MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION HELD ON THE 18 th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2017 The Caddo Parish Commission met in a Work Session, on the above date, at 3:30 p.m., in the Government Chambers, with Mr. Steven Jackson, President, presiding, and the following members in attendance, constituting a quorum: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (12). ABSENT: None (0). Reverend Dr. R. Timothy Jones gave the invocation, and Mr. Mike Middleton led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. CITIZENS COMMENTS Ms. Anna Cole came before the Commission in support of leaving the Confederate Monument where it is. She asked that the Commission accept the recommendation from the subcommittee. Mr. Michael Thomas pointed out that the public voted down the tax millage renewals. He stated that the public is not behind the Commission. He also explained that the Commission created a Citizens Advisory Committee, and their recommendation was not to remove the monument. He suggested that the Commission accept the recommendation from the sub-committee to get the public behind them. Ms. Jackie Nichols stated that the Citizens Advisory Committee spent 9 ½ months and 270 volunteer man-hours to determine a fair compromise solution. She also pointed out that an additional member was added to the Long Range Planning Committee less than a week before the vote was taken. She also said that most of the citizens that spoke at the Citizens Advisory Committee s meeting were opposed to moving the monument. Mr. John Andrew Prime said that Seaman Recruit Raymond Rance Davis lost his life in the Vietnam War and has rested in an unmarked grave for the past 45 years. He announced that the unveiling of his grave marker will be held on Sunday, October 1 st. Mr. Prime provided invitations to the Clerk of the Commission. He also explained that the Vietnam War a controversial war and suggested that the Commission keep that in mind when voting on the Confederate Monument. Ms. Deborah Allen, representing ACLU, came before the Commission in support of moving the Confederate Monument. She said that a courthouse must stand for impartiality and equal justice. She said that many have spoken against equality because of the Confederate Monument. She believes that it should be removed. Ms. Casey McDaniel came before the Commission is support of relocating the Confederate Monument to its proper place. She also said that there is not enough room on the courthouse lawn to tell the stories of Jim Crow, lynching, and unjust laws that were state sponsored terrorism against the black citizens of this Parish. She believes that moving the monument would move this Parish into a new and equitable future. Mr. Will Elliot is in favor of removing the Confederate Monument. He believes that moving the monument to a cemetery or museum would correct history. Mr. Elliot urged that the Commission move the Confederate Monument. Ms. Debbie Hollis presented a petition with 13,352 supporters in removing the Confederate Monument. She read aloud the language of the petition: We the residents of Caddo Parish, submit that the time has come for the removal of the Confederate statue at the courthouse. It is time to take immediate action to remove this monument to slavery, sedition and racial oppression. Additionally, it is our assertion that this statue subverts and undermines our core principles of liberty and justice for all. It is unconscionable that anyone going to the courthouse, a place promising equal justice for all, should be forced to do so under a shadow of injustice and oppression. We appeal to the Caddo Parish Commission to outline and commit to a process for the timely and definitive removal not the destruction of this statue. Louisiana is home to numerous Civil War museums & historic sites. Any of these dedicated locations would be an appropriate venue for the Confederate monument. The legality of removing Confederate monuments has been affirmed by both the City of New Orleans and the 5 th Circuit Court of Appeals. The monument and the property, according to Attorney Donna Frazier, do not belong to the Daughters of the Confederacy. Caddo Parish Attorney Donna Frazier stated the following in a special meeting of the Long Range Planning/Special Projects Committee on June 9, 2016. That decision is public record and can easily be researched online. No competitive bid process is required by law if removal of the statue costs less that $152,400. The City of New Orleans contracted the expeditious removal of the Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard statue for $150,000; therefore, the Caddo Parish Commission should
