City Council - Regular Meeting

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah, that's right.

I had fettuccine with broccoli.

Still got them in me now.

Huh?

Father Paul, come to the front.

I should have known.

Gary is on his way. So is on his way.

Who did?

Text him and see if we can get that electronically.

Oh, okay, would you send it to me?

Yeah, this is new. If we can get it, we can electronically post it. It just gets thicker and deeper and deeper.

The Shreveport City Council meeting is now called to order. I'm going to ask Father Paul to please come up and lead us in prayer. I'm going to ask Councilman Talaferro to lead us in the pledge. And before Father Paul speaks, Councilman Jackson has some words.

Father Paul, Before today's meeting, if you don't mind, I would ask that you keep the Bowman family in your prayers. I will ask the audience to keep them in their prayers. And everybody at the sound of my voice, this job can sometimes be very taxing. We're pulled in many different directions, but it's even harder to do when your family member may have been hospitalized in the Bowman's case. That was the case. And so rushing to your husband's side after yesterday's meeting, I commend you for that. I commend you for keeping your head high. And again, let's keep them lifted up and in our prayers. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Councilman Jackson. Thank you, Father Powell.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for this day and all the creative opportunities it brings to each of us. This day we pray for Tabitha Taylor, for Gary Brooks, for Jim Taliaferro, Grayson Butcher, Alan Jackson, James Green, Ursula Bowman, Thomas Arsenault, as they seek to seek your will in leadership in this great city of Shreveport, that you would give them insight and courage to perform the same. Pray it in Jesus' name, amen.

Amen.

Amen. All face the flag of the greatest country on earth, and as we say our pledge, let us be thankful of the sacrifices of our MIAs, POWs, and all those who fought to give us 250 years of freedom. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll?

Councilwoman Taylor. Present. Councilman Brooks. Councilman Talaferro. Here, ma'am. Councilman Butcher. Councilman Jackson. Here. Councilman Green. I'm here. And Councilwoman Bowman.

Present. Councilman Brooks is en route. Is there a motion to approve the minutes of the administrative conference Monday, August 10th, 2026 in the city council meeting Tuesday, August 11th, 2026? So moved. So moved by Councilman Green. Second by Councilman Jackson. Any discussion? Let's vote.

Councilman Jackson.

Councilwoman Salem. It didn't come up. Yes. And this passes with five. Does any council member have any awards, recognition, or distinguished guests not to exceed 15 minutes? Mayor Arsenault, do you have any awards, recognition, or distinguished guests not to exceed 15 minutes?

No, ma'am.

Mayor Ceno, do you have any communications of the mayor relative to city business?

I want to remind the council that on Thursday, beginning at 11 Thursday, at Riverview Theater will be a kind of a celebration of the Autonomous Vehicle Program for Sportran. We got a grant from the federal government to test an autonomous bus. And the Assistant Secretary of Transportation for the United States will be here. Secretary of DOTD will be here. Should be a really good celebration. I want to remind, I think everybody's gotten an email about it. Just want to remind you that it's there. Reverend Green, I believe there will be food.

All right.

Make sure they got some mozzarella sticks.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge Councilman-elect Tim Euler to the podium. He will be the new Councilman for District D, so will all council members please give him a hand. Did you know he was coming?

Plus, he dressed up.

We have to keep the business going. I was trying to wait for you. So welcome, Council Member Urbana. Congratulations. Does any member have any questions or concerns relative to property standards for Mr. Green? I want to tell you thank you for handling the situation today at Portland. I know we have a couple of more that we're going to have to handle, but I appreciate your quick response on that. Anybody? Thank you, sir. Everyone should have received their budget to actual financial report. Any questions? All right. Public hearing. Today we're required to hold a public hearing on Resolution 82 and 83 of 2026. This public meeting is now called to order. Does the administration have a presentation?

No, ma'am. Oh, we do? Okay. Excuse me, Felicia. I didn't see you. Yes, ma'am, we do.

