City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you.

All right, good morning, everyone. Can we ask everybody to take their seats? We have a brief pre-proclamation. Seth, I'm going to ask if you all want to come to the table really quick. All right, this morning, as we all know, we are on the cusp of commemorating the 21st anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and we have a group of individuals led by our brother Cess 4-5, the Hurricane Katrina Commemoration K-21 Committee, who has been doing some extraordinary work over the years. On behalf of our council president, he certainly apologizes that he's not here, he's en route, had some matters that came up this morning that he needed to handle. But the city council did want to acknowledge the extraordinary work, Seth, that you and all of you all are doing to commemorate the devastation, the challenges, of Hurricane Katrina and so I will give my colleagues the opportunity to say a few words. I'll start with Councilmember Green and then we'll go down the line. Before we do that, Cess, why don't we just let you say a couple brief words and tell us about your work and then we'll let the Councilmembers chime in.

So, of course, I want to thank this wonderful team that we have who work year in, year out on the particular work. Also, the Hip Hop Caucus, who is present, who always support the work of New Orleans and the New Orleans Katrina Commemoration. We appreciate the Council for all the support that y'all do, everything y'all have done in these past couple of years that We've been collaborating on this Katrina anniversary. I also look forward to the future work that we are doing in this city to recognize the Katrina anniversary. Of course, making it a city holiday is always good for the city workers of New Orleans. Our goal is to make it a state holiday so that the citizens get the day off as well. But that's some future work that we definitely want you guys to collaborate with us on in the future. But this great body of organizers, They do some diligent work to make sure that the citizens who lost their lives in 2005 don't be forgotten and also supporting the citizens who came back in 2005 and beyond to make sure that New Orleans is a great city to live in and one day with the work of us collaborating, it'll be a city that is striving for the citizens of New Orleans. And so we'll be here this year, next year, the next 10 years, the next 20 years, because we are dedicated for this work and we just appreciate you guys recognizing us for the work that we're doing.

Thank you, Susan. You know, you mentioned the city holiday. We do want to acknowledge Council President Morrell in his absence, who was the lead sponsor on making that a holiday. But we want to acknowledge this entire council for co-authoring that and making that become a reality. With that, Council Member Green.

Thank you very much, Seth and the Hip Hop Caucus and everyone who works hard to help us to remember Katrina. It's important to recognize that the work that you do, the many events that I attend, and thank you for those events, whether it be at the Lafitte Greenway, whether it be, you know, at different places throughout the city, help us to remember that 21 years later, we're still rebuilding in the city of New Orleans and that Hurricane Katrina still has a permanent impact in many respects on our city. It helps people who are hit hard to remember that there are those out there who are thinking about them all the time and also recognizes that the government still needs to do a lot to help us to recover from Katrina. My district includes a community, the Desire community, for example, the 9th Ward, which is still feeling significant effects of this storm. Helping us to remember helps to keep people strong as we rebuild. Thank you for the work and I look forward to celebrating with you for this 21st and for continuing years of observation.

Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Green. Our Council President has arrived, so we're going to let him take the lead on this presentation.

Thank you very much. I apologize for my tardiness. CESS, you and the Hip Hop Caucus have been fantastic, continuing each year to memorialize this tremendous, historic, tragic event that has affected really the trajectory of our city, and not just the city as far as its economic, but its socioeconomic, its cultural impact on the entire nation. I mean, when you look at what happened during Katrina and what was done to the city, and the lack of attention and effort that was done to bring people back that has shaped the federal response to every single disaster afterward though was a horrific tragic event that has deeply scarred our city So many other communities around the country have experienced a very different response to federal disasters because of that. I mean, even though Jimmy Carter created FEMA, FEMA was not up to the task of Katrina, and that led to people taking FEMA more seriously. With that being said, I think it's very interesting. When I talk to people, they go, well, we just did 20th. Why are we doing 21? I said, well, I want to have you look at it a different way. Every single child born during Katrina is now 21 years old. Think about that for a second. Though 18 is the age of majority, 21 is recognized not just by the government, but in our culture of really being that period where you fully become an adult, where Katrina has matured. And to that end, your remembrance, your celebration, Your acknowledgement of Katrina has matured over the years as well because I mean what one started is Where you started versus where you were this year and where you were last year has grown and matured every single year, and you've continued to provide new and different ways to memorialize this horrific event to all of us. So I look forward to Katrina 21. I mean, as much as one can look forward to Katrina Remembrance Day, having been through it, but it's just so important to teach generations, and I mean plural, generations of New Orleanians about the New Orleans that was pre-Katrina, versus the New Orleans that was post-Katrina. Because for many people in this generation, in this city, they don't know unless you tell them. Thank you.

Thank you, Seth, and to the entire Hip Hop Caucus. We all know that you may be the front man for everything, but you have a lot of great people working behind you who have your back and help amplify your work in the community. This morning when I was thinking about Hurricane Katrina, I was reminiscing on a community left behind. And really, as we talk about Katrina, it's two communities that were left behind. During the hurricane, you had everybody who could not escape the city of New Orleans. And as we know, over a thousand people died because of that. A lot of that was preventable tragedies and fatalities. But then on the flip side, as New Orleans started to rebuild, as people started to come back home, the Lower Ninth Ward was just like this place where, and it's still not back today, you know, and so in a lot of regards, that's still that forgotten community. Everybody up here is trying to do everything we can to uplift the Lower Nine in all of the city of New Orleans, but as I think about Hurricane Katrina, you know, the Lower Nine was one of the most devastated areas of our city, and still today you can see the residual impacts of Hurricane Katrina. So I want to thank you and everybody up here today for everything that y'all do in the city of New Orleans. And I really appreciate that you make the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina like a day of service, like you build up service-oriented activities throughout the city of New Orleans because when we think about Katrina, we should be thinking about that togetherness. how we joined hands, how we helped our brothers and sisters, how we helped complete strangers who became parts of our family. We're all bonded by that awful tragedy, but when we came out on the other side, it made us stronger. And we realize every day that we're even stronger when we're together. So thank you for amplifying that message, and thank you all for everything that y'all do for the city of New Orleans.

Good morning, everyone. I want to repeat what everyone said. Thank you all to Hip Hop Caucus. Thank you for taking the lead on this. I always have mixed emotions when it's the anniversary of Katrina. I lived it. I was 20 years old. I was like 19. Anyway, I was in my late 20s, early 20s, late teens, and I lived it. It was a trying time. I was in college and had to have my entire family, extended family, come up and live with me for weeks without any AC. My siblings had to go to school out there, uproot at the drop of a hat and move out there. Had to graduate high school in another city that they never called home, that there's no connection with in 21 years later. And not only did I live it, we all lived it, and we all are still living it. So the benchmark for the city is always pre-Katrina and post-Katrina. And just looking how the city has changed, some for the better, some so not much for the better. And it's kind of a taboo topic to talk about. But I think it's something that we need to realize and talk about so it doesn't happen again. I'm just thinking of all of those schools that we no longer have. Just over on the West Bank, you had, I wrote them down, William Fisher, Murray Henderson, McDonough 32, All Saints, Baby Ben, Old Prairie Walker, all these schools in history and tradition that's gone. And if you all don't keep reminding us about it, or help remind us about it, we'll lose it forever. Look on the East Bank. Frederick Douglass is now gone. Why is Douglass gone? Because the Bywater is no longer the same after Katrina. The Lower Nine doesn't have a high school post-Katrina. So these are things that we are still living. It may be 21 years later, so sometimes, not maybe, it is 21 years later, so sometimes we forget what we lost, and it's up to Not up to, but thank you all for reminding us what we lost. All the people and neighbors like Tremé and said Tremé has changed. a lot since Katrina. The neighbors are different. The schools are different. The culture is different. It's eroding. And I just appreciate you all for keeping it on our minds so we don't forget. And if you forget, you're bound to repeat the same mistakes. So I appreciate it. And again, thank you for all that you all do. Thank you for what you all do, not just Katrina, but with the whole culture bearers of the city. Thank you.

I want to thank you and your team, and I'm not going to repeat what everyone said, but, you know, I think by making us remember, we're keeping everything in the front of our minds. The people who haven't come back yet, who want to come back. The housing stock that was destroyed during Katrina. The lives that were destroyed during Katrina. The economy that was broken because of Katrina. So you keep that all in the front of our minds, and I just want to thank you for that, because we need to We need to get back there. We need to get back to a place of community, a place of helping one another. I think we haven't rebounded that yet. And with your help, I think we will. So just thank you. Thank you to your team for everything that you've done.

thank you so much for being here and like everybody else said and councilmember king i think we're the same age so we were probably depending on your birthday we were either 20 or 21 during katrina when that happened and like you all and like many of us here you know i lost everything too and my family had some struggles to get back here but it's organizations like you it's always hard on this You know, the month of August really and going into September is always hard for me. I know it's hard for everybody in our community, but it's organizations like you all that are lifting it up and reminding us of how far we've come, but also holding us accountable and saying we still have a lot of work to do. And that's, I think, the most important part is to always remember where we started and then where we have to go from here so i really appreciate you all for being here i know it's always a hard week these next few weeks but i appreciate all your efforts and i look forward to working with you

Thank you so much for being here today. I know that as we enter next week, there is going to be a lot more attention on the event, but as members have highlighted, it is so important to us that you guys really do this year round. You have a wonderful gala, you have a bunch of support activities, and anything this council can do to support what you're doing, your mission, every single year. I know that for as long as I'll be here, I'll continue to work with y'all to make sure that Katrina remains a holiday. I'm sure that many of my colleagues will continue to do that as well because it is so important that everyone have the space to process what happened 21 years ago. So thank y'all for being here today. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We're going to come on down and take a picture with y'all, so just wait up for one second. Just stay where you are. We're going to stand behind you. Okay. All right, ladies and gentlemen, we're going to get started. Madam Clerk, you can begin with the roll.

Roll call. Council President Monroe. Here. Vice President Woodward. Here. Council Member McCarran. Here. Council Member Harris. Here. Council Member King. Here. Council Member Green. Here. Council Member Hughes. Here. We have seven members. We have a courtroom.

Thank you. First, we'll begin with the invocation by Dr. Torrance Sanders.

May we all bow our heads for a word of prayer. Gracious and everlasting God, we pause now to first say thank you. We thank you for this day that you have made. We rejoice and we are glad therein. God, we also thank you for this wisdom that you've given us. We pray, God, that you would bless this council as they gather to consider the matters of this city. Grant them your grace and your mercy. And most of all, God, we pray for the least of these among us, that as we seek the welfare of this city, that, God, that you would grant this council everything that they need to make wise decisions, dear Father God, that those, dear Father God, who stand in need would receive everything that they need. We pray, God, that you would bless their families, that you would bless the staff, that you would bless all the members of this great city. And, Lord God, we will be careful at the end of it all to give your name all the praise, the honor, and the glory. It's in your mighty, marvelous, and matchless name we pray. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Thank you, Dr. Sanders. Next up, we'll have the Pledge of Allegiance by Council Member Jason Hughes. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, All right, Madam Clerk, you're up.

