Regular Meeting
October 10, 2013
City Council Chamber
City Council October 10, 2013 Regular Meeting Summary
Thursday, October 10, 2013 - New Orleans, LA - At today's regular City Council Meeting, the Council passed a Motion requesting and authorizing the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding relative to the establishment of the Enhanced Supervision Program for probationers and parolees. The Council also passed Ordinances establishing the Magnolia Economic Development District and amending the rules governing fees for Annual Emergency Medical Technician Permits.
In other business, the Council recognized the efforts of WYES and the University of New Orleans for promoting and disseminating accurate knowledge about New Orleans for the purposes of the 300th year anniversary. The Council also received presentations from the Lazarus Project regarding the organization's work with adults living with HIV and AIDS, and the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center regarding data measuring New Orleans' progress since Hurricane Katrina.
Lastly, the Council convened an Executive Session to receive a briefing from the Law Department on pending litigation regarding the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Consent Decree
Supported Establishment of Enhanced Supervision Program
The Council passed Motion M-13-342, introduced by Councilmember Hedge-Morrell, requesting and authorizing the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City, the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, and the New Orleans District Probation and Parole Office relative to establishment of the Enhanced Supervision Program (ESP).
The ESP will consist of teams of Probation & Parole Officers conducting home visits during random night hours at the residences of probationers and parolees. The new program will be funded and overseen by the City Council, in coordination with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, the New Orleans District Probation and Parole Office, and the New Orleans Police Department.
The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation will help manage the program for the City Council, and will provide reports and analysis of its success. They utilized a grant to conduct a similar effort in 2009. Probation and parole officers will develop criteria to identify high-risk offenders and will focus their efforts in parts of the city where the impact will be greatest. If any probation or parole violations are discovered during these inspections, officers would be able to take necessary administrative action. If new criminal offenses are uncovered, they will be referred to the police department and district attorney for arrest and prosecution.
Councilmember Hedge-Morrell said, "Probation and Parole officers have the authority and responsibility to keep tabs on these known offenders, but it's a demanding job and they have a heavy workload. The Enhanced Supervision Program will allow them to step up their supervision of those most likely to re-offend."
Established Magnolia Economic Development District
The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 29,565, authored by Councilmember Cantrell, establishing the Magnolia Economic Development District (EDD).
The Magnolia EDD, which is located in the Fourth and Sixth Municipal Districts, is bounded generally by Toledano Street, South Claiborne Avenue, Washington Avenue and Clara Street. The proposed plans for the Magnolia EDD include creation of the Magnolia Marketplace, a major shopping center on South Claiborne Ave. with businesses including T.J. Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, Shoe Carnival, Ulta Beauty, Michaels, PetSmart, and Raising Cane's. The development of the Magnolia Marketplace, which is expected to be complete by March 2015, is being undertaken by JCH Development and Stirling Properties.
District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "We are very impressed that so many high quality retailers will be a part of this exciting new Economic Development District which will be home to the Magnolia Marketplace. We have been hoping to transform this section of Claiborne Avenue for many years. I look forward to seeing the positive effects of this development in the surrounding communities."
Recognized Preparation Efforts for City's 300th Year Anniversary
The Council passed Resolution R-13-372, authored by Councilmember Clarkson, recognizing the efforts of WYES and the University of New Orleans (UNO) in promoting and disseminating an accurate knowledge and understanding of the history, culture, and people of New Orleans for the purposes of the City's 300th year anniversary in 2018.
WYES and UNO plan to produce and air an in-depth documentary on the City's 300th year history, a companion book, and a multi-year series of televised Tricentennial minutes with an accompanying website, digital content and print encyclopedia.
Council President Clarkson said, "The Council was honored to pass a resolution to compliment and thank UNO and WYES for collaborating on creating a documentary on the history and culture of New Orleans to enhance the 300th anniversary of the City and to serve as a permanent asset to our City."
Supported Community Work of Project Lazarus
Representatives of Project Lazarus, appeared before the Council to give a presentation on the organization's work with men and women in the community who are living with HIV and AIDS.
Project Lazarus is an independent, non-denominational and non-profit organization serving New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. The organization is dedicated to supporting and empowering people living with HIV/AIDS through the provision of housing, healthcare, and wellness services.
District "C" Councilmember Gisleson Palmer said, "Project Lazarus provides critical support for those living with HIV and AIDS and access to services for our community. We are grateful to them for partnering with other local service organizations to reach those in need."
Received Presentation on Data Measuring City Progress
Allison Plyer, Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center (GNOCDC), appeared before the Council to present recent findings of the New Orleans Index at Eight which measures New Orleans' progress towards prosperity through 28 indicators on economic growth, inclusion, quality of life, and sustainability.
The New Orleans Index at Eight report represents an effort by the GNOCDC to evaluate New Orleans' progress in the eight years since Hurricane Katrina. A variety of indicators were used in the study including, entrepreneurship, affordable housing, jail incarceration rates, arts and culture, youth investment, public safety, and public transit. For more information on the report, click here.
District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "Our City has made great strides in the years since Hurricane Katrina and our citizens and communities have fought to preserve our culture and history while constantly working towards creating a better and stronger New Orleans. Reports like these provide a bird's-eye view of all our efforts over the years and I am confident we will continue to see improvements in our City in the years to come."
Addressed Rules Governing Annual Emergency Medical Technician Permit Fees
The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 29,742, authored by Councilmember Hedge-Morrell, to amend the City Code to exempt Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who are employees of the City from paying fees for a city-issued Annual EMT Permit.
The amended Section of City Code, which will become effective January 1, 2014, specifies that for Annual EMT Permits, an applicant may indicate on his/her application that the permit will only be used for duties performed as an employee of the City of New Orleans, and furnish proof of City employment, in order to be exempt from paying a fee for the annual permit. Any City employee who accepts outside employment as an EMT shall no longer be exempt and shall remit payment for the annual permit fee.
District "D" Councilmember Hedge-Morrell said, "We are truly grateful for the service of our City EMTs. We don't want to burden them with extraneous fees for a City permit when they are utilizing their medical training for the direct benefit of the City."