NEW ORLEANS – During its regular meeting today, the Council approved several ordinances, including ordinance No. 35, 158, authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, and Algiers Development District to support public recreation through NORD’s aquatic programming. The Council also approved motion M-25-396 to hold a public hearing to establish the Fairground Overlay District, which limits permitted uses on the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots site in Gentilly. Several additional ordinances and resolutions of public interest were also approved during the meeting.
As part of the Special Order of Business, the Council recognized Mr. Eric Cager, founder and director of Cutting-Edge CE Conferences and Events. Cutting-Edge CE Conferences and Events is an organization that gathers in New Orleans every August to organize events such as the Cutting Edge Entertainment Law Seminar, New Works Artist Showcase, CE Music Business Sessions, and more. Mr. Cager is also an adjunct instructor and consultant at Delgado Community College’s Music Industry Program.
Before the regular meeting began, the new Student Government Association representatives at NOLA Job Corps were sworn in, and Miss Carrietta Youngblood was recognized for her active participation as a summer intern in the District D office.
Council Approves CEA to Support Aquatic Programming through NORD
With Ordinance No. 35,158’s approval, the Council has authorized a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), and Algiers Development District (ADD). This CEA provides quality recreational, academic, cultural, and economic opportunities for the City’s residents by leasing Algiers Development District’s Federal City Swimming Facility to NORD, which will use the facility to host swimming programs and support the general upkeep of the facility.
This CEA will enable NORD to manage staffing needs and deliver aquatic programming to the Algiers community. It will also provide employment opportunities through seasonal hiring at no additional fiscal obligation to the City.
City enters CEA with Tulane to Improve Care and Provide Educational Programming
The Council approved Ordinance No. 35, 161, which authorized a CEA between the City and the Administrators of the Tulane Educational Fund. This CEA will help to bolster care for sick and injured New Orleans residents while also providing access to medical and clinical education programs for Tulane medical residents.
Eligible students actively enrolled in Tulane’s Department of EMS Education’s EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic Program will be allowed to participate in field clinicals under the supervision of any City employees, Federal Law Enforcement employees, and military personnel.
Council calls for Election on November 15 to Amend Home Rule Charter
The Council approved Ordinance No. 35,166, which calls for an election on November 15, 2025. During the election, voters will be asked to approve an amendment to the Home Rule Charter establishing Section 4-406, which aims to strengthen the impartiality and legal integrity of the City Attorney’s role.
In particular, this new section aims to ensure the City Attorney’s independence while clarifying their duties, clients, and ethical obligations. It also limits the Mayor’s power to remove the City Attorney unilaterally. Speaking on the matter, Councilmember Giarrusso and Council President Morrell emphasized that this ordinance attempts to clarify that the Attorney’s duty is to put the City and its citizens above the politics of the Mayor and the Council.
City Planning Commission to Hold Public Hearing to Create Fairgrounds Overlay District
Through the approval of Motion M-25-396, the Council aims to establish a special zoning district known as the Fairgrounds Overlay District. This new district, which will encompass the area where the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots currently sits, would limit the land's use, allowing only Fairgrounds and Racetracks with special approval. The City Planning Commission is being asked to hold a public hearing on this proposal, review past approvals, and develop clear rules for what additional uses might be allowed.
With this motion, the usual $1,500 application fee will be waived, and the Planning Commission will make any necessary edits to ensure the rules align with the current zoning code and reflect public input. Council Vice President Moreno noted that this motion will not affect residents in said district.
Council calls for Upper Audubon Security District Election to Improve Security
Resolution R-25-412 calls for an election on November 15, 2025, for residents of the Upper Audubon Security District within the boundaries of the Uptown side of Audubon Park to St. Charles Avenue (riverside only), to Broadway Street (both sides), to Magazine Street (lakeside only), and back to the Uptown side of Audubon Park.
Electors will vote on whether to approve an annual fee of up to $1,200 per property for the next seven years, which is expected to generate about $232,000 each year. These funds would be used to enhance security and reduce crime in the neighborhood. The proposed security enhancements would not replace police services but would provide additional support. Low-income seniors and others eligible for a special property tax exemption would not be required to pay this fee.
Council to Amend Section of City Code to Ensure Fair Treatment of Job Applicants
Ordinance 35,163 amends and reordains Section 2-13 of the City Code. In particular, this ordinance seeks to ensure fair treatment of job applicants with criminal records. Under the new rules, job applications will no longer ask about criminal history upfront, the policy known as “Ban the Box,” and background checks will only happen after interviews. Certain records, such as arrests without conviction, old misdemeanors, or juvenile offenses, cannot be considered.
Additionally, if a felony is found, it must directly relate to the job, and the applicant must be given the opportunity to explain or provide evidence of rehabilitation. Hiring decisions based on criminal history must be documented in writing, and all background information must remain confidential. The City will conduct annual audits of its hiring practices, and applicants who are unfairly denied a job can take legal action. It’s essential to note that these rules do not apply to emergency hires or specific departments, such as police, fire, and homeland security.
View the full meeting here: YouTube or council.nola.gov/meetings.