The big push to relocate SPD personnel out of the headquarters building on Texas Ave. has been well documented.
The Arceneaux administration has released a list of 18 potential temporary substation locations and has stated that three additional locations will be reviewed.
One of the challenges in finding suitable locations has been the expectations of SPD Chief Wayne Smith. Unfortunately, Chief Wayne seems to have unrealistic specifications/needs for temporary locations.
Many are questioning if Mayor Arceneaux is giving too much leeway to Smith in his search of locations. Smith works for the mayor, albeit the appearance to many Shreveporters is just the opposite. In other words, is the SPD "tail" wagging the Arceneaux "dog"?
Another stumbling block is Chief Wayne's insistence on having new construction for permanent substations. This expectation is unrealistic with the lack of bond dollars for construction of three permanent substations plus a new SPD headquarters building.
Two Caddo schools have been recently closed and the Council has expressed interest in placing substations in these facilities. As of Tuesday, these schools had not been visited by Chief Wayne and his staff. At the Tuesday Public Safety Committee meeting and the City Council meeting, it did not appear that Chief Wayne nor Mayor Tom were very interested in reviewing this locations.
Additionally, several other locations for substations have been identified which are not on the list. At least one of these may be donated to the City for a permanent substation--or leased for a $1 year for a temporary location. Again, the unreceptiveness of Mayor Tom and/or Chief Wayne--be it real or perceived--is limiting the possible options for relocation of HQ personnel to temporary substations.
It’s time for Mayor Tom or CAO Tom Dark to tell Chief Wayne to be open-minded and realistic in paring down the substation locations to a short list. Similarly, the Administration should explore potential donations and/or long term leases of privately owned property that are workable.
The Mayor has promised definitive action by Oct. 22, which is the next meeting of the Public Safety Committee and the regular session of the City Council. One can only hope that a short list can be released many days before these next two Waterloo meetings. Getting the substation controversy quelled should eliminate the growing concerns of credibility in the Arceneaux administration.