Good evening, good afternoon, everybody. I'm Felicia Bell with Community Development, Mayor, Mr. Dark, Madam Chair. This resolution is for, it's resolution number 82. It's a renewal for Andrus Artists and Entrepreneurs Center. This is a 14,923 square foot two-story building that was built in 1929. It consists of artist studio workspaces and galleries on the first floor and the office space and light manufacturing and fabrication on the second floor. It's located at 717 Crockett Street at 711-01 in downtown Shreveport, which is District B where Gary Brooks serves as the councilman. The building had been vacant for over 30 years until it received a complete renovation in 2021. This legislation was kind of tricky. It was a 2020 resolution, a 2020 restoration tax abatement that had contract dates from 2021 to 2025. However, due to COVID, the passing of the owner, and then the passing of the one that was assisting the owner, this project had a late submittal to the city in 2023. Okay, the dates for this renewal will be 2026 through 2030. These dates have been verified by the Tax Assessor's Office and the Louisiana Tax Abatement Administrator. So I had to get some clarification and do some little research to get to that. The improvements that will occur during the renewal will consist of the following. They're adding new walls and divided space to create additional workspace. They have wheelchair lift in the back lobby for better access to the building. There's improvement to drywall and painting for the main gallery. Improved outdoor industrial lighting for additional security. The drywall on the second floor has been added between the suites. Renovation on the first floor bathroom to patch up the wall tile to drop the drain line lower to improve water remediation. renovation to the first floor cleaning room with new amenities for both the resident artists and guests exhibiting artists, adding more display infrastructure in the main gallery space, and finally, they're installing a motorized gate for the gated parking lot. I had an opportunity to take a tour of the building. It's very impressive. I learned a lot. The total cost of the project is $3,636,081. Total building improvements were 2,751,334. The abated taxes for the city of Shreveport for the next five years will be 11,687. Abated taxes for parish school board will be 52,900. Abated taxes for school board only will be 29,958. And finally, the abated taxes for Downtown Development Authority would be 3,731. Andrus Artists and Entrepreneurs Center intends to continue to expand and upgrade the inside and the outside of the building so it will continue to be a welcoming environment for the local businesses and the artists in the area. Currently, the building houses approximately 10 companies, totaling about 40 employees. The building occupancy is at 93%. The building has 15 available spaces, and 14 of those spaces are occupied. I have Jessica, the building manager with Andrews Artists. She's here, and Shelly Landry-Bell. She's CPA and senior manager for Car Rig in Ingram and Shreveport. They're here if you have any additional questions regarding the property. Any questions?

Are you going to move to the second presentation?

I sure will.

Okay. Then I figure that we can ask if they're in favor, do I have to separate them? Okay. You can move to the second presentation.

Go to the second one?

Mm-hmm.

Okay. This is a first. Okay. This is resolution number 83. This is for Twin Oak Investments LLC. It too is in a renewal. It's a 30,000 square foot office warehouse building that was built in 1940. It's located at 2712-2730 Linwood Avenue, 711-03, which is also District B where Gary Brooks serves as the councilman. The building had been vacant for 26 years, or since 1992, until it was purchased in 2017. Before it was purchased, it was an eyesore to the community. I've seen some pictures of what it looked like. It had been taken over by the homeless. It had experienced two major fires. So when they did the renovation in 2018, they did a total, total renovation. They modernized both this office space and the warehouse and substantial renovation upgrades took place, including they added new fencing around the property, they installed new concrete and metal ramps, new windows were added, new improved bathroom fixtures, they added ceiling tiles, new paint, interior trim and hardware, they installed new flooring, plaster and asphalt, installed new improved exterior doors and they added a new gate with an opener and they installed a new security system, HVAC system and an overhead doors. I had an opportunity to view this facility so to see the pictures of what it looked like when the fires had taken place to what it looked like now, totally amazing. The total cost of this project is $1,700,000. Total building improvements is $1,665,000. The abated taxes for the City of Shreveport for the next five years will be $7,072. The abated taxes for Paris School Board will be $32,013. Abated taxes for School Board only will be $18,129. Twin Oak Investment LLC intends to continue to preserve and maintain the building so that it will continue to be a productive commercial facility that benefits the surrounding community. Currently, the building houses only one tenant. That tenant is the state of Louisiana, the Department of Disability Determination Services. They occupy 100% of the facility. I have the president of Twin Oaks, Mr. Ron Remedies. He's here if you have any additional questions.

