Meetings.

Overview

• Topics covered: corrosion control for drinking water; street infrastructure and sewer work (including Arado Street), water transmission main actions and funding; fire hydrants; a sewer force main break in the Industrial Canal; sewer/stormwater impacts (including Dwyer Canal).
• Presenters/participants emphasized: city staff; Chair Hughes; Council Member Harris (and other council members mentioned in various excerpts); SWB/DPW teams; public speakers.

Key decisions, actions, and timelines (by topic) — 1) Corrosion control at Algiers water plant

• Action: Add zinc orthophosphate to create a protective barrier inside pipes.
• Timing: Start later in May or nearly June.
• Outreach: Additional community outreach planned about this work.

2) Street infrastructure: Arado Street sewer main relocation

• Issue: Traffic changes at the Washington Ave and Norman C. Francis intersection due to relocation work.
• Plan status: Traffic control plan is draft/under review; updates to be posted on city website and social media.
• Community coordination: Meeting with bike-path representatives to ensure signage/re-routing.
• Schedule: Work planned May (this year) through February (next year); phased to reduce detours.
• Work hours: Generally 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Friday.
• Note: The slide with dates is incorrect; plan being revised.
• Unresolved: Final traffic control plan and signage details; formal release pending.

3) Water transmission main: immediate action plan

• Leak location/status: Ongoing work at South Claiborne St. and 3rd St; exact site being confirmed.
• Interim/posture: Temporary repair completed; formal repair to follow after location confirmation.
• Data/technology: RFI responses (27 responses from 15 firms); focus on analysis/inspection, satellite leak detection, in-line acoustic tools; SmartMUTE data used for analysis.
• Next steps: Secure funding to advance condition assessment and identify next hotspots; Willow Street repair progressing this week.
• Immediate funding: Infrastructure Advisory Board approved $4 million for critical repairs.

4) Financing and external funding

• Immediate action: $4 million approved by IAB for critical repairs.
• Longer-term context: The organization has secured significant external funding (e.g., FEMA, other federal programs; plus CELA programs). Priority is to pursue external grants/loans/capital programs to avoid ratepayer impact; bonding may be considered but requires growing net revenues.
• Bonding note: The system is at capacity for additional water bonds; explore strategies with executive directors, bond counsel, and financial advisors.

5) Fire hydrants

• Current status: ~16,000 hydrants citywide.
• 2026 activity so far: 649 hydrants inspected, 135 repaired, 13 replaced.
• Open work orders: >400 still open; warehouse stocks parts; ongoing ordering.

6) Industrial Canal sewer force main break

• Incident: Break occurred April 17; emergency response began April 18.
• Containment: About 50 million gallons discharged; most flow from nearby pipe, not the damaged one.
• Environmental: Recreational advisories lifted; no observed Lake Pontchartrain impact based on nearby monitoring data.
• Permanent repair plan: Debris removal ongoing; plan to replace damaged pipe section underwater and weld additional damage; may not require full pipe replacement.
• Monitoring: Ongoing debris removal and repair monitoring; further updates planned.

7) Sewer/stormwater impacts; Dwyer Canal context

• High-level concerns: Sewer-contaminated stormwater—potential for contact, odor, ecological impacts.
• Dwyer Canal updates: Summary and continued updates promised; six priority streets identified for dye testing; some repairs completed, others in progress.

Unresolved issues and items to watch (highlights)

• Arado Street traffic plan: Final plan, signage, and bike-path rerouting still under revision; formal release pending.
• South Claiborne/3rd Street leak: Exact location and final repair scope still being determined; ongoing monitoring.
• Long-term funding strategy: $4M immediate funding approved; no final long-term financing plan yet; exploration of grants/loans/bonds continuing.
• Permanent Industrial Canal repair details: Preliminary plan exists; sequencing/final specifics not yet issued.
• Dwyer Canal specifics: More detailed information to be provided in later slides; timelines for all six street repairs to be completed by end of June are a target, not a guaranteed date.
• Willow Street/wider infrastructure work: Additional updates may appear in subsequent slides or meetings.

Speakers and notable contributions

• Presenters: Chair Hughes, Council Member Harris (actively participated), Executive Director, Sewage and Water Board staff (SWB/DPW).
• Council Members referenced in discussions: Harris; Green; McCarron (in related excerpts for minutes and project updates).
• Public input: Sage Michael and other commenters provided questions/concerns; Justin McCorkle acknowledged as a point person on Dwyer Canal issues.
• Public health/environment: LDH stated potential assistance for additional testing if needed; environmental monitoring referenced for canal incidents.

Votes

• No formal votes were reported on the updates presented here.
• Separate minutes: April 14 and April 21 minutes were approved by 5-0 votes (per the final excerpt).

