Thank You. As Most of You Know, I Don't Always Have a Lot of Things to Say

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION HELD ON THE 5TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2017

The Caddo Parish Commission met in legal and regular session, on the above date, at 3:30 p.m., in the Government Chambers, with President Linn, presiding, and the following members in attendance, constituting a quorum: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (10). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). VACANT: District 12.

The invocation was given by Mr. Steven Jackson, and Mr. Mario Chavez, led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.

SELECTION OF 2017 CADDO COMMISSION OFFICERS

Mr. Linn stated it is now time to select Caddo Commission Officers for the 2017 year.

At this time, Mr. Linn opened the floor up for nominations for President of the Caddo Parish Commission.

It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Atkins, to nominate Mr. Steven Jackson for the 2017 Caddo Parish Commission President.

Mr. Dominick stated that it has been tradition to move the Vice President to the President’s seat. Mr. Atkins agreed, and believes that Mr. Jackson is well suited for the job.

Mrs. Gage-Watts stated, verbatim:

Thank you. As most of you know, I don’t always have a lot of things to say, especially around this horseshoe that does not directly affect the citizens—the people that I represent in District 7. But I think I need to clear up a few things about that. When I say ‘my people’, I’m not talking about those people who just look like me, especially not just women. But I’m talking about people who are voiceless that I represent. You know, it has been said that I was prejudice, and that I never include white people when I’m talking about something. But I was brought home from the hospital by a white man, who happens to be my Godfather…who is my father’s best friend. And I’m named after a white woman, who happens to be my Godsister, who is my mother’s best friend. I’m probably one of the best kept little secrets that you will probably ever meet because it is not my desire to push anyone down to climb to the top. My Bible explained to me that Samuel was demoted because of those actions, and that God promoted him because he had his heart’s desire in mind. What I can say is that I was sent here, and I came as a young, gifted appointed person. It’s obvious that I’m a woman, who happens to be black, but not once have I ever made that a priority at this job. I have successfully managed and owned my own business for over 20+ years because I naturally possess qualities of kindness; I’m skilled; and I work very well with others. I am not asking for anything, but respect—I demand it. I didn’t come to play dirty politics. That was never my intention, even when the last run for President, I was offered the Economic Development chair for a vote. I declined that because of my own convictions. I am here to help improve the quality of life for citizens in Caddo Parish. For President, I started a chapter right here in Shreveport…a sorority with two members that quickly grew to over 70 members in two years. Because I didn’t dictate; because I know my job is to facilitate as a President and lead by example. A lot of support that was around this horseshoe that was promised was compromised somewhere, and without a legitimate reason. But I would sure hate to believe that I am being looked over today because I am a hardworking, fighting agent for change…who happens to be a woman. Thank you.

Mr. Johnson stated, verbatim:

Thank you. I want to kind of tag along some of the comments that Commissioner Watts said. Today I feel that we are setting back this Commission at least 30-40 years. We’ve had times in which the Vice-President didn’t make it to President. So it’s not always a guarantee. Just recently with the City Council, the Vice-Chair did not make it to Chairman this past year. So, it’s not 100% guarantee just because someone got there. Then we look at the reason of how the officers got in place for this past year. There was three Commissioners that were gone to Washington, D.C. which didn’t allow Commissioner Watts to have the number of votes that needed to become the Vice-President. So, the

