NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Governmental Affairs Committee convened to discuss and vote on various board and commission appointments, as well as Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) arbitration appeals. Additionally, the committee considered a professional service agreement between the City and Canalese-Rojas Law, PLLC.
Appointments for Boards and Commissions
The committee discussed and voted on several Board and Commission appointments. The committee favorably recommended Earl Williams to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, while LaTanja Silvester did not appear before the committee. Next, the committee favorably recommended Jennifer Duhe to the Board of Zoning Adjustments, Frank Zumbo to the Downtown Development District, and Richard Cahn to the Fairgrounds Citizen Advisory Committee.
The committee also favorably recommended Allain Hardin to the Historic District Landmarks Commission and Dwight Jarrett to the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority.
Afterward, the committee favorably recommended several appointees to SWBNO, including Corrine Villavaso, Leslie Bouie, David Gallo, Jonathon Stewart, Kimberly Thomas, Kathryn Walmsley, Chadrick Kennedy, and Julius Kimbrough, Jr. The committee also favorably recommended Kimberly Abramson to the Vieux Carré Commission.
Finally, the committee added an appointment item to the agenda, favorably recommending Adonis Expose to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
SWBNO Arbitration Appeals
The committee dismissed Sabrena Williams' appeal because it was not filed in a timely manner. However, the resolution does direct SWBNO to restore service if Williams can make a $700 payment, waive the penalties and fees, and enroll her in a two-year payment plan to pay the remaining account balance. This decision was made after review and recommendation by the Council's respective auditors.
Next, the committee discussed Mark Moeller's appeal. This appeal was dismissed because the committee received documentation from SWBNO that the credit was applied in a timely manner.
Professional Services Agreement between the City and Canales-Rojas Law, PLLC
The committee recommended approval of the Professional Services Agreement between the City of New Orleans and Canales-Rojas Law, PLLC. This agreement retains the firm as outside counsel to provide specialized bankruptcy litigation services in Florida. The agreement is effective July 7, 2026, for an initial one-year term, with the option for the City to extend it for up to four additional one-year terms.
Canales-Rojas Law will represent the City in four specified matters involving Granaio, LLC, relating to the DeGaulle Manor demolition, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, including two appeals.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To view the full meeting, click here.