Additional context notes (from later excerpts)

• FEMA extension: Ongoing federal coordination and discussions; an extension decision was pending at the time of the briefing, with several high-level meetings noted and public outreach encouraged.
• Public data transparency: There were explicit requests to publish raw water-quality test results, sampling locations, and health guidance more publicly; this was identified as a follow-up item.

Overview

• The materials cover two broad threads: (a) a safety and permits item led by Susanna Kirby (Section 4106) and (b) a series of confirmations/appointments to city boards and commissions, plus related contract items and waivers. Several excerpts describe the same meeting from different angles, while others present additional items or later-stage outcomes. Where details conflict between excerpts, I note the inconsistency.

Decisions, votes, and actions (by topic) — 1) Section 4106 – Safety and Permits (Susanna Kirby)

• Attendance and meeting status: Roll-call showed 4 council members present; quorum established.
• Minutes: The meeting minutes from 16 April were approved by a 4-0 vote (4 yes, 0 no).
• Kirby’s presentation: Kirby outlined a vision for Safety and Permits, focusing on customer service, operational efficiency, and data leadership.

Key messages included:

• SPICE Center (call center) and PermitStat (data-driven system) to improve transparency, accountability, and service.
• Operational achievements and ongoing changes beyond prior practice: lighter workload in some areas, online service changes, and removing barriers for business.
• Staff development: promoting staff and creating new roles (e.g., building manager, plan-review supervisor) and pre-hire initiatives.
• Communications and community engagement: greater presence at community events; expanding licensing information through SPARC/Telebr initiatives.
• Technical developments: temporary ABO version, removal of “results-based” requirements, and online options to improve timing and branding.
• Data-linked components: “call center metrics” (recently 83% call-answer rate), FARC dashboard, and coordination with Council Projects/Account Management team; aim to make proposals more predictable and efficient.
• Presentational/data components: PermitStat vision, biweekly reviews, public dashboard plans, and a long-term path to more transparent projects.
• Final positioning and next steps (per materials): Plan to make the public dashboard and KPI-related data more accessible; department aims to be more responsive and community-aligned.

Unresolved/next steps noted in materials

• A “checklist” for license requirements was discussed but not resolved; to be shared with the audience early next week.
• Online tutorials and guidance for starting projects/licensing were proposed for future development.
• Consideration of district constituent liaisons (ward-level) and resource implications for staffing.
• Ongoing monitoring and refinement of the SPARC/PermitStat framework.
• No vote on Susanna Kirby’s confirmation appears in the cited material; next steps include sharing the checklist, tutorials, and liaison discussions, and continuing improvement efforts.

Speakers (clear attributions)

• Susanna Kirby (presenter outlining the vision and changes).
• Council Members commenting on process, education, and access: Harris, Guerin, Hughes.
• Others referenced in the discussion as participants or commenters; the highlights focus on Kirby’s presentation and subsequent council feedback.

2) Appointments/Confirmations (Audubon Commission, Downtown Development District, Regional Planning Commission, Public Library Board) and related items

Notes: These items appear across excerpts with overlapping but sometimes inconsistent detail. The following reflects what is clearly stated, and where excerpts conflict, I flag the inconsistency.

Audubon Commission — Joseph Wilson (Audubon Director appointment)

• Support articulated by Joseph Wilson; background described as relevant to philanthropy/estate giving.
• Vote/result: 5 yeas, 0 nays; motion moved by Council Member Harris; forwarded to full Council for confirmation.

Wes (Richard) Freeman

• Clarified name and background; supported the nomination process.
• Vote/result: 5 yeas, 0 nays; forwarded to full Council for confirmation.
• Consistency note: Some excerpts mention a missing/absent member and ongoing confirmation process; the core tally shown is 5-0 in favor for each nominee in the cited material.

Downtown Development District (DDD) — Ryan King (waiver acknowledged; reappointment)

• Waiver considered timely; vote 5-0 in favor; forwarded to full Council.

Kenny Rubenstein (reappointment)

• Focus on continuing downtown work; vote 5-0.

Michael DeSimone (CEO, Link Restaurant Group)

• Described DDD relevance and post-Hurricane Ida contributions; vote 5-0.

Stephanie Burks

• Background on service on the Quality of Life Committee and Celebrate Canal involvement; vote 5-0.
• Consistency note: All four DDD items show 5-0 votes and forward to full Council.

Regional Planning Commission (RPC) — Adrian Bruno

• Vision for New Orleans as a hub of regional economic development; emphasis on transportation, regional growth, and potential rail/connectivity expansions.
• Council member Green welcomed the candidate; note on regional transportation discussions.
• Vote/result: 5 yeas, 0 nays; approved to RPC; forwarding to full Council for confirmation.

