Meetings

Regular Meeting

June 04, 2015 

City Council Chamber

City Council June 4, 2015 Regular Meeting News Summary

Thursday, June 4, 2015 - New Orleans, LA - At today's regular City Council meeting, the Council adopted ordinances to establish preliminary funding for drainage projects in Districts "B" and "D", and increased the taxicab fare structure. In other business, a resolution was passed approving grant funding made possible through the City Council/Harrah's Community Support Grants Program. The Council issued a proclamation to Retired WWL-TV photojournalist Willie Wilson, heard presentations from the New Orleans Kids Partnership and VIA Link, and recognized Gentilly Festival for its support of the redevelopment and growth of Gentilly.

Prior to the Regular meeting, the Council convened as the Governing Authority of the French Quarter Economic Development District (EDD) to receive public comment on the proposed .2495% sales tax increase within the French Quarter EDD.

City Council June 4, 2015 Regular Meeting News Summary

Thursday, June 4, 2015 - New Orleans, LA - At today's regular City Council meeting, the Council adopted ordinances to establish preliminary funding for drainage projects in Districts "B" and "D", and increased the taxicab fare structure. In other business, a resolution was passed approving grant funding made possible through the City Council/Harrah's Community Support Grants Program. The Council issued a proclamation to Retired WWL-TV photojournalist Willie Wilson, heard presentations from the New Orleans Kids Partnership and VIA Link, and recognized Gentilly Festival for its support of the redevelopment and growth of Gentilly.

Prior to the Regular meeting, the Council convened as the Governing Authority of the French Quarter Economic Development District (EDD) to receive public comment on the proposed .2495% sales tax increase within the French Quarter EDD.

Passed Resolution to Fund the City Council/Harrah's Community Support Grants Program

The Council passed Resolution R-15-204, 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 $110,000. Among the organizations receiving grants are: Preservation Alliance of New Orleans, Elevate New Orleans, Dancing Grounds, Liberty City Development Corp., The John Besh Foundation, Tipitina's Foundation Inc., Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church, Green Light New Orleans, New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation, The National Mardi Gras Indian Council, United Saints Recovery Project, 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans, Deep South for Environmental Justice, French Quarter Festival, Jugs Social Club, Q.U.E.E.N.S., Boy Scouts of America, Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, Evacuteer.org, Stem NOLA, Friends of Joe W. Brown Memorial Park & Louisiana Nature Center, New Era Track Club, and Louisiana Center for Children's Rights.

Council President Williams said, "These grants offer diverse organizations the ability to expand their various initiatives and services to the community. Each of these organizations provides important services for our citizens and contributes to the vibrancy of our City. It is an honor to assist these groups through the City Council/Harrah's Community Support Grants Program."

Passed Resolution to Fund the City Council/Harrah's Community Support Grants Program

The Council passed Resolution R-15-204, 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 $110,000. Among the organizations receiving grants are: Preservation Alliance of New Orleans, Elevate New Orleans, Dancing Grounds, Liberty City Development Corp., The John Besh Foundation, Tipitina's Foundation Inc., Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church, Green Light New Orleans, New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation, The National Mardi Gras Indian Council, United Saints Recovery Project, 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans, Deep South for Environmental Justice, French Quarter Festival, Jugs Social Club, Q.U.E.E.N.S., Boy Scouts of America, Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, Evacuteer.org, Stem NOLA, Friends of Joe W. Brown Memorial Park & Louisiana Nature Center, New Era Track Club, and Louisiana Center for Children's Rights.

Council President Williams said, "These grants offer diverse organizations the ability to expand their various initiatives and services to the community. Each of these organizations provides important services for our citizens and contributes to the vibrancy of our City. It is an honor to assist these groups through the City Council/Harrah's Community Support Grants Program."

Adopted CEAs for the Mirabeau Water Garden and the Broadmoor Drainage Project

Mirabeau Water Garden site plans
The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,751, authored by Councilmember Brossett, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana to facilitate Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for preliminary engineering for the Mirabeau Garden Storm Water Management Project in District "D".

