Meetings

Regular Meeting

March 26, 2015 

City Council Chamber

City Council March 26, 2015 Regular Meeting News Summary

Thursday, March 26, 2015 - New Orleans, LA -  At today's regular City Council meeting, the Council passed resolutions to initiate the creation of a French Quarter Economic Development District and to accept Federal Share funds for the extension of the Wisner Shared Use Path. The Council also adopted an ordinance to amend the City's Cable Franchise relative to Public, Educational and Government Access Channels. Another ordinance was passed to approve a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for the expansion of a schoolyard garden in Oak Park in Gentilly. 

In other business, the Council celebrated the 64th anniversary of Easter Seals Louisiana, recognized the organization Dancing Grounds for its community efforts, and acknowledged 20 years of sharing culture and commerce between Innsbruck, Austria and the City of New Orleans. The Council also passed ordinances to rename portions of LaSalle and Carondelet streets for two pastors who passed away in 2013. Carondelet Street from Felicity Street to Martin Luther King Boulevard will be renamed "Robert C. Blakes, Sr. Drive" and LaSalle Street between Earhart Boulevard and Simon Bolivar Avenue will be renamed "Rev. John Raphael, Jr. Way". 

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 March 26, 2015 Regular Meeting News Summary

Thursday, March 26, 2015 - New Orleans, LA -  At today's regular City Council meeting, the Council passed resolutions to initiate the creation of a French Quarter Economic Development District and to accept Federal Share funds for the extension of the Wisner Shared Use Path. The Council also adopted an ordinance to amend the City's Cable Franchise relative to Public, Educational and Government Access Channels. Another ordinance was passed to approve a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for the expansion of a schoolyard garden in Oak Park in Gentilly. 

In other business, the Council celebrated the 64th anniversary of Easter Seals Louisiana, recognized the organization Dancing Grounds for its community efforts, and acknowledged 20 years of sharing culture and commerce between Innsbruck, Austria and the City of New Orleans. The Council also passed ordinances to rename portions of LaSalle and Carondelet streets for two pastors who passed away in 2013. Carondelet Street from Felicity Street to Martin Luther King Boulevard will be renamed "Robert C. Blakes, Sr. Drive" and LaSalle Street between Earhart Boulevard and Simon Bolivar Avenue will be renamed "Rev. John Raphael, Jr. Way". 

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.

 

Council Authorized Process to Begin Creation of French Quarter Economic Development District

The Council passed Resolution No. R-15-121, authorizing publication of a notice describing the proposed creation of a French Quarter Economic Development District (FQED).

The district will be bounded by the Mississippi River, the centerline of Canal Street, the rear property line of the properties fronting the lake side of North Rampart Street, and the rear property line of the properties fronting the downriver side of Esplanade Avenue to the Mississippi River.

If the FQED is created, the Council will approve a cooperative endeavor agreement between the City, the district and the State of Louisiana, which will provide for the creation of a special trust fund, backed by funds generated from an additional quarter cent sales tax within the boundaries of the FQED. The sales tax would be used to fund a longer-term contingent of 45 Louisiana State Police troopers to patrol the French Quarter.

The additional quarter cent sales tax will only be levied if approved by the voters in the French Quarter in an election this fall. It is estimated that a quarter cent sales tax, excluding hotel and motel room taxes, within the boundaries would generate approximately $2 million annually to spend on State Police. Because these moneys would be generated through a sales tax, tourists would provide most of the funds.

The Economic Development District's proceeds, if passed by the voters, will be matched by long-term annual funding commitments by hospitality organizations, including:

  • $500,000 from the Convention & Visitors Bureau and New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation
  • $1 million from the Morial Convention Center
  • $500,000 from the French Quarter Improvement Fund

The Council, acting as the district's governing authority, will hold a public session on April 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. in City Council Chamber to hear any objections to the creation of the District and/or the proposed use of incremental increases in existing City and State of Louisiana sales taxes for the purpose of improving public safety in the French Quarter

District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "This plan is an outstanding solution to many of the problems we are seeing in the French Quarter. The FQED will generate the funds needed to provide additional security without taking resources from other parts of the City. I encourage all citizens to participate in the upcoming public hearing and sincerely hope that the residents of the French Quarter support this proposal."