Is there anyone present who would like to speak in favor or in opposition of Resolution 82?

I think Deacon Dan wants to speak on Resolution 82. Oh, sure.

Are you speaking in favor or in opposition? Thank you, sir. Is there anyone present who would like to speak in favor or in opposition of Resolution 83? Okay. With that being said, if not, this public hearing is closed. All right. Thank you. Madam Clerk, will there be any legislation to be added today?

Yes, ma'am. We have Resolution 91, a resolution urging enhanced enforcement and coordination of laws and ordinances addressing property standards, property blight, public nuisance, and tenant protection.

Is there a motion to add this matter to the agenda?

So moved.

Second. So moved by Councilman Jackson. Second. Madam Vice Chair, any discussions? Is there anyone present that would like to speak in favor or against adding this to the agenda? Ms. Baker?

Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Thank you. I'm here to speak in favor of the resolution that was added to the agenda. On behalf of the Realtors Association, we have long stated that we support the efforts and for you to go after property owners. who have been found in violation of long-standing property standard codes. We have consistently stated that while we strongly support private property rights, those rights do come with obligations to maintain their property according to the approved community standards and to follow our laws. We recognize that vast majority of all rental properties is locally owned, well managed, and that most property owners and managers pay their bills and maintain their properties. But sadly, we have some properties where this is not the case. Too often, this seems to involve owners who do not live in our community. The Realtors Association support the city's efforts to enforce the laws and regulations that already exist and support this proposal to step up enforcement for any owner who is not timely remitting utility payments on their behalf of their tenants. We believe that this is already defined as fraud under existing Louisiana law and we support the city's efforts to enforce those laws. On behalf of the Northwest Louisiana Realtors Association, Lindora Baker, the GAD, which is the Government Affairs Director. Thank you.

Thank you so very much, Ms. Baker. Is there anyone else? All right, seeing none, let's vote. Does this need a unanimous vote?

And this passed with seven votes.

Today we will hear public comments on agenda items only. Madam Vice Chair will handle this part of the agenda. You have three minutes and please state your name for the record.

First one, Sammy Mears.

Sammy Mears, 1133 South Point Parkway, Apartment 111, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71105. Today I'm speaking on Resolution 9888. I think it's a really good idea, and I believe it's a great idea, in honoring Mr. and Mrs. General Washington, Jr. Please, if you'll vote yes on this resolution, it would really be appreciated. And I'm sorry I don't know them, but I still think a yes vote would be super. Thank you.

Thank you, Sammy. Next public comment will be from Deacon Dan.

Deacon Dan, first I gotta say happy birthday to my wife. I love you, honey, and I'll see you shortly. She turns 41. In Resolution, what was it, 82? Yes, Resolution 82, I'm speaking in favor of that because the city council has failed. Our mayor has failed. I don't even see the city council in front of us right now today. And just like last week, I'm going to say this to you all. I don't respect none of you at all. Our city council has failed this city. Our mayor has failed this city. Wherever our mayor is at, and I see him right here to my left, you have failed this city. Everything that has been going on in the city of Shreveport, you tell people to read the contract. Everything that has been happening in the city of Shreveport, our city council has been crying in line, doing photo ops. That's the resolution I want to speak on today. Every single one of you all are failures. And our city deserves in desperate need of better representation. That's the resolution I want to talk about. Resolution, Fayetteville City Council. This city council, throughout the entire nation, is a joke.

