Did the Caddo Commission change the rules on how the public participates in meetings?
On Thursday, Jan. 19, Caddo Parish Commissioners Kenneth Epperson and Steven Jackson proposed additional resolutions to the regular session agenda. Both resolutions failed and were not placed on the agenda.
Of those resolutions, Epperson called for the commission to amend the rules and by-laws of the chamber use to provide decorum at all times.
Rule 4
Upon adjournment of any meeting of the Caddo Parish Commission, including special meetings and work sessions, security shall immediately clear the chamber of all persons except Caddo Parish Commissioners and Caddo Parish Employees.
"People come down here to see their commissioners, their public officials and to speak to them. If this is the peoples' house and we are telling them to leave and only we can stay here. We volunteer to be here. So, if we don't want to be here then we shouldn't volunteer for this job," said Commissioner Mario Chavez.
Jackson's resolution was to amend section IV of the bylaws.
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The amended section would add:
Citizens of the public who attend meetings shall be seated and maintain decorum at all times before, during, and after commission meetings while in Government or a regular or committee meeting is being held.
Citizens of the public shall not roam, solicit items of personal economic value, or loiter at any point before, during, or after any Commission meetings.
Violations to this are subject to immediate expulsion from Commission Meetings or proceedings at the discretion of the President or subject to majority of the commission present and voting.
Any member of the public found in violation of this twice can be barred from in-person attendance for a period of time to be determined by the Commission President or a majority vote of the commission present and voting.
Jon Glover, a concerned citizen, spoke in front of the commission saying, "this is the United States of America, and I have a constitutional right to be in this chamber."
These resolutions were brought to the commission following an incident that occurred on Jan. 17, after a work session meeting.
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John Settle and Jackson got into an alleged argument. The Shreveport Police Department received an offense report filed by Settle that stated on Jan. 17, at 5:45 p.m. an alleged simple assault occurred at 505 Travis Street.
Settle spoke with the Shreveport Times prior to the Thursday meeting stating, "there was an unfortunate incident after the meeting on Tuesday. That's a matter for the police to resolve."
During Thursday's meeting, Jackson said, "they just keep poking us. This is a constant pattern of offenses. When do we stop this? We need to put boundaries and policies in place."
The Shreveport Times reached out to Jackson for a statement, and he responded with his resolution proposed.
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Resolution No 5:
"My resolution will provide a written policy to follow for individuals who intentionally disrupt or disturb Commission business and decorum. All citizens and residents have a right to attend commission meetings. However, no one has the right to disrupt or disturb Commission decorum which includes before and after our meetings. In light of January 6th insurrection and other threats made toward public officials it is important that we place appropriate measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety. "
These resolutions failed with six in support and five in opposition. They will return to the agenda at later date.
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Caddo Parish Commission looks at changing public participation rules
