Meetings.

Notes on the record

• Several dockets appear across excerpts with potential numbering overlaps or conflicting descriptions (e.g., 074-26 appears in more than one context; later excerpts describe items that may be from different sessions or maturities of the same docket).

Docket-by-docket summary (as described in the excerpts) — 1) Docket 074-26 (as described in the excerpt)

• What’s being requested: Conditional use to expand and increase floor area for an established multifamily dwelling in HURD2 (Historic Urban) with University Area Off-Street Parking Overlay.
• Proposed change: From 7 bedrooms / 5.5 baths to 8 bedrooms / 8 baths.
• Parking overlay: DS&P notes no additional off-street parking is required since none of the units would have four or more bedrooms.
• Technical constraint: The overlay restricts bathrooms to two full and one-half per dwelling unit; the second floor currently has 1.5 bathrooms; the proposal would add a third bathroom. A waiver for this was considered and denied. (Historically, BZA has approved six of seven similar waiver requests.)
• Staff recommendation: Approve Zoning Docket 074-26, subject to two provisos. The clearly stated one: modify the second-floor unit to comply with the overlay limit of two-and-a-half bathrooms per unit.

Applicant input (Alec Adamek, attorney for Kathy and David Farr)

• Light-touch additions described (ground-floor ~160 sq ft, rear porch ~160 sq ft, third-floor ~60 sq ft); plan to pursue historic tax credits and follow NPS guidelines.
• Agrees with staff recommendation; asks to modify proviso 2 so that if the owners place a homestead exemption, the third bathroom on the second floor could be allowed.
• Occupancy plan: three units (owner-occupied first floor, second-floor rental, third-floor rented to their son).
• Parking: asserts ample nearby parking; circulating letters of support; no significant parking problems noted; existing off-street parking exists; lot is large.
• Neighbor testimony: Judith Stone-Collins (1208 Calhoun Street) supports preserving appearance/front porch; asserts abundant nearby parking; not a problem except during Toast Parade or LCMC-area events; excitement about preserving the building’s look.

Staff/board discussion on provisos

• If a homestead exemption is placed on the property, proviso 2 would not apply (the third bathroom would be allowed “by right” in that case). Chair and others discussed refining proviso language.
• A Jordan-proposed motion to accept staff’s recommendation with language to add: if property owner has a homestead exemption, proviso 2 won’t apply. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jordan.

Unresolved issues

• Final wording of proviso 2 (whether explicitly stating that homestead exemption voids proviso 2 or keeping the stricter limit unless exemption is in place).
• Whether the two provisos described by staff are exactly as stated in the minutes.
• The ultimate vote on Zoning Docket 074-26 is not provided in the excerpt.
• Key speakers: Alec Adamek (applicant’s rep), Judith Stone-Collins (neighbor).
• Notable: Minutes for the related discussion/deferral of July 28, 2025 minutes were deferred (to Aug 25, 2026 in the text; likely a clerical error).

2) Docket 075-26 (as described in the excerpt) — Item 1: Address verification discussion (preliminary item)

• Issue: Correct address for a property; Google shows a different building/address than the staff.
• Staff’s position: Correct address is 1227 Calhoun Street; city address layer shows 1227 and 1229; survey aligns with 1227; Google result is likely an error (not a NDA issue).
• Decision/action: A motion to approve with one modified proviso (modification to proviso 2) was on the floor. Vote: Jackson, Hebert, Josie Gupta, Witry, Jordan, Steeve (likely Steeve) all voted Yes.
• Result: The motion carries; item proceeds to zoning docket 075-26.

Item 2: Zoning Docket 075-26 – HUB1 to HUMU and a CUP for packaged alcoholic beverages

• What’s requested: Zoning change from HUB1 to HUMU; a conditional use to permit the retail sale of packaged alcoholic beverages (off-premises).
• Site details: 1,560 square feet; three-block HUB1 strip near St. Claude and Florida; store operated as a small grocery for over a decade.
• Staff policy: In HUB1, packaged alcohol CUP is required for sites over 5,000 sq ft; the subject site is 1,560 sq ft, so a HUMU zoning would be required to even consider a CUP; staff cites concerns about spot zoning and cautions HUMU may not be appropriate for this site.
• Public testimony:
• Candice Williams (owner of GNC Meat Market) spoke in favor: community resource; neighbors want beer sold at the store; claims no nuisance history; nearby stores across the bridge sell alcohol; denial would be unfair for residents.
• Eldridge Stevens (owner/landlord) spoke in support: tenant has been good; nearby neighbors reportedly in favor; past bar on site before Katrina; argues there’s a need for alcohol sales nearby.
• Staff noted neighbor sentiment at an NPP meeting was reportedly 100% in favor.
• Staff explanation / discussion:
• If zoning change is approved, alcohol sale would be allowed “by right” via CUP in HUMU (subject to CUP provisions).
• The store size (1,560 sq ft) would not qualify for a CUP in HUB1; HUMU-with-CUP is the path.
• No conflict with a nearby restaurant’s alcohol service (owner indicated the adjacent restaurant does not serve alcohol).
• Chair action: Chair cannot move the motion; he announced a motion to deny the zoning change (to support staff’s denial) and acknowledged it may be defeated.
• Motion: Proposed by Commissioner Steeg; seconded by Commissioner Hebert.
• Final: Not provided in the excerpt.

Unresolved issues

• Final disposition of Docket 075-26 (Item 2) not shown.
• Whether the board ultimately denies or grants the HUMU zoning change with a CUP, and what provisos would apply.

Public speakers: Candice Williams (owner, GNC Meat Market); Eldridge Stevens (landlord).

3) Docket 076-26 (as described across the excerpt)

• Nature (as described in various excerpts): A hotel development project with multiple narrative threads (Progress Street and St. Claude Avenue; some material calls it a hotel project in a different location; there are references to a pedestrian/transit-lodging framework and to a master-planning approach). The record presents two somewhat conflicting depictions:
• the excerpt (earlier discussion): A hotel project related to progress St. Claude; staff recommended approval with provisos; the final vote outcome not given in those excerpts.
• the excerpt (Warbler Hotel): A separate project at 1923 St. Charles Ave described as “Warbler Hotel” with rezoning from HRM1 to HUMU plus a CUP for a surface parking lot, and a landscape-buffer waiver; staff proposed three provisors; the board approved 5-1 (Seeg opposed).

Staff position and key points (as reflected in excerpts)

• Staff recommended some form of approval with provisors (the exact provisors vary by excerpt; one set emphasizes general compliance with parking lot standards and historic district considerations).
• Public testimony framed the project in terms of parking, neighborhood impact, and design; some neighbors supported, some expressed concerns about parking and the cumulative impact on the block.

Motion/vote

• A motion to approve with staff provisors (and in some versions a request to add conditions like limiting certain features) appears in the excerpts, but a final tally is not consistently shown across all sections.

Unresolved issues

• Final outcome for Docket 076-26 is not consistently stated across excerpts.
• The exact language of provisors and whether they were attached to a rezoning/CUP package remains unclear in the provided text.

4) Docket 077-26 (as described in the excerpt)

• Description: Trinity Episcopal School in the Lower Garden District; boundary expansion and relocation of a nursery building/parking to the newly combined parcel.
• Past approvals: The school previously had conditional uses tied to expansions; there were off-street parking waivers and green-space adjustments in place.
• Proposed change: Combine two adjacent lots (including a vacant lot across Josephine Street) into one; relocate the planned nursery to that site; pursue a one-story nursery (neighbors preferred one story; two-story option discussed earlier).
• Staff position: Boundary expansion considered a minor expansion; nursery use aligns with permitted child-care centers in the district; impact not anticipated to be significant; recommended approval with provisos, including HGLC approval of the new building design and a special proviso to limit the building to one story (per applicant request).
• Public/testimony: Melissa Rome (architect for Trinity) spoke; neighbor testimony supported removing the two-story option; attendees discussed NPP context and requests to pursue one-story.
• Outcome (as described in the excerpt): Motion by Commissioner Sieg to approve with staff provisos plus one-story limitation; vote listed as Six Yes (Steeke? Jordan? Witry? Josie Gupta? Hebert? Jackson?), i.e., a clear favorable outcome with provisos.
• Unresolved issues: None explicit beyond ensuring HGLC design approval and one-story limit were formalized; permit execution and design approvals to follow.

5) Docket 078-26 (as described in the excerpt) — Description: A property at 1900 Carondelet Street zoned HUMU; requests

• Zoning change to HUMU or MU1 (or other mixed-use),
• A CUP for a principal parking lot with approximately 47–49 spaces,
• A waiver to remove landscaping requirements along the Carondelet Street buffer.
• Staff position: Recommend denial of all three requests (rezoning, CUP for parking lot, landscaping waiver).
• Applicant position/input: Pastor Eric Natt (First Emmanuel Baptist Church) spoke in support of the Warbler Hotel and the sale of the parking lot to liquidate debt; church would continue to use the lot for Sundays and events; another resident’s testimony follows.
• Status: Staff recommendation to deny; hearing appears ongoing; final vote not recorded in the excerpt.
• Unresolved issues: Final disposition; details of the Warbler Hotel project’s parking and stormwater/permeability implications; whether adjacent parcels might be included later.

6) Docket 079-26 (as described in the excerpt)

• Description: Zoning docket for a standard restaurant in HUB1 (4001 Magazine Street) with conversion of the on-site parking area to outdoor dining to improve streetscape.

Key points

• Staff recommendation: Approval with three provisos (one defective proviso removed; a previously proposed landscape consistency proviso revised).
• Public testimony/input: Notable local supporters (developers, residents, architects, and long-time business owners) expressed enthusiasm about energizing Magazine Street and adding a casual, sit-down option.
• Noise and mitigation: Proviso discussions centered on enforceable noise mitigation; applicant proposed a sound-management plan with a consultant; neighbor input requested enforceable sound-related conditions and possible sound nights during permitting.
• Hours of operation: Indicated typical all-day cafe hours; Thursday–Saturday hours partially cut off in the notes, but the gist is reviewed.
• Action: Motion to approve the docket with staff-proposed provisos; vote details in the excerpt show initial support (commissioner Steeke voting Yes) but full tally not consistently provided.
• Unresolved issues: Specific, enforceable noise mitigation conditions; exact on-site operational hours; parking mitigation specifics beyond general guidance.