At the top of page one, we have consent agenda. We have a communication from Erin Spears. This may be received. We have a communication from Jennifer Vagno. This may be received. We have a communication from Chelsea Richard Napoleon. This may be received. We have a communication from Brian McNamara. This may be received and referred to the Government Affairs Committee. We have a communication from Charles Anderson, 906 Phillips Street. This may be received. We have a communication from Hannah Chaffetz. This may be received. We have a communication from Sierra Green, 111 Chapitula Street. This may be received. Hearing date, 8-20-26. We have a reporter, Robert D. Rivers. This may be received. Hearing date, 9-3-26. We have a reporter, Cassandra B. Roberts. This may be received. We have a report of Danielle Berger, this may be received. We have a report of Yvette Jett, 906 Phillips Street, this may be received. We have a report of Eleanor Burke, 111 Chapitula Street, this may be received. We have Ordinance Calendar 35512 by Councilmembers Morrell and Hughes, zoning docket 3726. we have ordinance calendar 35 513 by council member king articles 20 and 26 zoning docket 4826 we have ordinance calendar 35 514 by council member harris municipal address 4807 magazine street zoning docket 5226 We have Ordinance Calendar 35,516 by Councilmember McCarran, Municipal Address 5325, Connell Boulevard, Zoning Docket 5426. We have Ordinance Calendar 35,517 by Councilmember King, Municipal Address 1701, St. Bernard Avenue, Zoning Docket 5526. We have Ordinance Calendar 35,519 by Councilmember King, Zoning Docket 5726. we have motion m26 326 by council member green by request the question that was received the governmental affairs committee recommended approval we have motion m26 327 by council member green by request question has received governmental affairs committee recommended approval we have motion m26 328 by council member green by request this motion is being moved to the regular agenda and being withdrawn we have motion m26 329 by council member harris by request question that was received governmental affairs committee recommended approval well motion m26 330 by council member hughes by request question that was received governmental affairs committee recommended approval well motion m26 331 by council member hughes by request question that was received governmental affairs committee recommended approval well motion m26 332 by council member green by request question that was received governmental affairs committee We have motion M26333 by Councilmember Green by request. Question as received. Governmental Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have motion M26334 by Councilmember Harris by request. This motion is being moved to the regular agenda. Question as received. Governmental Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have motion M26335 by Councilmember King by request. This motion is being moved to the regular agenda. The regular agenda question has received Government Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have motion M26336 by Councilmember King by request. Question has received Government Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have motion M26337 by Councilmember McCarran by request. Question has received Government Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have motion M26338 by Councilmember Green by request. Question has received Government Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have motion M26339 by Councilmember Willard by request. Question as received, Government Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have motion M26341 by Councilmember McCarran. Question as received, Government Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have M26342 by Councilmember McCarran. Questionnaires received. Governmental Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have motion M26343 by Councilmember Morrell by request. Questionnaires received. Governmental Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have motion M26345 by Councilmember Morrell. We have resolution R26346 by Councilmember Morrell. Governmental Affairs Committee recommended approval. We have resolution R26347 by Councilmember Morrell. Governmental Affairs Committee recommended approval. well motion m26 348 by council member harris question has received government affairs committee recommended approval well motion m26 349 by council members king morale mccarron green and hughes by request government affairs committee recommended approval this is all matters on consent all right we have several comment cards first we have dan feliciano

And Mr. Siano, you have commentary on several items, but typically we consolidate those. How many of these cards are yours?

Good morning, and thank you very much for having me today. I was actually just going to provide some commentary about what I was talking about before with Benjamin Edwards and just read the factual basis of what happened and a tale of corruption at the sewage and water board. And it's actually an official government document. If you just want to keep it down to two minutes for one, I can understand that. But let's go. Let me pick out. So what happened here, and two minutes. Two minutes is really too short. I remember it used to be three minutes. How did we whittle down the public commentary so much? I mean, only the sinless can judge. I get it. But really, we whittled down the public commentary to two minutes? I don't want to waste all the time on that. Thank you very much. Anyways, so the entire part of why I found that Pastor Benjamin Edwards, the head of the sewage and water board for many, many years, was such a fascinating story was because he had this corporation that he formed and his brother actually ran it and they did a whole bunch of contracting for the Katrina incident afterwards to inspect all the lines, to inspect all the levees. And the greatest part about this was, in order to get some of these, like, contracts, which he would attempt to bill $120 for, settle that $90, but only paid, like, $20 per worker for. One of the greatest schemes ever. He actually used kickbacks that went through church donations. And one other thing was... Benjamin L. Edwards Sr. agrees that not all this donated money was used for scholarship donations. This is repeated several times through the indictment and the official agreement. Now, this man has served his time. He got his pardon. He did his time. He had clemency from President Biden. So I'm not trying to disparage this man or anything like that. But for each of the sewage and water boards heads that are coming in, it would be very, very good for them to remember, at least hear one citizen voice to know that there's something going on at the sewage and water board. There's something really going on at the Board of Liquidation. And I think it has to go with contracts and bonds that go all the way back to the 14th Amendment. So, like I said, this is a fresh start for New Orleans. Everybody's hands are clean in equity, all that good stuff. God bless you all.

There are people who are going to be watching this.

Yeah, we hear you, Dan. I think it's part of the reason why we said before we, as we take it over, we want the auditor to go in and look at it. So we don't typically do a back and forth. I'll give you a quick overview. The reason why we selected the legislative order was twofold. One, since the sewage and water board is still a state subdivision, they are required to open all and any records to the legislative auditor. A typical auditor, when they go in, There can be arguments of confidentiality or that certain documents should not be allowed in their purview. The auditor as a quasi law enforcement agency can literally look at every single book they want and they cannot conceal anything from them. The second issue is To be honest, we are in a tremendous budget crisis. The legislative auditor charges the state rate for auditors, not the going rate for auditors, which is substantially less. So if there are significant irregularities that need us to do a deeper dive, we'll consider a third party at that time. But right now, we're looking at who has the most oversight and can look at the books with the most scrutiny. and who we could afford to go in to give that deep dive and get a dedicated auditor looking into it on an ongoing basis. So that was the logic for now of the legislative auditor. What's that? If we discover significant financial irregularities that require a deeper dive, at that point we'd probably consider a third party to do a deeper dig. We really appreciate you being here today. Appreciate your look at this issue. Thank you.

I'd like to note for the record that Mr. Edwards was a board member and not the executive director of the Sewage and Water Board. And the council is involved with the appointing of board members, and we're taking it very seriously. But we will certainly be looking at everything, including the actions of board members. Thank you very much. Thank you. He was a board member and not the executive director. Thank you. I just wanted to confirm that for the public. Thank you.

Thank you. All right, I think those are the only comments we have on the consent agenda. I will move on the consent agenda. Second by Councilmember King. All in favor? Aye. All right. All yays, no nays. The motion passes.

if you're looking at this to see what i do next council members we have substitute motions for m26 330 we have a substitute motion for m26 334 by council member I'll skip over to M26335 by Councilmember King by request. Confirming the Mayor's appointment of Kimberly Thomas, Vice Marie Shoals as a member of the Soudan Water Board of Directors for a four-year term beginning on the date this instrument is adopted and ending on June 30, 2030 in accordance with City Code 159-3. We need the vote to receive.

I'll move to receive. Second. Second by Councilmember King. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, all yays, no nays.

We need the vote to add.

I'll move. Second by Councilmember King. All in favor? Aye. Any nays? Hearing none, all yays, no nays.

335. And we need to vote on the instrument.

So moved. Second. Moved by me, Council Member King, seconded by Council President Morrell. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Six yays, no nays. Thank you.

I'll be handling the next item for Council Member Harris. Go ahead, Madam Clerk. Add my name to it.

I'm going to re-read motion M26-335, Interrected. It's in accordance with City Code 159-3, the Mayor's appointment of Kimberly Thomas, representing District C, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Susan Water Board, confirmed for a four-year term beginning on the date of this instrument and then on June 30, 2030. And then we have motion M26-334, Substitute. Confirming the appointment of Jonathan Stewart representing District B as a member of the Board of Directors for the Sujan Water Board beginning on the date of this instrument, the adoption of the date of this instrument and ending on June 30, 2013. We need the vote to receive.

I'll move. Second by Council Vice President Willard. All in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed? Hearing none, six yays, no nays.

We need the vote to add.

I'll move to add. Council Vice President Willard seconds. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing no, opposed. All yays, no nays.

And we need the vote. Adding Council Member Murrell to this motion, we need the vote as adopted.

I will move. Seconded by Council Vice President Willard. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, six yays, no nays. It is approved.

regular agenda we have a legislative group in hdlc of sierra green requesting to appeal the historic district landmark commission decision of denial of the retention of paint masonry that was previously unpainted at a contributing rated four-story commercial building without a certificate of appropriateness for the property loaded located at 111 chapatula street We have motion M26350 by Councilmember Willett granting the applicant's request for 111 Chapitula Street and reversing the HDLC decision.

Thank you HDLC.

Staff was informed by the applicant that a mural had been commissioned for the rear of the building after the fact. The applicant is requesting retention as the mural was painted by an artist on a blank wall of the building. Typically the HDLC does not approve painting over unpainted masonry. The guidelines state that painting unpainted masonry can alter the visual character of the building, obscure craftsmanship of the masonry, and should not be on street-facing elevations or elevations with windows or doors. However, in this case, the mural was painted on a non-street-facing elevation that has no openings. Further, the exposed brick on this elevation is a different color than the rest of the street-facing, more decorative elevations and is likely not the original masonry. Sanborn map research confirmed that this wall was likely a party wall and not originally exposed. As the mural does not harm the architectural characteristics of the masonry on this elevation, staff had recommended approval of the retention.

Thank you. And then we have a comment card from Sierra Green. Sierra, you have two minutes.