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continual of political unjust by saying that well-served in this position for a whole year. So now there’s all other kind of excuses why not to move Commissioner Watts up. If you look at any other political bodies, a lot of the times, the people that move up to the higher ranks are the ones who have the most seniority—people who have been here the longest. Last term, that’s basically how it was set up; the term before that, that’s how it was set up. You came in and got into the rotation to move up and that nobody jumped over anybody else. But now, it seems to be ok that’s fine to do that because there was a small political pact that was formed with the new elected officials. And so with that, they had some numbers because, like I said, it was four new ones that came in. A couple of others joined into it and therefore, you have what we have today. But there’s always ways to undo what was done and what was wrong. If our system is basically led by a democrat one year, and a republican the next year…led by a democrat the next year. If you have a majority of the democrats that would want a particular person to be president in the year that the democrat is supposed to be president, it seems that the body would go along with the wishes of that particular party. Today, we don’t have that. I don’t want to be in a position to say that the whole year is going to be terrible, but at the same time, it’s going to be another year of what we just had…in my opinion. I try to work with everybody, but at the same time, it’s kind of hard to work with some when you smile one minute, and the next minute you got a whole different situation. I love what I do; I love representing the people of District 2, Caddo Parish; and I’ll fight for them day in and day out. My politics is a little different from someone else’s that sit up here because everybody’s district is set up a little different—everybody’s district has different needs, but at the end of the day...it is about helping the people of Caddo Parish. If you’re not up here to help the people of Caddo Parish, you really don’t need to be up here. If you got your own personal agenda about what you’re trying to do and not help the people, then you really shouldn’t be up here. That’s just my opinion. Thank you.

At this time, Mr. Dominick’s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (7). NAYS: Commissioners Cawthorne, Gage-Watts, and Johnson (3). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None.

Mr. Hopkins suggested to have the Commissioners change seats once all of the officers have been selected.

It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Middleton, to nominate Mr. Doug Dominick for the 2017 Vice President of the Caddo Parish Commission. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (9). NAYS: Commissioner Gage-Watts (1). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None.

It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Chavez, to nominate Mr. Lynn Cawthorne as Parliamentarian of the Caddo Parish Commission for 2017. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None.

At this time, the newly elected officers took their seats.

AGENDA ADDITIONS

It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Dominick, to expand the agenda and add Resolution No. 6 of 2017 under “Resolutions”.

At this time, Mr. Hopkins opened the floor for public hearing on the agenda addition. There was no one to speak in favor, or against, the agenda addition. The public hearing on the agenda addition was closed at this time.

At this time, Mr. Linn’s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (10). NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None.

CITIZENS COMMENTS

Mr. Ken Krefft, 157 Archer Avenue, Shreveport, came before the Commission to offer his services to read Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech “I Have A Dream” at any event the Commission may have. He also congratulated the newly appointed officers.

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Mr. Carl Piehl, 7607 Cordeou Street, Shreveport, Catholic Charities North Louisiana, came before the Commission to discuss financial education. He thanked the Commission for their service to the community. He also extended an invitation to the Commission to tour their facility located at 331 E. 71st Street, Shreveport. Mr. Piehl requested that the Commissioners respond back to the emails and calls they will be receiving. Ms. Mary Alice Rountree, 1700 Buckner Street, Suite 240, Shreveport, representing Caddo Council on Aging “Meals on Wheels” program to request additional funding from the Commission.

Mr. Craig B. Lee, 1035 Eustis Street, Shreveport, representing GET UP, Inc. in regards to renaming the unnamed sections of I-49 in Caddo Parish honoring C.C. Antoine. He commended Commissioner Johnson for bringing forth this resolution.

It was moved by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by Mr. Linn, to adopt the Regular Session Minutes from December 8, 2016. Motion carried.

It was moved by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by Mr. Chavez, to adopt Special Session Minutes from December 6, 2016. Motion carried.

COMMUNIQUES/COMMITTEE REPORTS

 Mr. Hopkins stated that Mr. Johnson is announcing his candidacy for Police Jury Association of Louisiana Member-At-Large position. Mr. Dominick asked that a resolution be drafted in support of his candidacy.

 Dr. Wilson stated that Project RAIL has begun Phase I. He also announced that the Commission has collected $1,020,000 in rent for the former GM plant. Mr. Dominick congratulated all parts that were involved in the start of Phase I at the former plant.

 Mr. Cawthorne congratulated all the newly elected officers. He also stated that Booker T. Washington has been invited to the WorldStrides Heritage Festival in New York City.

 Mr. Atkins commended Mr. Glass and the Public Works Department for all of their work on Wallace Lake Road.

 Mrs. Gage-Watts thanked the Animal Services Department for their swift attention to one of her constituent’s raccoon problem. She also asked that Dr. Wilson get in touch with DOTD regarding the lighting on 3132.

