Meetings

Regular Meeting

April 25, 2019 10:00 AM

City Council Chamber

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NEW ORLEANS - At today's regular meeting, the City Council adopted a motion to revise its rules and regulations, and a corresponding ordinance to refine the procedural process for introducing legislation, as well as approved two resolutions establishing procedures for the Louisiana Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) and calling upon the State Legislature to oppose any effort to repeal the authority of local governments.

Additionally, the Council heard two presentations from College Track New Orleans on its work to help local students graduate college and Read Boulevard Walgreens representatives on Red Nose Day 2019. Action on Ordinance 32,626 regarding the remediation of unauthorized homeless encampments on public property was deferred to a later meeting date.
 


Council Authorizes New Rules and Regulations

The Council approved Motion M-19-147 revising its rules in their entirety, including those governing its officers and employees, the organization of committees, and the transaction of business. The motion modifies several existing rules of the Council including those on public comment. The new rule (Rule 10.1B) for public speaking on land use matters provides a cumulative total of 20 minutes per item (absent suspension of the rules), with two minutes per public speaker, and no ceding of time, thus lifting the previous cap of 15 minutes. The new rule (Rule 47) for public speaking on all other agenda items upon which a vote is taken limits public comment to two minutes per item, and also does not allow for ceding of time.

Land Use Matters - Rule 10.1(B), revised public speaking cards

In addition, the motion establishes the following new rules:

  • Rule 11B - Withdrawal of Legislation: Updates to include the existing practice of withdrawing matters from the Council agenda (Clerk notifies the Council at a Council meeting of withdrawal request, and absent objection from a Councilmember, the matter is withdrawn).
  • Rule 22 - Items within Headings: Creates a new section that provides that items within the headings as contemplated in Rule 10 (consent agenda, regular agenda, etc.) can be rearranged without suspension of the rules, which is consistent with the existing practice removing reference to "special order of business."
  • Rule 33 - Deferral of Ordinances/Motions/Resolutions: Creates a new section that provides that an authoring member can request to defer consideration of legislation with the Clerk of Council. The Clerk will announce the deferral at a public meeting, and absent objection, the matter will be deferred without requiring a formal vote. If an objection occurs, a 2/3 vote will be required to overrule the deferral.
  • Rule 41 - By Request Legislation: Proposes a by-request routing process, requirements, and forms.
  • Rule 49 - Solicitation of Speakers: Provides that any individual who addresses the Council shall disclose receipt of anything of value, monetary or otherwise, that influenced the speaker to state their position before the Council.
  • Rule 53 - Council Credit Card Usage: Adopts into rule the Council's Procurement Card Policies and Procedures adopted via Motion M-18-165.
  • Rule 54 - Council Travel Policy: Provides that CAO Policy 9R on travel expenses applies to Council employees.

To view a summary of the rule changes under Motion M-19-147, click here.

The Council also passed a corresponding ordinance to refine its procedural process for introducing legislation. Ordinance 32,623 establishes requirements for submitting ordinances, motions and resolutions and refining the procedures for corrections.


ITEP Resolutions Approved

The Council adopted two resolutions pertaining to ITEP, an original state incentive program that offers tax incentives for manufacturers who make a commitment to jobs and payroll in the state. The resolutions establish governing rules and procedures for application and call upon the State Legislature to oppose any effort to repeal the authority of local governments under the program.

Resolution R-19-164 creates rules and procedures to apply for participation in ITEP. These rules define and streamline creation and membership, powers and duties of the Office of Economic Development (OED), recommendation process, determination of ITE criteria for capital investment projects, filing process, forms and documents requested by OED for review and project assessment, evaluating eligibility, monitoring compliance, violations of the compliance process and action of the committee regarding a violation.

Resolution R-19-165 calls upon the State Legislature to oppose any effort to repeal the authority of local governments under ITEP. The City of New Orleans is committed to protecting the ability of local governing bodies to make decisions about the resources entrusted to them by their own citizens. Per the resolution, local governments are best positioned to adopt laws and regulations that reflect the views, values, and needs of their constituents because of their close connection to the communities they were elected to represent. Therefore, the Council calls upon the Louisiana State Legislature to repeal or nullify any legislative efforts, including the Executive Orders JBE 2016-26 and JBE 2016-73, that seek to reduce the role of local governing authorities on the approval or disapproval of exemptions under ITEP.

Executive Orders JBE 2016-26 (left) and JBE 2016-73 (right)


Special Orders of Business

The Council heard two special presentations from College Track New Orleans showcasing their work to empower students from underserved communities graduate from college, and Walgreens representatives promoting their upcoming Red Nose Day initiative to end child poverty.

College Track New Orleans Regional Director Mike Woodward and alumni Devin Jones and Maria Garcia gave a presentation to the Council and shared powerful stories regarding the organization's work to empower students from underserved communities to graduate from college. College Track helps local students not just to meet grade level, but exceed it by making it through their high school and college careers with strong extracurricular and academic skills. Under the leadership of Mike Woodward, the organization currently serves nearly 300 students in the Greater New Orleans Area.

The Council also received a presentation from Read Boulevard Walgreens staff on national Red Nose Day taking place Thursday, May 23, 2019. The Red Nose Day campaign was developed to end child poverty by funding programs that keep children safe, healthy, and educated. Through the power of entertainment, Red Nose Day brings people together to laugh and have fun, all while raising life-changing financial support for the children that need it the most. Since the inaugural event in 2015, Red Nose Day has raised nearly $150 million and has positively impacted over 16 million children in America and around the world.

Representatives and alumni of College Track New Orleans (left) and District "B" Councilmember Banks and staff showcasing their red noses to promote Red Nose Day 2019 (right)


 

Created on: 10/16/2018 9:14:56 AM | Last updated: 5/6/2019 9:39:27 AM

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