New Orleans Public Library Board — Darnell Johnson (DJ)

• Remarks framed around literacy as a foundational public good; commitment to library work.
• The excerpt ends with Johnson’s response to why he wants to serve; a vote is not shown in the excerpt.
• Consistency note: Some excerpts show DJ’s confirmation (5-0) and Austin’s confirmation as well; other excerpts show Johnson presented without a final vote in the excerpt. The material is inconsistent across excerpts on the final outcome for the Library Board in this section.

Sandy Krasnoff Criminal Justice Council (CJ Council) confirmations and related waivers — Raynard Thomas

• Described re-entry work and cross-agency collaboration.
• Vote/result: 5 yeas, 0 nays; confirmed.

Pike Howard

• Waiver approved for appointment; absence noted; vote 5-0.

Ms. French

• Waiver approved for appointment; vote 5-0.

Margaret Washington

• Introduced as a candidate; background described (victim of violence, community worker); no vote result provided in the excerpt.
• Consistency note: Clear confirmation/vote tallies for some nominees and waivers; for Washington, the vote outcome is not shown in the provided material.

Other items — Ayame Dinkler (from the excerpt)

• Item described as confirmed with a waiver noted; vote tallied as five yeas; status remains unresolved for full council confirmation in the available text.

Unresolved/notes across excerpts

• Library Board confirmation outcomes are not consistently reported across excerpts (some show confirmation, others show only introduction).
• Tracy Griffin (mentioned as the next Audubon candidate in one excerpt) — status not resolved in the provided materials.
• Several library funding and governance context notes mentioned (millage discussions, library Foundation questions) without final action in the excerpts.

Speakers (clear attributions in the appointment sections)

• Audubon Commission: Joseph Wilson; Wes Freeman.
• Downtown Development District: Ryan King (waiver), Kenny Rubenstein, Michael DeSimone, Stephanie Burks.
• Regional Planning Commission: Adrian Bruno.
• Public Library Board: Darnell Johnson (DJ); other library-related remarks from unnamed colleagues in the excerpt.
• Sandy Krasnoff CJ Council: Raynard Thomas; Pike Howard; Ms. French; Margaret Washington.
• Additional context comments from Council Members Green, Hughes, Harris, Rios, and others appear across the excerpts, reflecting support and framing for appointments and library/civic governance.

Unresolved issues and ongoing items (summary)

• 4106/Safety and Permits: Kirby confirmation status not finalized in the provided material; next steps include sharing checklists, tutorials, ward liaison discussions, and continued program improvements.
• Library Board: Conflicting signals across excerpts about final votes (DJ and Austin confirmed in one excerpt; no vote reported in another). Consistent confirmation status is not established in the excerpts.
• Tracy Griffin (Audubon Commission): Status not resolved in the provided material.
• Six-month KPI/public reporting for Kirby’s program: Plan described, but actual results not provided in the excerpts.
• Six-month progress dashboards (SPARC, PermitStat) and cross-department data governance: Status and rollout details to be determined.
• Cross-training and morale development: Early-stage efforts described (inspectors; training books ordered); broader cross-training and impact on morale to be implemented.

Criminal Justice Committee meeting (public meeting material) — Attendance and status

• Roll call: Council Members King, Morrell (in Chambers), Harris, Green, Hughes. Quorum of four present.
• Non-committee attendees were asked to clear; Fox 8 could remain for youth summer programs discussion.
• Minutes: A motion to approve the April 27 meeting minutes was made and seconded (Council Member Green). Minutes approved (no vote tally provided).

Presentation: summer youth programs for 2026

• Presenters: Larry Barabino (CEO/Executive Director) and Natasha Robinson (Chief Programming Officer).
• Topic: City summer plans for 2026 focusing on youth and nonprofit mentoring partners.

Key program details and status

• Lifeguards
• Goal: hire 100 lifeguards.
• Current: 82 applications in process; 49 packets ready; 2 cleared drug tests; 17 pending background checks and drug screens; 14 pending applications (including teens 15–17 with work permits/IDs).
• Pay/credentials: $17.58/hour; training provided; swim test and drug test required.
• Pipeline: strong momentum; May recruitment ongoing as college students return.
• Summer camp staff
• Current: 36 applicants; 23 ready to go; 4 pending background checks/drug screens; 5 awaiting IDs/transcripts.
• Note: emphasis on timely pay through HR processes.
• Junior lifeguard program
• Ages: 13–15; slots remaining ~30; stipend $450 for six weeks; serves as a training pathway to full lifeguards.
• Summer camp and youth programs capacity
• Camp registrations goal: 1,384 youth; current intake ~1,560 (reported as at capacity).
• Team camps: 628 spots available; 582 filled.
• Partners are fully funded and paid on time.
• Sports/activities: Summer Sports Challenge (7-on-7 flag football, 5-on-5 basketball, volleyball, e-sports, podcasting). Attendance can earn up to $450 for full six-week participation.

