OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Kenner City Council Meeting May 7, 2026: Proclamation, Park Naming Debate, and Contract Awards

Council MeetingsThursday, May 7, 2026
BodyKenner, Louisiana
SessionCouncil Meetings
DateThursday, May 7, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:06:59

Transcript — Verbatim
0:18

Okay, I'd like to like to start.

0:24

Let's get started.

0:28

That means you, Terrence.

0:34

All right, guys, got a proclamation to read this morning, and I'm sure we'll take a photograph after.

0:41

Would I told her if she's lucky I wasn't in this competition, or she may have come in second, just to let y'all know.

0:48

So it says, whereas the Miss Honduras Honduras USA organization was founded to celebrate Honduran culture, leadership, and community among young women across the United States, providing a platform for personal growth, cultural pride, and civic engagement.

1:06

Whereas through its collaboration with the Miss Honduras Universe Organization, the title holder earns the honor of representing the Honduran Diaspora on an inner international stage, showcasing heritage, talent, and dedication.

1:23

Whereas the Miss Honduras USA organization continues to expand its impact through community events, partnerships, and initiatives that uplift and highlight the Honduran community nationwide.

1:35

Whereas the organization maintained strong ties to the City of Kenner through its events, partnerships, and ongoing engagement with local businesses, sponsors, and community leaders.

1:46

Whereas the Miss Honduras USA national pageant brings contestants, families, and visitors from across the United States to the Jefferson Parish Performing Arts Center, contributing to the cultural diversity and economic vitality of the Kenner area.

2:02

And whereas this event celebrates the vibrant Honduran and Latino community present in Kenner and fosters unity, cultural exchange, and community pride.

2:12

Now, therefore, I, Mike Glazer, mayor of the City of Kenner, along with the members of the Kenner City Council, the Chief of Police Keith Conley, do hereby recognize and honor Miss Honduras USA for the role in influencing and shaping ambassadors of culture, leadership, and community, and commend the Miss Honduras USA organization for its meaningful contributions to the City of Kenner and beyond.

2:36

We extend our best wishes for continued success success and recognize the importance of cultural celebrations that enrich our community given under my hand in seal of the city of Canada this seventh day of May 2026.

2:50

Congratulations.

5:19

I'd like to call the meeting to order.

5:22

Um before we start, I know I just want to um mention I don't see any candidates in the audience, but I just want to mention that um, you know, elections are coming up, so just want to make everyone aware that no politics, no um campaigning are is allowed in the um in the council meeting.

5:39

So um are there any special intentions?

5:43

Okay.

5:44

Um I'm gonna lead you guys in the prayer if you can stand up.

5:54

Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the city of Kenner and for all who serve on its council, guiding you with wisdom and care.

6:01

Today we lift up mothers, those present, those remembered, and those yet to come.

6:06

Bless them with strength for their daily sacrifices, peace in their hearts, and joys and joy in the lives they nurture.

6:13

May the Kenner City Council honor the value of mothers in every decision that shapes families and community life.

6:19

Surround every home with protection, every child with opportunity, and every mother with support and dignity.

6:25

We ask for your grace upon the city that love may lead, service may strengthen, and unity may endure.

6:30

Amen.

6:45

Underline with liberty and justice scroll Madam Chairman, you have a quorum in accordance with council resolution number B 14550.

7:08

Please be advised that our cellular telephones and other devices of this nature must be deactivated or silenced throughout the council meeting.

7:15

Next we have correspondence reports from the mayor, CAO, or department heads.

7:22

Thank you.

7:23

I'm just I'll be brief.

7:25

Uh exciting news in recreation.

7:28

The skate park on Loyola.

7:32

The lights to light it up a night are in.

7:36

Just need uh a little more electrical upgrades, and then we can uh expand the use of the skate park too, like in the fall, and uh you know when the the time change when it gets dark at 6 p.m.

7:49

Uh and things like that.

7:50

So this the company donated us some lights to us.

7:53

They were shipped, they're installed.

7:55

Now hopefully they'll be up and running within the next uh couple of weeks.

8:01

Also in recreation, the splash park at AP Clay is going to open the Friday before Memorial Day.

8:08

So in a couple of weeks.

8:10

This year, because they had very low turnout last year.

8:14

It will not be open like the beginning of the week on Monday, Tuesday, just the numbers were just not too good in the middle of the week.

8:24

So we'll see if if there's a lot of need, we'll adjust it as we as we go.

8:29

Uh and right before this meeting, uh two representatives from American cruise lines were here, stopped in to meet with us, and uh they are still on on schedule to begin construction or complete construction pretty much in fall to start sailing in the first quarter of 2027.

8:48

Uh they're excited.

8:49

They said they're the demand is they're building even more boats, and they they said this will be a welcome stop.

8:58

So our oh, excuse me.

9:04

The uh veterans between Veterans Highway, between Williams Boulevard and Roosevelt will start the overlay will begin in within two weeks.

