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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Metropolitan Council Meeting of East Baton Rouge Parish - March 11, 2026

Metropolitan Council — Wednesday, March 11, 2026

BodyBaton Rouge, Louisiana

SessionMetropolitan Council

DateWednesday, March 11, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:21:30

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:06

Welcome everyone.

0:07

Thank you all for being here for the presentations portion prior to our Metro Council meeting.

0:14

We're gonna start.

0:19

We're gonna start uh our presentations with the Mayor President's Office, represented by Miss Chaselin Grant.

0:25

Uh we're gonna first recognize MS Awareness Week.

0:29

Miss Grant.

0:31

Good afternoon, everyone.

0:32

Today we honor multiple sclerosis week.

0:36

Multiple sclerosis or MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, the brain, and a spinal cord.

0:45

Nearly one million people across the United States are living with EMS.

0:52

And behind that number are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors who show strength every single day.

1:00

This week is about awareness, but it is also about encouragement.

1:05

It is about educating our communities, supporting those who are living with MS, and reminding families that they are not walking this journey alone.

1:15

It is about advocating for better health care, supporting research, and believing that one day we will see a cure.

1:22

Today, we lift up every person living with MS in prayer.

1:27

We pray for strength, for healing, for peace in difficult moments, and for continued breakthroughs in treatment and research.

1:35

And we also pause to thank the caregivers, the doctors, the nurses, and the medical teams who walk alongside those living with MS.

1:45

So today, on behalf of Mayor Sid Edwards, we stand together with the National MS Society in bringing awareness, standing together in support, and most importantly, we stand together in hope.

1:57

Thank you.

1:58

I'm not sure if they're here today.

1:59

Oh, okay.

2:00

You have someone.

2:04

If you want to say a few words.

2:08

Thank you.

2:09

Thank you to Mayor President and the Council.

2:12

Um this is the 16th year that I've championed for MS, so I appreciate y'all creating this awareness.

2:19

Just a quick story.

2:20

The theme for MS is MS Unseen this year, and I like to tell it.

2:24

I see a lot of athletes here.

2:26

I was an old redemptor's wrestler, and we used to run a three-mile lap before practice every day.

2:32

And we told our coach one time, we said, you know, we've got it.

2:36

We you know, we licked it, and he said, he said, yeah, he said, but when you come across the finish, your face is all, you know, you look like you're fixing the pass out.

2:46

He said, when you can do it with a smile is when you got it, and when you're a champion.

2:50

And people living with MS every day, they get up, they put that smile on their face, and they go to work or they be a mom or a lot of men as well.

3:00

Uh so you know, and next weekend I'll be doing a 135-mile bike ride to uh raise awareness and as well as money for MS.

3:11

So if you see anything on social media, just share it because there are a lot of people who are affected.

3:19

Today I was at a meeting and I I added the 27th person that I that I call a friend that lives with MS.

3:28

So again, thanks to the council and thank you guys for this proclamation.

3:31

If you would you if you'll give your name, I don't know if you represent an organization, but behind the the cause that you're working with.

3:37

My name is Renee Caballero.

3:39

Um I'm I've just got the call to uh do work.

3:44

I'm a retired UPS guy.

3:46

I grew up down the street from our mayor president, and uh he supports me and everything I do, and uh it's just kind of been my call.

3:54

And so thanks again.

3:55

Thank you for what you do.

3:56

Thank you, Renee.

3:57

Okay.

4:13

Next, Miss Grant, you got the next one.

4:15

Next, we will recognize the new cohort of the mayor's youth advisory council.

4:20

So today is a powerful and proud moment for our city.

4:24

It is my honor to recognize and introduce the first cohort of Mayor the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council under the leadership of Mayor President Sid Edwards.

4:34

This council is made up of 35 bright, bold, and brilliant young leaders from across our parish, representing grades ninth through twelfth grade.

4:44

These students come from many schools and many stories, but they all share one thing in common.

4:50

A passion for progress and a heart for their hometown.

4:54

These students represent multiple high schools throughout our parish.

5:00

Together, these students reflect the diversity of what Baton Rouge is.

5:04

But before we celebrate these students, we must recognize the parents and families who help shape them.

5:10

Behind every confident student is a committed parent, a guiding guardian, or a supportive family member who've poured into them.

5:19

Train up a child in the way he should go.

5:22

Today we see the fruit of that training.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural█████████████████████21%

Public Safety██████████10%

Engineering And Infrastructure██████████10%

Affordable Housing█████████9%

Public Health█████████9%

Youth Programs██████6%

Sports And Recreation█████5%

Blight Remediation█████5%

Community Engagement████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Metropolitan Council Meeting - March 11, 2026

The Metropolitan Council of East Baton Rouge Parish convened on March 11, 2026, for a regular meeting preceded by a presentations segment featuring numerous recognitions and proclamations. The council addressed a broad agenda including introductions, condemnations, budget amendments, fee increases, policy discussions, and appointments. Several items generated significant debate, particularly regarding condemnation rescissions, a healthy housing program design contract, fire prevention fee increases, and funding for the District Attorney and Public Defender.

