Regular Meeting
February 05, 2015
City Council Chamber
City Council February 5, 2015 Regular Meeting News Summary
Thursday,
February 5, 2015 - New Orleans, LA - At
today's regular City Council meeting, the Council passed a motion
approving the City Council's revised Emergency Preparedness Plan.
In
other business, the Council received a presentation from New Orleans Police
Department Superintendent Michael Harrison, celebrated the 50th anniversary of
the Krewe of Amon-Ra, and welcomed the 2015 Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club
royalty.
Prior to the meeting, the Council convened as the
governing authority of the Magnolia Economic Development District to authorize
the issuance of sales tax bonds.
City Council February 5, 2015 Regular Meeting News Summary
Thursday,
February 5, 2015 - New Orleans, LA - At
today's regular City Council meeting, the Council passed a motion
approving the City Council's revised Emergency Preparedness Plan.
In
other business, the Council received a presentation from New Orleans Police
Department Superintendent Michael Harrison, celebrated the 50th anniversary of
the Krewe of Amon-Ra, and welcomed the 2015 Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club
royalty.
Prior to the meeting, the Council convened as the
governing authority of the Magnolia Economic Development District to authorize
the issuance of sales tax bonds.
Convened as the Governing Authority of the Magnolia Economic Development District
Prior
to the regular Council meeting, the Council convened as the Governing
Authority of the Magnolia Economic Development District (MEDD) to address
matters pertaining to the designated MEDD.
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 Magnolia EDD includes the Magnolia Marketplace, a shopping
center on South Claiborne Ave., which upon completion will include
a T.J.
Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, Shoe Carnival, Ulta Beauty, Michaels, PetSmart, and
Raising Cane's.
JCH Development and Stirling Properties are undertaking the development of the
Magnolia Marketplace, which will hold its Grand
Opening on March 13th.
The
Governing Authority passed Resolution R-2015-01, authorizing
the issuance of Sales Tax Bonds from the proceeds of a tax levy that went into
effect on November 21, 2013. These Bonds will facilitate other economic
development projects within the MEDD. Economic Development
Districts are permitted to levy sales taxes at a rate up to two
percent.
District
"B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "This action has helped ensure the success of
the Magnolia Marketplace, which will officially open on March 13th.This
shopping area provides economic growth, while creating jobs for local residents,
opportunities for local businesses, and services for the surrounding
community."
Convened as the Governing Authority of the Magnolia Economic Development District
Prior
to the regular Council meeting, the Council convened as the Governing
Authority of the Magnolia Economic Development District (MEDD) to address
matters pertaining to the designated MEDD.
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 Magnolia EDD includes the Magnolia Marketplace, a shopping
center on South Claiborne Ave., which upon completion will include
a T.J.
Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, Shoe Carnival, Ulta Beauty, Michaels, PetSmart, and
Raising Cane's.
JCH Development and Stirling Properties are undertaking the development of the
Magnolia Marketplace, which will hold its Grand
Opening on March 13th.
The
Governing Authority passed Resolution R-2015-01, authorizing
the issuance of Sales Tax Bonds from the proceeds of a tax levy that went into
effect on November 21, 2013. These Bonds will facilitate other economic
development projects within the MEDD. Economic Development
Districts are permitted to levy sales taxes at a rate up to two
percent.
District
"B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "This action has helped ensure the success of
the Magnolia Marketplace, which will officially open on March 13th.This
shopping area provides economic growth, while creating jobs for local residents,
opportunities for local businesses, and services for the surrounding
community."
Received a Presentation from Police Superintendent Michael Harrison
The
Council received a presentation from New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael
Harrison. In his presentation, Chief Harrison outlined the Police Department's
recruitment efforts, French Quarter crime control programs, and discussed the
NOPD's plan for the 2015 Mardi Gras Season.
District
"D" Councilmember Brossett said, "Safety is the greatest priority for the people
of New Orleans. The tireless effort put forth by NOPD Chief Harrison is a
testament to his commitment to this goal. The Department's presentation affirms
this priority and their dedication to the people of New
Orleans."
Received a Presentation from Police Superintendent Michael Harrison
The
Council received a presentation from New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael
Harrison. In his presentation, Chief Harrison outlined the Police Department's
recruitment efforts, French Quarter crime control programs, and discussed the
NOPD's plan for the 2015 Mardi Gras Season.
District
"D" Councilmember Brossett said, "Safety is the greatest priority for the people
of New Orleans. The tireless effort put forth by NOPD Chief Harrison is a
testament to his commitment to this goal. The Department's presentation affirms
this priority and their dedication to the people of New
Orleans."
Approved a Comprehensive "All Hazard" Emergency Plan
The
Council passed Motion No. M-15-54, approving the City Council's revised Emergency
Preparedness Plan (EPP). The plan, which was developed in coordination with
the City's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, ensures that
the Council can sustain operational capacity under emergency conditions.
Specifically, the EPP will allow for Councilmembers and certain essential staff
personnel to remain in the City despite an evacuation, while providing for
prompt return of additional staff as necessary. The Council must review the EPP prior to June 1st of
each year.
District "E" Councilmember Gray said, "As a Council, it
is our responsibility to have an emergency plan in place that ensures the safety
of our employees and citizens. The plan set in place today enables the Council
to continue its essential functions in the event of an emergency and provides an
efficient and effective method for internal and external communication."
Approved a Comprehensive "All Hazard" Emergency Plan
The
Council passed Motion No. M-15-54, approving the City Council's revised Emergency
Preparedness Plan (EPP). The plan, which was developed in coordination with
the City's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, ensures that
the Council can sustain operational capacity under emergency conditions.
Specifically, the EPP will allow for Councilmembers and certain essential staff
personnel to remain in the City despite an evacuation, while providing for
prompt return of additional staff as necessary. The Council must review the EPP prior to June 1st of
each year.
