City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you. Dr. Cox, can you come up front, please?

I'mma go look and see. Let's call it police operation. neighborhood. Okay. So, listen.

What's Okay. Tanya, we ready?

Y'all ready? Oh, look. Who ain't ready? Me.

Good afternoon. Luna Streetport City Council meeting is now called to order. I'm going to ask Dr. Jerome Cox to come to the podium. I'm going to uh to lead us in the invocation and then I'm going to ask Councilman Butcher to lead us in prayer. But before we get started, I'm going to ask

I'm sorry lead us in the pledge of allegiance. I'm sorry. You could pray too if you need to. Uh we may need it today. I'm going to ask um Dr. Cox, if you will remember these individuals in prayer. Captain Aaron Cornelius, who was with the sheriff's department, um has recently passed. Our community advocate Roxan Johnson Hughes, her husband, uh passed on, uh this past holiday season. [snorts] And Uber driver that tragically lost his life, Mr. Frederick Kilprono. Um I want you to remember those people in uh in your prayer. also other families that are grieving who who have lost loved ones and just remember those that are sick and shutting their city.

Thank you.

Let us let us pray. Dear God, we thank you today. You know, we often come to you when we are troubled and we're tired and we have issues, but today we come in the spirit of peace. We come because we recognize the fact that when we come to you, we can find a resting place that allow all of us to thrive and work together. So, this meeting will be somewhat challenging because we'll find a common ground that will help us meet the greater good. We trust you, God, because we know that you are a guiding beacon of hope for us that allow us to ever be reminded that we are grounded and rooted in you. And because of that, we can understand and accept the good and the bad. So, we pray for those that she mentioned that have that have been just so struck by grief. the loss has been traumatic and we pray for those families, God, that you would gert them up. Provide them with the kind of support that only you can and let us as a people surround them with love and kindness and mercy. So today, God, we rest in you. We trust you because you are a good God. and you look at us even in our frail and struggled state. We are broken a lot of the times and you find us and you make us whole. So today we ask that we pray for our city that peace, goodwill toward men at a time of this season that we never forget at the end of the day only what we do for Christ will last. I pray for all faiths. I pray for all of those who have a walk with you.

And I want this one word to be sealed in our minds. Peace. Peace. Peace. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. If you would face the flag and repeat after me. 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. Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Councilwoman [clears throat] Taylor, present. Councilman Brooks, here. Councilman Taylor, here. Ma'am. Councilman Butcher here. Councilman Jackson. Councilman Green, I'm here.

And Councilwoman Bowman, present. Before I move to the motion u on the agenda, I want to say that we have a pretty full chamber on today. I know that there are a number of requests to speak. So I'm going to ask you to remember council decorum. There may be varying issues that there may be differences of opinions on, but I do want you to [clears throat] know that this chamber is peaceful. I want you to all to make sure that you display and exercise your first amendment right, but that is going to be done in proper decorum. So I want to make sure that that is said for the record. If you have any cell phones, I'm going to ask you to silence them and I'm going to ask you to respect each person that comes to this podium and speak. With that being said, is there a motion to approve the minutes of the administrative conference? Second.

Second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Ber. Is there any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes with six. Does any council member have any awards, recognition, or distinguished guest not to exceed 15 minutes? Madam Chair, Council Butcher. Uh, yes. Yes, ma'am. I'd like to recognize the Zanta Club. Um, and I believe we have a resolution 151 if they'd like to come up to the podium and we'll have the clerk read that resolution.

Yes, Zanta Club. A resolution recognizing the Zanta Club of Streetport and otherwise providing respect there too. Whereas the Zanta International was found founded in 1991 in Buffalo, New York as a global organization dedicated to building a better world for women and girls. Whereas it consists of more than 26,000 members in over 10,000 clubs over 64 countries and works in partnership with the United Nation, the Council of Europe, United Nations Children Fund and the United Nations Population Fund. Whereas the Zanta Club of Streetport established in 1941 as a part of the Zanta International advances this mission locally. Whereas the club provides scholarships to area students, sponsors Z clubs and local high schools, hosts an annual Zclub work workshop, advocates on women's issues and honors local women each year during Rose Day. Whereas supports local organizations including project celebration, the cattle council of aging, hope house, and the Ronald McDonald House and conducts an annual zont zoom 5K fund run fundraiser and continues to provide support to women and girls in the area. Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the city of shreport and due regular legal session convene that it hereby recognizes the zont club of the street of shreport for its continued service in the community. [applause]

Well, thank y'all. Thank you for everything you do. Would you like to say something? No. Okay. [laughter] Thank you. She got out of here quick. So, Madame Clerk, I'm going to ask uh Mr. Leon Wheeler and Mr. Craig Lee to come to the podium. And I'd like for you to read the resolution of former Mark Moriel who will be entering our city on tomorrow if I'm not mistaken. Madam Chair.

Yes. Uh while they getting ready, I'd like to recognize Senator Presley. How you doing, sir? We got a seat up here if you'd like. Right up there. [snorts]

A resolution recognizing Mark Morell and otherwise providing with respect there too. Whereas Mark Morell is a president and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation's largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. whereas he is a lawyer who served as mayor of New Orleans, president of the US Conference of Mayors, and as a Louisiana State Senator. Whereas Mr. Moral is also the author of the Gumbbo Coalition 10 leadership lessons that help you inspire, unite, and achieve. He also hosts the weekly syndicated television show, Americans Black Forum, and his column to be equal, which reaches hundreds of thousands of readers. whereas he has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential black Americans by Ebony magazine, one of the top 50 nonprofit leaders by the nonprofit times and one of the 100 most influential black law lawyers in America. He has also been inducted into the international civil rights walk of fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Whereas Mr. Vale is a leading voice on the national stage in the battle for jobs, education, housing, health, voting rights, equality, and I mean equity and entrepreneurship. Now therefore, it be resolved by the city council of the city of Streetport in due regulating legal session convene that it hereby recognizes and welcome Mark Morale to the city of Shreport and invites all citizens to attend the meet and greet on December 10th, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Greater Streetport Chamber of Commerce located on 400 Street. [applause]

[applause] Well, I'm kind [clears throat] of short on words because she spoke everything about uh Mark. Uh he was very gracious. My first phone call to him indicating that we want him in the city of Shreport. Uh we need his uh leadership, his wisdom uh to help us grow and develop our community along with the mayor uh with his wisdom. and I I thank him for him allowing me uh that leeway to to reach out to someone of of stature. Thank you,

mayor. If this doesn't signify that Leon is the best parachute director in the history of the city is no other example, uh Mark Moriel was my first governmental politics advisor, coach, trainer 40 years ago. Jim Telerero in New Orleans at this wonderful school called Xavier University and he is the son of Dutch Moriel, the first African-American mayor of New Orleans. And he's a good friend of mine and Leon knocked it out the park by getting him here. And we invite the entire street poor. How many people can fit in there?

We got both sides. [laughter] It's not a lot of people can fit in there. So get there early. All right. And it's free. And it's free. And it's free. And you can have some food, right? And we got food. That's from 6:00 to 8, correct? 6:00 to 8 with our networking. So three-hour event. Get there early. Parking is going to be a challenge, but uh we do have the garage next door that's open. You can do paid parking also.

Okay. Very good. Mr. Alan Clark. Don't be looking at us like this. It's your last time looking at us like this. [laughter] I just don't want y'all to forget me so I can use the same expression.

We will not ever do that. On yesterday, Mr. Clark, I believe that you heard um so many compassionate and kind words on your behalf and your service to the city of Shreport. And it is with um gratitude and appreciation and much love for your contributions to be recognized by the Shreport City Council and the city of Shreport as well as the parish commission in the state of Louisiana. You have given us a pathway, a foundation to continuously build on to ensure that our city will have the exaggerated growth that you so desired in your heart for us to have. That our urban communities, the outskirts of our community will be strong, will have strength, um will have camaraderie, and that community will be at the center and the core of who Shrior really is. That's who you are. That's what you have brought to us. That's what you have taught us. And so on today, I'm going to ask madame clerk to please read resolution 148 in your honor, thanking you for your 40 years of service to the city of Shreport and to the parish of cattle to the state of Louisiana without tears. We'll try if we can

a resolution recognizing and thanking Alan Clark for over 40 years of dedicated service. Whereas Ellen Clark began his career as a teacher after graduating from Northeastern Louisiana University in 1974, later pursuing several entrepreneur ventures including janitorial lawn care and tax preparation. Whereas he was appointed executive director of Metropolitan Planning Commission in August 2018 and has dedicated more than four decades to the city. Whereas throughout his career, Mr. Park has been an advocate for the disenfranchised, demonstrating a strong commitment to treating all individuals with respect and fairness regardless of back background or soci socioeconomic status. Whereas Mr. Clark has initiated and provided visionary leadership on the planning and development of Shreport, including the one Streetport master plan update, the creation of historic overlay district regulation, and the neighborhood participation program, and the food truck license licensing program, just to name a few. Whereas, in addition to his work at the MPC, Mr. Clark has been an active leader within the Louisiana chapter of the American Planning Association, earning the 2020 lifetime achievement award for leadership in the field of planning. Whereas Mr. Clark's dedication to ex excellence is planning and his commitment to improving the quality of life of residents of Streetport and Kettle Parish has earned him the respect of colleagues and community members. Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the city of Shreport and due legal and regular session convene that it does hereby thank Alan Clark for over 40 years of dedicated service, hard work and leadership to the community of Streetport and Cattle Parish and wishes him a welldeserved retirement.

AMEN. [applause]

[applause]

Thank you. Madame Chair, I would just like to say thank you to each and every person in these chambers. Thank you all for allowing me to serve the city of Shreport for 46 years. They have been 46 of the best years of my life and I've enjoyed each and every day of it. Thank you and God bless. You can't leave yet. Thank you, Mr. Green. Councilman Green.

Mr. Clark, um, I met you over 15 years ago and I would just like to describe you as a Christian man and a man with integrity. And I say, God bless you. Thank you again, Mr. Clark, for your service. Um, you are going to be missed more than you know. Anyone else?

M. Mr. Clark, like I said yesterday, I mean, the most valuable experience that the city council has has given me is is learning from people like you because when you come in to this position, it's it's there's a lot to absorb and a lot to understand. And if it weren't for department heads and people with the expertise and and the institutional knowledge that you have, I don't know where we would be. Um, and it's going to be real hard to, you know, to fill your shoes like I said and you will be missed and and I I would say, you know, I think we've become friends over the last six years. So, I will miss you.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Clark, for the 40 years. Um, I knew you before you before I actually was elected. My mother-in-law served with you, my husband, and it's been a pleasure. As long as you don't change your phone number. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, Mr. Clark. [clears throat] I'm not sure that I believe you enjoyed each and every day, but [laughter] like I said yesterday, you've got a tough job, a thankless job, but you did a good job at it. Congratulations. Thank you for your service. Mayor Arseno,

I uh I have come to admire and respect you and to like you, Mr. Clark and I thank you very much for your long service. Uh I have found you to be uh objective, a man who you always know where we stood and I think that's a a in a very respectful way and I thank you for that. We're able to work through many things as a result of it. Thank you. Thank you. So don't move because we just want to get a picture. I'll stand here a little while. You'll stand here. Okay. A little while.

[clears throat]

We're going fishing, right? I'm serious. What do you say? [clears throat] There you go.

