Meetings

Regular Meeting

February 26, 2015 

City Council Chamber

City Council February 26, 2015 Regular Meeting News Summary

Thursday, February 26, 2015 - New Orleans, LA - At today's regular City Council meeting, the Council passed a resolution to establish a time-period and method to consider Entergy New Orleans Storm Relief Securitization application. The Council also passed resolutions to expand the Old Algiers Cultural District, allow for signage in public areas to promote GiveNOLA Day, and to recognize the Asian Pacific American Society's (APAS) cultural contributions to the City.

The Council also adopted a motion requesting that the City Planning Commission (CPC) conduct a public hearing to receive input regarding the definition of a Cigar Bar and to amend the VCC-2 zoning district, which would potentially allow a tobacco business as a conditional use in the new Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO). In related Council business, an ordinance was introduced on first reading that would amend the Smoke Free Air Act to more clearly define Cigar Bar businesses. The Council also adopted an ordinance to establish the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Advisory Committee.

In other business, the Council recognized young women from McDonogh #35 High School for their participation in the Pontchartrain Chapter of Links, Inc's Rising Stars Program.

Requested a City Planning Commission Public Hearing

The Council passed Motion M-15-85 authored by Councilmember Ramsey, requesting that the City Planning Commission (CPC) conduct a public hearing to receive input regarding the creation of a new definition for a Cigar Bar and to amend the VCC-2 zoning district, which would potentially allow a tobacco business as a conditional use in the new Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO). Receiving input at a public hearing will allow the CPC to evaluate potential changes to the proposed regulations based on recommendations from the public-at-large. The public input provides the CPC the information necessary to have both flexibility and to establish consistency and continuity in developing and implementing the CZO.
 
In related Council business, Councilmember Ramsey introduced on first reading Ordinance No. 30,611 that would amend the Smoke Free Air Act to more clearly define Cigar Bar businesses and allow them to continue operations through the existing grandfather clause.

 

District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "This in no way undermines the newly adopted Smoke Free Air Act. This legislation is submitted in the interest of fairness. I would like to thank my fellow Councilmembers for their support on this motion."


Established a Time-Period and Method to Consider Entergy New Orleans Storm Relief Securitization Application

The Council passed Resolution R-15-80, authored by Councilmember Williams, establishing a time period and method to consider Entergy New Orleans (ENO) Storm Relief Securitization Application in regards to damages incurred during Hurricane Isaac and for ENO's Storm Reserve Fund.
 
In January of 2015, ENO filed an application requesting approval to utilize storm recovery bond proceeds to finance ENO's outstanding debt obligations associated with its Hurricane Isaac storm recovery costs and the costs to partially replenish ENO's Storm Reserve to achieve the Council-approved $75 million funding requirement. ENO has provided evidence to the Council that its Storm Reserve balance will not reach the Council's $75 million requirement by March 2017. ENO's most recent estimates show the balance could be up to $40 million short of the Council's requirement, assuming there are no other significant area storms before March 2017.

 

To receive approval of its application, ENO must show that financing the storm recovery costs through securitization results in a lower revenue requirement for ratepayers than would be the case than using conventional financing. The record of the securitization application proceeding must be certified to the Council by its Hearing Officer no later than April 30, 2015 to allow for a Council decision by May 2015, and issuance of the Bonds before the 2015 Hurricane Season.

 

Council Vice President Williams said, "As utility regulator, this action by the Council guarantees that we hold Entergy New Orleans accountable during a storm event and that there is full transparency with regard to ENO's Storm Reserve Fund. It's our job to represent the citizens, the utility ratepayers of New Orleans, who will be impacted during and following a storm or hurricane."


Supported GiveNOLA Day

To support GiveNOLA, the Council passed Resolution R-15-83, authored by Councilmember Williams, allowing GiveNOLA to place signs on public roads to promote the event. GiveNOLA Day is a one-day, online-giving event to raise money for non-profit organizations. During this day, citizens are encouraged to donate to non-profits. Every dollar donated on May 5th will be supplemented by "lagniappe" dollars provided by the Greater New Orleans Foundation and generous GiveNOLA sponsors. Events like GiveNOLA day provide the means for non-profits to provide services throughout the year.
 
