Public Meetings - Kenner, Louisiana

The Kenner City Council met on March 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM (2300 UTC). The meeting included a prayer, pledge of allegiance, and a quorum was established. Mayor Glazer reported that year-to-date revenues are up 6.73% ($2,101,522.42) compared to the previous fiscal year. Senator Kirk Talbot provided a legislative update on upcoming session and constitutional amendments. The council approved a consent agenda, several public hearings, and numerous contracts. An executive session was held regarding a pending lawsuit. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Regular council meeting of February 20, 2026, approved unanimously. - Alcoholic Beverage Permit Applications: None. - Bingo and Public Gathering Applications: - Application 26-003: Pakistani Community Association of Greater New Orleans – community gathering on March 6, 2026, at 2420 Illinois Avenue. - Application 26-002: Family Easter Fest at 1313 Clay Street. Both approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Taft (District unspecified): Asked about the status of cancer screening for firefighters and the number of fire trucks out of service. Fire Chief Morris responded that screening scheduling is beginning in the next few weeks and that no front-line or backup apparatus are out of service; only a high-water vehicle is currently out. Discussion Items - Mayor’s Report: Mayor Glazer announced revenue increase of 6.73% ($2,101,522.42) over the same period last year. Reported that DOTD numbers were received for the Power Boulevard overlay project, allowing the design phase to proceed. Encouraged attendance at the Italian Fest in Rivertown this weekend. - Senator Kirk Talbot’s Legislative Update: - Addresses the upcoming 85-day non-fiscal session beginning March 8, 2026. - Discussed five constitutional amendments on the May 5/16 ballot: 1. Teacher pay raise: using $2 billion from education fund to pay down retirement debt, enabling permanent teacher raises. 2. City of St. George school district (no local impact). 3. Civil service reform: giving legislature power to make changes (Louisiana is the only state without this). 4. Inventory tax repeal: making Louisiana more competitive for business. 5. Mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75. - Fortified roof legislation: aims to move statewide building code to fortified roof level (currently 95% of code). New construction only, coastal parishes. Cost 10% more but yields average 22% insurance savings. Grant program ($10,000 per roof) will reopen in June with $30 million from insurance industry fees. Also a $10,000 tax credit (rollable over 3 years) for self-funded roofs. - Flood insurance: acknowledged NFIP’s Risk Rating 2.0 is a disaster; a presidential commission has wrapped up its study and expects findings to be released soon. - Councilmember Sharworth: Provided update on Roosevelt Boulevard resurfacing – southbound lanes being broken up, northbound poured, driveways and sidewalks underway. Expected completion of 1900–2200 blocks by next Friday, weather permitting. - Public Hearings: - 11A (Rezoning): Lot X2, Square 378, Highway Park Subdivision from C1 (neighborhood commercial) to RR1 (single-family residential) to allow construction of a home. Approved unanimously. - 11B (UDC Amendment): Amend Unified Development Code to permit basic driver education schools (Class E license) in C1 district, excluding heavy-equipment schools. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 15J (Approved early): Ordinance authorizing agreement with GMB Basketball LLC for use of Pontchartrain Convention Center as home of the Lake Town Pelicans (G League team). Approved 7-0. - Executive Session: Motion passed (7-0) to enter executive session regarding David Key vs. City of Kenner (case 18D22F 78145 WC). - Resolution 13A: Authorized settlement in the David Key case. Approved 7-0. - Contracts and Bids (Items 15A–15I): All approved unanimously: - 15A: Vehicle bodies/accessories (up to $750,000/year) – Fleet Management. - 15B: HVAC system at Galatus Gym ($12,380) – General Services. - 15C: Corrugated plastic panels ($20,000/year) – General Services. - 15D: Rain gear ($20,000/year) – General Services. - 15E: Metal roof at Rivertown Theater ($9,900) – General Services. - 15F: Change Order 2 for Police Headquarters roof (+$5,086.92, new total $467,709.42, extension 21 days) – Police. - 15G: Change Order 1 for Police Training Facility roof (+$21,844.17, new total $176,844.17, extension 23 days) – Police. - 15H: Amendment 2 for GIS services (+$50,000, new total $149,900, extension to April 30, 2027) – Public Works. - 15I: Transmission repair ($6,834.45) – General Services. - First Reading Items (16A–16AA): Introduced for first reading; no vote taken. These include various ordinances for contracts, bids, rezoning, debt issuance, and professional services agreements. - Adjournment: Motion carried.