As long as the cowboys are straight, he's fine. [laughter] Oh, bad. Oh my god. I will share with you madam chair that I'm leaving you the best planning staff in the state. So they will do wonderful work for you. [applause]

[applause] Senator Presley, will you come to the podium, sir? [snorts] We don't have a resolution for you. [laughter] Not yet. But Councilwoman Bowman told me to call you up here, but she just felt like you had something to say.

Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to to address uh our council. Thank you to each of you for the dedication that you have to our city and to its people. I am honored to serve with you uh the people of this community. Uh and I'm grateful for each of them. You know, we have a lot of challenges in Shreport and in Northwest Louisiana and Louisiana as a whole, but we also have a lot of incredible opportunities in front of us. We've got the best transportation infrastructure when you look at the interstates that we have, having a port, having water resources that a lot of communities don't have. We have Barkstdale Air Force Base just next door. Uh that's a part of Shreport as well. And when you look at uh questions that are before you, um I think that the national defense aspect of um our community and the love and um appreciation that we have for it is significant. I went to a conference and I've shared this with several of you. Uh I went to a conference last January uh about data centers. Um just and it was interesting because a lot of it was about the uh national defense aspect of data centers and the importance of having those centers right here in the United States. I think that's an important aspect uh of our community and something that we look at uh as well as we [clears throat] look at and and decide the decisions uh that you'll make. Um, but when you look at at what we are all trying to do, it's making the people of this community uh better, stronger, giving them opportunities to succeed. And so when I look at my job in Baton Rouge, I look at how do we create

a Louisiana that allows for economic development and that allows for our kids and grandkids to have the opportunity to move back to Northwest Louisiana. I know that you all have a a decision before you. Um, and I think it's important that we recognize that investment in economic development means investment in our people and in those opportunities for the people of Northwest Louisiana. So, I just wanted to uh share with you my thoughts um as you decide how to to handle uh the the decisions before you. Um, and certainly want to make sure that that you know uh that as we celebrated today's announcement at SLB and the 600 jobs making over $60,000 each. UM, [applause] we also look forward to the next project and the one after that and the one after that. The stagnation of Northwest Louisiana is not acceptable to the people of our community. And I think that they elected each of us to ensure that we do our best to create the conditions that allow the private sector to thrive. And I appreciate your willingness to stand up for uh those decisions and the ability for a community to be able to work across party lines, a part across racial lines, um across every line possible to ensure that Northwest Louisiana is on the map and that we have an opportunity to grow so that 20, 30, 40 years from now, we're talking about the challenges that we have of a city that's grown three or four or five times in population as opposed to a city that's continued to stay stagnant while our um geographical area has expanded. So, thank you very much for the opportunity to come say hello. [applause]

Senator Senator Presley, you can't leave until you excuse. [laughter] We never leave. Sorry. Okay, Councilman Gr. Hey, Senator, certainly I just like to thank you, man, for all the work. Like to thank you for being a person who answers your phone, right? And if in fact you're tied up, you return your phone calls. That means a whole lot. Or sometimes I've called and you've been in a meeting, but you had enough of servantthood in you that you would leave a meeting and answer the call. I I just like to thank you for the good work that you're doing. I thank you for being my friend. God bless you.

Thank you, Councilman. I appreciate it. And the feeling is mutual. I appreciate uh you know so much about being in elected office is is serving and it's serving individual people while we make decisions and policies that are big and grand and have opportunity to affect people. If we can answer that one constituent's call or support a colleague um on a different level of government to make sure that we're working together, I think that's the key to success in our community. and I appreciate your willingness to do exactly that and answer your calls as well. And then on a personal note, when you came to the church, I said to you, "Hey man, let's go in the sanctuary and pray." And the willingness that you had, God bless you. Amen.

I appreciate that. And I appreciate the prayers. I think that, you know, God has placed each of us in a position uh to be able to live out um our lives serving others just as Christ served uh us and provided us with the the gifts and talents to be able to serve others. Yes, sir. Amen. Thank you, Senator. Thanks so much, Senator. Appreciate you. Any other council members? May Arsenal, do you have any awards, recognition, or distinguished guest not to exceed 15 minutes? No, ma'am. Okay. Do you have any communications of the mayor relative to city business? No, ma'am. What? [laughter] I spoke my piece yesterday. Spoke your piece yesterday? Yes, ma'am. Does any member have any questions or concerns relative to property standards for Mr. Green? [snorts]

Madam Chair. Yes, sir. While he's making his way up here, I want to tell him thank you. I had something yesterday and by about 8:30 this morning, he was on top of it. So, I appreciate it. Way on over there. Thank you, Mr. screen for taking care of Miss Samuels and uh thank you for having your staff to call let her know that the house will be torn down. Yes, sir. Okay, Sache. Thank you, sir. Everyone should receive the revenue collection plan and implementation report public hearing. There is none. Madam clerk, would there be any legislation to be added today?

No, ma'am. Okay. Today we're here public comments on agenda items only. Uh madame vice chair we'll handle that. You have three minutes to speak. Please state your name and address for the record. Thank you. First one, Miss Maxine Davis. [clears throat] Good afternoon. Good afternoon.

My name is Maxine Davis. I live at 2153 West Alonger and Trail, Shreport, Louisiana. Um I see is going to establish two new corporations. The uh Gateway Economic Development Corporation and the Streetport Film and Entertainment Economic Development. My question is with these corporations coming, are you considering using local companies and employees to fill those jobs when they're building the construction and after the construction of those corporations? Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. We are um in reference to what you're talking about the gateway that's the 50 cent um

deal and yes we we will be hiring locally. Okay. And after the after the construction will local people be able to get jobs at those corporations? Yes ma'am. They will be using the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Connor Pepperson Peterson. Thank you for allowing me to come up and make a comment. Um, I wanted to speak specifically about the data center. Mr. Connor, I need you to, um, I need your name and address for the record.

Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, Connor Peterson, 380 Albany Avenue. So, uh, Northwest Louisiana has suffered from a lack of attention over the past several decades, and it is important that we continue to promote ourselves as being open to new investment. We have these assets and resources to really position ourselves for an economic boom that could last for decades. That being said, it is essential that we have teams in place to perform the due diligence necessary to ensure that the net impact of that investment is a positive to our city and to our citizens. I believe that the necessary due diligence has been done in the situation concerning the data center and I'm comfortable continuing to publicly support this project moving forward and I encourage others to lend their support as well. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you Tommy Williams. [snorts] [snorts] Tommy Williams, 12070 Ashlin Way, Shreport, Louisiana. And um I'm here uh as a representative of the Committee of 100. And um I would prefer to defer my time to Justin Dixon if I could. Can you Mr. Dixon?

[laughter]

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. Thank you, council. Uh Justin Dixon, president, CEO of North Louisiana Economic Partnership. Uh I was brought here four and a half years ago today by you and many people in this room to do the job of recruiting jobs and investment into the area. We've done that to the best of our ability. Uh over the years, we've taken the old GM plant which sat empty for 12 years. Two and a half years ago, we put 600 jobs in there with SLB. They got up to 660 in two and a half years. Today, they committed to another 600. And those 1300 plus or minus people are going to be working in the digital infrastructure arena that is data centers. Uh I am all about bringing jobs to the area. That is what it is about for me and my team. Uh it's substantial investment, substantial tax revenue, substantial water revenue, substantial wastewater revenue that comes with data centers. But make make no bones about it. My focus is the 150 permanent jobs that will be coming with this project. Additionally, up to 200 permanent indirect jobs coming for our local contractors, our local HVAC, our local electrical, our local restaurants, our local businesses. That is what this is about and that's why we fight so hard to do this. I'll be quiet. Take any questions you got or I'll go sit back down.

Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Donald Ray Jackson. [clears throat] Donald Jackson, uh, Warden Sue Phillips. Um, S Jackson, is your address for the record? [clears throat] And your address for the record? Uh, Roma, Roma Drive, Sport, Louisiana. Thank you.

Um, I just want to say thank you to the council, to the mayor, Mr. Dark for having this meeting. um and the 3% uh cost of living raise, but we've been so far behind since 2007. So many years we didn't get nothing. The insurance steady going up, the premium going up. So I thank you for for what you're doing. I just wish you consider restoring our merit rates. So, we have to keep coming down here, you know, uh, you know, discussing this. Uh, water and sewer, all the plants, we don't shut down. We work 24 hours a day. Uh, when it's storming, it's supposed, you know, when there's ice and you guys can't come to work, we come to work. Um, it's, you know, we have a 24-hour call center. We keep the city rolling. Clean water coming in, waste water going out. So, you know, we're part of infrastructure. We just want you to know that we committed. We want your commitment to us. Yes. Thank you,

Mr. Don. [applause] How many years have you been with the city? Going on 12 years. Okay. Thank you, sir. Yeah. Madam Chair. Yes.

I know that that you weren't here yesterday during our planning meeting, but we had a very lengthy discussion about pay for all city employees. And I think that every one of us sitting up here on this horseshoe today are wanting more pay for y'all. Especially the ones on the lower end that that are the ones that are out fixing our water leaks at 1 and 2:00 in the morning and those that are picking up our trash. We we we know that there is a pay issue and um I think that Chairwoman Taylor said it very very well yesterday that this is a start, but we're not going to stop. We are just where we are right now budget-wise, we're about maxed out. But I'm hoping with what Mr. Dixon said that as jobs start coming to Streetport, we'll be able to get y'all up to where you need to be. Because look, nobody's going to come to Streetport if we've got uh people that can't take care of the things that need to be taken care of. So, y'all are very, very important. And I just want you to know that. And I will speak I typically don't but I will speak for the entire council. We we are we are trying to do the best that we can. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you sir. Thank you. Thank you. Angie White. Good afternoon. Good afternoon.

Angie White, 269 Charles Avenue. Um, so I also work with Mr. Dixon, but I am a a resident of Shreport. I was born here, and I'm old enough to remember a time when uh Shripport's economy was a lot more vibrant. Um, in the 80s we had some oil and gas price problems that caused our economy to slow down a good bit. And then with the shock that happened when the GM facility closed in 2008, a lot of elected officials, business leaders, organizations have been working very hard over the decades to revitalize our economy and to diversify our economy away from industries that, you know, have lots of ups and downs. and this opportunity that you're considering today for the data center is helping us to do that with an industry that's modern and clean. Um secondly, the revenue from taxes from usage of city services, um the revenue that's going to the the indirect revenue that's going to come from the businesses that will benefit from its development will be significant. And I know a lot of citizens are concerned about how this may impact, you know, water services in the city. From my view, this is going to bring very important revenue into that system to help make repairs that are needed. So, that does not worry me. And I'm someone that worries about water. So, I I'm not worried about that. Um, as my boss mentioned, jobs are extremely important in everything we do. And particularly for me, I oversee our workforce programs and I've worked very hard to help residents in this community get trained for the quality jobs that we're helping to bring here. And we already know that there are efforts in place to get very specific training stood up for individuals that would work not only at the data center, but the skills that they need are also needed in advanced manufacturing and other industries that have automation in them.

