MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION HELD ON THE 20 th DAY OF JULY, 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 (0). The invocation was given by Reverend James Sims, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. John Escude. AGENDA ADDITIONS It was moved by Mr. Cox, seconded by Mr. Williams, to expand the agenda to discuss disposition of lawsuit regarding Caddo Parish and State of Louisiana concerning the former CCC facility. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None. ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Cox, seconded by Mr. Williams, to add discussion of disposition of Lawsuit regarding Caddo Parish and the State of Louisiana concerning the former CCC facility under New Business. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None. ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Thibodeaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to expand the agenda to add authorization to fly American flag at half-staff until end of week at all Parish owned facilities.. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None. ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Thibodeaux, seconded Mr. Johnson, to add authorization to fly American flag at half-staff until end of week at all Parish owned facilities to the agenda under New Business.. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None. ABSENT: None (0). CITIZENS COMMENTS Mr. James Sims, 136 North Land Avenue, Oil City, representing the Ward II Industrial Board, stated that the Industrial Board believes that the extension of Roy Hoppy Hopkins Drive is important not only to the Industrial Park, but it is important to be part of an economic development boost that has been worked on for many years in north Caddo Parish. The main complaint the Industrial Board has encountered is access to interstates. Finally, after years of work, I-49 is complete, Louisiana Highway 170 has been improved, and it is now time to complete the Industrial Park Road Extension to finish this dream. Mr. Sims requests on-behalf of the Industrial Board, Commissioners not repeal Ordinance No. 5746 of 2015 and allow completion of this road. Mr. John French, 1111 Hawn Avenue, Shreveport, KSA Alliance, representing Ward II Industrial Board, stated that on the agenda, Ordinance No. 5506 of 2015, states that there is no feasibility study for the Ward II road extension, but in 2008, the Ward II Industrial Board did contract out a third party (TaiAmerica Management Company) to perform a feasibility study on the park which included drainage, topography, transportation, infrastructure improvements, and roads. In the study, the ingress/egress was highlighted first with State Highway 1 and then State Highway 170 and Interstate 49. The study highlighted that the most direct route would be Highway 170 to I-49, but that the road extension would have to be completed to experience the ease of access to the park. Mr. French stated that the I-49 is open and State Highway 170 has been upgraded, so now to utilize the value of this park and its importance on the local economy it is now time to complete the Ward II Extension Road. Mr. French stated that $2.5 million has been invested in the improvements on the Ward II Park. Currently, there are eight companies looking at the Ward II Park as a potential site for their business to relocate. Commissioner. Mr. Johnson requested that a copy of the TaiAmerica Management study be sent to each Mr. Joseph Carter, 3894 Eume Circle, Shreveport, representing Grambling State s Shreveport Alumni Foundation, stated that on November 7 th Grambling State will take on Texas Southern during the Louisiana State Fair. He asked that the Commission support the passage of Ordinance No. 5505 of 2015. Mr. Carter stated that he believes that Grambling State University brings a number of people to the community, therefore, helping foster a bump in sales tax increases and other economic development avenues in Shreveport and Caddo Parish.