Schedule and offerings

• Summer duration: six weeks (June 1 – July 10).
• Daily window: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
• Geography: programs for residents ages 13–17; contact: North Office (504-658-3015).
• Programs are free: swim lessons, family swim, splash pads, open play; recreation centers; fitness centers open 4:00 pm–9:00 pm weekdays; Saturdays 9:00 am–2:00 pm.
• Splash pads: two planned for summer (locations described but with garbled wording in record).
• Other athletics: baseball/softball; summer flag football; multi-program division.

Family programming

• Family Game Nights: May 15 at Mars FX Jeff; July 17 at North St. Bernard Recreation Center.
• Parents should visit northsea.org for details.

Open access notes

• Rec centers: 4:00 pm–9:00 pm weekdays; centers closed to public 7:00 am–3:30 pm during summer camp.
• Fitness facilities: 4:00 pm–9:00 pm; Saturdays 9:00 am–2:00 pm.
• Open play/youth programming continue after school hours; two splash pads planned.

Questions, follow-ups, unresolved items from the presentation

• L.A. Davis Park pool timeline: Council Member Harris asked; Barabino said contract routed; upon mayor’s signature, notice to proceed issued; lead times for parts/equipment could affect kickoff/completion; goal to open pool this summer if possible; timelines to be shared when available.
• Facility improvements and lighting requests: Harris acknowledged nets replaced at basketball court and improvements to tennis/pickleball; request for Evans Playground lights (lights off) with plan to use capital funding; electrician to check simple vs. large issues; follow-up with Barabino on funding if needed.
• Samson Park improvements: Green requested improvements (benches, lighting) near Audubon Montessori; long-term community need; improvements to be sought with capital funding as appropriate, with follow-up.

Unresolved issues and next steps

• Pool reopening: await timeline and kickoff date; confirm lead times; provide anticipated open date this summer if feasible.
• Evans Playground lighting: confirm scope, funding, and scheduling; coordinate with electricians and funding discussions.
• Samson Park improvements: assess feasibility/funding options; provide follow-up on capital funding opportunities and project scope.

Speakers noted

• Larry Barabino (presenter)
• Natasha Robinson (co-presenter)
• Council Members: King, Morrell, Harris, Green, Hughes

Overall tone/outcome

• Minutes approved; presentation provided hiring progress and six-week summer program planning with explicit targets and on-time funding commitments. Several actionable follow-ups identified.

Context

• Meeting content includes broader developments: new school, new stadium, ongoing safety-focused construction; bond funding supporting renovations/construction (e.g., Samson, new pool facility).

Construction and project updates (no formal votes)

• Samson renovations: building renovations ongoing; pool exterior work allowing summer use; restrooms, locker rooms, offices part of current construction.
• Pool: set to open this summer due to exterior work enabling use while interior work continues.
• Groundbreaking clarification: no groundbreaking occurred at the moment; plan to announce mid-project progress to inform the community; propose coordinating with Capital Projects for a mid-project update.

Actions and speakers tied to construction

• Action implied: Coordinate with Capital Projects for a mid-project progress update.

Public/community input (key points)

• Shanti Scott (mother of Jason Lee Scott): recreation is intervention/mentorship/mental health support; calls for year-round, community-based programming with transportation, access, mentorship; warnings about empty recreation spaces and need for consistent, well-funded youth opportunities.
• Alicia Plummer (youth/boxing advocate): importance of boxing and Milne gym; push for expanded boxing and facility renovations (old Signa/Sigonel site for boxing); fundraising and coaching stipends secured; boxing event Spartan boxing clubs at Milne (May 30, 10 a.m.).
• Constable Green: confirms May 30 boxing event; notes West Bank boxing concerns.
• Mr. Brad (staff/official): supports youth boxing programming and expansion plans for boxing and related facilities in Nord and citywide.

Heroes of New Orleans presentation (Heroes 360)

• Greg Gravy, founder/CEO, introduces Heroes 360: summer program partnering with Mayor’s Office and Housing Authority; plans to recruit 15 youths from these entities for development work; focus on career exploration and development opportunities.
• Site/facilities: 10,500-square-foot site with podcast studio, 3D printing, game room, culinary program, recreation space, renovated basketball gym, conference room, outdoor activities.
• Shift in approach: expand access to more youth beyond those already enrolled; emphasis on summer activities and community engagement.