So, these are giving our residents skills that will take them deep into the future and that come with good salaries and benefits and the things that we want all of our residents to have. So, for those reasons, I ask you to please consider this um and approve the resolution. Any questions? Thank you. Thank you,

Fred Kent. Hello, Fred Kent 339 bridgeier placeport, Louisiana. Lived here 66 years except for college and one little stint in Colorado. I want to say I'm in favor of the data center. I've been waiting for shreport to come back for the last my whole career and I think we have something here that is the future of America with data centers and wouldn't it be nice to have something in shreport leading the way the capital investment that we're talking about is the largest I've ever heard of in this area approaching the billions of dollars and the jobs that it's going to throw off just directly and indirectly is amazing and these are good paying jobs. We also have revenue for our water system that we desperately need. Our water system needs substantial improvement and this might help us get to where we need to be with the actual revenue that's going to generate by paying for the water. Also, the utility infrastructure. There's so many positive things here and I just want everybody to think of where we are today and where we can be by actually supporting business and creating these jobs for the people of Shreport. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Thank you, Trisha D. Roia.

My name is Trisha D. Roia. I live at 4226 Calderwood Drive, Shrifort, Louisiana, 7-Eleven. And we are very impacted by the data center being built right near our home. We moved into our I and actually I wanted to mention that I remember Mayor Mayor Arseno when we had both had dark hair. I remember Mr. Dark be from the leadership shreport class of 1985 when he took us around to see what was happening in the city. My husband and I have been very invested in the city. I'm a retired cattle parish employee with the school system. My husband is retired from Louisiana State Civil Service and we believe in the community. We want to support the community, but this will have a big impact upon our neighborhood and we would like to have more meetings, more information um so that those of us that are surprisingly impacted will understand better what is coming to our neighborhood. It's not another neighborhood across the city. We moved into our house 41 years ago. Our three children played in our big backyard. Our four grandchildren now play in our big backyard. And we love it out there. And so to have it potentially our [clears throat] peace and quiet snatched away from us is very upsetting. And I just wanted to give you a personal perspective. I thank you for all your hard work and I appreciate you listening to me. meetings.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, [applause] Amy D. Roza.

Afternoon.

I'm Amy D. Roa Bailey. I live at 316 Corin Circle. Um, so today's vote is on resolution 144, but the public still has not been given clear accessible information about what this is. Uh, transparency has not been honored in practice. Maybe in words, but not in practice. Studies may exist, but the citizens can't find or review them. Transparency isn't real if the public can't access the data. You know, I know that it's important that we're open for business. My family has a small business. I get it. But open for business should not mean giving huge tax breaks without evidence or community consent. Supporting business should start with local people and small businesses. If incentives are truly good, studies should come before the vote. I know I I listened to the meeting from yesterday and I know there's supposed to be some sort of Q&A fact sheet that's supposed to be coming towards us. That's a good start. Um but a fact sheet is not an independent study. It's filtered summary for us by people who benefit from us buying what they're selling. If studies support the project, full document should be easy to release. So, I know that um it's good to make the community feel better about this project, but we do not need comfort. We need clarity. You drink the same water we do. You rely on the grid that we rely on, too. And um if this is a concern for us, it should be a concern for you, too. So, I'm asking you to vote no on resolution 144 until residents have real verifiable information in their hands.

Show us the data or slow the vote. Shreport deserves better. Thank you, [applause] Marvin Muhammad. Good afternoon. I walk by. Yes, [laughter]

I must have moved it. Uh Marvin Muhammad, 1116 Prospect Street. I want to I want to begin with a premise, open premise and that premise is this that data centers are in fact a critical portion of our future infrastructure. Why do I say so? Your iCloud, your Google Cloud, your Zoom, your Google Meet, your real time credit and debit card transactions, your late night online purchases, your children, your son playing Xbox to 2 3:00 in the morning. Councilman Butcher, your wife ordered in that wonderful dress that she wore 2 o'clock in the morning to that event that you're going to drag her to. We all remember

you've been watching my house. Yes, sir. [laughter] We all remember, well, not we all, but a lot of us remember that user that user name taylor_1985 at ll.com password I want to run for mayor one day and pushing enter.

That was not me. and then having enough time to go to the kitchen to pour you a glass of milk, make a peanut butter jelly sandwich and steal an extra cookie out of the cookie jar and to come back and just maybe and just maybe you will be at the homepage. Those days are over. No longer we using RG6, RG11 coax cable. We are now under a a span of using fiber optics and those data centers are the are the critical uh infrastructures that is needed for full functionality. It's simply just no way around it. water, electricity, gas, cable and data centers critical portion of our infrastructure. Without it, the way that we are living today, we can we would no longer be. Thank you.

Thank you, [applause]

David Isaacs.

[clears throat] Hi, Google.

Hello. Uh, my name is David Issacs. Address is 218 East Witchah Street. I'm here primarily to uh talk uh against u the resolution 144 and against data centers. uh this bill essentially gives a large tax break over to data centers and large uh uh projects like this and one of the main points I'm trying to make is data centers which are primarily about 70% uh of the new data centers being produced are about AI and for AI development uh they are purely speculative investments there's really no long-term anything associated with them the city has an NDA uh with the company that's building the data center so we have no clue who who exactly is using it. So I'm taking a good uh basically a gamble that 70% chance it's probably an AI company. Uh and as of December 2020 uh 2025 there is no profitable use for AI. Uh a lot of the AI development and data center centers being built today are uh basically a bet that AI may become useful in the future. So what we're doing is building a massive multi-billion dollar data center on a bet that maybe it'll have some use, you know, two or three years down the line. Uh the resolution is well tailored for this type of short-term speculation. Uh a lot of cost is pretty much upfront, not spread over time. There's no uh long-term stipulations like um except for a measly 150 jobs, you know, for a city of 179,000 people, 150 jobs is nothing, you know. Uh I know uh councelor uh Grayson uh he talked about the GM plant uh and there was issues with the uh talking about electricity use for the GM plant compared to the data center. So I ran the math and the GM plant at its heightened production uh

demanded uh 38 megawatts of electricity uh while the data center will demand 50 to 100 megawatts. So it's about double to triple the amount uh given the estimates on the quality of data center. Hold on a second. Let me check my notes again. So resolution 114 essentially reinforces failure. Uh we've had many projects like the data center that was built in the past. For instance, this whole hoopla over, you know, Streetport becoming an entertainment capital, uh, Millennium Studios in the mid in the mid mid 2010s. Um, you becoming the South South's new Hollywood. Uh, Gun Studios, very little significant has actually come of Gunit. Um, so we've had projects like that which long large capital investments, tons of state and city support that have essentially peted out into nothingness. Uh, and from all the evidence I've seen, this data center is pretty much the exact same project. Uh, short-term specul speculative uh, investment made by carpet baggers and scam artists to try and um, you know, basically pull rug under a desperate dying city, which report is not unique. There's dozens, if not hundreds of other cities like us.

Mr. Isaac, your time is expired. Uh, vote no on resolution 144. [applause] Judy Dixon. Judy Dixon. Jimmy Gosley. Jimmy Gosley. Here he comes. [clears throat]

Hello, my name is Jimmy Gosley. My address is 8805 Line Avenue, Shriport, Louisiana, 7106. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to speak in favor of the project that we're discussing today. I uh have lived all my life in Shreveport uh other than the years that I went to LSU and graduated from LSU, but I went to public schools, South Highlands, Broadmore, and proud graduate of Bird High School. Uh came back to Shreveport after I graduated from LSU, went to the real estate business and have been in that business now for 50 years. Uh, a major goal of mine has been economic development for our city and always has been. I was vice chairman of the chamber of commerce and economic development in my 20s and have worked towards economic development uh for now 50 years. And I I know that when somebody comes in and spends the amount of money that's going to be spent on this project that there's a very good chance that it will be very successful and we need the jobs in Shreveport. Uh I don't want to take away from anybody here that's against it. I just happen to be in favor of it and I hope that the vote from you city council people will be also in favor. We we need jobs in Shreveport. Everybody knows that. And I believe that well, we've been working on projects like this for a long, long time. And when they come along, I hope that we get the approval and get them built because that will create even more jobs and even more centers as time goes

on. I believe AI is here to stay whether we like it or not. and I think it will add to our city. So, I'd like for us to consider deeply consider the opportunity that we have today and I'm um very much in favor of anything that's going to help the city. I'm I'm semi-retired in my real estate company, but uh and I have no benefit by this project. uh have no no land anything to has to do with uh where this is being built, but I'd like for my kids and my grandkids to benefit by growth, and we need growth in our city. So, thank you for your time. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. [applause] Philip Roseman. Good afternoon and merry Christmas to you all. Thank you.

You this is the season of peace as we had in our prayer and this is a good example of people getting together orderly determining different perspectives on an issue. So, I've appreciated hearing the perspectives that's gone ahead of what I'm uh about to talk about. I have two perspectives that I want to look at this through. Dr. Roseman, can I get your name and address for the record?

Oh, I'm sorry. Philip Roseman, 510 Long Leaf Road, Shreport. Um, I'm uh I'm coming from two perspectives. The first is a previous co-chair of the 2030 KO Shriport master plan that I worked with with Mr. Clark for years ago. And as the current board chair of the statewide Louisiana committee of 100 on economic development, uh when I worked on the master plan, I learned a lot. One of the things I learned about is how much the people of Shreport love Shreport, how much they wanted to improve Shreport and how much they wanted jobs and investment here and how much they wanted their children to stay here or come back here. Uh in my role at Committee of 100, I've got to see the opportunities all over the state. We're in the midst of a potential boom uh in Louisiana and uh uh there is a lot going on and a potential of a forefront of economic development and growth in our community. Now, this time it's not all about South Louisiana. Uh there's opportunities that are sprouting up in every part of our state. It's our time to develop our workforce, increase the jobs for our families, uh to to build prosperity and a greater quality of life for the people in northwest Louisiana. Historically, Streetport's been an oil and gas economy for a century. In the last 50 years, we've diversified it significantly. And now we're talking about the age of technology. This is the age of Amazon, of the cyber innovative center, General Dynamics, SLB, and I can go on. We're talking about seeking a large data center, a huge investment. It is a huge opportunity and we need to seize it. [clears throat] Let me share a quick story at the end of this from the CEO of Energy, which is a power company in Louisiana. I heard talk about what the history of what happened

with the Meta project in northeast Louisiana and Monroe. And when this all started, Louisiana was not on anybody's mind uh for that project. Uh that that was not they were not on any kind of short list or any long list. Louisiana won that project because they acted as a team to remove barriers and they moved quicker than everybody else did. And that's what we're doing today. It's about clarifying expectations, what the city expects of the of the data center, what the data center ex expects from the city. We're telling our potential investors, we want you to come to our community. Uh it's it's something we all want. Every one of us here, I've worked with most every one of you at one time or another. We all want uh this shreport to grow. We all want it to thrive and it starts with being open to business. Thank you very much.