Page 2 be able to procure a removal contractor for $150,000 or less. This statue has only recently been accepted into the National Park Service s National Register of Historic Places Program; it s entry date was January 19, 2014. The statue is also categorized as a representation of The Cult of the Lost Cause, which is described by the NPS as (dominating) Southern cultural history in the early twentieth century, and is still alive and well today. Ms. Nikita Williams came before the Commission in favor of relocating the Confederate Monument. She is not in favor of the Citizens Advisory Committee s recommendation. Mr. John Ratcliff encouraged the Commission to consider putting a plaque up that sets the Confederate Monument in historical context. He provided the Commissioners with a copy of a proposed plaque. Mr. Carl Staples stated that he is in favor of removing the Confederate Monument from in front of the courthouse due to the fact that it jeopardizes the very essence of fair and equal justice. He gave an example of an opportunity that he had to turn down for jury duty because of the Confederate Flag and the Confederate Monument that was in front of the courthouse. Mr. RJ Johnson explained as President of the Commission, President Jackson has the ability to add members to the sub-committees of the Commission. He also said that the Commissioners has a decision to make today: to follow the recommendation of the Citizens Advisory Committee or do your own thing. NEW BUSINESS It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Atkins, that Ordinance No. 5716 of 2017, an ordinance amending the Budgets of Estimated Revenues & Expenditures for the Building Maintenance Fund, Capital Improvement Fund, General Fund, Health Tax Fund, Oil & Gas Fund, Parks & Recreation Fund, Public Works Fund, and the Solid Waste Fund for the year 2017 to terminate completed or lapsed capital projects, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto be moved to Thursday s agenda for introduction. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Chavez, that Ordinance No. 5717 of 2017, to deem property surplus and authorize the sale of surplus property owned by the Parish of Caddo be moved to Thursday s agenda for introduction. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Middleton, that Ordinance No. 5718 of 2017, to amend Section 32-46 of the Code of Ordinances relative to the Parish Courthouse Grounds, to generally regulate activity on the grounds be moved to Thursday s agenda for introduction. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Middleton, and Smith (11). NAYS: Commissioner Linn (1). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Jackson, that Resolution No. 69, recommending the removal of the Confederate Monument from the Caddo Parish Courthouse Square, and otherwise providing with respect thereto be advanced to October 19 th s Regular Session. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Bowman, Cawthorne, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, and Middleton (8). NAYS: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez, Dominik, and Smith (4). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Atkins, that Resolution No. 70 of 2017, resolution recommending the placing of additional monuments at the Caddo Parish Courthouse, and otherwise providing with respect thereto be moved to Thursday s agenda. Mr. Dominick stated that he would like to get this over with. It s been drug out long enough. He explained that this resolution upholds what the sub-committee recommended and urged the Commissioners to move this to Thursday s agenda. Mr. Atkins stated that he feels no hatred or animosity towards any group or any people. However, there has been an overzealous lashing out against anything Southern or Confederate across the United States, he said. Mr. Atkins also stated that there has been an attempt to purge any monument or document of the Confederacy. This has gone too far, he said. Mr. Atkins also explained that respects the arguments of the citizens who want to remove the monument, but he cannot refute the fact that there is a number of people in this Parish that would be saddened if the monument were removed. He believes that a compromise from both sides is needed. A compromise that does not tear down, but rather builds us