 Dr. Wilson announced that the Pin Ceremony will be held on Friday, January 13th at 2:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Agriculture Building at the LA State Fairgrounds.

 Mr. Johnson also congratulated the newly elected officers. He also stated that he was excited to learn that Hyundai came into the Parish and will provide new jobs to the citizens.

Mr. Johnson announced that the gun buyback program is scheduled for Saturday, January 14th at Morningstar Baptist Church.

 Mr. Jackson is also excited for the new tenant at the GM Plant. He thanked Mrs. Zazell Dudley and Mr. Scott Martinez for all of their hard work in landing the deal.

Mr. Jackson recognized District Attorney Stewart who was in attendance today.

He also thanked everyone for their support in nominating him for the President’s seat.

ORDINANCES (introduction by title)

 Ordinance No. 5660 of 2017, amend Sections 18-5, 18-8, and 18-72 of the Code of Ordinances of the Parish of Caddo, relative to Flood Damage Prevention, to amend minimum construction elevations, to add the Red River Flood Hazard Area and establish a minimum elevation within that area

 Ordinance No. 5661 of 2017, providing for the dissolution of the Live Oak Multi- Fait Trust, and providing for other matters in connection therewith

 Ordinance No. 5662 of 2017, to authorize the purchase of property located in Section 22, Township 19 North, Range 15 West, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and to otherwise provide with respect thereto

It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Johnson, that the Work Session Minutes from January 3, 2017 be approved. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES:

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Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, Smith, and Gage-Watts (10). NAYS: None. (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None.

RESOLUTIONS

It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Chavez, that Resolution No. 1 of 2017, approving the amended 2016 Budget and the proposed 2017 Budget of North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission be approved. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, Smith, and Gage-Watts (10). NAYS: None. (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 1 OF 2017

BY THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION:

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AMENDED 2016 BUDGET AND THE PROPOSED 2017 BUDGET OF NORTH LOUISIANA CRIMINALISTICS LABORATORY COMMISSION AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Caddo Parish Commission in due, legal and regular session convened this 5TH day of January, 2017, that it hereby approves the amended 2016 and proposed 2017 budget of the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission, as presented.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution, or application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications, and to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall become effective immediately.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

It was moved by Mr. Linn, seconded by Mr. Middleton, that Resolution No. 2 of 2017, proclaiming January as Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month.

Mrs. Laurie McGehee, Juvenile Service Department, came before the Commission to discuss human trafficking. On behalf of the Caddo Parish Community Response Team, Ms. McGehee thanked Mr. Middleton for sponsoring this resolution. She also commended Mr. Johnson on all of his hard work in regards to human trafficking.

Ms. McGehee explained that the Community Response Team (CRT) is a joint effort between the four governing bodies: Caddo Parish Commission, Bossier Parish Police Jury, Bossier City, and the City of Shreveport. They meet every two weeks to discuss high risk cases. After the cases are process, they employ different agencies to help these young people get back on the right path.

She also announced that the CRT has been recognized in the State of Louisiana as the first of its kind. Ms. McGehee stated that the CRT has received an “A” from Shared Hope International in regards to its laws and regulations. She provided a listing to the Commissioners of the members of the CRT. Ms. McGehee recognized some of the members that provide help to the young victims of human trafficking.

Finally, Ms. McGehee announced that Caddo Parish has received a NACo award in regards to all of their work on human trafficking. Caddo Parish is also recognized by Shared Hope International as one of the premiere human trafficking disciplinary teams in the Nation.

She also announced that there is a proclamation ceremony scheduled on Friday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. on the steps of the Juvenile Court. She would like to invite all the Commissioners to this event.

Mr. Johnson will host and sponsor a Human Trafficking Summit in February. The date is to be announced. Mr. Johnson stated that there were several agencies working together in helping the victims of human trafficking. His ultimate goal is to make Shreveport/Caddo Parish a “No Zone” for human trafficking.

Mr. Middleton commended Ms. McGehee and all those involved in helping the victims.