Thank you, [applause]

Omari Hosang. [clears throat] Good afternoon. Omari Hosang, 333 Milm Street, Streetport 7101. Um, good afternoon to the council and to the mayor. Um, I'm Omari Hosang and um, I just wanted to come by to just lift up and frame that this council has a mandate not just to represent the public, but to protect the vital interest of the public. That mandate requires courage, clarity, and a commitment to the people that cannot be compromised by speed or secrecy. Right now, that mandate is being tested because the question in front of all of us is simple. Why are the people of Shreport being positioned to shoulder the risk, the cost, and the consequences of a project this city has not been allowed to fully see? Evaluator question. In the last week, we've witnessed a level of urgency across multiple agencies that the people of this city have never experienced for their own needs. A special use permit appeared. A special call meeting was held to negotiate water and sewer with a two-month-old registered LLC out of Delaware. A 25-year tax exemption was rushed through another governing body without a fiscal impact statement. And now resolution 144 appears before you with the same structure and the same implications. Meanwhile, the public has been given next to nothing in terms of solid factual information. In terms of the water, Matt Alexander shared many comments. Of the most troubling to me is the fact that in the summer, the water is drawn from a reservoir already strained by drought, algae blooms, and invasive growth, invasive growth, and low summer levels that force the city to rely on 12m Bayou just to maintain current supply. We are not dealing with infinite resources. Um, another issue that I have here is that some things that are being said is

that this is how things are done in the past. But past action does not justify current malpractice. It is being said that the infrastructure will be built out, but where is that documented? Is it in the term sheet or some other binding contract that we are yet unaware of? Would it benefit the entire city's water infrastructure or just the spot where the data center will be? These are important questions that require answers and we are not alone in feeling the way that we are. Across the country, communities are raising alarms. Just yesterday, over 200 organizations in every state of the union have called for a national moratorium on data centers because of the exact consequences we are staring down. Water, infrastructure, skyrocketing utility costs, pollution, and lost revenue which is on the agenda for today. Uh in terms of resolution 144 which asks for a payment in lie of taxes that is a tax exemption FOR 25 YEARS. WHAT tax revenue? Um and if we are being honest this debate is about something deeper that we are facing and this city has always faced. This is a generational fight over what kind of future our children will inherit. How many babies will be born into A SHREPORT WHERE BILLIONDOLL corporations are exempt from paying taxes for a quarter of a century? Mr.

While our Can I have a couple more minutes, please? Um Um Main for a quarter OF A CENTURY WHILE our school your time is expired. May I have another minute, please? I have at least 20 more people to speak. I apologize. Councilwoman Taylor, please can I have another another minute? Omar, we do. We have a host of people speaking. Please, because you've allowed other folks to have another minute around this. Not today. Not today. Not today. [applause] [cheering]

I just want to say I I'm going to ask for the wall. No, thank you. Thank you. We're going to ask you all to have the coral [applause] in here. We have a number of people to get ready to speak and so we're trying to give everybody their three minutes and all we ask you to do is to respect that. William Brefford Good afternoon, members of the council, Madam Chair, mayor. Uh, William Bradford, 333 Texas Street, Shreport, Louisiana 71. Uh, before I start, I also have a letter from the Greater Streetport Chamber of Commerce in support of resolution 144 that I'd like to enter into the record. So, the message has been heard loud and clear, and I think that the resolution before you is is one of setting the tone, setting the tone of our community of what we will and will not allow. Um, the the structure that's proposed to you under resolution 144 is actually more ownorous on local developers here for data centers than it would be for anywhere else in the state. Yet, and still, we still have interest. And that's because the community knows that we have the supply and the ability to support what's going on. 41 years ago, I moved into a house in West Shreport. I'm 41 years old for you that don't know in West Shreport uh at Western Hills and I grew up in that area and I I I was firsthand uh witness to the change in temperature there when the GM plant closed, when activity ceased, when businesses moved out, when disinvestment began. And to see interest in that area and for the ability of the city council to set that framework to bring growth

and development to that side of town again is something that excites my heart. Beyond just being a member of the community and a professional here, a lawyer here, I'm also an investor. I have real dollars invested in West Shreveport and to see the excitement growing around potential growth and development there for me as an investor continues to urge me to make investment here. One thing I'm excited to announce and say that the development group that is behind this and working on this project has heard the community's interest and has heard the community's words. And so I've been contracted as a le liaison for the local community and we have organized a local community meeting that will occur on the 16th at the Bill Cochroll Community Center. We want to hear the input. We want this to be a collaborative effort. This is not us versus them. This is about making a community grow and grow in a healthy way. I think we heard yesterday that the utility SWEPCO has has made mentioned and I will defer to them to make the statement that the development group is burdening the cost that the project itself pays for itself. The same for water upgrades. So the needed infrastructure upgrades that we have in our communities, whether it be school system, whether it be sheriff's office, whether it be city, whether it be parish, all stand to benefit. So instead of saying no, we need to say how do we shape this growth to best benefit each of us in this community, all of us together, because the reality is here, whether it's one job or whether it's 150 jobs, somebody needs one. And we need to make the investments to bring those here. And so I continue to offer collaboration. I will be here as a resource. I will be someone who will take phone calls. For those of you that know me in this audience, I call you back and we're going to talk about how to make this successful because so many times we've turned around and missed out on opportunity. Thank you.

Thank you, [applause] [applause] Craig Lee. Still moving slow.

Yeah, the cane is there. [laughter] Craig Lee 1112 prospect. The one good thing I can say about today, pro or con, I'm glad that the chamber is packed. Hopefully they will keep this up on other issues because there are a lot of other issues that we face. Um, the one thing I want to uh continue to say as relates to the event tomorrow with Mark Moriel, this is already a payoff of what we've seen with the GUnit project. Um, Leon told me this morning, uh, Mayor, that Mark Moriel did not ask for any honorary. So, the city of Shreport is not paying his standard 25 or $50,000 fee. He didn't ask for the city of Shreport to pick up his airline ticket or his hotel ticket. And the reason that is is because the world is now taking notice of Shreport, Louisiana. Cuz all road lead

to Shreport. And so I've I've heard a lot of people uh talk about and you know try to make um little pokes and prods. Oh, what is 50 going to do? But I'm always asking what are you going to do?

What I mean what are you going to do? People can talk all day long about oh this only going to bring 150 jobs or what is the question now becomes what are you going to do? 50 is doing his part. The data center is doing their part. Whoever is doing their part everybody has to do a particular part so we can get up to 5,000 jobs [clears throat] 2,000 jobs. But if you're not doing anything but talking, I have a saying, Councilwoman Tabitha Taylor, and what is that saying? Shut up. [laughter] It's a real simple saying. If you're not doing anything, I I told you a few years ago when the smoking ban was here, you you voted for that. I said it's not good legislation because it prioritizes Boer over Shreport. And when you now make corporations suffer, people lose jobs. And from that overall standpoint, again, whether or not you're pro or con, I'm just simply saying stay involved and stay engaged.

Thank you. Thank you, [applause] Paul Pratt. [clears throat] That's not Fair Park High School. Paul Pratt, [laughter] that's his that's his brother. That's his [laughter] That's his distant cousin. That's his That's Huntington High School. Paul Pratt. Huntington High School. Paul [laughter] Pratt, the Gold Raiders.

Yeah. I I just wanted to uh Paul Pratt, 428 Travis Street. Just wanted to reiterate some of the things we discussed yesterday uh to the council and and just state that often the the local utility is kind of the tip of the spear on economic development and projects that come through. For obvious reasons, we have to show that we can serve that customer. Uh, and so it is adamant in all the hard work that that SWEPCO or NLEP or any of these organizations go through, a vote no here would shut down, close the books on letting customers know that we're open for business here. And and when I say customers, I mean across the world. We have uh companies from across the world looking at our area. We have an opportunity in front of us that is paramount. It's a fork in the road for northwest Louisiana, for Louisiana, and particularly for for Shreport. So, I just wanted to make myself avail a available on behalf of SWEPCO to answer any further questions that the council might have.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, Council M. Uh, yesterday I asked you the question about our our uh infrastructure and SWEPCO's ability. Is there another power plant on the horizon for Northwest Louisiana at some point? So, SWEPCO is always looking to make sure that we can serve any and all customers. We have uh that obligation to serve. We're always going through what we call an IRP process to make sure that our capacity levels meet what's called the SP, which is our RTO, uh, levels of capacity and reserve. And so, as we go through that process, we look at what customers are coming on to, uh, take load in our areas, and we make sure we build out and stay ahead of that curve.

So, I'm not going to answer your question for you, but it sounds like to me that if if the load justifies it, then y'all are looking. Yes, sir.

Okay. And then the second question I have for you is the gentleman earlier was talking about um GM and the amount of of uh electric electricity that it required. I was talking more about water than it was electricity. So and I think that I've got Mr. Sneeed, our director of water and sewage that's working on getting us that. But in your opinion from SWEPCO, this project will not have any negative impact on our grid or on our electrical system. No, Councilman Butcher, it would have the opposite effect. It would help uh uh bolster the grid. It would help us balance the grid. It would help us uh build infrastructure that the customers going to pay for for them to be served. So there this this um misnomer that that citizens are going to pay for what it's going to cost to serve this customer is just completely false.

Well, I know about as about as much about electricity as I do about being a heart surgeon like Dr. Roseman. I I cardiologist I um I have to take you at your word and um these questions have been asked by this council. I think every one of us uh in a public meeting ask you those questions and have asked Sepco those questions. So I but what I want uh from this point forward is I would like for the public to be able to ask SWEPCO directly those questions. So I'm hoping that you will work with NLAP and with the council and with the parish to be able to have some type of portable where citizens can get those questions answered um directly from the horse's mouth.

Absolutely. Thank you. Uh and and just to clarify, SWEPCO will be in attendance as Mr. Bradford indicated at the community meeting. We'll be happy to answer all those questions, but we'll also make that information publicly available. Thank you. Thank you, Autumn Gilbert. [laughter] I'm short short girl problems. Um, hi, my name is Autumn. [gasps] I have been in Shreport Bojer for 40 years. I need your address for the record, please. Ma'am,

I need your address. Okay. Right now it's 2201 Largo Street, Boer City, Louisiana. Thank you. [sighs and gasps]

I've been Shreport Boer has been my home for 42 years. when I moved in with my grandparents attending Warner Park, Hillsdale, and eventually Swan Lake. I'm a product of this community, and that resulted in me starting Airline High School's first ever environmental club, where I convinced my peers to pick up litter on Airline Drive on Saturday mornings. I was a new mother when the recycling program was introduced, and the hope I had for my baby's future was unescribable. At age 30, I became the first female to run in the Green Party in Louisiana. convinced to do so by a Republican law enforcement official who understood my passion, what I stood for, and the work that I had done. There wasn't anything then and there isn't anything now negative about being a steward of the earth. Right now, the facts about data centers are clear. They require almost no human labor relying on electricity, cooling systems, and automatic automated infrastructure, meaning they create almost no lasting jobs. Second, of all the data from existing facilities proves negative environmental impact, so it's not a coincidence that they are placed in vulnerable neighborhoods. Third, I use AI every single day for mental health support, education, and domestic violence recovery, which meant navigating and surviving homelessness. all of the services our city does not provide. And I know from lived experience I have benefited from AI probably more than anyone in this room and even my chat will tell you a data center is not necessary for this community. The benefit does not match the needs of the people who live here. So my question is that you have to either acknowledge these facts and explain why you support the project anyway or admit the claims are misleading. There's no other option and I know you don't have to answer during public comments but now it's on record and the people of Treeport Boer deserve to know.