Page 3 up, he said. Mr. Atkins stated that he will supporting the recommendation of the Citizens Advisory Committee. Mr. Jackson had questions regarding funding in the resolution s language. He asked if this should be an ordinance rather than a resolution. Attorney Frazier explained that this resolution is not the actual appropriation of funds, which would be an ordinance. The resolution is an expression of the will of the path it would proceed, she said. An ordinance would draft the funds. She also said that this does not set aside any monies. Mr. Chavez stated that he is in favor of moving this to Thursday. He would like to see the Commission accept the recommendation from the Citizens Advisory Committee. Answering a question from Mr. Bowman regarding the $85,000, Mr. Atkins explained that they looked at the original contribution of the $1,000 to the Daughters. They took the $1,000 and compounded it with a 4% interest for historical inflation rates and came up with $85,000. Mr. Atkins also explained that the $85,000 is intended as seed money for the project. He pointed out that it is the financial equivalent of the $1,000 that was contributed to the Daughters of Confederacy in 1903. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson said there were issues with some of the Citizens Advisory Board members. How can you have an unbiased opinion about something if you are biased going in, he asked. He also explained that the minutes say that the Police Jury reserved the land for the Daughters to use. They did not give it to them, he said. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson also said relocating the monument is a compromise because the monument was not being destroyed, just relocated to its proper place. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson stated that the courthouse is not the place for the monument. He would like it to be moved to a museum. Mr. Dominick read aloud an excerpt of the minutes from June 18, 1903: the monument association be given the front portion of court house square as a site for the monument. Moved by J.S. Young that the $1000 be allowed and the front plat of courthouse square be reserved for that purpose Mr. Dominick also pointed out that there was not an Act of Donation that was recorded to the Daughters of the Confederacy. Mr. Dominick also stated that the Daughters of the Confederacy owns the monument. He also believes that the Commission should uphold the Citizens Advisory Committee s recommendation. In 1958, Congress recognized Confederate soldiers as veterans. The monument is a memorial to those soldiers who died in the Civil War, he said. The monument is also registered in the National Registry. The location of the monument is important because that was the last place for the Confederate flag to be flown. Mr. Dominick also said that the subcommittee recommended keeping the Confederate monument where it is, but also placing two additional monuments commemorating reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement. It was also recommending to place a plaque clarifying the significance of the Confederate Monument at the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Mr. Dominick also pointed out that if the Commission votes to remove or relocate the monument, there will be a lawsuit by the Daughters of the Confederacy. He asked that the Commissioners uphold the subcommittee s recommendation. Mr. Cawthorne wanted to know the specifics regarding constructing the additional monuments. It is an apples to oranges comparison, he said. Mr. Cawthorne explained that Civil Rights Movement was people fighting to be equal, but the Civil War is a whole other dynamic. He wanted to know if the monuments are all going to be side-by-side each other. Mr. Dominick said that they are not sure of the specifics just yet, but it would be decided on at a future date. Mr. Dominick also believes that it will take additional committee work to get this done. Mrs. Gage-Watts stated that there is not enough room on the courthouse lawn to tell everyone s story. She would like to see the monument moved and put in its proper place. She will not be supporting this resolution. Mr. Jackson wanted to know if there were any registered African-American voters in 1903. He also wanted to know if there were any African-American Police Jurors in 1903. Mr. Bowman agreed with Mrs. Gage-Watts and said that there is not enough room on the courthouse lawn to tell everyone s story. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson agreed with Mrs. Gage-Watts and Mr. Bowman. He said that it will be a never ending story. He also said that tourists do not go downtown to see what s in Shreve Square. He believes that history should be in its proper place, in a museum, not in front of the courthouse. Mr. Middleton cited Louisiana Revised Statute 14:101 offenses affecting the public sensibility. Desecration of graves. (2) intentional or criminally negligent damaging in any manner of any grave, tomb, or mausoleum erected for the dead.
