Regular Meeting
June 05, 2014
City Council Chamber
City Council Regular Meeting News Summary June 5, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014 - New Orleans, LA - At today's regular City Council Meeting, the Council passed a resolution approving the Harrah's Community Support Grant Program grant funds distribution. The Council also adopted ordinances supporting the planning and construction of the Algiers Fire Station and the Fourth District Police Station and supporting the renovations of playgrounds in Districts "B" and "C."
In other business, the Council selected Councilmember Gray to sit on the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission. Councilmembers also received a presentation on the City's 2014 Hurricane Preparedness Plan. In addition, the Council presented a proclamation recognizing Leonard Galmon for receiving the Ron Brown Scholarship to Yale University.
Passed Measures Regarding Council's Representation on NORDC
The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,159, authored by all members of the Council, amending Section 2-319 of the City's Code relative to composition and terms of membership of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC). The Ordinance provides that the Council selects one member to represent the Council on NORDC.
NORDC is comprised of 13 commissioners appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Council. The commission is responsible for: planning, supervising and conducting a comprehensive and coordinated program of cultural and physical recreation; promoting cooperative planning with public and private entities concerned with recreation; managing, maintaining and operating City owned recreational other duties provided by ordinance of the Council.
Subsequent to the passage of the ordinance, the Council also passed Motion 14-233, appointing Councilmember Gray as the Council's representative on NORDC.
Council President Head said, "NORDC leadership is important to recreational oversight in New Orleans. Councilmember Gray's history of involvement in youth recreation makes him the ideal Council representative on the commission. His appointment today will ensure that the Council and NORDC continue to provide excellent programming for our City's youth."
Passed Resolution to Appropriate Funds for the Harrah's Community Support Grant Program
The Council passed Resolution R-14-222, authored by all members of the Council, approving grant funding made possible through the Harrah's Community Support Grants Program to eligible organizations. The grant fund exists to foster organizations and projects that contribute to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of the City.
The Council approved grant funding of approximately $58,800. Among the organizations receiving grants are: Preservation Alliance of New Orleans; Liberty City Community Development Corp.; Human Rights Law Center of Louisiana, Inc.; Anthony Bean Community Theater and Acting School; Institute of Community Development; Crossroads Louisiana, Inc.; Hollygrove Neighborhood Association; Community Mediation Service; Covenant House New Orleans; Armstrong Family Services; New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation; Louisiana Urban Stormwater Coalition; New Legacy Ministries; Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana; Operation Hope, Inc.; Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association, Inc.; Greater Mid City Business Association; United Negro College Fund, Inc. and Parkway Partners Program.
District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "District 'A' is home to so many wonderful organizations that provide services for our citizens and contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of our City. It is an honor to assist in supporting them through Harrah's Community Support Grants."
District "E" Councilmember Gray said, "These grants give a diverse group of organizations the ability to utilize the funds provided for their various community initiatives."
Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreements Supporting District "C" Fire and Police Station Infrastructure Projects
The Council passed ordinances, authored by Councilmember Ramsey, relative to new construction and renovation on District "C" infrastructure projects.
The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 30,152 authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana to facilitate the planning and construction of a new state of the art Algiers Fire Station. The New Orleans Fire Department plans to combine Engines 33 and 40 in Algiers, both of which are in need of extensive repairs, to enhance emergency response efficiency.
The Council also passed Ordinance Calendar No. 30,153 authorizing the Mayor to enter into a CEA between the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana for the purposes of facilitating the planning and construction of the Fourth District Police Station.
District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "Police officers and firemen are the mainline to our community's safety and wellbeing. It's paramount that we have adequate and sustainable facilities wherein we can continue to permanently house our first responders and their emergency operations."
Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreements for Renovations to City's Playgrounds
The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar Nos. 30,146 and 30,174 by Councilmembers Cantrell and Ramsey, respectively. Both ordinances authorize the Mayor to enter into Cooperative Endeavor Agreements (CEA) between the City and State of Louisiana for the purposes of renovating and upgrading a pool and playground in District "B" and various playgrounds in Algiers (District "C").
In District "B," the funding will provide for the repairs and renovations of basketball courts and the pavilion, the replacement of perimeter fencing, the installation of new water fountains, the regrading of athletic fields, and planning and construction at Taylor Pool and Playground, which is located at 2600 S. Roman Street.
District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "Taylor Pool and Playground is an important installation and gathering site for families in Central City. These are much needed improvements, which I believe will strengthen the overall purpose and usage of the site."
In District "C," the CEA will fund improvements at: Brechtel Park, 4401 Lennox Ave.; Bodenger Playground, 3400 Kansas St.; and Behrman Recreation Center, 2529 General Meyer Avenue.
Specifically, there will be: park renovations at Brechtel; field regrading and repairs and renovations to the clubhouse, restrooms, fencing and basketball court at Bodenger; and enhancements to the play equipment, the center's doors, frames and hardware at Behrman.
District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "Algiers playgrounds service hundreds of youth and families throughout the year. The upgrades help us ensure that these recreational sites remain welcoming and enhance the quality of life we've come to enjoy in Algiers."
Council Received City's 2014 Hurricane Preparedness Plan
The Council received a presentation from Deputy Mayor, Lt. Col. Jerry W. Sneed, outlining the City's 2014 Hurricane Preparedness Plan. The plan includes time frames and procedures related to the Assisted Evacuation Plan, re-entry procedures for citizens and businesses as well as the City's progress on preparing for storms.
The City has a two-phase plan for citizens in the event of a storm. Phase 1 is for Category 1 & 2 storms and does not require mandatory evacuation. In such instances, citizens are encouraged to prepare for at least 72 hours of self sufficiency. Phase 2 is for Category 3 and greater storms and would require a mandatory evacuation.
The City Assisted Evacuation Plan (CAEP) is in place for citizens to utilize; citizens can register for services by calling 311 or registering online at www.nola.gov/ready. To date, the City has hosted 16 events to inform citizens about the preparedness plans and an additional 28 events are scheduled.
District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "I am pleased that Col. Sneed agreed to my request to present to the Council today on this year's hurricane preparedness plan. Citizens are strongly encouraged to get acquainted with all City assisted plans and protocols in the event of an emergency."
Council Recognized Cohen/NOCCA Graduate and Incoming Yale Student Leonard Galmon
Council Vice President Williams presented Leonard Galmon with a formal proclamation on behalf of the Council for Galmon's outstanding academic and personal achievements, his admittance to Yale University, and as the most recent receipt of the prestigious Ron Brown Scholarship. Galmon was one of more than 5,000 youth who applied for the scholarship, which is named in honor of the first African-American U.S. Secretary of Commerce. The scholarship is given to students who demonstrate financial need, and 50% of scholarship recipients to date have attended Ivy League schools.
Galmon, a recent graduate of Cohen College Prep and New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) has received local and national attention for beating personal and family odds to graduate from high school, focus on art and earn his way into Yale. His mother was 13-years-old when she gave birth to the young man who lost his father in an act of violence. Council Vice President Williams also honored Galmon's mother, Wanda Galmon, for her accomplishment in raising her son.
Council Vice President Williams said, "Leonard Galmon has taken a path that will inspire and move many young people. He has taken heroic actions to change and save his own life and for that he is to be saluted."