Thank you. THANK YOU [applause]

Matthew Alexander. [clears throat] My name is Matt Alexander. I live at 178 Carolton Avenue. I'm here today to ask the council to vote no on resolution 144 regarding lump payments made to the city in lie of regularly paid taxes. My biggest concern of all is the lack of transparency conducted during this entire process. The residents are not given any tangible information on these topics. We are told to essentially trust people like Mr. Basada and others who fabricate numbers with absolutely no shame at all which you all if you sit down and think about it must also know are completely fabricated and then you expect us to trust you. I'm not in favor of lumpsum payments because the governing body has clearly not found a path to manage its money sustainably. Yesterday's debate between whether or not the city could afford to pay solid waste workers a livable wage was hard to sit through. So first of all, everyone that works for the city should make a livable wage. even if that means some of you have to go months without pay to achieve that. Because if you cannot afford to pay every one of your workers a livable wage, then you are failing in your leadership roles. I would like to thank Madam Chair Taylor for bringing this issue to the attention of those in attendance yesterday and speaking on behalf of the workers that take out your trash, fix your water leaks, and make sure that the city functions every day. So, you can see how concerned citizens such as myself would be apprehensive about the city voting for a resolution that allows businesses to set their own tax rate and make a lump payment instead of paying a steady stream of taxes. It would seem to me that they're requesting this because it's a cheaper alternative for them. You are essentially advertising yourself to enter in a losing deal. So, what happens when this administration blows through the lump payment? Yesterday's debate reminded me that while you can't seem to find money to pay police officers, you voted in the summer to spend a million dollars on new patrol vehicles. I feel like officers would

rather like to be able to pay their mortgage and drive around in a slightly dated vehicle rather than drive in a new patrol vehicle and not have money left over to buy groceries. Clearly stated, "This administration's past financial policies had demonstrated that a lump sum of money would actually not make it into the hands of the people that need it most, or the parts of the city that need it most, or the parts of a collapsing infrastructure that need it the most. Taxes create a steady stream of income that fall into aotted categories so that a city can function in a sustainable, organized, financed manner with structure and confidence. Lumpsum payments do exactly the opposite. And by the way, for everyone to know, your ultimate priority is to not create conditions for private industry to thrive. Your ultimate priority is to raise the standard of living for your residents so that they can have a dignified life. [applause]

Thank you, uh, Madam Chair. Sir, I'd like for you to know you don't have to answer. The seven of us that work up here, we don't make minimum wage, but we do our jobs because we're servants and we don't mislead people. Why you under the Do you want to be left? You want to get up out of here? Holl again and you out. I think he already left. Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Listen, I'm I'm gonna say this again. This is a passionate topic for many of you, but I'm going to ask you one last time to maintain this level of decorum. We allowed you to clap in the responses that you have in exercising your freedom of speech, but the loud outburst will not be tolerated. Seriously, I want to give everybody the opportunity to state what is on their heart. I'm going to ask you to refrain from any name calling because if you're doing that, then you're going to be cut off. There are a number of people that are here to speak. As we say, we could listen to the pros and the cons. We talked about yesterday what individuals are going to do within the community, but you're going to respect this chamber as your house. And so, I'm going to ask you again to maintain as individuals by giving everybody the in the opportunity to speak regardless if you agree with them or not. The time frame is three minutes. That's it. We have a number of people speaking and we're trying to respect everybody here and everybody's time with additional meetings to follow this discussion where you can ask those questions that you need to get answered. That's the only thing that I'm going to ask you. So, we going to continue to do outbursts. Then you going to be properly escorted out of here. So, I'm asking you to do that nicely. With that being said, she's going to call the next person.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Joe Shine Jr. [clears throat]

[clears throat]

Joe Shine, 415 Texas Street. You know, um, a lot of people are are wondering about the electric rates and, you know, there's the public service commission, which I work for and I represent, uh, Commissioner Foster Campbell, uh, part of North Louisiana. And you know we were excited about the meta site because that was the first time Richland Parish is going to be seeing such job growth and you know that can happen here. You have a commission who has done the best deal dealing with AI data centers compared to anywhere else in the state and so you know you have great politicians in front of you that represent streetport who has something to look at and to improve upon. So any kind of rate increase or anything will go with the public service commission and we'll have outside counsel and everything to look at what SWEPCO is doing. So trust us in making sure that y'all are taken care of electric rates will not go up and that all job growth is good for the city. We need private jobs here to help the people of this city and you have a great council that will represent you for these people. So thank you.

Yes, council. Mr. Shine, uh, since you represent, uh, Foster Campbell, the the, uh, public service commissioner, and I'm I'm assuming you're here on his behalf as well. Any questions that any constituent of ours has about these rate increases or the usage, like I talked to Mr. Pride about, I'm sure y'all are more than willing to take phone calls. Yes, sir. We will always take any phone calls dealing with any kind of electricity rates or anything that's going on currently. So, yeah. Thank you. you. I appreciate you coming today. [clears throat] It's important. Thank you,

Mr. Shine. Thanks for coming. Um, I do want to include you on the neighborhood meetings just to ensure the constituents of the public service commission laws. So, I would appreciate you and I'll get that information to you. Yes, ma'am. Just let me know. I'll be there. Thank you. All right.

Mike Basada. Good afternoon, Mike Busatada, 401 Market Street, Shreport, Louisiana. Uh, first off, I'd like to say uh it was very nostalgic seeing the Joe Shine back in the Streetport City Council chambers. You know what? We're do what I do representing Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority and economic development entities throughout the state represented the Louisiana Department of Economic Development on the Richland Data Center. Represent cities, parishes, and communities all throughout the state. And often times I get asked if I will go and you know why don't you represent the private companies? Because I like being on the government side because I hear what people are saying. People are saying we need to vet these. And that's what we do every single day. The number of data centers, I can tell you right now, the number of data center projects that we've gotten calls on are dozens. Everyone were vetted. Most of them weren't real projects. Most of them weren't legitimate. What we elect people for is to represent us and to govern. There are some doctors in the room right now. When my head hurts, I say, "What do I do?" They say, "Take Tylenol." I don't say, "Well, show me a 20page study that Tylenol is safe." I trust them because that's what their job is to do. When somebody says the water that you're drinking is safe, how many people in this room actually went out and got a chemical set and tested the water themselves? We have to start trusting. I believe in trust, but verify, but I respect the people in this room. I respect this council. I respect the mayor, the administration. On top of that, the folks at SWEPCO. On top of that, the folks at the public service commission.

On top of that, the folks at Louisiana, Louisiana DEEQ. On top of that, the United States Department of Environmental Quality. On top of that, NLEP. On top of that, the Shreport Chamber of Commerce. All these entities have vetted it. Now, I agree. It would be wonderful if we could come out and we could tell and and everybody was informed of every single thing from day one. The problem is that's not how this how economic development works anywhere else in the country. I'm not saying it's right, but at the end of the day, I want to compete and win for Shreveport. I want us to get in the game. When this data center project landed in Richland Parish, I was there yesterday talking about what the new growth is going to be. My family and friends said, "Why didn't you help get one of those here?" I said, "We're working on it. Clients all over the state are working on it. We have an amazing opportunity." And I'll say this sometimes. I heard that my facts aren't right. And you're correct. [snorts] Amazon. I told you Amazon was going to bring a thousand jobs.

They brought 3,000. Correct. I told you SLB was going to bring 596 jobs. They now have 1,200. And I told you that um that prolect GE was going to have 100 jobs. It's 140 jobs. We're winning. The numbers are underscore. There is no other. Everybody wants to talk about Elio Motors. It's 12 years ago. Let's call the time of death on that and let's be for let's be positive. Attorney Senator, your time is up. Thank you. [applause]

Charles Williamson, right?

Hi, I'm Charles Williamson. I live at 8621 Shamat Drive in Streetport. Uh, a lot of you faces I don't know. Some of I do know. I worked for the city for 21 years. Uh, there's been a lot of pro and con about this data center. Personally, I want everybody to think it's easy to vote for something that's not sitting in your backyard. I mean, when GM was here, it was out in the middle of nowhere. Really didn't impact somebody's neighborhood just a block or two away. So, it's like, again, it's easy to say, "I'm all for that, but it's not in your backyard. How's it going to affect their property values? These people have spent their life savings on their homes. It doesn't matter to these other people because it's not in their yard. I understand city street board needs jobs. I'm all for that. I'm not for the the NDAs. That may be the norm, but it does not come off as a good look. It's like somebody's got something to hide somewhere. What's going on? Why can't we be privy to some of that stuff? I guess there's a lot of concern to me too about our water supply. It's been brought up. Streetport has issues when we have droughts,

water rationing and all that stuff. Also, I understand the DEEQ and DEA and all that stuff about how to handle the wastewater. I'd like to know how they plan on handle this wastewater. Uh, I guess that's about all I have to say. I just want everybody to think about it in depth. It seems to be rushing rushing this through to a vote and not enough for information out to the city's report, the populace to make a decision on it. I understand there's all these professionals that have their ideas and their expertise on this and that, but the populace need to be informed. They need to make a conscious decision on what's going on based on information that they don't have. Thank you.

Thank you, [applause] Llaya Tibido. Tibido, 8455 Bern Avenue. Um, I work in tech. I'm going to read from a study from the University of Michigan School of Science, Technology, Public Policy. I need your address for the record, please. 8455 Fern Avenue.

Uh, I'm going to read from a study from the University of Michigan Ford School of Science, Technology, and Public Policy called What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town on Jobs. The construction of data centers can create many jobs, but those are short-lived. Once data centers are built, they require relatively few employees since the facilities primarily house computers and servers. The jobs that data centers do create locally are typically low-wage term limited non-technical positions. These roles are often filled by contractors rather than full-time employees, meaning they lack union protections, benefits, and job security. As a result, these positions tend to be short-term and do not contribute to sustained economic growth or long-term career opportunities for local residents. On taxes, data center companies locate sites based on electricity prices, land availability, and climate conditions. Although tax breaks are often justified as a way for communities to attract data centers, these policies do not affect data center location decisions. as an executive responsible for Microsoft's North American data center stated in 2024, quote, I can't think of a site selection or placement decision that was decided on a set of tax incent incentives and quote essentially tax incentives mean nothing to these large corporations, but they inflict harm on the community that could have benefited benefited from additional tax revenue on higher energy rates for consumers. When data s data centers are built, they raise utility prices for nearby communities. As demand surges, utility companies often pass the cost of infrastructure upgrades at increases increased energy procurement onto residents and small businesses through higher rates. Many communities do not realize the connection until their monthly bills spike. Companies and legislators also withhold information about electricity and water use of data centers, preventing consumers from realizing that increased utility costs are often associated with the arrival of energyintensive facilities. By keeping usage data confidential or vaguely reported, corporations and policymakers avoid public scrutiny even as these facilities strain local resources. Without clear disclosures, residents remain unaware of how much water is

diverted for cooling systems or how much electricity is consumed, information that could help communities push for fair cost distribution or sus sustainable practices. This lack of accountability allows data center operators to expand rapidly while shifting the financial and environmental burdens onto utility customers. As a result, many residents pay higher bills without understanding the cause. The financial strain caused by denitors most severely impacts lower inome households whose utility bills represent a disproportionate share of their income, exacerbating economic inequality. And there is already an NDA in place. So that does not inspire confidence for future accountability and disclosure. All that to say, data centers and their tax breaks in Shreveport will inflict massive harm on the community and provide no benefit. Vote no on resolution 144. Thank you, [applause]

Angelica Serulo. [snorts] You can't have the sign up. Thank you. Nice sign though. Thank you. Can you see the other side?

Angelica Ceruo, 329 3215 9inth Street Monroe Shreport. A recent study came out about Amazon data in Oregon providing that proving that it was linked to cancer and miscarriages and that was built 14 years ago. With that being said, do you want to be held accountable when our people begin to get these diseases? Do you have the heart to hold to see these people suffer from asthma, cancer, miscarriages? Don't you have family, kids, grandkids? I see the short-term effects, but long term, I don't. Instead, let's bring an engineer here to build a plant to store our abundance of water that we get from rain, so that way we can sell our water and make it clean when the rest of the states are running out of water with all these data centers. And if we're not going to pay for these bills to go up, why don't we compare the other cities that are already doing it? Like, there's evidence Maybe people will move here in the future if we don't have the data center because we'll have cleaner air and hopefully cleaner water and affordable bills. Thank you, [applause]

Shelleria Dominique. Shir Dominique, 624 Texas Street. Um, Councilman BH, I have a question for you. Would you support this data center in your district? Yes. I found that hard to believe because at the NPC meeting, I found out that your district was constantly battling about a single oil change center. I can tell you that the Port of Seport Boer is basically in my district. So, why is your community still battling about a single oil change center? They have

I can't answer that question and that's not come before the council yet.

