Kenner City Council Meeting - July 24, 2026
Kenner City Council Meeting - July 24, 2026
The Kenner City Council met on July 24, 2026, with six members present (Councilmember Reim absent). The meeting began with a prayer led by Councilwoman Dunn and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved a motion to change the order of business to take up a resolution commending the Information Technology Department for developing a new voting system at no cost to the city. Mayor Glazer provided updates on the Kenner Loop public transit changes, the amphitheater bid process, and a rebranded Hispanic Heritage Festival. A representative from Waste Pro addressed recent garbage pickup service issues. The council approved several ordinances and resolutions, including grant acceptances for the police department, infrastructure projects, and emergency repairs. Public comments covered police staffing, e-bike safety, and senior transportation.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of minutes from the July 9, 2026 regular council meeting.
- Alcoholic beverage permit for Friends of Rivertown on September 12, 2026 at Rivertown Heritage Park (2015 4th Street).
- Alcoholic beverage permit for Friends of Rivertown on October 25, 2026 at Laketown Parking Lot (5050 Williams Boulevard).
- Bingo and public gathering application for New South Markets to hold a community market at Veterans Park (1918 18th Street) every Thursday from August 13, 2026 through August 13, 2027, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (date corrected from July 9).
- Resubdivision ordinance for Louisiana Trace Subdivision (Case number PINE-26).
- Item 7B was removed from the consent agenda by a motion (vote 6-0) before approval.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Greg Taft (5th District): Asked about current police staffing levels and when neighborhood presence would increase. Chief Connolly reported that sworn officers have increased from approximately 100 to 150 over four years, with a new academy starting in January. He noted that the new motors division will help address e-bike and e-scooter complaints. Chief Connolly also mentioned a recent incident in North Kenner where a flock camera alerted officers to a vehicle involved in a New Orleans shooting, leading to a swift response.
- Iman Touri (Highway Park): Introduced herself as a professor of medical genetics and biostatistics, expressing interest in using data and health to shape safety decisions and offering to lend expertise.
- Wendy Whitset (20th Street): Raised concerns about e-bike regulations, including where they can ride, age restrictions, and speed enforcement. Chief Connolly explained that e-bikes are subject to traffic laws and that enforcement is challenging. There are no age restrictions unless the bike exceeds 20 mph, which then requires insurance, a license, and a helmet. He noted that the city is tracking legislation from other states. Wendy also asked about handicap accessibility for the new Kenner Loop lift zone. The mayor confirmed that handicapped services are already in place. She also inquired about the hours of the Phyllis C. McMiller Splash Pad, which were provided: Friday 2-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 2-7 p.m., closed Monday-Thursday, with the last weekend being Labor Day weekend.
Discussion Items
- New Voting System: Councilmember Stagney moved the resolution (13A) to the beginning of the meeting. He explained that the previous voting system cost $175,000 in 2010, with a later update costing $50,000–$75,000. The IT department, led by Kenneth George, developed a new system using iPads at zero cost to taxpayers. The resolution commending Natalie Tartaglia, Teresa Hastings, Kenneth George, and the Information Technology Department was passed 6-0 after all council members were added to the legislation.
- Mayor’s Report:
- Kenner Loop Public Transit: The mayor detailed changes to the Kenner Loop, effective Sunday, July 26, 2026. One bus will be dedicated to Williams Boulevard, running up and down that street, while another bus will continue a modified loop but will lose the northwest corner of Kenner (two-lane and West Loyola area north of West Esplanade). That area will become a lift zone where residents can call a ride, paid for by the parish, to the nearest bus stop or transfer station. The changes are estimated to cut about 40 minutes off the route. The mayor also noted that two stops were added earlier: the Social Security Office and the hospital. Councilmember Stagney thanked the mayor and provided the Jefferson Parish transit website (www.jp transit.org) and phone number (504-818-1077).
- Amphitheater: The Jefferson Parish Council took a procedural vote to start advertising for the amphitheater bid process, inching forward.
- Hispanic Heritage Festival: The festival, paused last year, will be rebranded as "BRASS A Latin Flavor Fest" on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Rivertown from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., free admission.
- Garbage Pickup: The mayor introduced Terry Blackwood, division manager of Waste Pro, to address service issues.
