MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION HELD ON THE 3 RD DAY OF APRIL, 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). Mr. Cawthorne gave the invocation, and Mr. Atkins led the Pledge of Allegiance. CITIZEN S COMMENTS Ms. Sherry Parker, 229 Dalzell Street, Shreveport, came before the Commission to discuss Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR). She stated that she has been doing the TNR for approximately three years now. To date, she has gotten over 1,400 cats spayed or neutered. She stated that she works with Robinson s Rescue to accomplish this. Ms. Cynthia Marrus, 419 Huron Street, Shreveport, stated that there is an overpopulation with cats. She is in favor of the TNR program. Ms. Marrus explained that community cats take care of the rodent problem and the snake problem. COMMUNIQUES/COMMITTEE REPORTS Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson gave an update on the AMTRAK Rail Service. He attended the Ark-La-Tex Corridor Council Meeting on March 8 th. In that meeting there were representatives from all over the I-20 corridor. In the meeting, there was a request to urge Gov. Edwards to support the I-20 Corridor Long Distance Passenger Rail Service, as well as to Mr. Wick Morman, President of AMTRAK. Mr. Lyndon Johnson also explained that President Trump has proposed to eliminate all funding for AMTRAK s National Network Train, so the resolution would also need to be forwarded to the congressional delegation. Without the continued service of the Texas Eagle and the Crescent, the I-20 Corridor Long Distance Passenger Rail Service will not be economically viable, he said. Mr. Linn announced that there will be a Bike Pathway Meeting on Wednesday, April 5 th at 5:30 at Centenary College. Mrs. Gage-Watts asked Mr. Robert Glass to help her with an issue on Denny Drive and Meriwhether Road regarding raw sewage coming from the neighbor s house. She would also like that area to be sprayed for mosquitos. Mr. Chavez announced that there will be a Southern Hills Business Association Meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight. 4:00 p.m. Southern Hills Park will host their Music in the Hills on April 29 th from 12:00 noon until Mr. Chavez also stated that he will not be in attendance at Thursday s meeting because he will be attending his son s Army Basic Training Graduation. Mr. Bowman stated that the Appropriations Committee met last week. He stated that the date in which the NGO applications will be sent out on May 31 st, 2017, and the deadline to submit them will be June 30 th, 2017. Mr. Middleton announced that the Captain Shreve Association will meet on April 6 th, and the topic of discussion is the Millage Renewals. The same presentation will be offered at the Broadmoor Neighborhood Association on April 11 th. presentations. Mr. Louis Johnson commended Administration for their work on the millage renewal NEW BUSINESS It was moved by Mr. Bowman, seconded by Mr. Linn, that Ordinance No. 5681 of 2017, an ordinance amending the Budget of Estimated Revenues & Expenditures for the Riverboat Fund and the General Fund to appropriate $95,000 for the Safe Summer Youth Program 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, and Smith (11). NAYS: Commissioner Middleton (1). ABSENT: None (0). ABSTAIN: None (0).
Page 2 It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Jackson, that Ordinance No. 5682 of 2017, an ordinance adopting Volume II of the Code of Ordinances relative to the Unified Development Code and Zoning & Subdivision Generally, repealing Article III of Chapter 48 and Chapter 54 of the Caddo Parish Code of Ordinances, and otherwise providing with respect thereto be moved to Thursday s agenda for introduction. Mr. Linn asked that the Commissioners move this forward for introduction on Thursday, then delay it on April 20 th. He stated that this would keep it moving and still allow time to tweek it to accommodate everyone. Substitute motion by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson, that Ordinance No. 5682 of 2017, an ordinance adopting Volume II of the Code of Ordinances relative to the Unified Development Code and Zoning & Subdivision Generally, repealing Article III of Chapter 48 and Chapter 54 of the Caddo Parish Code of Ordinances, and otherwise providing with respect thereto be postponed. Mr. Dominick believes the best way to handle this is to have a Rural Caucus meeting to discuss the changes and how they will affect the rural citizens. He also suggested to have a Special Meeting discussing only the UDC. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson agreed with Mr. Dominick. Mr. Cawthorne wanted more clarification on the motions. Mr. Linn explained that if his motion passed, it would go for introduction on Thursday then layover for two weeks. Mr. Linn does not believe the two week layover is sufficient time for the Rural Caucus or MPC to get their ducks in a row. His hope is that the UDC will be delayed until May 4 th. Mr. Cawthorne clarified that the amendments that would need to be made would only affect those outside the city limits of Shreveport. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson pointed out that some of the recommendations that come out of the Rural Caucus meeting might be something that the Commissioners in the city limits would want. Answering a question from Mr. Jackson regarding a recommendation that would affect those inside the city limits, Mr. Sweeney stated that it would have to go back before the City Council, and they can choose to deny. Mr. Sweeney further explained for it to be a Unified Development Code, both bodies would have to pass it. He also stated that the City has already adopted the UDC, and they could do a separability clause, which would disconnect them from the Parish. Answering another question from Mr. Jackson regarding MPC Special Meetings, Mr. Sweeney stated that they have done it in the past, but he would need to get a quorum of the MPC Board Members. Mr. Sweeney also pointed out that he can place on the MPC agenda