City and State officials are partnering to create the 25-acre Mirabeau water retention park at the former site of the Sisters of St. Joseph Convent. The Sisters of St. Joseph Convent is providing a long-term lease agreement with the City to facilitate the project. The garden will include water retention features such as ponds, pumps, and simulated marshlands. It will also include parklands, a swimming pool, and athletic fields. The Mirabeau Water Garden is a demonstration project that could serve as a model for other large vacant spaces throughout the City if successful.

District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "The Mirabeau Garden will help solve multiple problems with one project. It finds a use for a vacant property, lessens flood risks, and provides recreational opportunities. It is exciting to see new and innovative projects being completed in District 'D'."

In related business, the Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,750, authored by Councilmember Cantrell, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana to begin preliminary engineering work for the Broadmoor Drainage Project. Preliminary engineering for the project is to be completed on or before July 15, 2015.

District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "The passage of this ordinance clears the way to begin improvements to the drainage issues we see in the Broadmoor neighborhood. It is important that we continue to work to protect our neighborhoods."

Adopted CEAs for the Mirabeau Water Garden and the Broadmoor Drainage Project

Mirabeau Water Garden site plans
The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,751, authored by Councilmember Brossett, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana to facilitate Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for preliminary engineering for the Mirabeau Garden Storm Water Management Project in District "D".

City and State officials are partnering to create the 25-acre Mirabeau water retention park at the former site of the Sisters of St. Joseph Convent. The Sisters of St. Joseph Convent is providing a long-term lease agreement with the City to facilitate the project. The garden will include water retention features such as ponds, pumps, and simulated marshlands. It will also include parklands, a swimming pool, and athletic fields. The Mirabeau Water Garden is a demonstration project that could serve as a model for other large vacant spaces throughout the City if successful.

District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "The Mirabeau Garden will help solve multiple problems with one project. It finds a use for a vacant property, lessens flood risks, and provides recreational opportunities. It is exciting to see new and innovative projects being completed in District 'D'."

In related business, the Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,750, authored by Councilmember Cantrell, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana to begin preliminary engineering work for the Broadmoor Drainage Project. Preliminary engineering for the project is to be completed on or before July 15, 2015.

District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "The passage of this ordinance clears the way to begin improvements to the drainage issues we see in the Broadmoor neighborhood. It is important that we continue to work to protect our neighborhoods."

Adopted Increases to the Taxicab Fare Structure


The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,651, providing for increases to the taxicab fare structure. The minimum taxicab meter fare will remain at $3.50, which will allow passengers to travel one eighth of a mile. The cost for each additional one-eight mile will increase from $0.25 to $0.30.

During special events, passengers traveling to or from the Fogelman Arena at Tulane University, Superdome, Nat Keifer UNO Lakefront Arena, Southern University of New Orleans Gymnasium, Xavier Field House, Saenger Theatre, City Park Stadium, Pan American Stadium, or the New Orleans Fair Grounds and Race Course will be charged $7.00 per person up from $5.00, or the metered fare, whichever is greater.

For trips to or from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the fare for one or two people will be $36.00, a $3.00 increase; for three or more passengers, the fare will be $15.00 per person, a $1.00 increase.

The taxicab fare to or from the New Orleans Lakefront Airport to or from any location in the area bounded by Galvez Street, Esplanade Avenue, the Mississippi River and Jackson Avenue for one or two passengers will be $25.00, a $3.00 increase; for three or more passengers, the fare will be $10.00 per person, a $1.00 increase.