7) Docket 080-26 (as described in the excerpt)

• Description: Zoning Docket for 714 Carondelet Street (a vacant mixed-use building) to convert to a 15-bedroom hotel.
• Zoning: CBD-5 urban core/low-intensity mixed-use/transient lodging interim zoning districts.
• Requests: Zoning change (to HUMU or similar) and a CUP for a surface parking lot; a waiver for the perimeter landscape buffer.
• Staff position: Recommend approval with two provisos (exact language not reproduced in the excerpt).
• Public testimony: Nicole Weber (representing the applicant) highlighted reuse of two adjoining buildings and preservation; referenced past related projects.
• Commission action and outcome: Motion to approve with two provisos; votes listed as Steeke, Jordan, Witry, Josie Gupta, Hebert, Jackson all Yes; result: Approval with two provisos.
• Next steps: Provisos and permit processes to be implemented; further site-work and stormwater/permeability considerations to be addressed.
• Unresolved items: Any additional conditions beyond the two noted provisos; potential future discussions about adjacent parcels or broader corridor planning.

8) Subdivision and related items (as described in the excerpt) — Subdivision Docket 074-26 (two-lot to three-lot subdivision on Chef Menteur Highway)

• Staff: Recommend approval with one proviso.
• Public input: Elise Noren spoke representing the applicant; clarification on Lake Catherine Marina involvement.
• Action: Motion to approve; vote tallies provided in the excerpt but exact names may vary in transcription.
• Outcome: Approved with one proviso.

Subdivision Ratifications

• Action: Ratifications approved.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned with next meeting scheduled in two weeks.

Bottom-line status notes (based on the excerpts)

• Minutes: The July 28, 2025 minutes were deferred to August 25, 2026 in one portion of the record (likely a clerical error in the year).
• Several dockets resulted in approvals with provisos (e.g., Docket 080-26 Warbler Hotel; Docket 077-26 one-story nursery; Docket 079-26 restaurant; Docket 080-26 hotel), though exact provisor language and vote tallies are sometimes inconsistently reported across excerpts.
• Some dockets show no final vote in the provided material or show an unresolved status (e.g., Docket 075-26 Item 2; Docket 076-26 items described variably across excerpts; Docket 078-26 remains open in the text).
• Key recurring themes across the material: parking and permeability, adherence to historic/corridor design guidelines, avoidance of spot zoning through broader master-planning considerations, and the balancing of neighborhood compatibility with development (hotels, restaurants, institutions).

Ceremonial honors and mural (Donald W. Richardson) — What happened

• A public meeting recognized Donald W. Richardson, longtime band director at Andrew J. Bell Junior High.
• A proclamation recognizing Richardson was read; a mural project was discussed.
• Speakers (in order of appearance): opening remarks (unspecified), Ms. Janice Manuel (Richardson’s sister), Mr. Brian Macon (City/County official), Mr. Richard Thomas (muralist), and brief public remarks from community members and former students/colleagues (e.g., Patricia Jefferson, Donna Brown, Kenneth Williams, Joanne Smith, Cherry Cole Gamble, Brennan Manuel, Dr. Daryl Dickerson, Dr. Bryce Miller, Thomas Smith, Kenneth Brown, Sr.).

Actions and tangible items

• A mural of Richardson by artist Richard Thomas was commissioned; an unveiling included a likeness of Leah Chase.
• A formal group photo opportunity was planned behind chairs.
• The mural’s location was identified at the Claiborne Avenue overpass; attendees were invited to reflect on Richardson’s contributions.
• A suggestion to name Ursuline Street in Richardson’s honor was discussed as part of commemorative efforts (not finalized).

Unresolved/notes

• No final decision documented on naming Ursuline Street; it was presented as a suggestion, not a concluded action.

Sewage and Water Board governance (SWB/SWBNO) items (multiple excerpts) — Item 50: Resolution R26314 to amend the city infrastructure project list for the 2026 bond sale

• What it did: Adds 12 projects to the list to reclassify funding to bond funding and free cash for the general fund.
• Vote: Seven yeas (unanimous among those voting).

Item 21: Ordinance calendar 35,000 522 (amend the 2026 capital budget)

• What it did: Appropriates bond funds to multiple departments to fund bond-eligible projects; aims to free cash for the general fund.
• Vote: Seven yeas (unanimous).

Item 20: Legislative grouping — governance structure for the Sewage and Water Board

• What it did: Establishes a governance framework, including board composition and related council powers.
• Status: Amendment package described (ex-officio membership, terms, mandatory approvals, waivers, etc.) and framed as overdue reform; recommended for approval by committees, but the transcript does not show a final council vote.

Item 47: By-laws and public-meeting access for the SWBNO (M26311)

• What it did: Directs SWBNO to submit new bylaws addressing Executive Director/General Superintendent roles and procurement policies; considers periodic meetings in Council Chambers; enhances public access.
• Committee status: Joint Committee recommended approval.
• Vote/outcome: Passed unanimously (7-0).
• Notable discussion: Focus on oversight, transparency, and equitable contracting; elevator/accessibility status discussed (one elevator functioning, one possibly out of service; follow-up to be provided).

Item 48: Civil Service Commission review of S&WB classifications and compensation (M26312)

• Purpose: Direct Civil Service Commission to review S&WB classifications to ensure compensation is aligned with similar public utilities.
• Committee status: Recommended for approval.
• Vote/outcome: Not recorded in the provided excerpt; status described as pending.

Item 49: Resolution R26-313 — Legislative Auditor audit of SWBNO

• Status: Approved (7-0); Green asked to add his name to the resolution.
• Rationale: Audits to assess SWBNO’s health, finances, and governance, including how federal reimbursements and past practices impact the city.

Item 51: Resolution R26315 — Local control governance model for SWBNO

• Status: Recommended for approval by the Joint Committee; vote recorded as unanimous (7-0).
• Context: Ongoing working group activity related to governance and potential transfer/alternative governance for SWBNO.

Item 52: Motion M26325 — Signatory to amendment eight of the security services contract (City Hall)

• Status: Approved; voting noted as unanimous (7-0).

Elevator/accessibility and public participation

• Elevator status update provided by staff; public-access concerns were raised by speakers.

Unresolved items/next steps

• Item 20’s governance framework specifics and final vote.
• Exact language of new SWBNO bylaws and procurement changes.
• How the SWBNO governance reforms will be implemented (timelines, transition steps, oversight metrics).
• How ICC/subworking group transparency will be ensured (open meetings/public involvement).

Sewage and Water Board governance discussion (public forum notes)

• Context: The council framed a model of increased oversight rather than daily operational control, with references to state alignment and public accountability. Questions about public access to ICC subgroups and transparency arose.
• Key themes: Oversight vs. takeover, representation on boards, funding and millages, billing and service delivery, and the relationship between city governance and SWBNO operations.

Unresolved issues

• Precise scope and authority of new governance under ordinance.
• Timelines for implementation, metrics of accountability, and transition plans.
• How to address concerns about billing, meters, leaks, and customer service within the new governance framework.

Public carriage (mule-drawn carriages) discussions

• Context: A public-comment session addressed horse/mule-drawn carriages; no formal item or vote was on the agenda at that moment.

Speakers and positions

• Alex Mata (Nola Carriages): Emphasized industry history, safety record, and opponent of replacing with electric carriages.
• Benjamin Spate: Highlighted animal welfare concerns and urged oversight.
• Louis Sharper: Opposed moves against the carriage industry; cited industry stability and inspection records.
• Christie Solano (Humane Society advocate): Argued for phasing out/moving away from mule-drawn carriages toward electric carriages.
• Jeff Dorsen (Humane Society of Louisiana): Advocated for replacing with electric carriages; called for transparency and an audit of SPCA funding and city support.
• Council Member Green: Emphasized public hearings and a willingness to pursue governance changes; acknowledged ongoing billing/leak improvements and regional infrastructure needs.

Unresolved issues

• Whether to ban, phase out, or regulate more stringently mule-drawn carriages.
• The balance between animal welfare, industry livelihoods, and modernization.
• Next steps for governance and enforcement related to this issue.

Consent agenda and related items (cross-cut across excerpts)

• Consent items were generally approved; the material notes multiple communications and ordinance readings moving forward per committee recommendations.

Examples of items discussed in the consent/regular agenda

• Zoning and land-use items (deferred or decided):
• 6226 James Fair (Zoning Docket): Denied 7-0 (spot zoning/master plan concerns).
• 4726 Billboard docket: Approved 7-0 with CPC’s modified approval.
• 5826 Allen and Glanton (hotel in HUMU): Approved 7-0 with provisos; excluded short-term rentals from transient lodging.
• 6026 Whole Property LLC (restaurant in HUB1): Approved 7-0.
• Other items: Several other zoning and airport lease items (e.g., United Airlines, Alaska Airlines) approved; some items deferred to later dates (August 28 or September 3).
• Other actions:
• Drone surveillance/transparency ordinance (Ordinance 35523) amended and adopted 7-0; included quarterly NOPD reporting, monthly transparency reports, and a public dashboard.
• Percent-for-art item (Calendar 35-524) realigned to 1%; adopted 6-0.
• Polling-place relocations (Item 46) approved 6-0.
• Community solar project rules resolution (Resolution for solar) received, with a plan for public comment and finalization by August 20.

Unresolved items

• A large number of deferred items set for September 3, indicating ongoing discussions or need for further committee review.
• Specific language and implementation details for several first-reading ordinances (Calendar Nos 35,000-525 through 535) were not provided; no votes recorded in the provided excerpts for those items.

Minutes and procedural notes

• Minutes for certain dates were approved.
• Several items were deferred or carried to future meetings, signaling a continuing, active agenda with ongoing governance work.

Key speakers and names repeatedly named (where identifiable in the material)

• Council/Committee members: Morrell, McCarran, Hughes, Green, Harris, Willard, King (and others referenced in various items).
• Public witnesses and community voices: Ms. Janice Manuel; Mr. Brian Macon; Mr. Richard Thomas; Irma Plummer; Russell Kelly; Morgan Clevenger; Dr. Angela Chalk; Anthony Generet; Catherine Cassidy; Danilo Feliciano; Sue Mobley; various others referenced in public-comment sections.

