For the last several months the Arceneaux administration and the Shreveport City Council have been focused on the Humor & Harmoney Festival (HHF)and Shreveport's manganese water issues. The festival was a major success. DOWUS is spending serious energy on curing the brown water. Here are a few issues that need prompt attention by both Mayor Arceneaux and the City Council. These are not listed in any particular order and is not exclusive:
1. The Property Standards Committee needs to address the proposed new property standards ordinance for downtown. Councilwoman Taylor is the chair, and she should call a meeting ASAP. No doubt if this ordinance was for MLK area, Tayor would be all over it.
2. The Mayor needs to wrap up the modifications to the G-Unit lease to Millenium to ensure that production starts ASAP.
3. The Mayor and the Council need to make progress on proposed lease of Stageworks/Expo Hall to Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. The city has spent over $3 million (maybe its $5 million) on roof repair and renovation of the facility for provide a sports arena. This facility has been unused except for the HHF basketball. Many believe any lease should be delayed until more progress on Millennium lease.
4. The Council needs to investigate the Shreveport Bossier Tourist Convention, and especially the funds dedicated to the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. The work of the Commission has become very low profile after the dismissal of the entire Commission staff a couple of years back.
5. If not already completed the Arceneaux administration should complete the billing for the HHF by all city departments, and release the bills without public records requests. The Shreveport Police Department should do the same as well. I for one believe that HHF should be billed for the excessive hours of administration officials, not just the hourly wages paid to employees. There is NOT doubt that SPAR, Public Works, City Attorney, SPD. Property Standards officials and Mayor's office spent much more time on the festival than other events like Independence Bowl and the Revel combined. These city departments are to serve the entire city and not to spend excessive hours assisting a for profit venture.
6. The Public Safety Committee needs to meet to review security for HHF and especially the total impact of closing down Commerce Street and the special attention given to the Red River District. This decision set a precedent that no doubt will be subject of additional closing of that area.
7. The Red River District had a mini-revival during the HHF with additional cleaning efforts and security as well as pop-up businesses. How much of this momentum can be retained is an open question that needs top priority. Many believe that the current leasing agent for the District should be replaced.
8. The city council should review the employment of RJ Johson. This position was created out of thin air, primarily at the plotting of council members Tabatha Taylor and James Green. Johnson presents an unprofessional public appearance. His not very friendly to those attending council meeting much less the general public. He has developed a few newsletters for council members. Taylor has had him send out press releases on her committee meetings and her priorities. Johson is highly paid, and apparently works much less than the other council clerk staff.
This is just a quick, top-of-mind list. Readers are invited to email me other major concerns.