Okay. Hi, my name is Sierra Green. I own a boutique marketing agency here in New Orleans, and one of my clients this summer was the X Games. During preparations for the event, I was asked if I could help find a wall for risk. A renowned muralist who was born and raised here in New Orleans and wanted to create something for his hometown. The request came together quickly, so I called a client who connected me with a building owner. We received permission to use the wall, and based on publicly available information surrounding the New Orleans mural project, we believe that the artist was clear to begin beautifying the wall. There was no advertisement or commercial message, just an abstract painting with beautiful butterflies. It wasn't until after the mural was completed that we learned that the building was considered historic. Importantly, the specific wall risk painted was primarily made of newer brick. this was not a situation where anyone knowingly chose to alter a historic building once we learned additional approval was required we immediately began trying to correct the mistake the artist should not be punished for the information he was given a mural of the scale by risk would normally be valued at around a hundred thousand dollars yet he was not paid he simply wanted to give a gift to the city that launched his career which allows him to paint all over the world which is why he's not here right now i hope you'll consider

the spirit in which this mural was created the cultural value it brings to New Orleans and allow risk to keep the gift in his hometown to remain thank you thank you Sierra members as Sierra said this artist acted in good faith mistakenly believing that all necessary clearances were in place based on local mural project guidance before he actually began the work. Also important to note that this artist wasn't paid. He wanted to do this as a gift to his hometown, a city that he loves, in coordination with the X Games. HDLC said on their own words that the mural was a generous gift to the city and the certificate of appropriateness could have been approved at the staff level if the artist would have known to apply before the work actually started. So what we're doing today is to allow this beautiful mural to stay up. I want to thank Sierra for working this all the way through. I want to thank Councilmember Harris for working with my office on this and the HDLC for helping out with this. Any questions or comments from the dais?

I just have a simple question. Councilmember Harris, this is her district. Is she supportive? Yes. Okay.

All right. With that, I'll move adoption. Can I get seconded by Council President Morrell? Wait, I think we're supposed to... There we go. All in favor vote yes. All right. Six yays, zero nays. The motion is adopted.

At the top of page 16, we have item 2, zoning docket 5026 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. Item 3, zoning docket 5926 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. At the top of page 17, item 4, legislative group and zoning docket 6326 and motion line over M26318 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. At the top of page 18, item 5, zoning docket 6626 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. Zoning docket 6726 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. Zoning docket 6826 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. At the top of page 19, Item 8, Zoning Docket 6926 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. Item 9, Zoning Docket 7026 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. At the top of page 20, Item 10, Zoning Docket 7126 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. At the bottom of the page, Item 11, Legislative Group and Zoning Docket 7226, City Council Motion M26177. requesting to amend article 5 to allow the inclusion of new structures as part of the adaptive reuse of an existing industrial commercial or institution institutional structure within a planned development and to make recommendations of any other amendments deemed necessary the proposed tax amendment would apply citywide the recommendation of the cpc being for approval we have motion m20 351 by Council Member McCarran, granting the applicant's request for zoning docket 7226. Thank you. CPC?

Good morning. This is a motion that is essentially asking that the zoning ordinance explicitly state that planned developments employing adaptive reuse of existing structures are not limited to only existing structures. They may also have new construction elements, either through the expansion of an existing building or through the construction of entirely new buildings. This would provide a clear path forward for developers looking to restore the original footprints of any given historic site or to expand on them in a manner that is appropriate and referential to the current and pre-existing structures on the property. CPC recommended approval of the proposed tax amendment with an added recommendation to add language ensuring that any new construction as part of an adaptive or used plan development shall be designed so that the new structures in addition do not overwhelm or undermine the design identity of the original structures on the site.

Thank you. Members, as CPC said, the current language in Article 5 of the CZO does not contemplate the addition of new structures as part of adaptive reuse of existing structures in a planned development. So under current rules, a developer couldn't add an unattached new structure as a separate building to the project while keeping a planned development designation. I see the potential of redeveloping significantly large vacant properties in all districts, which may sometimes require new unattached structures. This text amendment request stems from the redevelopment of the former Poor Clare Monastery on Henry Clay. I appreciate CPC's tweaking city planning's tweak to require any new construction to match the design identity of the existing site. This change will open up will open and create more opportunity to adaptively reuse existing large structures spurring economic development and it does not touch the existing neighborhood notification process so the public must still be involved in these new projects if there's any questions okay with that i move to approve motion m26351 seconded by councilmember hughes vote your machines that are working all right six yeas, no nays. Thank you.

At the top of page 21, we have item 12, legislative group and ordinance calendar 34,385, along with motions lying over M23-426 and M23-427 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. When we're done with that, we're going to the next one. Item 13, Ordinance Calendar 35117 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. We have Ordinance Calendar 35384 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. We have Ordinance Calendar 35495 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3. Councilmembers, we have a motion under suspension M26354. a motion authorized i mean adding a council president as a signatory and authorizing the council president to sign the professional agreement sir the professional service agreement between the city of new orleans and fishman haygood llp we need the vote to receive i'll move

Second by Councilmember King. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, six yays, no nays.

We need the vote to add.

I'll move. Second by Councilmember King. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, six yays, no nays.

We could discuss the matter.

I think there are individuals from the law department here to speak on this one. There they are. Come on down.

Morning. Morning.

Why don't you give us an overview of what we're voting on today?

Sure. Good morning. Gwyneth O'Neill, senior chief deputy city attorney, and Brenda McNamara from the law department. This is part of a broader effort of the law department to actually look for ways in which the city can file offensive litigation to recoup funds that we believe the city may be owed. And so this case, specifically, without discussing specifics of the litigation. It's an anticipated antitrust action to recover funds due to the increasing prices of fire apparatus equipment. And so there is a multi-district litigation matter that's pending that it's anticipated we likely would file in state.

And this is, I think that for those in the public who've been watching, this is the Baton Rouge fire vehicle lawsuit, right? It's related to that.

It's another claim. Baton Rouge has a separate claim, but it's a related type of claim.

Right. So if you're looking for the details, if you look at the Baton Rouge suit, it's very similar.

That's correct, and it's the same firm that John Bel Edwards, former governor, is a member of that met with Baton Rouge, has met with us as well. It's a contingency agreement, so the city has no out-of-pocket expenses unless and until there is... Let's hit that again for the public.

The contingency fee agreement, if the lawyers fail to recover the money from these companies and lose this lawsuit, the city is not at risk?

Correct.

all right are there any questions from the dice hearing none i will move second by council member hughes all in favor any opposed hearing on six years no nays it is approved thank you very much

On page 23 we have item 16, ordinance calendar 35504 by council member Harris by request. An ordinance authorizes 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 owner 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 public right of way to set forth the reasons for said servitude and otherwise to provide respect thereto.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. This is one of several servitudes that are in District B that will actually gain us a little bit of money. The servitude will generate an annual revenue payment of over $11,000, subject to a 15% increase every five years. With that, I will move. I need a second. Seconded by Council President Morrell. All in favor? Aye. Seven ayes. Thank you.

item 17 we have ordinance calendar 35 505 by council member harris by request an ordinance authorized the matter city of new orleans to enter into an agreement to grant a servitude to an adjacent property owner for encroachments on the oval portions of public right-of-way located at municipal address 1525 pertain street to fix the minimum price in terms of their servitude agreement to declare that such use is granted in the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purpose, nor shall such use interfere with the use of public right of way to set forth reasons for state servitude, and otherwise to provide respect thereto.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. I will move. Can I get a second? Seconded by Councilmember King. All in favor? Aye. Seven yays. Seven, yes.

All right. At the top of page 24, we have item 18, ordinance calendar 35,506 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 and over the portions of public right-of-way located at the municipal address 1010 Girard Street to fix the minimum price in terms of state servitude to declare the 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 public right of way to set forth reasons for their servitude and otherwise to provide respect thereto.

Thank you Madam Clerk. I'll move. Can I get a second? Second. Seconded by Councilmember King. All in favor? Aye.

We have Ordinance Calendar 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 encroachment to owner over portions of public right of way located at the municipal address 2816 St. Louis Street. to fix the minimum price in terms of the 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 public right of way to set forth reasons for the servitude and otherwise to provide respect thereto.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. I'll move. I believe that Council Vice President Willard seconded on the machine. All in favor?

Aye.

Seven yays.

Where does it show he's sucking this?

item 20 ordinance calendar 35 508 by council member mccarran by request an ordinance to authorize the matter city of new orleans sent to an agreement to grant a servitude to an adjacent property owner for encroachments on the over portions of public right-of-way located at municipal address 6 newcomb boulevard to fix the minimum price of terms of their servitude to declare that such use is granted in the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purpose, nor shall such use interfere with the use of public right-of-way to set forth reasons for stated servitude and otherwise to provide respect thereto.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. This is another servitude in District A. It is $1,600 annually. With that, I will move. Seconded by Councilmember Willard. Vote your machine. seven yeas, no nays. Thank you.

At the top of page 25, we have ordinance calendar 35,509 by Councilmember McCarran by request and ordinance to authorize the Mayor of the City of New Orleans to intend to an agreement to grant a servitude to an adjacent property owner for encroachments on the over portions of public right of way located at the municipal address 10 Newcomb Boulevard to fix To fix the minimum price of terms of state servitude agreement to declare that such use is granted in the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is neither needed for public purpose nor shall such use interfere with the use of public right-of-way to set forth reasons of state servitude and otherwise to provide respect thereto.

Members, another servitude 870 annual, I've moved, seconded by Councilmember Hughes. Vote your machines.

7 yeas, no nays. We have ordinance calendar 35,510 by Councilmember Green by request and ordinance to authorize the Mayor of the City of New Orleans to intend to 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 1660 North Roman Street to fix them and reprice the terms of the servitude agreement to declare that such use is granted and the servitude agreement will incorporate space that is either needed for public This ordinance grants the

authorizes the city to grant the Black School Incorporated a servitude of approximately 140 square feet on the public right-of-way at 1660 North Roman and to accommodate a fence encroachment. The Black School will pay the city $440 annually with a 15% increase every five years and the servitude remains subject to continued public use of the right-of-way. I move for approval. Seconded by Councilmember Willard. All in favor? All in favor? Seven yays, no nays. I don't know about this rule.

We have item 23, ordinance calendar 35,511 by council member King by request. An ordinance authorizes 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 the oval portions of public right-of-way located at municipal address 221 Royal Street. To fix the minimum price of said terms to terms of the 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 public right of way to set forth reasons that say it's servitude and otherwise to provide respect there too.

Thank you Madam Clerk. I move second by Council Member Hughes. Voting machines please. 78 is no nays. Thank you.

At the top of page 26, we have item 24, ordinance calendar 35,515 by Councilmember Harris, an ordinance to establish a conditional use to permit a commercial short-term rental in a C2 auto-oriented commercial district in a transient lodge and interim zoning district on square 359 lot C in the first municipal district bounded by Reverend John Raphael Jr. Way, Clio Street, Elkhart Boulevard, and Ferret Street municipal address.

