a lot of information in the folders that you have in front of you. Just very briefly, as you saw in the papers this morning and as Donna mentioned earlier, our unemployment rate is as low as it has been in many, many, many years; 5.8% is the published unemployment rate although we think we can do better. We think we have a very balanced program at the Chamber, by balanced, with regard to economic development, I mean new business recruitment, trying to recruit new companies here. A very diverse group of new companies, everything from manufacturing and heavy industry such as we saw with the Edison's Swiss Project down at the Port to aviation-related projects at the Airport to call centers and telemarketing and all its users; so, a very diverse, new business recruitment program. We also put a lot of emphasis on existing industry and expansion assistance. Most of these expansions don't just happen, just like new industry, they are looking for a reason to expand in Shreveport, all types of industry. And then lastly, but certainly not least, are small business programs which includes minority and women business development; so, those are our three major areas.
In your packet, in this folder, the red folder with our new logo, at the very back or the last sheet is a Vision 2000 report. It is very lengthy and very detailed. I'm not going to go into any great detail about that, I just want to bring that to your attention. Mention just a couple of projects that we were involved with last year: The Quaker State project, the consolidation of their warehousing to what was formerly the American Honda warehouse. And then in turn, American Honda constructing a new state of the art, quarter of a million, square foot warehouse on Valleyview Drive just down from the Quaker State Manufacturing facility, coincidently. Pica Foundry which the City played in a very important role, especially your Community Development Department with assisting with financing and opening the old Pica Steel Casting Foundry on St. Vincent. Casino Airlines just started service in December to Dallas and soon to Baton Rouge. We went on many business recruiting trips including entertainment development which is starting to bare fruit right now. Our call centers and telemarketing operations continue to have great interest in Shreveport. As a matter of fact, we have company in today that is very, very seriously looking at Shreveport and we are on the short list for a major project. New economic development marketing materials. You have some of them in front of you. I know you received this previously, but our new Shreveport Metropolitan Area Economic profile and I hope you took note, on the back cover where we have Partners In Success, the Chamber and the City of Shreveport's logo here. Again, with great support from you both personally and financially for that program. Shreve Park Development. We hope to break ground on that construction again, thanks to the help of the State, the Parish Commission and the City. $1.4 million in capital outlay funds were approved last year. Construction on Louisiana Tech's project was going to start next month and hopefully, Frymaster will be able to formally announce that project on the Shreve Park project. John mentioned the Government Procurement Center. Over $60 million dollars in government contracts for local businesses. And then lastly, I would like to just reiterate what John said and one of the last points in our report with Vision 2000 is our economic development allies. We have an excellent working relationship with the City, the Parish, the Downtown Development Authority, the Port, SWEPCO Staff. We met more than 40 times, staff members last year, to work on projects that coordinate and communicate. And very lastly but not least along that lines, I would like to add my personal thanks to Ivan Baker for his assistance on behalf of the Mayor's Office and the City of Shreveport in coordinating the economic development project.
Mr. Russell Autry, Shreveport Chamber of Commerce: Also in your packet is a response, we'd appreciate very much the continuous input from members of City Council. Your very pro-active involvement and two of your members, Chairman Green and then Chairman of the Audit Committee Councilman Burrell requested information specific to our performance contract with the City of Shreveport and that response is part of your packet.
Mayor Williams: One last thing, I would like Mr. Dark to come forward and address Councilman Hightower's concerns yesterday about the traffic situation on Youree Drive. Mr. Dark: Be glad to do it; thank you Mayor. Ya'll don't know, Jim and I use to share an office in City Hall, a long time ago; neither one of us admit it to often.
We have been working with Bayou Walk for quite a while because it became clear, fairly early in the process that the exit onto Youree Drive was going to be a lot of traffic. And the agreement we reached with Bayou Walk early on was that they would do, at their expense, hiring their consultants all of the traffic studies that we have to send to the state in order to get a traffic signal approval. They would also pay for the signal and that way they could speed up the process somewhat because the state wouldn't have to schedule their signal crew to come do the work. We all agree a signal is going to be something we need to get up as quickly as we can. Their consultant just within the last week got their report and (inaudible) approved, we will, assuming that we take one last look at the signal time, we are going to get it to Baton Rouge and we will stay on top of trying to get that done because that is something that is important. There is also some work on the signal at 70th and University within that same report so, that's where we are. We understanding the concern based on the accident last weekend and based on the concerns of the fact that Bayou Walk is an extremely busy shopping center. There are really only two or three good ways in and out and trying to north in obviously the lane where that accident occurred. So, we are going to be working as hard as we can to try to, now that we've got something that we can send them, to get that done. Councilman Hightower: I appreciate your quick response to that. Certainly the fact that when we negotiated the deal with Bayou Walk, my recollection was that the City was going to pay for a sewer line and the turn lane, and the Bayou Walk was going to pay for the actual traffic signal. So, just to make it clear, Bayou Walk, the ball has been in their court until a week ago and now it is in the City's court and we plan to expedite it and move it down to the state and we ought to have a signal up, would you say about the summer time? Mr. Dark: That would be what I believe would be the best case by the time. You have got to go through Baton Rouge. We will certainly help that any way we can. I don't think the state is going to have a problem approving the signal installation, it is just a matter of getting through their paperwork, and we will try to do everything we can to speed that up.
Councilman Hightower: And I appreciate that. I wish we would do everything we could expedite it. I know that when Wal-Mart wanted a light, I don't think it took a real long time to get it and from a traffic standpoint, this isn't a whole lot different. Mr. Dark: And the only real difference between this one and that one is the fact that the Wal-Mart folks had a lot more experience in how to do that because they done it so many other places and they got out ahead of the process a lot earlier and thus were able to get the signal up before the store which is what we would have liked to have.
Councilman Hightower: Thanks for your help.
Councilman Burrell: Before you leave, Russell. I wanted to commend you on your report. But I would like to issue a challenge to you and the Chamber of Commerce. Your report stipulates that our business entities are well diverse. I'm still concerned for a city our size and the diversity that is there in terms of ethnicity as well as gender that we have not yet---we are improving, but there is a lot of room for improvement. We've had this conversation before. And I feel that I would be remiss, as part of the city representation to not, at least address that issue and to know John along with Jim and (inaudible) and yourself. We will try to work towards more creation in terms of both segments of the community as well as our women owned businesses. And the next report that we get, would definitely like to see some improvement in that area because you all stand in a very, very crucial position to make that happen and I know that you can. Recently there have been a lot of talk and in the papers and elsewhere concerning this issue. I am glad to see that it is getting more attention. And because it is getting more attention from the press and on the national level, it should make your work a lot easier to sell such an idea; so, I just wanted to put that tidbit in. It didn't hurt, did it. Mr. Autry: No, it didn't and I've got to tell you, I very much appreciate the fact that, that you have been there at the Chamber on a numerous of occasions to share your ideas with us that have always been very positive and pro-active; we appreciate that very much. There have been, I feel some very positive changes and advances. I would be the first to agree with you, that we need to do much, much more. At some point we would like an opportunity to come back and to just discuss that issue because there is, as you can tell from Jim's report in terms of just job creation, we could have been here for a couple of hours taking specifics. We could be here for hours at a time talking about specific areas of the Chamber and at some point, if you'd like us back to talk about those issues, we'd be very happy to do so because the more we know of your concerns and how you can help us address that challenge and we accept that challenge. And the more you know what we are doing, the better we are going to be together. You have a very nice banner here: A Cooperative Council + An Inclusive Mayor = A Winning Team For Shreveport. I would just paraphrase that by saying: A Cooperative Council + A Cooperative Chamber of Commerce = A Winning Team For Shreveport; we believe in that. We need some help getting there and we want that opportunity to work together with you. Councilman Burrell: I know that on behalf of the Council, I'm sure that you will have that support from end. Mr. Autry: We always have and we appreciate you.
Councilman Green: Again Russell, we'd like to thank you for having a word about the banner.
The Chairman noted a public hearing was not scheduled and the Council addressed Confirmations and/or Appointments. Motion by Councilman Burrell, seconded by Councilman Stewart to confirm to the Property Standards Board, Mr Joseph Walker. Motion approved by the following vote: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green, and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Mayor Williams: Mr. Walker is here. He is the father of District Judge Michael Walker and also City Judge LaLeshia Walker; so, we just congratulate you. Councilman Burrell: Looks like he is also a Princeton grad. Mr. Walker: Yes, my boy is getting his doctorate preaching. He is getting his doctorate from there.
Motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Hightower to confirm to the Building
Board of Appeals: Messrs. Cayce Hand, Lauren F. Marchive III, AIA, and Jon T. Oliver
(reappointments). Motion approved by the following vote: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart,
Hightower, Spigener, Green, and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
The Council considered the Consent Agenda legislation.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:
Motion by Councilman Burrell to Introduce the Ordinance on the Consent Agenda to lay over
until the February 10, 1998, meeting seconded by Councilman Stewart. Motion approved by the
following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6.
Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS: None.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
1. Ordinance No. 7 of 1998 by Councilman Stewart: An ordinance creating and establishing a no
through truck route on Fairfield Avenue between Pierremont Road and Olive Street and
otherwise providing with respect thereto.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ON CONSENT:
Motion by Councilman Spigener to Adopt the Resolutions and Ordinance on the Consent
Agenda, seconded by Councilman Hightower. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes:
Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent:
Councilman Serio. 1.
RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION NO. 8 OF 1998
AN RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A THREE (3) YEAR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND THE KREWE OF CENTAUR RELATIVE TO MARDI
GRAS PARADES AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, the City desires to support and sponsor cultural and leisure activity programs which serve a public purpose and render a public benefit; and
WHEREAS, Krewe of Centaur, desires to provide a public benefit through its Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration; and
WHEREAS, City desires to accept this agreement with the Krewe of Centaur, which will enable it to continue to sponsor its programs.
NOW, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, Mayor is authorized to execute an agreement with the Krewe of Centaur, substantially in accordance with the draft thereof filed for public inspection with the original of this resolution in the Office of the Clerk of Council on January 13, 1998.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or application, and to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
RESOLUTION NO. 10 OF 1998
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE WAIVER OF THE ENTIRE BUILDING
RENTAL FEE TO ALLOW BASS LIFE ASSOCIATES, INC. TO HOLD ITS ANNUAL
BANQUET ON APRIL 21, 1998, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT
THERETO.
BY: COUNCILMAN JOHN DAVID STEWART
WHEREAS, Bass Life Associates, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, will hold its annual banquet at Expo Hall on April 21, 1998, to raise funds for community projects for Shreveport and Caddo Parish; and
WHEREAS, completed projects include: major renovation and expansion of Cross Lake fish hatchery, which is owned by the City, at a cost of $29,000; a Trophy Replica Project - Cross Lake and Caddo Lake at a cost of $28,000; the Game Warden Recognition Program, and the Great Cross Lake Cleanup.
