Caddo Commissioner Roy Burrell likes to always remind the public and other commissioners that he has served both on the Shreveport city council and in the state legislature. Like at every meeting at least once, if not twice.

Known by those that regularly endure the commission meetings as Mr. Point of Clarification, Burrell often asks questions that indicate he did not bother to read, much less comprehend, the legislation on each meeting’s agenda.

The Mon. work session of this week is just another example of his lack of preparation for a meeting. That, or his failure to remember prior commission discussions and votes, especially his own.

In May of last year, the Commission approved Ordinance 6071 of 2021 that created a Caddo Parish Planning Commission on a 11-0 vote; Commissioner Stormy Gage Watts was absent. Burrell voted for this ordinance.

The purpose the planning committee was to replace the Shreveport Caddo Metropolitan Commission's duties under the Parish Unified Development Code (UDC). 

The planning commission would hear zoning cases within the five mile parish zone subject to the UDC and make recommendations for approval to the Caddo Commission, just like the Shreveport Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission before the Jan. 1, 2022 effective date of House Bill 697 of the 2020 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. 

This ordinance provides that the planning commission would consist of five members appointed by the Commission. It further states that the primary domicile of the five members would be in Caddo Parish outside the boundaries of any incorporated municipality.

Seemingly the qualification for the members is logical--parish residents voting on the Caddo UDC that don't live in Greenwood, Blanchard, Mooringsport, Ida, Rodessa and other parish municipalities. Daaa--truly rural folks voting on rural zoning matters within the five-mile zone.

Monday, Burrell vigorously asserted this opposition to the composition of the planning commission board. Burrell says that he should be entitled to appoint a member to this commission even though his district is TOTALLY within the city limits

Evidently Burrell now wants a 12-member rural planning commission with appointments by each commissioner. Such an idea would put as many as 10 city folks deciding rural zoning issues.

What is this about? Is this another attempt to kingdom build by Mr. Point of Clarification? And to think Burrell is in line to become the president of the commission next year.

The circus reconvenes tomorrow--Thurs.--at 3:30 p.m. Bring your popcorn and peanuts. And be ready to stay--the last commission regular meeting ended after 7 p.m.