Recognitions & Proclamations

MS Awareness Week: A proclamation was presented by the Mayor's Office. Renee Caballero (retired UPS, 16-year MS champion) shared a personal story and announced a 135-mile bike ride fundraiser to support the National MS Society.
Mayor's Youth Advisory Council: The inaugural cohort of 35 students (grades 9-12) from across the parish was introduced. President Brinkley Bennett described the council's formation and its focus on public safety, homelessness, economic development, and community outreach. Students introduced themselves by name and school.
Student of the Year: Councilwoman Rocca recognized Olivia Ping, an 8th grader at Glasgow Middle School, as the 2026 Region 6 Student of the Year and a state finalist.
Women's History Month: Councilwoman Harris recognized six women: Angie Savoy (City-Parish Finance Director), Jane Bernard (former assistant CAO, YWCA Racial Justice Awardee), Maria Reed De Vincenti (founder of Bruce Art Oak Civic Association for 40 years), Consuela Harris (day porter, community volunteer), Carla Johnson (Principal of Capitol Elementary School for 10 years), and Corinne Thomas (retired teacher, Valley Park enrichment program).
Championship Basketball Teams:
- Scotlandville Magnet High School Lady Hornets – most winning season in school history (team comprised solely of freshmen and sophomores).
- Zachary High School Lady Broncos – back-to-back Division I non-select state champions.
- Southern University Laboratory School Lady Kittens – Division IV Select State Champions (three-time champions).
- University Laboratory School Lady Cubs – Division II Select State Champions (school's third championship).
Bravery Recognition: The Mayor's Office recognized Brian Richardson for de-escalating a situation where a firearm discharged at school, helping calm classmates and encouraging the student to take responsibility. He received a challenge coin, mayor's security pen, and pins.

Consent Calendar

Routine and non-controversial items were approved by consent, including:

Introductions of ordinances (items 1-20, with item 17 deleted).
Condemnation recommendations from DPW (proceed, 30-day, 90-day, and delete actions).
Items 60-64, 66-67, 73-78, 81-94 (intergovernmental agreements, contracts, appointments, change orders, final acceptances, low bids) – all approved without objection or with brief clarifying questions.
Emergency purchase justifications (items 97-98) for EMS administration building and service location.
Reconsideration of condemnation item 46: granted 90 days.

Public Comments

Mary Boomwong (public citizen) spoke on item 72, questioning the source and use of $1.35 million in unassigned fund balance for the DA and Public Defender. She asked when the funds were discovered and whether there was a plan for similar future allocations. The Finance Director responded that the funds come from over-collected revenues and underspent expenditures, and the administration made a commitment to support these agencies if 2025 targets were met.

Discussion Items

Item 59 (Condemnation Rescission – 5169 Barstale): Council debated rescinding condemnation for a property owned by Katie Charlene Everett. The owner had paid rescission fees, applied for permits, and had approved plans. DPW Director Rachel noted that a permit cannot be issued while a condemnation is in place. Councilman Moak expressed concern about the process and potential for repeated rescissions. Councilwoman Harris suggested tracking rescinded properties. A motion to rescind passed 8-4 (Godey, Adams, Rocca, Hudson opposed).
Item 65 (Healthy Housing Program Design – $66,000): Extensive debate on a contract with Alfredo Cruz (Let's Fix It LLC) to co-design a healthy housing program. Council members questioned the definition of "healthy housing," past work (Cruz had designed a similar plan in 2022 that was not implemented), and whether the scope duplicated existing efforts. Councilwoman Adams and Coleman expressed concern about vague deliverables. Councilman Hudson noted the scope of work references the "Live Well Initiative" and that the contract is to build out the housing plan for that initiative. A substitute motion to approve failed (5-7). The original motion to defer 60 days (to May 13, 2026) passed unanimously.
Item 70 (Settlement – George Keller Jr.): Settlement of $30,000 for an auto accident caused by a wastewater employee. Passed 9-2-1 (Adams and Rocca opposed; Moak abstained).
Item 71 (Fire Prevention Fee Increase): Proposed increase of certain fire inspection fees (e.g., from $25 to $150 for reoccupancy, $300 for new construction) to recover costs based on hourly rate ($75/hour). Fire Chief Kimball explained that current fees were set in 1987 and are the lowest among comparable cities. Councilman Godey moved to defer for stakeholder engagement, noting a 1,100% increase could impact small businesses. Councilman Moak supported approval, citing the need to fund the inspection division. The substitute motion to defer failed. The original motion to approve passed 11-1 (Godey opposed).
Item 72 (Appropriation for DA and Public Defender): $1.35 million from general fund unassigned balance ($850,000 for District Attorney, $500,000 for Public Defender). Finance Director explained the timing (sales tax revenue delay) and that the funds came from 2025 overperformance. Approved unanimously.
Item 79 (Second Condemnation Rescission – same owner, different property): A second property owned by Katie Charlene Everett (5169 Barstale vs. another address) was voted for rescission. Motion to approve passed 9-3 (Godey, Adams, Rocca opposed).
Item 80 (Expropriation Authorization for Move BR – Highland Road at Piku Lane): Discussion on the selected alignment (existing signalized intersection) and authorization to begin property acquisition. Approved unanimously.
Item 95 (Fire Department Report – Smoke Alarms & Community Connect): Fire Chief Kimball reported that 3 out of 4 fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, and 6% of deaths could be prevented with a working alarm. In 2025, the department installed over 300 free smoke alarms; 96 in the first two months of 2026. The new Community Connect program allows residents to register their home information (e.g., elderly, bedridden) to assist emergency response. Chief urged residents to sign up via the Baton Rouge Fire Department website or call 354-1400. Council members requested slides for community meetings.
Item 96 (Job Fair Contract): Deleted on motion.

