City Council - Regular Meeting

in a position where I can support our law enforcement community because there are so many folks in that community who have made a positive difference in our city. On today, we celebrate and salute Lieutenant Sheila Celius, who I'm going to ask to come forward for a second and have a seat right here at the table. with whomever you'd like to have with you. In fact, folks, I'm going to tell you that the camera is showing here, so why don't you all come behind her and let's have a little vision that the media can see with folks standing right behind her as I make this proclamation presentation. And I want you to know that that includes family, because you're going to be in the photo, whoever is here.

Thank you. Yes, of course.

Alrighty, on this day, we salute. on her retirement, Lieutenant Sheila Celius, and we say thank you for all that you've done over the years to support this department. We're certainly moving in the right direction in many respects as a city. A lot of that has to do with the law enforcement community, the work that has been done that is professional, the kind of work that you engaged in during your years with the department. So I say good morning to you and thank you very much. Before I even read this proclamation, I'm going to hear from Chief Gernon, and then going to hear from you afterwards.

Thank you, Councilmember, and thank you to the Council for taking the time to recognize such a stellar employee. 28 years of service to this community as New Orleans police officer, and then several years before that as a sheriff's deputy, Sheila has dedicated her entire adult life to public service. She's one of those leaders that really understood that her role was not to seek the limelight or to be out in front, but to build the foundation so that her people can be successful. One of the adages that we have in leadership is that Sheila is one of those supervisors that would build the runways so that her people could soar in their jets and do their jobs well. And she did. Her last seven years in the police department, she led the Special Victims Division, which consists of some of the most heinous crimes. that detectives see, sex crimes, child abuse, elderly abuse, domestic violence. And she got that unit into full compliance with the consent screen monitors way before the rest of the police department came along. And it was really her work, her tenacity, and her dedication to the survivors. You can see that here. A lot of the members from the Family Justice Center are here, as well as her former colleagues. I mean, it is a testament to a supervisor when not only your subordinates, but stakeholders from across the spectrum of organizations that you work for come up to kind of show their support and show their love for her so i want to personally thank you sheila she and i served together during katrina she was a veteran detective when i was a rookie in the first district i know everybody behind us has stories former chief john thomas former chief jeanette williams former chief laurence Dupree, everybody has, you know, those stories about how Sheila's leadership really kind of shaped this unit into what we expected it to be and a division that we can be proud of. So again, thank you for recognizing her work and her lifelong work here.

Thank you, Chief. And we can't say thank you enough. I also want to thank you for the last seven years. I'm the founder of an organization called Voices of the Victims of Crime. And the victims of crime sometimes have been ignored, not as much now maybe as in the past. And there always needs to be a voice for them. And by your compassion and your sincerity and your motivation, you've helped victims of crime feel that in the midst of the most challenging time in their life that there's at least somebody else who's out there to support them. So especially the last seven years, but for all 28 years, we say thank you very much. Thank you. A few words from you.

Thank you, Councilman Green. There's not much more I can say after the Chief gave such a good presentation on my career. I'm very thankful for this opportunity to be honored for simply doing my sworn duty to represent and serve my community. um i have been very blessed um throughout my career to be mentored a very strong leadership and some of them are even here today to support me uh former um deputy superintendent john thomas former superintendent i'm sorry deputy superintendent Lawrence Dupree, and of course my current deputy superintendent, Nicholas Gern. Without their mentorship, I don't think I would have become the leader that I became, and I just hope and appreciate everything that everybody's doing for me today simply because I just did my job.

I'd like to hear from everyone else, but I'm going to ask two special people to come forward to the mic. Thomas and Dupree, come to that mic and speak to the public about the contributions of Lieutenant Sheila Seelius.

I thought if I wore my Santa off shirt, she'd give me a break. You're a smart man. So I met Sheila a while back when we was in the third district and she was a new sergeant and I had the opportunity to kind of groom her. My leadership style is a lot different than a lot of people. I'm kind of laid back but I'm always watching and I'm always trying to teach and train and so I poured into her that I knew she would be a good leader at some point. and as she matriculated through the ranks, she became even more than what I expected from a leader. She was very firm, but she was very fair, and I appreciated that, and she was by the book, and she walked a straight and narrow, and that's all you can ask of a leader, is just show and lead by example, and that's what Sheila did, and you had a very, very productive career, and I'm glad to see it come to this point.

Thank you, thank you.

the decree good morning keep it short and sweet I would have dressed up if I knew I would have to speak but congratulations lieutenant Sheila Celia's well-deserved vacation and you're going to enjoy yourself on the other side of retirement thank you thank

Thank you. So whereas the City of New Orleans is renowned for its food festivals, famous citizens such as Lieutenant Sheila Celius and foreign visitors, and whereas the City Council takes great pride in paying tribute to events and activities, now therefore be it proclaimed by the City of New Orleans that the New Orleans City Council today recognizes proudly Lieutenant Sheila Celius. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement from the New Orleans Police Department after 28 years of extraordinary service. you leave behind a legacy that few will ever match. From leading the Special Victims Unit to helping shape initiatives like Brian's Call, you earned the respect of everyone around you through your integrity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right. When others needed answers, you were the one that they called. When friendship was needed, you stepped forward. You didn't seek recognition. You earned it through action, professionalism, and service. And all of that is on this proclamation, and it's signed by all seven members of the city council. And on behalf of the entire citizenry of the entire city, I say thank you very much for 28 years well served. and thank you for all of your commitment and motivation and know that you've made a tremendous difference in the city and that we appreciate it can we give a round of applause Hey, everybody, we're going to take a super photo. I'm going to ask my point person how you want us to do it. We're going to try to get in as many people as we can.

You guys just come up closer to the table. Some of you guys can come around. Some of you guys can stay back there.

Thank you.

Looks like we need to restart. Good morning, everyone. We're going to get started. Madam Clerk.

Council, roll call. Council President Moreau. Here. Vice President Willard. Council Member McCarran.

She's over there in the corner.

Council Member Harris. Here. Council Member King, Council Member Green, Council Member Hughes. We have six members, we have a quorum.

Thank you. First up, we'll have, do we have a, yep, we'll have the invocation.

Let us pray. Eternal Father, we thank you as we pause at the beginning of this meeting, oh God, to acknowledge your presence and to thank you for the privilege of serving your citizens. So Father, we recognize that true leadership is measured not by power, but by a commitment of justice, humility, and a welfare of your people. So Father, today, We ask for your wisdom to rest upon every member of this council. Grant them clear minds to discern what is right, courageous hearts to do what is just, and compassionate spirits to hear the voices of all those who call the city of New Orleans home. Father, help every discussion to be guided by respect, every decision to be rooted in integrity, and every action to reflect the sincere desire to strengthen our city. so father we pray for the citizens of new orleans bless our families bless our neighborhoods our schools our businesses our homes of our houses of worship lord we ask for your protection over those who serve our city each day pray for our police officers our firefighters our ems sanitation workers of god and all of those who labor faithfully behind the scenes to keep our city safe clean and moving forward So Father, we pray today for our fallen service members. Bless their families during this most difficult time. Grant them peace that only you can provide. So Father, as we begin this meeting, may we ask not for personal gain, but for common good. Not for division, but for understanding. Not convenience, but to do what is right. May all that is said today bring honor to you and blessing to all of those who are in attendance. We ask this in your holy name in Jesus we pray. Amen and thank God.

Thank you, Elder Simmons. I will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I need you all.

Consent agenda. We have a communication from Aaron Spears. This may be received. We have a communication from Jeffrey Swartz. This may be received and referred to the Economic Development and Special Development Project Committee. We have a communication from Sarah Mangold. This may be received and referred to the Criminal Justice Committee. We have a communication from Sarah Mangold. This may be received and referred to the Criminal Justice Committee. We have a communication from Tammy Washington. This may be received and referred to the Economic Development Special Development Projects Committee. We have a communication from Jeffery Swartz. This may be received and referred to the Economic Development Special Development Projects Committee. We have a report of Caitlyn Temerick. This may be received. We have a report of Caitlyn Temerick. This may be received. We have a report of Caitlyn Temerick. This may be received. We have a report of Cassandra V. Robert. This may be received. We have a report of Kaia Howard. This may be received. We have a report of Jennifer Abagnale. This may be received. We have a report of Micah Ince. This may be received. We have a report of Robert D. Rivers. This may be received. Hearing date, 8-6-26. We have ordinance calendar 34,474 by Councilmember King. Municipal address 636-650 North Broad Street. Zone and Docket 3926. We have ordinance calendar 35,475 by council member Harris, municipal address 2819 through 2821 Jackson Avenue, zoning docket 4426. We have ordinance calendar 35,476 by council member Green, municipal address is 4235 through 37 Two Road Street and 2610 through 16 Mandalong Street, zoning docket 4526. We have Ordinance Calendar 35484 by Councilmembers Harris, Morrell, Willard, McCarran, and King by request. Budget Audit Board of Review Committee recommended approval. We have Ordinance Calendar 35485 by Councilmembers Harris, Morrell, Willard, McCarran, and King by request. Budget Audit Board of Review Committee recommended approval. We have Motion M26293 by Councilmembers Harris, Morrell, Willard, and McCarran by request.

budget audit board review committee recommended approval this is all matters on consent thank you madam clerk do we have any cards okay I will move to approve the consent agenda seconded by councilmember Harris all in favor please say aye any opposed oh hold on we need one more All right. Moved by me, seconded by Councilmember Harris. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Approved. Six yays, zero nays.

