Regular Meeting
January 10, 2013
City Council Chamber
City Council January 10, 2013 Regular Meeting Summary
Thursday, January 10, 2013 - New Orleans, LA - At today's regular City Council Meeting the Council, by resolution, authorized the extension of the boundaries of the Oretha Castle Haley Cultural District. In other business, the membership of the Council's Standing Committees was set. The council recognized the 75th Anniversary of the Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents, and Associates, Inc. (VCPORA). The Council also received a presentation from the Early Childhood and Family Learning Foundation. And, the Council congratulated the Edna Karr High School Cougars for their Class 4-A State Football Championship and observed its annual Carnival Season recognition of late Allison "Big Chief" Tootie Montana.
Authorized Application to Extend the Oretha Castle Haley Cultural District
The Council passed Resolution R-13-8, authored by Councilmember Cantrell, authorizing the submission of an application to the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism to extend the State-Certified boundaries of the Oretha Castle Haley Cultural District. In 2007, the City Council received approval from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism for the designation of the Oretha Castle Haley Cultural District. In recent years Oretha Castle Haley has been a site of new construction, renovation, and investment. The extended boundaries of this cultural district will further the betterment of the OC Haley neighborhood.
District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "The Oretha Castle Haley Cultural District has seen an exciting transformation. New Orleanians strive to keep their historical and cultural integrity and we do that by preserving the buildings and neighborhoods throughout the City. With the extension of the district's boundaries a greater part of this Central City neighborhood will enjoy continued preservation, restoration, and revitalization."
Council Standing Committee Appointments Set
The City Council approved Motion M-13-2, by Council President Head, to confirm appointments to the City Council's Standing Committees. To view committee membership click here.
Observed Annual Carnival Season Recognition of Allison "Big Chief" Tootie Montana
Councilmember Hedge-Morrell joined fellow Councilmembers and the family and friends of the late "Big Chief" Tootie Montana to honor a man who gave much to the City of New Orleans. Big Chief Montana dedicated his life to honoring, preserving, and celebrating the rich and authentic African American cultural tradition of masking as a "Black Indian" on Mardi Gras Day. In January 2009, the Council adopted Resolution R-09-16, proclaiming that the first day of the Carnival Season beginning in 2009 and every year thereafter be designated as Allison "Big Chief" Montana Day in the City of New Orleans.
Recognized the 75th Anniversary of the Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents, and Associates, Inc. (VCPORA)
The Council recognized the Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents, and Associates, Inc. (VCPORA) on its 75th anniversary. The Vieux Carré, known as the French Quarter, is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans dating back to its founding in 1718. In 1936, the State legislature passed a constitutional amendment authorizing the historic preservation of the Vieux Carré. Two years later, the neighborhood organization was incorporated as a non-profit, dedicated to the preservation, restoration, beautification, and overall betterment of the Vieux Carré.
District "C" Councilmember Gisleson Palmer said, "VCPORA is a vitally important organization that reminds us all of the necessary balance that must exist between residential and business interests - always keeping in mind the preservation of the iconic French Quarter neighborhood. It is an honor to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of this dedicated organization."
Received Presentation from the Early Childhood and Family Learning Foundation
The Early Childhood and Family Learning Foundation representatives gave a presentation to the Council regarding the mission of the foundation. Phyllis Landrieu, Connie Bellone, and Pres Kabacoff explained that good care, good health, and a good education are the building blocks that the Early Childhood and Family Learning Foundation utilize to provide a foundation for a successful life. The goal of the foundation's Coordinated Health Program is to assure that every public school child is timely on immunizations and vision and hearing screenings. A professional health team also evaluates children for physical, mental, or social obstacles to learning. The foundation spends approximately $200,000 annually on screenings and other health and wellness services to children attending schools in the Central City neighborhood.
Council President Head said, "There is no greater investment than to provide education and advance the well-being of our City's youth. The Early Childhood and Family Learning Foundation empowers our children by providing them a solid base to begin a successful life in our community."
Congratulated Edna Karr High School on Winning the LHSAA Class 4-A State Football Championship
The Council congratulated the Edna Karr High School Cougars football team for becoming the first Orleans Public High School to win the LHSAA Class 4-A State Football Championship in 25 years. Present in the Council Chamber were Karr's assistant coaches, players from the championship team, Karr's band, the flag team, and the Cougarettes. Edna Karr Cougars, 4-A runner-ups the previous two seasons, won the highly anticipated rematch of the 2011 title game against Neville High School, snapping the Monroe based team's 27 game winning streak. The Championship Game capped Edna Karr's perfect 14-0 season.
Council Vice President Clarkson said, "I am so pleased to congratulate this outstanding group of student athletes, coaches and faculty leaders. As the only Orleans Parish Public School State Champs, these young men and women are representing this city the best it's ever been and have distinguished Edna Karr High School and the Algiers Community."