In a two page email to MPC Board members, MPC Executive Director Mark Sweeney listed the reasons that the MPC office has a “Closed For Lunch” office policy. His reasons are as follows:
- Having a designated hour off for lunch increases productivity.
- Having a designated hour for lunch is a “no cost perk” that MPC employees prefer.
- Having an hour off increases an employee’s efficiency.
- If the MPC was open between 12-1, and lunch breaks for employees were staggered, that does not necessarily mean the office will be more efficient.
- Its unhealthy not to take a lunch break.
- American workers sit too much, and its killing them.
- There have been virtually no complaints about the office closed for lunch.
- We are not the only deer in the forest!
Sweeny’s memo advises that “if it is the will of the majority of the MPC Board members that the MPC office stays open during the lunch hours, as Executive Director I will immediately comply with that request.” (See letter below).
The next meeting of the MPC board is on Wednesday, September 6 at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Government Plaza. The Board should have on its agenda a vote on the “Closed for Lunch” policy. Readers are invited to express their opinions to the MPC Board of Directors:
Theron Jackson-Chairman-(318) 636-6172
theron.jackson@shreveportcaddompc.com
Nancy Cooper-Vice Chairman-(318) 205-8809
nancy.cooper@shreveportcaddompc.com
Winzer Andrews-Secretary-(318) 631-8480
winzer.andrews@shreveportcaddompc.com
Alan Young-(318) 686-8181
alan.young@shreveportcaddompc.com
Ronnie Remedies-(318) 603-5315
ronnie.remedies@shreveportcaddompc.com
Bessie Smith-(318) 222-6025
bessie.smith@shreveportcaddompc.com
Dale Colvin-(318) 673-3253
dale.colvin@shreveportcaddompc.com
Lea Desmarteau-(318) 222-0885
lea.desmarteau@shreveportcaddompc.com
Curtis Joseph, Jr.-(318) 221-1600
curtis.joseph@shreveportcaddompc.com
Councilman James Flurry will introduce an ordinance at the next Shreveport City Council meeting (Tuesday, August 8 at 3p.m.) for the City to have an internal planning office, effective January 1, 2018. If it passes, the City would no longer fund the Shreveport-Caddo MPC. Flurry believes an internal office would serve the city at least $400,000 a year, provide for more accountability and improve government efficiency. Flurry is hopeful that there would be a large citizen turnout at the Tuesday meeting to voice support for this ordinance.
MPC Executive Director Lists Reasons Why Office is Closed For Lunch