Regular agenda item one. We have HDLC appeal of 2663 Aviville and 206 through 10 on Broad Street has been withdrawn at the request of the applicant. Council members, give us one second to get the system caught up.

Can we just read through the deferrals maybe for the time being?

It shouldn't take that long. We caught them. At the top of page 11, we have Item 2, Legislative Group in HDLC, Appeal of Granville Sims III, Owner-Manager of Granville Sims Construction Company, LLC. Requesting to appeal the Historic District Landmark Decision to deny the retention of Detroit Masonry and Succulents. for property located at 510 Ray Street. We have motion M26290 by Councilmember Harris approving the applicant's request, I mean denying the applicant's request at 510 Ray Street and affirming the HDLC's decision.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. HDLC, will you brief us on your report?

Yes, the applicant is requesting the retention of the current condition of the masonry and stucco, citing the want to keep the historic look of the deterioration. However, the HDLC guidelines do not allow for maintaining the appearance of delaminated stucco. Further, the brick at this building is soft lake brick and is showing signs of delamination, powdering, and missing mortar joints. While staff appreciates the aesthetic concern of the applicant, the main interest of the HDLC in this matter is the level of deterioration of the masonry. Unfortunately, this look of deterioration has long been romantically associated with a quaint New Orleans mystique that is understandably appealing to many. However, in reality, it is the result of moisture intrusion that indicates masonry deterioration. If left unaddressed, this can lead to the failure of the material, which is why it is referred to as demolition by neglect, as can be indicated in several recent partial building collapses around New Orleans. Best practice would be to repoint all of the failing and missing mortar joints and have a new coat of HDLC-approved stucco applied to all elevations. However, we cannot require that the exposed masonry on the right and rear elevations that do not have a history of being encapsulated with stucco and have new coat of stucco, although staff would recommend it. Staff recommends denial of the retention to maintain the current level of deterioration of the masonry and recommends at least the mortar is repointed and the delaminated stucco is repaired.

Thank you. This motion affirms the HDLC's decision of denial and denies the applicant's request to retain deteriorated masonry and stucco. As the HDLC noted, the deterioration is the result of moisture intrusion and indicates masonry deterioration. I encourage the applicant to heed the HDLC's recommendation to repoint the mortar and repair the delaminated stucco on the building. Accordingly, I'm moving to affirm the HDLC's decision. I've moved, can I get a second? Second. Seconded by Council Vice President Willard. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Six shays.

Item 4, Legislative Group and HDLC Appeal of Granville Sims III, Owner Management of Granville Sims Construction Company. Requesting to appeal the Historic District Landmark's decision to deny the retention of deteriorating masonry and stucco, deteriorating entry gates, and inappropriate uplighting fixtures for property located at 1510 Religious Street. We have motion M26292 by Councilmember Harris denying the applicant's request at 1510 Religious Street in affirming the HDLC's decision.

Thank you, Ms. Burke. I presume that this is the same reason as the prior item.

In regards to the deteriorated masonry stucco, there are also items related to deteriorated entry gates, fluorescent tube uplighting, and a mini-split.

Okay, great. This motion affirms the HDLC's decision of denial and denies the applicant's request to retain multiple deteriorated items and inappropriate uplighting fixtures installed without a certificate of appropriateness at a landmark commercial building. So I'll move. Can I get a second? Seconded by Council President Morrell. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Five yays. Thank you.

We have Item 6, Legislative Group and Zoning Docket 4226, City Council Motion M2693, requesting to amend the definition of dwelling small multifamily affordable in Article 26, Section 26.6 to include not only affordable housing units offered for rental but also dwellings offered as permanently affordable for sale housing and by not-for-profit community land trusts offering long-term ground leases, respective of owners and leasers, and consider related additional amendments to set reasonable requirements for this use, including but not limited to amendments to the use standards contained in Article 20, Section 20.3.SSS in the use tables throughout the CZO. The proposed tax amendment would apply citywide, the recommendation of the CPC being for approval. We have motion M26291 by Councilmember Harris, approving the applicant's request for zoning document 4226, subject to the recommendation made by the City Planning Commission. Thank you, Madam Clerk. CPC, will you brief us on your report?

good morning council member the owning docket 4226 is a request to include affordable for sale housing by non-profits and community land trust in small multi-family affordable dwellings currently the small multi-family affordable dwelling only contemplates the affordable housing unit as the rental unit not for sale unit the request would permit the affordable unit to be for sale but only in the circumstance that the small multifamily affordable is a community land trust operated by a nonprofit. So in other words, only in very specific conditions. The for sale unit would have a higher area medium income and longer affordability period than the rental unit. The request was heard at the May 26 CPC meeting where the commission unanimously adopted the request as recommended by staff.

Thank you. The small multifamily affordable dwelling provides a critical low-density path to affordable housing that blends seamlessly into the fabric of existing neighborhoods, offering opportunities to live in areas that are otherwise underserved by affordable housing. We previously asked CPC to review options for for-sale, permanently affordable units within this model, but CPC considered only the question of whether this should constrain the existing program, not enhance it. Accordingly, we offered a more nuanced approach for CPC to consider whether allowing non-profit community land trusts to operate permanently affordable for-sale housing within the small multi-family affordable dwelling model would be advisable, which is the motion here before you today. This request allows families to build equity and wealth while ensuring that the dwelling units in question remain affordable upon resale. Is there any public comment? If not, I will move. Can I get a second by Councilmember McCarran? All in favor? Any opposed? Five yes.

At the top of page 13, we have item 8, legislative grouping. We're going to come back to that one. At the bottom of the page, item 10, zoning docket 5026, Esplanade Ventures LLC has been deferred to the meeting of August 6. At the top of page 14, item 11, zoning docket 5826 has been deferred to the meeting of August 6th. Item 12, zoning docket 6026 has been deferred to the meeting of August 6th. At the bottom of the page, Item 13, legislative group and zoning docket 6126, Ignatius J. Morales, Jr. Requesting a conditional use to permit a neighborhood commercial establishment in an HURD2 historic urban two-family residential district on square 17, lot 21A in the 6th Municipal District, bounded by Camp Audubon Magazine and Broadway Street. Municipal address 131 Broadway Street. The recommendation of the CPC being for approval subject to three provisos. We have motion M26286 by Councilmember McCarran approving the applicant's request for zoning document 6126 subject to three provisos recommended by the city planning staff report.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. CPC? This is an existing mixed-use structure that is located at the corner of Broadway Street and Camp Street. The immediate past use was a photography studio that operated there for 16 years until relocating in summer of 2025. The applicant proposes to find a new tenant and resume commercial operations as one of the seven permitted use under the neighborhood commercial establishment category. Located in a residential zoning district, a neighborhood commercial establishment is deemed conditional use in the HURD2 district. As designed, the building will remain exactly the same, maintain its historic footprint, and the proposed commercial use is allowable under the master plan, which allows for businesses to be reestablished in non-residential structures. Overall, CPC considers the reuse of this non-residential structure to be a reinvestment, not only in the property itself, but in the quality of life of residents of surrounding properties. Two speakers spoke in support of the request, citing the commercial use at this location had existed for approximately 100 years. Since the neighborhood commercial establishment use only allows a very limited amount of low-impact commercial uses and does not allow standard restaurants or bars, the Commission felt comfortable supporting the request and recommended approval subject to three provisos.

Thank you. And I have one comment card from Joe Morales.