Unresolved issues / next steps

• Mid-project communications: decide whether/when to publish progress updates through Capital Projects.
• Boxing program: status of expansion and renovation plans; West Bank access; feasibility of wrestling as an alternative.
• Year-round youth programming: advocates pushed for sustained, non-summer programming with transportation/mentorship/mental health support; no binding funding/operational decisions yet.
• Heroes 360: discuss expansion and logistics; continue partnership.

Notable participants

• Shanti Scott, Alicia Plummer, Constable Green, Mr. Brad, Greg Gravy; council members who commented positively and Mr. Ray associated with Heroes program.
• No formal votes recorded in this excerpt.

Focus on Heroes 360, MSYEP, and facilities (no formal votes) — Heroes 360 (Heroes of New Orleans)

• Presenter: Greg Gravy (founder/CEO) describing Heroes 360: summer program with Mayor’s Office and Housing Authority; recruit 15 youths; development/workforce focus; facilities include a 10,500-sq-ft site, podcast studio, 3D printing, game room, culinary program, recreation space, renovated gym, conference room, outdoor activities.
• Shift: move from serving already-enrolled youths to broader community access; emphasis on summer activities and engagement.

Community feedback and expansion

• Council member support for expanding Heroes program to other districts; openness to expansion discussions; safety/Neighborhood conditions noted around Heroes campus area (Algiers) including dumping, drug activity; calls for city action to clean and secure area; ongoing litigation complicates immediate improvements.

Public safety mentorship emphasis (Shanti Scott)

• Emphasizes mentorship and trust-based safety; need for safe spaces and trusted adults; calls for visible neighborhood investments, prevention, and accountability.

MSYEP update

• Presenter: Carmen McKinley (Director of Youth Initiatives); with Deputy Director Tammy Washington and Operations Lead Lilyan Nero.
• Purpose: paid work experiences and career exploration for youth; target 16–24; tracks align with industry exposure and readiness.
• Status/metrics:
• 951 applicants processed and eligible (six- to eight-week window).
• Budgeted capacity: 1,000 youth; ongoing enrollment.
• Tracks:
• Traditional: 16–21; workplace norms, customer service, teamwork, time management.
• Work and Learn: 16–24; combines work with academic readiness; partnerships with Southern University at New Orleans and University of New Orleans.
• Intern NOLA: College students; career-aligned placements with higher responsibility.
• Partners: Mr. Ray (Heroes program) and Marist Summer Youth Employment Program.
• Core message: investing in youth equals safer communities; MSYEP as a key workforce/prevention strategy.

Speakers

• Heroes of New Orleans representatives; Council members who commented positively; Mr. Ray; Miss Joanne (exchange program participant); Shanti Scott; Carmen McKinley; Deputy Director Tammy Washington; Lilyan Nero.

Unresolved/next steps

• Expansion discussions for Heroes; lack of a defined expansion timeline.
• Boxing facility expansion and West Bank access status; feasibility of wrestling as alternative.
• Year-round programming funding and structure; no binding decisions yet.
• Data on mezzanine occupancy and campus tour requested; ongoing collaboration with workforce development partners.

MSYEP details, facilities, and mezzanine/space notes — MSYEP focus

• Purpose: paid work experiences for youth; tracks align with industry exposure and readiness.

Lillian Nero (Operations Lead)

• MSYEP process: online application → in-person registration → interview scheduling → document verification → orientation/onboarding.
• Interview prep: business casual attire.
• Required documents: identity verification; confirm Orleans Parish residency; payroll accuracy; prevent duplicates/fraud; meet state/federal employment requirements; minors under 18 need work permits.
• Placement focus (top five): healthcare, government, technology, green infrastructure, engineering.
• 2025 outcomes (reference): wages distributed > $1.67 million; 91% saved at least $100; STEM NOLA employed 50 youth; approx. $2 million in economic mobility via STEM activities.

Payroll/timeliness (policy questions)

• Council Member Hughes asked about payroll timeliness; Nero responded that 2023 payroll issues caused problems but 2024–2025 have had no issues with timely payment; payroll coordinated with accounting.

Space/facilities discussion

• Job 1 building mezzanine space
• Second floor houses youth career center (youth activities) and 12 career coaches; mezzanine used for recycling/farmer activities; leased space with Dryads YMCA; not used for youth counseling.
• Mezzanine is occupied daily in the summer; youth testing (TAVE) occurs there; exact occupancy numbers not provided.
• Action requested: provide exact mezzanine occupancy numbers; arrange a tour for a future visit.