Overall takeaway

• The meeting material covers a broad agenda: honoring a local educator and launching a mural, extensive SWBNO governance reform efforts with audit and oversight measures, by-laws and public-meeting access improvements, civil-service review to address compensation, drone-transparency governance, and several zoning/lease items, plus a public-carriage debate. Several actions were approved (including unanimous votes on SWBNO governance-related items, drone ordinance, and some zoning/lease actions). Other items await future votes or decisions, and several SWBNO governance provisions require finalization (bylaws, ex-officio representation, etc.). Public comments highlighted tensions around transparency, governance, and policy direction for the SWBNO and related city services.

Summary of New Orleans City Council meeting material (2026-08-06) — Meeting basics

• Title: City Council on 2026-08-06 10:00 AM
• Date: 2026-08-06
• Start time: 9:27 AM
• Duration: 3 hours 2 minutes

Public comments and speakers — Irma Plummer (speaking for Sewage and Water Board employees and residents)

• Called for greater accountability and transparency from the council regarding Sewage and Water Board governance.
• Described SBW as a committed workforce with day-to-day operation concerns; urged engagement on meter readings, repairs, and customer service.
• Rejected the idea of a hostile takeover; urged collaboration to improve oversight and public access.

Christie Solano

• Urged phasing out mule-drawn carriages as incompatible with a modern humane city.
• Described mules as intelligent but suffering in heat, with long hours; proposed electric carriages as an alternative to protect animals and sustain tourism.

Jeff Dorsen (Humane Society of Louisiana)

• Highlighted budget cuts to the SPCA, rise in stray animals, and need for improved animal welfare.
• Supported electric carriages as an alternative; cited examples from other cities that shifted away from horse/mule-drawn carriages.
• Emphasized accountability and better oversight/resources for animal welfare.

Catherine Cassidy (resident)

• Noted mules working in extreme heat and crowds; argued the practice is unethical.
• Emphasized heat stress and pain; questioned why regulation focuses on limiting heat exposure rather than eliminating the practice.
• Urged consideration of mules’ welfare and ethical implications of the industry.

Danilo Feliciano

• Acknowledged SBW staff; called for a health audit of Sewage and Water Board (preferably by the Legislative Auditor) to assess financial status and governance.
• Emphasized cost-effectiveness and urged use of state-level audits to uncover issues and improve transparency.

Council actions, ordinances, and proposals — Drone usage transparency (introduced by Councilmember Willard)

• An ordinance introduced to require quarterly and monthly reporting on NOPD drone usage and to create a public-facing dashboard.
• Amendment would require monthly reporting to the Criminal Justice Committee and publication of drone deployment data to enhance transparency and oversight.

Percent-for-art allocation

• The council approved returning the city’s percent-for-art allocation to 1% of the capital budget.
• Changes preserve the Arts Council as a partner and do not affect the current year’s budget.

United Airlines lease extension at Louis Armstrong International Airport

• An ordinance authorizes a two-year extension of the United Airlines lease through December 31, 2027.
• Rationale: provides stability while the airport completes capital planning and negotiates a new long-term agreement.
• Terms: United will continue paying airport rates and fees under the existing structure; no fiscal impact to the city.

Alaska Airlines signatory lease agreement

• An ordinance authorizes the New Orleans Aviation Board to enter into a signatory airline use and lease agreement with Alaska Airlines for space at Louis Armstrong International Airport.
• Alaska Airlines will pay rents, fees, and a share of operating costs in exchange for lower airport rates and charges than non-signatory carriers.
• Duration: remains in effect until a new airport-wide airline lease agreement takes effect (whichever comes first, by December 31, 2027).
• Note: No competitive solicitation was required by state law for this type of airport lease.

Unresolved issues / notes

• Drone-use transparency ordinance: introduced, but no vote/approval status provided in the material.
• Health audit proposal for Sewage and Water Board: recommended by a speaker; no council decision stated.
• Animal welfare policy changes (phasing out mule-drawn carriages and related oversight): discussion points raised by public speakers; no council decision stated.
• Lease extensions and Alaska Airlines agreement: ordinances described as authorizing actions, but explicit council vote outcomes not provided.

Summary of Joint Budget and Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting — Date: 2026-08-05 | Start: 9:33 AM | Duration: 2h 51m — 1) Fiscal position and cash management plan (City CAO)

• Key points: CAO reviewed cash position and risk of a cash crunch. Timeline included: Nov 2025 revenue anticipation note request; state/auditor warnings; prior cuts; Moreno-era one-time ARPA/Wisner funding; March 2026 cash model showing ~$100M infusion; Caesars deal and NO Building Corporation efforts; July 2026 withdrawal of State Bond Commission application.

Outcomes cited as achieved/exceeded

• One-time revenue ≈ $75M; total ≈ $125M.
• Cash management fund ≈ $130M; Caesars deal in place.
• Plan characteristics: multi-bucket liquidity approach; access to GoMesa rainy-day funds; backstops if state funding unavailable; funds moved from capital accounts to the general fund as needed; emphasis on ongoing, flexible cash management and informing Council as new information emerges.
• Speaker: City CAO (primary presenter).

2) Audit findings and internal controls — Key issues identified by Alyssa (auditor)

• Reconciliations for fringe benefits and health insurance not performed regularly.
• Actual expenses diverged from monthly estimates; overspending and cash draws not properly tracked.
• Reconciliations for reimbursements back to 2019 not performed; cash constraints worsened.
• General fund used for capital expenses without reimbursement; need for repayment/correction.
• Debt service budgeted in a fund without revenue; draws from the general fund.
• Separate bank accounts exist for each special revenue fund and for rainy-day and Caesars funds, but overall monitoring needs improvement.

Planned corrective actions

• Complete reconciliations; budget terminal leave; ensure debt service is budgeted in the correct fund.
• Strengthen controls and timely reporting to prevent future shortfalls.
• Improve monitoring of grant reimbursements, health insurance, and fringe costs.
• Unresolved/ongoing issue: full implementation of stronger controls and reconciliations across funds.

3) Budget discussion: terminal leave policy and prospective exposure

• Council question: whether legislative auditor recommendations to cap terminal leave have been implemented.

CAO response

• No policy change yet; union meetings planned.
• Potential exposure could be as high as $91M if many employees depart.
• Discussion to stop accumulating terminal leave and to fund 2027 budget using averages.
• Other points: continuing to pay invoices from 2025 and earlier; need to budget health insurance and fringe costs properly.

Unresolved issues

• Whether and when a policy capping/reforming terminal leave will be adopted.
• Clarity on potential exposure if large retirements/resignations occur with substantial terminal-leave payouts.

4) Drone ordinance: introduction, amendments, and adoption

• Willard introduced ordinance 35,523 and amendments to require reporting on drone deployments by NOPD and other agencies.

Amendments require

• Disclosure of supervising officer for each flight.
• Creation of a public-facing database of drone deployments (transparency safeguards).
• Identify requesting agencies and context of deployments.

Public input highlights (summarized)

• Edith Romero (Ion Surveillance): supports ordinance with amendments; seeks penalties for noncompliance, demographic data on those surveilled, complaint mechanism; concerns about budget, software/training costs, weaponization risk; calls for oversight and investigation before program expansion.
• Dr. Sunny Moon: requests clear protocol; notes past misconduct and undocumented flights; calls for accountability and adequate budgeting.
• Alexandra Jauch: public trust concerns; wants stronger guardrails, oversight, and more public input; safeguards before expansion.
• Morgan Clevenger (Police Community Advisory Board): concerns about consent decree protections; calls for transparency and proper supervision.
• Sarah Whittington (ACLU): emphasizes purpose, data safeguards, and accountability; relates to Act 450 considerations for drone evidence.
• Outcome: The council adopted the drone ordinance with amendments, establishing guardrails and ongoing monthly/quarterly reporting for transparency and oversight.

5) Appointments and board governance

• Matthews (RKBA Matthews) introduced herself; described Nora as a bridge connecting land, opportunity, and community.
• Miss Polk expressed interest in serving on the New Orleans Public Library board (literacy and governance emphasis).

Action taken

• Matthews’s appointment to the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) board was moved and approved.
• The council concluded Matthews would serve on the NOR (New Orleans Redevelopment Authority) board.
• Note: The material does not specify additional vote counts or other boards beyond NOR.

6) Adjournment and next steps

• Meeting adjourned with thanks; next meeting date not specified in the material.

Unresolved issues to monitor

• Terminal leave policy: whether/when a policy will be adopted; potential exposure if many employees depart.
• Audit/controls: timely reconciliations, proper budgeting for debt service, and ongoing implementation of stronger financial controls and reporting.
• Drone program governance: ongoing oversight, budgeting, and public input despite adoption of amendments.
• Public engagement and transparency: continued concerns about trust, consent decree-era standards, and safeguards before further program expansion.

Speakers of note

• Alyssa: audit findings on reconciliations and cash management.
• Willard: introduced drone ordinance 35,523 and amendments.
• Edith Romero (Ion Surveillance): supports ordinance with penalties, data, and oversight concerns.
• Dr. Sunny Moon: calls for protocols, accountability, and budget sufficiency.
• Alexandra Jauch: urges stronger safeguards and public input.
• Morgan Clevenger (Police Community Advisory Board): emphasizes transparency and consent decree standards.
• Sarah Whittington (ACLU): stresses purpose, safeguards, and Act 450 considerations.
• Matthews: introduced herself and secured NOR board appointment.
• Miss Polk: expressed interest in Library Board role and literacy initiatives.

Next steps (as indicated)

• Maintain multi-bucket cash management approach and monitor liquidity.
• Complete reconciliations; finalize terminal-leave budgeting; strengthen financial controls.
• Monitor terminal-leave policy discussions ahead of the 2027 budget.
• Ongoing drone program oversight, reporting, and public accountability consistent with amendments.
• Finalize Matthews’ NOR board appointment; proceed with related governance actions.
• Next meeting date to be announced.

Executive context

• Meeting type: Joint session of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee and the Public Works, Sanitation, and the Environment Committee.
• Time: Session started around 10:00 a.m.
• Attendance: Quorum present; Councilmembers Green, Hughes, Morrell, Willard, and McCarran listed as present.

