MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION HELD ON THE 18 TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2018

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1 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION HELD ON THE 18 TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2018 The Caddo Parish Commission met in legal and regular session, on the above date, at 3:30 p.m., in the Government Chambers, with President Linn, presiding, and the following members in attendance, constituting a quorum: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (10). ABSENT: Commissioners Gage-Watts and Lyndon B. Johnson (2). The invocation was given by Mr. Bowman, and Mr. Chavez, led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. VISITORS The organizers of the Women s March Shreveport-Bossier 2018 came before the Commission to invite them to attend the event that will be held on January 20 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Ms. Amy Vu stated that the march started last year for rights for all humans. They are marching for civil rights, women s rights, environmental justice, immigration rights, and workers rights. She also said that one of the goals of the march is to get more people out to vote. Mr. Jackson thanked the group for coming to the Commission meeting today. He is looking forward to joining the organizers at the march on Saturday. Mr. Bowman stated that he is so proud of this march. He also encouraged the organizers to continue to stay involved with the community. community. Mr. Cawthorne also applauded the group for their efforts and getting involved in the Answering a question from Mr. Jackson regarding obtaining a permit for courthouse use, they stated that it has been a great relationship with Facilities & Maintenance. He also stated that it has been an expedient process. Mr. Jackson thanked the group for abiding by those rules. SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Middleton, to adopt Special Resolution of Recognition to Principal Annie Cherry, North Caddo Magnet High School, Principal of the Year. Motion carried by acclamation. Principal Annie Cherry thanked the Commission for the proclamation. She pointed out that Ms. Shyne is the Caddo Parish Teacher of the Year. Mr. Jackson applauded Ms. Shyne and Principal Cherry for all of their hard work in improving and educating the children of Caddo Parish. Mr. Bowman commended Principal Cherry and Ms. Shyne for all the work in caring and teaching the kids of Caddo Parish. RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION to NORTH CADDO MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ANNIE CHERRY WHEREAS, the Caddo Parish Commission desires to acknowledge and commend individuals whose lives and efforts are devoted to the youth of Caddo Parish, and who strive to make a difference in the community by making a difference in the lives of the young people who come into their charge; and WHEREAS, such an individual is Mrs. Annie Cherry, principal at North Caddo Magnet High School in Vivian, who in her 23 years as an English and Journalism teacher and principal has served as an exceptional role model for the thousands of students who have passed through the classrooms and schools under her leadership; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Cherry since taking the reins of North Caddo Magnet, she has pushed her students to Dream Big, Work Hard, and Achieve Greatness. In doing so, the school has moved from a C rating school to an A rating school; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Cherry effectively combines the demeanor of an authority figure who means business with that of a concerned and caring mentor and friend---and both roles are clearly distinguishable by the students placed in her care. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Caddo Parish Commission, meeting in legal and regular session this 18 th day of January, 2018, that it does hereby extend its heartiest 482

2 expressions of commendation and appreciation to Principal, Annie Cherry, for her untiring efforts in North Caddo Magnet High School s behalf and for the worthy example she sets for her students to emulate, and wishing for her much continued success in her future. It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Linn, to adopt Special Resolution of Recognition to A.J. Haynes, Music Louisianan of the Year by Louisiana Life Magazine. Motion carried by acclamation. Ms. A.J. Haynes thanked the Commission for honoring her today. Mr. Bowman commended Ms. Haynes for representing Caddo Parish in a unique way. Mr. Linn thanked Ms. Haynes for representing the community and the Krewe of Highland. Mr. Jackson commended Ms. Haynes for being a part of the social change that is happening in the community. He thanked her for all her hard work. Mr. Cawthorne shared the same sentiments as the other Commissioners. He wished Ms. Haynes much success in her future endeavors. PROCLAMATION & SPECIAL RECOGNITION to MS. AJ HAYNES WHEREAS, the Caddo Parish Commission notes with interest and satisfaction the significant events that occur in the lives of citizens who have made significant and lasting contributions to Caddo Parish and to the larger community; and WHEREAS, Ms. Haynes, along with bandmates Connor Davis, Adam Davis, and Jesse Gabriel formed the Seratones, whose style has elements of punk, rock, gospel, and jazz; and WHEREAS, the Seratones got their big break following an event in The lead singer of NERVS put the Seratones in touch with the president of Fat Possum Records. Shortly after, the Seratones had their first record deal with Get Gone ; and WHEREAS, Ms. Haynes is an advocate for socioeconomic justice and equality and utilizes music, art, and poetry as platform to raise awareness to the plight of many issues; and WHEREAS, such an individual is Ms. AJ Haynes, lead singer of the Seratones, who was named one of the 2017 Louisianans of the Year by Louisiana Life Magazine. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Caddo Parish Commission in legal and regular session this 18th day of January, 2018, that it does hereby extend its most sincere and heartfelt expressions of congratulation and appreciation to MS. AJ HAYNES for her praiseworthy achievements and for representing Caddo Parish so elegantly and admirably to the nation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Commission does pray that Ms. AJ Haynes may continue to enjoy the love of her labors and the respect of her peers through her positive influence with music and performance. It was moved by Mr. Middleton, seconded by Mr. Linn, to adopt the Regular Session Minutes from January 4, Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCES Mr. Dominick asked if there was anyone to speak in support of or in opposition of the following ordinance: Ordinance No of 2018, amending Article III of Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances relative to the E. Edward Jones Housing Trust Fund, to establish the fund and provide therefore, to provide for application and consideration for grants thereunder, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto There being no one to speak in favor of or in opposition to the ordinance, the President closed the public hearing. ORDINANCES (for final passage) 483