The taxicab fare from the Westbank toll plaza to or from Alvin Calendar Field will be equal to the New Orleans International Airport fare, plus a meter fare to or from the Westbank toll plaza, or the entire trip's meter fare, whichever is greater. 
For special trips, taxicab fares will be:
  • $9.00 per person for passengers traveling to or from the Nat Keifer UNO Lakefront Arena to any location in the area bounded by Galvez Street, Esplanade Avenue, the Mississippi river and Jackson Avenue, or the meter fare, whichever is greater, up from $7.00
  • $12.00 for trips to and from the Union Passenger Terminal, or the meter fare, whichever is greater, up from $10.00
  • $12.00 for trips between hotels or motels, or the meter fare, whichever is greater, up from $10.00
  • $14.00 for one person or $8.00 per person for trips to or from cruise ships, or the meter fare, whichever is greater. The current fare is $10.00 and $7.00 respectively.
  • Whenever a taxicab is chartered by the hour, the rate will be $35.00 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. This is up from $32.00. 
District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "Taxi drivers work long hours, yet they face high costs of operation from lease payments to the cab companies and the recent taxi reform. But they haven't received a fare increase since 2009. It is the right thing to do to help these hard-working citizens earn a decent living while transporting our citizens in comfort and with professionalism."

Adopted Increases to the Taxicab Fare Structure


The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,651, providing for increases to the taxicab fare structure. The minimum taxicab meter fare will remain at $3.50, which will allow passengers to travel one eighth of a mile. The cost for each additional one-eight mile will increase from $0.25 to $0.30.

During special events, passengers traveling to or from the Fogelman Arena at Tulane University, Superdome, Nat Keifer UNO Lakefront Arena, Southern University of New Orleans Gymnasium, Xavier Field House, Saenger Theatre, City Park Stadium, Pan American Stadium, or the New Orleans Fair Grounds and Race Course will be charged $7.00 per person up from $5.00, or the metered fare, whichever is greater.

For trips to or from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the fare for one or two people will be $36.00, a $3.00 increase; for three or more passengers, the fare will be $15.00 per person, a $1.00 increase.

The taxicab fare to or from the New Orleans Lakefront Airport to or from any location in the area bounded by Galvez Street, Esplanade Avenue, the Mississippi River and Jackson Avenue for one or two passengers will be $25.00, a $3.00 increase; for three or more passengers, the fare will be $10.00 per person, a $1.00 increase.

The taxicab fare from the Westbank toll plaza to or from Alvin Calendar Field will be equal to the New Orleans International Airport fare, plus a meter fare to or from the Westbank toll plaza, or the entire trip's meter fare, whichever is greater. 
For special trips, taxicab fares will be:
  • $9.00 per person for passengers traveling to or from the Nat Keifer UNO Lakefront Arena to any location in the area bounded by Galvez Street, Esplanade Avenue, the Mississippi river and Jackson Avenue, or the meter fare, whichever is greater, up from $7.00
  • $12.00 for trips to and from the Union Passenger Terminal, or the meter fare, whichever is greater, up from $10.00
  • $12.00 for trips between hotels or motels, or the meter fare, whichever is greater, up from $10.00
  • $14.00 for one person or $8.00 per person for trips to or from cruise ships, or the meter fare, whichever is greater. The current fare is $10.00 and $7.00 respectively.
  • Whenever a taxicab is chartered by the hour, the rate will be $35.00 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. This is up from $32.00. 
District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "Taxi drivers work long hours, yet they face high costs of operation from lease payments to the cab companies and the recent taxi reform. But they haven't received a fare increase since 2009. It is the right thing to do to help these hard-working citizens earn a decent living while transporting our citizens in comfort and with professionalism."

Heard Presentation from New Orleans Kids Partnership

GRoW Principal Investigator Marsha Broussard, GRoW Associate Director Richard Bates, and GRoW SmartCard Team Leader Perry Faulkner speaking before the Council
The Council received a presentation from New Orleans Kids Partnership (NOKP) about two projects that coordinate and improve youth access to public services. NOKP is a collaboration of 40 different organizations that expand access to high quality services to underserved children, youth and families throughout the greater New Orleans area to improve academic, health and job outcomes.

NOKP's GRoW on the Go is a mobile food and recreation unit designed to bring healthy lifestyle services to underserved neighborhoods by offering activities like biking, yoga, cooking, karate, zumba and basketball to youth. NOLA Youth SmartCard links services that children need in the areas of health, transportation, education and recreation under a one card system. The card links school ID's, NORDC cards, RTA passes, and other services. NOKP plans to implement a low-tech pilot of the NOLA Youth SmartCard project in Fall 2015.