Decisions, votes, actions, and key speakers (by agenda items) — 1) Approval of minutes

• Item: June 30, 2026 meeting minutes for both committees.
• Action: Approved.
• Vote: Five yeas, 0 nays.
• Motion: Moved by Chairwoman McCarran; seconded by President Morrell.
• Speakers/participants: Chairwoman McCarran; President Morrell (motions; not other speakers noted for this item).

2) Agenda item 8 – City Infrastructure Project List (infrastructure funding/deferrals)

• Presenter: Steve Nelson, Deputy CAO for Infrastructure and Director of Public Works.
• Proposal summary: The resolution defers/delays a number of projects across all districts and converts $35 million from 2026 bond funds to cash to keep ongoing projects moving. A bond sale is planned for 2028. Deferrals are framed as a general-fund obligation measure; projects are not cancelled, and delays are to be spread equitably across districts.
• Public communication note: Ongoing dialogue with council members; acknowledged long internal wait times (aiming to reduce from 200–300 days toward 30 days).
• Public comment: Deborah Campbell submitted an online comment urging funding for sirens as a priority.
• Vote: Five yeas, 0 nays.
• Outcome: The City Infrastructure Project List resolution was approved.
• Speakers: Steve Nelson (presenter).

3) Agenda item 3 – Sewage and Water Board (S&WB) reform – oversight/governance

• Chair remarks: Chairwoman McCarran described the reform as the first coordinated effort to reform governance of the S&WB, emphasizing accountability, oversight, budget review, project prioritization, and service responsiveness. Framed as collaborative and not punitive; acknowledged cooperation with the mayor, DPW, pumps working group, and SWB stakeholders.
• Name additions to the resolution: McCarran requested to add her name; Green requested to add his name. Process note: since the ordinance had already been introduced, name additions would occur at the next week’s council meeting; the request was acknowledged.

Presenters on the reform framework

• Andrew Tizzolo (Special Counsel to Mayor Helena Moreno)
• LJ Arnett (Director of Policy and Research)

Key framing from presenters

• Background: Ongoing reform toolbox since June 2 (and spring), leveraging Rep. Hilfredi’s bill and an executive order to create the Pumps subgroup (PUMPS) to guide reform.
• PUMPS subgroup: Created by the mayor as a community-inclusive group within the ICC framework to guide governance reform and oversight for SWB. Members include community representatives, staff, and two council chairs (McCarran and Hughes). Purpose: “put the community back in charge” and coordinate essential drainage/water infrastructure.
• Relationship to ICC: PUMPS is a subgroup of the ICC, which coordinates city infrastructure construction; PUMPS specifically targets SWB governance reform.
• Ordinance purpose: Create governance/regulatory framework enabling City Council oversight to take key direction/operational choices from SWB; address unclear authority and recurring crises affecting service delivery.
• Rationale: SWB operations are critical for drinking water and drainage; reform seen as essential to reliability and community outcomes.

Unresolved/next steps noted in this excerpt

• Specifics of statutory/administrative provisions, powers, oversight mechanisms, and timelines not detailed here; ordinance has been introduced and will be refined.
• Name-addition process to SWB reform resolution to be handled next week.
• Public input noted (online comment about sirens; other testimony not detailed here); further presentations and amendments anticipated.

• Speakers and participants (clear mentions): Steve Nelson; Chairwoman McCarran; Council Member Green (requested name additions); Andrew Tizzolo; LJ Arnett; Erin Spears (administration communications context); others named in context of PUMPS participants (e.g., Bo Jones, Dr. Chalk, Adam Swensak, Aaron Spears).

Unresolved issues / next steps (from this excerpt)

• Exact statutory provisions, powers, oversight mechanics, and implementation timeline for the SWB reform ordinance remain to be finalized.
• Process for adding named sponsors to the reform resolution will occur at the next council meeting.
• Public input and ongoing reform actions will continue in future meetings.

Speakers/participants (selected clear mentions): McCarran; Green; Tizzolo; Arnett; Erin Spears (administration communications context); Bo Jones (Water Institute); Dr. Chalk; Adam Swensak; Aaron Spears.

4) Agenda item – S&WB oversight ordinance framework (Council-led oversight) — What the ordinance aims to do (high level)

• Establish a clear line of authority for the City Council to oversee and approve major S&WB operations: operating budgets, capital improvement plan (CIP), rates/fees, debt issuance, professional services contracts, and executive leadership contracts/appointments (subject to Council confirmation).
• Maintain current rate-setting under the city charter; not changing how rates are set.
• Move contracting oversight to the Council for matters that should be publicly visible.
• Bring leadership appointments (Executive Director and General Superintendent) into Council confirmation.
• Public accountability for the top SWB leadership.

Why this is pursued

• To address long-standing reform needs and public concerns; create direct, transparent oversight involving elected representatives and the mayor.

Governance/composition changes anticipated

• Council oversight of budgets, CIP, rates/fees, debt, contracts, and leadership contracts/appointments (Council confirmation).
• SWB composition remains under charter, but governance will operate with Council oversight for major decisions.
• Mayor will appoint seven citizen representatives to SWB; some elements remain (e.g., LIC-appointed members, mayoral side appointment, Council chair on SWB).
• SWB chair to be elected by the SWB board (not appointed by the Mayor).
• Appointments expected next week; Government Affairs Committee to publicly introduce new SWB members.

Public communications and emergency management

• Align SWB emergency communications with the city’s unified channels (NOLA-ready) to avoid fragmentation.
• Council informed earlier of critical information.
• SWB to provide an annual Emergency Operations Plan to City Council.
• Create a single information repository for SWB reports (historical and current) to improve context and accountability.

Budgeting, reporting, and transparency

• Public budget presentations; expedited process in Nov/Dec to align with the current budget cycle.
• CIP should be multi-year with short- and medium-term forecasts; community input on neighborhood projects and timelines.
• Acknowledges past underfunding and opacity; intent to improve funding strategy and transparency.

Future planning

• Model CIP and long-range planning after successful city/regional models; multi-year perspective with embedded oversight.

Next steps / timing

• Clarifying amendment sponsored by four council members.
• Mayor to appoint SWB members next week; Government Affairs Committee to introduce them publicly next week.
• Further questions/clarifications anticipated as the process progresses.

Q&A snippet

• Question: Did S&WB have representation on the PUMPS committee?
• Answer: Yes, S&WB had representation on PUMPS.

Unresolved/open items (from this excerpt)

• Content/details of the four-council-member amendment (scope) not fully specified.
• Mechanics of contracting oversight beyond listed areas not fully spelled out.
• Potential charter change to alter SWB composition remains a future possibility; specifics/timing to be finalized.
• Timelines for vetting Executive Director/General Superintendent not exhaustively described.

Speakers/participants (clear mentions): Andrew Tizzolo; LJ Arnett; Council President Morrell; Council Members McCarran and Hughes; Green; Deborah Campbell (public comment in the excerpt context); Public Works staff; SWB staff.

5) the excerpt item – Health benefits (separate brief note)

• Decision: The council confirmed that employee health benefits will not be disrupted.
• Action: The council approved initiating a review of employee health benefits.
• Votes: Not specified.
• Speakers: Not specified.
• Unresolved issues: None identified in the provided material for this item.

Overall takeaway

• The meeting materials outline a concerted push toward stronger City Council oversight and public transparency for the Sewage and Water Board, including:
• Establishing a Council-led governance framework (with a PUMPS subgroup within ICC) to oversee budgets, CIP, rates, debt, contracting, and executive appointments.
• Aligning emergency communications and CIP processes with city-wide systems to reduce duplication and improve public visibility.
• Pursuing amendments and potential charter changes to alter SWB composition, with appointments and public introductions planned for next week.
• Ongoing efforts to improve governance, accountability, and long-range planning, while addressing public concerns about costs and reliability.
• Several specifics remain to be clarified in forthcoming meetings, including exact statutory provisions, amendment texts, implementation timelines, and certain vote outcomes.

Decisions, actions, and outcomes by matter

• Bijou restaurant: Dismissed for lack of business.
• Nicholas Carno Corp.: Dismissed after fees paid.
• Whiskey and Sticks: Consent with payment.
• Blue Flamingo: Consent with a payment plan and fee.
• Lighthouse Oyster Bar: Six late periods; discussion of closure and owed fees. Outcome not specified in the material.
• Pink Lotus: Consent discussion; amount revised to $500.
• Patio 17: Tentative service; continued.
• Empire State: No service; dismissed due to closure.
• Market on Magazine: Consent with payment of $2,200.
• Tony's Parakeet: Case continued to October if needed.

Speakers

• No speakers identified in the provided material.

Other matters

• The session included dozens of additional matters (examples cited: Island, Estrella, MDK 327 Bourbon, NOLA Cheers, Birdies, Concrete Cowboy, etc.) with continuances and consent judgments.

Meeting timing and adjournment

• The meeting adjourned at 11:21.

Unresolved or unclear items

• Lighthouse Oyster Bar: Outcome not specified beyond discussion of closure and owed fees.
• Numerous other matters mentioned only as having continuances or consent judgments, without detailed outcomes provided.

Overall context

• Hearings are recorded and broadcast on public access TV; records (audio/video, public records) are available at the city planning office or on the city website.

Docket item 07326 — Zoning Docket 07326: Planned Development for adaptive reuse at 720 Henry Clay Avenue — Proposal and project scope

• Adaptive reuse of the former Franciscan Poor Clare’s Monastery into three new buildings around a central landscaped public park/courtyard.
• 24 residential units total (8 per building); preservation of the historic monastery; demolition of select non-historic structures; new internal circulation/parking; public landscaping.
• Location: 720 Henry Clay Avenue; HURD2 District and CPC Character Preservation Corridor Design Overlay District.

Design/approval context

• Height proposed ≈ 49 feet; underlying zoning allows 35 feet.
• Parking proposed 61 spaces; 65 required under the University Area Off-Street Parking Overlay.
• Staff position: Supports preserving the monastery as the defining architectural feature, supports refined massing to emphasize the monastery, and supports height/parking concessions as part of the public-benefit/landscaping concept. Staff recommends approval.
• Consistency: Aligns with master plan and preserves a designated local landmark; compatible with surrounding neighborhood.