WHEREAS, an ongoing projects includes feeding of bass brood stock at the Cross Lake Hatchery at a cost of $2,500 per year.
WHEREAS, it is therefore in the public interest and it serves a public purpose for the City to waive the entire rental fee for the use of the L. Calhoun Allen, Jr. Expo Hall for the banquet to be held on April 21, 1998.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal, and regular session convened, that the entire rental fee for the use of the L. Calhoun Allen, Jr. Expo Hall by Bass Life Associates, Inc. is waived and the provisions of Section 26-123 and Section 26-124 of the Code of Ordinances are suspended relative to this event only.
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.
RESOLUTION NO. 11 OF 1998
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A MONETARY
DONATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF SIX (6) KUSTOM SIGNALS, INC. MOBILE
VIDEO RECORDING SYSTEMS FOR USE BY THE SHREVEPORT POLICE
DEPARTMENT'S DUI TASK FORCE, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT
THERETO
WHEREAS, Section 2.02(e) grants the City the right to accept gifts, donations, bequests, or grants for any purpose related to the powers and duties of the City or related to providing for the welfare of the citizens of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Police Department desires to accept from The Court Alcohol Abuse Program, Inc., a monetary donation of $35,214.00 for the purchase of six (6) Kustom Signals, Inc. mobile video recording systems for the use in the Shreveport Police Department's DUI Task Force; and
WHEREAS, this will involve no cost to the City of Shreveport.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular, and legal session convened that the Mayor be and is authorized to execute an agreement, substantially the same as the document filed in the Office of the Clerk of Council on January 13, 1998 between the City of Shreveport and The Court Alcohol Abuse Program, Inc. of Shreveport accepting the donation of the $35,214.00.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City council wishes to express its appreciation, on behalf of the citizens of the City to The Court Alcohol Abuse Program, Inc. of Shreveport, for its assistance in improving the capabilities of the Shreveport Police Department.
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 affect 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.
RESOLUTION NO. 13 OF 1998
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EMPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL LEGAL
COUNSEL TO REPRESENT THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, AND OTHERWISE
PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City of Shreveport to retain the services of outside legal counsel to represent the interests of the City of Shreveport in the lawsuit styled, Calandra Wilson v. City of Shreveport, Number 428,734; First Judicial District Court.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.03 of the City Charter, the City Attorney recommends that Price Barker, Attorney at Law, with the law firm Cook, Yancey, King and Galloway be retained for the purpose of said representation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened that the mayor be and he is hereby authorized to execute, for and on behalf of the City of Shreveport, a retainer agreement with Price Barker, Attorney at Law, with the law firm Cook, Yancey, King and Galloway, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions of the draft thereof which was filed for public inspection, together with the original copy of this resolution in the office of the Clerk of Council on January 13, 1998.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this contract shall be paid out of the general government legal expense fund.
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.
RESOLUTION NO. 14 OF 1998
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTITUTION OF EXPROPRIATION
PROCEEDINGS AGAINST CERTAIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY
OF SHREVEPORT IN CONNECTION WITH THE 1994 SEWER REHAB PROJECT,
PHASE II, SITE 15 (GREENWOOD ROAD), PROJECT NO. 93-F005, PARCEL
NUMBERS U-3 AND T-5, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT
THERETO.
WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport has developed the 1994 SEWER REHAB PROJECT, PHASE II, SITE 15 (GREENWOOD ROAD), Project No. 93-F005; and
WHEREAS, the property described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto is situated in said development; and
WHEREAS, all attempts to amicably acquire a permanent utility servitude across the property comprising Parcel No. U-3 have failed; and
WHEREAS, all attempts to amicably acquire rental for a temporary construction servitude on the property comprising Parcel No. T-5 have failed; and
WHEREAS, public necessity dictates that this property be subject to use by the City of Shreveport.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal session convened, that the expropriation of this property is necessary for the public interest; therefore, the City Attorney be and he is hereby authorized to institute expropriation proceedings against the owners of record, as they might appear at the time of filing suit, of the property described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto as Parcel No. U-3, to be purchased for a permanent utility servitude, and Parcel No. T-5, to be rented and used as a temporary construction servitude during construction of the project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications, and to this end the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 OF 1998
A RESOLUTION REJECTING BIDS RECEIVED ON IFB #97-147 FOR SUNSET
ACRES PARK RENOVATIONS
WHEREAS, six (6) bids were received as a result of solicitations for Sunset Acres Park Renovations, IFB #97-147; and
WHEREAS, the City has rejected this bid due to the fact that bids received were in excess of the projected budget estimate of the Department of Public Assembly and Recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Assembly and Recreation is working with a consultant to revise specifications for rebid at a later date.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened that the bid received on IFB #97-147 be rejected.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are
hereby declared repealed.
ORDINANCES:
ORDINANCE NO. 1 OF 1998
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR AN ENCROACHMENT ONTO
PORTION OF THE BOLINGER STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY AND TO OTHERWISE
PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the City of Shreveport is hereby authorized and empowered to grant an encroachment with respect to portion of the Bolinger Street right-of-way unto and in favor of Samford Properties, L.L.C. and Frees Incorporated, both represented herein by Ronald P. free, and after due notice, publication, and compliance in all respects with the laws applicable thereto, and after the effective date of this ordinance, the Mayor of the City of Shreveport is hereby authorized to execute and deliver, for an on behalf of the City of Shreveport, an instrument or permit of encroachment, substantially in the form of the document filed along with the original copy of this ordinance in the Office of the Clerk of Council of the City of Shreveport.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the original permit and a certified copy of this ordinance attached thereto be filed and recorded in the official records of the District Court for Caddo Parish, Louisiana.
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.
/s/James Edward Green, Chairman
/s/Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council
RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE:
The Deputy Clerk read the resolution by title: Resolution No. 89 of 1997 by Councilman Stewart:
A resolution suspending the effects of Section 58-26 of the Code of Ordinances relative to noise
and otherwise providing with respect thereto.
Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Burrell to
postpone the resolution until the next regular meeting. Motion approved by the following vote:
Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent:
Councilman Serio. 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 1 OF 1998
A RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE EVANGEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FOR
WINNING THE 1997 CLASS 3A LOUISIANA STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.
By: Councilman Burrell
WHEREAS, the Evangel Christian Academy Eagles won the 1997 Class 3A Louisiana State Football Championship for the second straight year; and
WHEREAS, the Evangel Eagles football team has won the state championship for the fourth time in the last five years; and
WHEREAS, the Evangel Eagles finished the season with a perfect 15-0 winning record, and completed a 30 game winning streak over the past two seasons. The team averaged 44 points per game; and
WHEREAS, while the Evangel Eagles football team has many outstanding players, all of whom
made important contributions to the teams success, the following players excelled individually
in 1997:
Corey Berlin, Senior Wide Receiver, had 83 receptions for 1194 yards and 10 touchdowns. He
made the All-District, the All-City and the All-State Teams.
Jelani Lewis, Senior Running Back and Wide Receiver had 87 receptions for 941 yards, 68
carries for 387 yards and 29 touchdowns. He made the All-District, the All-Parish and the All-State Teams.
James McKeel, Senior Center, made the All-District, the All-City and the All-State Teams.
Byron Dawson, Senior Defensive Tackle, had 126 tackles, 40 assists, 13 sacks, recovered 4
fumbles and caused 8 fumbles.
Brock Berlin, Quarterback, had 330 completions out of 482 attempted passes, 54 touchdowns,
and set a new national record with 4,657 yards. He made the All-District (MVP), the All-City
(MVP) and the All-State Teams.
Richard Smith, Receiver, had 66 receptions for 1356 yards and made 25 touchdowns. He made
the All-District, the All-City and the All-State Teams.
Justin Hermes, Receiver, had 34 receptions for 509 yards and made 7 touchdowns.
Cole Pittman, Defensive End, had 97 tackles, 24 assists, 11 sacks, recovered 8 fumbles and
caused 5 fumbles. He made the All-District, the All-City and the All-State Teams.
Tyler Satterthwrite, Defensive End, had 76 tackles, 22 assists, 7 sacks, recovered 6 fumbles and
caused 3 fumbles.
Marco Coley, Linebacker, had 100 tackles, 31 assists, 9 sacks and recovered 6 fumbles. He made
the All-District, the All-Parish and the All-State Teams.
Mark Miller, Strong Safety, had 87 tackles, 28 assists, 8 sacks, 4 interceptions, recovered 4
fumbles and caused 6 fumbles. He made the All-District, the All-City and the All-Parish Teams.
Phillip Geiggar, Safety, had 54 tackles, 19 assists, recovered 6 fumbles and 11 interceptions. He
had 22 interceptions in the last two seasons. He made the All-District, the All-City and the All-State Teams.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the City Council congratulates Evangel Christian Academy for winning the 1997 Class 3A Louisiana State Football Championship and for the many other successes the team has enjoyed in recent years.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council wishes the Evangel Christian Academy Eagles the best of luck and every success in their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be executed in duplicate originals and one original shall be presented to Evangel Christian Academy Head Coach Dennis Dunn and an original shall be filed in perpetuity in the Office of the Clerk of Council for the City of Shreveport.
/s/James Edward Green
City Council Chairman
/s/Bobby Joe Cooper /s/John David Stewart
Council District B Council District B
/s/Keith Hightower Philip Serio
Council District C Council District D
/s/Pat Spigener /s/Roy Allen Burrell
Council District E Council District G
Councilman Burrell: Mr. Dunn, I don't think that we can congratulate these young men enough and they definitely represent District G very, very well and we really are proud of them and their coach and definitely for your leadership; so, we thank you.
Coach Dunn: Thank you and the best is still yet to come for Shreveport and Evangel.
Councilman Green: I would just like to congratulate you all also and even though you all are in
Councilman Burrell's district, you all are close to my church so. So, I would like to congratulate
you all and I've been out at several of your games to watch you play and you all are top of line;
so, again, we would just like to say keep up the good work and keep on winning.
Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Burrell, seconded by Councilman Stewart
passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green
and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
The Deputy Clerk read the resolution by title: Resolution No. 4 of 1998: A resolution temporarily
closing a portion of Oak Street to vehicular traffic, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.
Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Hightower
for passage.
The Deputy Clerk read the following amendment:
On page 1, line 20, delete "February 2" and substitute in lieu thereof February 20"
Motion by Councilman Stewart seconded by Councilman Hightower for adoption of the
amendment. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart,
Spigener, Green and Burrell. 5. Nays: Councilman Hightower. 1. Absent: Councilman Serio.
1.
