Regular Meeting
July 09, 2015
City Council Chamber
City Council July 9, 2015 Regular Meeting News Summary
Thursday, July 9, 2015 - New Orleans, LA - At today's regular City Council meeting, the Council passed a motion requesting the Human Relations Commission to hold a public hearing for the purpose of soliciting public comment and providing recommendations relative to the possible removal from public property of certain public monuments. The Council also adopted ordinances clarifying application procedures and increasing penalties for violations of the City's Residential Permit Parking Program.
In other business, the Council honored fallen NOPD Officer Daryle Holloway, received a presentation of the new World War II (WWII) Museum exhibit, Fighting for the Right to Fight: African-American Experiences in WWII, and recognized the Job Corps Program's 50th Anniversary.
Honored Fallen NOPD Officer Daryle Holloway
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Members and friends of the Holloway family and NOPD Officers before the Council |
The Council honored fallen New Orleans 5th District Police Officer Daryle Holloway, a father of three and a 22-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), with a City Council proclamation. Officer Holloway was recently killed in the line of duty while transporting a prisoner. The Council recognized the extraordinary life of Officer Holloway who began his career with NOPD in the 6th District. For several years, he was assigned to the Department's Community Policing Unit. Officer Holloway was also remembered for his bravery in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, in particular his service to the staff and patients at Charity Hospital, and the rescue of citizens from the roof tops of flooded homes. During the presentation, Fraternal Order of Police President Sergeant Walter Powers, Jr. issued the Ultimate Sacrifice Medal to Officer Holloway's family.
Council President Williams said, "It is humbling to have the family of fallen Officer Daryle Holloway in the Council Chamber today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to you. This is a tragic loss for your family and for the New Orleans community. Our only consolation is to remember how Officer Holloway lived - as an extraordinary dedicated New Orleans police officer who loved his work, his City and his family. We are all the better for the contributions that he made during his lifetime."
Recognized Job Corps' 50th Anniversary
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| Job Corps students Hal Amos and Nina Cressy with New Orleans Job Corps Center Business and Community Liaison Randy Savoie |
The Council recognized the 50th Anniversary of Job Corps, an education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that assists young people ages 16 through 24. Created by the U.S. Congress in 1964, Job Corps programs have improved the quality of lives of our nation's young people. Its core mission is to attract eligible young people, teach them at "no-cost" the skills they need to become employable and independent, and place them in meaningful jobs.
Speaking before the City Council, New Orleans Job Corps Center Business and Community Liaison Randy Savoie outlined the primary local Job Corps programs available to students in New Orleans. Among those are hands-on career technical and academic training. At Job Corps you can obtain a GED or high school diploma. Career planning, on-the-job training, job placement, food service, driver's education, health and dental care, a bi-weekly basic living allowance and clothing allowance are offered. Students can also participate in the Ambassador's Club, Male and Female Mentoring Groups, the Book Club, the Trainee Leadership Council, and the Cadet Program. Click here to learn more about the New Orleans Job Corps programs.
Council Vice President Head said, "Job Corps lays the foundation for a productive and prosperous future for young people through its job-training and career programs. The work of the New Orleans Job Corps Center has impacted positively and virtually changed the course of the lives of many of our City's youth."
Requested Human Relations Commission Begin Legal Process for Possible Removal of Several Monuments from Public Property
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Mayor Landrieu
addressing the Council |
The City Council passed Motion M-15-310, directing the New Orleans Human Relations Commission to hold a public hearing for the purpose of soliciting public comment and providing recommendations regarding the possible removal of the General Robert E. Lee Monument (located at the center of Lee Circle), General P.G.T. Beauregard Equestrian Statue (located at the entrance of City Park), Jefferson Davis Monument (located at the intersection of Jefferson Davis Parkway and Canal Street); and the Liberty Monument (located at the intersection of Iberville Street and Canal Street).
The motion declares the Council's intention to initiate the process for determining whether these monuments should be declared nuisances and removed from public property. The motion also requests recommendations from the Historic District Landmarks Commission, the Vieux Carre Commission (when applicable), the Chief Administrative Officer, the City Attorney, the Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, and the City's Director of Property Management relative to the removal of the monuments.
Mayor Landrieu appeared before the Council in support of the Council's motion and requested the legislative body not only begin the legal process to remove the four prominent monuments, but also to rename Jefferson Davis Parkway as Dr. Norman C. Francis Parkway, in honor of the recently retired Xavier University President, who served for 47 years - the longest tenure of any university president in the nation.
This motion begins the process for the Council to possibly adopt later legislation requiring the removal of these monuments from public property if such monuments have been deemed a "nuisance" in that, among other things, the item honors, praises or fosters ideologies which are in conflict with the requirements of equal protection for citizens as provided by the Constitution and the laws of the United States.
