Regular Meeting
March 11, 2010
City Council Chamber
City Council March 11, 2010 Regular Meeting Summary
New Orleans, LA - March 11, 2010 - Today, the New Orleans City Council passed an Ordinance establishing restrictions for execution of City contracts, passed a Resolution calling for deadline extensions for the use of GO-Zone bonds and adopted a Zoning Docket in support of a community health clinic in District "C."
The Council also made a presentation and passed a Resolution honoring local Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood activist Glenda Jones Stevenson Harris, and passed an Ordinance to name the lagoon in Brechtel Park as the Joseph Berengher "Captain Barry" Brechtel Jr. Lagoon.
Additionally, the Council received the District "E" report, updating the Council on community issues and events, business openings and economic development around the District.
Established Restrictions for Execution of City Contracts
The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 27,892, authored by Councilmember Head, to establish that it is unlawful for the City to execute a contract or cooperative endeavor agreement with or award a grant to any person, corporation or entity whose principal(s), member(s), and/or officer(s) have within the preceding five years been convicted of, or pled guilty to, a felony under state or federal statutes for embezzlement, theft of public funds, bribery, and/or falsification or destruction of public records.
The Ordinance requires that, prior to the execution of any contract or cooperative endeavor agreement, the contractor present a sworn affidavit signifying compliance with the provisions detailed in the Ordinance; and provides that if a contract is awarded and is found to be in violation of these provisions, the contract will be voidable.
District "B" Councilmember Stacy Head said, "As elected officials and stewards of public money, it is our responsibility to ensure that high ethics standards are set for city contractors. This Ordinance will ensure that city contracts, cooperative endeavor agreements and grants are only awarded to entities with proven records of responsibility and accountability."
Called for Deadline Extensions for Use of GO-Zone Bonds
The Council passed Resolution R-10-125, authored by Councilmember Fielkow, calling on Congress to extend the deadlines for Orleans Parish to use its $1.3 billion allocation of Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO-Zone) bonds, for completion of construction projects using GO-Zone funding, and for real estate property placed in service to qualify for the GO-Zone Act's 50% bonus first-year depreciation.
To encourage investment after the 2005 hurricanes, the U.S. Congress allocated $7.84 billion of low-interest, tax-exempt GO-Zone bonds to 31 parishes in Louisiana, $1.3 billion of which was dedicated to Orleans Parish. Congress set a deadline of January 1, 2010 for the 11 most devastated parishes, including Orleans Parish, to disburse their GO-Zone bonds and a deadline of January 1, 2011 for completion of construction on all projects using GO-Zone funding.
Council President Arnie Fielkow, lead author of the Resolution, said, "New Orleans, more so than any other location, had to ensure that infrastructure needs were dealt with before developers felt comfortable investing large amounts of money in the City. However, many of the GO-Zone funded projects currently in progress are vital to the recovery of our City and we need this extension so that these projects can be completed, moving us forward towards a full and complete recovery."
Supported Community Health Clinic in District "C"
The Council approved Zoning Docket 7/10 to permit the Common Ground Health Clinic at 501-03 Newton Street in District "C."
The Common Ground Health Clinic is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free quality health care for the greater New Orleans community. The organization also strives to provide healthcare education and develop programs to address community healthcare needs.
District "C" Councilmember James Carter said, "Public accessibility to health and medical services is one of the many priorities of this Council. This health clinic will fill a gap in the community, providing health screenings and services to the neighborhood at an affordable price. We look forward to increasing accessibility to health clinics, hospitals and other health services throughout the City."
Honored Local Community Activist
The Council unanimously passed Resolution R-10-123, authored by Councilmember Willard-Lewis, honoring the life of Glenda Jones Stevenson Harris, an admired community advocate for the Lower 9th Ward, whose leadership and influence will be remembered by the many individuals she touched and communities she helped improve.
Ms. Harris, a well-known community activist, advocated for issues such as education, substance abuse recovery, and neighborhood redevelopment. A former nurse and accountant, she served as the founder and member of Silent No More Ministries, the first Vice President of Women on Assignment, Inc., Vice Chairperson of the Industrial Development Board of the City of New Orleans, Vice Chairperson of the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans and member of the Lower Ninth Ward Village organization.
District "E" Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis said, "Ms. Harris was a woman of passion and integrity, and her influence on the 9th Ward community was widespread. Her life and legacy will resonate with us for years to come, and we are grateful for all of her valuable contributions to our City."
Named Lagoon in Brechtel Park after Algiers Native
The Council unanimously passed Ordinance Calendar No. 27,885, introduced by Councilmember Clarkson, to name the lagoon in Brechtel Park, located in Algiers, as the Joseph Berengher "Captain Barry" Brechtel Jr. Lagoon.
An Algiers native and well-known fishing guide, the late Joseph Berengher "Captain Barry" Brechtel Jr. was the host of two weekly television fishing shows on WDSU-TV, "Louisiana Wildlife" and "The Big Fish." He was actively involved in promoting the interests of recreational fisherman and committed time and resources to numerous charities including Kids Kicking Cancer Fishing Rodeo, Little Sisters of the Poor, New Orleans Mission and Fishing for Hope.
To memorialize his love of teaching young people the skills of fishing, the lagoon will be stocked with fish to provide children of future generations the opportunity to enjoy this pastime.
Council Vice President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson said, "Barry was a passionate fisherman who was committed to improving the lives of underprivileged children. Friends of Brechtel Park is dedicated to providing opportunities to children and families in the community and, working with Parks and Parkways, will ensure that the lagoon and all of the park's amenities are kept in impeccable condition."
Received District "E" Report
District "E" Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis presented the Council with a report on news and happenings throughout her District.
The Councilmember offered updates on:
- East New Orleans Regional Library groundbreaking ceremony
- Lower 9th Ward and Eastern New Orleans Town Hall Meetings regarding the Independent Police Monitor
- Grand opening and dedication of the BeREAL (Ready Educated Accomplished Leaders) Center, which provides transition services for youth who are or will be aging out of Louisiana's foster care system
- Army Corps of Engineers Public Meeting that included updates on the construction of the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Surge barrier
- Groundbreaking of road repairs in the Lower 9th Ward
District "E" Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis said, "Due to our community's collective efforts, District "E" is on a steady path to complete recovery and revitalization. I would like to give thanks to the many community groups and citizens who remain committed to the rebirth of not only District "E," but of the entire City."