The Kenner City Council convened on January 8, 2026, beginning with a proclamation honoring Special Olympics athlete Emily Heinrich and a prayer by Pastor Melvin Hearst. The meeting covered routine consent items, public hearings regarding airport expansions, zoning reappointments, contract approvals, and significant public discussion regarding municipal safety, policing agreements, and traffic management. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the minutes of the December 19, 2025, regular council meeting (7-0). - Alcoholic Beverage Permits: Approved permits for Friends of Rivertown (February 14 and 16, 2026) and Kenner Italian Heritage Incorporated (March 6-8, 2026) for city-owned properties. - Bingo and Public Gatherings: Approved a public gathering application for the "Kenner Gross Celebration" on February 14, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Councilmembers on Parking and Drainage: Councilmember Schwartz expressed full opposition to the new surface parking lots until the airport secures adequate pumping capacity, while Councilmember Wilmont requested further data on pump capacities. Councilmember Wilmont expressed support for the shuttle connector road. - Public Members on Dr. Griffin Flood Concerns: Greg Taf (District 5) and an unnamed resident expressed strong concern regarding recent flooding and requested verification that the airport's stormwater plan guarantees adequate drainage capacity for the new construction. The unnamed resident specifically complained about unfiltered diesel fumes from airport generators affecting residential yards. - Public Members on Traffic Safety: Anna Hernandez (District 5) pleaded for the removal of a four-way stop sign at Loyola and Pelorin, asserting it is unnecessary and impedes traffic flow. Richard Brown (District 4) agreed with Hernandez that the stop sign is inappropriate for controlling speed and lacks cross-traffic justification. - Police Accountability Complaint: Mario Henderson reported frustration regarding a theft of a brush mower, citing a perceived lack of police follow-up and responsiveness, while stating he believes officers are not responding to complaints from the Crestview Subdivision. Mayor Conley rejected the characterization of officers as lazy or negligent, defending the department's performance. - ICE Agreement Concerns: Greg Piper requested the termination of the City of Kenner's 287(g) agreement with federal agents, arguing that current operations under independent federal authority have damaged community trust and that the city should seek plausible deniability. - Traffic and Infrastructure: Mr. Taft requested clarification on rumors prohibiting fire department personnel from communicating with council and raised concerns about fire trucks requiring constant antifreeze maintenance. Ryan Nugent criticized Board Gaming's architectural design for their new warehouse and questioned the sufficiency of their community outreach. - Fire Department Appreciation: Chief Morris noted that while complaints were raised, an elderly resident recently expressed gratitude to the Fire Department for an effective response to a fire, and LCMC ambulance crews praised firefighters' professionalism. - MLK and Parade Promotion: Councilmember Dunn encouraged council and administration to participate in the upcoming MLK March. Councilmember Lahat promoted the upcoming Krew of Griffon parade. Discussion Items - Airport Conditional Use (Item 8A): Director of Planning presented a proposal for the Express Shuttle Connector Road, East Apron Expansion, and new surface parking lots. Deputy Director Walter Krakowski and Program Manager Kenny Boyd clarified that the new parking is for public/short-term use and that the airport's 2017-designed pump station (600-650 CFS capacity) has sufficient mitigation for the proposed development. They confirmed that the automation failure during the previous hurricane, not pump capacity, caused the flooding and that manual overrides are now in place. The group discussed whether the new concrete surface would exacerbate runoff, with officials asserting drainage capacity is adequate. - Traffic Study Costs: Councilmember Wilmont inquired about the cost of a traffic study to evaluate the four-way stop sign at Loyola and Pelorin. Director Gonzalez estimated the cost at between $7,500 and $10,000, noting that removing the sign would likely not be the outcome given the presence of a playground, school, and church nearby. - Fire Department Communication: Councilmember Branagan and others debunked the rumor that fire personnel are prohibited from contacting council, citing successful past collaborations and direct fundraising efforts for new equipment. Chief Morris confirmed no such memo exists and that fire personnel work directly for the public and council. Key Outcomes - Approval of Conditional Use: Summary Ordinance 14,011 was approved by a vote of 6-1. Councilmember Schwartz voted against the measure due to unresolved concerns regarding stormwater