Today's appearance was made in conjunction with the Council's School Transportation Working Group, spearheaded by District "B" Councilmember Cantrell to address youth transportation issues.

District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "We must work together to ensure the successful future of the City's youth. Because of the Work of NOKP and the Council's School Transportation Working Group, our children will realize a safer environment and have access to all the resources they need to become productive citizens of New Orleans."

Heard Presentation from New Orleans Kids Partnership

GRoW Principal Investigator Marsha Broussard, GRoW Associate Director Richard Bates, and GRoW SmartCard Team Leader Perry Faulkner speaking before the Council
The Council received a presentation from New Orleans Kids Partnership (NOKP) about two projects that coordinate and improve youth access to public services. NOKP is a collaboration of 40 different organizations that expand access to high quality services to underserved children, youth and families throughout the greater New Orleans area to improve academic, health and job outcomes.

NOKP's GRoW on the Go is a mobile food and recreation unit designed to bring healthy lifestyle services to underserved neighborhoods by offering activities like biking, yoga, cooking, karate, zumba and basketball to youth. NOLA Youth SmartCard links services that children need in the areas of health, transportation, education and recreation under a one card system. The card links school ID's, NORDC cards, RTA passes, and other services. NOKP plans to implement a low-tech pilot of the NOLA Youth SmartCard project in Fall 2015.

Today's appearance was made in conjunction with the Council's School Transportation Working Group, spearheaded by District "B" Councilmember Cantrell to address youth transportation issues.

District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "We must work together to ensure the successful future of the City's youth. Because of the Work of NOKP and the Council's School Transportation Working Group, our children will realize a safer environment and have access to all the resources they need to become productive citizens of New Orleans."

Issued Proclamation to Photojournalist Willie Wilson

Councilmembers Williams, Ramsey, Gray, Cantrell, and 
Brossett issuing a proclamation to WWL 
Photojournalist Willie Wilson
The Council issued a proclamation to Willie Wilson who retired from WWL last week after nearly five decades of work as a photojournalist. Willie Wilson began his career as a production assistant and studio hand. He volunteered in the newsroom and learned how to use a camera. He was a photographer in training under news director Phil Johnson and photographer Jim Tolhurst.

On January 7, 1973, a sniper took to the roof of the Howard Johnson's downtown, and Willie Wilson volunteered to take photographs of the shooter. His pictures were featured in WWL's newscast and on the Walter Cronkite Show on CBS, making him the first African-American news photographer at WWL-TV, and one of the first in the state. He also covered the Algiers Seven incident, Edwin Edwards' first racketeering trial, and Muhammad Ali as he trained for his Superdome fight with Leon Spinks.

District "C" Councilmember Nadine Ramsey said, "Willie Wilson is a leader in the field of photojournalism. People have referred to him as the 'dean of local television news photographers' but he is much more than that. He is a family man, a role model and a pioneer for civil rights. The passion that he shows for his work is an inspiration to us all."

Issued Proclamation to Photojournalist Willie Wilson

Councilmembers Williams, Ramsey, Gray, Cantrell, and 
Brossett issuing a proclamation to WWL 
Photojournalist Willie Wilson
The Council issued a proclamation to Willie Wilson who retired from WWL last week after nearly five decades of work as a photojournalist. Willie Wilson began his career as a production assistant and studio hand. He volunteered in the newsroom and learned how to use a camera. He was a photographer in training under news director Phil Johnson and photographer Jim Tolhurst.

On January 7, 1973, a sniper took to the roof of the Howard Johnson's downtown, and Willie Wilson volunteered to take photographs of the shooter. His pictures were featured in WWL's newscast and on the Walter Cronkite Show on CBS, making him the first African-American news photographer at WWL-TV, and one of the first in the state. He also covered the Algiers Seven incident, Edwin Edwards' first racketeering trial, and Muhammad Ali as he trained for his Superdome fight with Leon Spinks.