Good morning. Thank you, council members. My name is Joe Morales, 4605 McWilliams Court, Plano, Texas, and I am the owner of 139 Broadway Street. I want to thank CPC staff and the commission for their thorough review and their unanimous recommendation to approve this neighborhood commercial establishment designation. The property has operated as a neighborhood business location for well over a century. The building was constructed in 1912 with a storefront design and city records documented grocery there by 1916, a use that continued for decades. Since 1970s it has remained in continuous neighborhood oriented use including an arts council, a long-running picture frame shop, an art gallery, and most recently a photography studio for the last 16 years. My family has owned the property since 1923. I grew up across the street. I own adjacent property, and I remain actively involved in the area. I'm in New Orleans often and maintain a hands-on presence managing the property and supporting my brother who lives nearby and has a disability. The two immediately adjacent property owners, both neighbors I've known for over 20 years, have submitted letters of support. This request simply recognizes a longstanding use and allows it to continue. It will have a negligible impact on overall activity while continuing to serve and enhance the neighborhood as it has for over a century. Thank you for your time and consideration. I respectfully ask for your approval.

Thank you. Members, this property, as CPC said, lost its nonconforming status after a previous tenant moved out last year. So the owner is pursuing a conditional use to bring this property back into circulation. It's operated commercially since at least 1916 when it opened as a grocery store. This has a long history of low-impact neighborhood uses, most recently operated as a photography studio. The neighborhood commercial establishment use will not increase traffic or noise given the long history of similar uses, and the upstairs unit will remain residential, meaning there's no substantial change, and we did not receive any opposition to this. So therefore, I move to approve motion M26286. Seconded by Councilmember Harris. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Five yays, no nays. Thank you.

Item 15, zoning docket 6226 has been deferred to the meeting of August 6th. At the bottom of the page, item 16, zoning docket 6326 has been deferred to the meeting of August 6th. at the top of page 16 item 17 legislative grouping audience can't on his calendar 34 385 along with motions m23 426 and m23 427 has been deferred to the meeting of august 6. Item 12, Ordinance Calendar 35117 has been deferred to the meeting of August 6th. Item 21, Ordinance Calendar 35384 has been deferred to the meeting of August 6th. At the top of page 18, Item 22, Ordinance Calendar 35472 by Councilmember McCarran. An ordinance to establish a conditional use to permit a commercial short-term rental in the SLM Lake Area Marina District and the Transit Lodge and Interim Zoning District for Boathouse 84. whose dimensions are 25 feet fronting on Breakwater Drive and 25 feet fronting on the water and 80 feet in the length of the street side boundary within the Municipal Yacht Harbor Marina of Lake Pontchartrain. Municipal Address 8112 Breakwater Drive and otherwise, Supervivor respects their 2 zoning docket 2226. Councilmember Morrell voting nay.

Thank you, members. These next two ordinances are just the ordinances from the STR that we previously voted on. If there's any questions? Okay, I'll move. Can I get a second? Second. Seconded by Councilmember Harris. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Okay, one in opposition. We have five, four, five.

I can't count today. At the bottom of the page, item 23, ordinance calendar 35,473 by Councilmember McCarran. An ordinance to establish a conditional use to permit a commercial short-term rental in an SLM Lake Area Marina District in a transient lodge and interim zoning district for boathouse 85, whose dimensions are 25 feet, running on breakwater drive, and 25 feet front on the water and 80 feet in the length of the street side boundary within the municipal yard harbor marina lake pontchartrain municipal address 8114 breakwater drive and otherwise supervisor respects their two zoning docket 2326 council member morale voted nate thank you members this is the second one can i get a second second by council member harris all those in favor any opposed

Same as last time. Council Member Harris.

Thank you. Council members, going back to page 13, we have item eight, legislative group and zoning, docket 4926, property doc LLC, requesting a conditional use to allow vocational educational facility in the C1 General Commercial District on Square Deer Park, section 24, building three, unit 3D, lot 3B, 8B, in the third municipal district bounded by Lake Forest Boulevard, Deer Park Boulevard, Deer Trail, and Farrar Canal. 10555 Lake Forest Boulevard, Suite 3D, the recommendation of the City Planning Commission being for approval subject to two provisos. We have motion M26296 by Councilmember Hughes approving the applicant's request for zoning Docket 4926 subject to two provisos as recommended in the CPC report.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. City Planning.

This is a request for a vocational educational facility within a C1 general commercial district. The vocational facility is called Cosmetic Foot Care and Medical Aesthetic Academy. It is to occupy an existing tenant space within an established office park. There's no exterior construction, no site modifications planned, and the use will function similarly to the other light intensity medical offices that are located around this tenant space. It meets all of the applicable parking requirements, all of the other CZO requirements. The proposal complies with the master plan. Therefore, the Planning Commission recommended approval.

Thank you very much. Given its conformity with the comprehensive zoning ordinance, the master plan, and the lack of opposition from the community, I move approval. Can I get a second? Second. Second by Council President Morrell. All in favor, aye. Aye. Any opposed? Six yays, no nays. Thank you.

On page 19. We have item 25, ordinance calendar 35478 by Councilmember Morrell by request. An ordinance to grant a non-exclusive wireless franchise to SQF LLC doing business as verta to construct, maintain, operate, and authorize new wireless facilities on and under the public right-of-ways within the corporate limits of the City of New Orleans with locations subject to approval of the grantor to provide for annual payments and the furnishing of a short-term buying and otherwise to providers with respect thereto.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. This simply deals with a franchise agreement, a non-exclusive franchise agreement, and it typically wrote that we are granted by the City of New Orleans to parties in exchange for compensation payments and furnishing of bonds and the like. I move for approval. Can I get a second? Second by Council Vice President Willard. All in favor? Any opposed? The matter passes.

That was five good gays, no nays.

We have on page 20, item 27, ordinance calendar 35,483 by Councilmember Morrell. An ordinance to require continued use of the city current enterprise resource planning system, BRADS, by the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court and otherwise Supervisor respects thereto.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Simply put, we had previously passed an ordinance that required the Clerk of Criminal Court to participate in the BRSS system. That position was abolished by the legislature and subsumed into the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court. This simply requires that in regards to the funding provided by the council pursuant to the former office of the Clerk of Criminal Court that that that process still be included in BRSS. That's what it does. I'll move. Second by Councilmember Hughes. All in favor? Aye. Any nays? Hearing none, the matter is passed.

At the bottom of the page, Ordinance Calendar 35487 has been deferred to the meeting of August 6th. At the top of page 21, we have item 29, Ordinance Calendar 35488 has been deferred to the meeting of August 6th. We have item 30, legislative group and ordinance calendar 35,491 by Councilmember Morrell. An ordinance to amend and reordain section 34-3, 3414, 3417, 3418, 3419, 3424, 3428, 3433, 3448, 3449 of Chapter 34 and Section 54-420 of Chapter 54 of the Code of the City of New Orleans to provide relative to the regulation of Carnival including to increase the fine for violations of the provisions of Chapter 34. under update requirements for parade permit applications and float parade elements to prohibit glass and smoking on floats and glass throws to establish that violations of certain provisions constitute a a criminal offense, constitutes a criminal offense and otherwise the provider respects that too. We have an amendment to Ordinance Calendar 35,491 by Councilmember Morrell. An amendment to Ordinance Calendar 35,491 to allowing the throwing of branded personal items to clarify language and otherwise the provider respects that too.

thank you i apologize uh this is the ordinance that deals with a variety of different issues regarding mardi gras we had an extensive presentation yesterday on the mardi gras ordinance hold on one second all right uh just so you can be aware the general the general points that are clarified in this ordinance one there was an effort with the nopd Thank you. With the NOPD to clarify and change some of the times so that we can move some of the parades up. We did that last year. It resulted in a tremendous amount of cost savings for the city. We were able to reduce overtime, get officers, get sanitation workers, get EMS workers, everyone at home, back at home to able to rest before going back out again. It requires crews to submit the names of their marching bands further. When it comes to marching bands, what we've noticed, part of the safety measures that keep the parade safe is not having numerous sporadic stops. When it comes to bands, when a float is stopped they can stop and perform. What we saw as a concern, what NOPD saw as a concern, is that when bands would sporadically stop to perform kind of sua sponte, it would needlessly make the parade longer and create gaps in the parade. Those gaps can be dangerous, and at NOPD's request, we have eliminated the ability when the parade is moving for bands to stop on their own and stop and perform. We also changed the language regarding vehicular marching groups. We limited vehicular marching groups like the Shriners and the like to three per parade. We're also making those groups at least go two abreast because they also were creating extensive length in the parades which are costly, expensive, and dangerous. When it comes to throws, we specifically, at the request of the Mayor's Mardi Gras Advisory Committee, allow for the tossing of things like different food items and other things that are pre-approved by the crews as well as establishing weight limits to make sure that items being handed off of floats actually are things that will not create injury. Further, we ban the ability to hand out TVs or air fryers or other things which, though they seem cute at the time, one, they're heavy and dangerous, and two, they typically create a rush on the float which could also be dangerous. We bar the use of glass items on the floats other than glass beads as many of you know there was an injury last year where a glass bottle flew off a float and hit a small child there will be no glass on floats whatsoever as well as banning smoking and all smoking related activities whether that be vaping or hookahs of the like on floats themselves additionally We, working with the NOPD, the NOPD had significant concerns on how to enforce certain aspects of the Mardi Gras statute. We have created misdemeanors as well as civil fines for certain violations of the Mardi Gras ordinance. That is what it does. There was an amendment in committee which further allowed for how we would regulate the display of manufacturer logos because as you know, part of Mardi Gras is that we cannot have sponsored items thrown off of floats because sponsorship is not prohibited in actual Mardi Gras parades during the traditional Mardi Gras season. That is everything. Is there any cards from the audience? Mr. McGraw, I have a comment.