Key Outcomes

Condemnation Rescissions (Items 59 & 79): Both passed – Item 59 (8-4), Item 79 (9-3).
Healthy Housing Program Design (Item 65): Deferred 60 days to May 13, 2026, after substitute motion to approve failed.
Fire Prevention Fee Increase (Item 71): Approved 11-1.
DA and Public Defender Funding (Item 72): Approved unanimously.
Settlement (Item 70): Approved 9-2-1.
All other consent items, appointments, change orders, bids, and emergency notifications: Approved without opposition.
Appointments: Stephen Waiter (Mosquito Abatement), Frederick Thomas and Ashley Young (CATS), Wade Evans, Michael Kimball, David McDavid (Communications District) – all approved.
New IT Director: Dr. Christelle Slaughter introduced new Chief Information Officer Roswan Ahmed, former CIO for the State of Louisiana.
Next Steps: Item 65 will return in May 2026; the fire fee increase takes effect April 1, 2026; a report on condemnation rescissions over the last 12-24 months was requested by Councilman Moak.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome everyone. Thank you all for being here for the presentations portion prior to our Metro Council meeting. We're gonna start. We're gonna start uh our presentations with the Mayor President's Office, represented by Miss Chaselin Grant. Uh we're gonna first recognize MS Awareness Week. Miss Grant. Good afternoon, everyone. Today we honor multiple sclerosis week. Multiple sclerosis or MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, the brain, and a spinal cord. Nearly one million people across the United States are living with EMS. And behind that number are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors who show strength every single day. This week is about awareness, but it is also about encouragement. It is about educating our communities, supporting those who are living with MS, and reminding families that they are not walking this journey alone. It is about advocating for better health care, supporting research, and believing that one day we will see a cure. Today, we lift up every person living with MS in prayer. We pray for strength, for healing, for peace in difficult moments, and for continued breakthroughs in treatment and research. And we also pause to thank the caregivers, the doctors, the nurses, and the medical teams who walk alongside those living with MS. So today, on behalf of Mayor Sid Edwards, we stand together with the National MS Society in bringing awareness, standing together in support, and most importantly, we stand together in hope. Thank you. I'm not sure if they're here today. Oh, okay. You have someone. If you want to say a few words. Thank you. Thank you to Mayor President and the Council. Um this is the 16th year that I've championed for MS, so I appreciate y'all creating this awareness. Just a quick story. The theme for MS is MS Unseen this year, and I like to tell it. I see a lot of athletes here. I was an old redemptor's wrestler, and we used to run a three-mile lap before practice every day. And we told our coach one time, we said, you know, we've got it. We you know, we licked it, and he said, he said, yeah, he said, but when you come across the finish, your face is all, you know, you look like you're fixing the pass out. He said, when you can do it with a smile is when you got it, and when you're a champion. And people living with MS every day, they get up, they put that smile on their face, and they go to work or they be a mom or a lot of men as well. Uh so you know, and next weekend I'll be doing a 135-mile bike ride to uh raise awareness and as well as money for MS. So if you see anything on social media, just share it because there are a lot of people who are affected. Today I was at a meeting and I I added the 27th person that I that I call a friend that lives with MS. So again, thanks to the council and thank you guys for this proclamation. If you would you if you'll give your name, I don't know if you represent an organization, but behind the the cause that you're working with. My name is Renee Caballero. Um I'm I've just got the call to uh do work. I'm a retired UPS guy. I grew up down the street from our mayor president, and uh he supports me and everything I do, and uh it's just kind of been my call. And so thanks again. Thank you for what you do. Thank you, Renee. Okay. Next, Miss Grant, you got the next one. Next, we will recognize the new cohort of the mayor's youth advisory council. So today is a powerful and proud moment for our city.

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