1131 through 33 reverend john raphael jr wait and otherwise to provide respect there's two zoning docket 5326 councilmember morrell voting me on motion m26 279. thank you madam clerk these next two are commercial short-term rentals that we approved these are just the ordinances that would finalize the approval of those minus council president morrell i've moved second in by Someone. Second. By Willard. All in favor? Six yays, one nay.

You got a spool up for everything.

It's bizarre. Yeah, I know.

Item 25, we have Ordinance Calendar 35518 by Councilmember Harris. An ordinance to establish a conditional use to permit a commercial short-term rental in a CBD-2 historic commercial and mixed-use district. in the transient lodging interim zoning district on squares 130 lots 14 and 15 in the first municipal district bounded by natchez street magazine street cauldron street and chapatula street municipal address 422 natchez street and otherwise supervise respects their two zoning docket 5626 council member morale voting a on motion m26 280. thank you madam clerk i've moved seconded by council vice president willard

five years and one day.

at the top of page 27 we have item 26 legislative grouping ordinance thank you on this calendar 35 520 by council member mccarron an ordinance to affect the zoning change from an hu rd to his third urban two-family residential district to an hub1a historic urban neighborhood business district to grant a conditional use to permit a standard restaurant as defined in section 26.6 of the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the city of new orleans and an hub1a use restriction overlay district on square 187 lots one two and three in the sixth municipal district bounded by octavia street laurel street constant street and jefferson avenue municipal address 5433 laurel street and 509 through 515 Octavia Street and otherwise supervised respects thereto zoning document 3026. There is an amendment to ordinance calendar 35520 by Councilmember McCarran. An amendment to calendar 35520 to remove all legal impermissible parking provisos and otherwise supervised respects thereto.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. This amendment removes a proviso the law department found legally impermissible. The city cannot enforce employee parking within three blocks of the restaurant, so we must remove the proviso from the ordinance. I just want to be clear that nothing else is changing. The hours remain 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the other provisos agreed upon previously by neighbors and Cafe Malou remain. So I will move on the amendment, right? Seconded by Councilmember Willard, vote your machines. Five yays, six yays, no nays. And then a motion to approve the amended, seconded by Councilmember Harris. All those in favor, vote your machines. Six yays, no nays.

Thank you. At the bottom of the page, we have Item 27, Ordinance Calendar 35528 by Councilmembers Morrell, Wheeler, McCarran, Harris, King, Green, and Hughes. An ordinance to amend Ordinance 30530 MCS as amended in title. An ordinance providing an operating budget of revenues for the City of New Orleans for the year 2026. to appropriate funds to the Office of Community Development for the Right to Counsel program to provide legal counsel to residential tenants facing eviction proceedings within the City of New Orleans and to provide housing-related advocacy for tenants in New Orleans and otherwise to provide respect thereto.

Thank you. We have a couple of speakers. I think we'll go with them first. First, we have Monique Blossom. Followed by Suzanne Johnson. I'm sorry, not speaking. She's in support. Followed by Y. Frank Southall. Go ahead, Monique.

Good morning. Monique Blossom, Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center. I want to thank the full city council for authoring this ordinance to fulfill the budget promise. for right to counsel for 2026. I always say that the program speaks for itself, both in the results that we see for our clients and the data that Jane Place collects monitoring eviction court. I call it a gold star program, five stars, A++. You know, we're certainly getting the services that you're funding. The Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center has proudly provided cost-free eviction defense services to those who do not qualify for SLLS's services. So that's going to be if their income level is a little bit over the minimum or are undocumented community. And we see over and over that tenants are just one missed day of work. um of paid work or a normal but disruptive life event like a car accident a sick kid a death in the family we've even had clients that were advised not to go to work in fear of ice raids and so this is the kind of thing that any of us can come across because a lot of times life gets disruptive and interferes financially it also corrects an imbalance in eviction court No one would go to court without representation. We know that the odds are stacked against you. And right to counsel corrects that imbalance and weighs things more evenly so it's not always weighed in favor of the landlords. and the program benefits from truly dedicated staff and attorneys that go well beyond their job description and pay grade to provide the best absolute services possible for the clients so looking for to the 2027 budget I look forward to continuing our discussions and remembering how effective and important this program is thank you thank you Monique next up we have why Frank Southall

Good morning, everyone. I'm White Frank Salford, Organizing Community Engagement Manager at Jane Place. I'm grateful and filled with joy that you all have collectively decided to continue funding Right to Counsel for the remainder of 2026. This program is the critical lifeline and necessary aspect to fight against homelessness displacement, and slumlords in our city. We know from our work that in Orleans Parish, over 85% of all tenants facing eviction are Black. Over 55% of all tenants as a subsection are Black women. This makes evictions an inherent issue of race, gender, class, and power. To not intervene in the eviction machine is to effectively co-sign onto evicting Black children and Black elders. So thank you for addressing the status quo, interrupting the machine, and leveling the power dynamics. Ongoing, we know that challenges remain down the road. If we look to administrative values defined by our city leaders that have come before us, we can ensure direct council is properly funded. Integrity, transparency, teamwork, responsiveness, innovation, diversity, and inclusion. And to quote, we seek a city where all people, irrespective of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, share opportunity, responsibility, risk and reward, political power, and economic prosperity. This is the core aspect of right to counsel, ensuring that we're leveling the playing field. Tenants with representation are receiving consent agreements in ways that they weren't before the pandemic. First, this is keeping evictions off records, and this enables tenants to find decent housing and not be forced into slum or housing owned by certain people whose names rhyme with Runo, Bussell, and Dober. We all know who these people are. But this is a lifesaver for tenants. So again, thank you so much for taking the responsibility, doing the right thing as representatives of our people. And we look forward to Wright Council being comprehensive funding for 2027, 2020, and beyond. God bless you all. Thank you. Thank you. Councilman Green?

Yes, I wanted to just point out and thank the members of the New Orleans City Council when the President and the Vice President sent me a message saying that asking would I support funding for the right to council from the monies that have been recovered from Habitat for Humanity. quickly agreed because I certainly recognize the importance of providing support and representation to those who are involved with our system that involves sometimes them being evicted from properties. I do want to mention, while in the midst of this celebration of a good thing, I can't help but reflect on my disappointment with Habitat for Humanity in terms of them not contacting tenants in their units to determine if there was some way that we could have worked with them to maybe to help them to avoid some of the rent increases that happened because of their sales of properties and also whether we could have worked with those tenants to help them to own some of those properties. But the good side is that Right to Counsel is being supported by all seven members of this council in the midst of the challenges that we have within the budget, in the midst of us being in a position of furloughs personally, we came forward as a council to support this important effort. The good outweighs the bad, but we can't ignore the fact of what happened previously. Again, Habitat for Humanity, do better next time.

Thank you. Thank you. With that, I have moved Councilman Willer has seconded. Everybody vote your machines. That is seven yeas, no nays. We have the accompanying ordinance.

Yes, we have ordinance 35,529 by council members Morrell, Willard, McCarran, Harris, King, Green, and Hughes. An ordinance to amend ordinance 30,531 as amended, entitled an ordinance providing an operating budget of expenditures for the City of New Orleans for the year 2026 to appropriate funds to the Office of Community Development for the Right to Council program to provide legal counsel to residential tenants facing eviction proceedings within the city of New Orleans and to provide housing-related advocacy for tenants in New Orleans and otherwise to provide respect there too.

Thank you. We have two speakers, Laura Tuggle followed by Elizabeth Harvey.

Good morning. I'm so sorry that I didn't put 27 on my card. I'm Laura Tuggle. I'm the Executive Director of Southeast Louisiana Legal Services. And I want to thank every member of the council for unanimously standing up for tenants today. They're the backbone of our community. And we know how challenging it is and all the different things that you're grappling with, and we really appreciate the trust that the council is placing on us, and we are very proud to continue operating the program in partnership with Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center and also in collaboration with Jane Place. This is a win-win-win program, gold star, all those things that Monique was talking about. 32 years ago, I started out doing eviction defense work. And it was a really different place at that time. And it makes me so proud to be in this city where we are standing up for tenants in a way that really wasn't done in the past. And I was listening to the speakers talking about Katrina. And that was a real game changer. Rents went up overnight, and they have never come down. And so it makes it a very difficult situation for our low-wage workers, our folks on fixed incomes, and all the people we serve. The program makes a great impact, helps prevent evictions, helps folks have softer landings if that becomes necessary, helps us work with landlords to get them paid, and it's very cost effective. Our per person cost is about $350 a person. So thank you so much for everything, and we'll look forward to working with you next year also.

Thank you. Next up, Ms. Harvey.

Thank you all. Elizabeth Harvey, also with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services. We all know that evictions and disruptive housing displacement often lead to homelessness, interruption to children's education, job loss, deterioration to mental and physical health, increase in violence and incarceration, continued population migration out of the city, and trauma that can carry over not only in one's lifetime, but can impact generations. It's real harm. Stabilizing housing is a crucial health component for New Orleans. This is our mothers, our restaurant workers, our home health aides, our festival and Saints game staff, our teachers, our family members and neighbors who make this city what it is. This is who the program impacts every day of the week. Prevention of housing displacement is smart. The right to council ordinance has been one that you, the council, the mayor, our residents, housing advocates have continually championed. And it has been an absolute labor of love to help implement this smart, solution-oriented program over the last four years. It is one part of the city's housing crisis solution, and the desired impacts are well underway, and they are real. Disruptive displacement is down. The program is working, but it has much more to do. To lose any of that inertia now would be a great loss to the city of New Orleans. Eviction court is right next door. The necessity and impacts of the program are easy for viewing. instead of violent 24-hour evictions for that force of person or a family out of their home. When possible, we find ways that landlords and tenants can come together to enter payment plans, to reset broken down communications, to help bridge a dangerous gap. So thank you again for all the support that you are doing for the people who make this city.

Thank you.

Councilman Hughes, followed by Councilman McGrain. Thank you, Mr. President. Ms. Tuggle, I wanted to sincerely thank you. I know we had the opportunity to meet several weeks ago, and I said, just be patient with us. Give us an opportunity to figure this out, and we did. I owe a depth of gratitude to the council president because as I'm trying to wrap my head around all of these policy issues, I often go sit with him for historical knowledge and he really educated me on the importance of this program in meeting with you. I learned that Roughly 30% of the cases that you all handle are residents of District E. This program has kept people in stable housing and has really prevented homelessness and displacement in so many cases. So I want to sincerely thank you and all the advocates that have advocated for this program. Mr. President, thank you. uh for your leadership and to all of my council colleagues that have banded together to figure out a way forward to keep this program going i really appreciate all of you thank you thank you councilman i'd like to mention the name of um mayor moreno um as council

At large, members, she was a strong proponent of supporting the Right to Counsel program. And there's no one taking out a card to mention her name. But I wanted to let her know that I've seen firsthand the effects of it. And I appreciate the fact that Southeast Louisiana works sometimes with the tenants and the landlords. It doesn't have to always be an adversarial process. Sometimes it's a process where communications can have a very positive impact. And in addition to tenants, landlords appreciate it too. I want you to know that I appreciate your meeting with me, with my office, and also expressing a willingness to work with us on other issues relative to, for example, successions and wills, something that really creates a problem in certain parts of our community. But thank you for your commitment to those who, without your support, would have no representation. And that, again, goes on both sides, sometimes tenants and landlords. It's all about keeping people in comfortable situations, enhancing the quality of life through your work, and I appreciate the work that you've done. Thank you.