Madam Chair, point of order. Everything that has happened is not going to reflect this city in a way of good representation.

Deacon Dan, we have a point of order. You are not speaking on Resolution 82, so you can be dismissed, sir.

I'm exercising my First Amendment, so you will not censor my First Amendment.

Okay, so I'm going to ask the officers to remove you. Point of order.

Thank you.

It's proper decorum in here.

I will leave.

Thank you, sir. Madam Chair, that concludes public comments.

We have no executive appointments to consider today. There are no items under consent agenda for introduction to be adopted. Madam Clerk, please proceed to regular agenda legislation.

78. Authorizing a request to be made to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board to seek public bids for an oil, gas, and mineral lease involving a property located in District G described herein and to execute the lease for certain mineral interests owned by the City of Shreveport and to authorize the Mayor to execute any and all documents related to the intent of this resolution.

So moved. Second.

So moved by Madam Vice Chair. Second by Councilman Green. Any discussion? Yes.

If you could get the audio people to play Kirk Franklin, do you want a resolution? It's a revolution. Yeah. I got it. Maybe they can hook it up later. It's in your phone. Okay. We'll play that later. Thank you.

Let's vote.

In this passage with 7. Resolution 80, authorizing a request to be made to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Louisiana State Mineral Energy Board to seek public bids for an oil, gas, and mineral lease involving a property located in District G, described herein, and to execute the lease for certain mineral interests owned by the City of Shreveport, and to authorize the Mayor and execute any and all documents related to the intent of this resolution.

So moved. So moved by Madam Vice Chair, second by Councilman Brooks. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passed with seven. Resolution 82, stating the City of Shreveport's endorsement of Andrus Artists and Entrepreneur LLC to participate in the benefits of the Louisiana Restoration Tax Abatement Program.

So moved. Second.

So moved by Councilman Brooks, second by Councilman Butcher. Any discussion? Madam Chair? Yes.

I would like to say that I've been in this building many times. I don't know if y'all have seen it. It's up near the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. Beautiful building, well used. They did a great job, so I think we should support it. I'd like to ask for y'all's vote.

Thank you. Any other discussion? Let's vote.

And this pass with seven. Resolution 83, state and the city of Shreveport's endorsement of Twin Oaks Investment LLC to participate in the benefits of the Louisiana Restoration Tax Abatement Program.

So moved. Second.

I want this one right here. So moved by Brooks, Butcher, Talaferro. Who did a second?

It don't matter, I'll click the button first, so I'm up there first.

Who did the second? I'm gonna say Councilman Jackson did the second. Any discussion? Let's vote.

Councilman? This passes the seven.

If this didn't pass, we were gonna have a problem.

Okay. Resolution 86, authorizing Gerald Jones, Tabitha Jones, Donna Morris, Miriam Morris, and Gracie M. Clay at 11140 Norris Ferry Road to make a connection to the City of Shreveport's water and our sewer system.

So moved.

Second. So moved by Councilman Boucher. Second by Madam Vice Chair. Any discussion?

Discussion.

Discussion. Councilman Boucher.

You know, again, at some point, we are going to have to have a discussion very detailed conversation about outside the city water. I think it's not a bad thing for us to continue to allow people, but I would like to see what the parish has to offer. It's the maintenance part of the line going to these areas. This is from the way I see it. I think it's south of Southern Trace. So that's past where our city limits goes. even though the line's right out there. I just think that somebody needs to have a conversation with the parish moving forward about what they're going to do, because it mainly impacts areas in Councilman Jackson's district, my district, and Councilwoman Bowman's district. Because luckily, North was smart enough to have a water district, and we don't have one where we're at. So... I just, I'm going to go ahead and vote for this, but I do hope we have a conversation at some point about this going forward. Okay.

Thank you. Any other discussion? Let's vote. And this passage was 7. That is not, do you want to hear a revolution?

Resolution 87, authorizing Dorita Robertson and Joyce L. Robertson at 5915 Buncombe Road to make connection to the City of Shreveport's water and or sewer system.

