MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON THE 6 th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2016 The Caddo Parish Economic Development Committee met in the Government Chambers Conference Room on the above date at 5:00 p.m., with Mr. Steven Jackson, Chairman, and the following members in attendance: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Gage-Watts, Jackson, and Linn (6). ABSENT: None. (0). Also in attendance were Parish Administrator Dr. Woody Wilson, Parish Attorney Donna Frazier, Assistant Parish Attorney Henry Bernstein, and Commissioners Dominick and Middleton. Atkins. The Invocation was led by Mr. Chavez and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Mr. Jackson welcomed everyone in today s committee meeting and discussed the committee rules. There were no objections to the rules, so Mr. Jackson moved on and stated that this meeting is to discuss the following terms: 1. Consideration of Thunder Road Raceway funding request 2. Discuss and make recommendation for 2017 Economic Development Budget There were no agenda additions or public comments at this time. Mr. Jackson reminded committee members to look over the economic development policy that Ms. Dudley has been working on and send her any comments you might have on this policy or questions related to this issue. Mr. Jackson stated that at this time, the committee would consider funding for Thunder Road Raceway, he reminded committee members that the Hoyas made a presentation on this issue in the September 30 th committee meeting. Mr. Dominick requested that the Hoyas be allowed to give a brief summation of their plans and request for those committee members that were not in attendance on the 30 th of September. The Hoyas gave a brief look at the race tracks events for 2016 and plans for 2017 along with their funding request of $50,000 for 2016 and $100,000 for the 2017 budget. Answering a question from Mr. Atkins regarding whether the raceway is a for profit or non-profit agency, Mr. Hoyas stated that they are currently a for profit business but are in the early stages of setting up a non-profit portion of the business related to educational platforms. Answering a question from Mr. Cawthorne regarding the economic impact of these events, Mrs. Hoyas stated that an independent firm had performed an economic development impact study and she would provide copies to the committee members. Mr. Hoyas stated that their most recent data was handed over to the Sports Authority a week or so ago. Mr. Hoyas provided one copy for committee members to look over regarding 2015 study. Answering a question related to the non-profit being in place for 2017, Mr. Hoyas stated that he believes all the paperwork and requirements should be finished by the 2017 racing season. Answering another question from Mr. Chavez regarding sales tax to the City of Shreveport or Parish of Caddo, Dr. Wilson stated that it is almost impossible to tell what amounts go to the city or parish because it is reported as the Parish as a whole. Mrs. Hoyas stated that the annual association meeting and banquet was held at Sam s Town this past year and it brought approximately 400 race teams and their families into town in hotels and restaurants for a weekend helping to bring tax dollars to the area. Mr. Dominick stated to the committee that he had discussed with the Hoyas their request and explained to them the Parish s situation as far as drop in sales tax revenue and other funds that were down in 2016 and projected to be low again in 2017. Mr. Dominick suggested that the amount to consider by this committee should be instead $10,000 for 2016 and $15,000 for 2017. Mr. Dominick hopes the committee will support this request to be added. Answering a question from Mr. Linn regarding a 2016 request for funds, Mr. Hoyas stated that they made a mistake in the filling of the application for 2016 and by the time we found out to fix the situation it was too late for funding, that is way they came back at this time to request funding for 2016. It was moved by Mr. Atkins, seconded by Mr. Chavez, to recommend to the full commission to not fund in 2016 but to fund $25,000 for the 2017 budget regarding Thunder Road Raceway.