At this time, Mr. Linn’s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, Smith, and Gage-Watts (10). NAYS: None. (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 2 OF 2017

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BY THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION:

A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING JANUARY AS ‘HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH’ IN CADDO PARISH

WHEREAS, January is designated as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month; and

WHEREAS, today, millions of men, women, and children are victims of human trafficking. These victims face cruelty that has no place in a civilized world: children are made to be soldiers, teenage girls are beaten and forced into prostitution, and others exploited and compelled to work for little or no pay. It is a crime that takes many forms, and one that tears at the social fabric, debases our common humanity, and violates what we stand for as a country and a people; and

WHEREAS, founded on the principles of justice and fairness, the United States continues to be a leader in the global movement to end human trafficking and are working to combat human trafficking, prosecute the perpetrators, and help victims recover and rebuild their lives; and

WHEREAS, during Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, we stand together with the survivors, advocates, and organizations dedicated to building a parish, state and country where our people and children are not for sale.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Caddo Parish Commission, meeting in legal and regular session this 5th day of January, 2017 that it does hereby proclaim January, 2017 as:

‘HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH’ in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and urges all citizens to join with the Parish in recognition of this important month.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately.

It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Cawthorne, that Resolution No. 3 of 2017, urging and requesting the Louisiana Legislature to designate a portion of I-49 within Caddo Parish boundaries as the “C.C. Antoine Freeway” be approved.

Substitute motion by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Dominick, to englobo and adopt the following resolutions:

 Resolution No. 3 of 2017, urging and requesting the Louisiana Legislature to designate a portion of I-49 within Caddo Parish boundaries as the “C.C. Antoine Freeway”

 Resolution No. 4 of 2017, approving and authorizing the Caddo Parish Fire District Number Seven (the “District”) to issue, sell, and deliver in the name of the district fire district revenue bonds in an amount not exceeding three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000), in one or more series, for the purposes of financing the purchase of a fire truck; seeking State Bond Commission approval; providing for the employment of Bond Counsel, and providing for other matters in connection therewith

 Resolution No. 5 of 2017, urging and requesting the Honorable John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Legislature to act to authorize and provide for the operation of autonomous vehicles in Louisiana

At this time, Mr. Jackson’s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, Smith, and Gage-Watts (10). NAYS: None. (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 3 OF 2017

BY THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION:

A RESOLUTION URGING AND REQUESTING THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE TO DESIGNATE A PORTION OF I-49 WITHIN CADDO PARISH BOUNDARIES AS THE “C.C. ANTOINE FREEWAY”, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, several miles of I-49 lie within the boundaries of Caddo Parish;

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WHEREAS, Caesar Carpentier Antoine was one of three African-Americans to serve as Louisiana Lieutenant Governor during Reconstruction;

WHEREAS, Caesar Carpentier Antoine also served as a delegate to the Louisiana Constitutional Convention of 1867-1868;

WHEREAS, Caesar Carpentier Antoine served as a Louisiana State Senator from Caddo Parish from 1868-1872;

WHEREAS, after his distinguished political career, Caesar Carpentier Antoine served Caddo Parish as a distinguished businessman;

WHEREAS, the accomplishments of Caesar Carpentier Antoine remain celebrated to this day, particularly within Caddo Parish;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Caddo Parish Commission in due, regular and legal session convened, that it does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Legislature to designate as the “C.C. Antoine Freeway” that portion of I-49 which is not otherwise designated;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Honorable John A. Alario, Jr., President of the Louisiana State Senate and the Honorable Taylor F. Barras, Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications, and to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

RESOLUTION NO. 4 OF 2017

BY THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION

A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CADDO PARISH FIRE DISTRICT NUMBER SEVEN (THE “DISTRICT”) TO ISSUE, SELL AND DELIVER IN THE NAME OF THE DISTRICT FIRE DISTRICT REVENUE BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($300,000), IN ONE OR MORE SERIES, FOR THE PURPOSES OF FINANCING THE PURCHASE OF A FIRE TRUCK; SEEKING STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVAL; PROVIDING FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF BOND COUNSEL, AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