Partnerships and target outcomes

• Ongoing collaboration with Workforce Development Board, Delgado, Greater New Orleans, Inc.; training for infrastructure jobs (welding, transportation, construction); enroll participants.
• Emphasis on payroll timeliness and early career readiness with pathways to in-demand jobs; acknowledgment of gaps and need to improve access for Orleans Parish residents.

Notes on participants and names

• Names cited: Lillian Nero (Mezannine/Operations Lead); Miss Shante Scott; Council Members Hughes (commented); Mr. Ray (Heroes link); Miss Joanne (exchange participant).

Unresolved/open issues

• Exact mezzanine occupancy numbers; schedule a tour.
• Alignment of youth readiness with high-demand, high-paying jobs; regional/eligibility questions for in-demand roles.
• Status of an additional presenter who was planned but not present.

Key metrics cited

• Wages > $1.67 million; 91% saved at least $100; 50 Youth employed with STEM NOLA; ~$2 million in economic mobility via STEM activities.

Adjournment-focused summary — Speakers and focus

• Program staff discussion of intentional youth workforce program; highlighted Lillian’s career progression (intern → career coach → operations lead); noted her city tenure and planned graduate study; emphasized guiding youth toward jobs aligned with interests and New Orleans opportunities.
• Shante Scott (mother of Jaislee Scott) spoke on broader youth realities: violence, trauma, instability; argued workforce development must be paired with public safety and supportive communities; called for visible neighborhood investments and prevention/accountability from institutions protecting children; described abandoned spaces and disconnected youth as barriers.

Decision, votes, actions

• Adjournment: Motion to adjourn made by Shante Scott; seconded by Council Member Harris.
• Vote: Three ayes, zero nays.
• Outcome: Meeting adjourned.

Unresolved notes

• No additional policy decisions or concrete commitments recorded beyond adjournment.
• Ms. Scott’s safety and investment concerns remain to be addressed in future discussions.

Cross-cutting conclusions and next-step actions (synthesized from all excerpts) — Scheduling and updates

• Mid-project progress updates with Capital Projects were repeatedly proposed and referenced. Action: determine timing and publish a mid-project progress update.

Pool and facilities

• L.A. Davis Park pool timeline remains to be finalized; Evans Playground lighting and Samson Park improvements require scope, funding, and scheduling decisions. Action: confirm scope and funding, schedule electricians/updates, and pursue capital funding where appropriate.

Boxing and expanded youth sports

• Boxing program expansion and West Bank access were repeatedly raised; status and funding decisions pending. Action: clarify feasibility, secure funding, and consider wrestling as an alternative.

Heroes 360 and MSYEP expansion

• Heroes 360 program expansion discussions; cross-agency collaboration noted; MSYEP continues with strong metrics and payroll reliability; potential expansion and partner coordination. Action: convene discussions on expansion timeline, logistics, and funding; provide mezzanine/space details to support workforce programming.

Year-round youth programming and safety

• Public input stressed year-round programming, mentorship, transportation, mental health support, and safety; calls for sustained investments and neighborhood improvements. Action: maintain focus on year-round strategies and link workforce initiatives to safety/outreach efforts.

Mezzanine/space data

• Mezzanine occupancy data needed; schedule a tour. Action: obtain occupancy numbers and arrange site visit.

Payroll and staffing

• Payroll timeliness noted as improved since 2023 issues. Action: continue coordination with accounting and report any issues proactively.

Overall context

• The materials cover multiple topics discussed at a New Orleans public meeting series, including two long-standing public-space items (Brechtel golf course and Gauld/Gall Manor), and several workforce Development/compensation items (living wage, Job 1 offerings, NOCC/NOLA schools) with related public comment.
• Across the provided excerpts, no formal votes or decisive approvals were recorded. The discussions focused on updates, funding questions, data needs, and next-step actions.

Item-by-item summary (with speakers and key points) — 1) Brechtel golf course and surrounding site – update from Parks and Parkways

• Presenter: Michael Carrum
• Key context: 100-acre Brechtel site in Algiers donated in 1931; dormant since 2005; covenant to use as a public municipal park.
• What has occurred: Clubhouse demolished; portions cleared to explore passive green-space; public safety concerns prevent interim redevelopment or access.
• Funding/planning: Reuse options for Skelly Rupp funds (soccer facility/multi-sport fields) being considered; in 2026 a request for over $700k for Brechtel Park/golf course to reinvest and fund a master plan to combine the 120-acre park with the 100-acre site; request not received and to be resubmitted in the current CIP cycle.
• Current status: No immediate plan to open to the public; fence/perimeter maintenance possible with current budget; broader redevelopment pending funding.
• Next steps: No concrete opening timeline; maintain perimeter/canopy; continue exploring reuse of Skelly Rupp funds; CIP submission planned for this cycle.
• Decisions/votes: None recorded beyond minutes.