Motion by Councilman Stewart seconded by Councilman Burrell for adoption of the resolution
as amended. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart,
Spigener, Green and Burrell. 5. Nays: Councilman Hightower. 1. Absent: Councilman Serio.
1.
RESOLUTION NO. 4 OF 1997
A RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY CLOSING A PORTION OF OAK STREET TO
VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, Centenary College has requested that portions of several streets adjacent to its campus be closed in order to improve security and traffic flow on its campus; and
WHEREAS, in the course of public discussion of this issue, concerns have been raised by residents along Oak Street about increases in cut-through traffic; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to be responsive to those concerns and to investigate the best way to do so.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened that a portion of Oak Street described as the ten (10) feet located immediately south of the intersection of Oak Street and East Washington Street, is hereby authorized to be closed to vehicular traffic for a period of approximately six months, beginning on or about February 20, 1998.
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 ordinances or resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith
are hereby repealed.
RESOLUTION NO. 9 OF 1998
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AMENDMENT TO
AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND TWIN CITY SALVAGE
POOL, INC., FOR A CENTRAL STORAGE FACILITY FOR TOWED AND IMPOUNDED
VEHICLES
WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport entered into a contract with Twin City Salvage Pool, Inc., for the operation of a central storage facility for towed and impounded vehicles on November 22, 1994, all pursuant to Resolution No. 164 of 1994;
WHEREAS, the contract presently provides for an extension term of three years, upon agreement of the parties;
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the agreement to provide for the extension of the contract for one-year terms, up to a minimum of three years, upon approval of the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due and legal session convened, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the amendment between the City of Shreveport and Twin City Salvage Pool, Inc., filed with the Clerk of Council on January 13, 1998.
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 are parts thereof in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Spigener, seconded by Councilman Cooper
passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green
and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 16 OF 1998
Offered by Councilman Cooper and seconded by Councilman Spigener:
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION GIVING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO
EXCEED TWELVE MILLION DOLLARS ($12,000,000) OF GENERAL OBLIGATION
REFUNDING BONDS OF THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT, STATE OF LOUISIANA;
PROVIDING CERTAIN TERMS OF SAID BONDS; MAKING APPLICATION TO THE
STATE BOND COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL OF SAID BONDS; AND PROVIDING FOR
OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, Sub-Part A, Part III, Chapter 4, Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "Issuer") has heretofore issued $15,400,000 of General Obligation Bonds, Series 1991, dated September 1, 1991, of which $13,085,000 is currently outstanding (the "Series 1991 Bonds"); and
WHEREAS, in order to provide debt service reductions to the Issuer, the Issuer desires to refund the callable maturities of the Series 1991 Bonds (herein referred to as the "Refunded Bonds"), pursuant to Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (the "Act") and other constitutional and statutory authority, through the issuance of its refunding bonds; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, and subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, the Issuer desires to accomplish the refunding through the issuance of not exceeding $12,000,000 of its General Obligation Refunding Bonds (the "Refunding Bonds"), to be payable from unlimited ad valorem taxes; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the Refunding Bonds, and further to employ special bond counsel in connection therewith;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council (the "Governing Authority") of
the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, acting as the Governing Authority of said City, that:
SECTION 1. Preliminary Approval of Refunding Bonds. Preliminary approval is given to the issuance, in one or more series, of not exceeding $12,000,000 aggregate principal amount of General Obligation Refunding Bonds of the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana (the "Refunding Bonds"), to be issued for the purpose of refunding the callable maturities of the Issuer's outstanding General Obligation Bonds, Series 1991, dated September 1, 1991, said Refunding Bonds to be general obligations of the Issuer payable from and secured by unlimited ad valorem taxes now being levied and collected annually in excess of all other taxes on all the property subject to taxation within the territorial limits of the Issuer. The Refunding Bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates not to exceed six percent (6%) per annum, to be determined by subsequent resolution of this Governing Authority at the time of the sale of the Refunding Bonds, and shall mature in annual installments due no later than March 1, 2011. The Refunding Bonds shall be issued in fully registered form, shall be sold to the purchasers thereof at a price of not less than 97% of par, plus accrued interest, and shall have such additional terms and provisions as may be determined by this Governing Authority.
SECTION 2. Employment of Bond Counsel. This Governing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special bond counsel in connection with the issuance of the Refunding Bonds, and accordingly the law firm of Foley & Judell L.L.P., of New Orleans, Louisiana, is hereby employed as special bond counsel to the Issuer to do and perform comprehensive legal and co-ordinate professional work with respect to the issuance and sale of the Refunding Bonds. The fee of said Bond Counsel shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the maximum fee allowed by the Attorney General's fee schedule for comprehensive, legal and coordinate professional work in connection with the issuance of general obligation bonds and based on the amount of Refunding Bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus "out-of-pocket" expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said Refunding Bonds. Bond Counsel shall also assist in the preparation of an Official Statement containing detailed and comprehensive financial and statistical data required with respect to the sale of the Refunding Bonds, and the costs of the preparation, printing and distribution of such official statement shall also be paid from the proceeds of the Refunding Bonds. Said Official Statement may be submitted to such nationally recognized bond rating service or services as may be recommended by bond counsel, together with a request that an appropriate rating be assigned. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for his written approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated, and the Director of Finance is hereby empowered and directed to issue vouchers to said Bond Counsel in payment for the work herein provided for upon completion of the work herein specified and under the conditions herein enumerated.
SECTION 3. Appointment of Investment Banker/Underwriter. Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc., of New Orleans, Louisiana, is hereby appointed as investment banker/underwriter in connection with refunding the Refunded Bonds, any compensation to be subsequently approved by the Issuer and to be paid from the proceeds of the Refunding Bonds and contingent upon the issuance of the Refunding Bonds; provided that no compensation shall be due to said investment banker/underwriter unless the Refunding Bonds are sold and delivered.
SECTION 4. State Bond Commission. Application is hereby made to the State Bond
Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for approval of the issuance and sale of the Refunding
Bonds and for consent and authority to proceed with the issuance and sale of the Refunding
Bonds as provided above, and Bond Counsel is directed to make application to the State Bond
Commission in accordance with the foregoing on behalf of the Issuer.
Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Cooper, seconded by Councilman Spigener
passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green
and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 17 OF 1998
RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 93 OF 1997 WHICH STATED THE CITY
OF SHREVEPORT'S INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING IN THE LOUISIANA ENTERPRISE
ZONE PROGRAM AND THE DESIGNATION OF SUCH ENTERPRISE ZONES IN THE
CITY OF SHREVEPORT AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 93 of 1997 was adopted by the City Council on May 27, 1997, approved by the Mayor on June 2, 1997 and became effective on June 10, 1997, and
WHEREAS, the purpose of that resolution was to transfer one of the Enterprise Zones previously allotted to the City of Shreveport, which is primarily residential in nature with no active businesses participating in the program, to an area more appropriate for commercial development and where there is significant interest in program participation, and
WHEREAS, it was the intent of the City of Shreveport to request the following Census
Tract/Block Group be designated as an Enterprise Zone in lieu of the original Census Tract/Block
Group that qualified,
|
ORIGINAL ZONE LOCATION |
NEW ZONE LOCATION |
| CENSUS TRACT | BLOCK GROUP | CENSUS TRACT | BLOCK GROUP |
| 212.00 | 1 | 229.98 | 1 |
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due,
regular and legal session convened that Resolution No. 93 of 1997 be and the same is hereby
amended to change the original zone location from Census Tract 212, Block Group 5 to Census
Tract 212, Block Group 1.
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 are parts thereof in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Spigener
passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green
and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 19 OF 1998
RESOLUTION STATING THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT'S INTEREST IN
PARTICIPATING IN THE LOUISIANA ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM AND
REQUESTING THE DESIGNATION OF ENTERPRISE ZONES IN THE CITY OF
SHREVEPORT AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Enterprise Zone Act of 1981, as amended, was enacted by the Louisiana State Legislature, and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Enterprise Zone Program offers significant incentives for economic development to some of the most distressed areas in the City of Shreveport, and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development has designated certain 1990 Census Tract/Block Groups, in the City of Shreveport as Enterprise Zone eligible based on demographic and economic factors, and
WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport requests that the following Census Tract/Block Group(s) be
designated as Enterprise Zones in lieu of the original Census Tract/Block Group(s) qualified, and
|
ORIGINAL ZONE LOCATION |
NEW ZONE LOCATION |
| CENSUS TRACT | BLOCK GROUP | CENSUS TRACT | BLOCK GROUP |
| 207.00 | 3 | 208.00 | 2 |
WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport states this change is in agreement with the Overall Economic
Development Plan for the City of Shreveport, and
WHEREAS, this change is being made to further economic growth and redevelopment, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Louisiana Enterprise Zone Program requirements the City of
Shreveport agrees:
1. To participate in the Enterprise Zone Program
2. To assist the Department in evaluating progress made in any Enterprise Zone within its
jurisdiction
To REFUND all applicable* local sales taxes on the purchase of the material used in the
construction of a building, or any addition or improvement thereon, for housing any
legitimate business, machinery and equipment used in that enterprise. This tax refund
would be on materials in construction and equipment purchased for this project and used
by a business permanently on that site. *Applicable sales taxes are defined as all local
sales taxes EXCEPT those that are dedicated to the repayment of a Bond issue or
dedicated to ANY public school. If the local government wishes to endorse the
company's project but not to refund any of the applicable sales taxes, then leave that
paragraph out of this resolution.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, regular and legal
session convened this 27th day of January 1998 that the City of Shreveport will participate in the
Louisiana Enterprise Zone Program and request designation by the Louisiana Department of
Economic Development of the aforementioned Census Tract/Block Group) as an Enterprise
Zone.
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 Cooper, seconded by Councilman Burrell passed
by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green and
Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS:
Resolution No. 19 of 1998: A accepting the best bid submitted for the purchase of
Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) of General Obligation Bonds, Series 1998, of
the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana.
Resolution No. 20 1998: A resolution authorizing the incurring of debt and issuance of
Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) of General Obligation Bonds, Series 1998, of
the City of Shreveport, State of Louisiana, prescribing the form, terms and conditions of
the said Bonds, designating the date, denomination and place of payment of said Bonds;
providing for the payment thereof in principal and interest; and providing for other
matters in connection therewith.
Resolution No. 21 1998: A resolution approving the 1998 Downtown Development
District Program of Work, and otherwise providing for other matters in connection
therewith.
Resolution No. 22 of 1998 by Councilman Spigener: A resolution to authorize the Mayor
to execute an agreement between the City of Shreveport and the Shreveport Dixie
Baseball, Inc. to co-sponsor the 1998, 1999 and 2000 Little League Baseball and Softball
Program and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.