Okay. So, here's my issue. I feel as if we constantly place the validity of our city on a single company or a single industry. We say that every company or industry is going to save us. And at what point do we take a minute to reflect and think that maybe our city needs something else? Maybe it's not just the jobs. There's so much other stuff that we need. And I find it interesting how when it comes time to do stuff in our district, everything has to move with speed and precision. However, I found out that the oil change center I'm referring to, that community has had the ability to go back and forth until it is tailored to their needs. They're concerned about everything. The company has been able to redesign how the a take change center is designed simply because they do not want it in their community. They have been going back and forth since at least February of this year because they have given that right and respect. And it does not seem like the West Streetport area is being given that same consideration. I'd also like to ask I I like that everybody is addressing the water and the the electricity issue, but I don't see anybody addressing the health concerns. There are very real health concerns to these data centers and no one is addressing it. And I want to know that if the company will be willing to go on record to say that we will pay for the health issues that are going to arise from these data centers. Is that something that they can say? Is that something that they're willing to address? We have entire communities who have data centers currently. They have asthma. They have cancer. The Amazon data center the young lady before me was referring to, they have created new strains of cancer because of what the wastewater has done to their land. Can can they come up here and talk about that? Because I do care about the electricity and I care about the water. However, I do care about people's health. They have miscarriages. They have COPD. You have children as young as 10 with COPD and nobody is discussing that. Nobody is talking about that. We keep talking about the jobs, jobs, jobs. But what about the quality of life? What important is a job if you're not going to live long enough to get one? Oh, I would like an answer to that about

the cancer if there's something that we can talk about because it's not just about the electricity and the water. When you all have y'all community meetings, will there be someone to discuss those issues that she spoke about? Attorney Bradford, will there be candid conversations as it relates to those particular issues so she can get those issues addressed along with the individuals that are in the room and she would have the concrete answers to that. And I don't think that it would be just one conversation. I think it would be as the company progresses and that you would be able to look and see what environmental effects that it would have if any in the area.

Yes, ma'am. We're willing to talk about any topic that is a concern to the community. We just want to make sure we're operating with facts and understand that the science is the science. Um it's a very clean site what's being proposed and this is not something that is creating carcinogens or anything to that extent. But we follow the rules.

There are environmental requirements that we have to follow. There are regulations in place to help protect the public and the citizens. But again, we are open to that dialogue and we'll have that. Yes. So, Miss Dominique, I think at that particular point at whenever they establish the community meeting, then you all should have not just one conversation, but a long-term conversation as it relates to that and that that should be some collaborative partnership that shows she will remain a breast of what is occurring and then if there is any need that she will be able to take that back to her community. Yes, ma'am. And I'd like to get your information if that's okay. Okay.

Thank you, Aaron. [applause] Aaron Barry, Aaron Barry, she's

Dr. Jerome Cox,

Miss Dominique need to give them your information. 7815 Oak Creek Trail Street Portal. I don't remember putting a note in the box, but I think Mike may have done that or something. So my my theory about these concerns are are where we find ourselves in a situation where we look at the jobs and we look at that versus um what the young lady speaks to about chemicals and so forth. But the reality is is that there's jobs, there is the health issues, there's all of these things. And what's beautiful about this is democracy. We all get a chance to speak our peace. So today is wonderful because I I love the process. I love the process that all of us get a chance to speak what it is that we believe. And at the end of the day, I have learned democracy creates what we call the greater good. And at the end of the day, we have to focus on the greater good. Um there was a particular instance um early on in my career I experienced a similar situation like this. I have four young children at the time and I was hardpressed about something like this coming into the neighborhood. And at the end of the day it was approved. It's passed. It went forth. And I'll just say this, 20 plus years later, I have four wonderful, healthy sons, all who have graduated college.

They're they're living a good life. What I thought was this ill, broken, cancerous device, it wasn't as bad as I thought. The reality of it is I had a real earning to make sure that my family was safe. So those of you that speak to that, we understand that. But also there are those on the other side of this issue realize that jobs are essential to our community's growth. It is the lifeblood that gets us where we need to be. So I say to you because for me we speak our peace and where we stand but at the end of the day this will rely on you as leaders and when you go home tonight you'll have to reflect on the fact there were some that lost and there were some that won but the greater good benefited from the outcome. So that is the question that will be yielded to you today. So you'll be hardpressed and I personally believe we have to focus on the jobs and we have to create the balance and the neutrality of all of that. And it's unfortunately but that's the world we live in. The good, the bad, and the ugly. And so today we just need to realize we must stand firm and believe in our conviction. So the question is up to you and we say do what you think your conviction tell you what is best. Listen to your constituents on both sides and make a decision for the greater good. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you [applause] Madam Chair. This concludes public comments. Okay. We have no executive appointments to consider. Um there are no items under consent agenda or for introduction or to be adopted. Madame clerk, please proceed with regular agenda legislation. Resolution 138 to allocate funds to specific notfor-profit organizations from funds budgeted and other charges in the 2025 riverfront development special revenue fund. So move.

Second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Taliferoh. Any discussion this vote?

Yes. Okay. Okay. Okay. And this passes with six

resolution 139 to allocate funds to spe to specific notfor-profit organizations from funds budgeted and other charges in the 2025 riverfront development special revenue fund. So moved. Second. So moved by Councilman Ber, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any questions, discussion? Let's vote. Okay,

this passes with six resolution 141 authorizing a mayor to execute an agreement with LSU board of supervisors acting through Louisiana State University and shreport for the retention, preservation and services of city records at LSUS. So move. Second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Butcher. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passes with six. Resolution 142 authorizing mayor to execute a cooperative endeavor agreement between the city of Shreport and the state of Louisiana Department of Treasury. So move. Second. So moved by Madame Vice Chair, second by the chair. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passes with six. Resolution 143 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the city of Shreport and Car Rigs and Ingram LLC for the purpose of an external audit of the city for fiscal year January 1st, 2025 through December 31st, 2025. So moved. Second. So moved by multiple people. So moved by Councilman Talifer, second by Councilman Ber. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passes with six. Resolution 144 approving annual payments in lie of tax in accordance with one or more term sheets between the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority and qualifying entities. So move.

Second. So move by council green, second by madam vice chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passage with sex resolution 145 authorizing a mayor to execute a change order number three to the cooperative endeavor agreement with the streetport meters 2023 LLC to add funds to the rehabilitation budget for the AMI water meter project. So move second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote.

This passes with six. Resolution 146 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 at District F in District F described herein and to execute the lease for certain mineral interests owned by the city of Streetport and to authorize the mayor to execute any and all documents related to the intent of this resolution. So move. Second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes with six.

Resolution 148 recognizing and thanking Alan Clark for over 40 years of dedicated service. So moved. Second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. Councilman Butcher and this passes with six resolution 149 recognizing Mark Morel. So move second.

So moved by the chair, second by madam vice chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. This passes with six resolution 150 recognizing Philip Royce Barbar. So move second. So moved by the chair, second by Councilman Talero. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes with six resolution 151 recognized in the Zanti Club of Shreport. So moved. Second.

So moved by Councilman Ber, second by Madam Vice Chair. Any discussion? That's to be withdrawn. No, no, this is qu. Oh, I'm sorry. [laughter] Some coffee. This passes with six resolution 152 approving a request to establish private non now it's your private economic development corporation to be named the gateway economic development corporation and there's a request of withdraw it's your turn motion to post to withdraw

second motion to withdraw by Councilman Green second by madam vice chair any discussion let's vote This passes with sex. Resolution 153 approving a request to establish a private nonprofit economic development corporation to be named the Streetport Film and Entertainment Economic Development Corporation. So move. Second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. with six.

Madam clerk, would you proceed with introduction of resolutions not to be adopted prior to January 13, 2026? Resolution 154 authorizing a request to be made to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Louisiana State Mineral Board, to seek public bids for an oil, gas, and mineral lease involving a property located in district districts E and F described herein and to execute the lease for certain mineral interest owned by the city of Shreport and to authorize the mayor to execute any and all documents related to the intent of this resolution.

So move to introduce. So move for introduction by Councilman Green, second by the chair. These items have been introduced. Madam clerk, would you proceed with the introduction of ordinances not to be adopted prior to January 13, 2026? Ordinance 152 to amend chapter 102 section 625, vehicles for hire of the city of Shreport, Louisiana code of ordinance relative to qualifications. So move be introduced. So move so moved by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Ber. These items have been introduced. Mr. dark. I mean, [laughter] this what it says on this paper. Madam cler,

uh, please proceed with ordinance on second reading and final passage. It says your name right here, just so you will know. [laughter] Ordinance 146 declaring a certain paint and equipment acquired with federal community development block grant funds as surplus and authorizing this disposal and donation to qualified nonprofit organization subject to conditions. So move. Second. So moved by Council Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes with sex ordinance 147 amendments 2025 budget for the riverfront development special revenue fund.

So move so moved by council green second by councilman Brooks. Any discussion gear? Let's vote. [laughter] This passes with six ordinance 148 amending the 2025 budget for the healthcare and technology innovation district east special revenue fund. So move second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes with sex.

[laughter] She just knew you was going to Ordinance 149 amending the 2025 budget for the Healthcare and Technology Innovation District West special revenue fund. So moved. Second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? [clears throat] Let's vote. And this passes with six. Ordinance 150 amending chapter 74 of the code of ordinances. So move. Second. So move by the chair, second by the vice chair. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passes with six. Madam chair. Yes sir. Uh if we have a 30 minute break. We do not. No. Let's finish. [laughter] Go right ahead. You ready? Or 113, adopting the 2026 capital improvement budget. There's two amendments. Amendment one. This amendment reflects updates requested by the administration. Several program adjustments were necessary to align with the ordinance with changes that have occurred since the original submission in October as well as addresses newly identified project needs across departments. So move on the amendment. Second. So move. So [laughter] on amendment one

on amendment one by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Ber. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes with six. [clears throat] Amendment two. This amendment reflects a requested update that will allow 480,000 in funding to remain in program C. So move on. on amendment two. Second. So move on amendment two by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote.

Yay. And this passes with six. Jim went down some rabbit hole over here and got lost. [laughter] And now as amended. So moved as amended. Second. So on the motions as amended, second by the chair. We tired. Tired. It's been a long day. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And that passes with six. Ordinance 114 adopting the 2026 budget for the riverfront development special revenue fund appropriating funds authorized herein and there are five amendments. Um amendment one I think needs to be wed

amendment one. This is the administration's amendment. The revenue decreases reflects the December 2025 appropriation of 225,000 to three organizations which address food insecurity. It also includes 8,800 to pay increases proposed by the mayor. There is another amendment um five replaces this. Okay. So we make a motion on the amendment. I I think So what do you want me to do? Can we can we make a motion on it? Amended except for amendment one. Okay, you vote. Well, I don't want to tell you how to vote, but it is a replacement on here. So So moved on amendment one.

