Regular Meeting
May 05, 2016
City Council Chamber
City Council May 5, 2016 Regular Meeting News Summary
Thursday, May 5, 2016 - New Orleans, La. - Today, the New Orleans City Council passed a motion directing the City Planning Commission (CPC) to conduct a public hearing on its staff's January 19, 2016 study and recommendations on short-term rentals. The CPC will be posting a public meeting notice for the hearing in the upcoming weeks.
In other business, the Council voted to approve the disbursement of emergency funds to fix the sinkhole located at the foot of Canal Street, near Canal Place. The repairs are estimated to take three to six months to complete.
Directed the City Planning Commission to Conduct a Public Hearing on its Staff's Short-Term Rentals Study and Recommendations
The Council passed a motion today directing the City Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing on its staff's January 19, 2016 study and recommendations on short-term rentals.
"We are not approving any regulations or recommendations on short-term rentals at this time. We are specifically directing the City Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing on this topic," said Council President Jason Williams.
During the process of reviewing the amendment, the CPC staff is directed and granted the flexibility to make any appropriate changes to the proposed regulations and any existing corresponding regulations in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to establish consistency and continuity with the format of the existing zoning code.
Approved Emergency Funds Disbursement for Sinkhole Located at the Foot of Canal Street
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| District "C" Councilmember Nadine Ramsey |
The Council voted to approve the disbursement of emergency funds to fix the sinkhole located at the foot of Canal Street, near Canal Place. The engineering firm handling the repairs will begin the project by stabilizing the walls in the tunnel that run under Canal Street. Once the walls of the tunnel are stabilized, the firm will be able to make the surface repairs to the street. It is estimated that the repairs will take three to six months to complete.
"I have worked closely with the administration to ensure that the sinkhole is fixed in a safe and timely manner," said District "C" Councilmember Nadine M. Ramsey. "It is important to ensure we are providing the best solution to this issue."
Approved Ordinance Establishing Regulations and Requirements for Flood Damage Protection
The Council approved an ordinance establishing regulations and requirements for flood damage protection in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program. These changes will mitigate the impact of flooding on private and public structures in the city.
"This will reduce the flood insurance rates for many residents," said District "A" Councilmember Susan Guidry. "I strongly encourage everyone, even if they are not in a flood-risk zone, to carry a flood insurance policy."
Nora Navra Library Set for Grand Reopening in March 2018
District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett |
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The Nora Navra Public Library is one of many buildings that were affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The library is set for a grand reopening in March 2018.
Costing roughly $3 million, the existing 2,700-square-foot library is located at 1902 St. Bernard Ave. and will be demolished and replaced with a new, 7,900-square-foot building. The library's design is scheduled to be completed in September 2016, and construction will begin in December 2016.
"This is a great day for the residents of the Seventh Ward," said District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett. "Having the historic Nora Navra Public Library opened will allow our residents to have access to state-of-the-art equipment and a wide selection of books."
Edna Karr High School Relocating to New Site in 2018
Today, the City Council voted unanimously to approve the new location for Edna Karr High School. The high school is set to open in 2018 at the site of the old JoEllen Smith Medical Center.
"Edna Karr High School is such an iconic part of the Algiers community," said Councilmember Ramsey. "The hardworking students, faculty and staff deserve a new state-of-the-art building, and I am so pleased that we are able to move this project forward."
Implementation of the Living Wage Ordinance Rules and Regulations
On August 6, 2015, the Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 30,550, the "Living Wage Ordinance," requiring that City contractors and recipients of grants pay employees who are involved in City contracted work a minimum of $10.55/hour and provide a minimum of seven paid sick days.
Today, the Council passed a resolution implementing the rules and regulations that govern the Living Wage Ordinance with respect to compliance, complaints and enforcement. Violations of the ordinance may be reported to the Office of Workforce Development by completing and submitting a formal Living Wage Ordinance Complaint form.
"Without these rules and regulations in place to govern the enforcement of the Living Wage Ordinance, it is very hard to make sure that all contracted city employees are receiving a livable wage," Said District "D" Councilmember Brossett. "By implementing these rules and regulations, the Office of Workforce Development has a set of guidelines and procedures to ensure the implementation of the ordinance."
Resolution Supporting New Orleans Regional Transit Authority Ninth Ward Streetcar Expansion Grant
The Council passed a resolution today expressing its support of
the Ninth Ward Extension of the New Orleans Streetcar Expansion Program TIGER VIII grant application. The grant would award roughly $26.07 million to allow Phase II Rampart/St. Claude Streetcar Extension to continue from Elysian Fields to Press Street in the Ninth Ward.