Page 2 VISITORS Mr. Ernie Roberson, Caddo Parish Registrar of Voters, stated that each year the State of Louisiana requires each parish to canvass their voter registration list, and they have just recently completed that work. He is now here to request those precincts that have less than three hundred active voters be looked at and either consolidate, merge or ask for exemption from the Secretary of State s Office. Mr. Roberson stated that there approximately seven precincts that will need to be addressed; most of the precincts fall within District 1, but District 2 and 3 also have precincts that will need addressed. Mr. Roberson stated that there are two resolutions and one ordinance that will address the various precinct issues. First, Ordinance No. 5503 of 2015, merge precinct #137 and #164 in District 2 and it also merges precinct #042 and #081 in District 2. Secondly, precincts #028, #151 and #155 be request to be exempt with Resolution No. 44 of 2015. Finally, Resolution No. 43 of 2015, would relocate precinct #154 currently voting at Gilliam Hall and relocate to Fire District No. 7 Substation No. 2, therefore relocating and consolidating voting place for precincts #154 and #145. Mr. Robertson will send in by fax these recommendations to the State and see if there are any changes suggested before Thursday s introduction on Ordinance No. 5503 and passage of Resolutions No. 43 & 44. Answering a question from Mr. Johnson regarding precincts #137 and #164, Mr. Roberson stated that there will be one Commissioner in charge and four voting commissioners working in that precinct once the merge is completed. Answering a question from Mr. Williams regarding voting machines, Mr. Roberson stated that for most years, there has been a local vendor that took care of delivery of voting machines, but last year the contract was secured by a Monroe company and there were some small minor problems but he believes the Secretary of State and the Caddo Parish Clerk s Office have put in safeguards to keep this from happening again. Answering a question from Mr. Linn regarding voting location changes, Mr. Roberson stated that voting registration cards will be sent out in the future to let people know where there voting place is and if it has changed since the last election, along with posting that information on the Registrar of Voters website. Answering a question from Mr. Dominick regarding information sent to the Secretary of State s Office, Mr. Roberson stated that he will send the precinct survey forms for approval or changes. ADMINSTRATION REPORT 1.) American Bar Association Appointment Dr. Wilson informed Commissioners of the upcoming appointment of Ms. Donna Y. Frazier as Chair of the Section of State & Local Government Law with the American Bar Association. Ms. Frazier will be inducted as Chair of the Section of State & Local Government Law on Friday, July 31, 2015. Dr. Wilson stated that this is the first appointment from someone in Louisiana for the American Bar Association. may have. That concludes the Administration Report, staff will answer any further questions that you COMMUNIQUES/COMMITTEE REPORTS Mr. Epperson stated that the Grass Roots forum will be held Thursday, July 23 rd from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. The topic of the meeting will be How to do Business with the Parish of Caddo, Caddo Parish School Board and the City of Shreveport. Mr. Johnson stated that the Disaster Relief Committee met earlier this afternoon and there were some changes made to the cooperative endeavor to assist flood victims with items such as allowing contract labor up to the cap amount, allow home owners to do repairs with the exception of electrical and plumbing, and they can now purchase such as cabinets, door handles, paint and appliances. The cap for major damage was raised from $11,500 to $16,500. Mr. Williams reminded the Commissioners that the Juvenile Justice Committee will meet immediately after the conclusion of the Work Session to discuss crime preventative issues. Mr. Linn reminded the Commissioners of the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting on Thursday, immediately after the Regular Session. NEW BUSINESS
Page 3 It was moved by Mr. Thibodeaux, seconded by Mr. Linn, that Zoning Case P-11-15 in regards to Ordinance No. 5498, amending existing ordinance stipulations of zoning approval for property located on the south side of Southern Loop, 1169 ft west of Norris Ferry Road, Caddo Parish, LA, zoned B-2-E, Neighborhood Business/Extended Use District Limited To Retail Development, be moved to Thursday s Regular Session agenda for introduction. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None. ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Escude, seconded by Mr. Cox, that Zoning Case P-13-15 in regards to Ordinance No. 5499, amending the zoning of property located on the NW corner of east Flournoy Lucas Road and East Kings Hwy, Caddo Parish, LA, from R-A, Residence-Agriculture District And B-3, Community Business District, to B-3, Community Business District with site plan approval, be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for introduction. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage- Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None. ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Cox, that Ordinance No. 5501 of 2015, to close and abandon an access dedication located in Doss Point Subdivision in the Parish Of Caddo, be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for introduction. Answering a question from Mr. Johnson regarding the reason for this closure and abandonments, Mr. Jimmy Whittington state that Mr. E.J. Parker and his neighbor have requested that the easements of access that was part of the original plat be close since there is no access to Caddo Lake. At this time, Mr. Dominick s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None. ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Epperson, seconded by Mr. Williams, that Ordinance No. 5502 of 2015, an ordinance regarding the sale and use of fireworks in Caddo Parish, and otherwise providing with respect thereto, be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for introduction. Answering a question from Mr. Escude on the prohibition of fireworks in Caddo Parish, Ms. Frazier stated that it would prohibit the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the Parish excepts for those days and times spelled out in the ordinance. Mr. Epperson stated that he introduced this ordinance to coincide the rules used in the City of Shreveport. He also said that he received many complaints during the 4 th of July holiday. Mr. Escude stated that people move to the country to be able to do what they want on their property, and he always has a little heartburn in telling people what they can and cannot do with their property. Ms. Baker stated that her district is inside the City of Shreveport, and they are not following or enforcing their ordinance either. Mr. Cox stated that fireworks is a small nuisance and really does not see the need for this ordinance. Mr. Cox stated that the enforcement of this ordinance will be burdensome. Mr. Dominick would like to see some exemptions written into the ordinance that is similar to the use of fire arms in the unincorporated areas of the Parish and in proximity to subdivisions. At this time, Mr. Epperson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Dominick, Epperson, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, and Williams (9). NAYS: Commissioners Cox, Escude, and Thibodeaux (3). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dominick, that Ordinance No. 5503 of 2015, to merge Precinct #137 and #164 (District 2), and merge Precinct #042 and #081 (District 2), LA, be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for introduction. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None. ABSENT: None (0).