2) Gauld (Gall) Manor demolition and related issues

• Introduction: Administration update after operations were suspended for fiscal reasons; site conditions discussed during a walkthrough.

Key administrative points

• Settlement with Robert Wolf Construction left outstanding work (demolition of 2.5 buildings and 10% abatement).
• Contractor reportedly lacks DBE certification; Law Department to assess legality of continuing under current terms.
• Start/stop issues tied to contracting and city financing; commitment to a sustainable path forward.
• Site walkthrough/photos presented to show conditions.

Community impact concerns (Councilmember King; echoed by others)

• Site is near nurseries and residential areas; safety, cleanliness, vegetation, and debris concerns raised.

Oversight/safety remarks

• Councilmember Hughes asked for data on demolitions; awaiting data.
• Moreno administration’s ongoing commitment acknowledged; plan to keep item on the agenda with updates.

Unresolved issues and actions

• Core question: who authorized the available demolition funds and where the money went after $3 million was allocated; administration to address with Law Department/CAO, but no definitive answer given in meeting.
• Data on demolitions requested; awaiting.
• Next steps: pursue a sustainable path for Gauld Manor redevelopment or demolition and provide further updates; keep on committee agenda.

Speakers of note

• Michael Carrum (also noted as present for Brechtel in Item 1)
• Councilmember King; CAO Jerusalem; George Russo (CAO, City Services); Mills (staffer with site photos); Councilmember Hughes
• Other attendees referenced (Mr. Woelty, Mr. Torrey) but not central to action items.
• Decisions/votes: None recorded.

3) Living wage / compensation discussion (Item: City of New Orleans Economic and Compensation)

• Presenters: Amy Trepannier (Civil Service Director) and Robert Hagman (Compensation Director); moderated by Councilmember King; clarifying questions from Councilmember Harris.

What a living wage means (as presented)

• Definition: income to cover basic needs without public assistance; reflects cost of living beyond legal minimum wage.
• Local figures based on MIT data (Feb 2026 update for New Orleans area): living wage = $20.49/hour; city minimum wage currently $16.73/hour (40-hour week) or $16.67/hour (35-hour week); federal poverty wage = $7.67/hour; FLSA min wage = $7.25/hour.
• Annualized equivalents: living wage ≈ $32,000/year; current min ≈ $34,000/year for 40 hours or ≈ $30,000/year for 35 hours; poverty ≈ $15,954/year; FLSA ≈ $15,080/year.
• Scenarios shown for different family sizes to illustrate living-wage expectations.

Proposed compensation strategy (two-part plan)

• 1) Increase city minimum pay to about $19.36/hour (still roughly $1.13/hour below living wage $20.49).
• 2) Housing/assistance option: housing allowance of $2,600/year for Orleans Parish residents (prorated; about $100 every two weeks); eligibility excludes employees with annual pay above certain thresholds (e.g., >$71,926 for living wage with one dependent or >$100,000 total W-2).

Combined effect (illustrative)

• 35-hour employees: base $19.36 + housing ≈ total $20.79/hour.
• 40-hour employees: base $19.42 + housing ≈ total $20.67/hour.
• Conclusion presented: both 35- and 40-hour staff would achieve or exceed living wage levels under the two-part package.

Cost and impact estimates discussed

• Roughly cited ranges for affected staff: about 280–582 classified employees; 563–582 later figures appear in slides; unclassified counts not provided.
• Housing stipend estimated to affect about half the workforce.
• Considerations noted: pay compression risk; need to align pay ladders via class consolidations, reclassifications, and steps.

Implementation considerations and next steps

• Phased implementation contingent on funding.
• Develop precise headcounts (classified vs unclassified) and complete fiscal impact analysis (one-time vs ongoing costs).
• Create a detailed implementation plan and funding outlook for council review; resolve which employees are covered and how exemptions are applied.

Bottom-line takeaway

• A data-driven case for a two-part approach (wage increase plus housing stipend) to reach living-wage levels, with emphasis on phased rollout and avoiding pay compression; no final vote recorded.

Key questions raised by council members

• Harris: exact numbers of affected unclassified employees; whether part-time staff would receive housing stipend; need for pivot-table-style calculations.
• Hughes: request for more precise headcounts and full cost estimates; emphasis on funding sources and clear implementation plan.

Next steps implied

• Staff to refine headcounts (unclassified and part-time), produce a detailed fiscal impact, and present a formal implementation plan for future consideration.