District "E" Councilmember Gray said, "As a Council, it
is our responsibility to have an emergency plan in place that ensures the safety
of our employees and citizens. The plan set in place today enables the Council
to continue its essential functions in the event of an emergency and provides an
efficient and effective method for internal and external communication."
Celebrated the Krewe of Amon-Ra's 50th Anniversary
Members of the Krewe of Amon-Ra appeared before the Council to
celebrate the Krewe's 50th anniversary and to present the 2015 Amon-Ra Royalty,
Queen Amon-Ra Mike "Opal Masters" Moreau, and King Amon-Ra Darwin
Reed.
The krewe formed in 1965 to provide an opportunity for members
of the LGBTQ community to socialize in a safe environment. This year, the Krewe
of Amon-Ra held their 50th consecutive Mardi Gras Ball, a feat that no other gay
krewe has accomplished. The organization supports the community through
charitable donations to Belle Reve, Food for Friends/No AIDS Task Force, Gay
Easter Parade, Project Lazarus, Buzzy's Boys and Girls, St. Anna Church, and the
American Cancer Foundation.
Council President Head said, "It is exciting to celebrate the
longevity of a Mardi Gras krewe that has overcome tremendous adversity. Mardi
Gras is a time for expressing one's self freely and celebrating each other's
differences. I hope that in another 50 years, the Krewe of Amon-Ra will be
celebrating their 100th
anniversary."
Celebrated the Krewe of Amon-Ra's 50th Anniversary
Members of the Krewe of Amon-Ra appeared before the Council to
celebrate the Krewe's 50th anniversary and to present the 2015 Amon-Ra Royalty,
Queen Amon-Ra Mike "Opal Masters" Moreau, and King Amon-Ra Darwin
Reed.
The krewe formed in 1965 to provide an opportunity for members
of the LGBTQ community to socialize in a safe environment. This year, the Krewe
of Amon-Ra held their 50th consecutive Mardi Gras Ball, a feat that no other gay
krewe has accomplished. The organization supports the community through
charitable donations to Belle Reve, Food for Friends/No AIDS Task Force, Gay
Easter Parade, Project Lazarus, Buzzy's Boys and Girls, St. Anna Church, and the
American Cancer Foundation.
Council President Head said, "It is exciting to celebrate the
longevity of a Mardi Gras krewe that has overcome tremendous adversity. Mardi
Gras is a time for expressing one's self freely and celebrating each other's
differences. I hope that in another 50 years, the Krewe of Amon-Ra will be
celebrating their 100th
anniversary."
Welcomed 2015 Zulu Royalty
Members
of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club appeared before the Council to
present the 2015 Zulu royalty, Zulu King Andrew "Pete" Sanchez and Zulu Queen
Dr. Janice T. Sanchez, along with the 2015 Zulu Characters. The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure
Club was created in the early 1900s and has continued to entertain New
Orleanians since. The group's first appearance as Zulus came in 1909, and by
1916 the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club was incorporated. The Club's parade
on Mardi Gras day has grown into one of the most popular parades, and the Zulu
Coconut has become one of the most sought-after and treasured Mardi Gras throws.
The organization credits itself as "the everyman club" due to its diverse
membership, which includes people from all walks of life and professions. Zulu
contributes to a number of community initiatives including the Adopt-A-School
program and the Southern University Scholarship Fund.
District "D" Councilmember
Brossett said, "It is a great honor and privilege to represent The Zulu Social
Aid & Pleasure Club. The Zulu organization has been a home for a number of
great men, who have continued to allow all of us to celebrate what is best about
the culture of our city. Zulu's charitable contributions truly do make New
Orleans the great City that it is."
District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "Zulu's commitment to the
community has left a long standing impression on the City of New Orleans. The
loyalty and dedication of its hundreds of members, who mentor young people,
organize toy drives for the holidays, and give out scholarships to our city's
students, has improved countless lives and made an incredible contribution to
our city."
District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said,
"The
Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club has always been a positive force in our
City, and an integral part of New Orleans Mardi Gras. I would like to thank the
members of this organization for their work to make New Orleans a better place
to live, work, and enjoy life."
Welcomed 2015 Zulu Royalty
Members
of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club appeared before the Council to
present the 2015 Zulu royalty, Zulu King Andrew "Pete" Sanchez and Zulu Queen
Dr. Janice T. Sanchez, along with the 2015 Zulu Characters. The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure
Club was created in the early 1900s and has continued to entertain New
Orleanians since. The group's first appearance as Zulus came in 1909, and by
1916 the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club was incorporated. The Club's parade
on Mardi Gras day has grown into one of the most popular parades, and the Zulu
Coconut has become one of the most sought-after and treasured Mardi Gras throws.
The organization credits itself as "the everyman club" due to its diverse
membership, which includes people from all walks of life and professions. Zulu
contributes to a number of community initiatives including the Adopt-A-School
program and the Southern University Scholarship Fund.
District "D" Councilmember
Brossett said, "It is a great honor and privilege to represent The Zulu Social
Aid & Pleasure Club. The Zulu organization has been a home for a number of
great men, who have continued to allow all of us to celebrate what is best about
the culture of our city. Zulu's charitable contributions truly do make New
Orleans the great City that it is."
District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "Zulu's commitment to the
community has left a long standing impression on the City of New Orleans. The
loyalty and dedication of its hundreds of members, who mentor young people,
organize toy drives for the holidays, and give out scholarships to our city's
students, has improved countless lives and made an incredible contribution to
our city."
District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said,
"The
Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club has always been a positive force in our
City, and an integral part of New Orleans Mardi Gras. I would like to thank the
members of this organization for their work to make New Orleans a better place
to live, work, and enjoy life."