and pumping capacity. - Planning Commission Reappointments: Reappointed Mark Johnson, Peggy Mendoza, and Rita Bizo to the Planning and Zoning Commission (all 7-0). - Contract Approvals (7-0 Vote): - Purchased replacement parts for the Zias Starmaster Projector ($17,325.04) from Silar Instrument. - Purchased honor guard uniforms for the Police Department (not to exceed $30,000) from Neptune Uniforms. - Approved Change Order No. 1 for Parton Roofing LLC to upgrade Police Headquarters/Jail roofs ($8,222.50 increase). - Approved Change Order No. 5 for Digital Engineering and Imaging to extend CWSRF loan administration term and increase amount by $236,000. - Accepted lowest bid for the 25th and Helena Lift Station replacement ($612,766) from Louisiana Contracting Enterprise LLC. - Accepted quote ($6,417) from Precision PSI LLC to repair the ball door motor on Aerator 2B. - First Reading Ordinances: Opened first reading for ordinances authorizing Motorola equipment for the Fire Department ($9,075.30), purchase of two Harley Davidson police motorcycles ($40,000), a cost decrease for the Discovery School Sidewalk project, and a quote for the Yeoman's pump repair ($20,128.77). - Public Safety Directives: The Mayor agreed to review the 287(g) termination request from Mr. Piper. The City committed to investigating the report of diesel fumes from generators. - Upcoming Events: The MLK March is scheduled to start at 9:00 AM at Providence Baptist Church with a ceremony at 10:00 AM. The Krew of Griffon parade is scheduled for January 24, 2026.

The Kenner City Council convened on October 17, 2025, to address routine business, honor the city and state delegation, and deliberate on significant infrastructure and development issues. The session opened with tributes to recently deceased community members and an introduction of State Senator Greg Miller, who emphasized his support for Kenner's infrastructure and blight reduction efforts. The primary focus of the evening was the controversial renovation of Fire Station 37, which sparked extensive public testimony regarding the quality of work, oversight failures, and compliance with building codes, alongside a public hearing regarding a new storage warehouse for the Treasure Chest Casino. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the regular council meeting of October 2, 2025, passed 7-0. - Approval of alcoholic beverage permit applications (none). - Approval of public gathering applications (Items 3A–3D) for local Halloween events and church gatherings, passed 7-0. - Addition of Item 3D (Audrey Reno Halloween block party) to the agenda as a new item from the floor, passed 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Ryan Nugent (District 3): Expressed strong opposition to the current proposal for the Treasure Chest Casino warehouse, stating the design is a "generic box with zero character" and an "eye sore." While not opposed to a warehouse in principle, Mr. Nugent positioned his support for rejecting the current proposal until the owner presents a more attractive design for the primary structure. - Greg Taft (District 5): Expressed no opinion on the warehouse itself but raised concerns regarding the position that public notification parameters may be insufficient, specifically noting that residents in driftwood areas did not receive notice for the Treasure Chest project. - Mayor Glazer: Expressed disagreement with Mr. Nugent's aesthetic critique of the Treasure Chest building, stating the building looks good if one is a minimalist, and noted the developer is a good partner. The Mayor positioned that the city goes above and beyond in notifying the public. - Amy Hotard (District 5): Expressed strong criticism and skepticism regarding the Fire Station 37 renovations. She positioned that KFD leadership accepted unacceptable work initially and only backedtracked due to social media pressure. She further positioned that there was a breakdown in oversight, citing a contractor with a lapsed license who received six to seven figures in contracts. - Matthew Hotard (District 5, Kenner Firefighter Association): Explained the urgency of moving firefighters back into Station 37 to accommodate a hundred-foot ladder truck that cannot park outdoors without counting against service ratings. He positioned that moving the ladder to a covered area was the primary driver, calling the rush to reoccupy the station "100% unacceptable" to the public but necessary for equipment safety. - Stephen Dunn (District 5): Expressed concern regarding the lack of permits and inspections for the Station 37 renovation, positioning that the city cannot afford to waste public money on work that may need to be torn out, especially without verification of mold remediation. - Greg Taft (District 5): Returned to the microphone (via Chief Connor) to reiterate his position that there is a compliance oversight breakdown in the city, suggesting a formal compliance officer structure is needed to prevent taxpayers from funding