Regular Meeting
August 08, 2013
City Council Chamber
City Council August 8, 2013 Regular Meeting Summary
Thursday, August 8, 2013 - New Orleans, LA - At today's regular City Council Meeting, the Council passed ordinances relative to the funding of and payment of officers through the Office of Police Secondary Employment. The Council also approved an appeal of the Alcoholic Beverage Moratorium for Jimmy's Music Club in District "A" and approved Zoning Dockets finalizing amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO).
In other business, the Council congratulated the new leadership of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, recognized three local women community leaders, and presented a Proclamation to former Councilmember Jim Singleton. The Council also honored the memory of late New Orleans Police Department Officer Rodney Thomas.
Recognized Former Councilmember Jim Singleton
The Council presented a Proclamation to former City Councilmember Jim Singleton recognizing him for his many contributions and years of service to the City. Councilmembers thanked Singleton for his advice, wisdom and support throughout the years and congratulated him on recently turning 80 years old.
Honored Late NOPD Officer Rodney Thomas
The Council honored the memory of the late NOPD Officer Rodney R. Thomas and recognized his many contributions and years of service to the City. Members of Thomas' family appeared before the Council to receive a Proclamation honoring Officer Thomas. NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas and NOPD Second District Commander Paul Noel were also present and spoke of Thomas' strong character and dedication to his job.
Thomas, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, attended Booker T. Washington Senior High School, Southern University at New Orleans and Sidney Collier Technical College. In July 2005, Thomas became a New Orleans Police Officer and a member of the Second District. Thomas had received the NOPD Officer of the Month award and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
District "D" Councilmember Hedge-Morrell said, "We deeply empathize with Officer Thomas' family and, on behalf of the Council and the citizens of this City, we want to thank you for sharing him with us and allowing him to protect and serve his community. He is dearly missed and we will always honor his memory."
District "E" Councilmember Gray said, "Our police officers put their lives on the line each and every day and that is something for which we are truly grateful. Officer Thomas was a dedicated and brave officer and a true public servant. His family has our deepest sympathy."
Recognized Local Women Community Achievers
The Council recognized three African American women achievers in the community, African American Leadership Project (AALP) Chairperson Gail Glapion, The Louisiana Weekly President and Publisher Renette Dejoie-Hall, and Dr. Millie Charles.
Glapion was recognized for her years of work with the AALP and the AALP's celebration of its 10th anniversary. Founded in 2002, the AALP is dedicated to supporting the progress and well-being of the African American community in New Orleans through a focus on dialogue, agenda building and community planning by its nonpartisan network of community activists and organizations, business and religious leaders, academics and engaged citizens.
Dejoie-Hall was acknowledged for her leadership of the local paper, which is celebrating 88 years of publication. Started in 1925, the weekly newspaper includes national, regional and local news and serves the New Orleans metro area, with subscribers across the nation, as well as in parts of Europe, China and Africa.
Dr. Millie Charles was recognized for her years of community service and receipt of the Jessie Vickman Special Teacher Award by the New Orleans Branch NAACP in 2012. Charles, who celebrated her 90th birthday last month, is the Founding Dean of Southern University at New Orleans' School of Social Work Masters level Social Work program and has received numerous awards and recognition for her community work and humanitarian efforts.
District "D" Councilmember Hedge-Morrell said, "I have the privilege of recognizing these outstanding community leaders who have worked tirelessly to give back to the African American community and to our City as a whole. These well-known and well-respected women are committed to making a difference and we are truly lucky to call them New Orleanians."
Passed Ordinances Related to Office of Police Secondary Employment
The Council passed Ordinance Calendar Nos. 29,470, 29,471, 29,656 and 29,657, relative to the funding of and payment of officers through the Office of Police Secondary Employment (OPSE).
Specifically, Ordinance Calendar No. 29,470 defines terms relative to secondary employment job types, establishes fee and officer pay schedules, and delineates the use of funds collected through the OPSE. Ordinance Calendar No. 29,471 creates the Police Secondary Employment Fund for the support of the operations of the OPSE, and Ordinance Calendar Nos. 29,656 and 29,657 amend the City's Operating Budget of Revenues and Operating Budget of Expenditures to appropriate $1,420,000 of funds from Intergovernmental transfers to the Miscellaneous Programs, Office of Police Secondary Employment fund for police details.
Finalized Amendments to Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
The Council approved Zoning Docket 70/13, which amends the CZO to establish digital zoning maps as the Official Zoning Maps of the City of New Orleans, and Zoning Docket 71/13, which amends the CZO to clarify the method of determining permitted height of fences, walls and hedges relative to grade.
At its May 16th meeting, the Council adopted Motion M-13-158 and Motion M-13-165, which directed the City Planning Commission to conduct public hearings to consider these amendments to the text of the CZO. Click here for additional information on these Motions.
Approved Appeal of Alcoholic Beverage Moratorium in District "A"
The Council approved the appeal of the Alcoholic Beverage Moratorium in Council District "A" to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on-premises at Jimmy's Music Club, located at 8200 Willow Street, subject to 19 provisos. The City Planning Commission recommended approval of the appeal.
The provisos include:
- Completion of a signed Good Neighbor Agreement between the Owners, Master Lessee, Operators and the Carrollton-Riverbend Neighborhood Association (CRNA), prior to issuance of any permits or licenses.
- Installation of a sound-proofing system designed and certified by a certified sound engineer to regulate noise levels.
- Prohibition of music, speakers, and alcohol sales and service on the outside patio of the property.
- Responsibility of the operator to hold quarterly meetings, for at least the first year of operation, to discuss any and all issues raised by the music club/bar's operation. The operator shall make the time and place of these meetings known to CRNA at least two weeks prior to their occurrence.
District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "Today the Council voted to uphold the City Planning Commission staff's recommendation of Approval for James Anselmo's ABO Moratorium appeal. Early in the process, it was communicated by the Administration and myself that a signed Good Neighbor Agreement between the neighbors, the Carrollton-Riverbend Neighborhood Association and the people representing Jimmy's Music Club was essential in order for this to move forward for Council approval. The negotiations have resulted in a comprehensive and clear agreement. This has worked out in a positive way and I am impressed with the work done by everyone involved in this process."
Congratulated New Leadership of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans
Sister Marjorie Hebert, M.S.C. appeared before the Council and was congratulated on her recent appointment as President and CEO of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, a post which she held on an interim basis since January of this year.
Hebert, a native New Orleanian and a Marianite nun, is a graduate of Holy Name of Mary School, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, and Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, where she earned a Master of Education. In 1997, Hebert established Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center, a skilled care nursing facility providing intermediate and long-term healthcare including physical, occupational and speech therapy, physician exams, dental and podiatry care and a comprehensive Pastoral Care Program.
Hebert thanked the Council for recognizing her and expressed her enthusiasm for the work she will continue to do with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Council President Clarkson said, "We have watched your career over the years and have been truly impressed by your many accomplishments. Your commitment and dedication to helping those in need is something this City is very grateful for and we look forward to your continued leadership of the important work done at Catholic Charities."