WHEREAS, by resolution adopted December 5, 2016 (the “Resolution”), the Board of Commissioners of the Caddo Parish Fire District Number Seven (the "District"), acting as the governing authority of the District (the “Board”) granted authority for the District to issue, sell and deliver in the name of the District, Fire District Revenue Bonds, in an amount not exceeding Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000), in one or more series (the “Bonds”), for the purposes of (i) purchasing a fire truck; and (ii) paying the costs of issuance of the Bonds; and

WHEREAS, the District has requested the Caddo Parish Commission (the "Commission") confirm, approve and authorize the issuance of the Bonds in the name of the District all as set forth in the Resolution; and

WHEREAS, as authorized by Article VI, Section 15 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, it is now the desire of the Commission, to approve the issuance of the Bonds by the District; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Caddo Parish Commission acting as the governing authority of said Parish (the "Governing Authority"), that:

SECTION 1. Commission Approval. In accordance with the request of the Board of the District, this Governing Authority hereby ratifies, confirms, approves and authorizes the issuance of the Bonds by the District all as set forth in the Resolution and/or any subsequent resolution of said Board with respect to the issuance of the Bonds.

SECTION 2. Further Authorization. In connection with the issuance and sale of the Bonds, the President of the Commission and/or Clerk of this Governing Authority are each authorized, empowered

192 Commission Minutes January 5, 2017 and directed to execute on behalf of the Governing Authority such documents, certificates and instruments, including but not limited to local services agreements, as they may deem necessary, upon the advice of Bond Counsel (as defined in the Resolution), to effect the approvals authorized by the Resolution and to assist the District in the issuance of the Bonds, the signatures of the President of the Commission and/or Clerk on such documents, certificates and instruments to be conclusive evidence of the due exercise of the authority granted hereunder.

This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

YEAS: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, and Smith (10)

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1)

ABSTAINING: None.

And this resolution was declared adopted on this, the 5th day of January, 2017.

/s/Todd Hopkins /s/Matthew Linn Clerk President

RESOLUTION NO. 5 OF 2017

BY THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION:

A RESOLUTION URGING AND REQUESTING THE HONORABLE JOHN BEL EDWARDS AND THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE TO ACT TO AUTHORIZE AND PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN LOUISIANA, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, autonomous vehicles are being developed and tested in many locales around the country;

WHEREAS, autonomous vehicles offer substantial improvements in many areas;

WHEREAS, even now, land use planners are anticipating the use of autonomous vehicles;

WHEREAS, developers and manufacturers of autonomous vehicles are creating technological advances in many areas of endeavor;

WHEREAS, utilization of autonomous vehicles would be an economic benefit to the citizens of Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, the development and manufacture of autonomous vehicles is a potential economic development focus for the state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Caddo Parish Commission in due, regular and legal session convened, that the Caddo Parish Commission does hereby urge and request the Honorable John Bel Edwards, Governor of the State of Louisiana, and the Louisiana Legislature to adopt and implement policies and legislation to authorize and foster the development, manufacture, and use of autonomous vehicles in Louisiana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Honorable John Bel Edwards, Governor of Louisiana, the Honorable John A. Alario, Jr., President of the Louisiana State Senate and the Honorable Taylor F. Barras, Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED if any provision or item of this resolution or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications, and to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts, that Resolution No. 6 of 2017, a resolution urging the Louisiana Federal Delegation to seek and secure funding for the Red River Sedimentation Survey and Hydraulic Model and to otherwise provide with respect thereto be approved.

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Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, Smith, and Gage-Watts (10). NAYS: None. (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None.