Council Authorized Process to Begin Creation of French Quarter Economic Development District

The Council passed Resolution No. R-15-121, authorizing publication of a notice describing the proposed creation of a French Quarter Economic Development District (FQED).

The district will be bounded by the Mississippi River, the centerline of Canal Street, the rear property line of the properties fronting the lake side of North Rampart Street, and the rear property line of the properties fronting the downriver side of Esplanade Avenue to the Mississippi River.

If the FQED is created, the Council will approve a cooperative endeavor agreement between the City, the district and the State of Louisiana, which will provide for the creation of a special trust fund, backed by funds generated from an additional quarter cent sales tax within the boundaries of the FQED. The sales tax would be used to fund a longer-term contingent of 45 Louisiana State Police troopers to patrol the French Quarter.

The additional quarter cent sales tax will only be levied if approved by the voters in the French Quarter in an election this fall. It is estimated that a quarter cent sales tax, excluding hotel and motel room taxes, within the boundaries would generate approximately $2 million annually to spend on State Police. Because these moneys would be generated through a sales tax, tourists would provide most of the funds.

The Economic Development District's proceeds, if passed by the voters, will be matched by long-term annual funding commitments by hospitality organizations, including:

  • $500,000 from the Convention & Visitors Bureau and New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation
  • $1 million from the Morial Convention Center
  • $500,000 from the French Quarter Improvement Fund

The Council, acting as the district's governing authority, will hold a public session on April 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. in City Council Chamber to hear any objections to the creation of the District and/or the proposed use of incremental increases in existing City and State of Louisiana sales taxes for the purpose of improving public safety in the French Quarter

District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "This plan is an outstanding solution to many of the problems we are seeing in the French Quarter. The FQED will generate the funds needed to provide additional security without taking resources from other parts of the City. I encourage all citizens to participate in the upcoming public hearing and sincerely hope that the residents of the French Quarter support this proposal."


Convened as the Governing Authority of the Magnolia Economic Development District

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 includes a T.J. Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, Shoe Carnival, Ultra Beauty, Michaels, PetSmart, and Raising Cane's. JCH Development and Stirling Properties undertook the development of the Magnolia Marketplace, which held its Grand Opening on March 13th.Prior to the regular Council meeting, the Council convened as the Governing Authority of the Magnolia Economic Development District (Magnolia EDD) to address matters pertaining to the designated MEDD.

Recently, 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. Economic Development Districts are permitted to levy sales taxes at a rate up to two percent.

At today's meeting, the Governing Authority passed Resolution R-2015-02, selling $2,995,000 of the sales tax bonds to pay costs associated with the improvements within the Magnolia EDD.

District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "This action ensures the success of the Magnolia Marketplace and to help move forward continued economic development projects within the Magnolia EDD. Everybody, go shop!"  

Convened as the Governing Authority of the Magnolia Economic Development District

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 includes a T.J. Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, Shoe Carnival, Ultra Beauty, Michaels, PetSmart, and Raising Cane's. JCH Development and Stirling Properties undertook the development of the Magnolia Marketplace, which held its Grand Opening on March 13th.Prior to the regular Council meeting, the Council convened as the Governing Authority of the Magnolia Economic Development District (Magnolia EDD) to address matters pertaining to the designated MEDD.

Recently, 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. Economic Development Districts are permitted to levy sales taxes at a rate up to two percent.

At today's meeting, the Governing Authority passed Resolution R-2015-02, selling $2,995,000 of the sales tax bonds to pay costs associated with the improvements within the Magnolia EDD.

