Regular Meeting
August 11, 2016
City Council Chamber
City Council August 11, 2016 Regular Meeting News Summary
NEW ORLEANS - At today's City Council meeting, the Council passed an ordinance authorizing the City of New Orleans to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Services for enhancements to Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, the Council passed a motion directing the City Planning Commission (CPC) to conduct a public hearing to consider the adoption of the City Planning Staff recommendations as reflected in the April 2016 Neighborhood Participation Program study.
In other news, the Council presented a proclamation to the recipients of the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist General Association Scholarship. The Council also honored the New Orleans Police Department by declaring Sept. 7 as Geaux Blue NOLA Day. Lastly, the Council acknowledged the one-year anniversary of the University Medical Center New Orleans by hearing a presentation from its CEO Bill Masterson regarding all of its accomplishments since its opening one year ago. |
University Medical Center Recaps One-Year Anniversary Achievements
University Medical Center New Orleans CEO Bill Masterson presenting to City Council
The City Council heard a presentation from University Medical Center New Orleans CEO Bill Masterson regarding all of the center's accomplishments since its opening one year ago. University Medical Center New Orleans is home to the Reverend Avery C. Alexander Academic Research Hospital and is the academic medical center of LCMC Health. During the center's first year in operation, there have been 155,835 clinic visits, 81,3330 emergency visits, 17,464 surgeries and 11,736 admissions.
"It is amazing the amount of lives that are saved at the University Medical Center New Orleans daily," said Council Vice President Jason Williams. "This is a testament to the amazing doctors, nurses and staff members that are employed at this luxurious facility."
Through partnerships with Louisiana State University and Tulane University Schools of Medicine, the center is constantly training the next generation of healthcare professionals and leading groundbreaking medical research.
"We play a unique role in our community. Besides taking care of the health of our community, we train the next generation of physicians," said Masterson. "We also provide meaningful work for 2200 of our friends and neighbors." |
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City Council Directs City Planning Commission to Conduct Public Hearing Regarding the April 2016 Neighborhood Participation Program Study
The Council passed a motion directing the City Planning Commission (CPC) to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting the recommendations of the City Planning staff in the Neighborhood Participation Program (NPP) study from April 2016.
District "A" Councilmember Susan G. Guidry introduced the motion as a continuation of her work ensuring neighborhoods have a voice in land use decisions that affect them. "Directing the City Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing is important to making sure that all citizens are heard when these important decisions are made," said Councilmember Guidry. "The motion will strengthen the NPP program for all citizens."
Ordinance Authorizing City of New Orleans to Enter Into an Agreement with the U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Services to Facilitate Enhancements of Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
The Council passed an ordinance authorizing the City of New Orleans to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Services to facilitate the enhancement of ecotourism, wildlife observation, fishing and other fish and wildlife related recreation activities in the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge.
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1986, is one of the last remaining marsh areas that are adjacent to Lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne. It contains a variety of wildlife habitat including freshwater and brackish marshes, lagoons, canals, natural bayous, bottomland hardwoods and borrow pits. One of its purposes is to provide opportunities for fish and wildlife-oriented public uses and recreation in an urban setting.
"I am extremely pleased that my colleagues voted unanimously to pass this ordinance. This agreement between the City of New Orleans and the U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Services is crucial to the conservation and observation of the different wildlife species that live in the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge," said District "E" Councilman James Gray. "The refuge serves as a place for locals and tourists to appreciate Louisiana's diverse landscape near our city."
Geaux Blue NOLA Day set for September 7
Chief of Police Michael Harrison joined by New Orleans Police Department Officers
Councilmembers unanimously voted to recognize Sept. 7 as Geaux Blue NOLA Day to honor and recognize the New Orleans Police Department's (NOPD) service to the community. On Geaux Blue NOLA Day, the City Council encourages everyone who lives, works and plays in New Orleans to wear blue and adorn their homes and businesses with the color blue to demonstrate their appreciation for our NOPD officers and their families. This motion followed the success of the Geaux Blue Day event on Aug. 9, 2016.
"In light of the recent events that have happened around the country, we cannot express enough gratitude for the services that the New Orleans Police Department provides to our wonderful community," said District "A" Councilmember Susan G. Guidry. "We want the families of our officers to know that we support and appreciate the sacrifices that they make daily. With declaring Sept. 7 as Geaux Blue NOLA Day, we hope that it will be a constant reminder of the sacrifices of our men and women in blue, and that we will continue to use this opportunity to show our appreciation for them as we acknowledge their service and dedication."
Adoption of the Orleans Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Pursuant to the Requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
The Council adopted the Orleans Parish Mitigation Plan Update following the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The plan updates will reduce the potential impact of future hazards and will align the plan with a more Resilient New Orleans. Additionally, the plan updates are required for further consideration of multiple FEMA funding programs. The decision to adopt the Orleans Parish Mitigation Plan follows the review and approval of the State of Louisiana and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Cornerstone Missionary Baptist General Association Scholarship Recipients Recognized with Special Proclamation
Councilmembers LaToya Cantrell, James Gray and Jared C. Brossett with Recipients of the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist General Association Scholarship
The City Council recognized the 18 recipients of the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist General Association Scholarship for their dedication to academic success. Cornerstone Missionary Baptist General Association is dedicated to fostering the development of well-equipped Christians to create a presence in jobs, justice and Jesus. Through this scholarship program Cornerstone Missionary Baptist General Association facilitates the accessibility of higher education to Christian youth in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
"We would like to thank you for your demonstration of Christian character, leadership and scholarship," said District "B" Councilmember LaToya Cantrell. "We honor your hard work, spirit and commitment to civic engagement and academic achievement. Thank you again for unequivocally joining the ranks of the next generation of leaders in New Orleans and beyond. The City of New Orleans is a better place because of your efforts."