that the ZBA appeals come to the Commission rather than to District Court. He said that if it passes, then he could present it on April 20 th to the Commission. The UDC would have to be approved on the 20 th, then on May 4 th, that amendment would have to be approved. Mr. Jackson stated that he is for moving the UDC forward, but he is also for a Special Meeting. Answering a question about the process, the Clerk explained that the publication states that this ordinance will be introduced on Thursday, and the public hearing is set for April 20 th. He also said that the Commission could delay their vote on that day. Mr. Sweeney also explained that he can do a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for mixed use, but in the Parish, he cannot under the current zoning. He stated that the UDC would give him that pathway. He also pointed out that most of the time, when a development builds on the edge of the City, they get annexed in for city water and sewerage. Mr. Linn agreed with Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson and Mr. Dominick. However, he would like to see it to move forward for introduction on Thursday, and then delay the vote on April 20 th. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson wanted to know the difference between postponing it now and delaying it in two weeks. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson also pointed out that several developments build on the edge of the MPC area and are annexed in to the Town of Blanchard. He stated that it is easier to do business with Blanchard than it is with the MPC. He would like the UDC to accommodate the City of Shreveport and the MPC five-mile radius. Mr. Dominick would like all of the questions and concerned resolved before a decision is made on the UDC. He asked that the Commissioners support his substitute motion.
Page 3 At this time, Mr. Dominick s substitute motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Middleton, and Smith (8). NAYS: Commissioners Bowman, Cawthorne, Jackson, and Linn (4). ABSENT: None (0). ABSTAIN: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Chavez, that Ordinance No. 5683 of 2017, an ordinance to establish the Dr. E. Edward Jones Housing Trust Fund for providing good quality affordable housing and mixed use development, to enact Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances relative to Housing & Economic Development, to provide for the administration of the fund, including establishment of a Housing Trust Fund Advisory Commission, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto be moved to Thursday s agenda for introduction. Answering a question from Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson regarding which areas would this apply, Mr. Jackson stated that it would be parish-wide. Answering another question from Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson regarding the effect it would have on HUD and the USDA, Mr. Jackson stated that those programs will still be in effect; this program would not effect those programs. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson also asked about funding. Mr. Jackson explained that it would be public-private funds. He said that the trust could apply for federal funds, the Parish could put some funds into it, philanthropists could contribute to this fund, etc. He also explained that this does not obligate the Parish to fund this in any way. fund it. Mr. Dominick stated that this is setting up the trust, but does not obligate the Parish to Mr. Cawthorne asked Mr. Jackson if he had a vision for the trust. Mr. Jackson stated that he does not have any projects in the pipeline right now. He also explained that some projects may need some gap funding; this trust could help out with that. Mr. Jackson also listed a few agencies that are active in this type of funding, i.e. Capital One, Red River Bank, Louisiana Housing Inc., etc. Mr. Atkins asked if this was similar to the Strategic Action Committee. Mr. Jackson explained that it is very similar to how the Riverscape Apartments were funded, as well as Galilee City. At this time, Mr. Jackson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, and Middleton (11). NAYS: Commissioner Smith (1). ABSENT: None (0). ABSTAIN: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Chavez, that Ordinance No. 5684 of 2017, an ordinance to enact Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances Housing & Economic Development, relative to establishing programs to provide property for housing development through the use of adjudicated property, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto be moved to Thursday s agenda for introduction. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson asked for more clarification on this ordinance. Mr. Jackson explained that this ordinance is to add another tool in our toolbox to put property back into commerce. This would help compliment the online adjudicated property sales, he said. Mr. Jackson also pointed out that this would not clear the title. At this time, Mr. Jackson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: ABSTAIN: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Bowman, seconded by Mr. Jackson, that Ordinance No. 5685 of 2017, to amend and re-enact Chapter 8, entitled Animals & Fowl, of the Code of Ordinances of the Parish of Caddo be moved to Thursday s agenda for introduction. Answering a question from Mr. Atkins regarding the veterinarian community, Mr. Jackson stated that they are on board with the amendments that came out of the Animal Services Committee. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson wanted to know what the changes were. Attorney Frazier stated the changes were made in Section 8-37. Answering a question from Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson regarding dogs being on a chain for a certain time period, Mr. Bowman stated that was taken out. Mr. Chuck Wilson, Animal Services Director, stated that there was no way that could have been enforced, so it was removed from the ordinance.