We don't want you to pass. We don't want you to pass amendment, right? We we've let it fail, but we got to get on the table, so we need a first and a second. Okay. So vote against it. Okay. Okay. So moved by Councilman Butcher, second. Second by Councilman Talifer. Any discussion vote? Well, the vote no. Correct.

And this fails with six votes. Amendment two. This amendment is a funding for Shreport implementation and redevelopment authority. So move on amendment two. Second. So moved on amendment two by Councilman Green. Second by the chair. Any discussion? [snorts] Let's vote. I'm sorry.

And this does pass with six. Amendment three. This amendment is to fund the H.B.CU classic football game. So move on amendment three. Second. Football game. Football game. So moved by Councilman Green, second by the chair. Any discussion? Let's vote on amendment three. Can this passes with six? Amendment four. This amendment is to add 40,000 to the NPC's budget to begin the process of doing neighborhood plans. So move on amendment four.

Second. So move on amendment four by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Madam Chair? Yes. Would this new position be helpful in what we're dealing with right now in some zoning issues around town for new developments and things like that? Yeah. When we when he looked to go back and replace the urban planning, it is specifically for that. Okay. Good. With those because there's obviously I mean we've been here for two hours now and there's obviously a breakdown somewhere. Correct. with the community. And I just want to stress that I'm gonna vote for this, but I hope that that this position will help get into the communities and give them the information they need. Yes, I agree. [snorts and clears throat]

This passes with six. Amendment number five. This amendment reflects the final product of budget review. The revenue decreases reflects the December 2025 appropriation of 225,000 to three organizations which address food insecurity. It also includes 2,400 to provide pay increases to employees earning less than 75,000. So move on amendment five. Second. So move on amendment five by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. I think it's worthy of saying, Madam Chair, that that just because there's a cap on there that that's not the end. We're doing uh

I think it's very necessary to say that we're doing uh studies right now, parody studies and things like that. So, this is not the last time this will come up, but for budgeting purposes, we have to do this right now. Mr. Dark, when will we look at these particular increases to go into effect? Next year, first quarter. the the bud the pay the 3% is going to be moved from April to May because of the change in funding yesterday. Okay. Um but that's when it would go into effect. So we want to again look at uh mid management employees. Um again do you still want to look at that in July?

Yes. Okay. June July June or July. All right. Um then there are some 2% I think it was again for fire and police right it's 3% with 2% longevity so yeah when does that take effect the 2% start the 2% starts at the first of the year here and then the other will be would start May one okay okay all right [snorts and clears throat] let's vote Rogers came with everybody left this passage chair So move on the ordinance as amended. So moved on the ordinance as amended by council G. Second.

Second by Councilman Ber. Any discussion? Let's vote. Miss Miss Rogers, you decide to come when everybody left. [laughter] Must be Councilman Green say you must be Baptist. Miss Ro. [cough] Council Green. Oh. [laughter] It must be busy made of the nomination. This passes with six and we got six amendments made. Or this 115 adopting the 2026 budget for the general fund and there is six amendments.

And just to clarify, Madam Chair, 2, three, five, and six are the ones we want you to pass. One and four were replaced by five and six as of today. Okay. So vote against one and four. Yes, sir. All right. Amendment one. This is the administration amendment. It pro provides 21,600 to the 2026 payment for the purchase of new tasers for the marshall's office. The council approved this purchase in late 2025. This purchase will require annual payments through 2029. It also provides 90,000 to the police department for rental payments in connection with the office space of the crime lab or the crime scene investigation staff.

So move on amendment one. Second. Move on amendment one by Councilman Green. Second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? This is this is where you're voting no. No. Replaced by amendment 44. Jackie, has it ever been this confusing over the last seven years? Is it replaced by This one will be replaced, I believe, by five. It's replaced by a without the crime lab money. Okay. Okay. And this fails with six.

Amendment two. This is the administration's amendment. It appropriates the 100,000 state grant received in the late 2025 for activities in district A and G. the funds are received too late in 2025 for them to be appropriated and obligated in 2025. So move on amendment two. Second. So move on amendment two by Councilman Green. Second um by the chair. Any discussion? Let's vote

and this passes with six. Amendment three. This is a joint amendment from the administration and the council. It appropriates 6,350,000 from a new certificate of indep indebtedness to purchase 60 police patrol cars, four fire medic units, five tanker trucks, and a concrete truck for public. So move on. It also appropriates 215,000 from the increased oil and gas revenue to pay the 2026 interest on the debt as well as 2.5 million budgeted in the solid waste fund to purchase eight garbage packers. So move it on amendment three. Second.

So moved on amendment three by council [snorts] green, second by the madam vice chair. Any discussion? Discussion. [laughter] I am speaking in tones. It's been a long day. And this passage with six. Amendment four. This is replaced with amendment six. This is an administration's amendment. It appropriates 429 2 4,291 I said that all wrong. 600 from the several sources and increased oil gas revenues 480,000 formally appropriated to streets from the public safety fund 700,000 in ARP interest earning in and 500,000 in general fund dollars once charged to the academy capital project those dollars are being replaced by 500,000 in ARP money freed up by the closure of for street capital project these funds are to be used to provide 3% pay increase on April 1st for all city employees and a 500,000 allowance distributed among several departments for parity pay increases as may be deemed appropriate as a result of go ongoing salary survey.

So move on amendment four. Second. So move on amendment four by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? So when you vote no on this amendment

and this fails with six amendment five. This is an administration's amendment. It provides 20 21,600 for the 2026 payment for the purchase of new tasers for the marshall's office. The council approved this purchase late 2025. This purchase will require annual payments through 2029. So move on amendment five. So moved on amendment five by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Butcher. Any discussion? Let's vote. Father Paul, you've been back there praying for us cuz I was looking for you earlier. I didn't even [laughter] see him back there. This passage was sick. You just know he's there. Just saying. He just appeared. No, we needed a little He like Jesus

here like Jesus. You just know he's there. [laughter] Was not my friend.

Amendment six. This amendment reflects the results of the budget review process. It appropriates 3,811,600 from several sources and increased oil and gas revenue, 700,000 [clears throat] in ARP interest earnings and 500,000 general fund dollars once choice of the academy capital project. These those dollars are being replaced by 500,000 in ARP money freed up by the closure of Forest Street capital project. These funds are to be used to provide 3% pay increases on May 1st for the city employees and a 500,000 allowance distributed among several departments for parody increase as may deemed appropriate as a result of the ongoing salary survey. Changes from prior version. The transfer of 480,000 from the public safety fund is deleted. Departmental allocations are reduced because of the 75,000 cap and the delay in implementing a pay increase by one month due to the loss of public safety.

So move on amendment six. Second. So move on amendment six by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote.

It passes with six. So move on the ordinance as amended. Second. So move on the ordinance as amended by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Ber. Any discussion? Discussion. Discussion. That's a lot for us to understand and I know it's a lot for the public to understand. So by us voting yes for this. Could the administration on the record give us a few bullet points about what we just did?

Well, you did a number of things, Councilman [clears throat] Butcher. First of all, you passed a balanced budget. It's approximately $331 million now. But what you did today was to add a good deal of money for equipment for police, fire, and public works, and you provided funding for payraises for the large majority of city employees as of as of May. Um, we've kept our reserve. We've done a number of good things in this budget, and I applaud you for the for the work that you did to get us this far.

Thank you. [applause] Thank thank you all for working with us. I know it's been a I just asked Jackie if this is the most amendments we've had in seven years and she said yes. So, thank y'all for Thank you all for working with us. Madam Chair. Yes, sir. Uh I if if I may uh one of the things that I want to point out about particularly what we've done in the general fund in the in the ordinances that you have passed thus far most the rest of them are a little more are a little more routine

uh but we uh we had a transparent discussion of priorities and policies and questions and a give and take between the council and the administration. That's the way government is supposed to work. And I I and and it did work that way. And so I I really congratulate y'all. I thank you for the cooperation that we had. Uh we make a proposal. We then discuss what those priorities are and we were able to come uh come to agreement on what those priorities are. Uh almost all of it took place right here.

Right [laughter and clears throat] here. and and that that's a very healthy process for the citizens of Shreveport and I applaud you for it. Thank Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

I thank uh our colleagues to Mr. Mayor and your staff um as we went back and forth on these things. I agree with you that it has to be a discussion that we bring forth because for us all, our employees are our priority. We want to make sure that this city operates you know efficiently. That's why and effectively and sometimes we have to go back and forth and look at that and regroup and I think that it is very important for the citizens to know that. So thank you all my colleagues. I appreciate you all and I think that open line of communications will continue as we work to to do even more.

Open line. Mr. Clark got your wish. See we talking. [laughter] All you had to do was retire.

So, everyone is voted except council. Yes, I was just waiting for you to ask [laughter] and this passes with six. Ordinance 116 adopting the 2026 budget for the retained risk internal service fund. So, so moved by Councilman Ber, second by Councilman Green. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes with six.

Ordinance 117 adopting the 2026 budget for the NPC special revenue fund appropriating the funds authorized therein. Amendment one which will be play which will be replaced with amendment three. This is the administration's amendment. The revenue and expenditure increases are necessary to cover the pay increase proposed by the mayor. So move on amendment one. We vote against it. Yes, sir. All right. Second. So move on amendment one by Councilman Green. Second by the chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. No. And this fails with six.

Amendment two. This amendment is to add 40,000 to the NPC's budget to begin the process of doing neighborhood plans. So move on amendment two. Second. So move on. Amendment two by Councilman Green, second by the chair. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passes with six. Amendment three. This amendment reflects the result of the budget review process. The revenue and expenditure increases are necessary to cover the pay increase being authorized by council. So move on amendment three. So move on amendment three by council green, second by the chair. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passes with six. So move on the ordinance as amended. Second. So move on the ordinance as amended by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Ber. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes six. Ordinance 118 adopting the 2026 community development special revenue fund budget amendment one which will be replaced by amendment two. This is administration amendment. The revenue and expenditure increases are necessary to cover the pay increases proposed by the mayor. So move on amendment one that we vote again. Second.

So move on amendment one by council green. Second by Councilman Butcher. Any discussion? Let's vote. No. And this fails with six. He's in a zone. [clears throat] I know how Kier was going. [laughter] I know. Amendment number two. This amendment is a result of a budget review process. The review and expenditure increases are necessary to cover the pay increases authorized by council. So move. So moved by Councilman Talifero, second second by Councer. Any discussion? Let's vote

and this passage is six as amended. So moved on the ordinance as amended. Moved on the ordinance as amended by Councilman Butcher. Second. Second by Councilwoman Bowman. Is there any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes with six. Ordinance 119 adopting the 2026 grant special revenue fund. So move. Second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Mad Vice Chair. Any discussion? this vote

and this passage is six. Ordinance 120 adopting the 2026 budget for the downtown entertainment district special revenue fund. So move second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by madam vice chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passage is six. Ordinance 121 adopting [snorts] the 2026 budget for the golf enterprise fund. There's one amendment. This amendment is the administration's amendment. This amendment is necessary to cover the pay increase proposed by the mayor. So move on amendment one. Second.

So move on amendment one by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes the six. So move on the ordinance as amended. So move on the ordinance as amended by council green, second by madam vice chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. Councilman Green. And this passage is six,

ordinance 122, adopting the 2026 budget for the airport enterprise fund. Um, amendment one will be replaced by amendment two. This is the administration's amendment. The amendment is necessary to cover the pay increase proposed by the mayor. So move on amendment one. Second. So moved on. Amendment one by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Taliferoh. Any discussion? Let's vote. No. Vote against vote against this. That's right. And this fails with six. Amendment [clears throat] two. This amendment is a result of the budget review process. This amendment is necessary to cover the pay increases authorized by council.

