Metropolitan Council Recognition and Regular Meeting - February 25, 2026
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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.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to our regularly scheduled Metropolitan Council recognition meeting. We'll start off today with our recognitions. First off, we'll start off with our mayor president said Edwards are recognized today. 225 Day for Baton Rouge. Good evening, everyone. Today is the day we honor Baton Rouge. The culture, the traditions, the pride, and most of all the love. Every year on February 25th, we celebrate 225 Day. You may see people across the city sharing old memories, dancing, and celebrating the place that shaped them. Originally, Baton Rouge and the surrounding region used Area Code 504. But as more people got cell phones, fax machines, pages, and internet, dial up connections, they started running out of available phone numbers. In 1998, the phone system created a new area code to solve the problem. Area code 225 was officially introduced on August 1st, 1998, and it has been a part of our identity ever since. Baton Rouge is home to the LSU Tigers, the Southern University Human Jukebox in the mighty Mississippi River. It is home to famous artists, actors, and politicians. But most importantly, Baton Rouge has always been my home. It is the place where I share my most beautiful memories. Today is not only a celebration, it is a day of Baton Rouge pride. There is no place on this planet with a culture and people like Baton Rouge. The observance of 225 Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the people, neighborhoods, traditions, music, cuisine, and cultural heritage that define Baton Rouge while uplifting local businesses, organizations, and leaders whose dedication strengthens the fabric of our city. Recognizing February 25th as 225 Day affirms the unity and creativity of Baton Rouge citizens. So today, on behalf of the city of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Mayor President said that was proclaimed February 25th, 2026 as 225 Day. Next, we'll have Count Councilman Anthony Kenny recognize Amaya Nurnberg. All right, good afternoon, Councilmember. Today I have an opportunity to recognize a bright light in our community. This young lady is Miss Amaya Nunberg. She is um currently the Miss Louisiana Elementary. She is currently representing Baton Rouge, her peers and her family. And today we want to make sure we recognize her leadership and the work she's trying to do in the community, and also for her to talk about some of the work that she's doing under her reign in Miss Louisiana Elementary. Let's give her a round of applause. This summer I'll be traveling to Little Rod to compete for Miss Elementary America. And Miss Elementary America Platform is Brain, which stands for Voting Respect and Values Friends. So also come on stand right here. So also Amaya, she came to my office, her and her mom, Miss Jordan right here talking about uh bringing awareness for allergies for kids. When we go to different parks, uh many different public places. Uh we may not think about that many um children may be experienced different allergies such as garlic, um, things of that nature, right? And so Amaya want to ensure during her reign, um, she brings exposure um about allergies in public spaces and making sure that we be good neighbors and good friends for people who may have a large or rare allergies. So, Amaya, I have a special certificate for you on behalf of the city of Baton Rouge in opposite in recognition of outstanding poise, leadership, confidence, and excellence demonstrated throughout the 2026 Miss Louisiana Elementary Pageant. Your dedication, grace, and commitment to excellence and body the true spirit of the title that you currently hold. May this accomplishment mark the beginning of continued success and inspiration to others. Let's give Ms. Amaya a round of applause, everybody. All right. And we'd like to invite her mom up to take a picture as well. Hey, I want to tell you that what I see is a future leader. Like anytime I see somebody young speak so well on the microphone, what your mom is doing for you is amazing by allowing you to pin these pageants, and it really just exude the real inner beauty, which is the boldness for your speech. So thank you, mom, as well. Next, we'll have Metropolitan Councilman Anthony Kenney recognize Reverend Dr. Gregory V. White, Beach Grove Baptist Church for his service to District 2, community through ministry, and the Beach Grove Baptist Church and the resident of District 5.
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