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SHOWING 3481–3490 ENTRIES
3481
OCT 5, 2026 · BALDWIN COUNTY, ALABAMA · COUNTY COMMISSION
Baldwin County Planning Commission Meeting - October 5, 2026

The Baldwin County Planning Commission convened on October 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM, with Acting Chairman Michael Mullock presiding. The commission approved all agenda items, including a consent calendar, multiple subdivision plats, planned unit developments, and a commission site plan. Public comments highlighted concerns regarding drainage, road safety, and development in unzoned areas. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The September 3rd meeting minutes were approved. - PER 26-26 (Emerald Coast RV Park Extension): Approved. - PER 26-29 (8 Mile Creek Estates Extension): Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - SC 26-32 (Harden Fields Subdivision): Patricia R, Marion Sanders, Michelle Lasseter, and Robert Lasseter spoke in opposition, citing existing flooding issues on Harden Lane, including children needing canoes to reach school buses, and concerns that additional lots would worsen drainage. - SC 26-33 (Crimson Way Resubdivision): Shane Pickle, majority owner of adjacent lots, spoke in opposition. He expressed concerns about stormwater drainage from a 14-foot elevation drop, the removal of covenants, and decreased property values. - SPP 26-21 (Greenwood Subdivision): Larry Wilson, a resident and cattle farmer, cited safety concerns on County Road 73 due to deep ditches. Stacy Martin and Renda Martin raised concerns about drainage, density, and the need for zoning in District 18. - PUD 26-05 / SPP 26-19 (Point Clear Golf Club): Bernard Gottfried inquired about sewer infrastructure and stormwater runoff. Discussion Items & Deliberations - PUD 26-04 (Glass Road RV Park Phase 2): Final site plan for a 19-unit RV park. Approved. - SC 26-31 (Wesley Pate Road Subdivision): Preliminary plat for a 2-lot subdivision. Approved. - SC 26-32 (Harden Fields Subdivision): Following public testimony, Chairman Mullock directed county staff to inspect ditches in the area. The 5-lot plat was approved. - SC 26-33 (Crimson Way Resubdivision): The Chairman clarified that the commission's authority is limited to technical subdivision compliance, and covenant disputes are civil matters. The 2-lot plat was approved. - SC 26-34 (Ranches at Creekside Preserve): Preliminary plat for 4 lots. Approved. - SPP 26-17 (Gardner Road Estates): Preliminary plat for 19 lots. Approved. - SPP 26-18 (Forest View Estates): Preliminary plat for 4 lots. Approved. - SPP 26-19 & PUD 26-05 (Point Clear Golf Club): Preliminary plat (70 lots) and PUD (80 lots). The applicant's engineer addressed sewer concerns. Both were approved separately. - SPP 26-21 (Greenwood Subdivision): Preliminary plat for a 185-lot subdivision. Staff noted a low fire flow rate (655 GPM at 20 PSI), resulting in increased side setbacks (11 feet). A commissioner voiced concern that the low flow rate could compromise fire suppression capacity. The plat was approved. - CSP 26-19 (PJ's Coffee of New Orleans): Commission site plan for a 500 sq ft coffee shop. Approved. Key Outcomes - Approvals: The commission unanimously approved all eleven items. - Drainage Directive: Chairman Mullock directed county staff to inspect Harden Lane ditches. - Zoning Discussion: The constraints of unzoned districts were acknowledged; residents were encouraged to pursue community-led zoning. - Next Meeting: November 5, 2026.

SUBDIVISION APPROVAL 52% · PROCEDURAL 14% · FLOODING 11% · ZONING 9%
3483
OCT 5, 2026 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency Approves Parking Lot Lease with Zamir Equities on October 5, 2026

The Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency (SURA) met on October 5, 2026, at approximately 4:27 p.m. The meeting included approval of prior meeting minutes and a new business resolution authorizing a parking lot agreement involving the city and Zamir Equities. No agenda or minutes were provided in the source material; this summary is based solely on the raw transcript. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes from the April 30 board meeting. The vote had been postponed from August because Council President Diane was not present at that meeting. Diane abstained from the vote at this meeting. The chair then stated "No objections, no abstentions" and declared the minutes approved, creating a noted inconsistency in the transcript. Discussion Items - Mayor and staff acknowledged that proof of notice had been satisfied: the media was notified, the meeting was uploaded to the SURA web page, and the notice was posted downstairs. - Resolution 3483 (initially misstated as 3487) was introduced. The resolution would authorize SURA to enter into a license or lease agreement, at the discretion of staff, with the city and Zamir Equities for the parking lot at 109 West Washington Street. A staff member explained that the license/lease language was left flexible because final agreement details were still being drafted. - Eric Genis, Chief Development Officer for the City of Syracuse, provided background. The agreement was prompted by ongoing downtown parking changes, including the deconstruction of the Fayette Street garage and the upcoming closure of the Atrium garage later in the month. The lot has 70 total parking spaces, and a significant number are actively used by tenants and people associated with One Lincoln Center, which Zamir Equities owns and manages. - Under the proposed agreement, parking spots would be restricted for tenant use during normal business hours, approximately 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m., with public parking available in the evenings and on weekends. The city currently operates the lot as a public metered lot, while SURA holds title to the property; this is why SURA, the city, and Zamir Equities would all need to be parties to the agreement. - The proposed monthly payment would be $95 per parking space, totaling $6,650 per month for all 70 spaces. Staff stated this would be a net increase over current revenue collected from the lot. The term would run through June 30, 2028. - Board members asked who would pay for tenant parking, who would collect after-hours public parking revenue, and who would maintain the lot. Staff clarified that tenants of One Lincoln Center would pay for their spaces. After hours, the public would be able to use the lot, with payment likely managed through a service similar to Syracuse Parking Services across the street at the City Hall lot; that after-hours revenue would go to the lessee. Zamir Equities would be responsible for snow removal and maintenance. The agreement would require proof of insurance with the city and SURA named as additionally insured. - Council President Diane asked about enforcement and what would happen if tenants stayed past operating hours. Staff said the lessee would maintain a list of permitted vehicles and have staff presence to monitor the lot, similar to Zamir Equities' existing operations on East Onondaga Street. Key Outcomes - The board approved Resolution 3483 authorizing SURA to enter into a license or lease agreement with the city and Zamir Equities for the 109 West Washington Street parking lot. The motion was made, seconded, and approved with all board members voting in favor and no objections noted. - The item was noted to be on the Syracuse Common Council's agenda for its October 13 meeting. - Following the vote, the board voted to adjourn the meeting.

PARKING MANAGEMENT 64% · PROCUREMENT 36%
3484
OCT 5, 2026 · PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, MARYLAND · COUNTY COUNCIL & BOARDS
Prince George's County District Council Zoning Meeting – October 5, 2026

The Prince George's County Council, sitting as the District Council, convened at 1:49 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, in Committee Room 2027 of the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo, Maryland. The agenda listed a revised start time of 12:00 PM, but the minutes record the actual call to order at 1:49 p.m. Seven members were present at roll call: Chair Krystal Oriadha, Vice Chair Eric Olson, and Council Members Shayla Adams-Stafford, Thomas Dernoga, Sydney Harrison, Jolene Ivey, and Danielle Hunter. Council Members Timothy Adams, Wala Blegay, Edward Burroughs III, and Wanika Fisher were absent. The Council approved prior minutes, denied a zoning revisory petition, and voted to review a detailed site plan. Consent Calendar - District Council Minutes – September 29, 2026: Chair Oriadha moved, Council Member Ivey seconded, and the Council approved the minutes by a 7-0 vote. The four absent members did not vote. Referred for Document – Revisory Petition - REV-CR-077-2026 – Central Avenue/Blue Line–Silver Line Sectional Map Amendment (CR-077-2026): The petition concerned 8601, 8605, and 8607 Central Avenue in Capitol Heights (6.0 acres; CGO Zone, formerly IE Zone) and sought revision of Zoning Change (ZC)-61 of the approved Sectional Map Amendment based on four alleged factual errors. The case came before the District Council after Principal Counsel issued a legal opinion under Section 27-3503(b)(7)(D)(iii)-(v) of the Zoning Ordinance finding no reasonable basis to revise the SMA. Council Member Hunter moved to adopt the prepared order of denial; Vice Chair Olson seconded. The motion carried 7-0. Planning Board Matter – Pending Finality - DET-2024-017 – Metro Grove: The applicants—Silver Hill 9, LLC; Silver Hill 4, LLC; and Silver Hill Land Owner, LLC—seek approval of a detailed site plan for 250 multifamily residential dwelling units in three buildings on 7.21 acres in the southwest quadrant of MD 458 (Silver Hill Road) and Suitland Parkway, in Council District 7. Phase 1 would include Buildings 1 and 2 totaling 200 units, and Phase 2 would include Building 3 with 50 units. The Planning Board approved the plan with conditions on September 3, 2026. Chair Oriadha moved to elect review; Vice Chair Olson seconded. The Council voted 7-0 to review the item. The appeal/review deadline is October 9, 2026. Key Outcomes - Each roll-call vote was 7-0, with Council Members Adams, Blegay, Burroughs, and Fisher absent. - The Council denied the revisory petition for the Central Avenue/Blue Line–Silver Line SMA and voted to review the Metro Grove detailed site plan. - The meeting adjourned at 1:53 p.m. after a motion by Chair Oriadha, seconded by Vice Chair Olson. - Discrepancy note: The agenda and oral transcript state that the Council adopted a prepared order of denial for REV-CR-077-2026, but the written minutes describe the motion as approving the revisory petition with conditions. The summary above follows the agenda and transcript; the minutes contain conflicting language.

