Metropolitan Council Recognition and Regular Meeting - February 25, 2026

The Metropolitan Council held a recognition ceremony followed by a regular meeting. The recognition portion included proclamations for 225 Day, honor for Miss Louisiana Elementary Amaya Nurnberg, recognition of Reverend Dr. Gregory V. White, and recognition of the Southern University Laboratory School cheer competition team for winning a national championship. The regular meeting covered numerous agenda items including consent items, condemnations, public comments, and discussions on various operational and policy matters.

Consent Calendar

• Introductions of items 2–6 (budget amendments, fee schedules, intergovernmental agreement with St. George for animal control, fire safety fee schedule) and items 7–21 (condemnation instructions) and items 24–64 (adjudicated property introductions) were read and introduced with a motion.
• Items 104 (deferred), 105 (St. Vincent de Paul agreement), 106 (ACSI contract amendment), 107 (CSBG grant – approved after discussion), 108 (Ryan White contract amendment), 109 (Baker Branch Library design), 110 (311 software amendment – discussed under public comments), 111 (police investigative software), 112 (canine grant), 113 (budget transfer), 114 (USAR task force equipment), 115 (airport lease – Councilman Hearst abstained), 116 (airport contract amendment), 117 (airport landscaping), 118 (library integrated system), 119 (Highland Road intersection resolution – approved), 120 (judgment payment – initially failed, later reconsidered and approved), 121–126 (settlements – most approved, item 123 deleted), 127 (settlement – approved), 128–130 (demolition packages), 132–134 (Ryan White and Head Start contract amendments), 135 (sewer user fee), 136 (HNTB grant management), 137 (right-of-way agreement), 138 (DOTD agreement), 139 (engineering services), 140 (MARC chemical mixing facility – discussed), 141 (engineering services), 142 (engineering services), 143 (call for projects phase two), 144 (pay increase), 145 (VITA program), 146–150 (rescission of condemnation notices – some deferred), 151–170 (adjudicated property sales), 171 (hospital board appointment), 172–173 (RDA appointments), 174 (mosquito abatement reappointment), 175 (deferred), 176 (low bid acceptance), 177 (communications district report), 178 (open data report), 179 (airport authority contract – emergency item). Most items were approved with no opposition unless noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shakoda Thornton (address 6405 Vineyard) spoke on item 93 (condemnation deletion) and clarified that the property had been remedied.
• Shawanda DuPlanche (public comment on item 110) expressed concerns about the 311 system, stating she had submitted over 30 requests since 2024–25 that were closed without resolution. She asked if the new software would improve efficiency. Council members and staff responded, explaining that the software is an annual fee for the existing QAlert system, not a new system. Discussion followed on 311 workflow, duplicate tickets, note-taking, and potential improvements including AI integration. Councilman Dunn Jr. and others emphasized the need for better notes and communication with constituents.
• Stephen Long (senior architect, city parish) spoke on item 140 (MARC chemical mixing facility), explaining the need for a new structure to replace aging tanks and that the design is for a steel frame building.

Discussion Items

• Item 110 (311 Software Amendment): Extensive discussion on 311 call center operations. Council members expressed frustration with tickets being closed without adequate notes or resolution. Staff explained the workflow, the role of QAlert, and ongoing efforts to improve with AI and a new work order system. Councilman Moak suggested a system where tickets are not closed until the constituent responds. Councilman Dunn Jr. called for mandatory notes and a timeline for closure. Councilman Hearst recommended using AI for role-play training. The item was approved.
• Item 131 (Renaming Building to Melvin Kip Holden Advanced Traffic Management Emergency Operations Center): Mayor Edwards, William Daniel, and the police chief spoke in favor. Councilman Kenney proposed the renaming. Councilman Moak and Councilman Noel opposed due to the two-year waiting period rule, preferring to wait. Councilman Hudson and others supported. After debate, the motion passed 9–2–1 (with Councilman Moak and Noel in opposition, and Councilman Rock abstained). The family of Mayor Holden thanked the council.
• Item 140 (MARC Chemical Mixing Facility Design): Councilman Hudson questioned the cost ($2.2 million estimated) and whether a simpler metal building could suffice. Staff explained the need for a fire-rated, EPA-compliant structure. The item was approved.
• Item 120 (Compromise Judgment Payment): Initially, a motion to approve failed, and a substitute motion to delete also failed. After discussion, the item was reconsidered and approved with a roll call vote (9–2, with Councilman Mo and Councilman Adams voting no). Councilman Hudson emphasized the need to fight cases but acknowledged the judgment.
• Item 148 (Condemnation Rescission): Councilman Moak questioned the rescission of a property where half the house was gone. The item was deferred to March 11, 2026.
• Item 178 (Open Data Report): Justin Briola presented the 2025 open data report, highlighting progress in data governance, performance management, blight surveys, public safety data integration, and procurement improvements. Councilman Hudson requested future reports include financial transparency metrics and exploration of AI for user-friendly databases. The report was received.
• Item 119 (Highland Road Intersection Resolution): Councilman Hudson and Goday explained that the resolution acknowledges St. George's request but affirms the original signalized intersection design based on cost and safety analysis.

Key Outcomes

• Item 131 (Renaming) approved (9–2–1) to rename the building on Harding Boulevard as the Melvin Kip Holden Advanced Traffic Management Emergency Operations Center.
• Item 120 (Judgment) approved on reconsideration (9–2) to pay $334,224.46.
• Item 110 (311 Software) approved.
• Item 140 (MARC Design) approved.
• Item 148 (Condemnation) deferred to March 11, 2026.
• Item 104 (Traffic impact fees) deferred to March 11, 2026.
• Item 175 (Mosquito abatement appointment) deferred.
• Items 85, 86, 87, 89, 94, 95 placed on 30 days; item 103 on 60 days; items 83, 84, 93, 100 deleted from condemnation list.
• Numerous other items approved as listed in Consent Calendar.