WHO DROPPED THE BALL ON PAWN SHOP/PAYDAY LOAN ORDINANCE?

An ordinance was introduced at the Tuesday July 9 to follow a Caddo Commission resolution dealing with pay day loans and pawn shops.The background information listed on the fact sheet that accompanies ordinances noted “The Caddo Parish Commission passed Resolution No.

COUNCIL MEETING GREAT EXAMPLE OF PROBLEMS WITH SPEAKER RULES

The Tuesday, July 9 council meeting started at 3 pm. It ended about 6:30 pmThere were 10 citizen speakers. Only 3 of the speakers addressed the council on agenda. The remaining speakers talked on NON agenda items.

SHREVEPORT TENTATIVE BOND PROPOSAL—PROJECTS AND BUCKS

I attended the last meeting of the citizens bond committee on Wed. July 3. It ended about 6:30 pm. Attached are my notes on what I think are the final numbers.Final in sense that they will go to Council .The council must approve the projects and the dollar amounts.

CADDO SCHOOL BOARD VIOLATES OPEN MEETING LAW AT COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING

The Shreveport city council’s public safety committee met on Mon. July 8. Grayson Boucher, the chair, was joined by other committee members Willie Bradford, John Nickelson, and Levette Fuller.

COUNCIL RULE CHANGE ON SPEAKERS A FAILED EXPERIMENT

The “New 3” on the Shreveport city council---Levette Fuller, John Nickeson, and Grayson Boucher— are primarily responsible for a change in the council rules that has been a disaster. Speakers are now allowed to speak on any topic at the beginning of both the work session and the regular meeting.

SHREVEPORT’S EXTERNAL AUDIT WILL NOT BE A GOOD READ

It hasn’t been released, but it will not make any best seller list. The early previews are not good. In fact they are horrible.At the June 25 council meeting, councilman John Nickelson made public some initial findings of the 2018 City of Shreveport audit.

IT’S TIME FOR COUNCIL TO ENFORCE RULE PROHIBITING DISCOURTEOUS REMARKS

At the last council meeting a frequent speaker lectured the council on the Louisiana Constitution and the Louisiana Open Meetings Law as they pertain to public comments. His interpretation of both was incorrect, as in totally off base.

COUNCIL RULES ON COMMENTS ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH OPEN MEETINGS LAW AND SHOULD BE STRICTLY ENFORCED

At the last council meeting a frequent speaker lectured the council on its failure to comply with Louisiana’s Open Meeting Law (La. R.S. 42.11 et. seq.) He incorrectly stated the requirements of these ordinances.

SEE PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR POWERPOINTS ARE THE BANE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

At one time, there were the latest “gee whiz” innovation. Now they are an over used, highly ineffective communication tool. Especially at public meetings.

SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS, GOREE AND PERKINS

On May 28, the Shreveport city council voted to reduce the city’s crossing guard budget by $75,000. This was after much publicity and a voted delayed until the school year ended.

IS IT TIME TO ASK EPA FOR MORE TIME ON CONSENT DECREE?

Like an ever-expanding amoeba, more and more questions are being raised about contractors performing work for the City of Shreveport on the mandated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consent decree for the repair of aging water and sewer lines.

SHOULD LIQUOR STORES HAVE CAMERAS TO DETER CRIME?

Shreveport police department says they do. Plus the camera tapes help solve crimes committed at liquor stores.Shreveport councilman John Nickelson wants to pass an ordinance requiring them.Council member Levette Fuller disagrees with any requirements for cameras.What do you think?

POWERPOINTS ARE THE BANE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

At one time, they were the latest “gee whiz” innovation. Now they are an over used, highly ineffective communication tool. Especially at public meetings.

CADDO REGISTRAR OF VOTERS ROBERSON RESIGNS

Long time Caddo Registrar of Voters Ernie Roberson has tendered his resignation to the Caddo Commission. It is effective next month, at a day to be determined.Roberson has served as Registrar since 1990.Under Louisiana law, Roberson’s replacement will be named by the Caddo Commission.

COUNCILWOMAN FULLER IGNORES GOOD GOVERNMENT PRINCIPLES AS COMMITTEE CHAIR

It’s one thing to promote government transparency. And another to actually provide the transparency. The council infrastructure committee meeting on Tuesday was anything but transparent.The committee is chaired by Levette Fuller.