Regular Meeting
January 28, 2016
City Council Chamber
City Council January 28, 2016 Regular Meeting News Summary
Thursday, January 28, 2016 - New Orleans, LA - At today's Regular Council Meeting, the Council authorized a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the New Orleans Council on Aging to provide services at the Carrollton/Hollygrove Senior Center.
In other business, the Council received a presentation from Greater New Orleans Senior Olympics officials Bernice Bordelon, Howard Davenport, and Janey Perez regarding the upcoming Senior Olympics, heard a performance from legendary New Orleans musician David Batiste and the Renew Cultural Arts Advanced Jazz and Blues Singers, and recognized retiring VCC Director Lary Hesdorffer for his service to the City of New Orleans
Following today's Regular Council Meeting, the Council convened as the governing authority of the French Quarter Economic Development District.
Received Presentation from Greater New Orleans Senior Olympics Officials
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GNOSO Treasurer and Athlete Bernice Bordelon |
The Council received a presentation from Greater New Orleans Senior Olympics (GNOSO) Treasurer Bernice Bordelon, President Howard Davenport, and Program Director Janey Perez regarding the upcoming 2016 Greater New Orleans Senior Olympics and the services provided by the organization.
Bordelon highlighted GNOSO's mission to provide seniors over the age of 50 with the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletic, recreational, and social activities. She also outlined the importance an active life style plays in maintaining both physical and mental well-being past 50 years of age. A competitor in a variety of events, including weightlifting and pole vault, Bordelon holds 10 GNOSO Track and Field records, more than any other woman of any age.
The 2016 Greater New Orleans Senior Olympics will begin Friday, February 11 with the table tennis competition and conclude with the Mississippi River Bridge Run over the I-310 Bridge on Friday, April 8. Multiple events will be held each week for the duration of the Olympics. For a full schedule of Greater New Orleans Senior Olympics, click here.
Council President Williams said, "The Greater New Orleans Senior Olympics provide an excellent opportunity for our seniors to remain both physically and mentally engaged. Ms. Bordelon is a testament to the saying that objects in motion tend to stay in motion, and I wish her luck in this year's games."
Received Performance from New Orleans Musician David Batiste and Renew Cultural Arts Students
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Councilmembers with David Batiste and the Renew Cultural Arts Advanced Jazz and Blues Singers |
The Council received a performance from legendary New Orleans musician David Batiste and the Renew Cultural Arts Advanced Jazz and Blues Singers. A member of one of New Orleans largest musical families, keyboardist David Batiste was a founding member of the legendary funk and soul band David Batiste and the Gladiators. He later left the band to play keyboard for the internationally renowned funk band the Meters. He is the father of Russell, Jamal, Damon, and Ryan Batiste, all successful New Orleans musicians.
Batiste was joined by the Advanced Jazz and Blues Voice Singers from the Renew Cultural Arts Academy, a charter middle school in Uptown New Orleans that provides arts instruction for all students and fosters the development of creative thinking skills to create life long learners. After performing the National Anthem, Batiste and the Renew singers performed a medley of popular songs including "A Change is Gonna Come" and "Stand by Me." Following the performance, the Council presented Batiste and the Renew singers with a proclamation recognizing their hard work and dedication to the arts.
District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank Mr. Batiste and the Renew Cultural Arts students for their amazing performance. It is always encouraging to see a renowned musician like Mr. Batiste working directly with and inspiring the next generation of great New Orleans musicians."
Recognized Retiring VCC Director Lary Hesdorffer
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Councilmembers with retiring VCC Director Lary Hesdorffer |
The Council presented retiring Vieux Carre Commission (VCC) Director Lary Hesdorffer with a proclamation recognizing his extensive service to the City of New Orleans. Hesdorffer began working with the VCC in 1975 as a building inspector and later as staff architect before being appointed Director in 2003. During his career, Hesdorffer also led the New Orleans & Central Business District Historic District Landmarks Commission. An expert in his field, Hesdorffer has authored numerous pieces on historic preservation.
District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "Lary Hesdorffer has been an invaluable resource for the French Quarter during his time with the VCC. He is an expert in his field and has tirelessly dedicated himself to the preservation of the French Quarter. I am proud to have worked alongside him."
Authorized Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Services at the Carrollton/Hollygrove Senior Center
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District "A" Councilmember Guidry |
The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 31,111, authored by Councilmember Guidry, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the New Orleans Council on Aging to provide senior services at the Carrolton/Hollygrove Senior Center. The Senior Center, located at 3300 Hamilton Street, re-opened in October 2015 after the original center was demolished due to damage sustained during Hurricane Katrina. The new facility includes an exercise room, dining room, computer room, library, and a multi-purpose space for arts and crafts. The New Orleans Council on Aging will provide a variety of services at the center including social, recreational, educational, and nutritional services.
District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "During my time representing District "A," I have been constantly amazed by the accomplishments of the seniors in our community. They are at the heart of our vibrant community and deserve our admiration and respect. I am thrilled that the New Orleans Council on Aging will be providing valuable services to some of our most deserving citizens."