Conditions (three exceptions and one proviso)

• Exceptions
• Off-street parking: allow 61 spaces (instead of 65).
• Off-street loading: allow 0 spaces (instead of 1).
• Height: permit 49 feet (instead of 35).
• Proviso
• Department of Safety and Permits shall issue no building permits or licenses until final development plans are approved by the City Planning Commission and recorded; failure to complete the conditional-use process within one year (or to request an extension) voids the conditional-use approval.

Public input

• Ron Lazell spoke in support, noting collaboration among neighbors, the developer, and city stakeholders; requested clarity on provisos/exceptions before voting.
• No opposition speakers documented; one card from Susan Johnson entered into the record.
• Sponsor/participants confirmed the exact provisos and waivers during the meeting.

Decision/vote

• Motion: Approve subject to the three exceptions and the proviso.
• Second: Commissioner Hebert.
• Vote: 5 in favor, 0 opposed (5-0).
• Outcome: Motion approved; described by participants as a “great development.”
• Post-vote note: Susan Johnson’s card comment entered into the record.

Post-decision status

• The item was approved subject to the listed conditions.

Docket item 03626 — Zoning Docket 03626: City Council motion for a text amendment to define data centers — Proposal

• Text amendment to define data centers and determine whether they should be permitted or conditional in various districts, plus use/design standards (density, acoustics, safety, etc.) for these uses.

Staff observations/reasoning

• Data centers are atypical uses with potentially broad local/regional impacts (occupancy/traffic/design; energy/water use; air/noise).
• Hyperscale facilities with on-site power or liquid cooling have significant impacts.
• National/regional trends show diverse regulatory approaches (including moratoriums or thresholds).

Staff recommendations

• Create scale-based categories: accessory, small, medium, large/hyperscale.
• Proposed thresholds (examples from the text)
• Accessory: up to 2,000 sq ft and up to 25% of gross floor area of primary use; up to 20,000 sq ft total with up to 5 MW power.
• Small: up to 20,000 sq ft and up to 5 MW (notes in the text vary; intent is tiered limits with a 20,000 sq ft/5 MW cap for small).
• Medium: up to 100,000 sq ft and up to 20 MW.
• Large/hyperscale: above medium threshold; would be prohibited citywide.
• Use permissions (where small/medium would be allowed): Conditionally permitted across certain districts (various articles and district lists referenced).
• Examples: small data centers conditionally allowed in commercial center areas (C1, C2, C3, EC, MC, MS, LS); small/medium in LI/HI/MI/BIP; small in CBD districts (CBD1–CBD4, CBD7); medium in CBD7.
• Map reference: Slide/map shows red/blue areas for commercial centers (conditional small data centers), purple areas for LI/HI/MI/BIP (small or medium), gray areas around CBD (including CBD7) for small (and CBD7 for medium).
• Use standards: Additional standards to address these atypical uses would be developed.

Status and next steps (in the provided material)

• The text ends mid-explanation of use standards; no final vote or action recorded in the excerpt.
• Unresolved items: Finalizing thresholds, use standards, map refinements, and scheduling of a vote or further staff/commission discussion.

Public input

• Jesse George (Alliance for Affordable Energy) testified in support of a prohibition on hyperscale data centers.
• Commission questions/clarifications sought about the map, why CBD would have conditional uses, hyperscale thresholds, and CBD-building limitations.

Actions taken at this stage

• Deferral to next CPC meeting (August 25) due to a noticing issue; item deferred to re-notice correctly and accept additional public input.
• Deferral vote: 5 ayes, 0 nays (5-0).
• Other related items noted: administrative subdivision ratifications approved 5-0; meeting adjourned 5-0.

Unresolved issues

• The text amendment remains unresolved pending re-noticing and the August 25 CPC meeting.
• Next steps include presenting corrected notice, allowing additional testimony, and CPC action (adopt/modify/deny) at the August 25 meeting.

Key speakers (as documented in the provided material)

• Docket 07326: Ron Lazell (support); Susan Johnson (card entered into the record).
• Docket 03626: Jesse George, Alliance for Affordable Energy (testified in support of prohibiting hyperscale data centers).

Actions and outcomes recap

• Minutes adoption: Approved 5-0.
• Docket 07326: Approved subject to three waivers and one proviso; 5-0.
• Docket 03626: Deferral to August 25 CPC meeting due to noticing issue; 5-0.
• Administrative subdivision ratifications: Approved 5-0.
• Adjournment: Approved 5-0.

Unresolved issues highlighted

• Docket 07326: Exact wording/scope of the three waivers and the proviso; though voted to approve with those conditions, precise language may still be needed in recordkeeping.
• Docket 03626: Final data-center use standards, thresholds, and district-specific rules; schedule and conduct of the August 25 CPC meeting after re-noticing.

Meeting basics

• Title: Criminal Justice Committee Meeting (city council public meeting material)
• Date: 2026-07-27
• Start time: 10:00 AM
• Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Attendance: Four council members present (King, Morrell, Harris, Green). Quorum achieved. Hughes listed but not indicated as present.
• Minutes: Last meeting’s minutes were moved for acceptance, seconded by Council Member Harris, and approved by voice vote (all in favor).
• Adjournment (per public-meeting segment in the excerpt): Motion to adjourn by meeting chair, seconded by Councilman Harris; vote all in favor.

Agenda and focus

• Primary topic: The relationship between poverty and crime in New Orleans, with emphasis on how increasing a living wage could reduce crimes of necessity and strengthen public safety through economic security.

Presenters

• Tulane policy class team (led by Lillian Lofton) on poverty, crime, and living wage.
• ALAS (Advancing Leaders and Services) panel featuring Lisa Maria Rhodes and youth participants (with interpretation support as needed).

Tulane policy class presentation (summary of content) — Context about New Orleans

• Rapidly shrinking metro area (about 39,000 residents lost from 2020 to 2024).
• Economy heavily touristic/hospitality-based, leading to irregular income and precarity.

Key definitions and concepts

• Crimes of necessity: crimes driven by survival needs or lack of economic opportunity (e.g., burglary, petty theft, shoplifting, fare evasion); not typically organized or violent.
• Economic precarity: mismatch between living costs and income for full-time workers.
• Economic mobility challenges: low absolute/relative mobility; limited intergenerational economic movement.

Economic data highlighted

• Since 2018, the dollar’s value fell ~30%; local workforce recovered only ~10% of losses, leaving ~20% gap for basic needs.
• 32% of city employees cannot afford to live in New Orleans.
• MIT living wage estimates (as of Feb 2026): single adult $20.49/hour; with one child $34.49/hour; with two children $43.30/hour.
• City living wage and other wage references cited: typical city living wage around $16/hour; federal minimum wage $7.25/hour; poverty wage cited around $7.67/hour for a single adult with no children.
• Implications: Wage-to-cost disparity supports framing that poverty contributes to crime via economic need; higher living wages could reduce crimes of necessity.

ALAS testimony and case examples (summary) — Participants and purpose

• Lisa Maria Rhodes (ALAS founder/executive director) introduced; ALAS youth (ages ~14–24) shared experiences with poverty and crime to illustrate real-world impacts.
• Emphasis on social justice and reallocating funding away from policing/incarceration toward opportunity youth programs and workforce development.

Youth speakers

• Riveas (17, Walter E. Cohen High School): Poverty can push people toward crime when jobs/opportunities are scarce; personal example of a pressure situation at a dollar store illustrating financial desperation.
• Valerie Forrest (16, ALAS Fellow, Walter L. Cohen High School): Relative’s struggle with addiction and poverty contributing to crime; stressed cycles of poverty, addiction, and lack of support, with acknowledgment of personal responsibility.

Policy/budget ask

• ALAS argued for diverting funding away from policing/incarceration toward youth-oriented programs and workforce development (investments in ALAS and similar programs as a root-cause strategy).

Decisions, votes, actions, and speakers (clear items) — Decisions/votes

• Minutes from the previous meeting approved (motion by the presenter; seconded by Council Member Harris; all in favor).
• No additional formal votes or policy decisions recorded in the material.
• the excerpt notes an adjournment with all ayes (no oppositions).

Actions

• Tulane segment defined background, definitions, and a framework for examining living wages as a policy lever.
• ALAS presented and urged budget reallocation toward youth programs and workforce development; highlighted youth voices in informing public safety strategies.

Speakers noted

• Tulane: Lillian Lofton; William Kesterson; Avery Burr; Bellamy Parker; Brian Brocks (professor); other team members providing background.
• ALAS: Lisa Maria Rhodes; Riveas (17); Hilda Riveas (interpreter for the group); Valerie Forrest (16).
• The ALAS portion included interpreter support as needed.

Unresolved issues and open questions (as of the meeting content)

• No additional decisions or votes beyond approving the previous meeting’s minutes and the adjournment.
• No concrete policy action items or implementation plans (e.g., specific living-wage policy, funding reallocations) approved in this session.
• Tulane segment outlined data and policy options but did not finalize which option(s) to pursue, funding sources, timelines, or governance impacts.
• ALAS advocated for funding reallocation to youth programs/workforce development, but no formal commitment or allocation was approved during this meeting.
• Next steps implied (not detailed): further discussion of policy options, budgeting implications, and potential program investments; ongoing stakeholder input, including community voices.

Notes on context

• Content includes youth voices (Atlas program references) and programmatic mentions (Allies, other youth-serving initiatives) as part of ongoing community engagement.
• An interpreter supported the ALAS segment.

Meeting basics

• Date/time: 2026-07-22, Start 12:45 PM, Duration 1h11m
• Attendance: Four council members present (Morrell, McCarran, Hughes, Willard). Harris and Greene not listed as present. Quorum established.

