East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council Meeting - October 8, 2025
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East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council Meeting - October 8, 2025
The East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council met on October 8, 2025, in the afternoon and evening to address a wide-ranging agenda. The meeting opened with several community recognitions, proceeded through consent items and ordinances, and featured extended debate on a new private booting ordinance. Council also heard updates on airport parking rate changes, the Communications District's 911 system, and a presentation from the new CEO of St. Vincent de Paul.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of minutes from the September 24 and September 29, 2025 meetings.
- Introduction of ordinances and resolutions (Items 2–27).
- Condemnation recommendations (Items 46–65) with modifications: proceed on many items, 30-day delays on items 50, 55, 62, 63; 60-day delays on items 48, 49, 51; 90-day delays on items 54, 59, 64; deletion of items 53 and 65.
- Approvals of numerous routine items including bond resolutions, cooperative agreements, settlements (totaling $73,938.72), ITEP applications for WR Grace ($31 million investment) and International Mezzo ($216,000 investment), contract amendments for community development rehab (four contracts each increased by $125,000), demolition contracts, and other administrative matters.
- Appointments to the Baton Rouge Regional Airport Authority (Items 119–127) with staggered terms; all nine current commission members reappointed. Specific appointments: John Fife (5-year), Bill Profita (4-year), Kizzy Payton (4-year), Councilman Moak (3-year), Valerie Lowry Sr. (3-year), Paul Origo (2-year), Matthew Butler (2-year), Joy Womack (1-year). Carried.
- Appointments to the Communications District Board (Item 128): Clay Reeves and Frederick Robertson (4-year terms). Carried.
- Change orders and final acceptances on public works contracts.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jason Newell (Baton Rouge Area Chamber) spoke in support of two ITEP applications, noting that WR Grace’s $31 million investment would retain 143 jobs and generate an estimated $3.1 million in tax returns over 20 years, while International Mezzo’s $216,000 investment would return $28,000 to the parish.
- Several industry representatives testified on the private booting ordinance (Item 103):
- Aaron Harrell (American Coach Works) and Chad Jenkins (Viper Striker LLC) thanked council for collaboration but argued the proposed $150 maximum fee – a 25% revenue reduction – could harm sustainability. They noted that New Orleans’ $90 fee forced most booting companies out of business, and that Baton Rouge’s lower volume (about 250 boots per month combined) requires a higher fee.
- John Heron (Baton Rouge Parking) requested clarity to distinguish parking operators (who use boots to collect unpaid parking fees) from dedicated booting companies. Councilwoman Goday clarified that Section 91409 allows parking facility owners to collect outstanding parking fees but not to charge a separate boot removal fee.
- Whitney Hoffman Sayer (Downtown Development District) supported the ordinance, citing community complaints about booting confusion and noting that peer cities like Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans charge between $70 and $100.
Discussion Items
- Airport Parking Rate Structure (Item 75): Up to eight votes. Aviation Director Mike and Greg Pearson (SP Plus Metropolis) presented a rate increase: garage from $12 to $16/day, economy lot from $9 to $13/day, and new premium reserved parking at $20/day, plus EV charging at $0.37/kWh. Rates had not increased since 2016 while operating costs rose 32% and revenue only 23%. The increase aligns with regional airports (e.g., New Orleans $26/day, Lafayette $15/day). New AI-based technology will allow pre-booking and digital vehicle recognition. Funded entirely by parking revenue. Approved.
- Community Development Rehab Contracts (Items 82–85): Kelley from Community Development explained that the contracts use federal CDBG-HOME dollars, which are not general fund money. So far in 2025, 84 homes have been rehabbed (internal repairs, bathrooms, kitchens). The current five-year RFP will be re-bid in 2026 to include prefab roofs, ramps, tree trimback, and potential new construction. Councilwoman Harris inquired about the application process; Kelley noted a waiting list of about 300 applicants and efforts to improve targeting. Approved.
- Communications District Board Composition (Item 101): Councilman Goday and Hudson presented an ordinance to align local law with state statute, which requires board members to be registered voters and property owners in the parish rather than specified officeholders. Approved.
- Noise Ordinance Amendment (Item 102): Added a decibel threshold and new exceptions. Approved.
- Private Booting and Immobilization Ordinance (Item 103): Extensive council and public discussion. Councilwoman Goday introduced a floor amendment to change the title of Section 91409 from “Monetary or ownership interest prohibited” to “Compensation by parking facility owner prohibited” to match state law. The final ordinance sets a maximum $150 boot fee, requires 60-minute arrival time, and mandates signage. Councilman Dunn Jr. raised safety concerns about prolonged waits; Chad Jenkins noted that releasable boots (barnacles) allow immediate owner release. Councilwoman Goday explained the $150 fee was modeled on cities like Richmond, VA and Little Rock, AR ($135–$150) rather than New Orleans’ $90 because East Baton Rouge’s geography requires more travel. The ordinance passed.
- Move BR Projects (Items 109–114): Contracts for construction inspection and engineering services on multiple capacity and corridor projects (e.g., Terrace Avenue, O’Neal Highway, Mall Louisiana Boulevard, North Boulevard, ADA transitions) totaling over $1.6 million. Approved.
- Emergency Item – Construction Testing (Item 139): Declared emergency by two-thirds vote; then authorized contract with Southern Earth Sciences Inc. for Move BR project Mall Louisiana to Perkins to Picardy. Approved.
