NEW ORLEANS, LA – At the regular meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025, the City Council unanimously overruled Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s veto to stop the appropriation of $5 million in unencumbered funds to Louisiana State University (LSU). Additionally, the Council adopted an ordinance to amend a section of the City Code, which will require rest breaks for city employees to protect against hazards such as extreme heat. The Council also adopted Resolution R-25-463 in opposition to the Alabo Street Sunrise food grain terminal in the Lower Ninth Ward, among other items on the meeting agenda.

As part of the Special Orders of Business, the Council recognized the BRW New Orleans band for their impact on the New Orleans music scene and notable achievements, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for over 50 years in the music industry.

Members of the BRW New Orleans Band with Councilmembers Green, King, Thomas, and Morrell.

The Council also honored Lt. Gen. Honoré for his extraordinary legacy of leadership, particularly his efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when he brought order, reassurance, and national attention to the city and community.

Lt. Gen. Honoré (middle) with Councilmembers Green, Morrell, Thomas, King, and Giarrusso.

Before the start of the meeting, the Council recognized members of the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer non-profit organization, for their efforts in locating the body of Bryan Vasquez. Vasquez, 12 years old, was reported missing on August 14 after he climbed out of the window of his bedroom during the night. Jon Gusanders of the United Cajun Navy located Vasquez’s remains via drone on Tuesday, August 26. The Council praised the tireless efforts of Gusanders, Brian Trascher, and the many other members of the rescue effort who devoted their time to locating Vasquez.

Members of the United Cajun Navy with Councilmembers Green, Moreno, and Thomas.

Council Appropriates Unencumbered Bond Funds to LSU

Members of the Council voted unanimously to overrule Mayor Cantrell’s veto to appropriate $5 million in unencumbered bond funds to LSU. Through Ordinance No. 35,203, the $5 million fund will be used for projects related to LSU’s downtown redevelopment plans.

This decision followed Motion M-25-459, adopted during the meeting of August 21, 2025, where the Council authorized Council President Morrell to execute a settlement agreement by and between the City Council, LSU’s Board of Supervisors, and Edwin Murray of the Wisner Trust Management Board. In exchange for the one-time $5 million payment, LSU agreed to relinquish its stake in the Wisner Trust. This not only serves to push the Council even further to majority ownership of the Wisner Trust, but also bolsters the amount of money the Council can award to nonprofit organizations and culture bearer funds throughout the city, such as the Recreation and Culture Fund.

Ordinance to Require Rest Breaks for City Employees

With the adoption of Ordinance No. 35,201, which amends Section 2-8 and codifies Section 114-4 of the City Code, city employees and contracted workers will be provided paid rest breaks to protect against hazards such as extreme heat when working outdoors or in un-air-conditioned spaces. According to the legislation, workers will be provided a 10-minute paid break every two hours when the heat index is 80-90°F, or a 15-minute paid break every two hours when the heat index is 90°F or higher. These breaks must be taken in shaded areas and will count as paid work time. While there may be exceptions during emergencies, supervisors must still provide reasonable relief to workers when they are working in extreme heat.

Council Authorizes CEA with New Orleans Redevelopment Authority

The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,211, which authorizes the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City and the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA). This CEA serves the public purpose of redeveloping blighted property, stimulating economic development, and improving the appearance and vitality of the surrounding community. A notable piece of blighted property is the site of the former Jazzland and, eventually, Six Flags amusement park, which NORA owns. NORA will oversee the site’s redevelopment through a long-term ground lease with Bayou Phoenix LLC, or, if Bayou Phoenix is unable to proceed, by seeking another developer.

Council Authorizes Amendment to CEA with National WWII Museum

Ordinance No. 35,215 authorizes the Mayor to enter into amendment No. 1 to an existing CEA between the City and the National World War II Museum, Inc. This amendment extends the term of the agreement by one year. It serves the public purpose of improving pedestrian walkways along Andrew Higgins Drive, including enhancement within part of the Museum Operations Corridor. The overall goal of this CEA is to benefit residents and visitors, enhance the area around the Museum and Warehouse District, and encourage Convention Center participants to explore nearby attractions.

Council Adopts Resolution in Opposition to Alabo Street Sunrise Food Grain Terminal

Resolution R-25-463 states the Council’s opposition to the proposed Alabo Street Sunrise Food grain terminal in the Lower Ninth Ward due to concerns about environmental impacts, traffic, safety, displacement, and lack of community engagement. The Council supports locating such a facility in a more industrial area that would not disrupt residential neighborhoods. Councilmembers also urge developers, the Port of New Orleans, and stakeholders to work with the community, explore alternative sites, and pursue projects that better reflect the needs and priorities of Lower Ninth Ward residents.

Motion to Direct City Planning Commission to Study Impacts of Cannabis, Tobacco, and Nicotine Retailers

The Council adopted Motion M-25-470, which directs the City Planning Commission to study and recommend updated regulations for retail stores selling cannabis, tobacco, and nicotine products, recognizing their unique community impacts and youth risks tied to advertising and flavored products. The study will consider new use definitions, operating standards, signage, and density limits, and must be completed within 180 days with possible extensions. This study will replace an earlier study request, via M-25-379, and requires coordination with city departments, state officials, and public input to ensure recommendations align with laws and best practices.

View the full meeting here: YouTube or council.nola.gov/meetings.