PROCEDURAL 100%
3485
OCT 5, 2026 · GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO · CITY COUNCIL
Grand Junction City Council Workshop on 2027 Budget – October 5, 2026

City Manager Mike and his team presented the 2027 Recommended Budget, focusing on addressing a structural deficit of $6 million by reducing expenses, reallocating costs, and using $4.6 million in fund balance. The budget totals $317.4 million (1% increase from 2026), with a general fund of $120.8 million. Key reductions include closing City Hall on Fridays, reducing hours at the community pool, shifting senior center activities to the new recreation center, eliminating the Ash Tree program and city calendar, and reducing the housing division with partner-led services. Council discussed the financial outlook, the need for a fire district, and plans for future capital projects. Public Comments & Testimony - An email from Mr. Timothy Green was received that morning; the mayor noted it would be part of the public record but not read aloud. Council members are to review it separately. Discussion Items - Structural Deficit Overview: Since 2021 revenues grew 30% but expenses grew 53%, creating a $6 million structural deficit (if no changes were made). The deficit is structural (not cyclical) due to rising salary/benefit costs and increased demand. - Budget Development Process: Directors and budget team reviewed thousands of line items. Reduction decisions were guided by four principles: protect core services and public safety, reduce spending before using one-time funds, no temporary fixes for permanent problems, and match ongoing services to ongoing revenue. - Budget Changes Since August 31 Workshop: - One-time requests: funded $1.1 million (comprehensive plan, fire equipment, OpenGov software). - Position and salary requests: funded $2.7 million for six police officers (including one 80% funded by CMU), three battalion chiefs, and police wage adjustments. - Fund balance use: $2.3 million from general fund and $2.3 million from the first responder fund (to bridge remaining public safety needs while pursuing a fire district). - Health insurance: using $4 million from fund balance to cover overages and proposing plan changes (out-of-pocket max, co-pays) to save $2-4 million annually. - Revenue forecast: upward adjustment of $375,000 since August. - Service Reductions: - City Hall closed on Fridays (low traffic, saves $500,000 in personnel) - Park pool hours reduced by 1.5 hours Mon–Thurs - Senior center operations shifted to the new Community Recreation Center - Ash Tree program eliminated (seeking grants) - City calendar (annual $60,000) discontinued - Housing division: housing manager and housing specialist positions eliminated (partners like Hilltop and Grand Junction Housing Authority to take over programs) - Efficiencies: IT developed in-house tools (budget dashboard, revenue dashboard, report-a-concern, e-ticketing) saving outside subscription costs. - Enterprise Funds: Rate increases for water/sewer (12% annual as per prior study) will be discussed at the next workshop. - Capital Projects: 2027 capital plan totals $20.7 million, focusing on streets (chip seal, river trail, North Avenue corridor), Riverside Parkway, police annex design, and finishing bond-funded projects (B½ Road, 26½ Road). - Affordable Housing Impact Fees: Recommendation to no longer backfill water/sewer impact fees from the general fund; instead waive them for eligible affordable housing projects (per state statute). Council expressed general support for this approach. - Downtown Development Authority (DDA): Reduction of $500,000 in annual appropriation (still receives TIF, but debt-service contribution cut). - Visit Grand Junction: Reduction of $864,000 from prior general fund subsidy (vendor fee elimination); all lodging tax dedicated to marketing remains intact. Councilmember concerns about impact on tourism; city manager noted focus on adding hotel rooms. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the workshop was for discussion and preparation. - Council directed staff to bring back more detail on enterprise fund rates and capital projects at the next workshop (October 26, 4–8 p.m.). - Staff will bring an ordinance to update the affordable housing incentive policy (including water/sewer impact fee waiver) through the regular council process. - The budget adoption timeline: November 5 (first reading/public presentation), November 18 (public hearing and adoption). - Council will continue budget discussions on October 26, followed by workshops on norms of conduct (November 2) and boards/commissions bylaws (November 16).

BUDGET EQUITY ANALYSIS 27% · PROCEDURAL 14% · FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY 13% · PUBLIC SAFETY 8%
3486
OCT 5, 2026 · VALDEZ, ALASKA · MEETING PORTAL
Ports and Harbor Commission Regular Meeting - October 5, 2026