Page 4 Mr. Middleton explained that one of the changes was a one-time registration fee for the lifetime of the animal. Answering a question from Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson regarding the registration tag, Mr. Wilson stated that the dogs would have one registration tag for the lifetime of the animal. Mr. Dominick also asked about the registration fee for an animal. Mr. Wilson explained that the registration was a one-time fee for the lifetime of the animal; $10 spay or neutered animal or $20 for a non-spayed or neutered animal. Mr. Wilson also said that the vets may choose to register an animal, but if they choose not to, then the pet owner would need to register the animal. Mr. Dominick asked the reason for registering an animal. Mr. Wilson explained that it would get the animal to its home quicker. If an animal is registered with the Parish and it gets loose, the ACO can look up the registration number and see who that animal belongs to and take it home, rather than having it go to the shelter. Mr. Atkins stated that this is a compromise between the annual registration and no registration. He also explained that the purpose of the registration is to develop a database for the animals. This way they could be returned to their owners if they are lost. He also said that the fee is to help offset the cost of developing this database. Mr. Chavez stated that the dog may loose their tag over its lifetime, but then it would be the owner s responsibility to get a new tag. Dr. Wilson reiterated that most communities across the United States are already doing this. He also stated that the purpose would help identify a lost dog so that dog would never have to see the inside of a shelter. Mrs. Gage-Watts wanted to know how will the community be notified of the changes in the animal ordinances. Attorney Frazier stated that the City of Shreveport has passed a mirror ordinance and it is on their website. She also said that once the ordinance is finalized, there will be public information put out by the Parish. Mrs. Gage-Watts said that the dog pen construction was formally made with concrete, but that has been stricken. Attorney Frazier explained that the ordinance reduced the construction of a dog pen to a lesser standard, so someone who has concrete will not be penalized for still having concrete in their pen. Attorney Frazier pointed out that there are no requirements for up-to-date vaccinations to register their animal. She said those recommendations did not come out of committee. Call for the Question by Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dominick. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (11). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None (0). At this time, Mr. Bowman s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (11). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Middleton, that Local Assessment Ordinance No. 53 of 2017, an ordinance to re-inscribe liens securing special assessments for Mallard Drive, Beechnut Drive, and White Oak Drive, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto be moved to Thursday s agenda for introduction. Mr. Atkins asked for more clarification on this local assessment ordinance. Mr. Glass explained that these are liens that were put on road projects that were done about 20 years ago. These liens are put on a property until the project is paid off. A lien only last 10 years, so it has to be re-inscribed to keep it in the process, he explained. Substitute motion by Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts, to englobo and move the following items to Thursday s agenda for introduction: Local Assessment Ordinance No. 53 of 2017, an ordinance to re-inscribe liens securing special assessments for Mallard Drive, Beechnut Drive, and White Oak Drive, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto Local Assessment Ordinance No. 54 of 2017, an ordinance to re-inscribe liens securing special assessments for Amy Lynn Street, Esthlyn Street, and Pecan Road, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto
Page 5 Local Assessment Ordinance No. 55 of 2017, an ordinance to re-inscribe liens securing special assessments for Jeri Lane and Barnes Road, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto At this time, Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson s 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). ABSTAIN: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Jackson, that Resolution No. 23 of 2017, a resolution adopting a citizen participation plan for the CDBG Program be moved to Thursday s agenda. Mr. Dominick stated that this is something that is done yearly. He asked that Ms. Anita Mills give a further explanation. Ms. Mills stated that this is the first step in the CDBG application process. This is done every two years, and this allows the citizens to engage in the application process. Answering a question from Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson regarding the number of projects, Ms. Mills stated that they are able to advance only two projects into the application cycle. She also explained that there is an extra step that has been added to the project. By June 9 th, a Project Severity Package has to be submitted to the State. Only the top 60% will be invited to apply. At this time, Mr. Dominick s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: ABSTAIN: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Atkins, seconded by Mr. Bowman, that Resolution No. 24 of 2017, approving the holding of an election in Caddo Parish Fire District Number Five, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, October 14, 2017, to authorize the levy of service charges therein be moved to Thursday s agenda. Substitute motion by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Middleton, to englobo and move the following items to Thursday s agenda: Resolution No. 24 of 2017, approving the holding of an election in Caddo Parish Fire District Number Five, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, October 14, 2017, to authorize the levy of service charges