Items with decisions, motions, votes, and actions (as detailed in the material) — June 11 minutes

• Motion: Councilman Hughes
• Second: Chair
• Result: Approved unanimously

Delgado Albania Plantation Commission: Damon LaBeouf nomination

• Waiver: Submitted and properly received
• Motion: Forward LaBeouf’s nomination
• Second: Councilman Willard
• Result: Forwarded to full council (unanimous support noted; no opposed)

Michael Kerrigan, Delgado Albania Plantation Commission

• Presentation: Background in sugar industry and cross-mill connections
• Motion: Forward Kerrigan’s nomination
• Second: Councilman McCarran
• Result: Forwarded to full council (unanimous)

Charlie Richard (Delgado Albania Plantation Commission)

• Presentation: Long-serving (since 1990); explains commission’s role
• Status: Motion already moved and approved earlier; forwarded to full council (no opposition)

Industrial Development Board (IDB): Calvin Lawrence

• Motion: Forward Lawrence’s nomination
• Second: Councilman Hughes
• Result: Approved; forwarded to full council

Fairgrounds Citizen Advisory Committee: Ryan (and Nesbitt waiver)

• Ryan: Presentation as neighbor and association president
• Motion: Move Ryan’s appointment (implied)
• Result: Approved (unanimous)
• Nesbitt: Waiver noted as properly received
• Motion: Forward Nesbitt’s waiver
• Result: Forwarded to full council (unanimous)

French Quarter Management District: Michael Lowethal

• Presentation: Desire to serve and represent his neighborhood
• Motion: Forward Lowethal’s nomination
• Second: Councilman Hughes
• Result: Forwarded to full council (unanimous)

ABC Board: Craig Mitchell

• Presentation: Policy focus; prior board service
• Motion: Forward Mitchell’s appointment
• Second: Councilwoman McCarran
• Result: Forwarded to full council (unanimous)

ABC Board: Nisan Patel

• Presentation: Emphasized resident listening and fair oversight of hospitality industry
• Motion: Forward Patel’s appointment
• Second: Councilwoman McCarran
• Result: Forwarded to full council (unanimous)

ABC Board: Molly Pons

• Presentation: Supported, consistent board participant
• Discussion: Praise for Pons; noted toughness
• Motion: Reappointment
• Second: Councilman Hughes
• Result: Reappointed (unanimous)

Downtown Development District: Murray

• Status: Absent; deferred to next meeting

• New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC): Kevin Kimbrough, Sr.
• Waiver: Properly received
• Motion: Place Kimbrough on the North Sea Commission (verbatim)
• Result: Approved; forwarded to full council

City Planning Commission: Anthony Jackson

• Waiver: Timely receipt confirmed
• Motion: Forward Jackson’s waiver
• Second: Councilwoman McCarran
• Result: Approved and forwarded to full council (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Adjustments: Carlisle appointment

• Status: Carlisle’s appointment withdrawn
• Action: No further action at this meeting

Mardi Gras operations discussion (general policy direction for events)

• Speakers: Referred to as “the Grinch of Mardi Gras” and a co-Grinch
• Theme: Public safety, staffing, overtime, faster post-event street reopening
• Key proposed actions (summarized):
• Longer formation window (aiming to extend from 2 hours to 4 hours)
• Parade routing and start-time changes (particularly Friday)
• Examples cited: DATAR 5:00 PM, Hermes around 6:00 PM, Morpheus after Hermes
• Move all Friday parades to Napoleon and Chapitulas corridors
• Shift daytime start times to Magazine and Napoleon
• Parking enforcement and towing:
• No parking four hours before parades; more tow capacity and operators
• Stronger, more visible enforcement and public messaging
• Communications plan:
• Coordination with Mayor’s Office, NOPD, Public Information Office, Nova Ready
• Ongoing, season-long messaging to residents and businesses
• Safety and operational concerns:
• Avoid bottlenecks near Earhart, Carrollton
• Ensure parade formation flow and reduce dead time
• Status: No formal vote recorded on these Mardi Gras adjustments
• Unresolved/follow-up items:
• Finalization and adoption of new routes/start times
• Detailed implementation plan (timeline, interagency coordination, budget/overtime impacts)

Notes on speakers and references

• Motions and seconders specified for many items; several items explicitly stated as “forward to full council.”
• Mardi Gras discussion includes informal commentary from council members (e.g., “Grinch” references) but no additional formal votes recorded for those specifics.

Unresolved or follow-up items (as identified in the material)

• Mardi Gras scheduling, routing, and four-hour no-parking window: needs final approval, detailed implementation plan, budget implications, and coordination with public safety and sanitation.
• Downtown Development District: Murray’s absence deferred action to next meeting.
• Board of Zoning Adjustments: Carlisle appointment withdrawal; no action in this meeting.

Sparta route vs. Magazine Street issue (the excerpt details)

• Whether Magazine Street will be retained in the Sparta route remains unresolved.
• Requires discussion with the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Advisory Committee, potential input to the police superintendent, and budget/resource considerations.

Note on conflicting items across excerpts

• the excerpt records a separate item (Edwin Murray) with a 5-4 vote and forwarding to the full council, plus an amendment discussion; this item and the accompanying “closing” content in the excerpt do not align with the unanimous outcomes described in other excerpts. Treat Edwin Murray as a separate (or additional) item with its own vote, and treat the closing unanimous summary as inconsistent with that specific item in the provided material.

Summary of public meeting material — Joint Committee, New Orleans

Date of meeting: 2026-07-22

Key speakers and topics

• Dan Calamari (Energy): hurricane preparedness framework; incident command structure; annual and May storm drills; fast-tracked storm work; use of a third-party weather monitor and a predictive damage/resource database; inspections of critical distribution lines; coordination with neighboring utilities; emphasis on self-sufficiency and use of the PREDICT model; parallel restoration sequence (generation, transmission, distribution); prioritization of critical infrastructure; notes on customer-owned components requiring permits/inspections.
• Harry Barton (Energy): resilience work details continuing Calamari’s themes; French Quarter and CBD projects; vault inspections (daily and end-to-end twice yearly); CBD underground system specifics; pumping systems to drain vaults; monitoring of pumps/transformers in new vaults; warning signs and water ingress monitoring.
• Jessica Williams (Energy): customer communications strategy for storms; proactive pre-storm outreach for special-needs/critical facilities; pre-landfall contact windows (72/24 hours); storm-period communications (texts, email, outage map, social channels); damage assessment coordination with NOLA Ready; post-storm communications to critical customers; EOC staffing; generator readiness and cooling centers as critical customers.
• Deanna Rodriguez (Entergy): focus on reliability after outages in French Quarter and North Kenilworth; introduced reliability teams for ongoing projects; reset of table.
• Council Member McCarron: questions on DPS 7 pump operations, training pipeline, apprenticeship opportunities, operator experience, and any disciplinary actions from a July event. Sewage and Water Board responders provided details on training paths, staffing, retiree recall limits (17.5 hours), ongoing investigations (expected conclusion within ~1.5 weeks), catch-basin cleaning metrics, 3-1-1 data gaps, and immediate actions post-July 11 (claireborne/Lakeview). Discussion of real-time pump status alerts, better council/resident communications, potential staffing increases, and catch-basin screens/debris removal after road projects.

Decisions and actions (as stated) — Council resolution directing Energy & Operations (E&O) to

• Include a feeder-level analysis using the original Appendix A methodology from Resolution R2373 and the adjusted methodology from the 2024 ESDRS filing.
• Record and report portfolio and feeder-level SADI and SAFE, including major event days, in the annual compliance filing.
• Resubmit the 2025 reliability report with this information and include it in future reliability reports.
• Procedural note: the resolution is under consideration as a vehicle to address Entergy’s motion regarding an extension of the electric formula rate plan rider (i.e., a procedural schedule item).

Actions ongoing or initiated (clear from the material)

• E&O to perform feeder-level analyses using both the original and proposed methodologies.
• E&O to document and report SADI/SAFE metrics at feeder and portfolio levels, including major event days, in compliance filings.
• E&O to resubmit the 2025 reliability report with the specified information and to include such information in future reliability reports.
• Ongoing coordination with city entities (EOC, NOLA Ready) and continued public communications plans for French Quarter, North Kenilworth, and other projects.

Unresolved issues and open questions

• Ongoing Sewage and Water Board investigation regarding DPS 7 pump operations: status, findings, and any resulting actions are not yet resolved; expected conclusion in ~1.5 weeks.

Training and staffing questions from the council

• Training pipeline and apprenticeship opportunities for pump operators.
• Average years of operator experience; any disciplinary actions from the July event.
• Whether retirees can be recalled for emergencies; 17.5-hour recall limit and related policies.
• Potential staffing increases for pump operations and real-time monitoring systems (e.g., real-time pump status alerts).

Catch basins

• Data reporting gaps (cartograph system) and feasibility of catch-basin screens.
• Debris removal/punch-list items after road projects.
• Effectiveness of 3-1-1 reporting and potential improvements for timely maintenance and communication.
• North Kenilworth project: status and timelines beyond the reported 94% completion, 30,000 feet of conduit installed, and 100 resources mobilized since July 12; implications for stakeholder engagement.

Communication and coordination enhancements

• Best practices for real-time public updates during storms; sustaining dedicated hotlines post-project; extending outreach infrastructure (hotline, 3-1-1 updates) for ongoing resident questions.

Notes on scope and context

• Focus on Energy’s hurricane preparedness and resilience efforts, including French Quarter and CBD vaults/underground systems, and the North Kenilworth project; plus customer engagement strategies during storms.
• Also covers Sewage and Water Board pump infrastructure and staffing, with council follow-up on reliability reporting and rate rider procedural matters.

Decisions and votes — Item 1A: IT transition amendment for the 311 system

• Decision/Vote: Motion to approve the amendment; seconded by Council Member Willard; vote passed (Aye).

Item 2: Transfer of old bond funds to the Affordable Housing Bond fund (calendar numbers 5155–5157)

• Decision/Vote: Motion to move forward; seconded by Council Member McCarran; vote passed (Aye).

Calendar items 35,487 and 35,488

• Decision/Vote: Referred to the full council meeting on July 23 for discussion and vote.

Item 7A (from the excerpt, M26242)

• Decision/Vote: Deferred to August 6. Action to suspend the rules to add the item to the agenda passed by voice vote (implied).

CAB administrator item (Central Adjudication Bureau)

• Decision/Vote: Item added to the regular agenda for Thursday’s meeting; discussion to occur on CAB plans and priorities.

