Meetings

Regular Meeting

September 03, 2015 

City Council Chamber

NOLA City Council Regular Meeting News Summary

Thursday, September 3, 2015 - New Orleans, LA - At today's Regular City Council Meeting, the Council convened in Executive Session to discuss pending litigation relative to the Firefighter Pension Fund and Longevity issues. 

In other business, the Council honored fallen NOPD Officer Vernell Brown Jr., local musicians Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew, and recognized the career of former WBOK General Manager and St. Augustine graduate Paul Beaulieu who played an instrumental role in championing issues that impact New Orleans' African American community. The Council also issued a proclamation the University of New Orleans (UNO) College of Engineering in recognition of their 3rd annual UNO Engineering Forum taking place on September 11th, 2015.

Convened in Executive Session to Discuss Pending Firefighter Longevity and Pension Litigation


The Council convened in Executive Session to discuss the pending litigation in New Orleans Firefighters Local 632, et al versus The City of New Orleans and New Orleans Firefighter Pension Fund, et al versus The City of New Orleans.

Honored Fallen NOPD Officer Vernell Brown Jr.

Members of the Brown family, NOPD Officers and members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity before the Council
The Council honored fallen New Orleans 6th District Police Officer Vernell Brown Jr., father of five and 17-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), with a City Council proclamation. Officer Brown recently passed away as the result of injuries sustained when he was struck by a car while investigating a vehicle fire on Interstate 10. The Council recognized the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Officer Brown. Known for his ability to reconstruct fatal crashes, Officer Brown would often be called upon to give expert testimony in court. Officer Brown was also known for his enthusiasm and passion for community service and worked to provide scholarships to children and prevent domestic violence. During the presentation, Fraternal Order of Police President Sergeant Walter Powers Jr. issued the Ultimate Sacrifice medal to Officer Brown's family. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison also delivered letters of condolences from police chiefs and sheriffs from across the world to the family of Officer Brown.

Council President Jason Williams said, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Vernell Brown Jr. We will remember Officer Brown as an extremely talented, enthusiastic and dedicated New Orleans Police Officer who worked constantly to better his community. The Council would like to express gratitude for his service and extend condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time."

Honored Musicians Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew

Dave Bartholomew's daughter Diane Wilson and son Don Bartholomew with members of the Council
The Council honored New Orleans natives and musical legends, pianist Fats Domino and trumpet player Dave Bartholomew. Born in New Orleans in 1928, Domino began his musical career playing for tips in New Orleans bars while working various odd jobs. Domino's professional music career began when he started playing piano for Billy Diamond, a local New Orleans bandleader. In 1950, Domino released "Fat Man," which sold over one million copies and is considered to be one of the first rock and roll records ever. Throughout his career, Domino had 35 top 40 hits and sold over 65 million records.

The Council also passed Resolution No. R-15-435, authored by Councilmember Ramsey, recognizing trumpet player Dave Bartholomew for his prolific music career and declaring August 19th of every year as Dave Bartholomew Day in the City of New Orleans. Born in Edgard, Louisiana in 1920, Dave Bartholomew began his professional music career in New Orleans as the bandleader of Dave Bartholomew and the Dew Droppers. Bartholomew later signed with De Luxe and Imperial Records where he worked as an arranger, bandleader and talent scout. In recognition of his tremendous contributions to music, Bartholomew has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. 

District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "We are incredibly privileged to live in a City with such a rich musical heritage and culture. Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew are two of the many musicians who have played an essential part in establishing New Orleans as the music capital of the world. We thank them for all their contributions to the culture of New Orleans."

Recognized the Career of Paul Beaulieu

Retired WBOK General Manager and on-air personality Paul Beaulieu
The Council passed Resolution No. R-15-442, authored by Councilmember Ramsey, recognizing the career of Paul Beaulieu, retired General Manager and on-air personality at WBOK and St. Augustine graduate, who played an instrumental role in championing issues that impact the New Orleans African American community. Owner and producer of multiple magazines and television programs, Beaulieu has been a driving force in the New Orleans media and has used his position to create a dialogue around fairness and equality for all citizens.

District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "Mr. Beaulieu has played an incredible role in our community and in creating a dialogue around the issues of fairness and equality for all citizens of New Orleans. His passion for the community will inspire generations to come."

Recognized UNO College of Engineering and the 3rd Annual UNO Engineering Forum

UNO President Peter Fos, Provost and V.P. of Academic Affairs John Nicklow, College of Engineering Dean Emir Jose Macari, and Engineering Forum Chair Parviz Rastgoufard Ph.D before the Council
The Council recognized by proclamation the University of New Orleans (UNO) College of Engineering and the 3rd annual UNO Engineering Forum (UNO-EF). Founded in 2013, the UNO-EF is a one day conference that brings engineers from a diverse range of fields together to engage in discussion. The forum will offer participants multiple technical tracks that cover engineering topics in electrical, naval, mechanical, civil and environmental, chemical, petroleum, systems engineering and management. The 2015 UNO Engineering forum will be held on September 11th in the Lindy C. Boggs Conference Center at the UNO Research & Technology Park. 

District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "It is a pleasure to recognize the UNO College of Engineering, a leading academic institution in our region, offering a broad selection of undergraduate and graduate degrees in diverse engineering fields. The College has developed strong collaborative relationships with leading industry professionals and fellow academic institutions and will host the 3rd UNO Engineering Forum on September 11, 2015.  I look forward to continuing to support UNO, our City's only public research university, in its mission of providing excellent, accessible higher education in our community."

Created on: 6/21/2018 11:32:53 AM | Last updated: 6/21/2018 11:32:53 AM

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