9:14

Uh the Loyola, we issued a notice to proceed yesterday, so from 31st Street to the three Loyolos, that'll probably start in within the month of an overlay.

9:26

So there'll be two new roadways.

9:30

And we're not going to have another meeting before our Memorial Day ceremony, which is Thursday, May 21st at 10 a.m.

9:37

in Veterans Park.

9:39

And I believe that's about it for me.

9:42

Thank you, Mr.

9:43

Glazer.

9:46

Do we have any resolutions, motions or other items from the floor?

9:50

Seeing none under the consent agenda, I have item one approval of the minutes, the regular council meeting of April 17, 2026.

9:57

Item two is approval of alcoholic beverage permit applications.

10:00

We have none.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████████████████40%
Parks and Recreation██████████████████████████████████34%
Public Safety█████████9%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Arts And Culture███3%
Economic Development1%
Summary of Proceedings

Kenner City Council Meeting - May 7, 2026

The Kenner City Council met on May 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM (though the meeting started with a proclamation) and approved a consent agenda, debated a resolution to name a portion of Veterans Park after Claude Todaro, and unanimously passed multiple contracts and ordinances, including a $3.44 million bid for G League renovations at the Pontchartrain Center. Public comments addressed motorized scooters and fire department equipment maintenance.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (7-0) the minutes of April 17, 2026, and bingo/public gathering applications (Evett Crouch for a family reunion at Veterans Park on November 14, 2026, and New Orleans Track Club for a summer series at Coconut Beach on June 9, 2026).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Greg Taft (District 5) raised two issues: (1) concerns about motorized scooters and bicycles operating illegally in traffic, to which Chief Conley responded that enforcement is ongoing with arrests and a planned public awareness campaign; (2) requested an update on fire department equipment maintenance. Fire Chief Jason provided a detailed response: a new maintenance contract is active, most reported issues are non-critical or already repaired, two new trucks are being delivered, and repairs continue. Mr. Taft thanked the chief for the update.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamation: Mayor Glazer read a proclamation recognizing the Miss Honduras USA organization for its cultural contributions and economic impact on Kenner. No council action required.
  • Mayor’s Report: Updates on the Loyola skate park lights (installed, awaiting electrical upgrades), AP Clay splash park (opening Friday before Memorial Day, reduced hours due to low turnout), American Cruise Lines (construction on schedule for fall, sailing Q1 2027), Veterans Highway overlay (starting within two weeks), Loyola overlay (notice to proceed issued), and the Memorial Day ceremony on May 21 at 10 AM at Veterans Park.
  • Resolution 13B – Naming of Veterans Park Exhibit Area: Councilmember Schwartz requested a one-meeting deferral to discuss a larger honor for Claude Todaro, a veteran who secured military equipment for the park. The Todaro family spoke in full support of the current resolution. Councilmembers Brennan, Dunn, and others argued against deferral, noting the Memorial Day ceremony and that a larger honor could be added later. Councilmember Taft expressed concern about renaming any part of a veterans park, emphasizing the unit over the individual. Councilmember Wilmont noted the timing and that the resolution was placed on the agenda without prior district input. Mayor Glazer suggested amending to include Councilmember Schwartz in the plaque process. The deferral motion failed 6-1 (Councilmember Schwartz in favor, all others opposed). The original resolution was then amended to add Councilmember Schwartz to the instruction for the administration to work with the Naval Museum Commission, and passed 7-0.
  • Item 15G – G League Renovations Bid: The council amended the ordinance to correct the bidder name to "Kent Design Build Incorporated" for the Pontchartrain Center renovations. The total bid is $3,439,950, funded upfront by the Pelicans with reimbursement through rent credits, plus a $350,000 city-funded alternate for HVAC work. Completion is targeted for fall. Passed 7-0.
  • Other Summary Ordinances (15A-15N): All passed 7-0 without significant debate, including: engineering services agreement ($200,000 annually), Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance renewal, emergency purchase of Lucas chest compression system ($24,213.51), data communication services increase from $25,000 to $50,000, Motorola service agreement ($55,716.88), grant for violence against women investigations ($53,157 with city match), concrete street maintenance contract ($1.4 million annually), sewer lift station testing amendment ($12,000), sodium hypochlorite supply ($150,000 annually), pump repair ($11,336.61), cooperative endeavor with Jefferson Parish for walking path/retention pond ($300,000), acceptance of completion for two previous contracts (KMT painting and Legacy Restoration).
  • First Reading Ordinances (16A-16V): Introduced for the capital budget (FY 2026-2027) and multiple contracts for signs, roofing, security software, grants, playground equipment, wastewater valves and pumps, emergency purchases, vehicle purchases, insurance policies, etc. No votes taken; these will be up for final passage at a future meeting.
  • Council Reports: Councilmember Schwartz announced that on May 12, southbound Roosevelt Boulevard will be closed from West Napoleon to West Metairie for paving starting at 3:00 AM. Mayor Glazer wished mothers a happy Mother’s Day.