Motion by Councilman Spigener to remove Resolution No. 22 of 1998 from the agenda,
seconded by Councilman Burrell. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen
Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman
Serio. 1.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:
1. Ordinance No. 8 of 1998: An ordinance adopting the 1998 Downtown Development District
Budget, authorized by law, appropriating the funds authorized therein, and otherwise providing
with respect thereto.
Ordinance No. 9 of 1998: An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an amended
and Restated Ground Lease and a Hotel Ground Lease and Related Agreements with Red
River Entertainment of Shreveport, a partnership in commendam and otherwise providing
with respect thereto.
Ordinance No. 10 of 1998: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of
Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by changing the zoning
classification of property located on the SE corner of Linwood Avenue and Janet Lane,
Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence District
to R-1D-E, Urban, One-Family Residence/Extended Use District limited to "a head start
and day care facility" only and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.
Ordinance No. 11 of 1998: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of
Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by changing the zoning
classification of property located on the north side of Dilg League, 200 feet west of
Jewella, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana from R-1D, Urban, One-Family Residence
District to B-2, Neighborhood Business District and to otherwise provide with respect
thereto.
Ordinance No. 12 of 1998: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of
Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by changing the zoning
classification of property located on the SW corner of Mansfield Road and McCutchen,
Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana from B-1, Buffer Business District to B-2,
Neighborhood Business District and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.
Ordinance No. 13 of 1998: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of
Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by changing the zoning
classification of property located on the NE'LY side of Dee Street, 1,000 feet SE of
Shreveport-Barksdale Hwy., Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana from B-3, Community
Business District to R-3, Urban, Multi-Family Residence District and to otherwise
provide with respect thereto.
Ordinance No. 14 of 1998: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of
Ordinances, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by changing the zoning
classification of property located on the SE corner of W 62nd Street and Courtesy Lane,
Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana from B-3, Community Business District to I-1, Light
Industry District and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.
Ordinance No. 15 of 1998: An ordinance authorizing the Shreveport Airport Authority to
exchange Cottonwood Subdivision as described herein for certain property and real rights
at the Shreveport Regional Airport and otherwise providing with respect thereto.
Ordinance No. 16 of 1998: An ordinance amending the 1998 budget for the Police Grants
Special Revenue Fund, appropriating the funds authorized therein, and otherwise
providing with respect thereto.
Read by title and as read motion by Councilman Hightower, seconded by Councilman Spigener
for introduction of the Resolutions and Ordinances to lay over until the next regular meeting.
Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower,
Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE:
Ordinance No. 119 of 1997 by Councilman Serio: An ordinance establishing certain four
way stop intersections and three way stop intersections within the University Terrace
South Subdivision, and otherwise providing with respect thereto.
Having passed first reading on October 14, 1997, was read by title and as read on motion ordered
passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Green,
seconded by Councilman Stewart to postpone the ordinance until the next regular meeting.
Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower,
Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6 Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Ordinance No. 176 of 1997: An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 253 of 1987,
extending the franchise granted to Time Warner Entertainment Company, L. P., as
successor in interest to Cablevision of Shreveport, Inc., for the operation of a cable
television system within the City of Shreveport, and to otherwise provide with respect
thereto.
Mr. Thompson: Amendments 1 through 4, Ms. Glass would you correct me if I'm wrong, are
technical amendments that I believe were recommended by the City consultants and Amendment
No. 5 is an amendment by Mr. Serio.
Having passed first reading on December 9, 1997, was read by title and as read on motion
ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman
Spigener, seconded by Councilman Hightower for passage.
Councilman Burrell: . . . those amendments were brought up or should I say, those questions to
the contract agreement was brought up. Unless they were sent to me and I didn't see them, I
never did see a copy of them, first of all and secondly, were those changes or amendments agreed
to by Cablevision; where's Jerry? Mr. Jones: The four amendments that were suggested were
sent to Cablevision some two or three weeks ago. I hd heard nothing from them as to whether
they had any objections to them. I assume they had no objections because I did not. . . .
Councilman Green: We have a representative of Cablevision. You don't have any objections?
(Unidentified Representative): We have no objections.
The Deputy Clerk read the following amendments:
AMENDMENT NO. 1
SECTION I. DEFINITIONS
Subsection (b)
"Cable Television System" hereinafter referred to as "CATV System" or "System" shall be
defined by the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, and any amendments thereto.
The foregoing subparagraph shall be amended to read as follows:
"Cable Television System" hereinafter referred to as "CATV System" or "System" shall be
defined by the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended by the Cable Television
Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and
as may be further amended.
AMENDMENT NO. 2
3) Section 10. PAYMENT TO THE CITY
Subsection (d)
A statement certified by an officer of the Grantee of revenues shall be filed by Grantee with the
payment of the first quarter following the close of Grantee's fiscal year. The Grantee shall
provide, upon request from the City, an independently audited statement of its revenues for the
previous calendar year. The City shall have the right to review or audit, at its cost, the revenue
information from which the franchise fees have been computed. Any over or under payment
determined by such annual revenue statement shall be reflected in the concurrent payment.
The foregoing paragraph shall be amended to read as follows:
A statement certified by an officer of the Grantee of revenues shall be filed by Grantee with the
payment of the first quarter following the close of Grantee's fiscal year. The Grantee shall
provide, upon request from the City, an independently audited statement of its revenues for the
previous calendar year. The City shall have the right to review or audit, at its cost, the revenue
information from which the franchise fees have been computed. Any over or under payment
determined by such review or audit shall be reflected in the concurrent payment.
AMENDMENT NO. 3
8) SECTION 16. DURATION AND REVOCATION
The rights granted by the City to the Grantee under this Ordinance shall continue and remain in
full force and effect until December 31, 2012.
The foregoing paragraph shall be amended to read as follows:
a) The rights granted by the City to the Grantee under this Ordinance shall continue and remain
in full force and effect until December 31, 2012, unless revoked or reduced pursuant to Section
12(b).
AMENDMENT NO. 4
Add Section 23 to read as follows:
SECTION 23.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the rights of the City available under
applicable federal and state law pertaining to the regulation of cable communications and
telecommunications.
Motion by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Hightower for adoption of Amendment
Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart,
Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Amendment No. 5 by Councilman Serio:
Amend the ordinance as follows:
On page 1, in the second paragraph, third line, delete the word "ten" and substitute the word
"five", and
On page 4, in paragraph 8, amending Section 16, delete the number 2012 and substitute the
number "2007."
Councilman Burrell: The original request, originally, was ten years and we are dealing with a
company that is fixing to invest $20 million to operate their system. I'm familiar with utilities
after 22 years and $20 million dollars is nothing to sneeze at in terms of investments and
updating services. I don't necessarily support the increase in price, I can tell you that on my
cable service, but five years is roughly short for a $20 million investment. So, I just wanted to say
that I don't think that's a fair situation for (inaudible).
Motion by Councilman Green to defeat Amendment No. 5, seconded by Councilman Burrell.
Motion adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower,
Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Motion by Councilman Burrell, seconded by Councilman Stewart for adoption of the ordinance
as amended. Motion adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart,
Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Councilman Stewart: My understanding, for the record, so that those who question this last
decision vote is that it took ten years for these people to show a positive rate of return on their
investment which I think is inherently stated in Mr. Burrell's comments. For the record, I think
that is a very logical request, whether it be Harrah's, a cable group or any other organization.
3. Ordinance No. 177 of 1997: An ordinance closing and abandoning Boyd Street and its
adjoining turnaround easement in the E. & B. Subdivision, and to otherwise provide with respect
thereto.
Having passed first reading on December 22, 1997, was read by title and as read on motion
ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman
Cooper, seconded by Councilman Burrell to postpone the ordinance until the next regular
meeting. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart,
Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Ordinance No. 185 of 1997: An ordinance authorizing the Mayor of the City of
Shreveport to enter into a lease agreement with Greenwood Acres Full Gospel Baptist
Church for the lease of certain real property belonging to the City of Shreveport and to
otherwise provide with respect thereto.
Mr. Thompson: This matter needs to be postponed because of advertisement requirements.
Having passed first reading on December 22, 1997, was read by title and as read on motion
ordered passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman
Cooper, seconded by Councilman Stewart to postpone the ordinance until the next regular
meeting. Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays:
None. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Ordinance No. 2 of 1998: An ordinance amending portions of Article II of Chapter 74 of
the Code of Ordinances relative to solid waste collection, and to otherwise provide with
respect thereto.
Having passed first reading on January 13, 1998, was read by title and as read on motion ordered
passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Burrell,
seconded by Councilman Spigener for passage.
The Deputy Clerk read the following amendments:
Amendment 1:
Amend the ordinance as follows:
On page 1 in line 19, delete the words "Article II of Chapter 74" and substitute in lieu thereof the
words "Sections 74-26(a) and (b), 74-28, 74-29, and 74-30(a)."
Motion by Councilman Spigener, seconded by Councilman Burrell for adoption of Amendment
No. 1. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Hightower, Spigener,
Green and Burrell. 5. Nays: None. Out of Chamber: Councilman Stewart. 1. Absent:
Councilman Serio. 1.
Amendment No. 2:
Amend the ordinance as follows:
On page 3, delete lines 12 through 41 and substitute in lieu thereof the following:
Section 74-28. Back door collection.
(a) The director or his designee is authorized to provide back door collection service for a fee to
residential customers who have requested such service prior to March 1, 1998. Except as
provided in (e) herein, no additional back door collection customers will be added after March 1,
1998.
(b) No container used for back door collection shall be located inside a fenced area, inside a
garage or carport, on a patio, or inside of any enclosure unless such enclosure is designed
specifically for such solid waste container.
(c) Any residential customer requesting back door collection will be assessed a quarterly service
fee of $15.00, payable in advance. Until June 30, 1998, residential townhome/patio home
developments, acting through their homeowner's associations, may elect to pay an alternate
quarterly service charge of $3.75 per townhome/patio home unit, in advance, by the
homeowner's association and receive twice-weekly back door collection service. The service
charge must be levied against all units in a townhome/patio home development for the alternative
service charge to be employed. After June 30, 1998, residential townhome/patio home
developments where the director certifies pursuant to 74-26 (b) (1) herein that there is no
acceptable location to place wheeled carts will be provided once-weekly collection service
without charge.
(d) All service fees shall be paid at least 15 days in advance of the quarter requested. Partial
payments for partial quarters plus the next quarter's payment shall be made by new customers.
Refunds of service fees will not be granted for any cancellation or termination of requested
service.
(e) Any residential customer who can demonstrate physical disability will be provided backdoor
collection without cost. The city will require a certification from a medical doctor stating such
disability and a certification from the residential customer stating that no other individual in the
household is able to wheel a cart containing the household's garbage to the curb.
(f) Back door collection of wood waste, yard waste, rubbish, animal droppings or general trash is
not included in this service and shall be placed at curbside for collection.