The Ports and Harbor Commission met on October 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers, with all commissioners present. The meeting addressed approval of previous minutes, review of customer feedback, commission goal setting, and a significant discussion on Sea Otter development and potential partnerships, including Coast Guard home porting and shipyard facilities. Consent Calendar - The minutes from August 31, 2026, were approved unanimously. - The minutes from September 21, 2026, were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the public business from the floor portion. Discussion Items - Customer and Stakeholder Feedback (2026 Operational Improvement Memo): The commission reviewed feedback from a customer survey conducted last winter. Key findings: 96% of respondents were very satisfied with harbor staff. Common complaints included launch ramps, fuel prices, and fuel hours. Commissioner Stees noted only seven responses from commercial users and suggested a targeted questionnaire for that sector. The commission acknowledged that easy fixes, such as a pressure washer hose, were implemented. The memo was accepted. - Review of Commission Goals (2025-2026) and Direction for 2027: Commissioner Jeremy apologized for not pursuing the harbor congestion issue and expressed interest in continuing it. Other commissioners noted that congestion was less severe this year due to reduced fishing fleet presence, but the underlying issue remains. The commission decided to continue the current goals, with a possible work session to refine them. - Sea Otter Development and Potential Partnerships: City Manager Nate Duvall presented concepts for the Sea Otter property, including potential Coast Guard home porting for new icebreakers, vessel maintenance facilities, and public access. He proposed a $3 million budget for fill permitting and a feasibility study. Commissioners expressed support for exploring the opportunity but raised concerns: - Commissioner Stees noted the maintenance area in the concept seemed undersized. - Commissioners emphasized preserving public waterfront access and not excluding independent boat owners from doing their own work. - Commissioner Mike suggested focusing large ship work on Old Town property and relocating the Silver Bay dock to reduce harbor congestion, and negotiating the return of the current Coast Guard property in the harbor. - Several commissioners noted the need to ensure any deal benefits the community and does not degrade public access. - The commission requested ongoing engagement as plans develop. - Ports & Harbors Department Staff Report: The staff report included an update on a meeting with the Alaska Department of Transportation regarding the ferry terminal agreement, described as positive. Commissioners also noted that pilings at the crane dock require inspection and maintenance. Key Outcomes - Both sets of minutes were approved. - The 2026 Operational Improvement Memo was accepted. - Current commission goals will continue with further discussion planned. - The city will move forward with Sea Otter development planning, including permitting and a feasibility study, with a proposed $3 million budget allocation. - The commission emphasized the importance of public access and maximizing community benefit in any Sea Otter development. - Staff will address crane dock piling concerns.

HARBOR MANAGEMENT 65% · PROCEDURAL 11% · ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 11% · PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 5%
3487
OCT 5, 2026 · CLEVELAND COUNTY, OKLAHOMA · BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS & BOARDS
Cleveland County Budget Board Special Meeting – October 5, 2026: Employee Benefits Resolution Approved

On Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the Cleveland County Budget Board convened a special meeting to discuss and act on a resolution setting employee benefits for the 2027 calendar year. After extensive debate, the board approved Resolution 2027 by a 6–2 vote, increasing Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) limits, and the dependent medical supplement. Discussion Items - Resolution Overview: The proposed resolution (supported by Board Member Marilyn Williams and others) would increase the HSA employer contribution from $1,500 to $2,000 per year for employees choosing the high-deductible health plan, and raise the FSA contribution from $500 to $750 for those on the basic plan. It also proposed raising the dependent medical supplement from $3,600 to $4,260 per year (a 19% increase matching the approximate premium increase from Health Choice). These changes were framed as redistributing savings the county realizes when employees choose lower-cost plans, with the goal of helping employees cover out-of-pocket costs and dependent premiums. The total cost is within the $949,000 employee benefits budget. - Alternative Proposal by Jacob McHughes: McHughes argued for a short-term “bridge” approach: instead of increasing HSA/FSA amounts, the county should directly cover the premium increase difference for all employees and dependents. He noted the employee-only premium rose from $707 to $818 per month and estimated the cost of covering the difference across all employees and dependents at about $170,000. He suggested this was a more targeted response to the immediate premium hike and that long-term strategies like self-insurance should be studied later. - Debate on Intent and Impact: Chairman Rod Cleveland and others clarified that the resolution does not address premiums directly; it supplements employee out-of-pocket costs. Cleveland emphasized that the supplement is designed to help employees keep their children insured, not to offset premium changes. Board members raised concerns about complexity: McHughes and Vice-Chairman Douglas Warr questioned whether the alternative proposal would require individualized calculations and whether the board had sufficient information to make a long-term decision. Marilyn Williams countered that the resolution continues a longstanding practice of returning savings to employees and improves retention. The employee benefits committee had previously vetted the numbers, which came from payroll records. - Fiscal Context: The county pays 100% of employee premiums. The premium increases for 2027 are 19% (from $707 to $818 for individuals, and similar increases for dependents). The resolution’s increases to HSA, FSA, and the supplement are drawn from the separate employee benefits budget ($949,000), not from department budgets. Key Outcomes - Approval of Resolution 2027 Calendar Year Employee Benefits: The board voted on the resolution as originally proposed. Roll call vote: - Rusty Grissom: Yes - Douglas Warr: Yes - Pam Howlett: Yes - Jacob McHughes: No - Rod Cleveland: Aye (Yes) - [Board Member Handkey]: No (name unclear from transcript) - Marilyn Williams: Yes - Tammy Richards: Yes The motion carried 6–2. The resolution was adopted. - Next Steps: Board members were directed to sign the resolution. Several members expressed a desire for more regular and in-depth budget board discussions on employee benefits in the future, including better communication between the benefits committee and the full board.