Key Outcomes

  • Deferral motion for Resolution 13B (naming Veterans Park area after Claude Todaro) failed 6-1.
  • Resolution 13B passed 7-0 as amended, directing the administration to work with the Kenner Naval Museum Commission and Councilmember Schwartz on appropriate plaques and signs to honor Claude Todaro at the military exhibit area in Veterans Park.
  • All consent agenda items, summary ordinances (15A-15N), and first reading ordinances were introduced or passed 7-0 as noted.
  • The council received public safety updates on motorized scooters and fire department equipment, with enforcement and maintenance actions underway.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, I'd like to like to start. Let's get started. That means you, Terrence. All right, guys, got a proclamation to read this morning, and I'm sure we'll take a photograph after. Would I told her if she's lucky I wasn't in this competition, or she may have come in second, just to let y'all know. So it says, whereas the Miss Honduras Honduras USA organization was founded to celebrate Honduran culture, leadership, and community among young women across the United States, providing a platform for personal growth, cultural pride, and civic engagement. Whereas through its collaboration with the Miss Honduras Universe Organization, the title holder earns the honor of representing the Honduran Diaspora on an inner international stage, showcasing heritage, talent, and dedication. Whereas the Miss Honduras USA organization continues to expand its impact through community events, partnerships, and initiatives that uplift and highlight the Honduran community nationwide. Whereas the organization maintained strong ties to the City of Kenner through its events, partnerships, and ongoing engagement with local businesses, sponsors, and community leaders. Whereas the Miss Honduras USA national pageant brings contestants, families, and visitors from across the United States to the Jefferson Parish Performing Arts Center, contributing to the cultural diversity and economic vitality of the Kenner area. And whereas this event celebrates the vibrant Honduran and Latino community present in Kenner and fosters unity, cultural exchange, and community pride. Now, therefore, I, Mike Glazer, mayor of the City of Kenner, along with the members of the Kenner City Council, the Chief of Police Keith Conley, do hereby recognize and honor Miss Honduras USA for the role in influencing and shaping ambassadors of culture, leadership, and community, and commend the Miss Honduras USA organization for its meaningful contributions to the City of Kenner and beyond. We extend our best wishes for continued success success and recognize the importance of cultural celebrations that enrich our community given under my hand in seal of the city of Canada this seventh day of May 2026. Congratulations. I'd like to call the meeting to order. Um before we start, I know I just want to um mention I don't see any candidates in the audience, but I just want to mention that um, you know, elections are coming up, so just want to make everyone aware that no politics, no um campaigning are is allowed in the um in the council meeting. So um are there any special intentions? Okay. Um I'm gonna lead you guys in the prayer if you can stand up. Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the city of Kenner and for all who serve on its council, guiding you with wisdom and care. Today we lift up mothers, those present, those remembered, and those yet to come. Bless them with strength for their daily sacrifices, peace in their hearts, and joys and joy in the lives they nurture. May the Kenner City Council honor the value of mothers in every decision that shapes families and community life. Surround every home with protection, every child with opportunity, and every mother with support and dignity. We ask for your grace upon the city that love may lead, service may strengthen, and unity may endure. Amen. Underline with liberty and justice scroll Madam Chairman, you have a quorum in accordance with council resolution number B 14550. Please be advised that our cellular telephones and other devices of this nature must be deactivated or silenced throughout the council meeting. Next we have correspondence reports from the mayor, CAO, or department heads. Thank you. I'm just I'll be brief. Uh exciting news in recreation. The skate park on Loyola. The lights to light it up a night are in. Just need uh a little more electrical upgrades, and then we can uh expand the use of the skate park too, like in the fall, and uh you know when the the time change when it gets dark at 6 p.m. Uh and things like that. So this the company donated us some lights to us. They were shipped, they're installed. Now hopefully they'll be up and running within the next uh couple of weeks. Also in recreation, the splash park at AP Clay is going to open the Friday before Memorial Day. So in a couple of weeks. This year, because they had very low turnout last year. It will not be open like the beginning of the week on Monday, Tuesday, just the numbers were just not too good in the middle of the week. So we'll see if if there's a lot of need, we'll adjust it as we as we go. Uh and right before this meeting, uh two representatives from American cruise lines were here, stopped in to meet with us, and uh they are still on on schedule to begin construction or complete construction pretty much in fall to start sailing in the first quarter of 2027. Uh they're excited. They said they're the demand is they're building even more boats, and they they said this will be a welcome stop. So our oh, excuse me. The uh veterans between Veterans Highway, between Williams Boulevard and Roosevelt will start the overlay will begin in within two weeks. Uh the Loyola, we issued a notice to proceed yesterday, so from 31st Street to the three Loyolos, that'll probably start in within the month of an overlay.

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