Page 4 Mr. Louis Johnson appreciated the Commissioners debate regarding the Confederate Monument, however, he has to represent the majority of the constituents of his district. Mr. Louis Johnson stated that the majority of the citizens in District 12 are in favor of relocating the Confederate Monument. He thanked the Citizens Advisory Committee for all of their hard work regarding the monument. Mr. Jackson stated that the Confederate Monument is sitting in front of a place of justice. He also pointed out that in front of the Supreme Court, there are only two statues: one of Lady Justice, who is blind, and scales, which are balance. He stated that the people on the Confederate Monument fought against the 13 th and 14 th Amendments, so he cannot support having the Confederate Monument in front of the courthouse. Call for the Question by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (11). NAYS: Commissioner Louis Johnson (1). ABSENT: None (0). At this time, Mr. Dominick s motion failed, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Chavez, Dominick, Middleton, and Smith (6). NAYS: Commissioners Cawthorne, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Linn (6). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Linn, that Resolution No. 71 of 2017, amending the Rules & By-Laws of the Caddo Parish Commission regarding Audit & Finance Subcommittee be moved to Thursday s agenda. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). The Clerk of the Commission reminded the Commissioners that this resolution has to layover for two weeks before being voted on. It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Bowman, that Resolution No. 72 of 2017, urging equal funding for state supported hospitals, encouraging a collaboration between Biomedical Research Foundation, Oschner Health, and Louisiana State University Health Science Center be moved to Thursday s agenda. Mr. Linn stated that the Kings Hwy Corridor needs as much help as they can get. If the Governor of Louisiana is willing to bring in a partner that can strengthen the relationship between University Health and the school would be fantastic to the community, he said. Mr. Atkins stated that he does not have enough information regarding this topic to make an educated stance on it, so he will be voting no on this resolution. Mr. Middleton said that the Commission does not have a dog in this fight. He said that he will be voting no. Mr. Chavez agreed with Mr. Atkins that he does not have enough information to make an educated decision on this issue. Mr. Dominick agreed with Mr. Atkins, Mr. Chavez, and Mr. Middleton on this issue. He does not know enough about this to get involved. He will be voting no on this issue. At this time, Mr. Linn s motion failed, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES Commissioners Bowman, Cawthorne, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Linn (6). NAYS: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez, Dominick, Louis Johnson, Middleton, and Smith (6). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson, that Resolution No. 73 of 2017, to provide an annual certification to the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development in accordance with the Off-System Bridge Replacement Program be moved to Thursday s agenda. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Bowman, seconded by Mr. Jackson, that Resolution No. 74 of 2017, submitting to Governor John Bel Edwards a name for appointment for membership on the Red River Waterway Commission be moved to Thursday s agenda. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0).
Page 5 It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Atkins, to authorize and request detailed progress reports and updates from Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, Independence Bowl, and Ark-La-Tex Regional Air Service Alliance receiving tax proceeds pursuant to ACT No. 306 of the 2015 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature during the October 6, 2016 Regular Session of the Caddo Parish Commission be moved to Thursday s agenda. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, and Smith (11). NAYS: Commissioner Middleton (1). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Atkins, to englobo and move the following items to Thursday s agenda: Authorize appointment of Mr. Kenny Fedd to Caddo Parish Sewer District No. 7 to fill the unexpired term left vacant by the resignation of Mr. Patrick Rambin, term to expire November 1, 2020 Authorize appointment of Mr. Wayne Mudd to Pine Hill Water Works No. 8 Board to fill the unexpired term left vacant by the resignation of Ms. Evelyn Thomas, term expires May 1, 2020 Authorize appointment of Mr. Greg LeGrand to Lakeview Water Works Board to replace Ms. Mary Tallant whose term expired March 3, 2017. New tern to expire March 17, 2022 Special Resolution recognizing Mr. Curtis Grriffin, first African-American certified roofer in Caddo Parish Authorize Mr. Robert Supermann Blount as visitor for September 21 st Regular Session At this time, Mr. Dominick s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts, to authorize Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson to the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission to replace Mr. John Escude to Thursday s agenda. that role. Mr. Atkins wanted to know if there was a reason why a Commissioner would be serving Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson explained that originally, there was only one appointment from the Commission. Then the advisory board was created and a member of the Caddo Parish Commission was to fill one appointment and non-member of the Commission was to fill the other appointment. He asked Attorney Frazier to determine whether this was true or not. The Clerk of Commission explained that originally it was set up to add the Director of Parks & Recreation from the City of Shreveport and Bossier City. Also, a member of the Caddo Parish Commission and Bossier Parish Police Jury were also to sit on the board. They were non-voting members, originally, but it was later changed to voting members to help with quorums. Mr. Bowman pointed out that there are two appointments that the Caddo Commission can appoint. He suggested also to appoint Mr. Michael Johnson. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson stated that the non-member of the Commission appointment has already been filled by Mr. Ken Antee. Mr. Chavez stated that Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson will do a great job for the Commission, and he is looking forward to having him on the board. Mr. Middleton pointed out that Mr. Michael Johnson already has some connections to help bring in events to this Parish. He would like to continue him to Thursday s agenda. Mr. Jackson explained that the interest letter from Mr. Michael Johnson is on his company letterhead, and he has a vested interest in sports. At this time, Mr. Jackson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, and Smith (11). NAYS: Commissioner Middleton (1). ABSENT: None (0).
