MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION HELD ON THE 20 th DAY OF APRIL, 2015

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION HELD ON THE 20 th DAY OF APRIL, 2015 The Caddo Parish Commission met in a Work Session, on the above date, at 3:30 p.m., in the Government Chambers, with Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson, President, presiding, and the following members in attendance, constituting a quorum: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). ABSENT: None. The invocation was given by Ms. Lindora Baker, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Doug Dominick. CITIZENS COMMENTS Mr. Bryan Molitor, 2838 Lakeview Road, Shreveport, came before the Commission to talk about the property standards problems they are having in the Lakeview Subdivision. He explained that most of the properties in his subdivision are converting over to rental properties. Mr. Molitor further explained that these rental properties are not being maintained and there are several junk piles in the backyards of these homes, as well as immobile junk cars that are eyesores at these houses. He also said that the mosquito population has become a problem in this area. President Johnson instructed Mr. Molitor to speak with Public Works Director, Mr. Robert Glass, regarding these property standards issues. He also advised Mr. Molitor to contact his Commissioner next these types of problems arise. Mr. James Hardaway, 2020 Valley View Circle, Apt. 8207, Bossier City, stated that he is a CPA and an ex-internal auditor for Caddo Parish. Mr. Hardaway stated that once he completed his report he discovered a few items that should be brought to the Commission s attention. He stated that according to his findings, some of the vendor contracts are not being fully executed. Mr. Hardaway also explained that the Animal Services Department does not have a legitimate disaster recovery plan in accordance with the state laws. He also explained that he reported these findings to Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Bryant; he further claims that they were ignored. He also claimed that he was not paid for the servicesthat he provided. President Johnson instructed Assistant Parish Administrator, Mr. Lucky, to meet with Mr. Hardaway on these issues. Ms. Dee Thompson, 8907 Hedges Drive, Shreveport, came before the Commission to invite the Commissioners to the annual Music in the Park that is scheduled Saturday, April 25 th from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. It will be held at Southern Hills Park. Ms. Ellen Whittington and Mr. Buddy Powell, Hwy 71, Ida, stated that she came before the Commission today to discuss some issues that she has had with Animal Services. She explained that this problem has been ongoing for almost one year. She stated that the dogs next door are aggressive and keeps on trying to come through the fence to her yard. On Christmas, one of the neighbor s dogs actually succeeded in coming through the fence and attacked her dog; she had to shoot the neighbor s dog. She further explained that Animal Services has been called several times, but nothing has come of it. She would like something done about this problem. She also provided the Commissioners copies of her interactions with Animal Control. President Johnson instructed Mr. Harris to meet with Ms. Whittington and Mr. Powell in the back concerning these issues. He also asked that Mr. Harris report back to the Commission by Thursday s Regular Session. Mr. Michael T. Newman, 2915 Moss Point, Shreveport, came before the Commission today as a nominee for the Zoning Board of Appeals appointment. He stated that he is a local architect and has lived in Caddo Parish for a number of years. He explained that he has experience with zoning issues when dealing with his clients. He requested the support of the Commission body for his Zoning Board of Appeals nomination. Mr. Alan Berry, 702 Prospect Street, Shreveport, stated that he is the current chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals. He stated that he was appointed by the Commission on July 2008 to fill an unexpired term. He also said that he was elected chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals on December 2008, and has been in that capacity ever since. He also explained that he has only missed five meetings since He requested that the Commission body support his nomination for his Zoning Board of Appeals reappointment. Constable Eric Hatfield, Loveland Court, Shreveport, came before the Commission today to speak about animal welfare. He stated that some of the dogs could be saved from euthanized by rehabilitating prisoners, military personnel with PSTD, etc. He also said that some of these animals could be put into roles to where they are beneficial to society. VISITORS

2 Page 2 It was moved by Mr. Epperson, seconded by Mr. Williams, to move Ms. Caroline Newell from Visitors to Old Business on the agenda. He stated that Ms. Newell s visits seem redundant. He suggested that these issues be brought before the Animal Services Committee, then, if need be, before the Commission. Mr. Linn stated that he views moving a person from the front of the agenda to the back of the agenda as punishment for something that someone does not want to hear. He also explained that things happened every single day in the animal community. He also feels that this is not a redundant conversation, and he would like the Commission to let these people talk. Answering a question from Mr. Escude the reasoning behind moving Ms. Caroline Newell down to Old Business, Mr. Epperson stated that she would be allowed to speak regarding this issue and would have the same time. Mr. Escude stated that there is no time limit if she is moved to Old Business. He also stated that is not going to support moving her to Old Business. Mr. Johnson clarified that if this motion passes, Ms. Newell will be moved down from Section 6 to Section 10 on the agenda. At this time, Mr. Epperson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Epperson, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Smith, and Williams (8). NAYS: Commissioners Dominick, Escude, Linn, and Thibodeaux (4). ABSENT: None. ADMINSTRATION REPORT 1.) Update Aerial Fly-Overs for Mosquito Control Mr. Everett Harris, Director Caddo Parish Animal Services & Mosquito Control Mr. Harris provided copies of the proposal