New Orleans City Council

Meetings

Regular Meeting

March 13, 2014 

City Council Chamber

City Council Regular Meeting News Summary March 13, 2014

Thursday, March 13, 2014 - New Orleans, LA - At today's regular City Council Meeting, the Council passed a motion soliciting public input on the use and operation of prison buildings. The Council adopted an ordinance facilitating the renovation of Algiers playgrounds. The Council also passed resolutions supporting the expansion of the Museum City Park Cultural District and recognizing participating organizations in the Louisiana Water Festival.

In other business, representatives of the local film industry appeared before the Council to discuss the industry's progress and success. The Council also commemorated International Women's Day and Women's History Month and celebrated the accomplishments of the outgoing Dryades YMCA President. A local corporation was also congratulated for their receipt of a prestigious industry award. 

Solicited Public Input on Use and Operation of Prison Buildings

The Council passed Motion M-14-28, authored by Councilmember Cantrell, rescinding Motion M-13-444 and directing the City Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing to consider an amendment to Ordinance No. 24,282 M.C.S. to permit the use of the 400-bed temporary inmate housing unit for special needs inmates until completion of the Phase 3 building, or until the determination that the Phase 3 building is not needed to accommodate the inmate population in the Orleans Parish Prison complex.

Construction of an Orleans Parish Prison facility with 1,438 permanent beds is currently under way off Tulane Avenue and is expected to be completed in 2014.

District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "This Motion starts the process for considering a change and gives citizens the opportunity to weigh in on this issue. The Motion does not increase the size of the jail, it simply provides for the continued use of an existing facility to house inmates."

Supported Expansion of Museum City Park Cultural District

The Council passed Resolution R-14-76, co-authored by Councilmembers Guidry and Cantrell, supporting and endorsing the submission of an application to the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to expand the boundaries of the Museum City Park Cultural District. 

The state certified cultural districts are a mechanism for community revitalization through the creation of hubs of cultural activity. Within the boundaries, tax incentives may be available including a sales tax exemption on the sale of certain original works of art; individual income tax credits for eligible expenses related to rehabilitation of certain owner-occupied residential or owner-occupied mixed use structures; and income and corporate franchise tax credits for eligible expenses incurred during the rehabilitation of certain historic structures.

District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "As it stands today, the boundaries of this cultural district exclude many artists who live and work in Mid-City, and numerous historic and culturally-significant homes and structures in the community. We hope to expand the district so that these residents and local businesses can benefit from the significant economic benefits associated with cultural districts."

Received Presentation on Progress of Local Film Industry

At the request of Councilmember Clarkson, representatives of the local and regional film industry appeared before the Council to discuss the progress and success of "Hollywood South" relative to economic growth, job creation and the benefits of having the 2014 Academy Award Winner for Best Picture, "12 Years a Slave," filmed in Louisiana.

 

The film industry representatives gave an overview of movies and television shows filmed in New Orleans over the last few years, discussed film-related events, such as the New Orleans Film Festival, and outlined the overall progression and development of the film industry in the city and the state.

 

Council President Clarkson said, "The City of New Orleans won the biggest Oscar statue all this year with over $400 million in film business. We also brought home multiple awards for pictures filmed here while being touted as the largest film producing city in the world. This has meant, and will continue to mean, jobs jobs jobs!" 

Celebrated Accomplishments of Outgoing Dryades YMCA President

Douglas Evans, the outgoing 43-year President and CEO of the Dryades YMCA, appeared before the Council along with colleagues and friends for a presentation celebrating his many accomplishments.  

 

During his tenure, Evans' leadership facilitated the success of the organization's many programs and events including, the Early Childhood Education Center, Summer Enrichment, Midnight Basketball, community job fairs and food giveaways. After a fire destroyed the facility in 2000, Evans led fundraising and reconstruction efforts, reopening the facility in July 2005. The Council and Evans' colleagues expressed their admiration for his dedication to the New Orleans community and their gratitude for his many years of service.

 

Council Vice President Head said, "Mr. Evans has made it his mission over the last four decades to make a difference in our City. He has provided New Orleans families and youth with countless opportunities for educational development, recreation, and healthy living. He leaves a legacy of successful programs and excellent facilities and we wish him all the best."

Recognized Louisiana Water Festival for Raising Environmental Awareness

The Council passed Resolution R-14-74 applauding the participating organizations of the Louisiana Water Festival for raising awareness of critical environmental issues.

The festival, organized by the GreenARMY, took place on Saturday, March 8th at the State Capitol grounds in Baton Rouge. The event was planned to coincide with the start of the Louisiana legislative session and encouraged residents from around the state to convene at the Capitol to support environmental change in Louisiana. Participating organizations included Restore Louisiana Now, Louisiana Environmental Action Network, Levees.org, Gulf Restoration Network, Sierra Club, League of Women Voters of Louisiana, Louisiana Progress, and Deep South Center for Environmental Justice.

District "C" Councilmember Gisleson Palmer said, "Water is an integral part of our state's culture and history and we must continue a responsible and thoughtful approach to preserving our coast and protecting our residents. This festival is a wonderful way for citizens and organizations to get involved and contribute to discussions about the future of our coastline, rivers, lakes and bayous." 

Commemorated International Women's Day and Women's History Month

Representatives from various women's organizations appeared before the Council, at the request of Councilmember Hedge-Morrell, for a presentation on domestic violence prevention and awareness in recognition of March 8th as International Women's Day and March as Women's History Month. The presentation outlined various women's issues including, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. The representatives also highlighted their organizations' prevention and awareness efforts, as well as community outreach and public education programs.  

 

Additionally, the presentation highlighted five domestic violence-related bills (HB747, HB748, HB749, HB750, and HB753) introduced by state Representative Helena Moreno and carried by state Senator J.P. Morrell on the Senate side for the 2014 legislative session. The bills will be heard in committee on March 24 and March 26 and the public is encouraged to attend.

 

District "D" Councilmember Hedge-Morrell said, "These issues are of critical importance and we would like to have a more comprehensive discussion about the many organizations working to reduce domestic violence and promote awareness of women's issues."

Facilitated Renovation of Algiers Playgrounds

The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 29,934, authored by Councilmember Gisleson Palmer, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City and the State to facilitate the renovation of Algiers playgrounds.

Specifically, the City wants to focus renovation efforts on restrooms, lighting, fencing, and playground equipment at Algiers playground facilities.

District "C" Councilmember Gisleson Palmer said, "The Algiers community deserves playgrounds that are safe, clean, and well-lit. It is the City's responsibility to ensure that its facilities are well maintained and repaired as necessary."

Congratulated Local Corporation on Prestigious Industry Award

Representatives of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation appeared before the Council at the request of Councilmember Clarkson, to be congratulated for winning a "Gold ADDY" award, a huge industry commendation.

 

The ADDY Awards (National Advertising Awards Program), the largest competition in the advertising industry, recognize creativity in all forms of advertising and media. The New Orleans ADDY Awards are organized and funded by The Advertising Club of New Orleans.

 

Council President Clarkson said, "We are so proud of the New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation and their partners for the excellent work they do to bring tourists to our City. Their Gold Addy award for the 'Follow Your NOLA' campaign is well deserved!" 

Created on: 6/21/2018 11:34:18 AM | Last updated: 6/21/2018 11:34:18 AM

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