Public Meetings - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The Metropolitan Council of East Baton Rouge Parish convened on September 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The meeting opened with a proclamation recognizing September 10, 2025, as World Suicide Prevention Day, presented by Dr. Yolanda Burnett-Langford on behalf of Mayor-President Theodore Edwards. The council then proceeded to approve numerous routine items, discuss funding for the District Attorney's office, and vote on settlements and appointments. Consent Calendar - Adoption of minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting (motion carried). - Introduction of 37 items (Section 2.12 introductions) including condemnations, adjudicated properties, and routine resolutions (motion carried). - Condemnation recommendations: 19 items approved to proceed, 7 items deferred (2 weeks, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days), and 3 items deleted (motion carried). - Items 81-104: Cooperative endeavor agreement with school system for SROs, grant application for underage drinking enforcement, demolition contracts, airport management services, purchasing allotment amendments, contract amendments for community development, and multiple subrecipient contracts for health services (all passed unanimously). - Item 105: Resolution for $52 million road and street improvement sales tax revenue refunding bonds (passed). - Items 107-109: Rescinding condemnation orders for properties where owners obtained permits or properties were abated (passed). - Items 113-115: Sale of surplus lots (passed). - Administrative matters: Rescinding and re-awarding a contract for O'Hammond Highway, extending a landscaping contract, and accepting a low bid for a bike trail (all passed). - Appointments: Gerald King to CATS board, Todd Sterling to Fire and Police Civil Service Board, Karen Sonyat to Visit Baton Rouge board (passed). - Change orders and low bid acceptances for various projects (all passed). - Emergency items 126-131: Amendments to subrecipient contracts, a change order for traffic calming, construction inspection services, and polling place changes (all passed unanimously). Public Comments & Testimony - Jennifer Carwill (Criminal Justice Coordinating Council) spoke on item 106. She noted that the public defender's office represents 85% of cases but has a budget of $1.1 million compared to the DA's $8.2 million, urging parity. She also raised broader concerns about public safety funding, including the future of the juvenile detention center and parish prison, and questioned how the city will meet pressing needs given budget deficits. Discussion Items - Item 106 – Appropriating $825,800 from general fund for DA's office: Council members discussed the need for balanced funding. Councilman Hearst supported the allocation, noting it helps fast-track cases and reduce jail overcrowding. Councilwoman Rocka emphasized the importance of funding both DA and public defender offices, and that the Thrive plan will let voters decide on tax rededication. Finance Director Angie (last name not given) stated the amount is to maintain current operations, not expand. Councilman Dunn Jr. invited DA Hiller Moore and Public Defender Kyler Romanoff to the mic. Romanoff explained that Orleans Parish mandates 85% parity between DA and public defender funding, and Baton Rouge lacks that. Moore stated he supports adequate funding for the public defender and noted that Baton Rouge historically underfunds both offices compared to Orleans and Jefferson. He also mentioned the DA's office lost 20 lawyers to the Attorney General's office due to higher pay. Councilman Mo asked about state funding warrants; Moore explained that Baton Rouge receives 55 warrants at $50,000 each, while Orleans has 88 and Jefferson has 55 but with a larger budget. The item was approved (motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilwoman Rocka). - Item 110 – Settlement in Kiana Fisher v. City of Baton Rouge ($30,276): Objection noted. Roll call vote: 8 yeas, 4 nays (Councilman Adams, Rocka, Noel, Amorosa voted no). Motion carried. - Item 111 – Settlement in Bobby Hardin v. City of Baton Rouge ($22,500): Objection noted. Roll call vote: 8 yeas, 4 nays (same as above). Motion carried. - Item 112 – Settlement in Chaquetta James et al. v. Parish of Baton Rouge ($602,651.55): Council moved into executive session to discuss. After reconvening, motion to approve passed with Councilwoman Rocka abstaining. Key Outcomes - Item 106 (DA funding): Approved. The $825,800 appropriation will maintain current operations. - Items 110 and 111 (Settlements): Both approved with 8-4 roll call votes. - Item 112 (Settlement): Approved after executive session, with one abstention. - Appointments: Gerald King (CATS), Todd Sterling (Fire and Police CSB), Karen Sonyat (Visit Baton Rouge) all confirmed. - All other items (consent calendar, introductions, condemnations, contracts, etc.) were approved unanimously or with no recorded opposition. - Emergency items 126-131: All declared emergencies and approved without opposition.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council met on August 27, 2025, in a regular session preceded by a presentations portion. The meeting included recognition of the LSU Collegiate Recovery Program and City Year Baton Rouge’s 20th anniversary. The council voted on multiple agenda items, including a controversial one-cent sales tax for an LSU Economic Development District, a professional services contract for a convention center expansion, and a new ordinance regulating tire businesses. Extensive public comment and council debate occurred on several items. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the August 5, 2025, Greater Baton Rouge Airport Commission meeting (motion by Amorosa, second by Dunn Jr., carried). - Introduction of numerous ordinance and resolution items (items 2–26) via a single motion (carried). - Condemnation recommendations with various deferrals and deletions (motion by Hurst, second by Amorosa, carried). - Approval of multiple airport-related items (items 88–99, 108–113, 116–135, 151–156) with no opposition and brief council questions. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 85 (LSU EDD sales tax): Charles Landry (volunteer, former attorney) supported the EDD, providing history; Ryan Cross (Our Lady of the Lake Health) supported as a healthcare partner; John Inquest supported the district. Darrell Glasper (former elected official) opposed, questioning the lack of resident voters and potential misuse; Woody Jenkins (910 Foster) opposed, citing constitutional sales tax limits and lack of voter input; Shirley Bowler (705) opposed, arguing the district was intentionally drawn to exclude voters; Penny Landry (West Contour) opposed, urging a delay; Coleman Brown (836 Mouton) opposed, stating LSU has sufficient funds. - Item 86 (Hunden Partners contract): Darrell Glasper opposed, suggesting council members personally fund the study; Penny Landry opposed, citing budget concerns and competition with existing hotels; Coleman Brown opposed, requesting a financial feasibility study for the River Center; Rose Lee Washington spoke generally against tax increases (though this item was not a tax vote). Jill Kidder (Visit Baton Rouge) supported, emphasizing the need for an owner’s representative. - Item 87 (St. George Fire protection note): Jason Turner (St. George Firefighters) supported; Jim Morgan (commissioner) opposed, alleging mismanagement and delayed response times; Chief Jerry Charlton supported, calling Morgan’s claims false and explaining the note covers cash flow. - Item 106 (Tire business ordinance): Edgar Cage (Together Baton Rouge) strongly supported; Jennifer Richardson (Keep Tiger Town Beautiful) suggested requiring payment to haulers only after proper disposal. Several council members expressed support. Discussion Items - LSU Economic Development District (Item 85): Councilwoman Amorosa questioned finance and legal staff about EDD formation, existing EDDs, and the constitutional sales tax cap. Staff confirmed the LSU EDD was created by legislative act, that no residents live in any existing EDD in the parish, and that the statute allows the tax to exceed the three percent cap. After debate, a motion by Councilwoman Coleman and second by Councilman Hudson to approve the one-cent sales tax levy carried. - Hunden Partners Convention Center Contract (Item 86): Councilman Moak questioned Jill Kidder and a Hunden representative about the selection process and potential benefits. Finance staff clarified the $1.16 million comes from dedicated state sales tax rebates for River Center improvements, not the general fund. Councilman Hudson and Councilwoman Amorosa spoke in favor. The motion to approve carried. - St. George Fire Protection District Revenue Anticipation Note (Item 87): Councilman Dunn Jr. asked for clarification; finance staff explained the note is issued by the fire district, requires council approval, but has no impact on the city-parish. Councilman Moak confirmed with the chief that the note is a standard operational cash-flow tool. Motion carried. - Tire Business Ordinance (Item 106): Adam (Environmental Services) presented the ordinance’s requirements: limits on tire storage and display, recordkeeping, permits ($100 annual), and penalties ($50 per tire per day for violations). Councilman Moak questioned enforcement and tracking; staff noted they will audit records and have a list of noncompliant businesses from LDEQ. Councilman Hearst described repeated illegal dumping and community support. The ordinance applies initially only to the city and unincorporated area, with other municipalities planning to adopt. Motion by Councilman Kenny, second by Councilman Hearst, carried. - Head Start Pay Plan Report (Administrative Matter B): Councilwoman Coleman requested a report on implementation of previous pay increases. Employees (James Grayson) asked for retroactive pay for building attendants and clerical staff whose job titles were changed. Dr. Zanders (DHDS) and Dr. Roberts (Head Start) stated the federal Office of Head Start requires all staff to receive the raises, and non-compliance risks grant reduction. HR (Ms. Pierce) noted that the clerical positions are similar to citywide positions, creating legal complications, and a meeting with OHS is set for September 10. Councilman Dunn suggested exploring legal paths to resolve the conflict. Councilwoman Harris questioned delays. The report was accepted with no vote needed, but council directed the parish attorney and HR to find a solution within 30 days. Key Outcomes - Approved: LSU Economic Development District one-cent sales tax levy (Item 85). - Approved: Hunden Partners professional services agreement for convention center expansion, not to exceed $1.16 million (Item 86). - Approved: St. George Fire Protection District revenue anticipation note of $12.5 million (Item 87). - Approved: New tire business ordinance (Item 106), effective September 1, 2025, with a six-month compliance period. - Deleted: Private booting and immobilization ordinance (Item 105), to be revised. - Deferred: School resource officer cooperative endeavor agreement (Item 100) to September 10, 2025. - Approved: Settlement of lawsuits in the matter of Kenya Messer et al. for $252,184.64 (Item 104), after executive session. - Approved: Settlement of Shakita James et al. for $600,651.55 (Item 2). - Approved: Head Start retiree pay plan implementation update received; council directed further action to resolve pay disputes. - Approved: Multiple grant applications, professional service agreements, and budget amendments (items 108–135, 152–164) with no opposition. - Appointments: Greg Gorman to the Board of Appeal (Item 151). Meeting adjourned after announcements. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2025.

The Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board met on August 25, 2025, to consider a motion for summary disposition in the termination appeal of Wade Hill, conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the fire chief job description to include an EMS division, and handle routine personnel matters. The board voted to deny the summary disposition motion, tabled the fire chief job description amendment following public comment and executive session, and approved several administrative items. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the July 28, 2025 meeting. - Approved personnel action forms for the Baton Rouge Fire and Police Departments. - Accepted test scores for crime statistics (four eligible, two ineligible). - Rejected applications: Charlene Brooks (police fingerprint technician 2) due to previous retirement; Matthew McConnell (fire captain) and Reese Wolfe (fire equipment operator) for late submission; Jason Royal (fire equipment operator) due to re-employment probationary status. - Approved application of Nathaniel Lee Drum (fire equipment operator) previously excluded in error by the Office of State Examiner. - Called for examinations for police fingerprint technician 1 and police sergeant. - Received notification of provisional appointment of Assistant Chief Brian Everett to deputy chief pending test results. - Accepted applications for deputy chief from Brian Averett, Scott Beale, Derek Jones, and Luke Newman with a waiver for probationary assistant chiefs. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Olson (Coalition for EBR EMS) urged the board to vote no or defer the fire chief job description amendment, arguing it violates the parish plan of government and mismatches Title V (city) and Title X (parish) entities. - Janice Willard (President, EMS Association) expressed concerns about the premature step, lack of studies, potential loss of civil service protections for EMS employees, and uncertainly about qualifications and testing requirements. She cited examples where fire-EMS mergers failed (e.g., New York). - Mike Dunicola (Zachary resident) opposed the change, emphasizing the need for feasibility studies and noting that EMS is a parish entity created by the Metro Council. - Jacqueline O'Keefe (former full-time, current part-time EMS employee) questioned the necessity of the change, noting that a chief of emergency medical operations already exists. She highlighted unanswered questions about employee protections and retirement systems. - Jake Morgan (President, Baton Rouge Firefighter Association) stated neutrality on the matter. Discussion Items - Motion for Summary Disposition (Wade Hill termination): Attorneys argued over whether the pre-disciplinary notice provided to Hill satisfied due process requirements. Mr. Ivey (for Hill) contended the notice lacked the proposed action (penalty) and specificity on the “violation of laws” charge. Mr. Reigns (for BRPD) argued that Loudermill only requires notice of charges and an opportunity to respond, and the detailed 22-page notice met that standard. The board took the matter under advisement, then later after executive session voted to deny the motion. - Public Hearing on Fire Chief Job Description Amendment: The mayor’s office (representative Landigner) explained the proposal is a first step to allow the fire chief to oversee an EMS division, pending further studies. The Office of State Examiner (Adrian Bordelon) clarified that the class plan amendment is necessary to align with state statute (33:2481.1) and that a job study would follow. The fire chief stated he does not envision dual-role requirements and that the change would benefit EMS employees through better pay, advancement, and protections. The board discussed concerns about workload, employee protections during provisional periods, and the need for further analysis. The board voted to table the item and entered executive session to discuss pending litigation (East Baton Rouge EMS Paramedic Association et al. v. Board). Key Outcomes - Motion for Summary Disposition (Wade Hill): Denied unanimously (5-0 vote) after executive session. The board found that the pre-disciplinary notice provided sufficient detail and that the codification discussed did not go beyond Loudermill requirements. - Fire Chief Job Description Amendment: Tabled (unanimous vote) pending further discussion in executive session. The board returned to open session and took no further action on the item. - All consent calendar items approved as noted above. - Next Steps: The board will continue to handle the Wade Hill case on its merits; the fire chief job description amendment may be revisited at a future meeting.

