MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION HELD ON THE 9TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 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 Jackson, presiding, and the following members in attendance, constituting a quorum: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Middleton, and Smith (10). ABSENT: Commissioners Linn and Lyndon B. Johnson (2).

Mr. Mario Chavez gave the invocation, and Mr. Mike Middleton led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

It was moved by Mr. Chavez, seconded by Mr. Dominick, to englobo and adopt the following special resolutions:

 Special Resolution of Recognition to Miss Lauren Vizza, Miss Louisiana USA 2018

 Special Resolution of Recognition to Mr. Gard Wayt

At this time, Mr. Chavez’s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Middleton, and Smith (10). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioners Linn and Lyndon B. Johnson (2). ABSTAIN: None (0).

RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION to 'MISS LOUISIANA USA' LAUREN VIZZA

WHEREAS, the Caddo Parish Commission is always pleased to recognize and honor those sons and daughters of Caddo Parish who have gone forth to gain singular and outstanding personal achievements, and in so doing, reflect favorably and positively upon their home community; and

WHEREAS, MISS LAUREN VIZZA, a Shreveport native and graduate of Caddo Parish Magnet High School and Louisiana Tech University, has earned the title "Miss Louisiana USA" Saturday, October 21st at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Metairie, Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, the 24-year-old Miss Vizza, serving as “Miss Shreveport”, picked up the win during the interview competition on her way to the “Miss Louisiana USA” title in Metairie. A previous “Miss Louisiana America” 2012, she fulfilled her duties gracefully as host for the state and spokesperson for many prominent Louisiana organizations. As Miss Louisiana USA, she has earned a spot to compete in the Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas in May 2018; and

WHEREAS, her visible charms perhaps overshadow the depth of her substance: she stands as an intelligent, independent role model who is community minded, selfless towards others and a gentle, kind young women. She has a deep personal interest in the citizens of Caddo Parish and the State of Louisiana. Lauren currently also serves as morning anchor at KTAL Channel 6 Shreveport, brightening mornings for the entire Ark-La-Tex.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Caddo Parish Commission in legal and regular session this 9th day of November, 2017, that it does hereby extend its most sincere and heartfelt expressions of congratulation and appreciation to LAUREN VIZZA, 'MISS LOUISIANA 2018', for her praiseworthy achievements and for representing Caddo Parish so elegantly and admirably to the state and nation.

Miss Vizza thanked the Commission for the special recognition.

Mr. Jackson congratulated Ms. Vizza on her newly attained title. He wished her good luck on her journey to obtain the Miss America title.

Mr. Bowman also congratulated Ms. Vizza. He stated that he is proud to have her representing Caddo Parish.

Mrs. Gage-Watts shared the same accolades as her fellow commissioners. She too wished her good luck on her future endeavors.

Mr. Middleton also commended Ms. Vizza on her newly attained title. 420 Commission Minutes November 9, 2017

Mr. Chavez stated that he is extremely proud of Ms. Vizza. He wished her luck on her future endevors.

RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION to MR. GARD WAYT

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Caddo Parish Commission to give appropriate acknowledgment and recognition to individuals who have rendered invaluable service in its behalf to the citizens of Caddo Parish; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gard Wayt has since September, 1997, served faithfully and effectively as one of the Commission’s appointees to the Board of Commissioners of the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board, more commonly known as the IDB; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wayt has served the IDB in almost every capacity, including the positions of secretary/treasurer, vice-chairman and chairman lending the knowledge and expertise he has acquired through the years as both a public servant and a successful businessman; and

WHEREAS, Gard has a long history of leadership in economic development, educational, political, professional, church and service organizations through-out Caddo Parish. Gard has served in many capacities in Caddo Parish including on the Caddo Parish School Board, the I-49 Coalition as Executive Director, Shreveport Charter Schools, Inc., the Shreveport Rotary Club and many other organizations; and

WHEREAS, as a Caddo Parish Police Juror, Gard Wayt served two different terms during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and then again in the early 1980’s. He also led efforts to reorganize the process related to how Parish department heads and executives were promoted and hired for the Police Jury. During that time, Gard also served on and chaired various committees that led to many improvements in Caddo Parish that still today have a positive impact on the citizens of Caddo Parish.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Caddo Parish Commission, meeting in legal and regular session convened this 9th day of November, 2017, that it does hereby convey its deepest and most sincere expressions of gratitude and appreciation to MR. GARD WAYT for the invaluable contributions he has made during many years of selfless service to his Parish, and particularly for his dedicated service on the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board.

It was moved by Mr. Bowman, seconded by Mr. Middleton, to adopt Speical Proclamation declaring November 6th- 12th “Veterans Celebration Week”.

Mr. Bowman commended all those involved in making the Veterans Parade & Honor Ceremony a success.

Mr. Middleton thanked all of the Veterans and their families for all they have done.

Mrs. Gage-Watts shared the same sentiments as her fellow colleagues.

At this time, Mr. Bowman’s moiton carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Middleton, and Smith (10). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioners Linn and Lyndon B. Johnson (2). ABSTAIN: None (0).

