Regular Meeting
February 18, 2016
City Council Chamber
City Council February 18, 2016 Regular Meeting News Summary
Thursday, February 18, 2016 - New Orleans, LA - At today's Regular Council Meeting, the Council revised certain provisions relative to City Council and Neighborhood Conservation District Advisory Committee (NCDAC) review and approval of demolitions, proclaimed February 2016 Women's Heart Health Month in New Orleans, and recognized retiring City Planning Commission Planning Administrator Arlen Brunson.
Prior to the adjournment of the Regular Council Meeting, District "C" Councilmember Ramsey took a Point of Personal Privilege to thank all City employees for their hard work to ensure a safe and successful 2016 Mardi Gras season.
Revised Certain Provisions Relative to City Council and NCDAC Review and Approval of Demolitions
The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 31,152, authored by Councilmember Guidry, revising certain provisions relative to City Council authorization and Neighborhood Conservation District Advisory Committee (NCDAC) review and approval of demolitions. Under the ordinance, the City Council and NCDAC are not required to review or authorize the construction or demolition of single story accessory structures that are not visible from the public right of way and not used for residential and commercial space. Partial demolitions that do not include any portion of the primary façade as defined by the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) will not be subject to review by the NCDAC.
Recognized Retiring City Planning Commission Planning Administrator Arlen Brunson
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| Councilmembers with Retiring City Planning Commissioner Planning Administrator Arlen Brunson |
The Council presented a proclamation to retiring City Planning Commission Planning Administrator Arlen Brunson recognizing his nearly 30 years of service to the City of New Orleans. After receiving a landscape architecture degree from Louisiana State University, Brunson began working at City Hall in 1987 for the Parks and Parkways Department, working to improve New Orleans' parks, playgrounds, and public spaces. Brunson moved to the City Planning Commission in 2001, where he led the land use department and represented the commission before the Council. He also played a critical role in developing and implementing the City's Master Plan and Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO).
District "A" Councilmember Guidry said, "On behalf of the entire City Council, I would like to thank Mr. Arlen Brunson for his near 30 years of service to the City. His expertise and guidance in matters of zoning and city planning are second to none and he will be greatly missed."
Proclaimed February 2016 Women's Heart Health Month
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Councilmembers with heart health experts and activists |
The Council passed Resolution No. R-16-60, authored by Councilmembers Ramsey, Head, Williams, Guidry, Cantrell, Brossett and Gray, proclaiming February 2016 Women's Heart Health Month in the City of New Orleans in recognition of community efforts to raise awareness about women's heart disease.
The Council also received a presentation from a panel of health experts and activists regarding upcoming community events to raise awareness about women's heart disease. Tulane School of Medicine Professor of Cardiology and New Orleans East Hospital Board Member, Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand, presented regarding the sixth annual Back to Nature Heart Walk that took place on February 13 in Joe W. Brown Memorial Park. Tulane University School of Medicine Professor and the Links, Inc. New Orleans representative, Tammuella Chrisentery-Singleton, outlined the Links New Orleans signature event, Heart Links to Heart Health, and how the organization encourages the community to take an aggressive stance against heart disease, a serious health risk for African American women. American Heart Association Community Health & Stroke Director, Coretta LaGarde, highlighted the Go Red for Women luncheon to support heart health and disease education scheduled for February 25 at the New Orleans Marriott.
Also presenting were Delta Sigma Theta Chapter President, Kim Hippolite, and Alpha Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Basileus, Robyn McCormick, who detailed the sororities' joint event, the third annual "Pumps and Pearls for Prevention" walk on Sunday, February 21 to benefit the Go Red for Women Campaign.
District "C" Councilmember Ramsey said, "I would like to thank the panel of health experts and community leaders for their efforts in raising community awareness about the danger posed by heart disease, especially to African American women. It is my pleasure to declare February 2016 Women's Heart Health month, and I encourage everyone to attend one of these wonderful awareness events."