HEALTHCARE BENEFITS 89% · PROCEDURAL 7% · BUDGET EQUITY ANALYSIS 4%
3488
OCT 5, 2026 · LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN · COMMON COUNCIL & COMMITTEES
Board of Public Works Meeting - October 5, 2026

The Board of Public Works met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Hall Council Chambers, La Crosse, Wisconsin. All five members were present: Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey, Tamra Dickinson, Erin Goggin, Matthew Gallager, and Andrea Trane. The meeting lasted from 10:00 AM to 10:09 AM. The board unanimously approved all agenda items, including routine approvals and a bid for garage door replacement at Fire Station 3. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from September 28, 2026, were approved unanimously via a motion by Gallager, seconded by Trane. Bidder's Proof of Responsibility (Agenda Item 25-1200) - No bidders' proofs of responsibility were submitted for review. During this item, Council President Dickinson briefly asked about the status of Copeland Park and suggested someone from staff explain how it would be a positive development. However, the responsible staff member (Dan, from finance) was not present, and the matter was not pursued further. Construction Contract Change Orders (26-1025) - A motion by Gallager, seconded by Trane, to approve the change orders passed unanimously (5-0). Construction Contract Final Payments (26-1028) - A motion by Gallager, seconded by Dickinson, to approve final payments passed unanimously (5-0). Spring City Auction Date (26-1034) - Approved to set the date for the Spring City Auction on Saturday, April 17, 2027, with viewing at 9:00 AM and the auction at 10:00 AM. The motion by Gallager, seconded by Dickinson, passed unanimously (5-0). Replacement of Overhead Garage Doors at Fire Station 3 (26-1044) - Staff presented the project to replace four overhead garage doors at Fire Station 3 as part of an ongoing remodel. Three bids were received; the lowest bid from Seven Rivers Outdoor Overhead Door was recommended. The new doors will feature improved insulation and longer-lasting springs, and will be painted red to match the doors at Stations 2 and 4. Seven Rivers had previously installed doors at Station 4. Councilmember Goggin inquired about the overall remodel completion timeline. Staff responded that the EMS room and shop area projects are still under evaluation, pending funding decisions. A motion by Dickinson, seconded by Gallager, to approve the bid passed unanimously (5-0). Key Outcomes - All five agenda items were approved by unanimous votes (5-0). - The meeting adjourned at 10:09 AM.

PROCEDURAL 50% · PARKS AND RECREATION 26% · FIRE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS 24%
3489
OCT 5, 2026 · WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK · BOARD OF LEGISLATORS & COMMITTEES
Joint Committee Meeting on Budget, Infrastructure, Parks, and Public Safety - October 5, 2026

The Budget & Appropriations Committee, joint with Infrastructure & Housing, Parks & Environment, Seniors & Youth, and Public Safety & Veterans, met on October 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM. The committee discussed and voted on several capital projects and a pay plan amendment, and received and filed reports. No public comments were heard. Discussion Items Flint Avenue Pumping Station Forcemain Replacement (2026-475 & 2026-476) The Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) presented a request for a bond act of $14,180,000 to finance the replacement of a force main that had two breaks in August 2026 within 100 feet of each other. The pipe, installed in the 1960s, had suffered external corrosion due to the water table and salt. The project includes a temporary bypass pipe (HDPE) to be installed before holidays, with permanent replacement planned by May 2027. The total project cost is estimated at $30 million, with $3.18 million previously appropriated for design. Legislators expressed concerns about cost estimates ($11 million increase) and requested a detailed breakdown. The committee voted without prejudice. Playland Parking Lot Drainage Improvement (2026-490) The Parks Department requested an amended bond act adding $14,000,000 (total $21,000,000) for drainage and paving improvements at the bus parking lot near the Westchester Children's Museum, including historic boardwalk canopy replacement. The project includes pedestrian safety improvements (crosswalks, ADA ramp, signage) and security cameras. Legislators discussed bus access and pedestrian safety, particularly for children crossing. The design is 14-16 months from completion. The committee voted in favor. Woodfield Cottage Pay Plan Amendment (2026-489) The Probation Department recommended taking over operations of Woodfield Cottage, a juvenile detention facility, due to repeated failures by the vendor. The current operator, Together for Youth, had staffing shortages, lack of food service, and safety issues, requiring county intervention (including a $1.6 million security contract and diversion of probation staff). The new county-operated model would add 150 employees at pay grade 9 (starting at $68,000 annually), with total operating cost of $30 million per year offset by $28 million in state reimbursement, leaving a net annual cost of approximately $1.2 million. Legislators expressed support but raised concerns about state funding guarantees and potential future costs. The motion passed in all committees with some voting without prejudice. Receive & File - Westchester Community College 3rd Quarter Report – Enrollment headcount increased from 11,305 (Fall 2020) to 15,023 (Spring 2026), a 33% increase; FTE rose from 3,579 to 3,733. Revenues projected at $108.6 million, expenses at $108 million, with a balanced budget. Capital projects total $143.3 million with state aid approvals of $48 million. Received and filed. - Sales Tax Exemption Memo (2026-477) – Received and filed. - Subscription Transparency Memo (2026-488) – The committee continued (table) the item for future consideration instead of receiving and filing, per sponsor request. Key Outcomes | Item | Vote / Action | |------|--------------| | 2026-475 & 2026-476 – Flint Avenue Forcemain (Capital Budget & Bond Act) | Passed without prejudice (Budget & Appropriations; Infrastructure & Housing later approved) | | 2026-490 – Playland Parking Lot Drainage (Bond Act) | Passed (Budget & Appropriations; Infrastructure & Housing; Parks & Environment) | | 2026-489 – Woodfield Cottage Pay Plan | Passed (Budget & Appropriations; Public Safety & Veterans; Seniors & Youth) | | 2026-328 – WCC Quarterly Report | Received and filed | | 2026-477 – Sales Tax Exemption Memo | Received and filed | | 2026-488 – Subscription Transparency Memo | Continued for future action | Meeting adjourned at 12:20 PM.