District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "This action ensures the success of the Magnolia Marketplace and to help move forward continued economic development projects within the Magnolia EDD. Everybody, go shop!"  

Amended City's Cable Franchise Agreement Relative to Public, Educational and Government Access Programming

The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,588, amending the City's Cable Franchise Agreement with Cox Communications LLC. ("Cox") relative to Public, Educational and Government (PEG) Access programming. The Council will designate a Community Access Group to manage the use of PEG Access Channels on the Cox Cable Television System. The Cox PEG fee will provide $1.1 million to support PEG Access Channels for the years 2015 and 2016. Beginning January 1, 2017, the PEG fee will be equal to one-half percent of Cox's Gross Annual Revenues to support PEG Access Channels. This funding will support the production and transmission of non-commercial programming over four designated PEG Access Channels. PEG Access Channels broadcast the City Council's regular and committee meetings and various other government agency meetings to the public. The channels also provide government programming of interest and a forum for members of the public to produce and air programs.

Council Vice President Williams said, "Through these amendments, we have secured reasonable funding for PEG Access for many years to come. This agreement not only preserves government access, but also public access, which exists nowhere else in the four parish metro area. PEG Access is key to government transparency by providing a forum for responsible public comment on the workings of government." 

Amended City's Cable Franchise Agreement Relative to Public, Educational and Government Access Programming

The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,588, amending the City's Cable Franchise Agreement with Cox Communications LLC. ("Cox") relative to Public, Educational and Government (PEG) Access programming. The Council will designate a Community Access Group to manage the use of PEG Access Channels on the Cox Cable Television System. The Cox PEG fee will provide $1.1 million to support PEG Access Channels for the years 2015 and 2016. Beginning January 1, 2017, the PEG fee will be equal to one-half percent of Cox's Gross Annual Revenues to support PEG Access Channels. This funding will support the production and transmission of non-commercial programming over four designated PEG Access Channels. PEG Access Channels broadcast the City Council's regular and committee meetings and various other government agency meetings to the public. The channels also provide government programming of interest and a forum for members of the public to produce and air programs.

Council Vice President Williams said, "Through these amendments, we have secured reasonable funding for PEG Access for many years to come. This agreement not only preserves government access, but also public access, which exists nowhere else in the four parish metro area. PEG Access is key to government transparency by providing a forum for responsible public comment on the workings of government." 

Accepted Federal Share Funds to Construct the Wisner Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Extension

The Council passed Resolution R-15-117, authored by Councilmember Guidry, accepting the $481,000 federal share for the construction of the Wisner Shared Path Extension. The extension will provide a vital 0.9 mile connection along Bayou St. John and Wisner Boulevard to destinations south of I-610 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad. The extension will also augment the Wisner Boulevard Overpass of I-160 replacement scheduled between September 2015 and December 2016 by providing a separated paved trail with connections to Esplanade Avenue, City Park, Desaix Boulevard, Zachary Taylor Drive, and the existing Shared Use Path once the overpass is replaced. Under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Transportation Alternatives Program, the City is required to provide a 20 percent local match. The City's payment is not to exceed $213,000.

District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "The Wisner Path runs along Bayou St. John and City Park, providing a scenic and safe travel route from the Lakefront to Mid-City for pedestrians and cyclists, and I am pleased that this extension is moving forward to allow for expanded use of this valuable community asset."

Chair of the Council's Transportation and Airport Committee District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "The expansion of the existing Wisner Shared Use Path will encourage further development of facilities for walking and bicycling throughout the City. This is an exciting improvement to our City's transportation network." 