4) Job 1 / workforce development overview (Item 5)

• Presenters: Tammy Washington (Deputy Director, Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development), Priscilla Cheatham (Business Services Manager, Job 1), Jason DeGruy (Project Director, Job 1)

City context

• Office aims to connect job seekers to sustainable career pathways; target growth industries include health care, technology, blue/green infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, hospitality.
• Job 1 administers WIOA; oversees Job 1 Center and Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; partners include Louisiana Works Office, Total Community Action, ECWAS, Delgado, Job Corps, etc.
• Job 1 Center location: 1307 Aretha Castle Haley; hub for WIOA and mandated partners.

Services overview (Cheatham)

• Resume/cover letters, barrier removal (e.g., transportation assistance via WIOA up to $750), technology access, tutoring, GED support, work readiness, and training scholarships up to $8,000.
• Training areas listed (IT, phlebotomy, CDL, OSHA, CPR, forklift, etc.); example wage ranges given to illustrate industry norms.
• Earn and Learn components; NOLA Connects job events; Walking Wednesdays (weekly, no appointment); Committed to Change (CTC) program; MSYEP youth program with two tracks (traditional and Intern NOLA).
• Contact: 1307 Aretha Castle Haley; 504-658-4500; job1nola.org; email.

Council questions and responses (Hughes, Harris)

• How outcomes are measured: second-quarter after exit (approx. 6 months) and fourth-quarter after exit (approx. 1 year); track earnings and credentials.
• If data is not on hand, follow up with precise figures.
• Performance metric note: funded training (e.g., $8,000 scholarship) requires the participant to earn at least four times the training cost to trigger payment (e.g., $32k earnings for $8k training).

Decisions/votes

• No votes recorded; the session served as an informational briefing with follow-up data planned.

Next steps

• Provide precise outcome data (average earnings, credential attainment, longer-term employment metrics), and circulate follow-up information to council and public.

Unresolved items

• Exact average earnings for Job 1 participants not provided; awaiting data.

5) Public comment and additional agenda items

• Public comment: Shante Scott spoke about justice, accountability, and sustaining trust in systems; personal context regarding a case (Jace Lee Scott) and calls for justice.
• Item 5 specifics (Tammy Washington, Priscilla Cheatham, Jason DeGruy) covered workforce programs (Job 1, NOLA Connects, MSYEP) with emphasis on service scope, partner networks, and upcoming events.
• NO formal votes noted; actions include sharing follow-up program details, earnings data, and enrollment information; ongoing outreach and partnership activities highlighted.

6) Additional workforce development context

• Topics included: high-demand occupations (welding/trades); coordination among workforce programs; youth summer jobs enrollment/payroll; NOCC (New Orleans Career Center) alignment with NOCC partners; EMS Recruit Academy funding questions; retooling for higher-wage occupations; formerly incarcerated training programs; university-led workforce certifications.

Actions/next steps repeatedly noted

• Share program details and application links; provide follow-up payroll/outcome metrics; pursue funding for EMS Recruit Academy; expand outreach and cross-promotion; finalize implementation plans and timelines; coordinate with partner agencies.

Unresolved issues noted

• Exact outcomes data (average earnings, credential attainment, long-term employment) not always provided in the moment; funding pathways for EMS Recruit Academy and expansion plans (plumbing, cyber security, etc.) require further detail.

7) Final consolidated note on the meeting’s overall takeaways

• No formal votes or immediate policy changes were recorded in the material provided.

The meeting functioned primarily as informational briefings and status updates across two major policy areas

• Public-space/land-use items (Brechtel golf course, Gauld Manor) with funding, governance, and safety questions; ongoing oversight and data requests.
• Workforce development and compensation (living wage, housing stipend, Job 1/NOCC programs, youth employment, justice-involved training) with data gaps to be filled, and proposed phased implementation pending budget considerations and detailed cost analyses.

Several unresolved issues to watch

• Brechtel: CIP funding status and master-plan feasibility; reuse of Skelly Rupp funds.
• Gauld Manor: authority for demolition funds, funds’ destination, and required approvals; site safety and remediation timelines.
• Living wage/compensation: precise headcounts (classified vs unclassified; part-time), full cost estimates, funding sources, phased implementation plan, and impact metrics.
• Job 1/NOCC: finalized performance metrics, average earnings, enrollment numbers beyond current counts, and coordination among workforce partners.
• EMS Recruit Academy: ongoing funding and placement within long-term organizational structures.
• Suggested next steps generally include: produce detailed headcounts and cost analyses, provide pivot-table style breakdowns for affected staff, circulate follow-up materials (outcomes data, application links, program details), and prepare any future votes or formal actions for a subsequent meeting.