YOUTH PROGRAMS 23% · PUBLIC SAFETY 16% · WATER AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT 13% · PROCEDURAL 10%
3490
OCT 5, 2026 · NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA · CITY COUNCIL
New Orleans City Council 2027 Proposed Budget Hearings, Day 3: Capital Budget, CIP, and Public Works, October 5, 2026

The New Orleans City Council held Day 3 of its 2027 Proposed Budget Hearings on Monday, October 5, 2026. The agenda listed a 9:00 a.m. start; the chair opened the hearing at approximately 9:31 a.m., noting the Saints–Falcons game meant an early close. Presentations covered the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (2027–2031), the 2027 Capital Budget, the Office of Capital Projects Administration (CPA), the Department of Property Management (DPM), and the Department of Public Works (DPW). No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of staff presentations, extended council questioning, and one public comment. Public Comments & Testimony - Al Censary, a 68-year New Orleans resident and owner of PJ Oyster Company (150 years in business), said he came to the council because no one had returned his calls or met with him since March. He cited a municipal code ordinance requiring transient and foreign businesses operating in Orleans Parish to obtain an operational/occupational license and file monthly sales and use tax forms. He asked whether the city is collecting these licenses, from how many businesses, and how much revenue was collected this year. The chair replied that someone would follow up with him. Discussion Items Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (2027–2031) — City Planning Commission (Laura Bryan) - Staff described the charter-required CIP process: submissions were due May 1; public hearings for departments ran May 18–27; the Questica software platform was used. Project categories include planning, renovation/continuing maintenance, equipment, technology, new construction, and land acquisition; the majority of requests are for repair and continuing maintenance of existing facilities. Intergovernmental requests total $3.5 million, plus USDOT and EPA grant requests. - Staff found a mismatch between department priorities (immediate operational needs and deferred maintenance) and the 19-criteria CIP scoring matrix (asset longevity, resilience, multi-benefit infrastructure). Staff said they are examining possible changes to the matrix. Councilmember Willard commented that neglected deferred maintenance ends up costing more, noting it was a recurring theme in the legislature. - CPC staff conducted site visits to the NOLA Crime Lab, the public safety warehouse, and Mirabu Water Gardens (spelled variously in the transcript). The Crime Lab request includes redesigning the fourth floor to meet federal requirements for FBI database access and in-house nationwide DNA searches; the warehouse request would expand capacity for NOFD, EMS, and NOPD. - No new bond proposition is proposed this year: the $510 million approved by voters in fall 2025 (infrastructure; stormwater/green infrastructure; affordable housing) is already allocated, leaving zero dollars of new bond funds for 2027. The administration confirmed two further bond sales, in 2028 and 2030, evenly splitting the $510 million across three sales; officials hope premiums and an improved credit rating will generate more than the remaining $312 million. - Staff made two recommendations: (1) the administration should prioritize continuing maintenance and renovation projects for remaining bond allocations, and (2) the council should consider amending the voter-approved infrastructure list to restore removed projects and add new requests from this year's CIP, such as the approximately $9 million Crime Lab retrofit and the approximately $24 million low-barrier shelter request (submitted for the first time this year). Councilmember McCarron raised the JJC HVAC repair, noting one of two units remains unfixed; CPC said previously removed JJC requests should be restored to the list. 2027 Capital Budget — Capital Budget Office (Kyle) - The city has 389 active capital projects totaling $1.7 billion, with $1.4 billion (about 83%) encumbered and $982 million already spent, leaving about $765 million to be paid out. Funding is dominated by federal grants (principally FEMA public assistance/JIR), followed by bonds, then miscellaneous capital, property insurance, Sewerage & Water Board, and state funds. A June 2026 bond sale generated more than $154 million for infrastructure and stormwater/drainage improvements (excluding affordable housing). - Highlights: FEMA extensions for Katrina damage repairs at the Municipal Auditorium (contracts under way; the Yacht Harbor restrooms extension is still pending); opening of Goldring Wollenberg Riverfront Park and the new NOFD headquarters; two new splash pads; library roof/HVAC repairs; and the Children's Resource Center ribbon cutting. Upcoming work includes Ida repairs, Criminal District Court jury deliberation room renovations, NOMA HVAC repairs, multiple Parks and Parkways facility improvements, Pecan Grove Recreation Center renovations, and a generator/microgrid at Joe W. Brown Park. - DPW capital highlights: nearly 50 new internal paving employees (50 next week), heavy equipment purchases, and two major bond contracts (citywide asphalt and citywide concrete). Upcoming: citywide sidewalk and specialty sidewalk (brick, slate, and other non-concrete) bids; a pavement condition assessment; district street packages; Morrison Road; Carrollton Avenue design RFQ; a roadway lighting safety supplement; and a streetlight master plan. - JIR program: FEMA extension through June 2, 2028; 173 blocks completed, 135 in construction, and 338 remaining; $365 million total