So move on amendment two. Second. Let's move on. Amendment two by Councilman Gray, second by Councilman Ber. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passes with six. So move on the ordinance as amended. Second. So move on the ordinance as amended by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Ber. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passage is six. [clears throat] Ordinance 123 adopting the 2026 budget for the water and soil enterprise fund. There are three amendments. Amendment one will be replaced by amendment three. This is an administration amendment. The amendment is necessary to cover the pay increases proposed by the mayor and provides 250,000 for possible parity pay increases during the year. So move on amendment one. So moved on amendment one.

Second. Second by council Top Pharaoh by Councilman Butcher who made the motion. Um do we vote for this? No, sir. No. Okay. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this fails with sex. Amendment two. This amendment will allow 525,000 to be transferred from water and sewage operating reserve to the capital budget for furnishing their buildings located at 70th Street. So move on amendment two. Second. Move on amendment two by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? That's

and this passage of six amendment three. This amendment is a result of the budget review process. This amendment is necessary to cover the pay increases authorized by the council and provides 250,000 for possible parity pay increases during the year. So move on amendment three. Second. So move on amendment three by council green. Second by madam vice chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes six. So move on the ordinance as amended. Second. So move on the ordinance as amended by Councilman Green. Second by Councilman Ber. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passage is six. Ordinance 124 adopting the 2026 budget for contractual services provided by provided to sport train by Metro Management Associates. So move second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passage is six. Ordinance 125, adopting the 2026 budget for the downtown park and enterprise fund. So move. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Brooks. Any discussion? Let's vote. Oh, at the wrong point. And this passage of six. So ordinance 126 adopting the 2026 budget for the convention centerprise fund.

So move. So move by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Brooks. Any discussion this vote and this does pass with six ordinance 127 adopting the 2026 budget for the convention center hotel enterprise fund. So move second. So moved by madame vice chair, second by Councilman Green. Any discussion? Let's vote and this passage is six [clears throat] ordinance 128 adopting the 2026 budget for the debt service fund. So move

second move by councilman green second by madam vice chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. That passes with six. Ordinance 129 adopting the 2026 budget for the solid waste enterprise fund. There's two amendments. Amendment one will be will be replaced by amendment two. Amendment one. This is administration amendment. This amendment is necessary to cover the pay increases proposed by the mayor and provides 200,000 for possible parity pay increases during the year. It also appropriates 2.5 million for a certificate of indebtness to purchase eight garbage packers. 58,600 and appropri is appropriated to make the first year interest payment on that certificate.

So move and vote against. Second. So moved by Councilman Green, second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. No vote. Ryan, no vote. And this fails with six.

Gary was sm Gary was smiling like he was a yes. Amendment two. This amendment reflects the results of the budget review process. This amendment is necessary to cover the pay increases authorized by the council and provides 200,000 for possible parody pay increases during the year. It also appropriates 2.5 million for a certificate of indebtness to purchase eight garbage packers. 58,600 is appropriated to make the first year interest payment on the certificate. So move on amendment two. Second. I move on [snorts] amendment two by Councilman Green, second by Councilman Talifer. Any discussion? Let's vote [clears throat] and this passage six. So move on the ordinance as amended. Second.

So move on the ordinance as amended by council councilman green. Second by councilman buter. Any discussion? Let's vote and this passes with six. Councilwoman Bowman has ESPN [laughter] ordinance 130 adopting the 2026 budget for the street special revenue fund. So move second. There's one amendment in Oh, I'm sorry. We don't need it all. Correct. There's no reason there's no reason to offer amendment one. You've already done you've already done other actions that you know think negate it. So we

this administration this is the administration's amendment as a source of funding for the pay increase proposed by the mayor. The council will be asked [clears throat] to reallocate the portions of the public safety fund which is going to streets fund. The amendment reflects the proposed reallocation. So move vote against second. So moved by counc second by madam vice chair. Any discussion? Let's vote no. And this fails with six. So move on ordinance as amended. That's not amended. So on the original it be it'd be so moved on the ordinance as is. Right. Because there's no amendments. Okay. I'll second.

So moved on the ordinance as is by Councilman Green. Second by Councilman Butcher. Any discussion? Let's vote. And this passes with sex. Ordinance 131 adopting the 2026 budget for the diversion program special revenue fund. So move. Second. So moved by council green, second by madam vice chair. Any discussion? Let's vote.

And this passage is six. Ordinance 132, adopting [clears throat] the 2026 budget for the public safety special revenue fund. There's two amendments. Amendment one will be replaced by amendment two. Amendment one, this is administration amendment as one source of funding for the pay increase proposed by the mayor. The council will be asked to reallocate the portion of the public safety fund which is going to streets fund. The amendment reflects the proposed reallocation. So move on amendment one to vote against. Second. So move on amendment one by Councilman Green. Second by madam vice chair. Any discussion?

Let's vote. And this fails with sex. Amendment two. This amendment is to move funds for improvement and equipments to contractual services to allocate funds for the cooperative agreement with the Dotto Parish Sheriff's Office for the use of helicopter. Amendment two. So moved on amendment two. [laughter] Hi, Councilman Green. Second, Councilman Ber, any discussion? Uh, Madam Chair. Yes.

I had a long conversation with with Sheriff Richardson today about about the helicopter. And uh the new helicopter will not be here until February because they have added some very interesting things to the helicopter. Okay. And I'm going to let him come right before it starts to tell you, but I think the council will be very pleased with what it's going to have. All right. All right. And SPD for that matter. Oh, good. Any uh any further discussion? Nice features. Let's vote.

And this passes with six. So move on the ordinance as amended. Move on the ordinance as amended by Councilman Green. Second. Second by Councilman Ber. Any discussion? Let's vote. going be like fly fly like an eagle.

Councilman Green and this passes with six. Ordinance 133 adopting the 2026 budget for the economic development district a district special revenue fund. So moved. So moved by Councilman Green, second by the chair. Any discussion? help you out with your district. I sure appreciate it. [laughter] Now, what floor color is her tiff district for as opposed to better? It's called better. Okay. Ordinance 134 adopting the 2026 budget for the economic development district F district special revenue fund.

So moved. So moved by the chair. [laughter] Second. That's second house. Any discussion? I didn't think so. Let's vote. [laughter] And this passes with six. Ordinance 135 adopting the 2026 budget for the healthcare technology innovation district east special revenue fund. So move. Second. So moved by council green, second by madame vice chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. Madam chair. Yes. Can we take a break now? No, we cannot take a break. We're almost done. Okay.

I always want to take a break. Is that Door Dash for Morris? Is Morris still open? [laughter] Ordinance 136 adopting the 2026 budget for the healthcare technology innovation district. Revenue by the chair and everybody else. Second by everybody on the council and in the audience. [laughter] Let's vote. And this passage was sex. [laughter]

I told y [laughter] [laughter] she can't see way down there. She can't see way [laughter] down there. That passes with five and abstain by one. [laughter] Madame clerk, is there any other table legislation to be removed from the table today? We have no property [clears throat] standards or appeals to consider today. We have no MPC or ZBA appeals to consider today. [laughter] Are there any other appeals? Yes.

I think we need a prayer by Father Paul before we leave. We going to get there right before Okay. [laughter] I see him making his way. That's right. Start studying. Are there any other reports from officers, boards, and committees? Yes, ma'am. I have one. What's your report? You have set a record uh for the longest budget meeting. Praise the Lord. All right. [laughter] I don't think so. No, definitely not. Um not be true, sir. Now, since you said that, [laughter] sorry, Father Paul, you pray as long as you want to. Uh, Marrison, do you have any additional communications? Well, I do have a clerk's report. H, you have a clerk's report?

Yes, ma'am. Oh, James interrupted it. The following letter of appointment was received from the mayor's office on December 3rd and is subject for confirmation on December 18th. Assistant director of property standards, Jimmy James. Thank you. Now, Mayor Snow, do you have any additional communications? I I do, Madam Chair. They're they're very brief, but uh

putting this budget together with all these ordinances is really very difficult and uh and particularly uh all the discussion that we had yesterday in the work session, which was terrific. I'm not but that required a a really a lot of work in a very short time. Uh I I want to make sure and thank uh Mr. Dark, uh, Steven Charice, uh, Marcus Edwards, all of whom had roles in preparing those amendments so that you could go through them smoothly today. Your staff, Miss Bogen, Miss White, Miss Stewart, uh, did a terrific just did a terrific job. And then finally, um, I want to compliment you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Uh, this was a testy meeting [laughter] and you handled it with firm diplomacy and and and decorum and I I I really uh I wrote I can't kind of keep some notes and I wrote in my notes what a what a good job you had done today and I really want to compliment you for the skill that you used to get us through the budget process but also to be respectful to all the people I counted 26 of them who spoke to uh who spoke to the council today. So, thank you very much for your efforts.

I appreciate your kind words, Mr. Mayor. I really, really do. I thank again you all and your staff. Um, I thank uh my colleagues. Um, I think that there is an overwhelming support here that I truly truly appreciate you guys more than you know. And I think that it is very beneficial for our city um for us to see us effectively work together on issues that matter. Um, and letting them know also how important they are to us. And we do hear them, you know, even if they think that we don't, we do. [clears throat] So with that, what time did you go home last night? About 7:30. About 7:30. Sir, by the way, I I do have one comment. Yes.

We really are a little The only concern we have today is y'all got really used to pushing red buttons and [laughter] you know, we'd like for you to forget that after today. Only when we're told, right? Yes. Does any council member have any additional communications? And we have started Operation Safe Neighborhood. And so they're in Bill Berry Park tonight. Right now at 5:30. So I have one. Yes. Councilwoman. Um when Father Ryan comes up, I want to ask for his prayers. I will be traveling with a group of people to Virginia to visit different data centers. Yes. And I would appreciate your prayers. Amen. Amen. Madam

Chair. Yes. Um, I was invited to go, but uh, the reason that I'm not going is because um, Jesus says, "Lo, I'll be with you [laughter] and I won't be able to make it." He also [clears throat] say, "Store like a eagle." Right. Okay. [laughter] He also say before we set the motion, Father Power, you come and pray. Huh? Yeah. I told him I want to pray before that. Before that? [clears throat] Yeah,

thank you for the opportunity and I was gosh I was coming forward to echo basically what you had said Mr. Mayor. Um and therefore I say not speaking to or for any issue well done good and faithful servants. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you father. Okay. Heavenly Father, as we come together, we just give you thanks for the opportunity to show forth leadership for the city of Shreport. And we just pray for each of these council members, for Tabitha, Gary, Jim, Grayson, Allan, James, and Ursula. Lord, we just pray you'd be with them, that you would unfold them in your loving arms, be very present to them, that they might accomplish all that you have purposed for them. We pray it in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. I also want to say well done Tanya. Amen. [laughter] Amen. [applause] Just before your birthday. Just before your birthday. Let's try it out.

So, we need a motion to accept the recommendation made by the city attorney during the December 8th, 2025 executive session. So, move. So, moved by Councilman Green. Second. Second by Madame Vice Chair. Any discussion? Let's vote. in this passage of sex. If there is nothing else, this meeting is ajourned. Hallelujah. Come on. Take us out to eat. James Green. Okay. 26 people.