Yes. I just want to thank the New Orleans Police Department for making the recommendations that they've made. I want to thank you and the persons who are associated with making our Mardi Gras season as orderly as possible. I just want to appeal to the public to recognize that it's a carnival season. It's a season that's designed to provide an opportunity for everyone to have a good time. And if you've got obstructions to people having a good time, you know that you're in the wrong place in New Orleans. Taking gigantic bags of beads, for example, and throwing it at people because you don't feel like opening it or Putting ladders in place where you know it's blocking other views or having grills, for example, with high flames where you know it could be a danger to children around is not part of the Mardi Gras season, the carnival season. So I applaud these changes. I know that there will always be changes relative to the Mardi Gras season because it is a complex matter. But the bottom line is common sense and also enjoyment have to rule that season. It exists and it's so festive for a reason. It's because a lot of people want to enjoy themselves during that time. I just encourage those who are participating in the season to recognize the rights of others to just have a great time without being injured and without being assaulted and imposed upon. Thank you. Thank you.

I will move. Second. Second by Councilmember Harris. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, it is passed.

We have to vote as amended.

I'm sorry. I will move as amended. Seconded by Councilmember Harris. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, it is passed as amended.

At the top of page 22, item 32, ordinance calendar 35,492 by council member Harris by request, an ordinance to waive the requirements of section 70-12 of the city code applicable to the cooperative endeavor agreement between the City of New Orleans and Mercy Partners LLC. approved on April 23rd, 2026 by ordinance number 30,642 MCS. The Mercy Partners, CEA, and otherwise supervised respects thereto.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Is there anyone from the administration to talk about this? Okay, seeing none, the Mercy Partners CEA will allow construction of water retention and control infrastructure on the site of the former Lindy Boggs Medical Center. Section 7012 of the city code requires private developments to provide a fund match for any allocation of public dollars pursuant to a CEA. The CAO has requested a waiver of this requirement via letter to the council dated June 30th, 2026, noting that this waiver would be in the best interest of the city. The city is contributing roughly 10% of this project, and the remaining 90% will be private and other sources of funds. With that, I'll move. Can I get a second? Seconded by Council Member McCarran. All in favor? Any opposed? Seven yays.

We have Item 33, Ordinance Calendar 35500 by Councilmember Green by request. An ordinance to authorize the Mayor of the City of New Orleans to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement between the City of New Orleans and Tool Design Group LLC and foreign peers relative to the development, refine, and implement data applications to address the specific roadways safety problems for the safe streets and road for all programs the provision thereof is set far more fully in the cea form exhibit a and may part here of and otherwise to the virus respects there too

To my fellow members of the Council and also to the members of the public, this ordinance approves an amendment to recognize the merger of the Safe Streets Research Consulting into Fair and Peers. The amendment assigns all rights and duties and liabilities previously held by SSR to Fair and Peers and ensures there's no interruption in services under the existing federal grant. The agreement supports the City's effort to advance implementation of the City's Safe Streets and Roads for All program, promoting public health and reducing traffic injuries and fatalities. Most important is to recognize that there is no fiscal impact to the City as the agreement is administered under the United States Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All grants, and the amendment extends the agreement through the end of this year, close to the end of this year, just through December 15, 2026. If there are no questions from the dais and also from the public and no comments online, I move for approval of 35-500. Seconded by Council Vice President Willard. Members, all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Seven yays, no nays. Thank you for your support.

at the bottom of the page we have item 34 ordinance calendar 35 503 by council member mccarron by request an ordinance authorized the mayor of the city of new orleans to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement between the city of new orleans and the surgeon water board new orleans relative to the administration planning and construction of the monticello canal covert state capital overlay project as set forth more fully in cea form exhibit one and made poor hereof, and otherwise to provide with respect thereto.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Members, this ordinance authorizes the Mayor to sign a CEA between the City and the Sewage and Water Board to construct the Monticello Canal culverts. This project uses state capital outlay funding. There's no general fund money involved, and the CEA will grant SWPNO the ability to administer a plan and construct the culverts. Unless there are any questions? Can I get a second? Seconded by Councilmember Harris. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Great. Seven yays, no nays. Thank you.

At the top of page 23, we have item 35 has been deferred. Motion line over M2644 has been deferred to the meeting of August 6th. We have item 36, motion line over M26242 has been deferred to the meeting of August 6th. We have item 37, motion line over M26272 by Councilmember McCarran. A motion directing the City Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing to consider amendments to ordinance number 4264 MCS as amended the comprehensive zoning ordinance to implement with the certain modifications the Commission's recommendation as reported in its Cannabis, Tobacco, and Nicotine study.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Members, this is a marijuana text amendment. This stems from the study recommendations made in city planning's recent cannabis, tobacco, and nicotine study. My office worked with city planning, the health department, and other council staff on these recommendations. These recommendations also match proposed updates to the Smoke-Free Air Act. And I just want to be clear, these recommendations must be reviewed by city planning. This motion does not change the CZO language, and any amendments to the CZO will come at a later date after city planning review. And I have one comment card from Susan Johnson.

Susan Johnson, 2822 LePage Street. I'm not paid to be here. Just Say Next LLC is We're involved in a lawsuit along with neighborhood organizations against 1407 South Carrollton. Nola Cannabis Company planted a medical marijuana a so-called dispensary, it's not really a dispensary, at this location without required conditional use. And we are contesting that, ladies and gentlemen, this is not about morality, this is about zoning. We've got activity like People smoking pot, using product in the parking lots, a lot of disturbances we won't get into because we don't want copycats. But despite Amy McCarran's intervention in the matter, attorney John B. Davis, one of the investors, refuses to address the issues. neighbors who have children next door to this next door to this store and so while the lawsuit is ongoing even though the neighbors are not named plaintiffs so this study is forward-looking it could happen to you we don't want this in our neighborhoods this kind of activity so 750 foot distancing recommended by the city planning commission because Louisiana has no distancing laws billboard right opposite CDC right now on Loyola avenue NOLA cannabis thank you Susan members are there any questions

With that, I move to approve motion number M26-272. Can I get a second? Seconded by Councilmember King. All those in favor? Any opposed? Six yays, zero nays. Thank you.

council members going back to page 20 we have item 26 ordinance calendar 35 479 by council member king by request an ordinance authorizing the acquisition by the city of new orleans for from the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority of 900 Elmer Avenue designated as a front portion of the lots 19 and 20 in square 260 in the 5th Municipal District. B909 through 15 Homer Street designated as the rear portions of lots 19 and 20 in square 260 in the 5th Municipal District. C-3617 3rd Street designated as part of lot 15 in square 459 of the 4th Municipal District. D-3621 3rd Street designated as lots B, C, E and F in square 459 of the 4th Municipal District. and E3623 3rd Street, designated as lot G in square 459 of the 4th Municipal District. Collectively, the normal property is authorized in the transfer of land and improvements compressed in 2021 Daniel Street, designated as lot A1 in square 293 in the 4th Municipal District. The city property and otherwise supervised respects there too.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. We have Mr. Russell Blanchard.