investment, $78 million invoiced, $287 million remaining. All contractors are committed to the deadline. Upcoming bridge work includes Orleans and South Broad (Q4 2026 bids), Fillmore, Mayo at Morrison, Holiday Drive at General DeGaulle, and Tullis. - Office of Sustainability/stormwater: Lincoln Beach Phase One design split into three packages so the first package (parking lot) can advance to construction by the end of 2026; four Gentilly Resilience District construction contracts were executed under the National Disaster Resilience Grant; Mirabu Water Gardens Phase One, the Broadmoor drainage improvements, and Willie Hall are advancing; the Upper Ninth Ward drainage study identified 11 potential stormwater management projects. - Council Q&A: The $535.9 million of general obligation bonds in the current budget reflects 2026 and prior-year bonds, not the future 2028/2030 sales. DPW salary costs are supported for a decade with about $7 million per year in bond funds; the 11 FEMA-funded JIR positions will be supported through a two-year consultant engagement, with transition slots at DPW. Coordination with the Sewerage & Water Board on lead service line replacement is a precondition for paving (no mill/overlay unless it is certain there are no lead lines underneath). An ordinance passed the prior Thursday transfers $2 million in capital funding for drainage point repairs (described as to DPW and, later, to SWBNO); the city also seeks SWBNO confirmation that subsurface lines are sound before paving. The Saratoga lot is still awaiting FEMA's green light. Councilmember Green praised visible Ninth Ward progress; staff cited jurisdiction, funding, and blighted-property challenges for stormwater projects, and agreed to address railings and warning tape on the Almonaster and France Road bridges. Councilmember Morrell asked for more community outreach on Gentilly Resilience District construction, questioned the cost/benefit of investing a third of a billion to a billion dollars in a new City Hall, and pressed for a funded low-barrier shelter retrofit, noting no money is currently identified in the capital budget for it. Office of Capital Projects Administration — Steve Nelson (Deputy CAO for Infrastructure, sitting in for Jerry Harris) - The 2027 proposal reduces general fund personnel by $188,000 and other operating by $67,000, for a net reduction of $255,000 (from $377,000 adopted in 2026 to $121,000 proposed), by shifting salaries to bond/grant funds and cutting non-essential spending (cell phones, office supplies, copy machines, water, coffee). Non-general fund other operating drops from $8,581,838 to $5.1 million — a total reduction of $3,273,943 — including $5 million in state capital outlay for the SWBNO power complex project and a $100,000 state pass-through for the Desired Community Housing Corporation (the presenter corrected a $100 million typo). - Goals include expanding the Procore project-management/construction-management tool (currently paid through FEMA indirect admin fees; future funding will need to be identified after the JIR program ends), securing FAA drone certifications for roof/HVAC inspections and pre/post-storm documentation, and deploying 360-degree cameras. Councilmember Green asked that drone use be limited to certified operators focused on construction-related missions; training is expected in 2027. Department of Property Management — Austin Wilte (Director) - Wilte (two weeks in the role) presented a tight general fund budget; personnel is largely intact, with the increase attributed to correcting the accounting of fringe benefits. Non-general fund decreases about $600,000 from reallocating positions to appropriate special funds (cemetery fund, Gallier Hall fund, and others); the OCD lease space is now paid through a grant (about $365,000 increase in non-general other operating). - Revenue initiatives: cemetery tours at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 with the Preservation Resource Center — four tours a day, 16 people per tour, $30 per person, roughly $2,000/day, with the city receiving 20% (just under $400/day) at the lowest revenue tier; the intent is to fund a cemetery superintendent from tour revenue. Parking at the City Hall Garage generated about $6,000 in July/August, with expansion planned to the VA garage. Lease management with Corporate Realty has produced lower pricing. Other efficiencies include cross-training employees, consolidating storage of records/evidence, and reducing the VA hospital's $350,000 annual electric bill. - Q&A: The low-barrier shelter has had low or no water pressure on four of the last five weekends; fixes involved SWBNO response, repair of vandalism, and a contractor's same-day temporary fix. Councilmember McCarron called the building "throwing good money after bad" (elevator broken, bathroom issues) and supported funding a new or retrofitted shelter; Wilte agreed residents need a better location. The $1 million in Fund 4511 is for the chilled water service contract at the OVA, not shelter AC. The Second District police station RFP is being re-evaluated; the evidence-processing lease renewal (potential $100,000 rent increase) is under review, with alternative locations being explored. Some police station AC compressors are on backorder (notably the Sixth District). The Gallier Hall fund has generated roughly $800,000 year-to-date ($540,000), with an ending balance of about $1.15 million; an ordinance has passed to allow personnel costs to be paid from the fund, and the council indicated the omnibus amendment should authorize that use. Councilmember Green requested cleanup of the blighted former city health clinic at Desire and Florida ahead of the November 26 Ninth Ward anniversary; staff agreed to add it to an October 20 interdepartmental