Page 4 It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts, that Ordinance No. 5504 of 2015, to deem property surplus and authorize the sale of surplus property owned by the Parish Of Caddo, 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 vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (11). NAYS: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Epperson, seconded by Mr. Bowman, that Ordinance No. 5505 of 2015, amending the Budget of Estimated Revenues and Expenditures for the Economic Development Fund for the year 2015 to provide an appropriation of $25,000 for the 2015 Red River Classic be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for introduction. Answering a question from Mr. Escude regarding how the money will be used and who will the check be written to, Mr. Epperson stated that the check will be written to the Grambling State Alumni Foundation, as it has been in previous years, and that moneys will be used for marketing, transportation, and security. Mr. Williams stated that this is a good event and should be supported. Mr. Williams also said that the Parish has been a part of this event in the past, along with many other sporting events, and believes the cooperative endeavor agreement will protect Caddo Parish and its citizens. At this time, Mr. Epperson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None. ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Epperson, seconded by Mr. Williams, that Ordinance No. 5506 of 2015, repealing the appropriation enacted by Ordinance No. 5746 of 2015, appropriating $1,500,000 for the Ward II Road Extension be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for introduction. Mr. Epperson stated that in committee, he made the motion to approve this appropriation for the Ward II Road Extension, but he stated that he wanted to see a feasibility study on the need for this road and was told there was not one that Public Works was aware of. Today, I see we have a study by the same engineer that did the Dawson Road study, but with different conclusions, he said. Mr. Epperson stated that the $3 million spent for Benteler Steel was justified with a $900 million investment, but the Ward II Park has been in existence since the 1980 s and there is only one entity currently in that Park. Mr. Epperson stated that there appears to be some injustices on how projects are funded by this body, and he would like to see some justice and equality for all the projects in Caddo Parish. Mr. Dominick urged his fellow Commissioners to vote no on this ordinance; he stated that this project went to committee and was approved, then the body voted to fund this project. We cannot all of a sudden tell our partners at Ward II, who agreed to fund part of this construction, that we changed our minds, he said. He feels that it sends the wrong signal the business community looking to locate in Caddo Parish. Mr. Dominick also clarified that Mr. French did not do the 2008 study; it was performed by a third- party contractor, TaiAmerica. Mr. Dominick stated that this road extension is important to improving economic development in Caddo Parish, and he hopes the Commissioners will vote no on this ordinance. Mr. Williams stated that he supports what Mr. Dominick has said on improving economic development, but this is about making things equal and making sure things are fair in Caddo Parish and all projects be given the same opportunity for approval. Mr. Linn stated that he will not support this ordinance because it is a road block to success of this facility. Mr. Linn points out that the reason the road has not been built before is because I-49 had to be built and opened for it to make sense. It has been built; it is open; so now let s move on building this road extension and utilize this park s special industrial park certification, he said. Answering a question from Ms. Gage-Watts regarding the feasibility study on the road extension and whether the money for the road is in the Parish s budget, Mr. Dominick stated that it was sent to him today, but will make sure it is sent to all of the Commissioners before Thursday. Mrs. Bryant stated that the money was put into the budget when the ordinance was approved. Mrs. Gage-Watts then said that she will support moving this ordinance to Thursday. Answering a question from Mr. Bowman regarding feasibility study costs, Mr. Dominick stated that the Parish of Caddo did not pay for the study; Ward II industrial Board did.