substandard work. - Ryan Nugent (District 3): Positioned that the city is setting a bad precedent by reframing windows at Heritage Hall inconsistently with historic openings, arguing that the government should lead by example in historic preservation. - Nicholas Zalva (District 5, KFA President): Positioned that the citizens and council are the "firefighters' champions" for holding the line on standards. He requested clarification on payment flows between General Services and the Fire Department regarding the contractor. - Chief Morris (Fire Chief): Defended the Fire Department's actions, explaining the ladder truck logistics and stating that while social media contained misinformation, the department has achieved a Class 1 rating. He positioned that all subsequent work is being inspected step-by-step and that permits have now been filed as an oversight that was corrected. - Stephen Dunn (District 5): Re-emphasized that a permit was never originally pulled for the Station 37 mold remediation and renovation, calling the situation "ridiculous" and demanding further investigation into the lack of inspections. Discussion Items - Senator Greg Miller's Address: Discussed his legislative efforts regarding property succession reforms, the tax lien sales process change to combat zombie properties, and a letter of support submitted for $17 million in capital outlay funding for a new City Hall. He highlighted specific infrastructure projects including Lincoln Manor drainage, Roosevelt roadway repairs, and a new fire station. - Treasure Chest Casino Warehouse (Item 8A - Ordinance 13,952): The Planning Department presented a proposal to amend an ordinance to allow a 19,800 sq. ft. storage warehouse behind the casino. Councilman Lahat positioned support, noting no opposition from neighbors. The Planning Director noted traffic concerns were minimal and landscaping plans exceeded requirements. The applicant, Mr. Cortizes, confirmed the warehouse is required by state law for gaming equipment storage. - Station 37 Renovation (Item 13 - Resolution & Ongoing Debate): Council members discussed the remediation of Station 37 following mold and water damage. Councilman Brennan presented data showing the council has spent over $160,000 in discretionary funds for fire department equipment since 2018. Councilman Lahat and Councilman Swarth expressed positionality of holding the line on standards, refusing to accept cosmetic fixes that are not up to code. The Fire Chief addressed the public regarding coverage issues, the ladder truck constraint, and the status of the repairs, stating that permits were filed after an oversight was identified. - Truck Route Correction (Item 12A - Ordinance 13,953): Discussion focused on correcting a typo in the city code regarding truck routes on Delaware Avenue that was inadvertently omitted. Key Outcomes - Treasure Chest Casino Warehouse: Council passed a motion to close the public hearing and approved Ordinance 13,952 allowing the construction of the storage warehouse, vote tally: 7-0. - Truck Route Correction: Council passed Ordinance 13,953 to correct the truck route definition on Delaware Avenue, vote tally: 7-0. - Council Rule Suspension: A resolution temporarily suspending council rule number 11 passed, moving agenda deadlines for meetings in January, February, and October/November 2026, vote tally: 7-0. - Temporary Signs: A resolution authorizing temporary signs for the Discovery Health Sciences Academy passed, vote tally: 7-0. - Settlements: Resolutions approving settlements for Martin Sachs vs. City of Kenner and Southern Cat USA LLC vs. City of Kenner passed, vote tally: 7-0 (in both cases). - Public Hearing Scheduling: A resolution calling a public hearing on November 6, 2025, regarding the abatement of structures at 2700 Phoenix Street passed, vote tally: 7-0. - Contracts and Bids: - Acceptance of bid from Black Star Diversified Enterprise ($29,450) for message board centers, passed 7-0. - Approval of contract with Swift Recreation LLC ($63,707.83) for playground replacement at Muspertolino, passed 7-0. - Approval of contract with Control Systems Incorporated ($19,852) for SCADA system upgrade, passed 7-0. - Several ordinances for first reading accepted for bids from Nitsum Promotional, RESTEC, ACE Garage Door Company, Louisiana State Contract (vehicle parts), Reserve Component (lobbying), State of Louisiana (park lighting), New Light Electrical, Armstrong Supply, and Havana Knights LLC, all passed. - Station 37 Status: No formal vote was taken to approve the current station condition; instead, the Fire Chief committed to continued monitoring and compliance, while Council members pledged to ensure final cosmetic and functional items are completed to code before accepting the work. - Procedures: The Clerk and Mayor enforced a limit on back-and-forth debate regarding the Station 37 permits, directing Councilman Dunn to address further concerns at the next meeting after the specific permit filing date is retrieved and noted.

