Message from Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso III

October 1, 2018

Message from Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso III

MESSAGE FROM JOE GIARRUSSO

My colleagues and I on the City Council continue to push for solutions to the challenges facing the Sewerage and Water Board. Problems with the S&WB remain the most frequent calls to my office. The Council will soon release a Request for Proposals to hire an in-house engineer to help advise us on S&WB operations. I'm committed to working with the utility and the administration to identify and implement policy changes that are needed to get the S&WB operating at a level where it serves every New Orleanian. The most fundamental functions of the utility such as billing, infrastructure improvements, personnel, and power generation must be addressed but we must also look to the future. Technological improvements in the area of advanced meter infrastructure can do so much to reduce costs and improve services. We will continue to press S&WB for answers and I have told the agency that we expect more complete responses in October when the agency's next quarterly report is due. I hope that you will continue to follow the work of the Public Works committee and attend meetings to make public comment if you are able.

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WE'RE CLEANING UP DISTRICT A

My staff and I have heard your calls for a greater focus on blight, sanitation issues, and real quality of life in District A. We appreciate each constituent that calls letting us know about an issue in their neighborhood. Some problems have quick fixes while others require more time and coordination to resolve. Here are a few of our recent accomplishments, which we hope will improve the quality of life in District A and serve as a model for the rest of the city.

CHURCH'S CHICKEN DEMOLISHED
WORKING TO FILL UNSAFE POOLS
SANITATION CRACK-DOWN
MEL'S FOOD STORE CLOSED

Learn more

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

We've learned the hard way that when the city's drainage system is clogged it can't function well enough to keep our streets and homes dry. Reports of people throwing litter, blowing yard waste, or dumping construction waste into catch basins and drainage canals are troubling. That's why I co-sponsored an ordinance with Councilmember Moreno and Williams to address the issue.
The legislation will amend the City Code to clearly define items that are not to be thrown into a catch basin or drainage canal. Fines for disposing of anything improper into the drainage system will increase from $300 to $5,000. We hope that this will both educate the public about the proper use of catch basin and canals as well as serve as a deterrent for those who would consider abusing them.
I am also working with the Department of Public Works and the Sewerage and Water Board on strategies to find the appropriate abusers.

HARRAH'S GRANTS - Cycle II Deadline October 15

The deadline is approaching for the Harrah's Community Grants program. The purpose of the program is to provide grant support to local organizations and projects that contribute substantially to the well-being, development, and growth of the New Orleans community. You can find more information here or by contacting my Director of Special Projects, Nina Killeen at Nina.killeen@nola.gov or 504-658-1013.

RECYCLING CART DELIVERY

Do you need a recycling bin? The City of New Orleans is delivering new blue bins to homes that sign up for curbside recycling or that need a replacement bin. Currently, 61,000 households participate in curbside recycling. New Orleans can do better! Recycling saves the city money. Since 2010, the City has saved more than $1.79 million in landfill tipping fees from materials recycled curbside and at its Recycling Drop-Off events. Call 311 today to get your cart!

ADOPT A CATCH BASIN - October 13

In an effort to engage residents in the Clean Up NOLA initiative, the Mayor's Neighborhood Engagement Office will be hosting a series of Catch Basin Cleaning Days in each Council District every Saturday through the month of October and first week of November. The District A training will be held October 13 at the Hollygrove Senior Center at 3300 Hamilton St.

New Orleans City Council
District "A" Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso, III

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