Regular Meeting
September 17, 2015
City Council Chamber
NOLA City Council Regular Meeting News Summary
Thursday, September 17, 2015 - New Orleans, LA - At today's Regular City Council Meeting, the Council recognized Harmony Neighborhood Development, authorized a cooperative endeavor agreement to enhance public safety in the French Quarter and passed a resolution urging Congress to fully fund the HOME program. The Council also honored civic leader Ronald E. Gardner and received a presentation from Orleans Parish Clerk of Civil District Court Dale Atkins on marking October as American Archives Month.
Recognized Harmony Neighborhood Development
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District "B"
Councilmember Cantrell |
The Council passed Resolution No. R-15-456, authored by Councilmembers Cantrell and Head, recognizing Harmony Neighborhood Development's Uptown Renaissance project for its alignment with the objectives of the 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan. Established in 2012, the Consolidated Plan assesses community development priorities and establishes a strategic plan to acquire the funding to address these needs. The Plan's objectives are to provide quality housing, create suitable living environments and expand economic opportunities in New Orleans. The Uptown Renaissance project is located in Central City, a neighborhood recognized by the City of New Orleans Consolidated Plan for redevelopment and construction of affordable housing. The project consists of a 44-unit scattered site housing development and will utilize low income housing tax credits to keep rent affordable for low income families.
District "B" Councilmember Cantrell said, "The Council would like to recognize the Harmony Neighborhood Development organization for their work meeting the goals laid out in the City's Consolidated Plan. The project will provide additional housing choices to families who want to live in a home they can afford in the Central City neighborhood."
Authorized CEA to Enhance Public Safety in the French Quarter
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District "C"
Councilmember Ramsey |
The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,928, authored by Councilmember Ramsey, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City of New Orleans, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority and the Louisiana State Police (LSP). The agreement provides for the creation of a special trust fund, backed by funds generated from an additional quarter cent sales tax within the boundaries of the French Quarter EDD for improving public safety. The sales tax would be used to fund a long-term contingent of no less than 30 LSP officers to proactively patrol the French Quarter. The additional quarter cent sales tax will only be levied if approved by French Quarter voters in an election on October 24, 2015. It is estimated that a quarter cent sales tax within the boundaries would generate approximately $2 million annually to spend on State Police.
District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "This agreement will help to improve public safety in the French Quarter without taking resources from other parts of the City. I encourage the French Quarter voters to support this proposal on October 24."
Passed Resolution to Urge Congress to Fully Fund the HOME Program
The Council unanimously passed Resolution No. R-15-458, urging the U.S. Congress to fully fund the President's request for $1.06 billion in Investments Partnership Program (HOME) funds. The use of HOME funds has been pivotal in rebuilding New Orleans. The funds have been utilized to build 1,500 affordable housing units in New Orleans through the Rental and Homeowner Rehabilitation Program, Affordable Housing Program, and Minor Home Repair Program. The U.S. Congress is considering cutting 90% of HOME funds, which will directly affect many rent-burdened New Orleans residents who cannot access affordable housing.
Council President Jason Williams said, "My colleagues and I urge Congress to fully fund the HOME Program. These funds are critical in providing affordable housing to many New Orleanians who cannot afford to pay for housing in the ever-increasing real estate market."
Honored Civic Leader Ronald E. Gardner
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| Sister of Ronald Gardner, Ms. Julie Billips before the Council |
The Council honored New Orleans civic leader Ronald E. Gardner with a proclamation recognizing his public service record. Ronald Gardner, a trusted assistant to former Mayor Ernest N. "Dutch" Morial, served the public through a number of New Orleans business and civic organizations including the New Orleans Drug Abuse Clinic, where he served as Health Planner and Executive Director and helped develop New Orleans' first City-wide drug abuse prevention plan. Gardner is currently the Vice Chancellor for Administrative, Community and Security Affairs at the LSU Health Sciences Center. He is a graduate of Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) and will be honored at the 2015 SUNO Bash for his numerous achievements.
Council Vice President Head said, "The Council would like to thank Mr. Gardner for his public service, and congratulate him on his recognition by his alma mater, Southern University of New Orleans, at its 2015 SUNO Bash. Ron is an accomplished public servant who works tirelessly for others and is very deserving of this honor."
Received Presentation from Orleans Parish Clerk of Civil District Court
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| Orleans Parish Clerk of Court Dale Atkins presenting before the Council |
The Council received a presentation from the Orleans Parish Clerk of Civil District Court, Dale Atkins, about recent accomplishments made by the office. Atkins' presentation highlighted the crucial role that the office of the Clerk of Civil District Court plays in obtaining and maintaining records to create a comprehensive and detailed historical public record. The presentation also highlighted the opportunities for the public to be involved with and access public records. The Council presented Clerk Atkins with a proclamation, marking October as American Archives Month in New Orleans in recognition of the value of archives and archivists. For more information about the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court's office, click here.
Council Vice President Head said, "By marking October as American Archives Month, we are recognizing the tireless work done by the Orleans Parish Clerk of Civil District Court's office to preserve records for future generations, often without gratitude or acclaim. Today, we recognize and thank these public servants for their hard work and unending dedication."