3 It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Linn, that Ordinance No of 2018, amending Article III of Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances relative to the E. Edward Jones Housing Trust Fund, to establish the fund and provide therefore, to provide for application and consideration for grants thereunder, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto be postponed to the February 22 nd Regular Session. Mr. Jackson stated that he would like to have another public hearing on Ordinance No of 2018 when it comes back to the agenda on February 22, The clerk of the Commission stated that a public hearing would be set for February 22, 2018 as requested to rehear Ordinance No of At this time, Mr. Jackson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (10). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioners Gage-Watts and Lyndon B. Johnson (2). ABSTAIN: None (0). ORDINANCES (introduction by title) Ordinance No of 2018, to authorize the lease of flood acquisition property located at 595 Tyre Road, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Cawthorne, that the Work Session Minutes from January 17, 2018 be approved. Motion carried. RESOLUTIONS It was moved by Mr. Chavez, seconded by Mr. Bowman, that Resolution No. 9 of 2018, proclaiming January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Caddo Parish be approved. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (10). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioners Gage-Watts and Lyndon B. Johnson (2). ABSTAIN: None (0). BY THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION: RESOLUTION NO. 9 OF 2018 A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING JANUARY AS HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH IN CADDO PARISH Month; and WHEREAS, January is designated as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention WHEREAS, today, millions of men, women, and children are victims of human trafficking. These victims face cruelty that has no place in a civilized world: children are made to be soldiers, teenage girls are beaten and forced into prostitution, and others exploited and compelled to work for little or no pay. It is a crime that takes many forms, and one that tears at the social fabric, debases our common humanity, and violates what we stand for as a country and a people; and WHEREAS, founded on the principles of justice and fairness, the United States continues to be a leader in the global movement to end human trafficking and are working to combat human trafficking, prosecute the perpetrators, and help victims recover and rebuild their lives; and WHEREAS, during Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, we stand together with the survivors, advocates, and organizations dedicated to building a parish, state and country where our people and children are not for sale. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Caddo Parish Commission, meeting in legal and regular session this18th day of January 2018 that it does hereby proclaim January 2018 as: HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and urges all citizens to join with the Parish in recognition of this important month. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately. NEW BUSINESS 484