Motion by Councilman Hightower, seconded by Councilman Cooper for adoption of
Amendment No. 2. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper,
Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 5. Nays: None. Out of Chamber: Councilman Stewart.
1. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Motion by Councilman Spigener, seconded by Councilman Stewart for adoption of the ordinance
as amended.
Councilman Spigener: I would like to have Mr. Dark to come forward if he would. This has been an issue that has been a very difficult one for me to deal with. I realize there are very positive aspects to this particular issue and I realize there are some aspects that probably aren't as positive as we would like for them to be. I have some concerns and Mr. Dark if you could address those. I would like for the constituents in my district to understand solutions that we feel are good for some of these issues, and perhaps we can move forward with it, I think that is what happens with positive communication because as I said, this has been a very difficult issue for me to deal with.
Mr. Dark: Alright, be glad to try.
Councilman Spigener: Many of the concerns that I have deal with odor. And of course I know any time we are dealing with garbage we are not dealing with the most pleasant thing around. In the research that you all have done, in the contacts that you have made with other cities, what is done to prevent something that is not pleasant for the citizens? Mr. Dark: Mrs. Spigener, I'm glad you asked that one. Because it is important for us to say that one of the things we've been specifically looking for when we put this pilot program together was whether we would have significant odor concerns with the residents. We deliberately picked areas where the houses were reasonable close together, both districts. We deliberately ran the pilot in the summer instead of starting in November and ending in February when nobody could ever know what it smelled like in the summer time. We also, in all three of the surveys that we did of the residents of the pilot areas, two telephone surveys and one mailing survey, we specifically asked this question: In comparison to what I used before, the odor from the new cart is a) not as bad; b) worse; c) about the same. In all three surveys, in both neighborhoods, the percentage of the citizens who said that the odor was either less of a problem or about the same of the problem; is not hurting us one way or the other, was overwhelming. The most recent survey in December said 86% of the votes: 46% said odor was not as bad, 40% said it is about the same; that's 86% together.
The one we took in August which we deliberately timed to deal with what we thought would be the peak of whatever odor problem it might be, showed 31% said odor was better and 51% said it was the same; 82% together. Like you said, when you started, the whole issue of whether the garbage in the cans is going to smell, you are certainly not dealing with the best of stuff. But in the case of what can you have at home now, and the can you might have at home if this approved, most of what odor problems you are going to have are keeping them away at least relates to how well you personally manage the garbage. If you don't bag it and just throw it in there, and you don't ever wash the can out, then yes, you may have odor. You may have odor if you are a big crawfish boiler and don't occasionally wash it out. There certainly was some discussion of that and there were some people who had problems. But again, what our survey basically found was that 8 out 10 and in some cases more, basically felt like the situation was better or no worse given that circumstance. So I would assure-----the hardest thing on something like this for all of us, if it hadn't been at your house already, you kind of wonder what's it going to be like and it is easy to be scared of the unknown. A lot of what we tried to do, that pilot program for, was to try to give us some track record with what I was once quoted as saying, real people and real garbage and that is pretty much what we tried to do. We would not ask you to jump off this cliff with us unless we felt like we knew about what kind of impact we have in this. So, we feel fairly confident that it is not a significant problem.
Councilman Spigener: Another issue that's has been hard for me to deal with. The concerns that I've had basically are the difficulty of handling the container, particularly for senior citizens and handicapped people. Now, we are still going to have backdoor pick up, I believe, am I correct there with a charge of if it is necessary? Mr. Dark: You all just voted, with the second amendment you voted, pertains to paid backdoor collection for the folks that have it now. And for a short period in the future, we will still be taking it, you've got it for not very long. The backdoor service that is provided for folks who are unable to take any cans of any kind to the curb, will still continue it is still free, it will not be affected one way or the other regardless of how you vote today.
You see part of the issue that we also were trying to deal with was exactly the issue you are raising about whether it will be easier or harder for people to take one of the carts to the curb as it would be to take what they have. We also did a survey question on that which said: Now that you've used the cart for some time, did you find it was easier to use, more difficult to use or about the same. The last poll we got said 74% said easier, 12% about the same, again 86% reasonable favorable; 14%) harder. In most cases---and I read all 1,100 of those things that came back---if somebody said the cart was too big, they also said it was harder. We've chosen to respond to that by, in the pilot we did pretty much one size fits all. We are going to offer a smaller one, roughly 60 to 64 gallon capacity upon request. We'll be bidding both sizes. It will be available for folks who simply feel that their needs don't require a cart that big, but I can also assure you going all the way back to the very first time we ever put these things in (inaudible), the people who were the most surprised at how easy it was to move, were people just like you are talking about. Senior citizens, folks who've said, you know I can't move that big old thing. But they are designed to have a very easy rolling motion, a very good center of gravity. They are designed, when we did the first announcement of this out in Broadmoor one day, we went out to an area where, I think, 2 of the 3 people who we put a cart in their house were over 75 years old and they had no problem loading. We are not talking about empty carts. We are talking about real stuff, approximate normal weight. The thing that we will ask everyone is to try and (inaudible) your garbage. And I think most people will find what the folks in the pilot area found, they will be some who will say, "I can't do this; I can't even do the smaller thing." And all we will ask them to do is what we do now, with the handicapped person, if you can get a form---we have a form that we ask people to have their doctor fill out that say's I'm not able to take the cart to the curb, and there is nobody else in my house who can. And those folks are provided no charge backdoor service now and they would be in the future and there will probably be a few more of those as a result of this. I don't think there will be that many more, because again, the results we've had, both of these neighborhoods have a significant number of elderly folks and there doesn't seem to be a correlation between age and whether people can use them well. In fact, I still remember of a couple of the comments on the last survey: I'm 78 years old and I love it or something to that effect; so, yes there'll be some people who may worry about that, but I think in our experience generally is that it will work okay.
Councilman Spigener: The next concern that I have and the concern that has been voiced to me most often, well the odor I guess is the most often, but the aesthetic value or effect this is going to have on the neighborhoods. In other words, how is this big thing going to look sitting out on the curb? What is it going to do to our neighborhood? Mr. Dark: Well, we asked that question too. Councilman Spigener: You all must of covered it all? Mr. Dark: Well, I don't know if we did or not. We tried to, one of the concerns we would have was whether it would look like we had put everybody in the Army for the purpose of this and given them their one garbage can, the standard issue, and said, you've got to use it. What we've found generally, and this is the way we asked the question. We asked people on collection day, does the neighborhood look: neater than before or worse than before or about the same? And we got 73% saying neater than before; 22% about the same; and 5% worse (inaudible). It was never any lower than that in any of three we did. People I think balance the fact that, some people liked the fact that it looks all the same' some people liked the fact that there is less stuff getting strewn all over the neighborhood. It is harder for an animal or for that matter, a child to get into the containers and strew stuff all over. We asked people about litter, we asked people about animals. Overwhelmingly, they felt like these things helped with those problems, particularly, overwhelmingly in Councilman Green's area. I've driven around, all over and I'm not necessarily, I don't think these things are beautiful, if there is concern there but I do think that they, overall, look at them reasonable favorable. You don't have to drive too many days in Shreveport on collection day to find evidences of things that don't look good at all. What the folks in the pilot area seem to think that it does help. Taste is something none of us can legislate, but in general its result, is a cleaner neighborhood, one where you've got less problems with stuff being strewn all over then that seems to be worth the price of having, all of them look reasonable alike.
Councilman Spigener: And I guess that it would be large enough that we won't overlook it as we are driving into the driveways and realize that it is there and maybe get it to the face. I'm just afraid, I'll have to be the one at my house that places it back. Mr. Dark: I'm hoping my eleven year old, will start taking it.
Councilman Spigener: As I said, I've had some very great concerns. I know that this is, I guess change is something that we hesitate to do. I have confidence however in the studies and in the research that you all have done. I believe that one of the things that you have to do is as we go along whether it is in the city or our business, we have to modernize and I guess I'm trying to accept that as this is a modernization of our services.
And I guess the next thing that I'm am quite a bit convinced by is that we will not lower the quality of our service to the citizens and I'm guess I'm getting that assurance from you, Mr. Dark? Mr. Dark: This may be the most difficult vote I've ever ask you to cast one way or the other because I'm asking you to change a service that works fairly well, that most citizens are reasonable comfortable with and like. But the reason we are doing it, frankly, is to provide better service. I have been concerned and the main concern for some time, about the overall dependability of our service. We are somewhat tied to equipment that is not in the best of shape. We are providing a service more often than 2/3rds of the cities of our size in the country are providing it. But we are not asking you to vote in favor of this because you believe in me or whether because you believe in all of the things that we've tried to do. I'm asking you to do it because we don't believe that those citizens that we've been dealing with for the last 10 months are wrong. We think that they believe that it is better than what we do now. And our assurance to you is that we are going to come out of this with a better service than we have now. A combination of what I hope to be this vote and some work that we are doing that we discussed with some of ya'll about changing our fleet. I want to come out of this with a service where we go home at least an hour at night, where our guys don't work the kind of overtime that we work now, where the service is much more regular, where guys would be on a route and say, go get to know it, just like the mailman does and that is where I see this going. This is the first step of that. Some of that we could do without this. But the fact is, there is a good bit of savings here that we think we need to not because it necessarily does anything to my budget but because you all spend weeks, every year trying to find money. There is always something you want to do or that some department wants to do. You are not going to cut the Fire and Police budget to do that. You are not going to lay off employees to do that, the only place you have to find that money is savings from services we do now. And in our opinion, this is one of the few where we really have that option. That is why we've gone as far as we've handled this and taken the time we've taken, so that is the reason why I want your vote on it.
Councilman Cooper: Just about everything was covered, but Mr. Dark, the bottom line, what would basic, I don't want to repeat the same question but I want to be clear about the answer, what basically would be the motivation to change the system from what it is now to once a week. A lot of the constituents have problems with the garbage being at their house for seven days or six days before it is picked up? Mr. Dark: Again, I think the trade you make---there isn't enough money in your budgets or mine to put carts out twice a week to everybody because cart routes are somewhat slower because you've got to let the arm pick the cart up, put it back in. You can't just rip through the neighborhood like we do when we are in a big hurry right now. The motivations are these: You get a neater neighborhood; that is always a concern in almost every neighborhood. But in the ones you represent, it will make a significant improvement; that's the thing that we found in James' district. That overwhelmingly, I'm going to read you something, 83% of the folks who responded in Mr. Green's district said, that their neighborhood looked neater than before doing it. Only 2% said it looked worse; 85% in his neighborhood said it would be easier to use than what they have. This is not folks who were thinking about what it going to be like, there are folks that have been doing it for seven months. The main motivation is that you can provide better service and I understand that distinction is not necessarily something that everybody agrees with. There will be some people who say, I'm cutting your services; that is terrible. Well, the fact is that we are, we will be picking up all their garbage, we are going to give them a can big enough to hold almost everybody's, and we'll work with them when we don't. And the main thing is that we are able to give better service, take a little less of your budget every year and get us in position to save even more money down the road.