The Metropolitan Council held a zoning meeting on August 20, 2025, addressing multiple rezoning, plan amendment, and right-of-way revocation cases. The council approved, denied, or withdrew several items after public hearings and deliberation. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar was established; however, several items were approved without public testimony or opposition, including Case 9 (930 O'Neal Lane, CAB1 rezoning), Case 11 (Hearthstone Drive, CAB2 rezoning), Case 12 (PUD concept plan revision), and Case 13 (Parkway Drive right-of-way revocation). Public Comments & Testimony - Lobdale Avenue (Case 1): Proponent David Patterson (Land Source) represented the Catrone family, emphasizing the restrictive nature of the proposed neighborhood office (NO) zoning and efforts to negotiate with neighbors. Opposition speakers included Sean Bergeron (Old Goodwood Village board), Hampton Grunwald (Goodwood Property Owners Association), Dennis Vedrin, Annalie Campbell (who started a Change.org petition with 223 signatures as of the meeting), Tommy Campbell, and Caroline Messenger. They cited concerns about commercial creep, unknown future use, traffic, property values, and safety. The applicant's rebuttal noted only 12 permitted uses under NO, a 2,500 sq ft building cap, and no drive-throughs. - Samuels Road (Items 4-5): Jonathan Walker (DHI Properties) spoke in favor of rezoning from rural to light industrial, stating it would clean up a former dirt pit and create an employment center. No opposition speakers. - Sherwood Forest (Item 6): Antonia Coleman Crump spoke in favor on behalf of applicant Edwin Velasquez, citing property maintenance and efforts to address concerns. Opposition speakers included Troy Flowers, Deborah Dow, Lyndale Brown, Ed Pratt, Jacqueline Ronley, Shoshani Stewart (Park Forest East Civic Association president), Pat Shilodane, Lillian Grosley, and another resident. They argued against a mechanic shop due to property value decline, health hazards, traffic, and existing saturation of similar businesses. They also noted the corridor's future potential after planned road widening (Mickins widening, North Sherwood Forest extension). - England Avenue (Item 7): Ed Pratt (Monticello resident) requested more time for community input, but was not wholly opposed. Councilman Hearst noted a neighborhood meeting with 10-15 attendees that unanimously supported the rezoning. - Other items: Brief testimony on Item 8 (Joe Moore for a commercial shopping center rezoning update) and Item 12 (Ray Goff, Magnolia Terrace resident, raised maintenance concerns about the development site). Discussion Items - Lobdale Avenue: Council members debated the lot's compatibility with adjacent commercial (B1 to the south) and residential uses. The master plan designates the area for single-family residential but allows small-scale offices where appropriate. Councilwoman Adams discussed landscaping requirements under the UDC and noted that the applicant will need to find a tenant before building. Councilman Mochel supported approval as a transitional use. The motion to approve carried. - Sherwood Forest: Extensive discussion led by Councilman Hearst, who argued against heavy commercial (HC2) rezoning, citing the area's planned infrastructure investments (North Sherwood Forest extension, Mickins widening) and the need for appropriate development like restaurants or retail. He warned of unintended consequences (e.g., cemeteries, car washes, unlimited gas pumps) and noted the community's past victories against unwanted uses. Councilman Dunn Jr. seconded the motion to deny. - England Avenue: Councilman Hearst explained the rezoning from A1 to A27 (smaller lots) was consistent with adjacent Monticello filings and the developer committed to offset infrastructure impacts. The item was approved. Key Outcomes - Case 1 (1482 Lobdale Ave, rezoning to NO): Approved (motion by Councilman Mochel, second by Councilwoman Adams). - Items 2-3 (Samuels Rd, plan amendment and rezoning): Withdrawn by applicant; motion to delete carried. - Items 4-5 (Samuels Rd, plan amendment and rezoning to LI): Approved (motion by Councilman Hearst, second by Councilman Dunn? — second not specified in transcript; carried 7-0). - Item 6 (3825 North Sherwood Forest, rezoning to HC2): Denied (motion to deny by Councilman Hearst, second by Councilman Dunn Jr.; motion carried). - Item 7 (11920 West England Ave, rezoning to A27): Approved (motion by Councilman Hearst, second by Councilman Mochel). - Item 8 (address not specified in transcript; rezoning from rural to commercial?): Approved (motion by Councilwoman Amarosa, second by Councilman Moak). - Item 9 (930 O'Neal Lane, rezoning to CAB1): Approved (motion by Councilman Mo, second by Councilman Dunn Jr.). - Item 10 (1540 North Foster, rezoning to CAB2): Deleted (withdrawn) by motion of Councilwoman Harris, second by Councilman Dunn Jr. - Item 11 (449 & 455 Hearthstone Drive, rezoning to CAB2): Approved (motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilwoman Adams). - Item 12 (PUD 3-23, suburb South Baton Rouge concept plan revision): Approved (motion by Councilwoman Coleman, second by Councilwoman Adams). - Item 13 (525 Parkway Drive, right-of-way revocation): Approved (motion by Councilman Goday, second by Councilwoman Adams).