Hello, Russell Blanchard, 811 Opelousas Avenue in Algiers. Just wanted to thank everyone for their support. This has been something our community has been working on for well over 10 years to create a new park and new green safe place to play for the kids in Algiers. So there's been a lot of hurdles along the way, and we've had a few discussions in this chamber, but just wanted to thank everyone personally, and some of our board members are here. in support of this and just wanted to say thank you to Mayor Helena Moreno. Thank you to Councilmember King and the whole District C staff, past and present, with a special shout out to Mr. Chuck Toney. Thank you to Brenda Breaux and Miss Tiffany Lawson with Nora, who's here today, who has been big supporters of this project. All along the way, we wanted to thank the Department of Property Management staff, who's helped us tremendously. Mr. Trey Nobles, Ashley, and Miko, who did our site plan. Also, thank you to CPC Brownfields and Ms. Carrie Godshow. Thank you to Larry Massey and Rachel Berg with the CPC, who helped us in these chambers. Thank you to McKinley Essert and Missy Quigley with the legal department. Thank you to Craig Foundas with the Office of Community Development. And thank you to Ms. Natasha Robinson with NORD, because this will be a NORD park once we have our ribbon cutting and install our play structure. I just want to also thank all our community members over the last 10 years who have helped us get this all the way to here with fundraisers and support. Thank you to former council member Palmer who helped us in years past. And an extra special shout out to Ms. Rochelle Ulick, who's here today, who's been our champion for many years, pushing this through all these offices and halls. So thank you, Rochelle, for being such a big supporter. And we have a little gift for shirts that our board brought that she will hand out to y'all and y'all could distribute to your staff. We have many sizes, so y'all will work with those as y'all see fit. Don't want to get into shouting out t-shirt sizes right now. I'm sure y'all got a lot of business to do. But thank y'all so much. Thank y'all for y'all support. Thank you.

We'll have someone come and get the t-shirts and pass them out. While that's being done, we have Mr. Rochelle. He just pronounced the last name.

Rochelle Dulick, Director of Strategic Property Initiatives for OCD. Just want to thank the council, Mayor Moreno, Council Member King, and thank the Confetti Kids Board for their patience and their tenacity moving this park through to development. It's going to be really important for the children of Algiers, and it's been an honor to be a part of it. Thanks.

Thank you. Any comments from the audience or any online comments? We're thrilled to bring forward this act of exchange today to create a park for the children of Algiers. Confetti's Lot Park project has been in the works for over 10 years. Algiers is a desert park. There were not enough parks to meet the neighborhood's needs. Seeing the children's community, the Confetti Kids organization rallied to create a park for local children. They've raised the funds needed to purchase and install equipment. They've worked tirelessly, patiently with the city and NOAA to make this exciting day happen. It's wonderful to see this public-private cooperation. I see what this public collaboration can do, especially thanks to Mr. Russell Blanchard and the entire Confetti Kids board for all the work they have done to bring us here today. With that, I move adoption. I have a second second by Councilmember Harrod. All in favor?

Aye.

Seven yays. All opposed? Hearing none, motion passes. Thank you.

All right, Councilmember, we're going back. Going back to page 19, item 24, ordinance calendar 35,477 by council members King and Harris by request. An ordinance to ordain and establish chapter 70, article 3, division 56 of the code of the city of New Orleans. consistent of Section 70-415.350 through 70-415.354 for the purpose of creating the Crescent City Connection Bridge Lighting Fund to manage funding for decorative bridge lighting to ordain and establish Chapter 146, Article 14 of the Code consistent of Sections 146 through 786 through 146-793 to provide relative to the maintenance operation and purchase by third parties of decorative lighting on the Crescent City Connection and otherwise to provide respect thereto.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Any public comments or online comments? All right. Councilman Harris, anything?

No, this simply sets up a fee structure to pay for the lighting on the bridge. Right now, we're doing it for free. And so if you want to light the bridge up in a special color, you got to pay for it. All right.

Thank you. This city entered into an agreement with LADOTD in October 2023 for the design and installation of a decorative lighting system on the present city connection bridge in preparation for the Super Bowl. The city has programmed lighting on the bridge at the request of different entities without charging a fee. The intent for this new fund is to begin charging entities a fee for programming requests to generate revenue that can be used to maintain the decorative lighting. This will move adoption. Oh, can I get a second? Second. Second by Council Member Harris. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Seven yays, no nays. Motion passes.

at the top of page 24 we have resolution line over r26 275 has been deferred to the meeting of august 6. we have item 39 motion m26 284 by council member morrell directing the city planning commission to conduct a public hearing to consider amendments to ordinance number 4264 mcs amended by ordinance number 26413 mcs as amended the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the City of New Orleans regarding fence and wall regulations to add the neighborhoods of Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks to section 21.6. and .28 and to delete section 21.6. and .4.

Thank you Madam Clerk. This request was brought on behalf of the Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks Neighborhood Associations in concert with my office. It simply requires City Planning Commission to conduct a hearing to hear and consider amendments. That is what it does. Any comments?

Yes, I have a comment. You know, since it is my district, I just want those who have called me to ask me about this to understand that I completely support this public hearing and that this is an issue that has been continued from previous work that was done by the council member at large. So I look forward to hearing comments from the members of the associations with whom I meet relative to this matter. But I do appreciate your bringing forward so that the city planning commission can hear it.

Thank you very much. I'll move Councilman Green's seconds. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, it is approved.

At the bottom of the page, we have item 40, motion M26285 by Councilmember Morrell. A motion recognizing the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst man-made disasters in our nation's history that caused inconceivable devastation and immense hardship and heartbreak here in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast region.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Members, this is the annual ordinance and motion that is filed, sorry, motion that is filed to recognize Katrina as one of the worst disasters that happened in the city of New Orleans in the history of, excuse me, the United States. That is what it does. It recognizes the anniversary. Second by Council Member Willard. Sorry, I move. Second by Council Member Willard. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none. It is approved. Madam Clerk, Mr. President, can my name be added? Actually, I'll move to add, we'll add all the MRSA's co-authors. Thank you.

at the top of page 25 we have item 41 motion m26287 by council member morale by request ratifying confirming and approving the mayor's apartment of damon laboeuf vice edward lavert jr as a member of the delgado albany plantation commission effective upon approval by the council of the city of new orleans for a term ending on june 30th 2029 the question that was received

Thank you. This is a motion to approve Damon LaBeouf as a member of the most unfortunately named commission in the city of New Orleans. I will move. Can I get a second? Second. Second by Council Member King. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? The motion passes.

We have item 42, motion M26288 by Councilmember Morrell by request, ratifying, confirming, and approving the mayor's appointment of Michael Carrigan, Vice Mark Coleman, as a member of the Delgado Albany Plantation Commission, effective upon approval by the Council of the City of New Orleans for a term ending on June 30, 2030. Question that was received.

Thank you. I will move. Can I get a second? Second by Councilmember King. All in favor? Any opposed? Hearing none is approved.

We have item 43, motion M26289 by Councilmember Morrell by request, ratifying, confirming, and approving the Mayor's reappointment of Charlie Richard as a member of the Delgado Albany Plantation Commission, effective upon approval by the City of New Orleans for a term ending on June 30, 2031. Question that was received.

Thank you. I will move. Second by Council Member King. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, it is approved.

At the top of page 26, we have item 27, motion M26294 by Councilmember King by request. Adding the President and Council as a signatory to the subrecipient agreement between the City of New Orleans and Community Foundation Realty, Inc. And authorizing the President and Council to sign the subrecipient agreement between the City of New Orleans and Community Foundation Realty, Inc.

Thank you, Madam.

We need to suspend rule 57.

I'll move. Second. All in favor? Any opposed? Hearing none, it is approved. That's a motion to add to the agenda now, right?

It's not added. We just suspended the move past committee. Council Member King could speak.

There you go, Council Member King.

I don't have anything. Okay. Second.

I'll second.

Morale. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Seven yays, no nays. Motion passes. Thank you.

At the bottom of the page we have item 45, motion M26295 by Councilmember Morrell requesting and authorizing the president of council to execute a sixth amendment to the professional service agreement between the City of New Orleans and Barstow, Houston, Copperman, Freeman, and Sever, LLC k26-505 extending the term for one year and increasing the maximum compensation payable under the agreement by 65 000 and b to execute a third amendment to the professional service agreement between the city council of new orleans and barcelona usain complement freeman and several llc k26-461 extending the term for one year An increase in the maximum compensation payable under the agreement by $275,000 in addition to foregoing any amendment authorized herein may contain such other provisions as may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purpose of this motion and to ensure the continuity of services.

Thank you, Madam Clerk, members. This simply authorizes the extension and continuation of civil contracts with the Barrasso, Euston, Cumberland, Freeman, and Sarver firm. As you know, they represent us in a variety of ongoing cases, most notably the litigation against the Wisner heirs, and we do not want an interruption of that representation. I will move.