Page 5 Mr. Cox stated that this comparing one project to another, and does not make sense. One project is a residential road and the other is a road for business and economic development, so the two do not compare. It is important that we support our industrial boards and projects that will bring economic development to this Parish, he said. Mr. Cox stated that he will not support this ordinance to repeal. Mr. Escude sees no reason to try and repeal the earlier appropriation ordinance on the road extension. He also said that the Commissioners have not received any information to confirm that earlier decision was a good decision with the backup of the feasibility study performed in 2008. Mr. Escude also believes that the Parish is the wrong signals to the business community if Ordinance No. 5506 is passed. Mr. Escude points out that the two road projects that are being discussed cannot be compared; and the Ward II project should not being held hostage because of the other road. Mr. Escude stated that if this project was good a few months ago it is still a good project today. Mr. Thibodeaux stated that the concern he has heard was that the same individual did the study for Dawson and the Ward II Road Extension, but that is not true. KSA Alliance did the Dawson Road study in 2015 and TaiAmerica Management did the Ward II study in 2008, so they are not the same. He believes that there are other reasons this ordinance is being brought. Mr. Thibodeaux stated that he will not supports today s ordinance. Mrs. Gage-Watts stated that she needs more information before a final vote. She would like to see it moved to Thursday. Mr. Epperson stated that he asked for information and was never given anything. Now, all of sudden, I put the ordinance on the agenda and low and behold a study shows up at our meeting, he said. Mr. Epperson stated that people do not come to Caddo Parish because of all our stupidity. At this time, Mr. Epperson s motion failed, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Bowman, Epperson, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Smith, and Williams (6). NAYS: Commissioners Baker, Cox, Dominick, Escude, Linn, and Thibodeaux (6). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Cox, that Resolution No. 43 of 2015, to relocate Polling Place for Precinct No. 154 from Gilliam Village Hall, Gilliam, LA to Fire District #7, Substation #2, 12821 Adger Road, Gilliam, LA, and otherwise providing with respect thereto, be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Williams, that Resolution No. 44 of 2015, authorizing the request of special exemptions to the requirement of LSA-R.S. 18:532 that no precinct shall contain less than 300 registered active voters within its geographical boundaries by the Secretary of State, be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (11). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Baker (1). It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Bowman, that Resolution No. 45 of 2015, to consider and take action with respect to adopting a resolution approving the holding of an election in Caddo Parish Fire District Number Eight, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, March 5, 2016, to authorize the renewal of a service charge and the renewal of a special tax therein, be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Williams, that Resolution No. 46 of 2015, a resolution authorizing the Caddo Parish Administrator to explore opportunities to maximize parish revenues, seek a Professional Services Consultant to aid in such effort and execute an agreement for such purposes, and otherwise providing with respect thereto, be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Answering a question on what this resolution is regarding, Mr. Johnson stated that this is the group that was suggested by Ms. Baker. Mr. Thibodeaux stated that he does not know what in particular this resolution is doing, but he understands the only way to increase revenues is by raising taxes or cutting services, so he does not know why this is needed.
Page 6 Mr. Linn stated that he has read resolution and still does not understand it; he would like an explanation from Ms. Frazier on this issue. Ms. Frazier stated that resolution is referencing a meeting held earlier in the month with Mr. Ray Cornelius seeking a consultant for services. At this time, Mr. Johnson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: and Williams (11). NAYS: Commissioner Thibodeaux (1). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Baker, that Resolution No. 47 of 2015, to recognize the accomplishments of Donna Frazier, Caddo Parish Attorney, to congratulate her for being elected as Chair of the State and Local Government Section of the American Bar Association be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts, that the joint reappointment of Billy Montgomery to the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Cox, that appointments of Mr. Cutis Williams and Ms. Ana Bohoquez to Sewer District No. 2 Board be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Escude, that reappointment of Mrs. Debra Smith and Mr. Kenneth Clay to the North Caddo Hospital Service District Board be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Williams, that Special Resolution of Recognition to Dr. Ray Belton be moved to Thursday, August 6 th Regular Session for approval and reading. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Bowman, that Proclamation declaring July as Virginia Shehee Month be moved to Thursday s Regular Session for approval and reading. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Cox, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to remove discussion of disposition regarding a lawsuit with the State of Louisiana regarding the old CCC facility. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Epperson, Escude, Gage- Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (11). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Dominick (1). It was moved by Mr. Thibodeaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, that all flags be flown at half-mast until the end of the week of July 20 th. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Baker, Bowman, Cox, Dominick, Epperson, Escude, Gage-Watts, Johnson, Linn, Smith, Thibodeaux, and Williams (12). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: None (0). There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m. /s/ Todd A. Hopkins Todd A. Hopkins Commission Clerk