- Communications District Report (Item 137): Director reported on CAD system cloud migration (increased security), the North Communication Tower now fully operational, 911 system upgrades (completion expected by end of 2025), and the September 25 statewide ATT fiber cut that caused a 2.5-hour 911 outage. Due to pre-planning (diverse networks with Rev as backup), East Baton Rouge experienced no service interruption and even handled calls from other parishes. The Emergency Operations Center was activated. No opposition.
- St. Vincent de Paul Report (Item 138): New CEO Sunny Johnson Lane and COO Austin Lorenz presented the organization’s four pillars: feed (300,000+ meals annually in downtown dining room), clothe (four thrift stores, including a 99-cent store), house (29,465 nights of shelter across four shelters, permanent supportive housing), and heal (community pharmacy dispensing $1 million in free medications, Bravo Dental Clinic serving 852 patients so far in 2025, average 90–120 patients/month). They outlined priorities: updating policies and procedures, improving aging facilities, expanding thrift stores. Councilwoman Coleman praised new structure and cleanliness, but asked about management of congregating individuals and duplication of services from other organizations. Johnson Lane acknowledged the challenges and said they are engaging partner groups to avoid duplication and maintain a dignified campus. Councilwoman Adams highlighted the pharmacy donation program. Councilman Goday underscored the partnership during emergencies. Report received.
Key Outcomes
- All consent agenda items and routine approvals carried without opposition.
- Airport parking rates increased: garage to $16/day, economy to $13/day; new premium reserved parking and EV charging options approved.
- ITEP applications for WR Grace and International Mezzo approved.
- Private booting ordinance passed with maximum fee of $150, 60-minute response time, and amended title on parking facility owner compensation.
- Appointments to Airport Authority and Communications District Board finalized.
- Emergency contract for Move BR construction testing approved.
- Meeting adjourned without further business, after Councilwoman Amorosa moved to adjourn and Councilwoman Coleman reminded of weekend voting.
Meeting Transcript
Great afternoon, Baton Rouge. Here we are. And yes, I am Carolyn R. Coleman Councilwoman in District 10. And this is the 10th month of the year, so this is really my month. And so we shall begin first here with our mayor, Mayor President Sid Edwards, and he's going to recognize Whitney Hoffman Sayer, who is the director of Downtown Development District for her outstanding leadership and dedicated service. So good afternoon, everybody. So first off, this is kind of a surprise, I'm sure. But on behalf of Mayor President Sid Edwards, we are honored to recognize a leader in our community, Miss Whitney Sayall, Executive Director of the Downtown Development District. Under her visionary leadership, the DDD and the East Baton Ridge Parish have secured several grants that funded vital public spaces and enhance bicycles and pedestrian infrastructures, including the downtown Greenway and River Road Projects. Many of these initiatives have received recognition and awards at the local, state, and international levels. Our downtown area stands as a vibrant space where the community gathers, connects, and grows. A reflection of Miss Whitney's dedication and leadership. Her legacy will continue to shape the heart of Baton Ridge for years to come. Today we proudly honor Miss Whitney for her outstanding service, vision, and commitment to making downtown Baton Ridge a place we all can be proud of. We just want to thank you for your leadership and we appreciate you so much. So thank you. Come on up wave now. I told you you were number one last night. All right. And yes, these are the ladies in red. So come on up, ladies. So today we want to honor and recognize the best sorority known to man. We celebrate your 25 years of sisterhood, scholarship, and service, a legacy that continues to make an impact in Baton Ridge and beyond. Since it's chartering, the Alpha Tal chapter has embodies Delta Sigma Theta's core values, public service, academic excellence, and the empowerment of the African American community. The Spring 2000 line has continued this mission with grace and determination, carrying the torch of sisterhood through their careers, families, and community service. Members of this line have served in leadership roles across education, government, health care, business, and civic engagement. Their efforts have strengthened local communities through mentoring programs, youth outreach, and social action initiatives that align with Delta's five programmatic thrifts. Twenty-five years of service is not just a milestone. It's a testament to enduring commitment, shared purpose, and love for the community. The spring 2000 line's unity and dedication exemplify the best of what Delta Sigma Theta represents. Intelligence, compassion in women who lead with integrity. Today we congratulate each member of the Alpha Tal Chapter Spring 2000 line for your contributions to the progress of Baton Rouge and the betterment of our people. Your example continues to inspire future generations of women like myself to lead, serve, and uplift others. Congratulations on this anniversary anniversary, and we thank you for your continued service and sisterhood. Thank y'all so much. Would anybody like to say anything? Oh, my bad, y'all. We also want to honor um their three beloved line sisters who passed away, Miss Lauren Robertson, uh, Dr. Cazetta Shannon, and Miss Jackson. So again, we just thank you all so much for everything you do. Tracy Found. And also Miss Tracy Founder. So thank y'all so much. If y'all would like to say anything, y'all can come to the mic. Thank you. I think you've covered most of it, so I won't be repetitive. So good afternoon, Mayor President Edwards, City Council members, and honored guests. On behalf of my beloved line, Spring 2000 of Alpha Tow Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, we are deeply honored to accept this proclamation celebrating 25 years of sisterhood, service, and social action. Our journey began at Southern University, AM College, where we were not only educated but shaped as leaders.
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