Well, Laura, you know, you and I have spoken, and I just want to specifically shout out Clerk Chelsea Napoleon next door. We had a whole conversation about filing fees at the court that have not been raised for 23 years. Some of those fees go to support the pro bono project, but I think by raising the filing fees, we can get another source of income to support this program. I think the judges should appreciate that, and the people who file in civil district courts should appreciate it too. So you and I will continue to work the court, the judges, after the election to figure out how that all pans out, but certainly I think that that is another income stream that can lessen the burden on the city. and help with this very important program. Thank you for all of your work. Thank you for making sure that folks are able to stay in the places that they live and that our slumlords are not getting the best of them. Thank you.

Thank you. With that, I'll add something real brief. It's been a pleasure working with you all over the years. I think that at times, as you know, when you look at things the city has identified as priorities, whether it be creating an equal playing field for our district attorney and public defenders, whether it be our ordinance regarding the right to counsel, I think that at times, and those ordinances predate me to be clear, but at times when the city will make a commitment, a political commitment and say these things are important, sometimes cities will then fall off when they realize that that obligation has a price tag attached to it. I think that today is us reasserting that when we make a commitment as a city, as a city council, that something is a right and a right to council and an eviction proceeding is something that we felt so strongly about we put in ordinance there is a price tag attached to that. I also want to specifically shout out Laura and your board because they continue to let you kind of get ahead of your skis sometimes knowing that the city will make you whole but also not interrupting services because as a partner you know this partnership is strong you know that we will make our pay our bills when they come due and you fought to make sure that there was no interruption in services as we figured out a way to get there so I appreciate you always putting those tenants first and making sure this program continues momentum as Ms. Harvey said the momentum where It has been so successful, it is now an expectation, both for landlords and tenants. As Mr. Green said, it is in the landlord's best interest that if you've got a good tenant who falls behind, if there's a way to find out a process, a path to keep that tenant in there, it also helps the landlord out to figure out a path forward and improve communication. So you guys are fantastic. You're great. We look forward to the budget for next year and making sure this partnership continues. Thank you. With that I have moved it has been seconded by councilor McCarran Where's theirs? Six years seven years no nays. Thank you very much for being here today With that I will move that we go into executive session second of a gospel or use all in favor Any nays hearing on seven years no nays. We're an executive session. Thank you Madam Clerk, let's get started.

All right, can we get a motion to come back in from executive session?

Move, seconded by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Council Vice President Willard. All in favor say aye. Aye. Alley opposed? Hearing none, we have five yeas, no nays.

Okay. Councilmembers, we need to go back to consent agenda to reconsider the vote.

so we can remove some items to the regular agenda I will move seconded by the council vice president all in favor any opposed hearing none five yeas no nays okay

And then we need to remove item 24, which is motion M26331. Item 25, motion M26332. Item 26, motion M26333. And item 30, motion M26337. We're going to move them all to consent and revote on each item independently with substitute motions. So on our first motion we have M26331 by Councilmember Hughes by request. Confirming the appointment of the Mayor's appointment of Kareem Valaviso. Fulfilling a position of Consumer Advocate as a Board, as a member of the Board of Directors for Susan Water Board. for a four-year term beginning on the date this instrument is adopted and ending on June 30, 2030, in accordance with City Code 159-3. We need the vote to add.

I'll add, seconded by Council Vice President Willard. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, five yays, no nays.

We need the vote to receive. So moved.

I will move by Council Member Hughes, second by myself. All in favor? Five yays, no nays.

And we need the vote on the instrument as adopted.

Move adoption, second by Council President Morrell. All in favor, please respond aye. Aye. Any opposed? Six yays, no nays. That is adopted.

Okay, we have substitute motion M26332 by Councilmember Green by request confirming the Mayor's appointment of Leslie Bouye representing District D as a member of the Board of Directors of Sujan Water Board for a four-year term beginning on the date of this instrument is adopted and ending on June 30, 2030 in accordance with City Code 159-3. We need the vote to add.

So, second.

aye we need the vote to receive second aye and we need the vote on the instrument so moved green give me Leslie aye We have substitute motion M26333 by Councilmember Green by request, confirming the Mayor's appointment of David Gallo, fulfilling the position of Consumer Advocate as a member of the Board of Directors for Sujan Water Board for a four-year term beginning on the date this instrument is adopted and ending on June 30, 2030, in accordance with City Code 159-3. We need to vote to add.

So moved. Second. Second. Green. Call for the vote. All in favor? Aye.

We need the vote to receive.

So moved. Second. Call for the vote. Aye.

And we need the vote on the instrument.

So moved. Second. Call for the vote. Aye. Thank you members.

Okay, we have last one substitute motion M26337 by Councilmember McCarran by request confirming the Mayor's appointment of Catherine Wimsley representing District A as a member of the Board of Directors of Susan Water Board for a four-year term beginning on the date of its instrument adoption and ending on June 30, 2030 in accordance with City Code 159.3. We need the vote to add.

So moved. Second.

All in favor?

Aye.

Vote to receive.

Motion.

Second.

All those in favor?

Aye.

And vote on the instrument. Motion.

Second.

All those in favor?

Aye.

And we need to vote on the consent as adopted.

Second. Aye.

Okay. back to regular agenda on page 28 item 29 ordinance calendar 35,330 has been deferred to the meeting of 9-3 At the bottom of the page, item 30, ordinance calendar 35,531 by council members Harris, Morrell, McCarran, and Hughes by request. An ordinance to amend and reordain ordinance 30,532 MCS as entitled. An ordinance providing a capital budget for the year 2026 to effect the following change to the 2026 capital budget to deappropriate funds to the Department of Public and Parkways, Property Management, Public Works, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Main Library, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, the Office of Sustainability to appropriate funds to the Chief Administrative Office, the Department of Property Management, the Department of Public Works, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, and the Office of Sustainability and otherwise Supervised Respects there too.

Thank you Madam Clerk. Members we spoke about this at the Budget Committee. This basically de-appropriates money, $35 million, and reallocates it to the CAO's office. Kyle, you want to come up and explain very quickly?

So this is the budget ordinance that makes the adjustments necessary for the $35 million that we're going to use to reclass expenses from a general fund, special revenue, and grant funds that will allow the cash to be available for the general fund. In addition, this appropriates the cash from the 2026A bond sale that occurred this year.

Any questions? I've moved. Second. Seconded by Council President Morrell. Five years.

Thank you.

Thanks, Kyle.

At the top of page 29, we have item 31, ordinance calendar 35,532 by Councilmember McCarran. An ordinance to amend and reordain ordinance 30,396 MCS regarding energy benchmarking for non-residential and multifamily buildings pursuant to Article 14 of Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of New Orleans to extend the effective date thereof for certain covered properties to expand the application of the effective date to additional covered properties and otherwise to provide respects thereto. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Clerk and colleagues. As you may recall, last summer, the previous council adopted benchmarking requirements for large buildings in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving building performance and support a more climate resilient New Orleans. This is a key initiative of the city's climate action plan. which require properties over 20,000 square feet to track their energy usage and report it annually to the city with an initial deadline being 2026. In coordination with the administration's Office of Resilience and Sustainability, we are amending this ordinance to allow for a moderate extension of the initial reporting deadline to January 31st, 2027, which is a six month months away. This will allow ORS to continue outreach, answer questions from property owners, and address any technical issues that might lead to inaccurate reporting. Following that date, the City will publish its annual energy performance data for covered properties to promote public transparency and support future energy policies. This is a one-time adjustment to support a smoother implementation, does not change who is required to report or weaken the underlying benchmarking requirements. I would like to thank Megan Williams in the Office of Resilience and Sustainability for working through this with my office, and I will entertain any questions from the dais. Hearing none and no public comment, so I will make a motion to approve. Seconded by Councilmember Harris. Vote your machines. six yeas, no nays. Thank you.

We have item 32, ordinance calendar 35,534 by council members Morrell and Harris. An ordinance to amend ordinance 30,530 MCS as amended in title. An ordinance providing operating budget of revenues for the city of New Orleans for the year 2026 to appropriate funds from each council's office operating budget back to the general fund and otherwise to provide respect there too.

Thank you, Madam Clerk, members. As you, as many customers know, we have an amount that's allocated to us each year for our office operating budgets. Ever since the beginning of this year's fiscal crisis, the offices have tightened their belts substantially, and we have seen significant savings. This simply seeks to return a large portion of that money that was unused by the council back to the general fund, because although the money was unused by the council, it was not actually available in the general fund to be expended. So that's what this does. Are there any questions? Yeah, I want to speak. Go ahead.

Thank you, Council President. Madam Clerk, I'd like to be added to this ordinance.

We should probably just add all the members who are here.

We can just add all members. That's fine. So this one and the next one. Well, I'm adding Jason. All right. I'll move. Can I get a second? So second of Council Member Harris. All in favor, please vote your machines. That is six yays, no nays.

At the bottom of the page, we have item 33, ordinance calendar 35,535 by council members Morrell and Harris, adding all council members. An ordinance to amend ordinance 30,531, MCS as entitled, an ordinance providing an operating budget of expenditures for the city of New Orleans for the year 2026 to appropriate funds from each council office operating budget back to the general fund and otherwise to provide respects thereto.

Thank you. This is the accompanying ordinance. I will move. Second. Second by Council Member Harris. All in favor? We look at your machines. All right. That is six yeas, no nays.

at the top of page 30 we have item 34 resolution line over r26275 we will be withdrawing this motion and we have a substitute resolution r26275 by council members mccarron morell harrison green and rulemaking proceeding to establish Rules for Community Solar Project, Zakat Number UD-1803, Resolution and Order Directing Energy New Orleans LLC to Implement a Consolidated Billing Program for the Community Solar Program. We need the vote to receive.

I'll move. Second.

Second. All those in favor?

Aye. Aye.

5 yeas, no nays. We need the vote on the resolution adopted.