So moved.

Second.

So moved by Madam Vice Chair, second by Councilman Green in the discussion. Discussion, please. Yes.

I do have to agree with Councilman Butcher. We keep adding water to our system. I think it does need to be something that we should discuss. Maybe in our next infrastructure meeting we can bring this also.

Thank you.

But I am going to ask you to go ahead and vote for it so we can approve it. And I thank my colleagues for that. And that passes with seven.

Resolution 88, honoring Mr. and Mrs. General Washington, Jr.

So moved. Second. So moved by the chair. Second by Madam Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote.

Councilwoman...

That passes with seven. Madam Clerk, would you proceed with the introduction of resolutions not to be adopted prior to September 8th, 2026? I have the one that was added on.

Okay. Resolution 91, a resolution urging enhanced enforcement and coordination of laws and ordinance addressing property standards, property blight, public nuisance, and tenant protection.

So moved. Second. So moved by the Chair, second by Councilman Green. Any discussion? This vote.

And this passes with seven. Now you can proceed.

Resolution 89, authorizing the mayor to execute a cooperative endeavor agreement with Stonehill Neighborhood Association to use facilities located at 1800 Viking Drive. And Resolution 90, authorizing the mayor to execute an act of donation of the City of Shreveport's interest in certain adjudicated properties within the City of Shreveport to Shreveport Implementation and Redevelopment Authority.

So I move for introduction. Second.

So I move for introduction by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Butcher. These items have been introduced. Madam Clerk, would you proceed with introduction of ordinances not to be adopted prior to September 8th, 2026?

Ordinance 83, adopting the 2026 budget for the Divergent Special Revenue Fund. Ordinance 84, amending the 2026 budget for the Public Safety Special Revenue Fund. Ordinance 85, amending the 2026 budget for the Economic Development District 8 Special Revenue Fund. Ordinance 86, amending the 2026 budget for the Economic Development District S Special Revenue Fund. Ordinance 87, amending the 2026 budget for the Healthcare and Technology Innovation District East Special Revenue Fund. Ordinance 88, amending the 2026 budget for the Healthcare and Technology Innovation District West Special Revenue Fund. Ordinance 89, amending the 2026 budget for the Community Development Special Revenue Fund. Ordinance 90, amending the 2026 budget for the Riverfront Development Special Revenue Fund. Ordinance 91, amending the 2026 budget for the Metropolitan Planning Commission Special Revenue Fund. Ordinance 92, amending the 2026 budget for general fund. Ordinance 93, zoning case number 25-104C, an ordinance to approve the amendment to the zoning map of the UDC by rezoning property located on the north side of Jack Wells Island at the intersection of Kansas City Avenue from C4 Heavy Commercial Zoning District to I2 Heavy Industrial Zoning District. Ordinance 94, zoning case number 26-76C, an ordinance to approve the amendment of the zoning map for the UDC by rezoning property located on the east end of Lassus Lane, approximately 475 feet of Lyon Avenue, R17 single-family residential zoning district to CUC corridor commercial zoning district. And Ordinance 95, zoning case number 26-78C, an ordinance to approve the amendment of the zoning map of the UDC by rezoning property located on the west side of Monk House Drive, approximately 1,300 feet north of Lava Street from R.I. 7 Single Family Residential Zoning District to C3 General Commercial Zoning District.

Motion to introduce all of these except motion number zoning case, it's ordinance number 95, zoning case number 26-78C. Second.

These items have been introduced with an exception. Madam Clerk, please proceed with ordinances on second reading and final passage.

Ordinance 75, authorizing a purchasing agent to advertise for and solicit seal bids to sell to the highest responsible bidder surplus city-owned immovable property located at 2127, 2123, 2199, 2101 Marion Street, 2424 Woodard Avenue, and 2401 Kings Highway. That's your district.

Second.