Mr. Atkins supports appropriating money for the non-profit entity that will be available in 2017 but has trouble appropriating money to a for profit entity with tax payer dollars. Mr. Atkins also believes the $25,000 appropriation is in-line with other agencies after the dialing back of funding he committee is trying to accomplish. Mr. Cawthorne made a friendly amendment to appropriate $10,000 in 2016 and $15,000 in 2017 contingent upon the appropriation being made to a non-profit who can accept the money and administer the program, like we were able to do with the KTBS 4 th of July Celebration. Mr. Atkins accepted Mr. Cawthorne s friendly amendment. Substitute motion by Mr. Linn for $0 appropriation in 2016 and $2,500 in 2017 died for lack of a second. At this time, Mr. Atkins motion with the amendment carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (5). NAYS: Commissioner Linn (1). Recommendations for the 2017 Economic Development Budget as follows: Mrs. Gage-Watts pointed out there are two items that were voted to move to the Economic Development Budget by the NGO Committee, they being ICCE and Fit for Life. Mr. Jackson stated that what Commissioners have before them is his attempt to come up with numbers based on his conversations with the Finance Department and stay within the forecasted revenue for 2017. It was moved by Mr. Jackson to recommend EAP appropriation of $200,000. There be no second motion fails. Answering a question from Mr. Chavez regarding what the City of Shreveport appropriated in 2016, Dr. Wilson stated that it was $150,000 but does not know the number at this time for 2017. Dr. Wilson stated that he will have $500,000 reflected in the budget as required by the ordinance but the Commission can change that number on the floor the day of budget adoption. Mr. Atkins reminded the committee that he will abstain from discussion or voting on the EAP appropriation because of his involvement with the EAP program. Answering a question from Mr. Chavez regarding the number of employees employed by EAP, Mr. Linn stated that he believes it is less than 10 employees. It was moved by Mr. Cawthorne to recommend EAP appropriation of $500,000. There being no second motion fails. It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Chavez to recommend EAP appropriation of $200,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Chavez, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (3). NAYS: Commissioners Cawthorne and Linn (2). ABSTAIN: Commissioner Atkins (1) ABSENT: None. (0) It was moved by Mr. Atkins, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts to recommend CoHab appropriation of $50,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Linn to recommend LA Film Prize appropriation of $25,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Atkins to recommend Greater Shreveport Chamber appropriation of $10,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the NAYS: None (0). It was moved by Jackson, seconded by Mr. Linn to recommend Highland Area Partnership appropriation of $5,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (6). NAYS: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Atkins to recommend I-Bowl Foundation appropriation of $25,000 for the 2017 budget.
Mr. Jackson stated that the I-Bowl now has the needed appropriation from the Hotel/Motel Tax that was voted on by the citizens and that we now only need to fund the portion for the suite and game tickets needed. Mr. Atkins pointed out that this appropriation is in his opinion is about supporting the I- Bowl and not about a suite or tickets for the game for Commissioners and staff; he believes the I-Bowl is important to the community on both the economic development and quality of life sides. Dr. Wilson stated that more discussions are occurring on this issue and he should have more information at a later date. Mr. Cawthorne informed the committee that he is on the I-Bowl executive committee and therefore will abstain from voting on this appropriation. Answering a question from Mr. Chavez regarding the I-Bowl being for profit or non-profit, Mr. Jackson stated that the I-Bowl Foundation is a non-profit entity. Answering a question from Mr. Linn regarding who we pay the appropriation to, Dr. Wilson stated that the appropriation goes to the I-Bowl Foundation. Mr. Linn stated that he will support one more year but believes the recently passed tax on the Hotel/Motel issue should provide enough funds after this year. Answering a question from Mr. Linn regarding tickets, Dr. Wilson stated that its approximately 30-35 box tickets and another 15-20 game tickets for staff. Mr. Linn would like to see double the amount of tickets available to be used as an arm of economic development with current or possible businesses wanting to expand or move to the area. At this time, Mr. Jackson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (5). NAYS: None (0). ABSTAIN: Commissioner Cawthorne. (1). ABSENT: None. (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Atkins to recommend Christmas on Caddo appropriation of $5,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Chavez to recommend NLEP appropriation of $50,000 for the 2017 budget. Substitute motion by Mrs. Watts, seconded by Mr. Atkins to recommend NLEP appropriation of $70,000 for the 2017 budget. Mrs. Gage-Watts motion failed, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne and Gage-Watts (3). NAYS: Commissioners Chavez, Jackson, and Linn (3). At this time, Mr. Jackson s original motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez, and Jackson (4). NAYS: Commissioners Cawthorne and Gage-Watts (2). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Cawthorne to recommend NW La CDC appropriation of $50,000 for the 2017 budget. Substitute motion by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by Mr. Cawthorne to recommend NW LA CDC appropriation of $60,000 for the 2017 budget. Mrs. Gage-Watts motion failed, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Cawthorne and Gage-Watts (2). NAYS: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez, Jackson, and Linn (4). At this time, Mr. Jackson s original motion carried, as shown by the following roll call (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, no second obtained. Substitute motion by Mr. Chavez, seconded by Mr. Linn to recommend RISE appropriation of $0 for the 2017 budget. Mr. Jackson stated that this group is similar to Fit for Life. Mr. Chavez stated that this is very similar to Fit for Life and he does not believe we have to provide monies for people to get healthy. Mr. Cawthorne pointed out that there all types of entities out there trying to help citizens get healthy and fit. Mr. Jackson pointed out that this program is a year round program unlike the Fit for Life