District "C" Councilmember Nadine Ramsey said, "Willie Wilson is a leader in the field of photojournalism. People have referred to him as the 'dean of local television news photographers' but he is much more than that. He is a family man, a role model and a pioneer for civil rights. The passion that he shows for his work is an inspiration to us all."

Received Crisis Intervention Report from VIA Link


VIA Link CEO LaVonda Dobbs
The Council received a report from VIA Link regarding its crisis intervention and suicide prevention work and the organization's "Y texting" program. VIA Link is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing information and crisis counseling services throughout southeast Louisiana. VIA Link serves as the 2-1-1 call center. Open 24/7, the call center answers calls related to non-emergency health and human service needs and provides counseling, as well as information and resources to callers in need. VIA Link is also the local call center for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Callers in crisis have the opportunity to speak to a confidential counselor who will help direct them to relevant resources. VIA Link also presented its plans to implement a "Y Texting" program aimed towards reaching youth in crisis through a text message counseling program. The program will begin this summer in time for the start of the school year.

District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "We would like to thank VIA Link for the assistance they provide throughout southeast Louisiana. The innovative "Y texting" program developed by VIA Link represents an extraordinary step forward in providing resources for young people in crisis."

Received Crisis Intervention Report from VIA Link


VIA Link CEO LaVonda Dobbs
The Council received a report from VIA Link regarding its crisis intervention and suicide prevention work and the organization's "Y texting" program. VIA Link is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing information and crisis counseling services throughout southeast Louisiana. VIA Link serves as the 2-1-1 call center. Open 24/7, the call center answers calls related to non-emergency health and human service needs and provides counseling, as well as information and resources to callers in need. VIA Link is also the local call center for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Callers in crisis have the opportunity to speak to a confidential counselor who will help direct them to relevant resources. VIA Link also presented its plans to implement a "Y Texting" program aimed towards reaching youth in crisis through a text message counseling program. The program will begin this summer in time for the start of the school year.

District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "We would like to thank VIA Link for the assistance they provide throughout southeast Louisiana. The innovative "Y texting" program developed by VIA Link represents an extraordinary step forward in providing resources for young people in crisis."

Acknowledged Gentilly Festival Community Organization

Gentilly Festival Chair Person
Gretchen Bradford
The Council recognized Gentilly Festival, an organization that supports the redevelopment and growth of the Gentilly area by hosting an annual festival and donating grants to various groups and organizations. The festival is held each October and features music, local food and art, and a raffle to raise funds for the Gentilly police and fire stations and other local community projects and organizations. Gentilly Fest presented grants from funds raised during the 2014 festival to the New Orleans Police 3rd and 5th Districts, New Orleans Fire Department Engines 6, 12 and 21, the Orleans Parish Sheriff, and Ponchartrain Park and Milne playgrounds. The 2015 Gentilly Fest will take place October 9-11th in Ponchartrain Park on Press Drive.

District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank the representatives of the Gentilly Festival for the pivotal role they have played in the redevelopment and growth of Gentilly. The Gentilly Festival offers an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate history and support the neighborhood and its resourceful and resilient people."

Acknowledged Gentilly Festival Community Organization

Gentilly Festival Chair Person
Gretchen Bradford
The Council recognized Gentilly Festival, an organization that supports the redevelopment and growth of the Gentilly area by hosting an annual festival and donating grants to various groups and organizations. The festival is held each October and features music, local food and art, and a raffle to raise funds for the Gentilly police and fire stations and other local community projects and organizations. Gentilly Fest presented grants from funds raised during the 2014 festival to the New Orleans Police 3rd and 5th Districts, New Orleans Fire Department Engines 6, 12 and 21, the Orleans Parish Sheriff, and Ponchartrain Park and Milne playgrounds. The 2015 Gentilly Fest will take place October 9-11th in Ponchartrain Park on Press Drive.

District "D" Councilmember Brossett said, "On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank the representatives of the Gentilly Festival for the pivotal role they have played in the redevelopment and growth of Gentilly. The Gentilly Festival offers an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate history and support the neighborhood and its resourceful and resilient people."

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