The Kenner City Council convened on September 19, 2025, at 3:30 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Hunger Action Month, updates on sales tax revenues and flood insurance ratings, approval of several consent agenda items, public hearings on budget amendments and property abatements, a resolution supporting a tax incentive for a senior affordable housing project, and multiple contract approvals. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless otherwise noted. Proclamation - Mayor presented a proclamation declaring September as Hunger Action Month, noting that the Kenner Food Bank and partners provide over 292,000 meals annually to more than 1,000 residents. The proclamation highlighted collaboration with Feeding America, Second Harvest Food Bank, and other organizations. Mayor's Report - Sales tax revenues for September were up 14.38% ($520,482.33) compared to the same time last year (though the transcript stated "next year"). For the current fiscal year, revenues are down 0.11% ($13,146.70) compared to this time last year. - Mayor Glaser provided an update on the Community Rating System (CRS) for flood insurance. Kenner is currently a Class 6 (one of only two in Louisiana, with only three classes ahead: Class 3 in Jefferson Parish and Mandeville). The city’s three-year review visit by FEMA has been postponed to January 2026. The city is focusing on public education to improve points, but faces challenges with open space and repetitive flood properties. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved (7-0): - Item 1: Approval of minutes from the regular council meeting of September 19, 2025 (note: same date as meeting, likely a typo in agenda). - Item 2: No alcoholic beverage permit applications. - Item 3A: Application for a public gathering on November 16, 2025, for the Fourth Annual Kenner Food Truck Festival at Laketown. - Item 3B: Application for a Halloween Truck or Treat event and movie at Muss Bertolino/Ed Daniels Field on October 18-19, 2025. - Item 3C: Application by Big Easy Mopar Association for a car show at Laketown on March 28-29, 2026. Public Hearings & Final Passage - Item 8A (Ordinance 13,934): Amending the 2024-2025 capital budgets to allocate increased riverboat fee revenues ($1,939,461.73 more than budgeted). Funds distributed to council districts, police (24%), debt service, and city repairs. A $400,000 remainder will go to the general fund. Passed 7-0. - Item 8B (Ordinance 13,935): Conditional use for a minor automotive repair shop (tire and rim shop) at 3319 Williams Blvd. The planning department noted the site is two parking spaces short but recommended approval. The applicant agreed to remove an existing pole sign. Passed 7-0. - Item 8C: Removed from agenda because the homeowner demolished the structure at 1815 Short Street. Passed 7-0. - Item 8D (Resolution for 1918 Kansas Ave): Public hearing on demolition. Code Enforcement Director Catherine Topple reported the structure is unsafe and dangerous. The curator, appointed to locate owners, found them deceased with no heirs. Neighbors complained. Council voted to demolish. Passed 7-0. Discussion Items - Item 13A (Resolution supporting JEDCO PILOT for Westminster Tower LP): Presentation by Jerry Bologna (JEDCO) and Oliver Haynes (HPI). Westminster Tower, a 200+ unit senior affordable housing complex, was acquired by a for-profit/nonprofit partnership. The 20-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement will allow $3-4 million in renovations without raising rents. Renovations will be completed within 12 months, with residents staying in place (48-hour unit turnaround). Councilman Taft expressed concern about the 20-year term but ultimately voted in favor after explanations about HUD affordability contracts and lender requirements. Passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items and public hearings passed unanimously (7-0). - The council approved the PILOT for Westminster Tower, supporting senior housing renovations. - Several contracts and purchases were approved: $12,000 for non-lethal training ammunition; $50,000 for vehicle accessories; $200,000 increase for light bars and sirens (to $600,000 total); $227,825 for sewer lift station rehabilitation (Jelpee and Osborne); $250,893.35 for 27th and Dawson sewer lift station; $500,000 annually for equipment rental from United Rentals; and first reading items for future votes (radar equipment, lawn equipment, Chateau Transfer Station improvements, pumps, testing services, reflective sheeting, lighting, stadium pads, lead hazard grant funds). - Public comment: Greg Taft (5th district) requested street repairs using the extra riverboat funds and thanked city employees for their work. - Councilman Brennan noted that the entrance wall to Woodlake Subdivision was hit again due to a medical emergency; the city is working on plans to reduce future impacts.

