Regular Meeting
August 26, 2010
City Council Chamber
City Council August 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Summary
New Orleans, LA - August 26, 2010 - Today, the New Orleans City Council passed Resolutions encouraging the efforts of ministries and non-profits across Louisiana to apply for federal assistance available as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and supporting the recommendations of the Food Policy Advisory Committee relative to improvements in school meals.
Additionally, the Council paid tribute to Katrina Heroes and passed a Resolution honoring "The Soul Patrol" for their bravery as they saved lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; and honored Captain Greg Elder's retirement from the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).
Today's Council meeting began at 3 p.m., as part of a pilot program designed to increase community engagement by scheduling occasional Council meetings in the afternoon.
Encouraged Ministries'/Non-Profits' Application for Federal Assistance
The Council passed Resolution R-10-351, authored by Councilmember Johnson, supporting the efforts of the ministries and non-profits across Louisiana, who were not made aware of the federal assistance available to them as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, in their efforts to apply for said assistance at the present time.
As a result of the widespread displacement of Louisiana citizens caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, there were many communities and private non-profit entities that did not receive information on the various kinds of federal aid available to them through FEMA and other government programs.
District "E" Councilmember Jon D. Johnson said, "Despite the monumental outreach efforts of the U.S. government and the State of Louisiana after the storm, many of these entities were unaware of the assistance available to them. The work of these ministries and non-profits is vital to the overall welfare of their communities and we must support them in their time of need."
Supported Advisory Committee Recommendations Re: School Food Improvements
The Council passed Resolution R-10-354, co-authored by Councilmembers Fielkow and Johnson, extending the Council's thanks to the members of the Food Policy Advisory Committee and expressing support for its recommendations relative to improvements in school meals.
The Committee, which is comprised of public health professionals, school leaders, healthcare representatives, government officials and other stakeholders, has researched best practices and model school meal programs to identify barriers to transforming school food programs.
Council President Arnie Fielkow said, "More than eighty percent of New Orleans public school students are eligible for free and reduced price school meals. It is vital that those meals are of high nutritional value and quality. Schools must set policies for nutritious foods and establish an environment that promotes healthy eating, helping to improve the quality of life for our students."
Honored Retired NOPD Captain
At the request of Councilmember Hedge-Morrell, Captain Greg Elder, former Commander of the NOPD Third District, appeared before the Council to be honored and commended for his many years of dedicated service to the City.
Elder, who retired on August 14, 2010, was recently honored by Lake Terrace and Lake Vista area residents, who posted signs along major City thoroughfares, to thank Commander Greg Elder for his over 35 years of service with the NOPD.
District "D" Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell said, "We will miss Captain Elder's dedication and service to our community. He was instrumental in ensuring that District "D" was safe as citizens rebuilt after Katrina, and he maintained a constant presence, attending neighborhood crime meetings and responding to citizen concerns. I wish him a long and happy retirement."
Honored Local Katrina Heroes
In commemoration of the five year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Council paid tribute to several heroes of the storm.
Recognized First Responders and Community Leaders
At the request of Councilmember Clarkson, former Director of Homeland Security for New Orleans Colonel Terry Ebbert, New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) Deputy Superintendent Joseph Matthews, Hyatt General Manager Michael Smith, Fischer Community Church Bishop James Nelson Brown, and former St. Paul Lutheran Church Pastor David L. Goodine, appeared before the Council to be honored for their service to the City during and after Hurricane Katrina. Former Captain of the Port of New Orleans, Frank Paskewich, was also honored but was not able to attend the Council meeting.
Council Vice President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson said, "Each of these 'Katrina heroes' played a unique and vital role during and after the storm. Col. Ebbert's leadership and coordination was unparalleled and saved thousands of lives. Chief Matthews ran the Emergency Operations Center and helped evacuate thousands of people from the City. Captain Paskewich masterfully commanded the Mississippi River during this disaster. Michael Smith opened the Hyatt as a center of operations, and Bishop Brown and Reverend Goodine were some of the first to distribute food, social services, and medical supplies and services after Katrina."
Commended "The Soul Patrol"
The Council passed Resolution R-10-358, authored by Councilmember Johnson, honoring and thanking "The Soul Patrol", comprised of Earl Barthe Jr., Jadell Beard, Richard Matthew, Emanuel Matthew, Steven Matthew, Dwight Boudreaux and Thomas Peters, for their bravery and tireless actions during and after Hurricane Katrina.
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, these seven men acted quickly in the face of danger, utilizing small boats to save citizens young and old and transporting rescued citizens to various drop off locations manned by the New Orleans Fire Department. Once the National Guard entered the City, they utilized the Soul Patrol's expertise, assistance and knowledge of the City to continue rescue efforts.
District "E" Councilmember Jon D. Johnson said, "These citizens put their lives on the line to save others during a dangerous and uncertain time. This kind of selfless bravery should be honored and remembered. We are so grateful to have these upstanding gentlemen call New Orleans home."