Speakers (clearest attributions)

• IT transition and 311 module: Jonathan (staff presenter)
• Bond funds transfer: Liz
• Budget/finance discussion and CAB context: Council President Morrell
• CAO staff: Austin (CAB adjudication priorities and status)
• CAO representative: Ash (CAB, IT interfaces, process improvements)
• May 2026 budget and performance: Abby Vian (Chief Performance Officer, CAO)
• Audit findings: Becky Hammond (Carr, Riggs, & Ingram)

Actions taken or requested — IT transition amendment

• Action: Amendment approved to allow August launch; final timeline and development plan to be determined post-amendment; public launch anticipated later in the year or early next year; staff will keep the committee updated and may present to residents about what the change means.

Transfer of old bond funds

• Action: Transfer executed moving old Housing Trust Fund bond monies into the Affordable Housing Bond fund; the transfer was anticipated to free up funds for upcoming bond sales.

Calendar items 35,487 and 35,488

• Action: Referred to the July 23 full council for discussion and vote.

Audit presentation (FY2025)

• Action: For information and discussion; no committee vote recorded in the material. Auditor presented findings and conclusions (see below under “Key findings”).

Speakers noted

• Jonathan (staff), Liz, Council Members Willard and McCarran, Becky Hammond (auditor), Abby Vian (CAO), and CAO staff (Austin, Ash) plus Council President Morrell.

Unresolved or follow-up issues — Internal controls and compliance

• Material weakness and noncompliance related to prior-period restatements and pension funding require ongoing monitoring and remediation.

Pension funding

• Firefighters’ Pension and Relief Fund remains underfunded; continuing contributions and funding strategy will be needed; auditors and management will monitor progress.

Deposit and cash handling

• Bank reconciliations timing, cash handling separation, and 24-hour deposit compliance require further action or adjustments; specific corrective measures were not detailed in the material.

IT and CAB implementation

• Ongoing plans and priorities for CAB, IT interfaces, and related process improvements were discussed, with follow-up at the regular Thursday meeting.

Key findings (from the FY2025 audit, as presented) — Opinion and overall results

• Independent Auditor’s Report: Unmodified (clean) opinion.
• Internal controls and compliance (GAS): Some issues identified (material weakness and a noncompliance).
• Material weakness: Prior-period corrections/restatements, including:
• Unrecorded Gomesa bond revenue in the Debt Service Fund (~$2.5 million).
• Unrecorded workers’ compensation expenditures in the General Fund (~$8.4 million).
• Corrections implemented; procedures updated.
• Noncompliance: Underfunded Firefighters’ Pension and Relief Fund findings; funding levels improving but still below requirements.
• New system funded ~18% in 2025 (older years 7–12% depending on year); old system funded ~25% in 2025.
• Agreed-upon procedures: Two exception areas (bank reconciliations and collections); deposits timing issues (2–10 business days) noted; some improvements since prior years.
• Overall financial picture: Net position increased from about $930 million to about $1.72 billion year over year; capital assets grew with shifts from construction in progress to buildings, improvements, and infrastructure; depreciation-adjusted year-over increase ~$300 million.

Report status

• The audit presentation is for information and discussion; no vote documented in the material.

Overall outcome

• Three items were approved or referred for the next council vote (IT transition amendment; bond fund transfer; calendar items 35,487/35,488 referred to July 23).
• The FY2025 audit was presented with a clean opinion but included remediation-needed findings (material weakness, noncompliance) and noted improvements in internal controls and fund status.

Summary: New Orleans City Planning Commission meeting notes, 2026-07-14 (start 1:29 PM; duration 1h57m) — Overall context

• Staff characterized many items as approval with provisos, referencing the Commission’s history with interim zoning district applications.
• Themes included balancing economic development with neighborhood livability; several items were deferred or await council action; some vote outcomes were not explicitly stated in the material.
• Speakers referenced in multiple items included staff, supporters, opponents, neighborhood groups, and project applicants. Named speakers appearing in several items: Katherine Harmon, Susan Johnson, Avery Fornay, Ivan Neville.

Docket-by-docket outcomes, actions, and issues — 1) Interim zoning district applications / related approvals

• Topic: Staff framed approval with two provisos; reviewed history of interim zoning district applications; data shown: 17 applications considered, 15 approved in bed-and-breakfast, commercial STR, and hotel categories.
• Actions and votes: A motion to deny was offered and debated but did not carry. A motion to approve in concurrence with staff’s report and the two provisos was debated and did not carry; item left under continued consideration.
• Speakers: Staff framing noted; no specific named speaker identified for this docket in excerpt.
• Unresolved issues: Whether to approve with two provisos or reset/grandfather existing approvals; final action deferred.

2) Testimony in support/opposition on staff recommendation (urban density / STR compatibility)

• Topic: Input on staff recommendation related to a site with urban density and STR compatibility along a busy corridor.
• Actions and votes: CPC considered input and proceeded to a vote; outcome not specified in material.
• Speakers: Katherine Harmon (strong support for staff recommendation); Susan Johnson (opposition for Historic New Orleans Neighborhoods, citing compatibility and neighborhood impact).
• Unresolved issues: Result of the vote and any conditions to be applied.

3) Applicant testimony on site design and mitigation measures

• Topic: Extensive testimony from the applicant team on CMU walls, landscaping, lighting changes, reduced access points, and security/maintenance commitments; neighbor concerns about traffic, noise from vacuum stalls, and potential flooding.
• Actions and votes: Discussion culminated in a formal vote on whether to approve with provisos; outcome not specified.
• Staff position: Reiterated concerns about compatibility with surrounding residences; noted eight provisos to mitigate impacts if approved.
• Speakers: Neighbors raised traffic/noise/flooding concerns; staff and applicant provided mitigation-focused testimony.
• Unresolved issues: Whether to approve with eight provisos; final council action pending.

4) 79-room hotel concept in CBD5/HUMU districts

• Topic: Adaptive reuse hotel concept; staff noted hotels are generally appropriate in CBD5/HUMU, especially when under 100 rooms and not converting residences to STRs.
• Actions and votes: CPC approved the docket with two provisos to be imposed at the council stage.
• Speakers: Avery Fornay highlighted Art Deco significance and community revitalization; Ivan Neville supported opportunities for local musicians.
• Unresolved issues: Provisos to be imposed at council stage; further council consideration.

5) VR entertainment concept (downtown walkability)

• Topic: 4,700-square-foot VR entertainment concept intended to complement downtown walkability.
• Actions and votes: CPC approved the docket with three provisos.
• Staff notes: Three provisional conditions related to site operations and compatibility.
• Speakers: Emphasized downtown vitality and local arts economy; specific speakers not named.
• Unresolved issues: Conditions to be refined or implemented; status pending council action.

6) Secondary live entertainment at recording studios (text amendment)

• Topic: Rationale for permitting secondary live entertainment as a conditional use, with a text amendment to keep entertainment ancillary to recording activity.
• Actions and votes: CPC approved the text amendment with accompanying conditions; anticipated linkage to docket 071-26.
• Applicants/staff positions: Applicant framed project as creative, venue-like workspace integrated with the music community; staff emphasized preventing scope creep into bars or music clubs.
• Unresolved issues: Conditions to be finalized; linkage to another docket.

7) Studio-proposed live entertainment / neighborhood considerations

• Topic: Testimony from studio proponents and neighborhood representatives on creating a controlled, member-supported creative space with limited live performances; emphasis on keeping entertainment closely integrated with recording activity.
• Actions and votes: CPC approved the docket with two provisos to be refined before council; reflects cooperation with residents and the neighborhood association.
• Speakers: Studio proponents and neighborhood representatives cited controlled use and integration with recording work.
• Unresolved issues: Specific provisos to be refined; final council approval conditions.

8) Adaptive reuse of a historic monastery in HURD2 with CPC overlay

• Topic: Adaptive reuse of a historic monastery within HURD2 and the CPC overlay; plans revised and under review.
• Actions and votes: Staff requested a deferral to allow assessment of updated materials; deferral granted.
• Public remarks: Information-only remark from a local speaker about preserving religious and cultural context.
• Neighbors and proponents: Acknowledged potential benefits but sought further community engagement and refined conditions.
• Unresolved issues: Updated materials to be reviewed; further community engagement and refined conditions; deferral to July 28 for continued deliberations.

Notes on outcomes and process

• Several dockets targeted approval with two provisos to be imposed at the council stage.
• Some items advanced with provisos or conditions (including items with three provisos or eight provisos anticipated to mitigate impacts); others were deferred for updated materials or further review.
• Where vote outcomes were not explicit in the material, the summary notes that a vote occurred without detailing the result.
• Key themes: balancing economic development, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, neighborhood livability, compatibility with surrounding residential uses, and use of provisos/conditions to manage site operations, scale, and impact.

Context

• The session followed an Executive Session.
• Several items involved introductions or updates rather than final actions; some items were carried over or deferred to a future meeting. A special meeting was announced for July 21 to continue review and discussion.

Items and outcomes — 1) Minutes for June 12, 2026

• Action/Decision: Minutes approved following a routine motion and vote.
• Process: Motion to approve, second, unanimous agreement.

2) Ratification of Public Integrity Bureau extension requests

• Action/Decision: Extension requests ratified.
• Process: No opposition or public comment noted; motion to approve, second, attendees agreed.

3) 3A. Introduction of proposed amendment to Rule 7, Section 1.1 — Working Test Periods

• Purpose: Extend the Working Test Period for executive service classifications (pay grade 102 or higher) from one year to two years.

Key points

• Impacts prospective new hires and promotions into these classifications; does not affect current employees.
• Testing process remains (credentials and interviews); not typical large-group testing.
• Rationale: Allows a longer assessment for high-level, long-duration projects or budget cycles.
• Q&A highlights: Most such positions are held by a single incumbent; some high-level engineering roles may have multiple incumbents.
• Public comment: None.
• Status: Introduction only; no action taken; lies over to next meeting.
• Next steps: Public may request a copy of the proposed rule change via CSNO@NOLA.gov.

4) 3B. Introduction of proposed amendments to Rule 11 (Performance Evaluation System), Rule 4 (Merit Pay), and Rule 12 (Preferred Reemployment) and Rule 12 (Use of Service Ratings and Layoffs)

• Recusal: Commissioner Monteverdi recused due to economic interest; noted.
• Presentation: Jonathan Wisby, Chief Innovation Officer, presented the amendment package and context.