The Kenner City Council met on September 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM (transcribed start at 22:00:38 UTC) to discuss a range of topics including persistent power outages in the Driftwood area, a proposed docking facility with American Cruise Lines, recycling program options, and various administrative approvals. All votes passed 7-0 unless noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes approved from the regular council meeting of August 22, 2025. - Alcoholic beverage permits: None. - Bingo/public gathering applications: Approved for Divine Mercy Catholic Parish Seafood Festival (Oct 10-12) and Archdiocese of New Orleans cross-country meets (Saturdays, Sep 6-Oct 25). - Fire inspection fee restoration: Ordinance 13,914 corrected an omission restoring the fee to city code; passed 7-0. - No-left-turn sign correction at Meadoc & Vintage Drive: Ordinance 13,933 adjusted school zone hours to 6:45-7:30 AM and 2:20-3:00 PM; passed 7-0. - Blighted property hearings scheduled: Resolutions for 1815 Short Street and 1918 Kansas Avenue set public hearings for September 19, 2025; passed 7-0. - Settlement authorization: Resolution 13C authorized settlement in Amparo, Lambert, Morales v. City of Kenner Police Department (24th JDC 753-525); passed 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Entergy outages: Several Driftwood residents testified about frequent outages. Rod Solors (District 3) cited equipment age and a “stopgap” transformer pad-mount blocking a sidewalk for two years. Joseph Ochapenti (41-year resident) asked for a clear maintenance program and better communication. Ryan Ugent (District 3) questioned how a broken insulator was missed during recent construction and requested substation upkeep. Jerry Jacob (Coronado) stated he has experienced more outages in seven years than the rest of his life. Ryan Ugent also asked about landscape maintenance on Power Boulevard and grass height at Williams & Airline (confirmed railroad property). - American Cruise Lines: Vanessa Matthews (District 1) expressed surprise at lack of public input, concern about traffic/noise, and suggested a town hall. Vera Perkins (lifetime resident) worried about levee impacts and traffic/parking; Councilmember Schwartz assured her the boat will be over 100 yards from the levee and levee boards oversee safety. - Greg Taft (District 5) asked about silt at the boat launch; Mayor noted a rock jetty cost rose from $3M to $12M, so a prop wash will be used instead. - Ryan Ugent (District 3) thanked the mayor for recycling town halls and asked about maintenance of Power Boulevard landscaping; Mayor said Mr. Shane’s family will maintain it. - New property owner (2114/2116 9th St) thanked council for keeping it a double, requested police help with loitering at a nearby dollar store. Discussion Items - Entergy presentation on Driftwood outages: Jimmy Aiken (Entergy) explained five outages in 14 days were due to a faulty insulator and sagging conductors on feeder 313. Councilmember Lahat listed 10 outages since March 2025 totaling 14 hours 53 minutes. Aiken detailed a $15 million recabling project for Driftwood (phases ongoing), installation of self-healing networks (already helping feeders 316, 324, 333), and a full walk-down of feeder 313 next week. Residents demanded permanent fixes and improved communication; Entergy committed to better public updates and proactive maintenance. - American Cruise Lines docking facility (Item 15A): Mayor presented a 20-year cooperative endeavor agreement with two 10-year extensions. The company will build a modern floating dock and gangway ($3M investment) at no cost to the city; the city pays half of demolishing the existing dilapidated pier ($50,000). Annual rent is $12,000. Council and public discussed traffic, levee integrity, public access to the observation deck (separate project, grant-funded $900,000 trailhead expansion), and economic benefits. Passed 7-0. - Recycling program update: Mayor showed a video and slides on options after the current contract expires (Feb 2026). Options: curbside only ($3/household), drop-site only ($0.53), both ($3.53, current is $2.30), or no city service. A second town hall is scheduled for September 8 at 6:30 PM at the Council on Aging. - Drainage improvements (Item 15D): Amendment 6 to the Rivertown/South