for aerial spraying to the Commissioners. He stated that in 2012, there was a contingency plan put in place to participate with Barksdale Air Force Base for aerial spraying. He explained that the process has to go through the Pentagon for approval. He also stated that there is a proposal in the contingency plan for the cost of aerial spraying. He continued to explain that the acreage that they are targeting will be open land that the trucks cannot access. The Air Force unit will be out of Youngstown, Ohio. He also stated that all of the chemicals have to be provided up front which costs approximately $100,000. All elected officials from Bossier City, Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish and the City of Shreveport have to sign off on it. There also must be a media awareness campaign conducted for the public. Once this is completed, all papers must be sent to the Pentagon to be on next year s list. He further explained that this is a one-time deal and if the Commission wants to spray again, the Commission must complete the process all over again. Answering a question from Mr. Linn, Mr. Harris stated that if the plan was put into place today, the Parish would be put on the list for next year. Mr. Harris also explained that there is an exception of policies, but it is subject to Pentagon approval. He further explained that if Barksdale does decide to spray, Caddo Parish would be included, but Caddo would have to provide the chemicals for it. Mr. Linn would like to know what the likelihood is for an emergency plan to spray in the next thirty to sixty days. Mr. Harris stated that if the Commission body appropriates the money, then they would continue to move forward. Answering another question from Mr. Linn regarding whether or not Barksdale has submitted paperwork to the Pentagon, Mr. Harris stated that he is not aware of any that has been submitted. Mr. Dominick would like an update on the current spraying that is in effect in Caddo Parish. Mr. Harris stated that Mosquito Control has brought in their part-time workers to start spraying. There are currently ten trucks spraying Monday through Friday. It takes anywhere between four to six weeks to spray the entire Parish. Mr. Dominick would like Mr. Harris to make sure to spray the golf courses, football fields, softball fields, etc. Mr. Harris also stated that if the public needs mosquito spraying for family reunions or other events to notify Mosquito Control and they will come out and spray before the event. Mr. Williams commended Mr. Harris for having a strong backbone for handling all of the criticism he has received from the community. Mr. Williams also thanked Mr. Harris for serving in the Armed Forces. He also talked about the policies and protocols that must be followed when dealing with animal welfare. Mr. Williams also talked about the zip codes in which the most animal complaints come from. He also stated that District 3 has the largest number of loose animals, but he has not received any citizens complaints against Mr. Harris. Mr. Williams believes that there should be more compromise rather than confrontation. He also believes that complaints only come from one segment of the community. Mr. Williams also stated that the shelter has received high marks from the State and the Nation. Answering a question from Mr. Williams regarding what district the complaint about the cat came from, Mr. Harris stated that it came from District 3 which is his district. He also stated that he did

3 Page 3 not received a call. Mr. Williams further stated that there is no diversity with the complaints. He feels that this is an orchestrated effort to target an individual. Point of order, Mr. Thibodeaux stated that Mr. Williams has not addressed the topic of aerial spraying for mosquitoes. Mr. Williams disagreed and commended Mr. Harris on his efforts to keep the mosquito population down. Mr. Cox requested that Mosquito Control to educate the businesses to take down the tires that are stacked because they hold water and is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mr. Bowman thanked Mr. Harris for his proactive approach for spraying mosquitoes. He also feels that regardless of where the calls or complaints come from, the Commission is responsible for all of the citizens of the Parish and still has to adhere to them. Mr. Dominick also talked about the tires at businesses. Mr. Harris stated that they are asking those businesses to drill holes in the tires that are hanging so the water can drain out of them. Mr. Dominick wants to know whether it is legal or illegal to stack tires in Rodessa. Mr. Harris stated that the Parish s ordinances are silent in that area. Mr. Dominick requested that Mosquito Control make recommendations to the tire shop in Rodessa. 2.) Legislative Update- House Bill No. 118 Steve Prator Caddo Parish Sheriff, Director of Homeland Security, Chairman of POST Sheriff Prator provided copies of HB 118 to all of the Commissioners. He is requesting a resolution of support for this. Sheriff Prator gave a brief synopsis of House Bill 118. He stated that this bill is in regards to have constable deputies, constables, volunteers, etc. to be trained just as a police officer would. He further explained that if you work full-time (40 hours per week), then you are required to be fully POST certified, however, if you work part-time (39 hours or less per week), then you are not required to go through this training. POST certified means that you have to complete a 360 hour academy, along with a 20 hour in-service training per year. He further explained that part-timers have the same authority as full-time law enforcement officers. Sheriff Prator stated that the part-timers that are not POST certified miss out on things such as: dealing with the mentally ill, use of non-lethal force, lethal force, human trafficking, first-aid, domestic abuse, etc. Sheriff Prator also explained that Caddo Parish is the only parish in the State to have unlimited deputy constables, city marshals, and multiple ward constables. Sheriff Prator is asking that the Commission supports House Bill No ) Update- Regional Lab Closing- Effective Friday, April 24, 2015 Dr. Wilson announced that the Regional Lab on Vine Street that performs anthrax testing and rabies testing will be closing this Friday, April 24 th permanently. He also stated that he did not receive any correspondence