Kenner City Council Meeting - August 22, 2025

The Kenner City Council met on August 22, 2025, with all seven members present. The meeting opened with special intentions, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The order of business was changed to take Item 18A (a drainage presentation) at the beginning. The council then received a presentation from Jefferson Parish Drainage Director Ben Lapine on stormwater drainage infrastructure. Mayor Glazer reported that citywide sales tax revenues for the last month were up 3.14% ($120,053.66) compared to the same month last year, but down 6.61% ($533,629.03) for the current fiscal year. The mayor also announced a partnership with American Cruise Lines to build a new pier and dock in Rivertown, with a presentation from company representative Frank Clips. The council approved several consent agenda items, resolutions, and contracts. Public comment included concerns about the cruise line project and communication with residents.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the regular council meeting of August 7, 2025 (motion passed 7-0).
• Adopted Resolution 13A temporarily suspending Council Rule 11 to reschedule the agenda deadline for the September 4, 2025 meeting (7-0).
• Adopted Resolution 13B ratifying the appointment of firefighter Craig Burkett to the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board, term ending July 30, 2028; Councilmember Wilmont abstained due to family relationship (6-0).
• Adopted Resolution 13C ratifying the appointment of Lieutenant Lewis Tusa Jr. to the same board, term ending July 30, 2028 (7-0).
• Approved Summary Ordinance 15A (purchase of two planetarium shows, $8,000), 15B (emergency AC repair at wastewater plant, $14,689), 15C (materials for press box at Musperino, $10,748), 15D (wireless cameras, $5,871.50), 15E (police detail at North Kenner Library, three-year cost not to exceed $140,000), 15F (professional services for vintage drive resurfacing, $201,390), 15G (amendment to engineering agreement for sewer lift station upgrade, increasing by $185,179.40 to a total of $71,480 and extending term to September 26, 2027), and 15H (agreement for generator at Kenner Food Bank, amended to $43,425) — all passed 7-0.
• Introduced first-reading ordinances 16A through 16K, including agreements for lead-based inspections, foundation repair at Hispanic Resource Center, drainage improvements, emergency traffic control repairs, sports chairs, sewer lift station replacement, and more. These items were not voted on but placed on the agenda for future action.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Vanessa Matthews (1917 Short Street, District One) expressed strong opposition to the American Cruise Lines project, stating that residents were not informed and that the project was hidden. She raised concerns about environmental impact (black water waste, incineration), noise, traffic, and increased congestion. She criticized Councilwoman Dunn for not communicating with the Old Kenner Civic Association. Mayor Glazer responded, emphasizing the city's investments in Rivertown and the need to address dilapidated housing. Councilwoman Dunn stated she had been disrespected by the group and would not engage under those circumstances.
• Glenda McGee (2121 Fourth Street) asked what positive impacts the cruise line would have on homeowners. Mayor Glazer replied that increased foot traffic would raise sales tax revenues for improvements. She expressed dissatisfaction with that single benefit.
• Greg Taft (Fifth District) addressed a lack of communication between the council and residents, suggesting town hall meetings. He acknowledged the city's progress but said many citizens feel unheard. Councilmember Dunn and Mayor Glazer countered that they have regular communication and that the issues stem from a disrespectful group in District One.

Discussion Items

• Drainage Presentation (Item 18A): Ben Lapine, Jefferson Parish Drainage Director, presented a “Drainage 101” overview. Key statistics: the parish operates 72 pump stations with 194 pumps, 340 miles of open canals, 1,465 miles of subsurface drainage, 80,000 catch basins, and 2,800 outfall pipes. Kenner's system includes three major pump stations (Airport: 600 cfs, Parish Line: 1,250 cfs, Duncan: 4,800 cfs) that together can fill an Olympic pool in 13.2 seconds. The system is designed to handle 1 inch in the first hour and 0.5 inch per hour thereafter. Challenges include low elevation, subsiding land, aging metal pipes, and high-intensity rain. Future improvements include the Wood Lake Pump Station (final permitting), a new Vintage Pump Station (600 cfs, 8-10 years out), expansion of Parish Line, and a Kenner pump-to-the-river project (200 cfs). Council members asked about pump operations (diesel vs. electric, 3,000 hp diesel, 700 hp electric), testing protocols (weekly), and communication with Orleans Parish regarding airport pumps.
• American Cruise Lines Presentation (Item 18A continued): Frank Clips, Director of City Partnerships for American Cruise Lines (former mayor of Davenport, Iowa), described the company as the largest American river cruise line with 21 boats and nine under construction. Boats carry 175 passengers and 53 crew, offering all-inclusive luxury cruises. The company plans to build a 325-foot walkway and docking facility at LaSalle's Landing in Rivertown. The dock would be a stop on longer itineraries (e.g., New Orleans to Memphis) with 6-8 hour stays, not a boarding point. Passengers would be bused on excursions. The project is expected to attract 20,000+ passengers per year by 2028, with 107 dockings in 2025. Mayor Glazer noted the city had secured nearly $1 million in grant funds for Rivertown improvements. The agreement will be voted on at a future council meeting. Council members expressed strong support, citing economic benefits and minimal impact on parking and traffic. Police Chief Alex Varisco committed to providing dedicated officers during docking to manage traffic and ensure safety.
• Council Reports: Councilwoman McKinney praised the Wastewater Department director for prompt responses to a resident inquiry. Councilman Swarth wished Council Chair Brannigan a happy 38th anniversary.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent agenda items and resolutions passed unanimously, with one abstention (Resolution 13B). Ordinance 15H was amended to increase the not-to-exceed amount to $43,425 before approval.
• Drainage Presentation: No formal vote; information received. Future drainage improvements were outlined.
• American Cruise Lines: The council is expected to vote on the cooperative endeavor agreement at a subsequent meeting. The police chief committed to deploying officers during dockings.
• Public Input: Council acknowledged concerns but expressed strong support for the project. The mayor and council members defended their record of investment in Rivertown and communication with residents.
• Next Meeting: The next regular council meeting is scheduled for September 4, 2025; the agenda deadline was moved to August 29, 2025 per Resolution 13A.