Kenner drainage plan increased the design contract by $118,530 due to seven (not three) telecommunication lines at CN Railroad, requiring a new small pump station instead of a 36-inch pipe. A resident from Duncan Street asked about flooding impacts; Mr. Gonzalez assured the system is independent. - Wood Lake Pump Station (Item 15K): Cooperative endeavor with Jefferson Parish to construct a new 120 CFS pump station (four pumps) in a city park, fully parish-funded ($14 million). Passed 7-0. - Other contracts approved: Lead-based hazard inspections ($99,000/year, grant-funded), Hispanic Resource Center foundation repair ($19,750), CCMSI claims management contract clarified as annual amount ($103,500), post-disaster traffic control emergency repair ($500,000 annually), wheelchair purchase ($16,785.74), sewer lift station replacement ($882,500), AC unit for OMV ($23,500), t-shirts ($6,523), and multiple first-reading items for police equipment and sewer lift station studies. Key Outcomes - All votes passed 7-0 unless otherwise noted. - Entergy committed to a feeder 313 walk-down, installation of self-healing networks, and improved customer communication. - American Cruise Lines agreement (20 yrs + two 10-yr options) approved; city will split $100,000 demo cost and receive $12,000/yr rent. - Recycling public input continues; council will decide after September 8 town hall. - No-left-turn sign at Meadoc & Vintage adjusted to actual school hours. - Executive session held on pending litigation (Amparo et al) but no public action noted. - Next council meeting: Agenda items will include final adoption of first-reading ordinances.

The Kenner City Council met on August 22, 2025, with all seven members present. The meeting opened with special intentions, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The order of business was changed to take Item 18A (a drainage presentation) at the beginning. The council then received a presentation from Jefferson Parish Drainage Director Ben Lapine on stormwater drainage infrastructure. Mayor Glazer reported that citywide sales tax revenues for the last month were up 3.14% ($120,053.66) compared to the same month last year, but down 6.61% ($533,629.03) for the current fiscal year. The mayor also announced a partnership with American Cruise Lines to build a new pier and dock in Rivertown, with a presentation from company representative Frank Clips. The council approved several consent agenda items, resolutions, and contracts. Public comment included concerns about the cruise line project and communication with residents. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the regular council meeting of August 7, 2025 (motion passed 7-0). - Adopted Resolution 13A temporarily suspending Council Rule 11 to reschedule the agenda deadline for the September 4, 2025 meeting (7-0). - Adopted Resolution 13B ratifying the appointment of firefighter Craig Burkett to the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board, term ending July 30, 2028; Councilmember Wilmont abstained due to family relationship (6-0). - Adopted Resolution 13C ratifying the appointment of Lieutenant Lewis Tusa Jr. to the same board, term ending July 30, 2028 (7-0). - Approved Summary Ordinance 15A (purchase of two planetarium shows, $8,000), 15B (emergency AC repair at wastewater plant, $14,689), 15C (materials for press box at Musperino, $10,748), 15D (wireless cameras, $5,871.50), 15E (police detail at North Kenner Library, three-year cost not to exceed $140,000), 15F (professional services for vintage drive resurfacing, $201,390), 15G (amendment to engineering agreement for sewer lift station upgrade, increasing by $185,179.40 to a total of $71,480 and extending term to September 26, 2027), and 15H (agreement for generator at Kenner Food Bank, amended to $43,425) — all passed 7-0. - Introduced first-reading ordinances 16A through 16K, including agreements for lead-based inspections, foundation repair at Hispanic Resource Center, drainage improvements, emergency traffic control repairs, sports chairs, sewer lift station replacement, and more. These items were not voted on but placed on the agenda for future action. Public Comments & Testimony - Vanessa Matthews (1917 Short Street, District One) expressed strong opposition to the American Cruise Lines project, stating that