So moved by Councilman Brooks, seconded by Councilman Green. Any discussion? These are properties for Sierra.

Madam Chair, these are properties. We are trying to sell off the properties that we're moving out of in the area of the Kings Highway Medical District. This one is just some vacant lots. The next one is field ops for water and sewer. Okay.

Mr. Dorn.

Yes, sir.

What about the property on Mansfield Road? the Public Works facility there on Mansfield Road, kind of just north of Midway?

Yes, sir.

Is that going to be something that we get rid of at some point?

That will be part of it. They can't relocate until the building for Public Works is built out at 70th Street. So they will be probably the last to move. They and the 1731 Kings Highway where Public Works and Solid Waste are located. But all of that will be transferred out and sold at some point.

What's our projection on finishing that building out on 70th Street?

The one that Water and Sewer is in right now?

Yes, sir.

My understanding is they're moving within the next month.

Water and Sewer is?

Yes, you should see a ribbon cutting on your calendar sometime fairly soon.

Okay. Thank you.

Brandon, I don't think you're happy about that. Let's vote.

This passed with seven. Ordinance 76, authorizing a purchasing agent to advertise for and solicit sealed bids to sell to the highest responsible bidder surplus city-owned immovable property and all improvements located at 2139 Greenwood Road.

So moved.

Second.

So moved by Madam Vice Chair, second by Councilman Butcher. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passed with seven.

Ordinance 77, amending the 2026 grant special revenue fund budget.

I think that's good.

Yeah. Ordinance 77, amending the 2026 budget for the debt service fund.

So moved. Second.

So moved by Councilman Butcher, second by Councilman Talaferro. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passed with seven. Ordinance 78, amending the 2026 grant special revenue fund budget.

So moved. Second.

So moved by Councilman Talaferro, second by Councilman Butcher. Any discussion? Let's vote.

This passed with seven. Ordinance 79, amending the 2026 grant special revenue fund budget.

Second. So moved by Councilman Jackson. Second by Madam Vice Chair. Any discussion?

What number is that?

That is 79. Yeah, I, huh?

That's for solid waste.

Discussion. Should I have a discussion? The solid waste.

Was that solid waste? The numbers are off.

Oh, the numbers are off. But we're on solid waste?

Yes. No.

We're on grants, then solid waste, and then the water ones. Oh, okay.

Okay.

This is grants.

We had two grants.

So it does say Article 79 on our paper. Yeah. The number's off.

Okay.

It's passed with seven.

Orness 80, amending the 2026 budget for the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.

We had asked that that would be postponed. I've got some reworking I need to do based on some of the discussion we had yesterday.

Second.

Second. Motion to postpone by Councilman Brooks, second by Councilman Talofaro. Any discussion?

Yes, Madam Chair. Councilman Green. Let's start. As you look to rework this Ordinance Number 43 of 2019, we created this fund exactly for solid waste and to make sure that they were being paid and so since this is created for them I don't think that we ought to because I think right now we are lowballing them I think that we should make sure that they are paid right. And I think if we fix it now, then we won't have to be going back next month when the colds start. because then we're going to be short of drivers. So I just think instead of putting a Band-Aid on it, there are drivers all over that's making $25 and $30 an hour. I'm not saying go up to $30 an hour, but we at least need to get up to $25, because if not, we're going to have this same problem with the Band-Aid. And if you would just check ordinance number 43 of 2019, It was a unanimous vote, but this was taken, done for specifically solid waste for these folk to make sure that they were paid because they are doing a job that none of us up here and a lot of other folk wouldn't want to do. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Any other discussion? Madam Chair. Councilman Boucher.

I agree with Councilman Green. Yeah, hindsight, the fee should have been more, but we can't go back and change what we've already done. I think that we're operating in a deficit right now, like we discussed at the meeting yesterday. I think that before we do any moving around or changing anything, we really need to look at what our fees are. You know, it's amazing what other cities are paying around us for And it's a burden. I think that there needs to be something for people that can't afford it, people that are on fixed incomes that can't afford it, similar to what we do with the water bill. But overall, we need an increase on what we're paying for our trash pickup because I don't think that it's sustainable the way it is right now. So I just encourage, before this comes back to us, we need to have that discussion. And maybe it's in an infrastructure meeting.