I can talk about it first? Yes. OK. Perfect. OK. Members, this is a compromise among parties. I had instructed SunConnect and a couple other parties to speak with Entergy and Together New Orleans about consolidated billing for the community solar program that has spent eight years in the making. This is a compromise among the parties. This substitute resolution adopts key provisions lowering the administrative-based fee on a joint proposal by Entergy, Together New Orleans, and SunConnect. It provides ratepayer protections. This substitute resolution strengthens the annual reporting requirements and safeguards to protect non-participating ratepayers from unnecessary bill impacts. And then consolidated billing, as previously discussed in committee, this resolution establishes a net credit consolidated billing. Basically, everything's going to go on one bill instead of two bills if you're participating in this program. And by March 30, 2027, Entergy New Orleans is required to establish and implement consolidated billing. This will allow customers to see their savings on their monthly bills while ensuring that subscriber organizations receive their timely payments. um this is the final vital component to the viability of the community solar program again that is in eight years in the making if there are any questions councilmember willard thank you madam clerk can you add me to this great all right with that i will make a motion second of my council member willard vote your machines

Six yays, no nays. Thank you. We have item 35, motion M26340 by Councilmembers Hughes and Harris, establishing the official polling place changes for specific precincts in Orleans Parish for the November 3rd, 2026 general election.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Just that we needed to make some changes due to some school closures in the city. We've identified alternative locations. Seeing no questions, I will move adoption. Second by Vice President Willard, please vote your machines. Vote your machines, vote your machines. Five yeas, no nays.

item 36 we have motion m26344 by council member harris directing the city planning commission to conduct a public hearing to consider a tax amendment to ordinance mcs 4264 amended by ordinance number 26413 mcs as amended the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the City of New Orleans to amend Article 18.20.8 to change the boundaries by exempting the areas from the intersection of Magazine Street and Washington Avenue to the intersection of Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue and to make recommendations for any other amendments deemed necessary.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. As many of you know, Magazine Street between Washington Avenue and Napoleon has lost many retail outlets and restaurants. The regulations around this corridor are very strict, which means that it takes longer to develop those sorts of businesses. And so what this would do is direct CPC to take a look at lessening some of those restrictions in this specific corridor. Are there any questions? If not, I will move. Seconded by Councilmember Willard.

Five yeas, thank you. On page 31, we have item 37, motion M26352 by council members Harris and Willard. Tabulating the vote cast in the election held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, Gordon District Security District Proposition. Votes for 478, votes against 90. Total votes 568. Majority of votes for. Thank you.

I'll move. Second by Council Vice President Willard.

Five yes. We have item 38, motion M26353 by Councilmember Hughes, tabulating the vote cast in the election held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, Lake Forrest Estates Improvement District Proposition. Votes for, 72. Votes against, 46. Total votes, 118. Majority of votes for.

I have moved. Seconded by Vice President Willard. Please vote your machines. Vote your machines. Vote your machines. Five yeas, no nays. Thank you.

Council members, can we get a vote to go to ordinance on 1st Reeves?

So moved. Second. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

Ordinance is on 1st Reeves. calendar ordinance calendar number 35,536 by council member Harris 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 encroachments on over portions of public right-of-way located at the municipal address 4916 South Robertson Street to fix the minimum price in terms of said service 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 35,537 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 5400 Magazine 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 number 35538 by Councilmember McCarran by request. An ordinance to approve rates for slip leases located on or over property owned by the City of New Orleans at the Municipal Yacht Harbor to improve slip leases granted from the New Orleans Municipal Yacht Harbor Management Corporation to individual leases pursuant to section 2-928 of the Code of the City of New Orleans beginning in 2027. and otherwise to provide with respect or two ordinance calendar number 35 539 by council member harris an artist to amend and reordain article 25 of the comprehensive zoning ordinance ordinance number 4264 mcs as amended by ordinance number 26 413 mcs and subsequent amendments to add the existing billboard located at 100 Porter Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130 to the list of receiving locations for electronic conversion and to make recommendations for any other amendments deemed necessary and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. Ordinance calendar number 35,540 by Councilmember Harris. An ordinance to establish a conditional use to permit a hotel over 5,000 square feet and floor area in an HUMU historic urban neighborhood mixtures district and the transient lodging interim zoning district on square 464, lots 15 and 16 in the 7th municipal district bounded by Earhart Boulevard, Short Street, Fern Street, and Oleander Street. municipal address is 7979 erhart boulevard and 3127 short street and otherwise to provide with respect there to zoning docket number 5826 ordinance calendar number 35541 by council member harris an ordinance to establish a conditional use to permit a standard restaurant in the hu b1 historic urban neighborhood business district and the magazine street use restriction overlay district on square 153 lot a in the fourth municipal district bounded by 6th street 7th street camp street and magazine street municipal address 2901 magazine street and otherwise provide with respect there to zoning docket number 6026. ordinance calendar number 35 542 by council member harris an ordinance to establish a conditional use to permit a bed and breakfast accessory and HURD2, Historic Urban Two-Family Residential District, and the Transient Lodge and Interim Zoning District on Sq. 717, Blt. 1 A.R.Y. in the 6th Municipal District, bounded by Cato Street, South Roman Street, South Pierce Street, and Upper Lyme Street. Municipal Address 3200 Cato Street, and otherwise provided with respect to Zoning Docket No. 6526. Ordinance Calendar Number 35543 by Councilmember Willard. An ordinance to amend and ordain Section 70-521 through 70-532 within Division 6 of Article 4 of Chapter 70 of the Code of the City of New Orleans to implement standards for contractor responsibilities subject to contractual executed by the City of New Orleans to clarify administrative and enforcement processes and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. That concludes the ordinance as I first read.

orders of business third order of business we have a presentation recognition of james mays in the m-line foundation's inaugural designer kids to la fellowship cohort speakers jane mays founder and creator director m-line and founder and president of m-line foundation designer kids to la fellowship student entrepreneurs Italy Schaaf, Selma High School, Akai Phoenix, Edna Carr High School, LaRae Celestine, The Willow School, New Orleans, Aubrey Smith, Harburn High School, Kayden Banks, Edna Carr High School, Jeroy Watson, McDonough 35 College Preparatory High School, Skyla Merchant, The Willow School, New Orleans, and Quintel Johnson, Edna Carr High School. Recognizing James Mays, founder of the M-Line Foundation and creative director, of M-Line for his visionary leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for young creatives through fashion, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The New Orleans City Council also recognized the inaugural Corps of the Design Kids to LA Fellowship honoring eight outstanding student fashion designers and creative entrepreneurs for their achievements in design, brand development, and innovation.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. James, excited to have you here today. Proud to recognize you, President of M-Line, Creative Director of M-Line, along with your inaugural Designer Kids to LA Fellowship cohort. Welcome to City Hall. Welcome to the City Council. We have an incredible group of young designers, and I'm going to turn it over to you guys in a minute in case you have some, you know, want to share some words with us. But through this fellowship, these young designers have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals like James to explore the business of fashion and entrepreneurship, develop their own brands, and gain real-world experience that can help shape their futures and our future. Programs like Designer Kids to LA are important because talent is everywhere in this city and opportunities like this help bring that talent to life. New Orleans has always been a special place of creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, we must continue creating pathways for our young people to thrive right here in the City of New Orleans. Congratulations to each one of you. And to James, thank you for creating this opportunity for our youth and investing in the next generation of young entrepreneurs right here in the City of New Orleans. We're proud to recognize your hard work today and we cannot wait to see what comes next from you and your team. With that, I'll turn it over to you to share a few words with the council and if any of your fellowship cohort would like to speak, we'll entertain that as well. Then we'll let the council members up here share a few thoughts and then we'll come down and take a picture. Thank you again for coming down today.

All right, good morning. First off, thank you. Good morning to the distinguished council members. Thank you, Councilmember Wheeler, for the opportunity to come before today. It is truly an honor to share the work we are doing through M-Line and the M-Line Foundation to uplift and inspire young fashion designers in our city. I am James Mays, president and CEO of M-Line. Our mission is to create access, exposure, and meaningful opportunities for young creatives. Recently, we had the privilege to take a group of talented students to Los Angeles for a transformative fashion education experience and an experience that helped shape our new Designer Kids to LA fellowship, designed to expand pathways for youth designers and future entrepreneurs. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to our M Line followers, supporters, customers, and employees. Your commitment to investing in high-quality fashion allows M Line to invest directly into our young people. Your support truly fills the programs and makes moments like this possible. We could not do this work without you. Today, I am proud to introduce several of the remarkable students who participated in the fellowship. Their talent, discipline, and creativity represent the exciting future for fashion in New Orleans. Thank you again, Vice President Willard and members of the council for recognizing these youth designers and for supporting initiatives and broadening opportunities for our young people. We look forward to continuing this work and building even greater pathways for the next generation of creators. At this time, I would love to invite our designer kids to introduce themselves, and if they choose, share a little bit about their experience with the LA Fellowship. Sounds good. Who wants to start?

There you go.

Hello, everybody. My name is Akai Phoenix, and like he stated, I'm a part of the Fellowship of Designer Kids to LA, and the program was excellent overall.

Akai, how you doing?

My name, Italy Sheaf. My name Italy Sheep.

A little bit about your experience.

The experience was nice and I'm looking forward to dropping a unique clothing brand out this year. What kind of brand?

Unique clothing brand. Clothing, all right. Look forward to that.

My name is Cortrell Johnson. The experience was very nice. It definitely heightened my knowledge.

My name is Loray Celestine. I really enjoyed this trip and I learned a lot of knowledge I will take throughout the years. Thank you.

My name is Gerard Watson and I want to say I truly appreciate James for this opportunity and it was a wonderful experience and I feel like everyone should try to join next year.

My name is Kaden Banks and I'm a part of the program and this program really opened my eyes to how fashion really works in the real world and how everything is really orchestrated.