Key changes (summary)

• Performance ratings: Move from three ratings (exceeds, meets, does not meet) to five ratings (Exceptional, Exceeds, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, Unsatisfactory).
• Merit pay: Greater emphasis on merit pay for top rating (Exceptional); under proposal, merit pay would not be payable until the 2027 observation year (paid mid-2028).
• Evaluation categories: Reduce categories (eliminate some like competencies, person-role fit, overall placement); supervisors’ duties narrowed; for non-supervisors, performance goals weighed more.
• Budgeting for merit pay: Update to require budgeting for merit pay in line with current civil service rules (replacing a prior 2% rule that no longer aligns with practice).
• Linkage to fiscal health: Mechanism to withhold merit pay in years with approved furloughs; align with fiscal realities.
• Public comment: Not taken at this meeting; item introduced only.
• Special meeting: Scheduled for July 21 at 10:00 a.m. to allow full review and written comments; prepared remarks encouraged.
• Quorum: Not present to act today due to the recusal and lack of quorum.
• Public copies: Copies available via CSNO@NOLA.gov; online comment submission via NOLA.gov.
• Next steps: July 21 special meeting for consideration, with continued opportunity for written comments (including online submissions).

Speakers noted (in the record)

• Amy (host/moderator)
• Commissioner Monteverdi (recused on 3B)
• Commissioner Superintendent (participated in discussion on 3A; action could not be taken; 3A lying over)
• Jonathan Wisby, Chief Innovation Officer (presented 3B and summarized changes)

Unresolved issues and upcoming actions

• 3A: No action today; lies over to next meeting; interested parties can request a copy of the proposed rule change.
• 3B: No action today due to lack of quorum and the recusal; special public meeting set for July 21 at 10:00 a.m. to review, discuss, and potentially approve amendments.
• Public participation: Written comments via CSNO@NOLA.gov; online submissions via NOLA.gov.
• Next meeting: Special meeting on July 21 at 10:00 a.m. to address 3B and related issues from the introduced amendments.

Notes

• Many items were introductions only; no final decisions at this meeting.
• Fiscal considerations were highlighted; changes to merit pay aim to better align compensation with performance and fiscal realities.

Speakers and notable remarks (additional context)

• Amy (hosting/moderating)
• Commissioner Monteverdi (recused for 3B)
• Commissioner Superintendent (participated in discussions; action on 3A deferred)
• Jonathan Wisby (presented 3B)
• Public participants included Amanda Follis (public comment on merit pay, rubrics, transparency) and Benjamin Quindy (intends to submit comments for July 21)
• Closing remarks acknowledged Dr. Ruth Davis’s term ending; expression of appreciation and farewell notes.

Public input channels

• Written comments accepted via CSNO@NOLA.gov
• Online submissions accepted via NOLA.gov

3-part summary note

• the excerpt: Focused on 1–3B items with 3A pending and 3B introduced but not acted upon; July 21 follow-up announced.
• the excerpt: Expanded to include 4A–5A items (examinations, extended eligible lists for Police Sergeant, Fire Captain; Fire District Chief deferred; 2025 performance evaluations data); public input and detailed discussion on merit pay; special July 21 meeting announced; some items with quorum/recusal impacts; notes on data and process.
• the excerpt: Provided context on evaluation process, data handling in NeoGov, link to consumer feedback, span of control, compliance/merit-pay history (CAO Montano issue), and ongoing questions about the commission’s jurisdiction to review evaluations, with a note on Ruth Davis’s departure.

Executive session

• Outcome: Motion to come out of executive session; six ayes, zero nays. (No topic list or results from the executive session are provided in the excerpts.)

Regular agenda items (zoning, CUPs, and related actions) — 1) Zoning Docket 5526 – 1701 St. Bernard Avenue (Reception facility/CUP in HUB 1 area)

• CPC recommendation: Approve with two provisos.
• Council action: Motion M26276 by Council Member King to approve subject to two provisos; second by Council Member Willard.
• Vote: Seven yeas, zero nays (universal approval).
• Public/staff input: CPC staff summarized; no opposition at CPC hearing noted.
• Notable context: Part of a broader package of zoning and land-use items on the regular agenda.

2) Zoning Docket 5626 – 425 Natchez Street (Commercial short-term rental in TLID/CBD2)

• CPC recommendation: Approve, subject to listed provisos.
• Council action: Motion M26-279 by Council Member Harris, second by Council Member King.
• Vote: Six in favor, one opposed (7 total votes recorded).
• Public input: One member (Tony Montgomery) spoke in favor; he thanked the Council for consideration.
• Notable context: CPC provisos referenced but exact text not enumerated in excerpt.

3) Zoning Docket 5726 – MMJSS Holdings LLC (Signage/text amendment for multi-tenant retail)

• CPC recommendation: Modified approval.
• Council action: Motion M26277 by Council Member King to approve the text amendment (second by Council Member Harris).
• Vote: Seven yeas, zero nays (unanimous).
• Public input: Support from Avery Foray (Burger Company) and MMJSS representatives; discussion centered on aligning signage regs with a specific redevelopment context.
• Staff input: CPC staff support; planning staff guidance referenced.

4) Zoning/Ordinance items and related actions deferred (various items)

• Several items labeled “Motion Line Over” or listed as deferred to future dates (e.g., July 23 or August 6). Specific items include multiple ordinance calendars and associated motions. No final decisions on these items at this meeting; scheduling carried forward.

5) Intergovernmental actions and signatory authority (CEAs/leases; items M26281–M26283)

• M26281 (King, by request): Add President of the Council as signatory to a Recognition/Non-Disturbance/Agreement related to a lab energy incubator project; authorize President to sign Exhibit A; Rule 57 suspension required.
• M26282 (King/Green/Willard, by request): Add President of the Council as signatory to a second amendment with H&O Investments LLC; authorize President to sign.
• M26283 (Green/King/Willard, by request): Add President as signatory to a lease with Mercy Partners LLC; authorize President to sign.
• Votes: Each item passed on a receive/add basis with six yeas (no nays noted).

6) Global appointments (board/commission appointments) – Item M26269

• Action: Passed via suspension of Council Rules 15 and 15.1 to appoint members to boards/commissions/agencies globally.
• Vote: Six yeas, zero nays.

7) Other deferred regular items and withdrawals

• Several ordinances and motions (e.g., items 32–40 range in itemized lists) were deferred to future meetings (dates noted in materials such as July 23 or August 6) or withdrawn (e.g., Ordinance Calendar item 39 in one excerpt).

River District affordable-housing pilot (R26-271) discussion

• Project / purpose: A River District pilot involving a housing/financing arrangement intended to deliver affordable/workforce housing, activate Convention Center land, and advance River District goals.

Key terms described (in meetings/excerpts)

• Administrative fee: $5,000 per year, increasing 3% annually.
• Tax-exemption/pilot structure: Pilot terms described; long-term property-tax implications discussed (some material notes suggest a 0 property tax position for a period, with future tax revenue expected in other ways).
• Housing targets: References to hundreds of affordable/workforce units; numbers such as 220 units and up to 450 units appear variably in different remarks.
• Location scope: Near the French Quarter/CBD/convention center; intended to serve downtown workers.

Public testimony and support

• Terrific turnout of supporters from housing, development, and equity organizations; spoke for advancing the pilot and its aims.
• Notable speakers included Terri North (Providence Community Housing), J.T. Hannon (Morial Convention Center), Enterprise Community Partners, and others advocating for affordability, equity, and project financing.

Council discussion notes

• Questions raised about unit prioritization for local workers versus income-qualified allocations; discussions clarified that eligibility is governed by income qualification and fair-housing rules, with no guaranteed priority for downtown workers.

Decisions, votes, and actions

• In the excerpts provided, no final council vote or formal approval/denial is recorded for the Ravonna/Rivanna pilot. Public comment and sponsor presentations occurred, with ongoing discussion about process and criteria.

Unresolved issues highlighted in the material

• How to prioritize local workers for units within strict income-qualification rules.
• Specifics of the pilot’s amendments, safeguards, and supporting data to justify tax exemptions or PILOT mechanics.
• Sequencing of approvals and financing beyond the pilot.

Manning Family Children’s Hospital – Sickle cell gene therapy milestone (special presentation) — Speakers

• Daniel Creasy (patient) shared personal experience and goals.
• Dr. Ben Watkins (Stem Cell/Team Therapy Program) and Dr. Dana LeBlanc (SCD Program) described disease burden, therapy mechanism, access barriers, and the need for broader uptake.
• Lou Fragoso (Manning Family Children’s Hospital) highlighted the hospital’s role and partnerships (including LSU/Tulane) and announced Daniel’s case as a milestone.
• Council members (e.g., McCarran, Willard, Hughes, Green) offered praise and Commitment to support access and collaboration.

Actions and decisions

• No formal votes were recorded in the excerpt.
• Proclamations and recognitions were planned (e.g., proclamations for Daniel and the hospital team; photos to accompany).
• Calls for ongoing policy action to improve access to gene therapies, addressing barriers (transportation, insurance, prior authorization, pediatric-to-adult care transitions).

Unresolved issues / next steps

• Specific legislative or funding steps at the state or local level to expand access.
• Implementation timelines and concrete policy actions beyond recognition events.

Jefferson Parish-related discussion noted in one excerpt

• A call to “call the question” and a recess into executive session appear in one excerpt, with limited specifics about topics or outcomes. The excerpt does not provide that material’s final disposition.

Unresolved items and overall takeaways

• Numerous items were deferred to future meetings (specific dates vary by excerpt). No universal final decisions were captured for those items in the excerpts.
• For the Magazine Street (CUP on 4807 Magazine Street) item, CPC recommended approval with three provisos; public testimony favorable; final council vote recorded as 7-0 in the excerpt.
• The River District affordable-housing pilot generated broad advocacy and questions on prioritization, with no final vote documented in the excerpts. A “menu of options” approach (beyond PILOTs) was suggested by some speakers.
• The Manning Family Children’s Hospital event celebrated a medical milestone and pushed for policy action to expand access to gene therapies; no votes or formal policy actions were recorded in the excerpt.
• Several items involving signatories on intergovernmental agreements and binding contracts were approved or advanced with six or seven votes in favor, often by motions to receive/add or via suspension of rules; details are itemized in the relevant sections.