Accepted Federal Share Funds to Construct the Wisner Pedestrian and Bicycle Path Extension

The Council passed Resolution R-15-117, authored by Councilmember Guidry, accepting the $481,000 federal share for the construction of the Wisner Shared Path Extension. The extension will provide a vital 0.9 mile connection along Bayou St. John and Wisner Boulevard to destinations south of I-610 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad. The extension will also augment the Wisner Boulevard Overpass of I-160 replacement scheduled between September 2015 and December 2016 by providing a separated paved trail with connections to Esplanade Avenue, City Park, Desaix Boulevard, Zachary Taylor Drive, and the existing Shared Use Path once the overpass is replaced. Under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Transportation Alternatives Program, the City is required to provide a 20 percent local match. The City's payment is not to exceed $213,000.

District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "The Wisner Path runs along Bayou St. John and City Park, providing a scenic and safe travel route from the Lakefront to Mid-City for pedestrians and cyclists, and I am pleased that this extension is moving forward to allow for expanded use of this valuable community asset."

Chair of the Council's Transportation and Airport Committee District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "The expansion of the existing Wisner Shared Use Path will encourage further development of facilities for walking and bicycling throughout the City. This is an exciting improvement to our City's transportation network." 

Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Between the City, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission and FirstLine Charter Schools

The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 30,623, authored by Councilmember Brossett, authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC), and FirstLine Charter Schools, relative to the Arthur Ashe Oak Park Edible Schoolyard Garden. The CEA specifies when, how, and under what conditions the school will be allowed to operate in the public park.

The agreement will also allow FirstLine's Arthur Ashe Charter School to expand the Edible Schoolyard Garden located in the city owned Oak Park. Plans for the park include the construction of a greenhouse, expanded annual vegetable and production beds, expanded orchard area, and an open-air pavilion. The project will utilize resources made available by Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, one of the nation's most extensive school garden networks.

District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "The expansion of the Arthur Ashe Edible Schoolyard Garden will not only improve Oak Park but will also continue to teach and encourage students how to lead healthy, happy, and sustainable lives."


Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Between the City, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission and FirstLine Charter Schools

The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 30,623, authored by Councilmember Brossett, authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC), and FirstLine Charter Schools, relative to the Arthur Ashe Oak Park Edible Schoolyard Garden. The CEA specifies when, how, and under what conditions the school will be allowed to operate in the public park.

The agreement will also allow FirstLine's Arthur Ashe Charter School to expand the Edible Schoolyard Garden located in the city owned Oak Park. Plans for the park include the construction of a greenhouse, expanded annual vegetable and production beds, expanded orchard area, and an open-air pavilion. The project will utilize resources made available by Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, one of the nation's most extensive school garden networks.

District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "The expansion of the Arthur Ashe Edible Schoolyard Garden will not only improve Oak Park but will also continue to teach and encourage students how to lead healthy, happy, and sustainable lives."


Celebrated 64th Anniversary of Easter Seals Louisiana

The Council celebrated the 64th anniversary of Easter Seals Louisiana, a non-profit organization that assists children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities in achieving independence. Easter Seals offers a variety of services to people with disabilities, including support coordination services, physical and mental rehabilitation, job training, housing, and early childhood development. In 2013, Easter Seals Louisiana was able to provide support to over 10,000 Louisianans. This summer, Easter Seals will help send children with disabilities to Alabama's Special Camp for Children and Adults (ASCCA). ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Children who are able to go to ASCCA are able to experience the joys and challenges of camp in a fully accessible setting.

District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank Easter Seals for the important work they do for our City and our State. Easter Seals offers quality services and programs for children and adults with disabilities and special needs. This organization's work has assisted countless individuals with disabilities achieve independence and become active members of our community."


Celebrated 64th Anniversary of Easter Seals Louisiana

The Council celebrated the 64th anniversary of Easter Seals Louisiana, a non-profit organization that assists children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities in achieving independence. Easter Seals offers a variety of services to people with disabilities, including support coordination services, physical and mental rehabilitation, job training, housing, and early childhood development. In 2013, Easter Seals Louisiana was able to provide support to over 10,000 Louisianans. This summer, Easter Seals will help send children with disabilities to Alabama's Special Camp for Children and Adults (ASCCA). ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Children who are able to go to ASCCA are able to experience the joys and challenges of camp in a fully accessible setting.