Yeah, so we'll put it on there. Jackie, make sure you write all this down. Thank you. Thank you. There's been a motion to postpone.

So I agree with you all as well. I think last year when we went through budget season, Councilwoman Bowman and I, was the real discussion with us is that we wanted to institute that higher wage for those with CDL licenses so we wouldn't be at this point right now. But since we are, I'm in agreement with that wage and we can take that up in the infrastructure meeting. But in order to keep our drivers for the work that they do that many of us would not do, That has to be instituted. I think probably we would still be looking at that as solid waste for those. I don't know what they pay for CDLs in water and sewer. You're going to have to look at that as well. All right. Let's vote.

In this legislation, I was one of the sponsors of it. And at that time, Councilman John Nicholson was a co-sponsor.

Co-sponsor.

Thank you.

And I did talk to John about it today. You did? His memory is about as good as ours.

All right. That's because you did so much legislation. That's why.

And this passed with seven. Ordinance 81, amending the 2026 budget for the Water and Soil Enterprise Fund.

Move to postpone. Second.

Postponed by Councilman Butcher, seconded by Councilman Green. Any discussion?

Yes, Madam Chair. Same thing here. I think there's too many unanswered questions about the CDL drivers in the water department to be moving money. I understand we need money for supplies and things like that, but let's discuss this as well in that infrastructure meeting because... I mean, they are important. I don't know if you've seen those guys out Christmas Eve last year on Piermont, digging a hole with it cold outside. We really need to make sure we get their pay up too.

I agree. I think we all agree on that. Any more discussion? Let's vote.

And this passes with seven.

Ordinance 82, amending the 2026 capital improvements budget.

So moved.

Second. So moved by Councilman Butcher, second by Councilman Jackson. Discussion. Mr. Dart, in this capital improvements budget, what projects are we looking at with?

This is one project for the airport. It's an airport roadway improvement project. They're adding a little over $500,000, and it's all state and federal money.

Oh, yeah. Yes. Oh, why?

That's the Darkwich Airport. The downtown airport?

Oh, yeah.

The one that is not in your district.

Oh, okay. It is one that's not in my district.

That's why you screamed at her. Can I take back my second?

Let Councilman Green second it.

Let Councilman Green second it. By the record, I'm going to take back my second. Let Councilman Green second it.

We're good. We're good.

Thank you all very much.

Any more discussion? Let's vote.

Y'all come out there on the floor. We'll give y'all a tour of the airport.

Madam Clerk, is there any other table legislation to be removed from the table?

No, ma'am.

We have no property standards appeals to consider today. We have. No. We good? Yes. Okay.

No property standards, but we do have the ABO.

We will hear the continuation of the ABO appeal of Xavier Green today. Is Corporal Bradley here?

Well, come on down, Chief.

Thank you for coming back, Ms. Green.

You're welcome.

Now, I don't know. Oh, wait.

You ready, huh? Absolutely. Absolutely.

Now, I haven't gotten it. One second. So, is he speaking first, or are you allowing her to speak first? Either way?

Either way, and it's you who allows them to speak.

I just want to make sure. So, Ms. Green?

Okay.

I have a letter of recommendation that my manager sent me yesterday before the meeting, and I'm not sure if it's going to be enough. If not, then I need more time.

You give the record to the clerk? Can you get a letter to the clerk and then let the clerk can read it? You and Alan just spiced it today, huh?

Letter of recommendation, August 24, 2026, 7150 Ura Drive. It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Xavier Green. In my tenure as service manager at our restaurant, I had The good fortune of working closely with Xavier, who has significantly enhanced our establishment operational efficiency. Xavier has shown great passion for the job and exceptional understanding while handling guests and team members. Xavier would make a great addition to any business. And that's from Keith Andrew Wilson, service manager of Olive Garden.