Can I get a second? I have a comment. Yes, sir. I appreciate your bringing this forward. The fact that we are moving for increases in the compensation available to the firm reminds me that in the conducting of city business there are expenses that sometimes can't be avoided. It's a challenge to me to support increases for compensation for anyone while my employees and the employees of this office on the City Council office are under a furlough I hope that we can get from under that furlough as soon as possible but the increases that we see that others have asked for in certain areas I understand sometimes because costs go up I just hope that the public will be recognizing that the council makes certain sacrifices in certain areas, and one of those is that we are on the furlough right now, our entire staff, and I look forward to them being able to be compensated again in the near future the way they should be. Thank you.

All right. Thank you. So once again, I'll move. Second by Council Vice President Willard. All in favor? All right. Any opposed? Hearing none, it is approved.

Can we get a motion to go into executive session?

I will move. Can I get a second? Second. Second by Council Member King. All in favor? Any opposed? Hearing none, we're in executive session.

Hey, before we get started, I'm going to ask the members of the Buffalo Soldiers family team to come forward to this right here for this table.

Oh, uh-oh. Shoot. Do we have to officially do it that way?

To the table? Yeah, to the table. Oh, okay. Hey. Well, then, let's make sure. Yeah, I have to do something.

Council Member Green, we need to do a motion to reconvene first.

Can they just sit there? Can they just sit there and push us out?

Keller, ask him. Right here or over there?

Right here. He better get in there. All right, but you got a seat up here.

You want to come up and sit, yeah? All right. I'm going to catch this.

I'm going to catch this. Sit right there. Sit right there. Yeah. Excellent.

Good grandma.

Good grandma. It's amazing. Every time we only had a car. A few of us. No, we have too many.

You just walk on. One more.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

You look like you coached me.

that was so jimmy

I didn't think it was 20 of us. It's infinity. Well, next year we'll be 20 of us. My time over here?

Thank you

No. No.

No. 20 years. 20 years. 20 years. 20 years. 20 years.

20 years. 20 years.

20 years. 20 years. 20 years. 20 years. 20 years.

Okay, let's go.

We have you all ready.

Thank you.

As you're older, yellow, and seven or four brothers, don't do that. Don't do that. Your power, what's going to happen to you in practice?

I swear, when you've got five or four brothers, you're going to throw it. The little vote he had, one of them, they're like, oh, you're a five-year-old? No. Every white professor was like, that means you literally thought it was only you who lost your power. Now it's only you who still lost it. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

We can make a motion to reconvene.

I'll move, seconded by Councilmember Green. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, we are reconvened.

We can make a motion to go to ordinance on first read. Okay.

Aye.

ordinance on first reads ordinance calendar number 35 504 by council member harris by request an ordinance to authorize the mayor of the city of new orleans to enter into an agreement to grant a servitude and an adjacent property owner for encroachments honor over portions of public right-of-way located at the municipal address 145 roosevelt way to fix the minimum price in terms of said servitude agreement to declare that such use as granted in the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purpose nor shall such use interfere with the use of the public right-of-way to set forth the reasons for said servitude agreement and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. Ordinance calendar number 35,505 by council member Harris by request. An ordinance to authorize the mayor of the city of New Orleans to enter into an agreement to grant the servitude to an adjacent property for encroachments over portions of public right-of-way located at the municipal address 1525 Britannia Street. to fix the minimum price in terms of said servitude agreement to declare that such use is granted in the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purposes nor shall such use interfere with the use of the public right-of-way to set forth the reasons for said servitude agreement and otherwise to provide with respect or to ordinance calendar number 35506 by council member harris by request an ordinance to authorize the mayor of the city of new orleans to enter into an agreement to grant a servitude to an adjacent property owner for encroachments on or over portions of public right-of-way located at the municipal address 1010 gerrard street to fix the minimum price in terms of said servitude agreement to declare that such use as granted in the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purposes nor shall such use interfere with the use of the public right-of-way to set forth the reasons for said servitude agreement and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. Ordinance Calendar No. 35507 by Councilmember Harris by request. An ordinance to authorize the Mayor of the City of New Orleans to enter into an agreement to grant a servitude to an adjacent property owner for encroachments on or over portions of public right-of-way located at the Municipal Address 2816 St. Louis Street to fix the minimum price in terms of said servitude agreement to declare that such use as granted in the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purposes nor shall such use interfere with the use of the public right-of-way to set forth the reasons for said servitude agreement and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. Ordinance Calendar No. 35508 by Councilmember McCarran by Request An ordinance to authorize the Mayor of the City of New Orleans to enter into an agreement to grant a servitude to an adjacent property owner for encroachments on or over portions of public right-of-way located at the municipal address 6 Newcomb Boulevard to fix the minimum price in terms of said servitude agreement to declare that such use as granted in the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purposes nor shall such use interfere with the use of the public right of way to set forth the reasons for said servitude agreement and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. Ordinance calendar number 35,509 by Councilmember McCarran by request. An ordinance to authorize the Mayor of the City of New Orleans to enter into an agreement to grant a servitude to an adjacent property owner for encroachment, honor, or proportions of public right-of-way located at the municipal address 10 Newcomb. Boulevard to fix the minimum price of term of said servitude agreement to declare that such use is granted and the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purposes nor shall such use interfere with the use of the public right-of-way to set forth the reasons for said servitude agreement and otherwise to provide with respect or to. Ordinance calendar number 35,510 by Councilmember Green by request. An ordinance authorized the Mayor of the City of New Orleans to enter into an agreement to grant a servitude to an adjacent property owner for encroachment's honor over portions of public right-of-way located at the municipal address 1660 North Roman Street to fix the minimum price in terms of said servitude agreement to declare that such Uses granted in the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purposes nor shall such use interfere with the use of the public right-of-way to set forth the reasons for said servitude agreement and otherwise to provide with respect or two. Ordinance calendar number 35,511 by Councilmember King by request. An ordinance to authorize the Mayor of the City of New Orleans to enter into an agreement to grant a servitude to an adjacent property owner for encroachments on or over portions of public right-of-way located at the municipal address 221 Royal Street. To fix the minimum price and terms of said servitude agreement, to declare that such use as granted in the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purposes nor shall such use interfere with the use of the public right-of-way. to set forth the reasons for said servitude agreement and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. Ordinance calendar number 35,512 by council members Morrell and Hughes. An ordinance to amend and reordain article 19 of the comprehensive zoning ordinance. Ordinance number 4264 MCS as amended by ordinance number 26413 MCS. subsequent amendments to create a new interim zoning district to be named the data center interim zoning district the intent of which is prohibit the issuance of an occupational license and otherwise to permit the operation of data centers citywide and otherwise to provide with respect or to zoning docket number 3726 Ordinance calendar number 35,513 by council member King. An ordinance to amend and reordain articles 20 and 26 of a comprehensive zoning ordinance, ordinance number 4264 MCS as amended by ordinance number 26,413 MCS and subsequent amendments to add a new definition, park concession facility, and to add new on-site development standards for park concession facilities and otherwise provide with respect or to zoning docket number 4826. ORDINANCE CALENDAR NUMBER 35514 BY COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS. AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A CONDITION OF USE TO PERMIT A STANDARD RESTAURANT IN AN HUB 1 HISTORIC URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT, THE CPC CHARACTER PRESERVATION CORRIDOR DESIGN OVERLAY DISTRICT, AND THE MAGAZINE STREET USE RESTRICTION OVERLAY DISTRICT ON SQUARE 236, LOT 14, AND PART OF LOT 15 IN THE SIXTH MUNICIPAL DISTRICT FOUNDED BY MAGAZINE STREET, BARDOW STREET, CAMP STREET, AND LYON STREET. The municipal address is 4807 Magazine Street and otherwise supervised with respecter to zoning docket number 5226.

Ordinance calendar number 35,515 by council member Harris.

