Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council Meeting - September 24, 2025

The Metropolitan Council of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish held its regular meeting on September 24, 2025, at 5:40 PM. The meeting began with presentations honoring a deceased employee and the United Cajun Navy, followed by approval of minutes, introductions, condemnations, and a series of public hearings on items including contracts, grants, health insurance rates, and property sales. A key debate centered on proposed changes to retiree health insurance, which ultimately failed on a 6-1 vote.

Presentations & Recognitions

• The Chief Service Officer for Mayor-President Sid Edwards presented a resolution in loving memory of Crystal Thompson, a Department of Information Services employee who passed away on September 16, 2025. Family members spoke about her dedication and kindness.
• The Council recognized Todd Terrell and the United Cajun Navy for their disaster response efforts, presenting a certificate of commendation. Volunteers were introduced, including incident commander Josh Gill, coordinator Jersey, administrative support Monique, and Casey, who is developing a missing-person alert system for special needs individuals.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the September 10, 2025 Metropolitan Council meeting, September 17, 2025 zoning meeting, and September 9, 2025 Airport Commission meeting (motion passed).
• Introductions: Items 2–30 were introduced together, covering ITEP applications (W.R. Grayson Co., $31,241,000; International Mezzo, $21,630,368), construction inspection services for Move BR (GoTech Inc., $484,500; Richard C. Lambert Consultants LLC, $192,000; Forte & Tablada Inc., $1,826,025; Shrewsberry & Associates, $225,000), a maintenance agreement for FY2025–2026, and condemnations and adjudicated property introductions. All were approved without debate.
• Condemnations (Items 83–101): After a public hearing with no speakers, the council followed DPW recommendations to proceed with several properties, defer others, and delete three. Councilman Goody deferred item 96 for 60 days; items 84, 86–88, 96, 97, and 101 were deferred 60 days; items 93, 95, and 97 were deleted. Motion passed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bernadette McLaurin (Deputy Judicial Administrator, Baton Rouge City Court) presented an amendment to Item 103, changing the city court judges' pay from a base pay increase to a one-time supplement of $10,006, citing a Louisiana Supreme Court memorandum.
• One email comment in opposition was received for the Ryan White grant items (109–114) and for items 121–122 (collection agreements), but no speakers appeared.

Discussion Items

• Item 103 – City Court Judges’ Pay: The council discussed the amendment, with Councilman Rocca and Adams clarifying that the supplement is required by state law to match district court judges' compensation. Finance confirmed the city court has sufficient budget savings. Motion to approve as amended passed.
• Items 109–114 – Ryan White Program Amendments: Councilwoman Adams and Councilman Moak queried Dr. Sanders about the federal nature of the funds, noting that the money is earmarked for HIV/AIDS services and cannot be redirected. Councilwoman Hudson criticized public commenters who mistakenly believed the funds could be used for other diseases. The items passed.
• Item 119 – Bayou Manchac Restoration and Wards Creek Realignment: Councilwoman Adams asked about the project status. Transportation Director Fred Raiford explained the project includes incorporating St. George into the intergovernmental agreement, finalizing hydrologic modeling, and advancing design. He noted positive impacts on flood risk reduction. The item passed.
• Item 123 – Health Insurance Rates and Plan Design (Retirees): This item generated extensive debate. The proposal would offer retirees a Medicare Advantage plan as an opt-out option, with zero premium for members and substantial city savings. Councilman Hearst requested an Attorney General opinion due to legal concerns about potential class-action lawsuits. Parish Attorney Greg Rome acknowledged a possibility of litigation. Human Resources Director Latoya and consultant Mr. Gardner explained the plan is voluntary and tailored, with a 90-day grace period and no forced migration. Councilman Moak argued that even if the AG opinion later deemed it illegal, the city could revert. Councilman Godey noted that delaying would jeopardize the timeline for open enrollment. Councilwoman Rocka urged approval, citing years of preparation and savings. Councilman Hearst held firm. A vote was taken; the motion to approve failed 6–1 (one nay). After a brief recess, the council proceeded.

Key Outcomes

• Item 103: Approved with amendment (one-time supplement of $10,006 for city court judges).
• Items 109–114: Approved (Ryan White subrecipient contract amendments, total over $6 million).
• Items 115–118: Approved (Move BR construction and engineering contracts).
• Item 119: Approved (Wards Creek intergovernmental agreement amendment).
• Item 120: Deferred 30 days (Old Hammond Highway contract rescission).
• Item 121–122: Approved (sales tax collection agreements with Southern University and LSU economic development districts).
• Item 123: Failed (6–1) – Health insurance rates and plan design for retirees not adopted.
• Items 124–147: Approved (adjudicated property sales and high bids).
• Items 152–157: Approved (change orders for various contracts).
• Items 158–159: Approved (final acceptances for prison HVAC and library renovations).
• Items 160: Approved (low bid for runway repair at Baton Rouge Metro Airport, $555,644.64).
• Item 161: Deferred to October 8, 2025 (St. Vincent DePaul CEO report).
• Appointments: Michael Rennerson (Brownsville Volunteer Civil Service Board); Shell Weatherwood (Complete Streets Citizens Advisory Committee); Albert Andrews (Mosquito Abatement District); Jeremy Fontenot (Visit Baton Rouge) – all approved.