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, millions of Americans have served in the Armed Forces of the United States during the past century and have made the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, the Caddo Parish Commission, City of Shreveport, Bossier City, and the Bossier Parish Police Jury have united together to sponsor a parade and awards ceremony for our local veterans and their families at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds on Sunday, November 12th at 2:00 PM; and

WHEREAS, all businesses and public entities are asked to post ‘Thank You’ and ‘Welcome Veterans’ signs during the week of November 6th through November 12th, recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served and who are still active in the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, public and private school systems, primary, secondary and higher education institutions are asked to schedule educational programs, whereby veterans and military personnel may

421 Commission Minutes November 9, 2017 serve as guest speakers. Special recognition to our veterans at all religious institutions during religious services is also encouraged; and

WHEREAS, all citizens of Caddo Parish, Shreveport, Bossier City, Bossier Parish, and surrounding municipalities are asked to attend the parade in mass numbers, at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds midway; and attend the awards ceremony at The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club to honor our veterans, for protecting our American freedoms.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Caddo Parish Commission, the City of Shreveport, Bossier City and the Bossier Parish Police Jury meeting in legal and regular session convened during the month of November does hereby proclaim November 6th through November 12th, 2016 as

‘Veterans Celebration Week’ in Caddo Parish, Shreveport, Bossier City, and Bossier Parish, Louisiana, and urges all citizens to join with all governmental entities and the vicinity to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of ‘Veterans Celebration Week’ honoring our veterans and their families.

It was moved by Mr. Chavez, seconded by Mr. Middleton, that the minutes of the Regular Session held on October 19, 2017 be adopted. Motion carried.

It was moved by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by Mr. Chavez, that the minutes of the Special Session- 2018 Budget Introduction be adopted. Motion carried.

PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCES

 Ordinance No. 5722 of 2017, to amend Ordinance Number 5702 of 2017, relative to authority of the Parish Administrator to execute an easement and right-of-way agreement with AEP/SWEPCO pertaining to the granting of a temporary and permanent easement and right-of-way for the purpose of constructing and maintaining an electrical utility line in Sections 30, Township 20 North, Range 15 West, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, to correct the description of the easement and right-of-way and otherwise providing with respect thereto

 Ordinance No. 5723 of 2017, adopting the Budget of Estimated Revenues & Expenditures for the Shreve Memorial Library for the year 2018

Mr. John Tuggle came before the Commission to speak in favor of Ordinance No. 5723 of 2017. He thanked the Commission for their continued support. He hopes that the Commission will adopt this ordinance.

There being no others to speak in favor, or opposition, the public hearing was closed.

ORDINANCES (for final passage)

It was moved by Mr. Dominick, seconded by Mr. Bowman, to adopt Ordinance No. 5722 of 2017, to amend Ordinance Number 5702 of 2017, relative to authority of the Parish Administrator to execute an easement and right-of-way agreement with AEP/SWEPCO pertaining to the granting of a temporary and permanent easement and right-of-way for the purpose of constructing and maintaining an electrical utility line in Sections 30, Township 20 North, Range 15 West, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, to correct the description of the easement and right-of-way and otherwise providing with respect thereto. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, and Middleton (8). NAYS: Commissioner Smith (1). ABSENT: Commissioners Cawthorne, Linn, and Lyndon B. Johnson (3). ABSTAIN: None (0).

ORDINANCE NO. 5722 OF 2017

BY THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NUMBER 5702 OF 2017 RELATIVE TO AUTHORITY OF THE PARISH ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE AN EASEMENT AND RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT WITH AEP/SWEPCO PERTAINING TO THE GRANTING OF A TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT EASEMENT AND RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING AND MAINTAINING AN ELECTRICAL UTILITY LINE IN SECTIONS 30, TOWNSHIP 20 NORTH, RANGE 15 WEST, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, TO CORRECT THE DESCRIPITION OF THE EASEMENT AND RIGHT OF WAY AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO.

WHEREAS, the Parish of Caddo had received a request to grant to AEP/SWEPCO a temporary and permanent easement and right-of-way as depicted on Exhibit “A”, Section 30, Township 422 Commission Minutes November 9, 2017

20 North, Range 15 West, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, to place and maintain an electrical utility line and related poles and other equipment;

WHEREAS, the Caddo Parish Commission approved the grant of the easement and right-of-way in Ordinance No. 5702 of 2017; and

WHEREAS, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) has provided the Parish with a plat showing the final location of the easement and right-of-way.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Caddo Parish Commission in due, legal and regular session convened, that Ordinance 5702 of 2017 is hereby amended to substitute the attached plat as Exhibit A to Ordinance 5702 of 2017, such that the Parish Administrator or his designated representative is authorized to grant an easement and right-of-way as depicted on the attached Exhibit “A” for the installation and maintenance of an electrical utility line and related poles and other equipment.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Caddo Parish Administrator or his designee shall be, and is hereby authorized to do any and all things and to sign any and all contracts and other documents in a form acceptable to the Caddo Parish Attorney necessary to effectuate the purposes set forth herein.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that if any provision or item of this ordinance 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 ordinance are hereby declared severable.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that all ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

It was moved by Mr. Chavez, seconded by Mr. Middleton, that Ordinance No. 5723 of 2017, adopting the Budget of Estimated Revenues & Expenditures for the Shreve Memorial Library for the year 2018.