Thank y'all for introducing yourselves. So, Angela, just to give y'all a little insight about the Design the Kids program. The program was created to give all of these students a basic course on fashion design. Each one of them have their own clothing brand. And we chose the graduating class of 2027, while they were juniors, to be able to jumpstart them into the real world before they graduate high school. So the idea is to you know, help them create the LLCs, EINs, get a business bank account, and actually, well, two of them actually have a brand already, but, so they really want to build more knowledge on their clothing brand, I mean, creating fashion brands, but I wanted to get the kids jump-started before they go to college, so once they graduate and go into the real world, they have something to pour their time into, you know what I'm saying, create the opportunities for their friends, their families, or whoever that's around them. You know what I'm saying? I worked in LA for my first five years. I produced my brand in LA, so I used my resources to take them to different fashion houses and different manufacturers to show them what it's like to create a fashion brand from scratch and be hands-on with it. So that's the idea of the whole fashion program. over the course of the next seven to eight months we'll have about maybe three to four more events to um you know with them so we're going to be working with them throughout the whole senior year just making sure they stay on track and at the end of the year we'll have maybe a fashion show and a designer kiss to la pop up so they could be able to sell their first collection

Well, I would just ask that you keep us informed of everything that you do moving forward, especially if you guys do a pop-up in a fashion show. I'm sure a lot of us on the council would love to be there. James, I want to thank you for pouring back into this city, for pouring into our youth to try to create more pathways for entrepreneurship. That way you're in charge of your fate, you're in charge of your destiny. And starting them from the ground up. Just, you know, create a bank account, get your LLC registered, the ins and outs, the fundamentals. That's very important. So you're filling a big gap there. So I just want you to know that we really appreciate that and are grateful for everything that you do. So if you need any support from the council, please let us know. I also want to thank all the family and the parents that are in attendance today. Thank you all for supporting the dreams of your kids. That's one thing that I wish we could do more in this city, support the dreams of our kids. With that, I'll turn it over to Councilman Green.

Thank you very much, James Mays, and thank you for bringing the young people here to our council meeting. I'm honored to be here. I'm always honored when we have an opportunity to recognize young people who are doing positive work, entrepreneurship and creative design, and I look forward to you all in time plying your trade right here in New Orleans. We need to build a fashion area in New Orleans, you know, where designers are collaborating with each other. Maybe it can be part of our university system or something. But the main thing is that you, James, and you young people and the parents are here in support of what is a great program. It's always great. to celebrate young people and what you're doing. And so to each of you all, I just say congratulations and keep it up and know that the city of New Orleans is strongly supportive of what you're doing because you're helping to build a strong foundation for our future growth in our city through your entrepreneurship and investment. Thank you very much, Mr. Mays.

Thank you all. James, first of all, let me congratulate you, brother, on building a very, very quality brand. As soon as I get off of furlough, I'm going to come support you, but... It seems like that won't be my public servant salary. I can't do that right now. But seriously, you've created a lot of positive buzz throughout the city. And I just want you to know personally how proud I am of you. To all of our young entrepreneurs at the table, let me just say from the bottom of my heart how proud I am of you. And, you know, as you continue to navigate, James, first of all, no matter how you've climbed, you've poured back. I appreciate that. And now, young people, as you climb, you're going to have to pour back. And unfortunately, in this journey we call life, you're going to encounter some naysayers and some dream stealers. Don't let them knock you all off your game, all right? Just stay true to your dreams and go and achieve them. And to Brother Watson, you're a fellow Round Eagle, so we stick together. So I'm particularly proud to see you at the table and rooting for you and rooting for you all. So congratulations and look forward to the pop-up and look forward to big things that's going to come from each of you.

Thank you all for coming out. I call you M-Lion. I'm not sure why. Well, Mr. James, once again, the Mays family represents the best of the culture that this city has to offer, whether it's music, whether it's clothing. So thank you for carrying that torch. So our youth, you have a chance, an opportunity to learn from the very best. You don't have to go all around the country, all around the world. You can learn from the very best. right here in this city. So please, please take advantage of it. And like Councilmember Hughes said, you're going to have bumps in the road. You're going to have challenges. You're going to have naysayers. You're going to feel like giving up. But I always say, when you're ready to give up, that's right around the corner is your biggest success. So never give up on yourself and continue to do great work and continue to represent the city and yourself in the way you're doing it right now. Thank you.

Well, thank you, Councilmember Willard, for bringing this and thanks to you all for being here and participating. I mean, I think this is such an art form that we don't have a lot of here. We don't have really many programs that have fashion design or the business aspect of it. And so it's a great opportunity to keep, you know, so many artists, they they grow up here and then they leave here and they don't come back. Or they do come back, but they're not contributing necessarily in a way like you are by providing workforce development and opportunities for young kids to learn about something that they are interested in. And they don't have to travel far from home. They can have that education and build their businesses right here at home. And that's really what, you know, we want to happen. We want the youth to grow up here and come here and live here and stay here and grow their businesses here. I appreciate you all. Congratulations. And I look forward to seeing all the work that you are going to continue to do. And please let us know how we can help you as well. Thank you.

All right. Thank you, James. We're going to come down. We have a proclamation for you. We're going to come down and get some pictures, all right? All right.

So thank you all to the council members. And a special thank you to all the parents and the chaperones that helped put this together.

Give us a plug. What's the address of the store?

What's your store address? My store address is 1000 South River.

I can adjust that, don't worry.

First order of business, presentation, Young Leadership Council 40th Anniversary. Presenting Allison Holtzhardt, Executive Director. Eric S. Berzon, Board President. Second order of business. Presentation, Tanya B. Wilson. Recognizing Ms. Tanya B. Wilson for 38 years of dedicated services. to the city of new orleans department of finance bureau of revenue miss wilson has faithfully served the department of finance bureau of revenue as a tax collection supervisor her last day of service with the city of new orleans will be september 1st 2026.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Today I have the singular honor of recognizing Ms. Tanya B. Wilson for her almost four decades of dedicated service to the city of New Orleans, state of Louisiana, but currently the Department of Finance Bureau of Revenue. Now, if you know Ms. Tanya, you know that she believes in letting her work speak for herself. But you also know that Ms. Tanya is not afraid to speak for herself. And when Ms. Tanya begins a sentence with respectfully, you already know she has something to say. They joke with me, Ms. Tanya, that when I begin a sentence with let me be clear, that I have something to say too. I've also recently learned that Ms. Tanya has been joking about taking my job as the District to East City Council person. So Ms. Tanya, let me just say, be careful what you ask for. I've had to learn that the hard way. Apparently, you just never told me that yet, but that's all right. So as you enter retirement, I'll be watching you with a very careful and keen eye, but I'll also be calling upon you to partner with you because we can use all the help that we can get as we're striving to move district D forward. All jokes aside, Ms. Tanya's strong work ethic and commitment to public service have carried her throughout her incredible 38-year career, beginning her journey with the Department of Children and Family Services, the department where my mother also worked, and concluding it with the Department of Finance in our amazing city. Beyond her career, the most important title that you probably hold is that of mother. And we know that your amazing daughter candace is truly the apple of your eye when miss tanya is not working she enjoys socializing trying new food so we're gonna have to go to a couple of amazing restaurants in district d okay um and it's my understanding that you love a good margarita So I think you are more than prepared, Ms. Tanya, to enjoy your retirement. Ms. Tanya, after 38 years of dedicated service, you have certainly earned this next chapter in your life. Your work has spoken for itself. Your personality has made a lasting impression. And your service has created a legacy most certainly worthy of this recognition today. It is my high honor to recognize Ms. Tanya Wilson for 38 years of dedicated service. And I have a couple of presentations to make in a second. But Ms. Tanya, let me just say you represent the best of New Orleans. Often when people consider somebody to be a public servant, they think of elected officials. But I tell people on a daily basis, you don't have to be elected to serve. And some of the most impactful public servants throughout the city are those that have never had their name appear on the ballot box. So from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of the residents of District E, and all of the residents of the city of New Orleans, thank you for all that you have contributed to our amazing city, and I look forward to celebrating with you as you enter retirement. My colleagues will have some words to say in a second, but I see Ms. Romie and your colleagues, so I'll let you all say a few words, and then Ms. Tanya, we're going to put you on the spot. We know you have no problem speaking. All right.

Romy Samuel, Collective Revenue. I'd just like to congratulate Tanya. I've been asking her for close to a year. She's changed her mind. She has not. But you don't realize the unsung heroes. and the importance and the value that individuals bring, the professionalism that they bring to a job. Tanya is that person. Tanya is integral in moving millions of dollars in her responsibility in the revenue accounting unit of sales tax dollars to contribute to the general fund. It is individuals, her team, and Mr. Leal who manages that area that make the money move. So, you know, quietly, I can't wait. Let me back up. I'm sorry. Not quietly. She does an exceptional job and has done for as long as I've known her, which has been well over 25, 26 years. She's always willing to work. Now, she will give you some, you know, kind words in her tone, but she's always been committed to this city. And we thank her for her service and wish her the very best in her next endeavors.

Thank you. Is your daughter here today, Ms. Tanya? She's at school. Okay, no worries.

Yes, Leonard Leo. Just want to thank Tanya for her hard work, dedication, and service. She's been a very good employee, always hard working, always sure, very punctual, stays late whenever needed, always there to help out. We really appreciate our service.

Thank you very much. Miss Tanya, the lady of the hour, the floor is yours.

First of all, I want to thank God for even allowing me to be here at this point. I, like they say, I love the work that I do. I love my city. I thank you for acknowledging this right now because I could have just walked on out here. I could have been carried out here. I could have been thrown out here. But I got the opportunity to walk out here after 38 years. And I'm so grateful for that opportunity. I'm grateful to be a servant to my city because I love this city. I'm grateful for that. I have been an advocate for civil service, the rights of the employees. I've fought many fights to keep us where we need to be. For the mere reason I've been a part of civil service, I've been a part of the bumping system. I've been, they sent me out the door because I was in band three instead of one and two, but they had to call me back. Everybody got fired before me. So they called me back. So I've been a part of all that. So I love the civil service part of it and I love the service that we give to the city. family. My daughter, of course, everything to me, but my revenue family. That's how you can come to work every day for 38 years and don't feel the pressure. You just come in with your family and I appreciate that from them. You see them back there. We are truly a family, and you don't see that when you see us walking in the hall, you know, in City Hall, but we truly back each other, and I love that about us. So, that's it. Thank you. And I'll wait until you run for at-large.

We'll have that conversation over a margarita. Council Member Green followed by Council Member McCarrick. Tanya Wilson, you're opening up a whole lot with those comments.

Congratulations to you on 38 great years of service. And you're somebody whose name I'm going to use when I'm talking to other people out there about why they should work for the City of New Orleans. Because it can be a great place to work, you can meet a lot of good people, and they'll almost become like family to you. 38 years. 32 years ago I served as the head of economic development under Mayor Morial and so I had a lot more interactions with the Department of Finance but I know that the job you all do, it doesn't get a lot of attention but it's a very difficult job at times and you have immense responsibilities. I know that you've seen a lot over those 38 years But thank you for staying with the City of New Orleans, working through the challenges that we've had back then that we have now. I know we have issues now that are bigger, but we've had problems in the past and they've been worked out well because folks like you have been committed. So to your family, thank you for sharing Tanya Wilson with us for all these 38 years. And thank you for all that you are going to continue to do because I know that you're going to still be involved with the City of New Orleans. You started off talking about how much you enjoy the city.

we appreciate that thank you very much and congratulations thank you well miss tanya congratulations i mean 38 years of public service is incredible and you know you said you did it because you love your city and that's how every employee in this building that chooses to come work for the city and chooses a life of public service they do it because they love their city love their family they love their city and that's an incredible incredible thing and we sure appreciate everything that you've done i see your team is back there i mean the the work that you do is evident because they are here supporting you and supporting you next next to you as well so we really appreciate your service and i hope that you will find do some fun awesome things during your retirement and get to spend time with family and we appreciate you very much thank you so much councilmember king

All right. Good afternoon, Ms. Bilson. Congratulations. Thank you. 38 years is doing something. 38 years means two things, that you love it and you're really good at it. And not only do you love it, you have a good team or family that supports you. And to have everyone come down here and sit for hours just to wait to get a chance to support you and to send you off in a grand fashion says a lot about the kind of person you are. So I'm assuming you started this job in 1987, if I'm correct.