Page 6 PRESIDENT S REPORTS 2017: Items discussed during meeting with Governor John Bel Edwards on September 14, Discussed budget issues facing the state Discussed challenges with financing Capital Outlay Program if funding outlook does not get better Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne and Secretary of Revenue Kim Robinson provided a brief update on the several proposals the administration may consider to propose for the legislature to adopt Made a commitment to support LSUHSC Ensured that his administration is working with BRF and a private operator to be able to support the hospital system Mentioned that he had received our letter asking for a delay in implementation of the Raise the Age Mr. Jackson requested that Mr. Henri Wesley provide the amount of funds left in the Safe Summer Program. Mr. Jackson is also having issues with tagging the Parish of Caddo on social media. He also wanted an update on how the Facebook Live is going. He stated that he has received positive feedback regarding Facebook Live. Mr. Jackson also announced that Mr. Clay Walker has been appointed to chairman of the Transformation X Advisory Board. He requested that Mr. Walker and the advisory board come down to the Commission. REPORTS Dr. Wilson announced that Mr. Brian Bentolliver will be visiting the animal shelter tomorrow morning. He stated that they will be meeting with several Commissioners at 2:00 p.m. regarding best practices. Dr. Wilson reminded the Commissioners that the Budget Retreat is scheduled for Friday, September 22 nd at 9:00 a.m. The 2018 Operational Budget will be presented at the Budget Retreat. you may have. He also provided copies of the Homeland Security Audit to the Commissioners. That concludes the Administration Report; my staff will answer any further questions that COMMUNIQUES/COMMITTEE REPORTS The Clerk reminded the Commission that they will it as the Tax Board of Review on Thursday, September 21 st during the Regular Commission Meeting. The Clerk also pointed out the letter of resignation from Mr. John Escude, Shreveport- Bossier Sports Commission Mr. Linn announced that there is a Natural Resources Committee tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. in the Government Chambers. The meeting will be to provide an update of Regional Water & Utility Plan by Ken Ward, Caddo Parish Public Works and to discuss water and storm water removal option with participating agencies. He also thanked Animal Services for the support at the Highland Jazz Festival. Faith Street. Mrs. Gage-Watts asked the Mr. Robert Glass look into an issue on Denny Drive and on Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson wanted to know the progress on the projects that were scheduled to be demolished. Mr. Glass said that they are drafting the contracts and six of the twelve properties have been taken care of. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson also asked Mr. Robert Glass to look into the Brickman Plant. He said that there are several wrecked cars in the parking lot. Mr. Jackson requested that Mr. Atkins call an Economic Development Committee to discuss the Industrial Development Board appointments. Mr. Jackson requested that Mr. Robert Glass research purchasing some properties on Wells Island Road, especially the adjudicated properties.
Page 7 Mr. Bowman announced that the Appropriations Committee is scheduled for Thursday, September 21 st at 1:30 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA Ordinance No. 5701 of 2017, adopting Volume II of the Code of Ordinances relative to the Unified Development Code and Zoning & Subdivision Generally, repealing Chapter 54 and certain sections of Chapter 48 of the Caddo Parish Code of Ordinances DELAYED FROM JUNE 8, 2017 TO ALLOW MPC REVIEW Ordinance No. 5712 of 2017, amending the Budget of Estimated Revenues & Expenditures for the Capital Outlay Fund and the General Fund in the amount of $200,000 to provide an appropriation with portable fencing around the Caddo Parish Courthouse Ordinance No. 5715 of 2017, 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 There being no further business to come before the Commission, the Work Session adjourned at 5:12 p.m. /s/ Todd A. Hopkins Todd A. Hopkins Commission Clerk