regarding this closure, so he contact Baton Rouge. They said that they are consolidating all of those labs throughout the state to Baton Rouge. Dr. Wilson pointed out that if there is a rabies case, the specimen would have to be shipped to Baton Rouge and testing performed there. Answering a question from Mr. Linn regarding contracting with someone locally, Dr. Wilson stated that he is not sure if there is a person locally that test rabies. He also explained that they are currently looking at hot ice to FedEx the specimen to Baton Rouge. Mr. Linn suggested to contact BioMed or LSU to help with rabies testing. Mr. Linn also pointed out that time is of the essence when dealing with rabies cases. Mr. Linn stated that he and Mr. Escude was at the Captain Shreve Homeowner s Association. He commended Animal Services for their hard work in rescuing baby ducks that were trapped. He also stated that the citizens were pleased with the way Animal Services handled this situation. Answering a question from Mr. Johnson regarding utilizing a hot shot service, Dr. Wilson stated that they are researching the most cost effective way to handle rabies testing. Answering a question from Mr. Escude regarding the turnaround time for rabies testing, Mr. Harris stated that it is between zero to ten days. Mr. Harris stated that time is important because of the brain of the animal. If the brain cools down, then the testing will not work. The victim would then have toget post-exposure shots. Mr. Harris also explained that depending on the person, symptoms for rabies can be displayed anywhere from zero to three weeks. He also pointed out that rabies are fatal. Mr. Harris also stated that this would be an inconvenience in reporting their findings back to the victim because they would have to wait on the State to complete the testing.

4 Page 4 Mr. Williams requested that Dr. Wilson update the Commissioners on the Expungement Summit. Dr. Wilson stated that the Expungement Summit will be held on Monday, April 27 th from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the RiverView Hall & Theater located at 600 Clyde Fant Parkway. He also said that there will be two different seminars, one beginning at 9:00 a.m. and the second one beginning at 2:00 p.m. Attorney Ebony Norris will be conducting the seminars that will help citizens fill out their applications. Mr. Williams commended Dr. Wilson and Commissioners Bowman, Gage-Watts, and Epperson for their hard work on the Expungement Summit. He also stated that he spoke with Judge Leon Emmanuel and stated that he will provide attorneys for the seminars. may have. That concludes the Administration Report, staff will answer any further questions that you OLD BUSINESS Ms. Caroline Newell, 705 Emberwood Circle, Shreveport, came before the Commission to speak about Animal Services. She stated that she does not want to be redundant or repetitive. She also pointed out that Animal Services kills eight out of every ten animals that cross the threshold. Ms. Newell wanted to pass the discussion onto Mr. Brian Molitor. Mr. Molitor thanked Animal Services for helping out the ducklings in the Captain Shreve neighborhood. He also feels that if he has a concern, then he would call the Commissioner that he feels most comfortable regardless of whether that is his Commissioner or not. He also stated that he plans on attending the Animal Services Committee Meetings regularly. He also understands that it is impossible to have a hundred percent no-kill shelter, but he would like to see the euthanasia rates go down. Mr. Molitor talked about using shelter dogs to help rehabilitate prisoners. He stated that this would be a way to lower the euthanasia rates and help prisoners out. Mr. Molitor then turned the discussion over to Constable Eric Hatfield. Constable Hatfield talked about House Bill No He stated that there is a need for deputy constables in each ward to deal with issues like property standards and animal welfare concerns. Constable Hatfield also claimed that the deputies are retired from the Sheriff s Office and the Shreveport Police Department, so they are fully trained for their jobs. Constable Hatfield then turned the discussion over to Jim Thornhill. Mr. James Thornhill, 3339 Trailview Circle, Haughton, spoke about the behaviors of animals. He also talked about how sometimes people do not know how to react to some of the behaviors of dogs. He stated that dogs communicate differently than people do. He also offered his dog training and obedience training services to Animal Control. He stated that he will work with the volunteers to help train the dogs to make them more adoptable to the public. He also said that his schedule is open. Mr. Williams stated that he would like to find some common ground between the Commissioners, Animal Services, and the animal community in the Parish. Answering a question from Mr. Williams regarding Ms. Newell s goal, Ms. Newell stated that she would like to lower the euthanasia rate for the animal shelter. She also believes that the 78% kill rate at the animal shelter is unacceptable to her. Mr. Williams stated that this process is not immediate; Ms. Newell understood. NEW BUSINESS It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Escude, that Ordinance No of 2015, amending the Budget of Estimate Revenues and Expenditures for the Public Works Fund and Capital Outlay Fund for the year 2015, to provide an appropriation for the Ward II Road Extension be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for introduction. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Bowman, seconded by Mr. Johnson, that Ordinance No of 2015, amending the Budget of Estimate Revenues and Expenditures for the Riverboat Fund for the year 2015 to provide a $5,000 appropriation to the Huntington High School Band be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for introduction. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (9). NAYS: Commissioner Escude (1). ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Escude, seconded by Mr. Dominick, that Ordinance No of 2015, declaring certain adjudicated properties to be surplus and to authorize the Parish Administrator, or a designee, to sell the Parish of Caddo s tax interest in certain surplus adjudicated properties, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for introduction. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2).