residents were not informed and that the project was hidden. She raised concerns about environmental impact (black water waste, incineration), noise, traffic, and increased congestion. She criticized Councilwoman Dunn for not communicating with the Old Kenner Civic Association. Mayor Glazer responded, emphasizing the city's investments in Rivertown and the need to address dilapidated housing. Councilwoman Dunn stated she had been disrespected by the group and would not engage under those circumstances. - Glenda McGee (2121 Fourth Street) asked what positive impacts the cruise line would have on homeowners. Mayor Glazer replied that increased foot traffic would raise sales tax revenues for improvements. She expressed dissatisfaction with that single benefit. - Greg Taft (Fifth District) addressed a lack of communication between the council and residents, suggesting town hall meetings. He acknowledged the city's progress but said many citizens feel unheard. Councilmember Dunn and Mayor Glazer countered that they have regular communication and that the issues stem from a disrespectful group in District One. Discussion Items - Drainage Presentation (Item 18A): Ben Lapine, Jefferson Parish Drainage Director, presented a “Drainage 101” overview. Key statistics: the parish operates 72 pump stations with 194 pumps, 340 miles of open canals, 1,465 miles of subsurface drainage, 80,000 catch basins, and 2,800 outfall pipes. Kenner's system includes three major pump stations (Airport: 600 cfs, Parish Line: 1,250 cfs, Duncan: 4,800 cfs) that together can fill an Olympic pool in 13.2 seconds. The system is designed to handle 1 inch in the first hour and 0.5 inch per hour thereafter. Challenges include low elevation, subsiding land, aging metal pipes, and high-intensity rain. Future improvements include the Wood Lake Pump Station (final permitting), a new Vintage Pump Station (600 cfs, 8-10 years out), expansion of Parish Line, and a Kenner pump-to-the-river project (200 cfs). Council members asked about pump operations (diesel vs. electric, 3,000 hp diesel, 700 hp electric), testing protocols (weekly), and communication with Orleans Parish regarding airport pumps. - American Cruise Lines Presentation (Item 18A continued): Frank Clips, Director of City Partnerships for American Cruise Lines (former mayor of Davenport, Iowa), described the company as the largest American river cruise line with 21 boats and nine under construction. Boats carry 175 passengers and 53 crew, offering all-inclusive luxury cruises. The company plans to build a 325-foot walkway and docking facility at LaSalle's Landing in Rivertown. The dock would be a stop on longer itineraries (e.g., New Orleans to Memphis) with 6-8 hour stays, not a boarding point. Passengers would be bused on excursions. The project is expected to attract 20,000+ passengers per year by 2028, with 107 dockings in 2025. Mayor Glazer noted the city had secured nearly $1 million in grant funds for Rivertown improvements. The agreement will be voted on at a future council meeting. Council members expressed strong support, citing economic benefits and minimal impact on parking and traffic. Police Chief Alex Varisco committed to providing dedicated officers during docking to manage traffic and ensure safety. - Council Reports: Councilwoman McKinney praised the Wastewater Department director for prompt responses to a resident inquiry. Councilman Swarth wished Council Chair Brannigan a happy 38th anniversary. Key Outcomes - Votes: All consent agenda items and resolutions passed unanimously, with one abstention (Resolution 13B). Ordinance 15H was amended to increase the not-to-exceed amount to $43,425 before approval. - Drainage Presentation: No formal vote; information received. Future drainage improvements were outlined. - American Cruise Lines: The council is expected to vote on the cooperative endeavor agreement at a subsequent meeting. The police chief committed to deploying officers during dockings. - Public Input: Council acknowledged concerns but expressed strong support for the project. The mayor and council members defended their record of investment in Rivertown and communication with residents. - Next Meeting: The next regular council meeting is scheduled for September 4, 2025; the agenda deadline was moved to August 29, 2025 per Resolution 13A.