Councilman Cooper: (2) I know we are not an employment office, but by the same token, we like to do all we can to accommodate the taxpayers because of the fact people don't have (inaudible), they don't need us. What will happen to the jobs, will you still have two men on a truck? Mr. Dark: Yes, sir. Councilman Cooper: Just like you have now? Mr. Dark: Yes, sir, just have fewer trucks.
Councilman Cooper: (3) I've noticed in my neighborhood, cause I'm sure you all didn't take a survey in neighborhood: Allendale, Cooper Road, you all didn't put your cans out over there. Mr. Dark: Not yet. I hope to do the survey again, citywide.
Councilman Cooper: But I've been problem-ed personally, with the fact of my garbage being picked up sometimes 6:30 and 7:00 o'clock at night and five trucks on one street. How does that. . . . Mr. Dark: How does that happen? Councilman Cooper: Yes. Mr. Dark: Well, here's the situation we are all too often in. We will send, we have a minimum number of vehicles we would like to have out, that number is about 55, 56 something like that. If we start the morning 5 or 6 or 7 trucks short, which happens more often than we like, due to the fact that the fleet I've got is pretty old and then a couple of them go down during the day and they may be out of service an hour or two, some of them may be out all---we've just have to dead line them and do something else. Basically, the route you may not be on may not get started until 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon and what we will try to do then is go in and put several groups of folks in it who can work part of your route so that we can get done at all. We also are going to be doing something that I've been wanting to do for a while, but money limitations have made it pretty difficult. The trucks don't have radios in them. When we talked to you about the new ones, that is one of the things I consistently do. And also, the whole deal for me on garbage with this once a week business was to find a route length that I could say, okay guys, at 7:00 o'clock in the morning go do it and you will finish it in a reasonable amount of time so that you don't have to be out at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 o'clock at night so, that I don't pay $500,000 dollars in overtime like we did last year. So, the citizens can start saying, oh, they are going to be here sometimes between 7:00 and 5:00 and if we do it right, they'll be here at a fairly regular time in the day. I'm again, going back to the mailman. I generally know the one at my house is not going to be there before 11:00 o'clock and if he is not there by 1:30 he is probably sick; so, that is the kind of service we are trying to get to.
Councilman Cooper: One last question, and that is, if there is anybody laid off or we don't need anybody. Do we now get people from outside sources---unemployment agencies or do we, are we able to accommodate the city with just the staff we have? Mr. Dark: Well here is how we are doing it right now. We have deliberately left as many vacancies as we could because we weren't sure how this was going to come out and we made promises real early that nobody was going to lose their job. We are right now using, I think the last number I thought was about 16 temporaries that we hire through the local agency. What will happen if you vote to do this is that over the next several months if we get to July and start rolling them out, we are going to start reducing the number and eventually eliminating the number of people we use. One of the things we do with the temps is that it is a way to audition to see if come to work regular and stand to do what that job requires you to do. Any of those folks who are good enough, they'll be places for them either with us or elsewhere with the temp agencies. But I feel fairly certain given the fact that we are not going to have the whole city, if you vote today, will be probably October before everybody has got on, maybe November. We've got time to deal with that slowly, but we are not trying to, we are going to rip city person's job out. There is one supervisor, because somebody is retiring; that is kind of the way we are doing it.
Councilman Hightower: I know I'm going to be the Lone Ranger in this deal, but that's fine. I guess the thing that bothered me about it the most all along is that now from a customer's standpoint, I think, Tom, I think that the department provides great customer service. I think very few people get missed. When they get missed, the response to get them picked up is good. They leave the neighborhoods looking good every time they come there to pick up yard waste and garbage. It is really, when I came on the City Council it was the department that I felt like that I would have most of constituent complaints from. As it turns out, it has been the least the whole time I've been down here. They have done a good job picking up the garbage. It is, I guess the only thing that bothers me about is it, it is really the only city service that we provide to everybody every week and my argument all along and my argument down here for seven years every year at budget time has been that we ought to fine tune the system and I still feel that way. I think we ought to fine tune the system, I don't think we ought to compromise the system.
Businesses cut expenses before they cut service, they don't cut service to cut expenses for the most part. And anybody can do that, and I guess that is the thing I've been most disappointed about is that we have not tried to cut our own internal expenses to avoid having to cut service back to the citizens. You talked about neater. My house was in the pilot program and I one hundred percent agree that my neighborhood looks neater largely because it is uniform and because the garage is only on the street one day a week for people that participate in the program like it ought to participate in.
Like I say, I know I'm the Lone Ranger in this deal and everybody is going to vote for this deal together. We heard when the program came out that it was going to save us $3 million over 10 years and Tom backed those figures up to say $2 million over 10 years or thereabouts. And last night I heard on the news, $5 million over 10 years; that a lot of money and certainly this Council and Councils after us can certainly use that kind of savings if that happens. I know that it is along time ago if you get missed one time, garbage pick up in your neighborhood will become an event you've got to remember and get your garbage can out because if you get missed, you are missed for half a month before they get back.
Like I said, I understand that I'm the Lone Ranger in this deal and Tom, once again I would just issue a challenge to you. Like I said, I think anybody can cut the service to cut cost and the challenge that I would issue to you and the Public Works Department is that truly make the system productive, you truly make the system do what you say that the system will do and save taxpayers $5. (some odd million dollars) you talked about over a 10 year period. Unfortunately, I don't think any of us will be down here 10 years, except maybe you, to know if that comes true or not. But I think the system can work, but I don't think the system ought to half work and neatest part of it, I think can take care of itself. It is the cost savings part of it that needs a lot of guidance and fine tuning. And to be the only person that give that part of the direction is you, like I say, I would issue that challenge that if indeed it will do that, it appears that it will, that we truly try to make it not only a neater issue but an economic issue to have gone in direction. Mr. Dark: And that is the challenge that I'm happy to take on. We wouldn't have gone through this program if we weren't to; I appreciate it.
Councilman Green: (1) The only elected official that I know took the interest in seeing what it was like on a garbage truck was Cedric Glover. Its a hard job out there. I think all of the relief that we can give those folks that work on the garbage truck, I think they deserve because it is a hard job. They got to pick up all the cans, they got to dump all of our trash and our garbage and if we put it as garbage, if we want them to handle it like it is silver or gold. I think that we should give them the opportunity. If we ask them to do stuff that we wouldn't do. I mean we give our workers an opportunity to be class citizens on a class job. I think it is very important that we given them a break. Anybody that say well, it is bad. If you work on a garbage truck for a truck or for week, and just see what they go through. So any relief, I feel that they get will be wonderful for them and for us.
Shreveport Green was just up here about cleaning up our city; somewhere down the line, we got to take part in doing. And here again, we've got a lot of people say, well it may not work. Lets just give it the opportunity and the same amount of votes it take to make it work, to get it in, we have that same amount of votes to take it out; so, I would just ask that we would give it an opportunity to see if it will work. And if so, all of this---a number of the cities that I've visited have already moved to that level and most of the time we are last ones to move towards progress, so I just think that we'll do ourselves a favor. Mr. Dark: We are in the middle this time, roughly about 4 out of 10 are doing it.
Councilman Stewart: Tom, I appreciate the information that you've given me. As you well know, 99% of the time based on Mr. Hightower's background, I'd be following his lead rather than what I've agreed to do is to support your opportunity here for us. (1) We have an issue of savings, that is what you've talked about. I know that we have set out in Bossier to record where we were and each month along the way. I look to you to provide us that information so that we can prove it those who question it, if we are saving money. The other issue on saving money is helping our constituents, whichever ones addressed. To me, the district I represent, I find people that are for it because it is an opportunity for them because of their wages issue, because of the condition of their area; so, it is beneficial and I think that is very good. Those at the other end of the spectrum are concerned about backyard pickup. I appreciate the fact that we are here today and we've agreed that backyard pickup will remain. I understand that part of this agreement is that it expires, new applicants expire on March 1998; we talked about that. Those people who seem to feel comfortable that you've made a commitment to furnish the opportunity to decide whether or not they like taking the receptacle. And the only word of caution that I would give you based on my discussions, Ms. Glass and Mr. Thompson, is that it would, if we have some difficulty with it, it merely takes another ordinance to restate backyard pickup. Mr. Dark: Certainly does. Councilman Stewart: It is not something I'm seeking to do, I think this is the measure and I appreciate what you've done. And I look forward to you proving to us on a daily basis that this will work.
Councilman Burrell: I had talked with Tom earlier about this and you asked me if I had any problems with. Personally, I don't because I think it will definitely help the area that I represent, especially some areas. But I was a little concerned when saw some figures early on looking at taking (inaudible) but even with the garbage container that you have there it seemed to be a lot of bagged trash on the side and that concerned me. Because, in one week whether or not those containers can hold an average of all the garbage that the average citizen produces, but if does not and we are trying to put it in one container and we wind up having only one container there and getting rid of small container then we still have to put some on the street. You are very comfortable with the fact that on the average, we put whatever refuse we have in that one container? Mr. Dark: Sir, we had one at our house before we every showed it to a single citizen because I wanted to see how many bags of garbage I could put in one of those without straining anybody or anything else. We use leaf, these 39-gallon lawn leaf bags at our house for garbage which are about as big as you can buy and I can put five of them in there, full, without straining the top of it. Now if you use smaller ones, you obviously get more bags. What you are going to find is on a week like Christmas most people are going to have something else other than the containers. We have a provision to provide a second cart to folks that absolutely every week can't stay within it, but I think what you are going to find for most people is that normal weeks, they'll be in it. If they have company or something unusual goes on at their house or they clean house or something, yeah there is going to be some stuff by it but it'll only be out there if we do this right for a few hours, one day a week and it'll go away. The only people that I would be concerned about in this kind of situation are the same ones that I'm concerned about now are the people who believe that they ought to put stuff out whenever they good and well feel like it and bring their can in whenever they good and well feel like doing that. The business area, is that in the pilot area we had not seen as much as that I thought we would. We specifically went behind a day or two later to see what the outcome. And it looks like most folks are bringing them in. Will everybody? No. But, I am comfortable that these are the right size for most folks, and again we didn't question on that and about 3/4 of the folks said that they were the right size and most of the folks that were left said that they were too big; so, that tells me that we've got a reasonable shot at keeping most of it inside of the container.