An ordinance to establish a conditional use to permit a commercial short-term rental in a C2 auto-oriented commercial district and the transient lodging interim zoning district on square 359 Latte in the first municipal district bounded by Reverend John Raphael Jr. Wade, Clio Street. Earhart Boulevard, Infrared Street. Municipal Addresses 1131-1133, Rev. John Raphael Jr. Way, and otherwise to provide with respecter to Zoning Docket No. 5326, Ordinance Calendar No. 35516 by Councilmember McCarran. An ordinance to establish a conditional use permit a commercial use office over 5,000 square feet in floor area in an SLB2 Lake Area Neighborhood Business District on square 22, lots 11 through 13, Holmdale Park Annex in the 2nd Municipal District, founded by Canal Street, Greenwood Street, Vicksburg Street, and Weblin Street. Municipal address, 5325 Canal Boulevard, and otherwise to provide with respect or to zoning docket number 5426. Announce calendar number 35,517 by Councilmember King. An ordinance to establish a conditional use permit a reception facility in HUB 1 historic urban neighborhood business district on square 766, lot 1 in the 3rd Municipal District, bounded by St. Bernard Avenue, North Durban Street, London Avenue, New Orleans Street, and North Roman Street. Municipal address 1701 saint bernard avenue and otherwise to provide with respect or two zoning docket number 5526 ordinance calendar number 35 518 by council member harris an ordinance to establish a conditional use permit a commercial short-term rental in a cbd2 historic commercial and mixed use district and the transient lodging interim zoning district on square 130 lots 14 and 15 in the first municipal district bounded by natchez street magazine street forger street and chapatula street municipal address 422 natchez street and otherwise to provide with respect or two zoning docket number 5626 ORDINANCE CALENDAR NUMBER 35519 BY COUNCILMEMBER KING. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND RE-ORDER IN ARTICLE 24 SECTION 24.13.G.3.D RETAIL FACILITIES IN THE VCS AND VCS1 DISTRICTS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE ORDINANCE NUMBER 4264 MCS AND AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NUMBER 26413 MCS AND SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS TO ALTER THE SIGNED REGULATIONS FOR RETAIL CENTERS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY A SINGLE ENTITY. not anchored by our major department stores, unified by a specific architectural theme and consisting of a major public or private space with more than 55,000 square feet of enclosed gross leaseable area devoted primarily to diverse retail, food, and entertainment facilities and otherwise provide with respect to Zoning Docket Number 5726. Ordinance calendar number 35,520 by council member McCarran. An ordinance to affect the zoning change from an HURD2 historic urban two-family residential district to an HUB1A historic urban neighborhood business district. and to grant a conditional use to permit a standard restaurant as defined in Section 22.6 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of New Orleans in the HUB1A Use Restriction Overlay District on Square 187, Lots 1, 2, and 3 in the 6th Municipal District, bounded by Octavia Street, Laurel Street, Constance Street, and Jefferson Avenue, municipal addresses 5430 through Laurel Street and 509 through 515 Octavia Street and otherwise to provide with respect or to zoning docket number 3026. Ordinance calendar number 35,521 by council members McCarran and Hughes. An ordinance to amend and redeem Chapter 159 of the Code of the City of New Orleans to establish a governance structure for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans including composition and role of the Board of Directors, regulations by the City Council, and related policies and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. Ordinance calendar number 35,522 by council members Harris, Morrell, Willard, McCarran, and Green by request. An ordinance to amend and ordain ordinance number 30,532 MCS entitled an ordinance providing a capital budget for the year 2026 to affect the following change to the 2026 capital budget to appropriate funds to the Chief Administrative Office, the Department of Parks and Parkways, the Department of Property Management, the Department of Public Works, the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board, the New Orleans Police Department, and the New Orleans Recreation Commission, and otherwise to provide with respect or two. Ordinance Calendar Number 35,523 by Councilmember Willard. An ordinance to amend and ordain Sections 2-61 and 2-62 of the Code of the City of New Orleans to provide relative to periodic reporting by the Police Department on drone usage and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. Ordinance calendar number 35,524 by Councilmember Willard. And ordinance to amend and reordain ordinance number 9650 MCS as amended by ordinance 11,152 MCS as amended and as amended by ordinance 28,033 MCS. relative to the dedication of capital funds for works of art to provide for 1% of all future appropriations for eligible capital projects to be dedicated to the acquisition of art, to modify the scope of eligible capital projects and to provide otherwise with respect thereto. That concludes the ordinances on first readings.

At the top of page 27, we have special orders of business. First order of business presentation, John Anderson, 9th Cavalry and 25th Infantry Regiment, Buffalo Soldiers of Louisiana, recognizing the 160th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers.

On today we celebrate in advance of July 28th, the 168th anniversary of the formation of the Buffalo Soldiers. The Buffalo Soldiers were formed in 1866 with six regiments. They later became known as the Buffalo Soldiers. In July of 1992, President George H. W. Bush issued Proclamation 6461, which designated July the 28th, next week, as an annual day of recognition for the Buffalo Soldiers. Today we have gentlemen and family members who are strongly supportive of continuing to recognize the work of the Buffalo Soldiers, which is a historic group that paved the way for others to participate in the military, but also in society. Their bravery was commended. They participated in numerous battles over, in fact, 200 operations. And also, a number of members have been accepted and have have received medals of honor. It's important for us to recognize history and to know that here in New Orleans, the 9th Cavalry Regiment, the first of the regiments to organize was formed in New Orleans, and the 25th Infantry Regiment was also organized in New Orleans and served at Jackson Barracks for a year. The Buffalo Soldiers are trailblazers. We should be proud, or we are proud, of the work that has been done over the centuries involving this organization. And as we celebrate the 160th year since the formation, I just want to thank you all and brought you before the city council so that my fellow members and the public could see you as we say thank you for continuing to share with us the history and the stories that make the Buffalo Soldiers what they are. So let's have a point person. Thank you. Let's go ahead. Go ahead. You start it. Go ahead.

I will. Okay. My name is Richard Keller. I'm also a member of the 9th Cavalry and 25th Infantry of Louisiana Buffalo Soldiers. And today, really, we're honoring this young man here, who was my father at the time, him and John Anderson and his wife that started this organization back in 06, 2006. And at that time and space, they came before the city council. They got a proclamation. They didn't get it the first time. They came back and they got it in 08, thanks to the help of Jackie Clarkson. It was pushed through, and we were given that day as Buffalo Soldier Day in the city of New Orleans. This outfit has continued to teach this history, to let the children know of this great city. what these members have done and what they can do to keep the city a viable place for education and to right a lot of wrongs that have happened. This outfit is in honor of Mr. Moses Williams, Troop L, the Buffalo Soldiers, who actually lived in Carrollton, Louisiana, which was the city of Carrollton. And for his bravery as a Buffalo soldier, he ended up being a sergeant, and his expertise were many. But at the same time, I would like to talk about my father, who actually was a World War II veteran and served as a Buffalo soldier during World War II. He got to Normandy four days after the invasion. He became deaf because he was in charge of an armory that bombarded for, he said, at least 45 days. There was no equipment actually given at that time and space for ear protection. So he came back really partially deaf. But he never spoke about it until years later. He left us know a lot of the things that he did in supplying the guys that you know as the Red Bull Express. You know, we work with a lot of Tuskegee Airmen. Like he said, it wasn't all about him. It was about freedom. And today we're still fighting for it. I'm here with a group of people that want to keep the legacy of these men and women who served our armed forces. And we're still looking for the recognition.

that we should get in this nation. Thank you for your father's service and also for keeping the legacy alive so that our young people, especially, but everyone can know the history of our contributions, especially African Americans, to the security of this nation. Can we introduce ourselves? I want you all to come a little bit closer to the microphone as you do it so that the public can hear it and just introduce yourselves starting left to right.

My name is Dennis Warren II, 9th Cavalry. Born and raised here in New Orleans. And for those who don't know, the 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers are actually born in Greenville, Louisiana, which is actually Audubon Park.

So if you walk out of the front door of Tulane University, straight across the street, that is where they were born. On that spot where there is a plaque. So if you'd like to visit it in Audubon Park, it's sitting right there, right up the walkway. Thank you for sharing that history.

Yes, sir. Good morning, I'm Barbara Anderson, co-founder of the organization back in 2006.

John Anderson, I'm one of the co-founders of the organization, and we started in 2006. I'm the president of the organization. We started this organization with my wife Barbara here, Mr. Keller here on the picture. He's passed away, but he's still with us. Let me say a little bit before I, just a little bit. We started this organization because the Buffalo Soldiers, as people know it, this is our history, Louisiana's history, it's New Orleans history. The induction center was over at St. James AME Church. These same guys fought in the Spanish-American War. My wife here, her great-great-grandfather, Lieutenant Lewis Barnett, he died in the Spanish-American War in Cuba. Our organization, we have done things in the community, we work in the community, we've clothed people, we've fed people, and basically I guess I want us to know that The history of the Buffalo Soldiers, or the legend of the Buffalo Soldiers, did not start in Texas. This is Louisiana's history. It's ours. New Orleans, it's ours. And the 9th Cavalry was the most decorated regiment in the history of our country, even today. Thank you for letting me speak. Thank you very much.

I'm Al Jackson from Treme. My great-great-grandfather was a part of the 73rd United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. And I'm proud to be as the Vice President of the Buffalo Soldiers 1925 along with Mr. Anderson and his wife and my brothers. Thank you very much.