5 Page 5 It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Escude, that Resolution No. 24 of 2015, urging the Louisiana Legislature to enact State Legislation opposing the Environmental Protection Agency s (EPA) implementation of the proposed new emission standards during the 2015 Legislative Session be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Linn, that Resolution No. 25 of 2015, recognizing and declaring May 2015 as Building Safety Month be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Linn, that Resolution No. 26 of 2015, requesting the Louisiana Legislature support House Bill 387, extending the State Commercial Tax Credit Program of the State of Louisiana (Historic Tax Credit Act) be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Thibodeaux, seconded by Mr. Bowman, that Resolution No. 27 of 2015, authorizing the Caddo Parish Administrator to consent to annexation by the City of Shreveport of certain right-a-way within the Parish of Caddo be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Ms. Bakers, to authorize the appointment/reappointment to the MPC Zoning Board of Appeals for one of the following: Mr. Alan Berry (incumbent) or Mr. Michael T. Newman (nominee) be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dominick, to authorize the reappointments of Mr. Rickey Hall and Mr. Herbert Rogers, Jr. to the North Shreveport Industrial Park Supervisory Board, term to expire on April 30, 2018 be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bowman, to authorize the approval for the recommended changes to the CBO, NGO Appropriations Guidelines and Application be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Bowman, seconded by Mr. Linn, to authorize the approval for Caddo Parish Animal Services to make available all dogs and cats pictures for the Caddo website and other social media outlets be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Answering a question from Mr. Johnson regarding the language other social media outlets, Mr. Linn stated that the pictures would be posted to Facebook and the Caddo Parish website. At this time, Mr. Bowman s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (9). NAYS: Commissioner Baker (1). ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Smith, that Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Mr. David LaCerte to discuss issues related to the Budget and Veteran legislation related to the 2015 Louisiana Legislative Regular Session be confirmed as a visitor for Thursday s Regular Session. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES:

6 Page 6 Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Dominick, that Mr. Lester Smith to discuss issues related to Elio Motors be confirmed as a visitor for Thursday s Regular Session. Answering a question from Mr. Escude, Mr. Williams stated that he would like to speak to the Commission about Elio Motors, as well as ask questions regarding Elio Motors. At this time, Mr. Williams motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Johnson, that the authorization of Ms. Caroline Newell as a visitor for the Regular Session to discuss issues regarding Animal Services be pulled from the agenda. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (9). NAYS: Commissioner Escude (1). ABSENT: Commissioners Cox and Epperson (2). Sheriff Prator came back before the Commission to set the record straight. He stated that the bill was filed eleven days before anyone announced they were running for sheriff. He is still asking for a resolution for support for House Bill No Sheriff Prator also stated that seven of the ten constables are in support the bill. It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Williams, that the Commission convene into Executive Session to discuss litigation: Elliot Stonecipher vs. Caddo Parish, Louisiana, The Caddo Parish Commission, Caddo Parish Commissioners Doug Dominick, Lyndon B. Johnson, Michael Williams, Matthew Linn, Jerald Bowman, Lindora Baker, Stormy Gage-Watts, John Escude, Michael Thibodeaux, David Cox, Jim Smith, Kenneth Epperson, Sr., Caddo Parish Administrator Woodrow Wilson, Jr., and Caddo Parish Director of Finance and Human Resources Erica Bryant, No. 583,388, First Judicial District Court, Caddo Parish, Louisiana. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (9). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Cox, Epperson, and Linn (3). adjourned. There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was /s/ Todd A. Hopkins Todd A. Hopkins Commission Clerk