Councilman Burrell: You are talking about having these savings but we yet haven't said anything about, well he did mention about the job situation. Many times those who are picking garbage are those that are either underemployed or undereducated or what have you and that is the low end segment of our population, job population, in terms of welfare and (inaudible) basis that are being adequately thought out and now that we are going to impact that and every job is precious to the individuals in that segment. And you have a tendency many times to overlook those individuals and you don't seem not to have any sensitivity toward that, toward (inaudible). The money that we are going to save in this, will any of it be turned back towards those individuals who are at that level in terms of salary or are we just going to take that money and goof off and put somewhere else? Mr. Dark: Well, you are in the room that has that decision.
Councilman Burrell: But I'm asking you. Mr. Dark: Here's my deal. I still have a lot of crew
member positions in my department that are not easy to fill, just like Streets and Drainage and
places like that. But the comment that Mr. Green made a while ago about the working conditions,
I guess my deal is we are trading a few positions for a considerable better work environment for
folks who are left and that's a reality; that's not something I made up. We had a hard time
getting guys to work on those crews to go to something else when we were trying to rotate people
around because it is just entirely different day when you do that sort of work than if you are doing
(inaudible). So, I'm trying, we still have and not just us, but SPAR and other places have a lot of
jobs for folks with relatively little skills and we've worked very hard with you all to try to raise
pay for us to do that kind of work. So, I hope we continue to be sensitive to that, but at the same
time, I got the opportunity here if you all approve it to provide a considerable better work day for
the folks who carry the title of refuse collector and this may be the only way I can do that.
Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Spigener, Green
and Burrell. 5. Nays: Councilman Hightower. 1. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Ordinance No. 4 of 1998: An ordinance amending Section 62-2 of the Code of
Ordinances and to otherwise provide with respect thereto.
Having passed first reading on January 13, 1998, was read by title and as read on motion ordered
passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman
Hightower, seconded by Councilman Cooper adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen
Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays: None. Absent: Councilman
Serio. 1.
Councilman Burrell: Let me ask a question. It says here to create the position of Assistant Director of Public Assembly and Recreation for the Department of Public Assembly and Recreation. Based on the construction of SPAR, and we've changed the name up a little bit here, it is still SPAR and I think we've added Buildings to it. We had two positions that were under the Director and as I understand, it may have been a Division-level position, one in Recreation and the other on something else. Is that one Bobby had or the other, whatever that was?
Mayor Williams: Let me ask Mr. Norman, if he would, to come forward and explain. Mr. Norman: The attempt of the two positions that we have are not Division-level positions. One is a Records position to try to (inaudible) department and we just, through discussions with the CAO and also with the Mayor to try to split it up so that we would have a closer oversight over Facilitation and Recreation side which is right up from the maintenance side of taking care of all the property.
Councilman Burrell: Let me understand, those positions that Ed and Bobby had, what were they called? Mr. Norman: Ed was a Chief of Operations which one of these positions would be a---that position would be equivalent to what he is doing now. Bobby was a Division Manager.
Councilman Burrell: And how are we changing that to this? Mr. Norman: No that Division Manger for the Recreation will still be in place. This position will be over our Facilitation which include the activities such as the festivals and all as well as the activities out at the Stadium, as well as the recreation (inaudible).
Councilman Burrell: Well, what does the Chief of Operations, do? Mr. Norman: Chief of Operations would be over the Maintenance side which would be the upkeep of all of our facilities, inside and outside of (inaudible).
Councilman Burrell: There is not going to be services in this? Mr. Norman: No, sir, we go
(inaudible); I be happy to give you a organizational chart to show you these people in detail.
Ordinance No. 5 of 1998: An ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Code of
Ordinances, the City of Shreveport, the City of Shreveport Zoning Ordinance, by
changing the zoning classification of property located on the east side of Youree Drive,
425 feet north of its intersection with Stratford, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana,
from SPI-3, Commercial Corridor Overlay District to SPI-3-E, Commercial Corridor
Overlay/Extended Use District limited to "a print shop which includes copying, printing,
mailing, and related uses as described at the public hearing" only and to otherwise
provide with respect thereto.
Having passed first reading on January 13, 1998, was read by title and as read on motion ordered
passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Cooper,
seconded by Councilman Hightower adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper,
Stewart, Hightower, Green and Burrell. 5. Nays: None. Out of Chamber: Councilman Spigener.
1. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
8. Ordinance No. 6 of 1998: An declaring a public emergency in connection with the repair of the
Cedar Grove Force Main, a 36" sewer force main, and ratifying the expenditure of approximately
$25,000 and otherwise providing with respect thereto.
Having passed first reading on January 27, 1998, was read by title and as read on motion ordered
passed to third reading. Read the third time in full and as read motion by Councilman Stewart,
seconded by Councilman Hightower by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart,
Hightower, Green and Burrell. 5. Nays: None. Out of Chamber: Councilman Spigener. 1.
Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
The adopted Ordinances, as amended:
ORDINANCE NO. 176 OF 1997
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 253 OF 1987, EXTENDING THE
FRANCHISE GRANTED TO TIME WARNER ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, L.P., AS
SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO CABLEVISION OF SHREVEPORT, INC., FOR THE
OPERATION OF A CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM WITHIN THE CITY OF SHREVEPORT,
AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO
WHEREAS, Time Warner Entertainment Co., L.P. agrees to upgrade the Cable Television System within the City of Shreveport to a total bandwidth capacity of 750MHz; and
WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport, in return for the upgrade of the Cable Television System, agrees to extend the term of the Cable Television Franchise of Time Warner Entertainment Co., L.P. (TWE) for a period of ten years;
WHEREAS, this franchise is extended in accordance with Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended;
WHEREAS, the City and TWE are parties to the Cable Television Franchise Agreement dated December 15, 1987 (the "Agreement");
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular session convened, that Ordinance No. 253 of 1987 is hereby amended as follows:
1) SECTION I. DEFINITIONS
Subsection (b)
"Cable Television System" hereinafter referred to as "CATV System" or "System" shall be
defined by the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended by the Cable Television
Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and
as may be further amended.
2) SECTION 2. GRANT OF AUTHORITY
There is hereby granted to Time Warner Entertainment Co. L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, its successors and assigns, hereinafter referred to as Grantee, the right and privilege to construct, operate and maintain in, upon, along, across, above, over and under the streets within the city a cable television system for the transmission and distribution of cable services as defined by applicable law, to lawful subscribers for a fee, subject to the terms, conditions and provisions contained herein. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to grant the Grantee the right or authority to provide any services other than cable services.
3) Section 10. PAYMENT TO THE CITY
Subsection (d)
A statement certified by an officer of the Grantee of revenues shall be filed by Grantee with the
payment of the first quarter following the close of Grantee's fiscal year. The Grantee shall
provide, upon request from the City, an independently audited statement of its revenues for the
previous calendar year. The City shall have the right to review or audit, at its cost, the revenue
information from which the franchise fees have been computed. Any over or under payment
determined by such review or audit shall be reflected in the concurrent payment.
4) SECTION 12. OPERATIONAL STANDARDS
Subsection (b)
The systems' bandwidth capacity, which is currently 330 MHZ, shall be expanded to 750 MHZ within or by thirty-six (36) months from the date hereof. Initially, the Grantee shall activate 550 MHZ or a minimum of seventy eight (78) channels and the remaining 200 MHZ shall be reserved for future uses. The system shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the FCC's Technical Guidelines. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the Grantee from increasing the capability of the cable distribution system or upgrading its system with more advanced technological standards.
In the event the Grantee fails to complete the upgrade as described above within thirty-six (36) months of the date set forth below, such failure shall be deemed a material default under the terms and conditions the Agreement and the City may pursue any and all remedies available to it including, but not limited to, franchise renovation.
5) SECTION 13. CONSTRUCTION
Subsection (a)
The City shall have the right to inspect the system installation to ensure compliance with the
terms and conditions on this ordinance. The Grantee shall at all times comply with all generally
applicable requirements for work in the streets and public ways in the City.
6) SECTION 15. SERVICES TO THE CITY
Subsection (f)
Grantee shall provide a means of interrupting channels on the cable television system to present
emergency messages as required by the FCC.
7) SECTION 15. SERVICES TO THE CITY
Subsection (i)
Grantee will provide the City with the necessary equipment, to be located at City Hall or such other location designated by the City, that will allow the City or its designee to transmit alpha-numeric messages to the Grantee's office where said messages will be inserted onto the system, on the government access channel, for viewing by cable subscribers.
8) SECTION 16. DURATION AND REVOCATION
The rights granted by the City to the Grantee under this Ordinance shall continue and remain in full force and effect until December 31, 2012.
SECTION 23.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the rights of the City available under
applicable federal and state law pertaining to the regulation of cable communications and
telecommunications.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that a certified copy of this ordinance and its exhibits be filed and recorded in the official records of the District Court for Caddo Parish, Louisiana.
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.
/s/James Edward Green, Chairman
/s/Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council
ORDINANCE NO.2 OF 1998
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PORTIONS OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 74 OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO SOLID WASTE COLLECTION, AND TO
OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, the City of Shreveport, through its Department of Public Works, has conducted a pilot program to determine whether once-weekly solid waste collection with wheeled carts would be feasible, operationally sound, acceptable to the public and would generate cost savings; and
WHEREAS, the pilot program has demonstrated that this method of collection meets all of those objectives; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works now wishes to extend this program to the remainder of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due,
legal and regular session convened, that Sections 74-26(a) and (b), 74-27 (a) and (b), 74-28, 74-29, and 74-30 (a) is hereby amended, as follows:
ARTICLE II. COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
Section 74-26. Collections
(a) Residences and commercial establishments. The director is authorized to collect and dispose
of solid waste at residential houses, residences, and authorized commercial establishments. Such
collections shall be made pursuant to routes established by the director or his designee.
"Authorized commercial establishments" shall include only those involving either the collection
of not more than two ninety-gallon wheeled carts once per week, where said carts have been
provided by the City, or three or fewer acceptable containers of household waste not more than
two times per week, where wheeled carts have not been provided by the City. Commercial
establishments needing or requiring solid waste collection and disposal services beyond those
authorized in this chapter must seek other lawful means to provide for such collection and
disposal.
(b) Frequency of collections.
(1) In areas where wheeled carts have been provided by the City and in areas where the director
certifies in writing that it is not feasible to provide said carts due to lack of an acceptable
location, household waste shall be collected once per week from residences and authorized
commercial establishments. In all other areas, household waste shall be collected twice per week
from residences and authorized commercial establishments.
(2) Yard waste and tree and shrubbery trimmings shall be collected separately once per week.
(3) The mayor may approve more or less frequent collection services due to adverse weather
conditions or emergencies.
(4) Regardless of whether an authorized commercial establishment or not, all commercial
establishments shall have their solid wastes lawfully collected and disposed of at least once per
week and more frequently if sanitary conditions warrant.
* * * * *
Section 74-27. Containers
(a) All property owners, occupants, tenants or lessees, including those who are provided wheeled
carts by the City, shall provide sufficient containers for the proper storage of solid waste between
scheduled collections by the City or a private collector.