therein Resolution No. 25 of 2017, a resolution to relocated the polling place for Precincts No. 105 and 162 from Fire District Number 4, 8240 Colquitt Road, Keithville, Louisiana 71047 to Providence Road Baptist Church, 11708 Providence Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71129; to relocate the polling place for Precinct No. 109 from Grace Community United Methodist Church, 9400 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71106 to Ellerbe Road Baptist Church, 10705 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, 71106; to relocate the polling place for Precincts No. 110 and 128 from Grace Community United Methodist Church, 9400 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71106 to Norris Ferry Community Church, 10509 Norris Ferry Road, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71106, and otherwise providing with respect thereto Resolution No. 26 of 2017, a resolution to authorize the Caddo Parish Administrator to request and authorize the Louisiana State Mineral & Energy Board and the Office of Mineral Resources to accept nominations, advertise for, accept and award bids, and execute all oil, gas and mineral leases on certain mineral interests owned by the Parish of Caddo, and otherwise providing with respect thereto Resolution No. 31 of 2017, a resolution proclaiming and supporting April 2-8, 2017, as National Crime Victims Rights Week, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto Resolution No. 32 of 2017, a resolution urging and requesting the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development to proceed expeditiously with the Jimmie Davis Bridge Project, and otherwise providing with respect thereto Resolution No. 33 of 2017, a resolution proclaiming and supporting April as National Autism Awareness Month and to otherwise provide with respect thereto
Page 6 Special Proclamation for National Service Recognition Day 2017 At this time, Mr. Jackson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: ABSTAIN: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Cawthorne, seconded by Mr. Atkins, that Resolution No. 27 of 2017, a resolution supporting the continued tax exempt status of municipal bonds, and otherwise providing with respect thereto be moved to Thursday s agenda. Mr. Cawthorne explained that this is a national movement by NACo. Municipal bonds is how local municipalities form their government, senior citizens fund their retirement bills, etc. He asked that everyone support this resolution. At this time, Mr. Cawthorne s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: ABSTAIN: (0). It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Middleton, that Resolution No. 28 of 2017, a resolution authorizing the Administrator to complete an application to become a Target Zero Institute ( TZI ) fellow and otherwise providing with respect thereto be moved to Thursday s agenda. Mr. Linn stated that if a person wanted a cat spayed/neutered and released on their property, then that could be done. If there is a cat on a person s property that they do not want there, then they are not obligated to TNR. Answering a question from Mr. Dominick regarding the legality of the TNR Program, Attorney Frazier explained that Caddo s local ordinance states that it is against the law to have an animal running at large. If someone wanted an animal released back onto their property, then that person could adopt and take care of that animal, she said. Attorney Frazier also pointed out that State Law states that it is animal cruelty to abandon an animal. If an animal is released into a neighborhood without a certain person to take care of it, then it would be considered abandonment. Attorney Frazier also stated that there is one neighborhood in Baton Rouge that the residents have signed up and agreed to take care of the cats. This is not considered abandonment, she said. Attorney Frazier explained that if any of the municipalities does not pass an exemption of cats, then the Parish cannot release cats back into those municipalities. She also stated that if a person agrees to take care of the cats that are released, they would need to sign a document stating they are responsible for any damage the cat does. Substitute motion by Mr. Atkins, seconded by Mr. Middleton, to remand Resolution No. 28 of 2017, a resolution authorizing the Administrator to complete an application to become a Target Zero Institute ( TZI ) fellow and otherwise providing with respect thereto to the Animal Services Committee. Mr. Atkins stated that he has concerns with a draw on resources within the Animal Services Department, animal health, personal property rights, etc. He believes that this needs to go to committee to help resolve these issues and concerns. Mr. Middleton agreed with Mr. Atkins. Mr. Linn stated that he is comfortable with this going to committee. At this time, Mr. Atkins substitute motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (11). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Gage- Watts (1). ABSTAIN: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Chavez, that Resolution No. 29 of 2017, a resolution of support for Webster Parish Police Jury s request to dismantle the burn chamber at Camp Minden be moved to Thursday s agenda. Mr. Linn stated that he asked Legal to draft a resolution of support for Webster Parish to dismantle the burn chamber. Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson requested that Mr. Linn invite one of the Webster Parish Police Jurors to come to the Commission.
Page 7 Mr. Louis Johnson stated that he spoke with Bossier Police Jury, Bossier City Council, and Haughton, who took no position against it. At this time, Mr. Linn s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Jackson, Linn, Louis Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Smith (8). NAYS: Commissioners Dominick and Middleton (2). ABSENT: Commissioners Atkins and Gage-Watts (2). ABSTAIN: None (0). There being no further business to come before the Commission, the Work Session adjourned at 4:57 p.m. /s/ Todd A. Hopkins Todd A. Hopkins Commission Clerk