Council President Williams said, "As a City, the time has come to ask ourselves how would we like to be represented. By allowing monuments that are representative of a painful part of our history to remain on public property, we are sending a message about our beloved City that is simply not true. I look forward to continuing thoughtful dialogue as we hear additional public comment and recommendations regarding this important issue."
Clarified Application Procedures and Increased Penalties for Violations of the City's Residential Permit Parking Program
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District "C"
Councilmember Ramsey |
The Council adopted Ordinance Calendars No. 30,783 and Calendar No. 30,784authored by Councilmember Ramsey, relative to the Residential Permit Parking Program. Ordinance No. 30,783 increases the penalty for parking program violations, and Ordinance No. 30,784 clarifies application procedures and requirements for residential parking permits.
To be designated a residential permit zone, an area must have heavy traffic, noise, safety issues and a scarcity of off-street parking due to high usage by commuters and non-residents. Areas containing designated permit zones include: Coliseum Square; French Quarter; Upper Audubon; Newcomb Blvd/Maple Street; University Area; Touro Bouligny; Audubon; Marigny; Faubourg St. John; Riverbend; Upper St. Charles and City Park.
Minimum fines for residential permit parking violations will increase. There will be an initial $75 fine for parking violations. If payment is not received within 30 days, the fine will increase to $150; after 60 days, the fine will be $200. A vehicle is deemed in violation if parked in a residential permit parking zone during the established time-frame without a valid parking permit. Vehicles making service calls to residences located within parking program permit zones are exempt from fines, provided a work slip is displayed in the vehicle window. If a person provides false information to obtain a parking permit, or uses a permit issued to another individual, a fine of no more than $500 will be issued.
Application procedures have been clarified for various categories of parking permits including annual residential parking, temporary resident parking, annual and daily visitor parking, non-residential property owner parking, and student parking.
An individual is eligible to apply for an annual residential parking permit if they reside within a designated permit parking zone and do not have adequate off-street parking. Applicants must provide proof of residency, a driver's license, vehicle registration and a license plate number. Annual residential parking permits are $30, and $20 for persons 65 or older. Annual residential parking visitor permits are available to permanent residents. Visitor permits are transferable at the discretion of the permanent resident. Annual residential parking visitor permits are $30, and $20 for persons 65 or older.
Temporary residents are eligible to apply for a 30 day visitors permit. Temporary visitor permits are $15 and may be put towards the $30 annual fee once the vehicle is matched to a permanent local address. Applicants must present proof of residence such as a rental lease agreement or utility bill, a driver's license and a vehicle registration.
Residential property owner permits are available to property owners who do not reside at the permanent address, but who own 51% of the property within the permit parking zone. The issuance fee is $30, and $20 for persons age 65 or older. To obtain a permit, the owner must provide proof of property ownership, a driver's license, vehicle registration and a license plate number. Property owners are allowed only one permit.
Local university students residing in permit parking zones must apply for a parking permit each semester. The student parking permit fee is $20. To receive a permit, a valid student identification card, driver's license, proof of residency, vehicle registration and a license plate number is required.
Daily visitor permits are available to the holders of annual residential, residential property owner, and student permits. The daily visitor permit displays the number and parking zone assigned to the original holder of the parking permit. Daily visitor permits are $4 a day, or $2 a day for persons 65 years of age or older.
District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "These ordinances bring the Residential Permit Parking Program up-to-date to make it self-supporting, more efficient and offer flexibility for residential property owners."
Received Presentation on WWII Museum Exhibit - Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II
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| WWII Museum President and CEO Gordon "Nick" Mueller and Entergy New Orleans President and CEO Charles Rice |
The Council received a presentation from World War II Museum President and CEO Gordon "Nick" Mueller about the special exhibitFighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II, which opened on July 4. The exhibition, sponsored by Entergy, includes artifacts, photographs, and oral histories that emphasize the extraordinary achievements of African Americans during World War II, at home and abroad. African American life before, during and after WWII is highlighted.
The special exhibit also provides a glimpse into the reality of the segregated life of African American enlisted men in the Merchant Marine, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army, Navy and Army Air Forces. The display also provides insights about how the fight for equality within the armed forces laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement that began in the United States in the 1940's. Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II will be open to the public at the World War II Museum through May 30, 2016.
District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "This exhibit depicts the realities faced by African Americans before, during and after WWII and links these experiences to the birth of the Civil Rights movement in our country. I encourage everyone to see this informative and thoughtful exhibit which offers a historically important perspective of African American civilian patriotism and military service."