Answering a question from Mr. Atkins regarding technology impacting the library system, Mr. Tuggle explained that recent research has shown that the citizens enjoy paper books versus digital books. He also pointed out that there are several people that go to the library to use its Wi-Fi. Mr. Tuggle also stated that people are in need of different meeting and studying spaces.

Mr. Tuggle also stated that every school-aged kid has a virtual library card and access to free online after school tutoring service.

Mr. Dominick pointed out that there are several people that utilize the libraries that he goes to.

Mr. Chavez commended Mr. Tuggle on all of his hard work with the library system. He pointed out that there were 503,000 computer sessions in 2016 and 537,000 Wi-Fi connections at the libraries.

Mr. Middleton thanked Mr. Tuggle and his staff for the work they do for the community.

Mr. Jackson thanked Mr. Tuggle for his help with the North Louisiana Civil Rights. He is looking forward to engage with Mr. Tuggle on future endeavors.

At this time, Mr. Chavez’s motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Middleton, and Smith (10). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioners Lyndon B. Johnson and Linn (2). ABSTAIN: None (0).

ORDINANCE NO. 5723 OF 2017

BY THE CADDO PARISH COMMISSION:

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET OF ESTIMATED REVENUES & EXPENDITURES FOR THE SHREVE MEMORIAL LIBRARY FOR THE YEAR 2018

423 Commission Minutes November 9, 2017

BE IT ORDAINED by the Caddo Parish Commission, in legal and regular session convened, that the Budget of Estimated Revenues & Expenditures for the Shreve Memorial Library for the year 2018, is hereby adopted and appropriated as follows, to wit

2018 BUDGET

Revenues

Ad Valorem Taxes $ 15,384,600 State Revenue Sharing 383,200 Charges for Services 215,000 Interest Earned 24,500 Other Receipts 112,000 Fines and Forfeitures 78,000 Total Revenues 16,197,300

Expenditures

Shreve Memorial Library Maintenance and Operation 16,191,700 Library Debt Service 658,000 Total Expenditures 16,849,700

Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over Expenditures (652,400)

Fund Balance at Beginning of Year 21,543,908

Fund Balance at End of Year $ 20,891,508

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that any time during the year the Shreve Memorial Library Board of Control shall have the authority to transfer part or all of the unencumbered appropriation from one budget line item to another budget line item within the Library Fund.

ORDINANCES (for introduction by title)

 Ordinance No. 5747 of 2017, declaring certain adjudicated properties to be surplus and to authorize the Parish Administrator, or a designee, to sell the Parish of Caddo’s tax interest in certain surplus adjudicated properties PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL PASSAGE DECEMBER 7TH REGULAR SESSION

It was moved by Mrs. Gage-Watts, seconded by Mr. Louis Johnson, that the Work Session Minutes from November 6, 2017, be approved. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

It was moved by Mr. Chavez, seconded by Mrs. Gage-Watts, to confirm Tuesday, December 26, 2017 as a holiday for Caddo Parish employees. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Middleton, and Smith (10). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioners Linn and Lyndon B. Johnson (2). ABSTAIN: None (0).

Mr. Jackson wanted to know why this could not have been done administratively. Attorney Frazier stated that the Commission approves the calendar every year, so this had to be approved by the Commission before moving forward.

It was moved by Mr. Atkins, seconded by Mr. Middleton, to confirm reappointment of Mr. Grayson Boucher to the Communications District No. 1 Board, term to expire September 25, 2021. Motion carried, as shown by the following roll call votes: AYES: Commissioners Atkins, Bowman, Cawthorne, Chavez, Dominick, Gage-Watts, Jackson, Louis Johnson, Middleton, and Smith (10). NAYS: None (0). ABSENT: Commissioners Linn and Lyndon B. Johnson (2). ABSTAIN: None (0).

COMMUNIQUES/COMMITTEE REPORTS

 Dr. Wilson reminded the Commissioners of the Budget Retreat that is scheduled for Wednesday, November 15th at 9:30 a.m. It will be held at SWEPCO Business Center.

 Mrs. Gage-Watts announced that the Veterans Parade & Honor Ceremony will be Sunday, November 12th beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds. She also stated that there will be free admission to the fair to all Veterans and their family members on Sunday, November 12th.

424 Commission Minutes November 9, 2017

 Mr. Chavez requested that Administration look at Box Drive. He asked that Dr. Wilson submit the request to NLCOG since it is on an I-49 thoroughfare.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Mr. Jackson announced that there will be a Veterans program at the Bossier Civic Center and Centenary College tomorrow.

He also announced that the local high school teams’ playoffs are scheduled this weekend. He encouraged all to attend.

There being no further business to come before the body, meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m.

______Steven Jackson President ______Todd Hopkins Commission Clerk

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