Regular Meeting
November 15, 2012
City Council Chamber
City Council November 15, 2012 Regular Meeting Summary
Thursday, November 15, 2012 - New Orleans, LA - At today's regular City Council Meeting, the Council received a presentation by Major General David Mize on Military Day in New Orleans. The Council also passed a resolution approving Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana's membership in the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO). In other business, the Louisiana House of Representatives, the State Senate, and Governor Bobby Jindal were urged to convene to mitigate budget cuts impacting uninsured citizens and the LSU School of Medicine. The Council received the City Planning Commission's report and recommendations on amendments to the Master Plan of the City of New Orleans. Also by resolution, the Council established the 2012 Regular City Council Meeting and Holiday Schedule and awarded community grants to a number of the City's non-profit organizations.
Acknowledged Contributions of the United States Military
At the request of Council Vice President Clarkson, representatives of the Mayor's Military Advisory Committee (MMAC) appeared before the Council for the annual Military Appreciation Day activities. Major General David Mize (Ret.), Chairman of the MMAC, led the presentation, which included the Committee's annual report, performances by the United States Marine Corps Band and updates from military leaders of local armed forces organizations. Leaders from military organizations, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and the Louisiana Air and Army National Guard, Active and Reserve, updated the Council on the projects, programs and ongoing activities of their respective organizations, including involvement in community events and disaster relief services. Each Councilmember addressed the armed forces representatives, commending and thanking them for their service and dedication to New Orleans and the United States of America.
Council Vice President Clarkson said, "We are so thankful for our military - especially here in New Orleans! You bring a great economic impact with you and the finest people who love and serve our city in many valuable volunteer positions. Thank you for continuing the generations of service to the United States Military. Thank you for all you do for our city!"
Approved Entergy New Orleans & Entergy Louisiana's Membership in the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO)
The Council passed Resolution R-12-439, co-authored by Councilmembers Hedge-Morrell, Head, Guidry, and Gisleson Palmer, that approved Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana's joint application to transfer certain transmission assets to Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO). The transfer of transmission is projected to save Orleans Parish customers up to $46 million over a decade. The Council negotiated conditions that stipulated that the companies will continue to work to put Entergy New Orleans in its own pricing zone. This will ensure that customers will shoulder the burden of transmission costs that benefit only Orleans Parish energy consumers. The six Entergy Operating Companies are targeting integrating into MISO by December 2013.
Approved Master Plan Amendments
The City Council received the City Planning Commission report and recommendations following the Planning Commission's reconsideration of the Council's proposed Master Plan amendments. The Council heard public comment on the proposed amendments. By Motion M-12-438 the Council approved the last amendments to the Master Plan of the City of New Orleans, as provided for in the City's Home Rule Charter. Final approval of the Master Plan amendments will be made by ordinance at the Council's November 30th meeting.
Urged State Legislature and Governor to Mitigate Budget Cuts Impacting Uninsured Citizens and the LSU School of Medicine
The Council passed Resolution R-12-425, authored by Council Vice President Clarkson, that urged the members of the Louisiana House of Representatives and Senate to mitigate budget cuts impacting the uninsured and the LSU School of Medicine. Louisiana healthcare providers are expected to absorb $860 million dollars in Medicaid cuts in the upcoming fiscal year. In 2013, the LSU School of Medicine, which supplies 70% of the state's physicians, will implement budget reductions of $130 million system-wide. These cuts will effect the LSU Medical School and result in job losses for public hospital workers and will continue the trend of reducing patient beds statewide. It is vital that legislators and the governor work together to limit the impact of these budget cuts, to sustain a strong and competitive economic climate and provide quality health care for uninsured citizens in New Orleans and the entire State of Louisiana.
Adopted 2013 Regular Meeting and Holiday Schedule
The Council passed Motions M-12-431 and M-12-430, co-authored by Council President Head and Council Vice President Clarkson, to establish the Council's 2013 Regular Meeting and Holiday Schedule. To view meeting dates click here. The holiday schedule observance includes, New Year's Day: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Mardi Gras; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; Veterans Day; and Christmas. Click here to view exact dates.
Approved Community Grants
The Council passed Resolution R-12-437 that designated City Council / Harrah's Community Support Grant Program awards to non-profit organizations across the City. The program provides a total of $225,000 to be awarded twice annually to eligible organizations. The purpose of the City Council / Harrah's Community Support Grant Program is to assist and promote organizations and projects that contribute to the economic, cultural, and civic fabric of the City. Among the organizations receiving grants are the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Inc.; Associated Neighborhood Development; Anthony Bean Community Theater and Acting School; New Orleans Convention Company, Inc.; Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation; Shalom Zone Community, Inc.; Parkway Partners Program, Southern Food and Beverage Museum Foundation; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (New Orleans Alumnae Foundation); French Quarter Festival, Inc.; Children's Defense Fund; and Gentilly Festival, Inc.