group. Substitute motion by Mr. Cawthorne, seconded by Mr. Chavez to delay recommendation to appropriate monies to RISE until more information can be obtained. Motion carried, as shown by the NAYS: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts to recommend Rho Omega & Friends appropriation of $30,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Cawthorne, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (4). NAYS: None (0). ABSTAIN: Commissioners Atkins and Chavez (2). ABSENT: None. (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts to recommend Sci-Port appropriation of $60,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts to recommend Shady Grove Missionary Baptist appropriation of $15,000 for the 2017 budget. Discussion regarding state of Shreveport black neighborhoods and its relation to outside forces moving into those areas but not being a complement to the community. At this time, Mr. Jackson s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts to recommend Shreveport- Bossier African American Chamber appropriation of $25,000 for the 2017 budget. Substitute motion by Mr. Chavez died for lack of second. At this time, Mr. Linn s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (6). NAYS: None (0). ABSTAIN: None. (0) ABSENT: None. (0). It was moved by Mr. Cawthorne, seconded by Mr. Atkins to recommend Military Affairs Council appropriation of $15,000 for 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson seconded by Mr. Linn to recommend Southern Hills Business Association appropriation of $20,000 for 2017 budget. Substitute motion by Mr. Chavez, seconded by Mr. Cawthorne to recommend Southern Hills B.A. appropriation of $25,000 for 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Atkins to recommend Southern University Foundation Cooking Classic appropriation of $10,000 for 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (5). NAYS: None (0). ABSTAIN: None. (0) ABSENT: Commissioner Chavez. (1). It was moved by Mr. Cawthorne, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts to recommend State Fair appropriation of $10,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (5). NAYS: None (0). ABSTAIN: None. (0) ABSENT: Commissioner Chavez. (1). It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Atkins to recommend Strand Theatre appropriation of $10,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: It was moved by Jackson, seconded by Mr. Atkins to recommend Strategic Action Council appropriation of $50,000 for the 2017 budget. Substitute motion by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by Mr. Jackson to recommend Strategic Action Council appropriation of $65,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion failed, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Cawthorne, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (3). NAYS: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez and Linn (3). Substitute motion by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Linn to recommend Strategic Action Council appropriation of $55,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (6). NAYS:
None (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Linn to recommend Southern University Shreveport Aero Space Program appropriation of $200,000 for the 2017 budget with a stipulation that monies appropriated not go for rental of downtown hangar. Mr. Jackson stated that there are still discussions going on with many different entities to try and figure out a way to cover the lease at the downtown airport for SUSLA. Mr. Cawthorne believes SUSLA and EAP should both be funded because of what those programs mean to the community and its future. Substitute motion by Mr. Cawthorne, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts to recommend SUSLA Aero Space Program appropriation of $300,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion failed, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Cawthorne, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (3). NAYS: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez and Linn (3). Substitute motion by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by Mr. Jackson, to recommend SUSLA Aero Space Program appropriation of $275,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion failed, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Cawthorne, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (3). NAYS: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez and Linn (3). Substitute motion by Mr. Chavez, seconded by Mr. Jackson to recommend SUSLA Aero Space Program appropriation of $210,000 for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the NAYS: None (0). It was moved by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by Mr. Chavez to recommend $20,000 appropriation for Inner City Entrepreneurial Program for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the NAYS: None (0). It was moved by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by to recommend $25,000 appropriation for Fit for Life program for 2017 budget. Discussion of Fit for Life and similarities with RISE were discussed but some members asked that both groups provide more information so they could be compared. Ms. Frazier informed the committee of the economic impact study provided by Fit for Life and how the program spends its money each year. Mr. Chavez has a question about spending money for equipment and that is why he would like more information before approving. Mr. Jackson once again pointed out that RISE is a yearlong program and Fit for Life is a three-day event. Substitute motion by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Chavez to delay Fit for Life appropriation until further information can be provided. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, and Chavez, (4). NAYS: Commissioners Jackson and Gage-Watts (2). It was moved by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by Mr. Cawthorne to recommend $8,000 appropriation for Delta Sigma Theta National Conference for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (6). NAYS: None (0). It was moved by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts to recommend $10,000 appropriation for RISE for the 2017 Budget. Motion failed, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Gage-Watts, Jackson, and Linn (3). NAYS: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, and Chavez (3). It was moved by Mrs. Gage-Watts to bring Fit for Life back to the floor to appropriate $25,000 for the 2017 budget. $10,000. Substitute motion by Mr. Jackson, to bring back Fit for Life for $15,000 and RISE for Both Mrs. Gage-Watts and Mr. Jackson s motions failed to receive a second. It was moved by Mr. Chavez, seconded by Mr. Linn to recommend RISE and Fit for Life appropriations at $10,000 per entity for the 2017 budget. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez, Gage-Watts, and Jackson (5). NAYS: Commissioner Cawthorne (1). There was no further discussion, and the meeting was adjourned.
/s/todd Hopkins Todd A. Hopkins Commission Clerk