- Waste Pro Service Issues: Terry Blackwood acknowledged increased call volume due to summer weather and new drivers. He said they have reevaluated internal communication and are using GPS footage to investigate missed pickups. Council members reported specific missed streets, rude customer service, and confusion about bulk pickup scheduling. Blackwood explained that bulk pickup is automatic on the second collection day (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), but call-ins are appreciated. He assured that they are monitoring calls and improving training. Deputy CAO Vellow noted that complaints can also be submitted via the city website.
- Police Department Grants: The council approved three grant-related ordinances (15B, 15C, 15D). For 15B ($64,136 from DOJ for child abuse program), Councilmember Stagney asked about accounting to ensure grant money is not supplanting budgeted funds. Chief Connolly cautioned against moving money without consulting the CPA to avoid "supplanting" issues. The motion passed 6-0. Grants for victims assistance ($40,102) and Power Boulevard resurfacing ($1.5 million federal) were also approved.
- E-Bike Safety: Following public comments, Councilmember Stagney announced that the council will gather legislation from across the country to address e-bike safety. He emphasized parental responsibility, noting that some e-bikes sold online can accelerate to dangerous speeds. Chief Connolly will also conduct outreach.
Key Outcomes
- Motion passed 6-0 to change the order of business to take item 13A first.
- Resolution 13A commending the IT department for the new voting system passed 6-0, with all council members added as sponsors.
- Consent agenda approved 6-0 after removing item 7B.
- Grants approved: Acceptance of $64,136 for child abuse program (15B), $40,102 for victims assistance (15C), and agreement for Power Boulevard resurfacing (15D) all passed 6-0.
- Emergency repairs approved: Hydromatic pump repair ($8,977) and Fairbanks Morse pump repair ($25,559) for wastewater department passed 6-0.
- Waste Pro committed to improving communication, driver training, and customer service. Callers experiencing issues can use the city website complaint form.
- Police town hall to be held in North Kenner (Woodlake/South Lake Village) to address resident concerns after a recent incident.
- Council to research e-bike legislation and work with the police chief to propose modern regulations.
Meeting Transcript
Like to call the meeting to order. Please everyone have their seats. Do we have any special intentions today? Council Member Stagney. Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to recognize in the audience uh councilwoman from Jefferson Parish, Arita Bohan. She sends her one of her assistants to the meeting. I don't know if it's a special liaison to Kentu Government, but I'd like him to stand up. This is for Reed Handel, and he's a Kenner resident, and he's been uh he's been here for a while, I think. Thank you for coming for yes, and he is at almost every council meeting, and uh, we appreciate your coming. And I know Councilwoman Bohannon is in route and she has some things to say uh when she gets here. Uh Councilwoman Dunn, will you lead us in prayer? Father, in the name of Jesus. Dear Masters, we come together once again this hour in the morning. We just want to tell you thank you. Lord the storm passed over, dear God. Not because of our goodness, but only because of your mercy. And dear master, even as we enter into the hurricane season, I pray for protection over this city. And now, dear God, I pray for the mayor, the police chief, the fire chief, this administration, this council, the residents that makes up the city of Kenner. I pray that you would bless all of us. But dear God, I pray as we get into the business of handling the things of Kenner, that you would continue to give us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that we may move forward in a positive way. But do the things that is most of all pleasing in your sight, and that we would do things, dear God, that is right in your sight, and that is right to do for the residents of this counter of this city. And dear master, through it all, we won't be so forgetful to give you all the praise, the glory and honor. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thank you, Councilwoman Dunn. Chief Connolly, will you lead us in the pledge? Sure. Please put your hand over your heart, repeat after me. I please to the fly of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Chief Connolly. Council Clerk. Mr. Chairman, you have a quorum. Councilmember Reim is absent. In accordance with Council Rule number B14550, please be advised that our cellular telephones and other devices of this nature must be deactivated or silenced throughout the council meeting. Mr. Chairman, we've received a request to change the order of business to take item 13A at the beginning of the meeting. All council members, please vote. Motion passes 60. Item 13A is a resolution commending Natalie Tartaglia, Teresa Hastings, Kenneth George, and the Information Technology Department for their work on a new voting system for the City Council members. I have a motion by Councilmember Stagney, seconded by Councilmember Brown again. Councilmember Stagney. Thank you, Mr. President. President uh George Brannigan and myself move this to the beginning of the meeting because the public out there and everybody in the audience is going to see a little bit different look with our voting system and behind the scenes the orderly asking and uh questioning that goes on. So when I was on the council back in 2010, we had bought a new voting system. That system cost 175,000.
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