Well, that's the thing. I told you I was here and they put me out and I had to come back. So yeah, it was 86. They put me out and I came back in 89.

Well, just for a little idea of how long you've been around, I did a quick little search. Some of the top songs on the charts were bad by Michael Jackson when you started. I Want to Dance for Somebody, Whitney Houston. The president was Ronald Reagan, and one of the top grossing movies of 1987 was Beverly Hill Cops 2. So you've seen quite a bit, and you've been through quite a bit, but that just shows how great of a worker and an employee you are. When you lose somebody who's been smart for 87 years, you lose a lot of knowledge and wisdom. So hopefully whoever takes your place has just a little bit of that, so the city doesn't miss a beat too much. Thank you.

I think I did my best to pass it on. I think they'll be fine.

Okay. Council President Moreau. Thank you. I just wanted to say, so 38 years, right? Yes. So did they kick you out because you lied about your age when you came in? You must have been a little tiny baby.

They know I was in band three that y'all had that band stuff.

Well, y'all, I was, I was, I was, I was, I'm 48, so y'all just definitely didn't include me. Just saying. Well, your mom was here. But no, I mean, it's just it is a testament to your service how many people have turned out here today to support you and to really see you off in the most amazing way possible. I mean, it is hard in this day and age when you talk to people especially in younger generations, the ideas of staying in one place for 38 years is alien to them. I'm sure your daughter's like, you've been in the same place 38 years? But to your point, I mean, we need to return to a place where you do have a work family, where you do feel like you're part of a larger effort to improve the lives of New Orleanians because the work you've done in finance, the work you've done to make sure that we are receiving the revenues necessary is how we provide all the services for the people that live here. Every success we've had, I mean think about it, in the 1990s when we were the crime capital of the universe, When we were trying to figure out a way how to fund NORD, how to fund NOPD, you were in the trenches helping find the money to have the resources to change the fate of the city. When you look at all the other crises, Katrina, you look at the crisis right now, in every one of those situations you've been in the trenches trying to help find the revenue to make the city move forward and though you as council member hughes said you're not an elected official you're not on tv you're not any of those things without the work you do nothing else is possible and i mean i cannot i hope today you see as a token of our appreciation because we can't really give you anything to show how much we appreciate you this is just a token of our appreciation this kind of hearing and the proclamations alike i think the testament to who you are is all the people out here who are in support of you and who are going to remember you and honor you and take from you the lessons to continue doing the great job you've done and hopefully you've trained a whole lot of people to replace you i have all right miss tanya

Thank you, colleagues. So Ms. Wilson, today on behalf of the entire City Council, we have not one but two proclamations signed by all of the City Council members. We also have some sunflowers for you because we want to give them to you while you can still smell them. Number one and number two sunflowers represent longevity. And to your finance family who's watching every penny, these were not paid for with taxpayer dollars, so let me put that on the record. So we celebrate you, we congratulate you, and we thank you for your service. We're going to come down, take a picture with you, Ms. Romie, so we can balance it out. You might move in on the side of Ms. Wilson, but y'all stay where you are. Thank you so much.

First order of business

Presentation, Young Leadership Council 40th Anniversary. Allison Holter, Executive Director. Erica S. Bergeron, Board President. Celebrating 40 years, the YLC has played a vital role in developing young civic leaders throughout the city of New Orleans area while creating a meaningful community impact through volunteerism, public engagement, and leadership development. Since its founding in 1986, YLC has connected thousands of emerging leaders to opportunities that strengthen our city and region.

All right. Well, thank you, everyone, and thanks to you all for being here. Young Leadership Council has been a huge part of the city for 40 years and really a huge part of my life. Part of the reason I am here today on this dais is because of Young Leadership Council. I got involved when I was a financial advisor with Prudential. I started as a volunteer, like many of you have, and many others that work in this building. We started out as volunteers for Power Ties. And Kevin Ferguson, who I know, he couldn't make it down. He's upstairs, you know, saving the city as well. He was a project leader, and he said, Amy, I think you'd be great at being a project leader. And so I said, all right, I'll be a project leader. And then Joe Giarrusso, who is also in this building, played a pivotal role in that by saying, you should really join the board when you get a chance. And so that is the leadership continuum that we talk about so much within Young Leadership Council. And I think inherently we create it by being leaders ourselves and saying who in this group can we build up to the next level and continue to help them build up to the next level. And that's really what we need in this city. We need that leadership continuum to constantly be saying, public service and civic engagement and involvement is really what New Orleans needs for its young people. It's a great way to get engaged, especially for people that maybe have just moved here and don't know a lot of folks. So I will let you guys take it away. I know Erica and we've got some Allison, you've got some comments here and then I'll let the council members speak and then we have a proclamation for you all as well.

member mccarran for this recognition and good afternoon council members thank you so much and it's really been an honor to be the president of ylc during this 40th anniversary and i'm joined by as you mentioned multiple board members and our staff so if i can introduce them for a second so josie delon is our immediate past president elizabeth umont is our incoming president sydney castner is our 40th anniversary extraordinaire alison hotar is our executive director we have a staff of two People, Marissa Hogan is here taking photos. Anna Munoz is a board member and leads the Power Ties effort. Leo John Arnett is our vice president of development. And Jack Torres is on our board, a former project leader who led our YLC Recycles initiative. We, YLC, as you mentioned, we're a non-profit, non-partisan civic organization and our goal is to provide leadership development opportunities for the purpose of retaining young professionals in the city and all. Just from a personal experience, you know, I'm born and raised in New Orleans, but starting a professional life and career here is different and I would and a great job and I enjoy my job but I was really looking for that something extra to feel really ingrained in the city and YLC has been you know the perfect place for me to be like I'm meeting folks who are doing and amazing other industries in the city like you mentioned we have a lot of folks who are here from out of town and really want to get ingrained we have folks who are grown up here and want to find another way to really be involved and give back to the city and especially in this post-COVID era a lot of people who are working maybe for companies remotely in another state but want to make sure that they feel really rooted so we feel like that's a really important mission too to make sure that those talented people want to stay here and feel that they're really ingrained in our industry here so thank you very much for this recognition.

And I just want to echo Erica's words of saying thank you all very much for all the work you are doing right now for the city to keep it running. The things that you do and show up every day are so important and we're so grateful for all the work that you are all doing to help our city. We in return want to help the city also by retaining young professionals and being the voice of young professionals to let people know that you can live and work here in the city of New Orleans.

Awesome. Oh, I do want to mention, too, the reason why we have the bridge lights on the Crescent City Connection. I just forgot. I had, like, points, and then I was just like, all right. And Proud to Call It Home, obviously, are the two biggest, you know, campaigns that Young Leadership Council is known for. So with that, I will go down the row and start with Councilmember King.

Well, look, it was started in 1986. From the look of the crowd, either everyone was one or two or maybe not born in 1986. But that just shows, again, if you can stick around for 40 plus years, you're doing something right. So thank you for your leadership and thank you for telling us we're doing a good job. We don't always get that good work that you all are doing for the city. Appreciate it.

Thank you. I've had the opportunity over the years to work with YLC in a variety of capacities. I remember distinctly working with YLC when the CAO was on the board of YLC. And I can tell you that I feel like sometimes when I'm dealing with YLC people, it's sort of like Jesuit people. Like when you meet them, the first thing they name drop is I'm on the YLC. I never had the opportunity to be on it, probably because Joe didn't want me on it. But It is a fantastic organization. You give so much back to the city, and it's very seldom we have organizations that are constantly offering themselves not just for service but for solutions. Because as you said with the bridge lighting, the bridge lighting, after Katrina, the bridge lights were out. while everyone was trying to figure out how to get them back on, YLC stepped up and said, we'll just do it. And they didn't just light them initially, you guys have consistently been involved in finding the permanent solution to bridge lighting. Everyone loves everyone loves going to Wednesdays on the Square, right? But what people don't realize is that it isn't just a celebration, it's bringing young professionals together to network. And I know so many people that, like you said, were unmoored professionals who moved to New Orleans as a young person. People think college is when you become an adult. But I would say, honestly, when you move to a foreign city, not knowing a single person, that's really when you become an adult. And YLC has been such a tremendous asset in helping people who are young future leaders find community and find a purpose in the city of New Orleans. And we appreciate what you do. Thank you. Kevin Ferguson, come up here. Yeah, Kevin Ferguson, we're not letting you get off that.

Come on. Already gave you your shout out, though.

But quickly, let me just echo everything that's already been said. And obviously, as citizens, one of the greatest responsibilities that we possess is to be engaged civically. And so I really appreciate that YLC strongly promotes civic engagement. And just want to thank you all for your dedication to the city of New Orleans, all of your great programming from your mentorship programming. Wednesdays at the Square is one of my favorite times of the year, so thank you all for doing that. And just thank you all for being partners with us in the best of times and in the worst of times, so thank you.

I'll also say thank you. Two very important words for the work that you've done over the last 40 years. You've helped a lot of people feel very good about being in our city of New Orleans, whether they came here from somewhere else or whether they grew up here. By joining YLC and participating in the activities, especially the civic engagement activities, they've gained an appreciation of our city. And I just say thank you for having done that. Actually, YLC is the oldest organization in the nation in terms of what you do, encouraging young folks, especially in that age group, to stay and get involved. So I thank you very much. It's kind of special to be here and before you all, celebrating with you, knowing that you did it before anybody else in the nation. And I bet people are copying you throughout the nation, right?

I think so. Greatest form of flattery, right?

The greatest form of flattery. Congratulations. Thank you for all that you do. And I look forward to the next 40 years. I'm going to be around.

we would be remiss to say that we are having an event october 8th and if any of you would like to join us please let us know the answer is yes okay wonderful well thank you all we have i have a proclamation we'll come down and take a picture and give you this thank you move that we adjourn