My name is Omar Kashmir, and my great-great-grandfather was a private in the Civil War. Also, I think I'm one of the few people I've met, I have relatives that fought in every war. Captains, generals, majors. In the most important war, I have 12 relatives in the 1812 Society. If we'd have lost that battle in Chalmette, which was our uncle's land, the Billerys, We'd be all English today. You got to remember my quote. This is my quote, brother.

Well, thank you very much for that thought. But I just want to thank all of you all for being here today and continuing the discussion. I mean, a lot of people don't know about the Buffalo Soldiers, and it's because it's not taught, really, if you will, in school. But there needs to be more of the sharing of the history, because it's a history of which we can be proud. It says something special about New Orleans and about Louisiana. And I'm pleased to have you all here today as we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the formation of the Buffalo Soldiers.

council members would you like to add anything to the discussion good all right so i go ahead just i'd like to say one more thing i'm also a representative of the national conference of artists uh the last two weeks i've came here to city hall i think i put flyers in each one of your mailboxes i have yet to hear from you all So I'm here now and I'm not asking to hear from you all now. I just like to know that we're gonna do something here in September. We're bringing a national convention here up to Xavier University. and we would love to see some participation from the city.

All right, I think I confirmed with Charlie Johnson that I'll be a participant, and I'll talk to fellow council members, but thank you for mentioning that. Yes. Missed two members. Would you all quickly introduce yourself before we close out? Even though you're not at the table, everyone, the public should know that you're here.

Good morning, I'm glad for an opportunity. My name is Stanley Taylor. I am currently the commander of the DAP Chapter 15 here in New Orleans, and I'm also a third generation member of the military, and I have two family members on active duty right now.

Thank you. This is Montana. Oh, sorry. What did I say?

I was inducted earlier this year.

That's right.

And the history continues. My father was an original they called him Smokey Juniper. He was a paratrooper in World War II.

Smokey Juniper. Thank you all very much. I don't want you to leave. Oh,

Oh, okay, go ahead. Hi, my name is Al Grandois, an invited member of the Buffalo Soldiers, and my participation is also not only preserve historical context, but specifically the the historical and cultural relationships and connections between Haiti and New Orleans. I am of Haitian descent, first generation, born in America, and my connections to Haiti Historically, as my great-great-grandfather, eight generations separated, was a general who fought in the Haitian Revolution and is honored for his contributions in Haiti's independence. And so I am very delighted and welcome to be part of preserving this historical context and the relationships between Haiti and New Orleans within the context of Haiti. Thank you. Our shared history.

Thank you very much. And it's an honor for me to be here present today to celebrate with you all and to celebrate the history. I want you all to do me a favor. Don't leave. I want you to go to the front row and stay. We're going to take photos together with whatever council members can take photos. We're going to recognize the American Heart Association's Physician of the Year right now. But you all, I want you to be a part of that celebration. So please hang around, all right? Thank you.

Thank you. May I offer on behalf of the guys and ladies here to Councilman Willard our deepest condolences? Yes. Yes. I knew Prof from Clark High School. He taught me a lot of lessons. Thank you. I appreciate it.

We would like to thank you all for letting us come today. And, well, thank you for all of your support. You're welcome, sir. Thank you for what you do. Thank you guys for what y'all do for us. I say thank you, our council, for what you do for the city. You're welcome.

I'm going to take the photo right after. presentation of Dr. Ferdinand.

Second order of business presentation Dr. Keith Ferdinand recognizing local physician Dr. Keith Ferdinand who is named national physician of the year by the American Heart Association.

Did you all hear that title? The National Physician of the Year, right here in New Orleans, who has helped so many people, not only from the standpoint of health, but also as a social engineer, someone whose family is involved with making positive changes in our city. It just is important for us to recognize persons such as Dr. Ferdinand, who are heroes in their own right, but especially with the receipt of this national recognition. Dr. Keith Ferdinand, thank you for being here today. I have a proclamation for you. Oh, I didn't mention I have a proclamation for the Buffalo Soldiers too, but we'll talk about that. But Dr. Keith Ferdinand, congratulations on being the recipient of the American Heart Association's 2026 Physician of the Year Award. As a physician, educator, and mentor, we salute you for having spent decades advancing heart health, serving the New Orleans communities, and training future physicians at Tulane University medical school amongst the other tremendous accomplishments that you have shared with our fellow citizens. So congratulations to you and I'll ask you to introduce the young lady next to you and a few remarks.

Thank you, Councilman Green and other members of the Council. This is my wife, Dr. Daphne Ferdinand. And the reason I asked her to come up is not just because she's my spouse, but throughout my career, anything that I've done has been done in partnership with my wife. We started in the Ninth Ward with Heartbeats Life Center. Like many people in New Orleans, we lost everything in Katrina. but I returned from Emory University in Atlanta to come back to New Orleans to help this great city.

And we're so glad that you did, and you've made tremendous contributions. You've been through a lot, but it was great that you started in the Ninth Ward and, you know, your family maintained its ties to the, you can use names if you want. I don't know, sometimes people don't want their names mentioned. Tell me about your daughter.

Yeah, all members of my family, my parents, my late parents were great. My father was an army sergeant, both World War II and Korea, and he taught us discipline, get up, be on time, do your work, do your job. My mother was a teacher in the segregated school system here in New Orleans, and she fought for equal pay for the black teachers with their union before it was eventually disbanded after Katrina. My other brother is a writer, poet, activist, and Kenneth worked for the health department and the French market. My wife, Daphne, as I mentioned, has been working by my side in public health and direct service to the people. And my children are all very active. Rashida's here. She has the Sankofa Community Development Center in the Lower Ninth Ward. That's Rashida. Helping bring fresh fruits and foods and develop some of the wetlands not too far from where I grew up, same as recently. And I often state that New Orleans doesn't appreciate what it has. I've been around the world, been able to lecture in all the major continents, except Antarctica. I'm going to let that one go. And people will say, oh, you're an American. I say, yeah. I say, where you from? And I'll say, New Orleans. And whether it's the Great Wall of China or South Africa, Egypt, Greece, Australia, everybody knows New Orleans.

Absolutely. I tell people all the time how special New Orleans is. And being here today, recognizing the National Physician of the Year from the American Heart Association and all the decades that you've helped people and helped them with their health and with their adjustments and participation in society, it's greatly appreciated. Members, any comments?

I just appreciate everything you've done, Dr. Ferdinand. There's no one in the New Orleans community who's involved with not just community organization, but heart health, especially promoting health and healthy habits in the African American community has not met you or worked with you. And I do appreciate you pointing out how so special New Orleans is. Thank you.

I just want to thank you and congratulate you, Dr. Ferdinand. The City of New Orleans is blessed to have you as one of its residents, as a New Orleanian. So I want to thank you for everything that you've done, not only in our community, but for the entire world. And thank you for sharing the fruits of your family tree, because your daughter's doing amazing work. down in the Ninth Ward and so we're happy to have you in this special city and I just want to thank you and congratulate you again.

I would like to say one more thing, is that sometimes we are underwhelmed by our accomplishments in New Orleans. We talk about all the bad things, and I appreciate the fact that the council has taken time to try to not just uplift me, but the idea that a little boy from the Lower Ninth Ward would be named the National Physician of the Year. There are tens of thousands of doctors. Tens of thousands of doctors, and for the organization to recognize me, I really think is an appreciation for how we as a people have struggled and overcome here in New Orleans. It wasn't a nomination process. There were no letters of recommendation. I didn't call anybody, put in a good word for me. I'm going about my business and just got a call out of the blue. So when people from the outside can look at us and see what's good, hopefully we can see it in ourselves and strive to do better. All right, that was a great way to end this.

That was a great way to end this. That's the message. That's the message that we need to talk more in New Orleans. Thank you very much. Council Member McCarran.

I will say also, congratulations. It's an honor that you were, a great honor, I'm sure, to have this. My husband is a physician. I know how hard you all work. day in and day out taking care of people in your community. So congratulations. And also congratulations to the Buffalo Soldiers too. Thank you for your work on continuing to educate the next generation on the important history that you all bring to our city and to our state. So appreciate you guys as well.

Thank you very much. Council members, please join me for a photo. Buffalo Soldiers, hold one second. You're a little bit larger. We're going to take a photo right in front with Dr. Ferdinand, Mrs. Ferdinand, and Rashid, and everybody else who is associated with the family. And then we're kind of going to do a photo involving us all. Come on, Dr. Ferdinand. We're going to do it that way? Okay.

can we make a motion to adjourn i was trying to come