Council Vice President Williams said, "GiveNOLA Day is a great opportunity to help build a stronger, thriving community. Last year, GiveNOLA was able to raise $2.25 million for our community. Allowing GiveNOLA to place signage on public roads will increase awareness of the event and result in an even greater outcome. I would like to thank the work of the GNO Foundation, the GiveNOLA sponsors, and everyone who participates in this great effort."

Joined the Asian Pacific American Society in Celebrating the Year of the Goat

The Council passed Resolution R-15-84 coauthored by Councilmembers LaToya Cantrell and James Gray, recognizing the Asian Pacific American Society's (APAS) contributions to the culture of the City of New Orleans and their celebration of the Year of the Goat. The APAS will celebrate the New Year with festivals, ceremonies, and other cultural traditions throughout the City. The APAS promotes ethnic and cultural pride and works toward empowering the local Asian Pacific American Communities.
 
District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "In a city already known for its food and festivals, we look forward to celebrating the multicultural traditions that they continue to share with the community. We appreciate the hard work of the APAS Board of Directors and wish them all the best in the Year of the Goat." 

District "E" Councilmember Gray said, "I would like to thank the Board of Directors of the Asian Pacific American Society for all that they do to better the lives of the people of Orleans Parish. We take great pride in the cultural diversity of New Orleans and we thank the APAS for sharing their New Year celebration."


Recognized the Links Organization and the Young Women of McDonogh #35 High School

The Council recognized young women from McDonogh #35 High School were honored by the City Council today for their participation in the Pontchartrain Chapter of Links, Inc's Rising Stars Program. The honorees were accompanied by former Senator and Councilmember Diana Bajoie and Links Chair of Youth Services Centrell Ewell. Among its many activities, the Links organization provides mentoring programs, which strive to improve academic and social success through education, community development, and volunteerism.

 

District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "The young women from McDonough #35 High School have provided a great service to Links organization. These young women are role models for the youth of our City and an inspiration to all of us. I am proud to recognize these outstanding young women and the Pontchartrain Chapter of the Links organization."


Established the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Advisory Committee

The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 30,527, authored by Councilmember Brossett, establishing the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee will advise and recommend to the Council guiding principles and policies relative to bicycle and pedestrian transportation and safety issues.  It will also work to increase public awareness and understanding of automotive, pedestrian, and bicycle laws, evaluate citizen and business concerns, and make recommendations on how the City can safely integrate walking and cycling routes into the City's existing transportation system.
 
The Committee will consist of 13 members, one to be appointed by each Councilmember, one to be appointed by the Mayor, and one representative from each of the following: the Department of Public Works, the City Planning Commission, the Health Department, the Human Relations Commission and the Regional Transit Authority. 
 
The establishment of the Committee is the first step in achieving some of the goals outlined in The Plan for the 21st Century: New Orleans 2030 which expressly encourages, "the development and use of alternative forms of transportation" and the creation of "roadways that integrate vehicle transportation with bicycling and walking." 

 

District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "The Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Advisory Committee will help to ensure a safe and efficient means for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate the City. Developing a system for alternative forms of transportation is key to improving our City's traffic problems and improving our citizen's quality of life."


Expanded the Old Algiers Cultural District

The Council approved Resolution R-15-71, authored by Councilmember Ramsey, supporting the expansion of the Old Algiers Cultural District. The proposed expansion will incorporate the interior streets and extend the boundaries to better reflect the entire Old Algiers Main Street Corporation program area, to ensure that historic structures and significant cultural venues are eligible for tax credits for rehabilitation, and to provide for additional economic opportunities for creative industries within those corridors.

 

District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "Algiers is open for business and I am encouraged by the new economic activity. Newton Street has been repaved and tax credits have been made available to enhance business growth. I intend to continue my efforts to preserve and rehabilitate this historic neighborhood located in Council District "C".

Created on: 6/21/2018 11:32:55 AM | Last updated: 6/21/2018 11:32:55 AM

Watch

View the live stream
Opens in a popup window

Back to top