Thank you for that. I'm willing, just knowing the circumstances, and I'll let Councilman Telefero say what he just said to me, but we're willing to take a chance on you, and I hope that you stay out of trouble. Don't make us look bad. But I wish you all the luck, and you're out there working hard, obviously, to get that. You've been there since December. No problems. I don't think you could have gotten that. So we're willing to give you a second chance. At least I am. I can't speak for the rest of you.

That's Mattella Farrell.

Chief, just a matter of clarification. What was she actually charged with?

It was a rape offense.

No, was she charged? I mean, okay, so then she was charged with that. That's correct. What actually did she do her time served for?

Sexual abuse.

There's a tell.

Sexual battery.

Come up to the mic.

Oh, sexual battery. It wasn't. The original charge was third-degree rape, and it was dropped to sexual battery.

Okay. Misdemeanor. Misdemeanor. Yes, sir. Okay, and you were served in six months. Mm-hmm. And you got time served.

Mm-hmm.

And probation? No. None?

I just had fines. And I paid all my fines on time and in full.

Okay. And to our knowledge, we don't have any more facts that make this any more clear for us.

That basically is correct. And do you understand that we're not objecting to her moving forward in life, but it's incumbent upon us Being the records keeper and having access to a person's record when there's something in their record, whether it's happened yesterday or 25 years ago, to take that into consideration for their character. And that is why it was denied. But without a doubt, we're certainly in favor of anyone having another chance in life to proceed.

Thank you. I think that there's some discretion there with you. Yes. Because you all have to look at it and then maybe an additional seven set of eyes looking at it too and hearing that, you know, you're just seeing what's on paper.

That is correct. That is correct.

And I think the letter of recommendation speaks very highly.

Certainly, we are not objectionable to anyone, you know, given a second chance and moving forward in life and having the opportunity to do better.

Thank you, Chief. Thank you, Councilwoman Bowman.

Ms. Xavier Green, the sky's the limit. Go and be great. Good luck on your endeavors, and thank you so much.

Thank you all so much.

Ms. Green, I don't know if you're my cousin or not, but make sure you go to church, all right? Yes, sir. All right, thank you.

Make us proud.

I will. Thank you, guys.

Please know there are no children in this, just for the record.

Yes.

There are no children involved in this, just for the record. All adults.

Thank you, cuz. I'll make a motion. What is the motion, though? What are we...

The motion is to approve the class A license.

To overturn the police department's decision on the ABO? That's correct. Okay. I make a motion to overturn the police department's decision on the ABO.

Second.

Moved by Councilman Butcher, seconded by Councilman Green. Discussion? Let's vote.

And that is to grant her the class A that she applied for?

Yes.

Okay.

This passed with seven.

I'm going to ask you all to please pray for the school bus accident on I-49 Magnolia Charter Bus. No major injuries reported at this time, but please keep everyone in your prayers. We have no MPC ZBA appeals to consider today. Are there any other appeals, Madam Clerk? No, ma'am. Are there any reports from offices, boards, and committees? Yes, ma'am. Councilman Green?

next meeting. What day would it be, Madam Clerk?

September 8th.

September 8th at 1.30 we will have a infrastructure meeting. Thank you.

Madam Clerk, is there a clerk's report? Yes, ma'am. The following letter of appointments were received from the Mayor's office on July 8th. That's not right. August. They were received... In August, but we can vote on them on September 8th. Forgive me. Shreveport Human Resources Board, Julia Bloor, Paul Pratt, Shreveport Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board, Michael Shannon, and Local Workforce Development Board, Stephanie Evans.

Thank you. Mayor Arsenault, do you have any additional communications? No, ma'am. Does any council member have any additional communications with the exception of Councilman Green and Brooks? If there is nothing else, executive session, there is none. If there is nothing else, this meeting is adjourned.