District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank Easter Seals for the important work they do for our City and our State. Easter Seals offers quality services and programs for children and adults with disabilities and special needs. This organization's work has assisted countless individuals with disabilities achieve independence and become active members of our community."


Recognized Dancing Grounds for Community Efforts

The Council recognized Dancing Grounds, a local dance education and performance organization, for its work in providing accessible, high-quality dance education at the organization's studio and local schools. The organization also works to provide training and support for dance teachers in afterschool and summer school programs. In September 2014, Dancing Grounds hosted the first Dance for Social Change Festival. The event brought artists, activists and community members together to inspire dialogue and action about key city issues, focusing on overcoming violence. Choreographed dances were set up throughout the city using cityscapes and streets as backdrops. New Orleans youth served as tour guides during the event, taking audiences to the sites of each dance while creating their own movement as they traveled.

District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "Dancing Grounds is doing a tremendous job providing accessible and well-developed programming for our City's youth. Dancing Grounds' events are entertaining and bring community stakeholders together in meaningful discussions that assist us in creating and maintaining a stronger and safer New Orleans."


Recognized Dancing Grounds for Community Efforts

The Council recognized Dancing Grounds, a local dance education and performance organization, for its work in providing accessible, high-quality dance education at the organization's studio and local schools. The organization also works to provide training and support for dance teachers in afterschool and summer school programs. In September 2014, Dancing Grounds hosted the first Dance for Social Change Festival. The event brought artists, activists and community members together to inspire dialogue and action about key city issues, focusing on overcoming violence. Choreographed dances were set up throughout the city using cityscapes and streets as backdrops. New Orleans youth served as tour guides during the event, taking audiences to the sites of each dance while creating their own movement as they traveled.

District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "Dancing Grounds is doing a tremendous job providing accessible and well-developed programming for our City's youth. Dancing Grounds' events are entertaining and bring community stakeholders together in meaningful discussions that assist us in creating and maintaining a stronger and safer New Orleans."


Acknowledged 20th Anniversary of Innsbruck, Austria and City of New Orleans Sister-City Agreement

The Council acknowledged 20 years of sharing culture and commerce between New Orleans and Innsbruck, Austria. An official delegation from the University of Innsbruck and the City of Innsbruck is visiting New Orleans to present to the Council, observe the anniversary, and participate in celebrations. The two cities' engagement began almost 40 years ago when the University of New Orleans began the Innsbruck International Summer School. Since its inception in 1976, over 10,000 students have participated in the school's study abroad program.

Council President Head said, "We are pleased to welcome our visitors from Innsbruck and thank them for their 20 years as a "Sister City" and 40 years of partnership with the University of New Orleans. Having visited Innsbruck myself many years ago, I can attest to the many traditions that our cities share-notably our rich music culture and our location along major rivers."


Acknowledged 20th Anniversary of Innsbruck, Austria and City of New Orleans Sister-City Agreement

The Council acknowledged 20 years of sharing culture and commerce between New Orleans and Innsbruck, Austria. An official delegation from the University of Innsbruck and the City of Innsbruck is visiting New Orleans to present to the Council, observe the anniversary, and participate in celebrations. The two cities' engagement began almost 40 years ago when the University of New Orleans began the Innsbruck International Summer School. Since its inception in 1976, over 10,000 students have participated in the school's study abroad program.

Council President Head said, "We are pleased to welcome our visitors from Innsbruck and thank them for their 20 years as a "Sister City" and 40 years of partnership with the University of New Orleans. Having visited Innsbruck myself many years ago, I can attest to the many traditions that our cities share-notably our rich music culture and our location along major rivers."

Created on: 6/21/2018 11:32:54 AM | Last updated: 6/21/2018 11:32:54 AM

Watch

View the live stream
Opens in a popup window

Back to top