Due to the pandemic, the Shreveport city council is again combining its Mon. July 13 work session/administrative conference and its Tues. July 14 regular meeting into one meeting by ZOOM.
The meeting begins at 3 p.m. on Tues. July 14.
The Shreveport city charter requires that ordinances must "lay over" before passage. Often referred to as "two readers". The normal procedure is to introduce the ordinance at one regular meeting and then vote on the ordinance at the next regular meeting. (Sec. 4-17).
Councilman Jerry Bowman Jr. has placed an emergency mask ordinance (no.90) on the Tuesday agenda.
The charter authorizes emergency ordinances that may be enacted on the day of introduction (Sec.4-19). Such an ordinance "shall be for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety."
A two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote is required for passage of an emergency ordinance.
An emergency ORDINANCE takes effect "at such time as set forth in the ordinance."
Bowman's ordinance ("Ordinance") mirrors in large part Shreveport Mayor Perkins' Emergency Order dated July 8 ("0rder") with some exceptions.
The Ordinance does NOT include the following provisions of Perkins' order:
a. Masks are NOT mandated in outdoor public spaces where individuals cannot or it is impractical to maintain six (6) feet of physical distance.
b. The Ordinance does NOT require enforcement on business "premises" versus "while indoors" in businesses.
c. The Ordinance does NOT provide as penalties the cessation of water services to a business or loss of city Alcoholic Beverage Outlet permits.
d. The Order had an effective date of 5 p.m. July 8 with an expiration of 11:59 p.m. Aug. 8.
The Ordinance adds three (3) new provisions:
1. A mask exemption for "persons for whom wearing a facial covering conflicts with their religious beliefs or practices."
2. Penalties for business owners shall NOT exceed $50 for first offense, $100 for second offense and $200 for subsequent offenses. Persons cited shall not be arrested or taken into custody.
3. Ordinance becomes effective "immediately" and shall remain in place for thirty (30) days.
NOTE: Gov Edward’s emergency order requires children eight (8) years old and up to wear masks. Perkin’s Order and Bowman’s Ordinance set the age at two (2) years. The Caddo Commission Ordinance also has a two (2) years old mask requirements.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.