RESOLUTION NO. 6 OF 2017

BY THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION:

A RESOLUTION URGING THE LOUISIANA FEDERAL DELEGATION TO SEEK AND SECURE FUNDING FOR THE RED RIVER SEDIMENTATION SURVEY AND HYDRAULIC MODEL AND TO OTHERWISE PROVIDE WITH RESPECT THERETO

WHEREAS, the Red River Watershed experienced a historic flood in 2015; and

WHEREAS, an issue that was identified was how far off the actual crest was from the projected crest, which was based on the 1990 flood of record. Another item of concern is that the 2015 flood crest was over 3’ higher than the 1990 crest with less volume of water at the Shreveport gage. The NW Louisiana communities suffered damages from a natural disaster, flood of record, and will continue to suffer from future flood events if the Red River Sedimentation Survey and Hydraulic Model are not completed and analyzed; and

WHEREAS, meetings have been held with the United States Army Corp of Engineers, Vicksburg District, to discuss these issues and for the communities to prepare for the next flood event. The Vicksburg District stated that it cannot determine the reasons for these discrepancies without a sedimentation survey and hydraulic model. The $1.5 million study is authorized under the existing J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Project, Construction General (CG) account. Unfortunately, only $250,000 was allocated in FY 2016, so critical data and surveys have not been collected; and

WHEREAS, the most current river profiles are from 1990 and earlier. There have been major changes to the Red River to include; lock & dams, dikes, revetments and urbanizations. The J. Bennett Johnston Waterway project constructed numerous dikes and revetments that have silted in over the past 20 years reducing flood storage capacity. It is obvious an updated river profile is required; and

WHEREAS, this is a serious problem for Caddo & Bossier Parishes and communities and this study must be accomplished to determine what actions must be taken before the next natural disaster, flood event.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Caddo Parish Commission in due, legal and regular session convened, that the Caddo Parish Commission urges and requests Louisiana’s Federal Delegation to seek and secure the remaining $1,250,000 million to complete the Red River Sedimentation Survey and Hydraulic Model from the FY 2017 Continuing Resolution, Energy & Water Development, Emergency Supplemental funds available, under the authority, J. Bennett Johnston Waterway, Construction General (CG).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission Clerk will forward a copy of this resolution to the Honorable Senator Bill Cassidy, the Honorable Senator Elect John Kennedy, The Honorable Representative Ralph Abraham and the Honorable Representative Elect Mike Johnson.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect upon adoption.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

NEW BUSINESS

It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts, to confirm setting the date (January 11th) and the time (5:00 p.m. deadline) for receiving resumes and scheduling of a meeting time (3:30 p.m.) and date (January 19th) for selection of an interim appointment to Caddo Parish Commission District 12.

Mr. Hopkins reiterated that the resumes need to be hand delivered to this office or mailed to: 505 Travis Street, Suite 110, Shreveport, LA 71101 to the attention of Todd Hopkins. Those resumes will be date and time stamped. On January 12th, he will contact the Registrar of Voters Office to ensure that all of the applicants live in that district. Once he reaches confirmation, he will call each individual and tell them to attend January 17th’s Work Session.

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Mr. Dominick reiterated that the deadline for resumes to be submitted is January 11th at 5:00 p.m., and the day that the selection for the interim appointment will be January 19th at 3:30 p.m.

Mr. Linn requested that the Commission Clerk include in the ad all of the requirements for the position.

Mr. Chavez would like the rules for the process in which the Commissioners select the Interim Commissioner. Mr. Hopkins stated that the applicants come before the Commission in alphabetical order, but the process can change with a vote. Mr. Chavez believes the process can be tweaked to ensure fairness for all those who “put their name in the hat”. Mr. Johnson explained that if there is one position, it is the majority of the sitting Commissioners that is appointed to the seat. So, the person that receives six votes gets the position, he said. Each Commissioner gets one vote. Mr. Dominick agreed.

Mr. Atkins stated that he is comfortable with the process that Mr. Johnson explained.

Mr. Hopkins stated that he will get with the Attorney Frazier to put the process in writing.

At this time, Mr. Johnson’s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Middleton, Smith, and Gage-Watts (10). NAYS: None. (0). ABSENT: Commissioner Bowman (1). ABSTAIN: None.

Mr. Hopkins stated that there was an election in December in regards to the Charter amendments. The canvass is scheduled for Thursday, January 12th at 3:30 p.m.

Mr. Jackson asked that the Commissioners call or txt him for the committee assignments.

There being no further business to come before the body, the meeting was adjourned at 4:34 p.m.

______Steven Jackson President ______Todd Hopkins Commission Clerk

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