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Committee Recommends Establishment of Expanded Missing Persons Alert
Following the tragedy of Bryan Vasquez, the Committee discussed Motion M-25-469 and its necessity for the community. This motion directs the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), in coordination with the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) and the Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD), to expand the city’s missing-person safety alert system. The expanded system would address gaps left by AMBER and Silver Alerts, enabling time-sensitive local alerts for missing children, seniors, and vulnerable adults who do not meet existing state criteria.
It is important to note that the expanded system would include individuals with cognitive, developmental, mental, emotional, physical, or age-related impairments whose disappearance poses a credible safety or health threat. Typically, such individuals are not covered by existing AMBER or Silver Alerts.
Implementation would require updating NOPD policy to authorize alerts through NOLA Ready or a similar platform, as well as establishing activation, cancellation, and content standards. The program must also align with AMBER and Silver Alert systems. Law enforcement and first responders would require annual training, privacy safeguards, and interagency coordination. The motion further mandates that an annual report be sent to the Council on activations, recoveries, equity, and improvements. In addition, NOPD must publish public guidance explaining the program and how residents can respond to alerts.
Following the presentation, the Committee voted to recommend the motion for Council approval and to add it to the Consent Agenda for the regular Council meeting on Thursday, September 25.
Committee Recommends Approval of Commission Appointments
The Governmental Affairs Committee recommended approval for several appointees to city commissions.
- City Planning Commission: Jacqueline Mouton Kepper, who earned her Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans in 2013 and is currently a managing attorney at Bennu Title in New Orleans.
- Vieux Carré Commission: Kimberly Abramson, who studied at Trinity University in Texas and earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) at LSU Law.
- Audubon Commission: Andrew Meaders, who earned a B.A. in English and Political Science from the University of Mississippi and a J.D. from Tulane Law School. He currently serves as an associate attorney at Phelps Dunbar LLP.
Sixth Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with UnitedHealthcare
The Committee discussed the sixth amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the City and UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc. The amendment extends the City’s self-funded medical, dental, and vision coverage for one year, from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. It reaffirms existing compensation rates, sets the maximum payable amount at $80 million, and includes compliance statements regarding felony convictions and non-solicitation.
While the Committee noted that the $80 million figure seemed high, a representative explained the basis for that amount. To view the full explanation on YouTube, click here.
Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Jay Ginsberg
The Committee also discussed the second amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the Civil Service Commission and Jay A. Ginsberg, authorizing him to continue serving as a hearing examiner. The amendment increases the contract by $20,000, bringing the total to $105,000, and extends it through December 31, 2025.
It is worth noting that this amendment increases only Ginsberg’s contract amount and does not increase the overall budget for the Civil Service Department.
Committee Defers CEA with 44 Blue Productions / PBP, LLC
A representative for Rasha Drachkovitch, co-founder and co-CEO of 44 Blue Productions, spoke before the Committee regarding the proposed CEA. 44 Blue Productions produces documentary-style entertainment, including Homicide Squad New Orleans and Nightwatch. The representative stated that while the content is graphic, it follows strict guidelines: sensitive footage is blurred, and production never proceeds without the express consent of the victim’s family or next of kin. The representative also asserted that filming does not interfere with ongoing investigations.
Committee members, however, raised reservations, citing photographs of crew members inside crime tape filming in close proximity to a recently deceased victim. They further noted that although most NOPD officers are ambivalent toward the programming, there is no evidence that it has aided officer recruitment, which is a key justification for the CEA. Members also shared additional public concerns regarding the agreement.
Ultimately, the Committee expressed discomfort with recommending the CEA for approval and decided to defer its discussion to a later date. This deferment provides 44 Blue Productions the opportunity to address the concerns raised and allows both Bryan Lagarde of Project NOLA and Rasha Drachkovitch to speak before the Committee.
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