4 It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Jackson, to authorize recommendation for Administrator to engage Carr, Riggs, & Ingram for the Financial Audit be approved. Mr. Linn does not believe that Administration should choose their own audit. He does not believe that it is proper for an entity to recommend an audit company. Mr. Dominick pointed out that this was recommended by the Personnel Policy & Procedure Committee. Mr. Atkins feels the Commission is following proper protocol and procedure for the audit. Dr. Wilson explained that this is not the internal audit; it is the financial audit. He also stated that the committee recommended this company. Mrs. Erica Bryant reiterated that this is the financial audit. The Personnel Policy & Procedures Committee recommended to engage Carr, Riggs, & Ingram for only There will be an RFP issued for beyond 2017, she said. She stated that this is only to audit the year-end financial numbers that have to be reported to the legislative auditors. She also said that the audit has to be issued by June Mr. Jackson stated that this is the annual post-audit. At this time, Mr. Dominick s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Middleton, and Smith (9). NAYS: Commissioner Linn (1). ABSENT: Commissioners Gage-Watts and Lyndon B. Johnson (2). ABSTAIN: None (0). The Commission then moved onto the next New Business item, confirmation of appointment/reappointment to the Metropolitan Planning Commission, term to expire January 1, Mr. Dominick stated that there are two candidates, so each Commissioner gets only one vote. Mr. Atkins spoke in favor of Mr. Young. He stated that Mr. Young is the incumbent and is a very strong supporter on the MPC Board. It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Bowman, that confirmation of appointment/reappointment to the Metropolitan Planning Commission, term to expire January 1, 2024 be postponed. Mr. Atkins stated that would be a reasonable request, it would be the appropriate that the vote be postponed. At this time, Mr. Jackson s motion failed, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Jackson, and Louis Johnson (5). NAYS: Commissioners Chavez, Dominick, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (5). ABSENT: Commissioners Gage-Watts and Lyndon B. Johnson (2). ABSTAIN: None (0). At this time, Mr. Jeffrey Alan Young received six (6) yay votes: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez, Dominick, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (6). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Linn, to englobo and approve the following appointments: Confirm reappointment of Ms. JoAnn Witkowski to the Sewerage District No. 7 Board, term to expire November 1, 2021 Confirm reappointment of Fire District No. 4 Board members Mr. Willie Joe Green and Mr. James Robinson, term to expire January 1, 2020 At this time, Mr. Jackson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (10). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioners Gage-Watts and Lyndon B. Johnson (2). ABSTAIN: None (0). COMMUNIQUES AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Mr. Jackson asked the following questions regarding Ordinance No of 2018: 1. Will the terms and conditions of the lease be attached to the agenda? 2. Is the lease for a set term/period? If so, what is that term? 3. Will the lessee be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the property? 4. Will the lessee or its heirs have a right to quick claim after the term expires? 485

5 5. Will the lessee or its heir have a right to adverse possession after the term expires? 6. Will the lessee have the ability to put a gate around the property? 7. Will the lessee have the ability place symbols on the property? 8. FEMA does allow flood purchased properties to be used as community gardens. That being understood, will the lessor be able to use this property as garden or grow crops with the potential to distribute for commerce? 9. Will the lessee have the ability sublet the property? 10. Does the lessee have any business relationships with anyone on the Parish Commission or with the Parish Administration that may be viewed as a conflict of interest? 11. Will the parish be liable for anything that takes place on the property to be leased? 12. Will the lessee be required to obtain insurance? If so, what is the minimum and maximum coverage? 13. Will the parish be listed as insured on the policy? 14. Will the insurance be a separate policy or allowed to be insured under same policy as personal property? Mr. Jackson would like to see consistency with the issues that are brought to the floor. He asked that all items be vetted equally. Mr. Linn stated that he put a resolution on the agenda for this week regarding offsite adoptions. His intent for the resolution was to increase those offsite adoptions by having one per week. Mr. Linn received a copy of Dr. Lorenzen s feasibilty on the animal shelter. Dr. Wilson pointed out that they will be at the Animal Services meeting on Thursday to give a presentation. Mr. Bowman said that the Animal Services Committee will meet on Thursday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Atkins talked about Ordinance No of He explained that he was contacted about a month ago by a constituent wanting to purchase a small tract of land that his property surrounds on three sides. Mr. Atkins then contacted Public Works regarding the issue, in which Mr. Glass and Mr. Weaver engaged in the topic and told him that the tract is approximately 1.5 acres in size. The property is located in the Wallace Lake Flood Plain and was purchased by the Parish through the FEMA Flood Acquisition Program. Because of this, the property has to be taken out of commerce, cannot have any permanent structures built on it, and cannot be sold, but can be leased. The constituent is asking to lease this property so that he can easily access and utilize his property without trespassing on Parish property. Mr. Atkins would like the Parish to lease the property to the constituent at market rate value. He asked that the Commissioners support this request when it comes back on the agenda. Mr. Chavez announced that the Long Range Planning Committee will meet on January 25 at 1:00 p.m. Mr. Chavez then talked about nominating members for the different boards. He asked that the Commission start putting more effort in picking the right person for the job. Mr. Louis Johnson pointed out that not all times does all the Commissioners agree. He said that the fellow Commissioners should respect the votes of their fellow Commissioners, even if they voted differently. Mr. Louis Johnson also said that he agrees with Mr. Linn on increasing the offsite adoptions. He did not agree with the Commission making those decisions without speaking Administration first. Dr. Wilson announced that the Pin Ceremony will be held on Friday, January 26 at 2:00 p.m. PRESIDENT S REPORT Mr. Dominick agreed with Mr. Chavez in picking the best person for the job. He also stated that this is a very diverse body with different ideas and opinion. 486

6 Mr. Dominick thanked all the Commissioners and Juvenile Services for attending the Human Trafficking Summit. He also commended all those that helped keep the roads safe during the inclement weather. 4:41 p.m. There being no further business to come before the body, the meeting was adjourned at Todd Hopkins Commission Clerk Doug Dominick President 487