agenda. Department of Public Works — Steve Nelson (Director) - DPW grew from about a dozen paving employees at the start of the year to 47 today, with three more starting next Monday (50 total); the city also hired multiple electricians (from zero), inspectors, EITs, a chief traffic engineer, a deputy director, and other staff — approaching 90–100 new hires, with 250 applicants for the paving jobs. DPW had not mixed and poured its own concrete in-house since before Hurricane Katrina; crews now pour hundreds of linear feet of sidewalk weekly. - The 2027 proposal reflects a $9.8 million general fund reduction (from $19.9 million adopted; the city is on a cash basis and had spent about 30% of the budget at 75% of the year). The gap is bridged by paying bond-eligible staff (work with a life of 10+ years and over $5,000) from bond funds — endorsed by the legislative auditor and bond counsel — and by $4 million in CDBG funding for traffic signals, striping, and materials. Towing/impoundment functions transferred to NOPD ($1.18 million). The remaining Entergy settlement ($3 million, about half remaining) is dedicated to major roadways including I-10 and I-610. Sixty employees are funded entirely by bonds; a 35% DBE participation target and a $1 million sidewalk contract scope aim to keep dollars local. - Performance: street light wait times dropped from about 450 days to just over 200 days (goal: under 100 days by year-end and 30 days or less in 2027); street name signs from 800–900 days to about 700 days; more than 12,000 lighting work orders handled and almost 9,000 lights turned on. Traffic signals on Claiborne were permanently repaired (bad splices, fire ants, an Entergy feed problem, and a clipped line) rather than repeatedly reset. August 2026 was the first month in 10 years with zero traffic fatalities, supporting the zero-fatality goal. - Operations changes: crews will shift from citywide response to focused 10x10 neighborhood deployments for about a week at a time; DPW will complete its first internal mill-and-overlay block this year, scaling up next year; pothole capacity target is 1,500 per week; a street light master plan and a pavement condition assessment (including striping) are under way; striping is a 2027 priority. - Q&A: In-house sidewalk repairs cost a quarter to a fifth of contractor rates (excluding large full replacements); a stop sign request at St. Paul's school should move faster than a full-blown study, with a 30-day turnaround goal for signs; IBEW apprenticeship outreach is planned with two electrician openings upcoming; contractors will still be used for complex work (interstate directional boring, high-rise outages); NOPD notification protocols for damaged traffic signals should be formalized. Councilmember Hughes pressed for sidewalks and lighting on New Orleans East service roads and on Chef Highway and Lincoln Beach Boulevard, calling the latter "frightening"; Nelson committed to coordination with the state and federal delegation. Councilmember Morrell suggested AI-enabled photo reporting (using photograph metadata) to supplement 311 for immediate hazards like blinking lights. Councilmember Green noted the city maintains 170+ of the 453 signalized intersections located on state routes, plus lights on I-10/I-610 and grass cutting along state highways, and asked for a stronger state partnership; Nelson confirmed active discussions with the state on cost-share corrections. Councilmember Willard asked about the dedicated millage code (DPW has not had one; funds were moved to new budget codes) and the All-Star Electric contracts ($2 million; to phase toward in-house over two to three years). The chair noted a reported blinking light (Kelly/Open Loyola intersection) for follow-up. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational. The next hearing (rescheduled from Tuesday to Wednesday) will cover the mayor's office, law department, aviation board, and municipal/traffic court. - The City Planning Commission adopted and submitted the 2027–2031 CIP to the mayor; staff recommended prioritizing continuing maintenance and renovations for bond allocations and asking the council to consider amending the voter-approved bond infrastructure list to restore removed projects (e.g., JJC HVAC) and add new ones (e.g., Crime Lab retrofit, low-barrier shelter). - The administration confirmed 2028 and 2030 general obligation bond sales to complete the $510 million voter-approved program. - A referenced ordinance (passed the prior Thursday) transfers $2 million in capital funding toward drainage point repairs, with SWBNO coordination; the city set a precondition of confirming no lead service lines beneath streets before mill/overlay work. - DPW will begin neighborhood-concentrated (10x10) work crews, a 2027 striping program, a street light master plan, and a pavement condition assessment; a two-year JIR project-management consultant will create transition slots for 11 FEMA-funded staff. - The Gallier Hall fund ordinance passed, allowing personnel costs to be paid from the fund; the council requested the omnibus amendment reflect that use. - Follow-ups promised: District E project schedules and Lincoln Beach details for Councilmember Hughes; Saratoga lot FEMA clearance; bridge construction timelines; evidence-processing lease options; cemetery superintendent funding analysis; Almonaster and France Road bridge railings/warning tape; cleanup of the Desire/Florida clinic site (October 20 meeting); and a staff response to Mr. Censary's transient/foreign business license questions.

PUBLIC WORKS 18% · INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC WORKS 18% · CAPITAL PLANNING 16% · PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 8%
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