(b) Acceptable containers
(1) All households and authorized commercial establishments which are provided a wheeled cart
(s) by the City shall place their solid wastes in said container(s), to the extent that the container(s)
will contain their wastes. All other solid wastes shall be placed in metal or plastic containers
having a capacity of no more than 35 gallons and weighing no more than 75 pounds when full.
All containers shall be equipped with a tight-fitting lid and handles to facilitate emptying.
(2) Plastic bags may be utilized in place of citizen-furnished containers or to supplement the
City-furnished carts, provided that the plastic bags are a minimum of 1 ½ millimeters thick, are
securely tied prior to collection and meet the weight limits contained in 74-27 (b) (1).
(3) Containers with sharp or jagged edges will not be acceptable.
(4) City-provided wheeled carts, including those obtained pursuant to Section 74-27 (b) (5), shall
be the property of the city and shall not be removed from the property to which they are
delivered, except by city personnel.
(5) Except in areas certified by the director pursuant to 74-26 (a) herein, the city shall provide each residence and authorized commercial establishment with one wheeled cart whose capacity shall not exceed 100 gallons. Residents and authorized commercial establishments which generate more waste than can be contained in one wheeled cart may be provided one additional cart from the city for a one-time fee of $50.00, payable in advance.
* * * * *
Section 74-28. Backdoor collection
(a) The director or his designee is authorized to provide back door collection service for a fee to
residential customers who have requested such service prior to March 1, 1998. Except as
provided in (e) herein, no additional back door collection customers will be added after March 1,
1998.
(b) No container used for back door collection shall be located inside a fenced area, inside a
garage or carport, on a patio, or inside of any enclosure unless such enclosure is designed
specifically for such solid waste container.
(c) Any residential customer requesting back door collection will be assessed a quarterly service
fee of $15.00, payable in advance. Until June 30, 1998, residential townhome/patio home
developments, acting through their homeowner's associations, may elect to pay an alternate
quarterly service charge of $3.75 per townhome/patio home unit, in advance, by the
homeowner's association and receive twice-weekly back door collection service. The service
charge must be levied against all units in a townhome/patio home development for the alternative
service charge to be employed. After June 30, 1998, residential townhome/patio home
developments where the director certifies pursuant to 74-26 (b) (1) herein that there is no
acceptable location to place wheeled carts will be provided once-weekly collection service
without charge.
(d) All service fees shall be paid at least 15 days in advance of the quarter requested. Partial
payments for partial quarters plus the next quarter's payment shall be made by new customers.
Refunds of service fees will not be granted for any cancellation or termination of requested
service.
(e) Any residential customer who can demonstrate physical disability will be provided backdoor
collection without cost. The city will require a certification from a medical doctor stating such
disability and a certification from the residential customer stating that no other individual in the
household is able to wheel a cart containing the household's garbage to the curb.
(f) Back door collection of wood waste, yard waste, rubbish, animal droppings or general trash is
not included in this service and shall be placed at curbside for collection.
Section 74-29. Curbside Collection
(a) Except for backdoor collection customers authorized in Section 74-28, all commercial and
residential customers shall set their properly contained waste at the curbside or street side no to
exceed ten feet from the edge of the curb or street.
(b) There shall be no service fee for curbside collection.
(c) Containers of household waste only must be set out prior to 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection and shall be removed no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day of collection.
* * * * *
Section 74-30. Other Waste Collection.
(a) Yard waste. All tree limbs, grass clippings, garden waste and shrubbery shall be placed at curbside prior to collection day to ensure city collection and shall be placed not less than five feet apart from the city's wheeled cart(s) or other containers of household waste. Except for tree limbs, which shall be neatly stacked with no one item to be over four feet in length or more than 75 pounds in weight, all yard waste placed at the curb for city collection shall be containerized and placed at the curb area. Any empty containers remaining after the city's collection of yard wastes shall be removed no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day of collection.
* * * * *
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or resolutions or parts thereof in conflict
herewith are hereby repealed.
/s/James Edward Green, Chairman
/s/Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council
ORDINANCE NO. 4 OF 1998
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 62-2 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND TO
OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, in due, legal and regular
session convened, that Section 62-2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Shreveport is
hereby amended to now read as follows:
Sec. 62-2. Offices created; appointments.
(a) The office of director of public assembly and recreation is hereby created. The mayor shall appoint, subject to confirmation by the city council, the director of public assembly and recreation.
(b) The offices of assistant director and division manager of the department of public assembly
and recreation are hereby created. The mayor shall appoint, after recommendation from the
director of public assembly and recreation, the assistant director or directors of the department
and division manager or managers. The assistant director(s) and division manager(s) shall be
subject to confirmation by the city council.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or resolutions or parts thereof in conflict
herewith are hereby repealed.
/s/James Edward Green, Chairman
/s/Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council
ORDINANCE NO. 5 OF 1998
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE
CITY OF SHREVEPORT ZONING ORDINANCE, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF YOUREE DRIVE,
425 FEET NORTH OF ITS INTERSECTION WITH STRATFORD, SHREVEPORT, CADDO
PARISH, LOUISIANA, FROM SPI-3, COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICT
TO SPI-3-E, COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR OVERLAY/EXTENDED USE DISTRICT
LIMITED TO "A PRINT SHOP WHICH INCLUDES COPYING, PRINTING, MAILING, AND
RELATED USES AS DESCRIBED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING" ONLY, AND TO
OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO.
SECTION I: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport, Caddo Parish,
Louisiana, in due, legal and regular session convened, that the zoning classification of Plot 11,
Broadmoor Subdivision, Unit #1, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, property located on the
east side of Youree Drive, 425 feet north of its intersection with Stratford, be and the same is
hereby changed from SPI-3, Commercial Corridor Overlay District to SPI-3-E, Commercial
Corridor Overlay/Extended Use District Limited to "a print shop which includes copying,
printing, mailing, and related uses as described at the public hearing" only.
SECTION II: THAT the rezoning of the property described herein is subject to compliance with
the following stipulation:
1. Development to be substantially in accord with a revised site plan showing compliance with the Landscape Ordinance and a 6-foot wood screening fence along the east property line.
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.
/s/James Edward Green, Chairman
/s/Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council
ORDINANCE NO. 6 OF 1998
AN ORDINANCE DECLARING A PUBLIC EMERGENCY IN CONNECTION WITH
THE REPAIR OF THE CEDAR GROVE FORCE MAIN, A 36" SEWER FORCE MAIN,
AND RATIFYING THE EXPENDITURE OF APPROXIMATELY $25,000 AND
OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, the Cedar Grove Force Main, a 36" sewer force main, located west of Line Avenue and north of the Missouri and Pacific Railroad (within property owned by the Frymaster Corporation), failed resulting in a significant sewerage spill; and
WHEREAS, this 36" sewer force main had to be immediately repaired to assure public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, the failed 36" sewer force main and sewerage spill posed an immediate threat to public health and safety, creating an emergency situation; and,
WHEREAS, it was essential to correct this problem as quickly as possible to eliminate this emergency and to allow the Cedar Grove lift station to operate at full capacity.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Shreveport in due, legal and regular session convened, that the emergency action of the Department of Water and Sewerage to repair the 36" sewer force main is hereby authorized and ratified and that the expenditure of approximately $25,000 for this purpose is hereby authorized.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that monies for this emergency repair shall come from the operating budget of the Department of Water and Sewerage.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that a public emergency is hereby declared and notice of such public emergency shall, within ten days thereof, be published in the official journal of the City of Shreveport proposing or declaring such public emergency in accordance with Section 38:2212(D) of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any provision or item of this ordinance or application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or application, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared severable.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
/s/James Edward Green, Chairman
/s/Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council
UNFINISHED BUSINESS. The following items remained tabled:
1. Ordinance No. 46 of 1995 by Mr. Stewart: To revise the membership of the Board of Trustees
of the Employees' Retirement System. (Tabled on 6-13-95)
2. Ordinance No. 90 of 1995: Amending Sec. 30-92 of the Code relative to fireworks. (F/Green)
(Tabled on 2-27-96)
3. Ordinance No. 61 of 1996: Amending the Code by adding Div.5, Art. V, Chap.26 relative to
establishing a Riverfront Development Special Revenue Fund. (/Serio) (Tabled on 7-9-96)
4. Resolution No. 94 of 1997: Renaming Airport Park the "Maurice 'Blimp' Monroe Park."
(F/Green) (Tabled on 5-27-97)
NEW BUSINESS:
1. BAC-120-97, BIPIN C. SHAH, M.D., 5607 Mirador Circle, variance in front yard setback in
an R-1D District, garage.
Councilman Cooper: I move that we pass it. Ms. Glass: I'm not sure if the motion is clear. This is a Zoning Board of Appeals case and they denied the application, so you need to make sure that the motion is clear; are you upholding the ZBA? Councilman Cooper: No. Ms. Glass: You are wanting to reverse the ZBA and allow that.
Councilman Cooper: Let me go into detail. I've gone out and I've looked at this property and
next door to this very house to Mr. Shah, they have already extended their garage but they
oppose, somehow to him extending his. My understanding is that it is a safety matter. His wife
is putting in eight hours and is working and having to go all the way around to the back to
whereas he could have this, put up (inaudible) as well as his son. And down the street, as I
understand his goes out to the street and I didn't see any reason why we couldn't grant to extend.
I would like to make a motion that we override the Zoning Board of Appeals and grant the
addition to his house.
Motion by Councilman Cooper to reverse the decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, seconded
by Councilman Hightower. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Cooper,
Stewart, Hightower and Green. 4. Nays: None. Out of Chamber: Councilmen Spigener and
Burrell. 2. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
REPORTS FROM OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES. None.
CLERK'S REPORT.
Letter of Appeal: BAC-6-98, J.P.J. ENTERTAINMENT, INC., 369 East 70th Street, Special
Exception Use and variances in off-street parking and hours of operation; multi-purpose facility
with the on-premises consumption of alcohol and operating to 1 a.m. with a reduction in parking.
(C/Hightower) (not to be considered prior to 2-10)
To address Communications and Miscellaneous Matters, the Council resolved itself into Committee of the Whole, on a motion by Councilman Stewart, seconded by Councilman Cooper. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, and Green. Nays: None. Out of Chamber: Councilmen Spigener and Burrell. 2. Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
Motion by Councilman Burrell, seconded by Councilman Cooper, that the Committee Rises and Report and convene itself as the Council. Motion approved by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Cooper, Stewart, Hightower, Spigener, Green and Burrell. 6. Nays: None.
Absent: Councilman Serio. 1.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned by 5:25 p.m.
/s/James Edward Green, Chairman
/s/Arthur G. Thompson, Clerk of Council