Kenner City Council Meeting - September 18, 2026

The Kenner City Council met on September 18, 2026, at 3:30 PM. The meeting opened with a proclamation recognizing September 26 as Hunger Action Month and honoring the Busso family for donating 760 pounds of non-perishable food to the Kenner Food Bank. The council then moved through a consent agenda, public hearings, and a series of ordinances and resolutions, with significant discussions on the repeal of brake tag requirements, streamlining the abatement of abandoned vehicles, and addressing the condition of the Esplanade Mall property. All votes were 6-0 unless noted, with Council Member Dunn absent.

Proclamation

• Mayor Michael J. Glazer (via Clerk) proclaimed September 26 as Hunger Action Month, recognizing Ricardo Busso and the Busso family for their donation of 760 pounds of food to the Kenner Food Bank in memory of Doris Busso.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the August 21, 2026 regular council meeting.
• Approved public gathering application for Trunk or Treat at Musper Dolino Stadium on October 17, 2026.
• Removed item 7A (resubdivision ordinance) to be heard under item 14.
• Approved the remainder of the consent agenda 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A citizen (Shonta Gail Phillips) addressed the council, expressing that the city had neglected her in the past and requesting support for a 2% pay raise for firefighters.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 14,233 – Capital Budget Correction (vote 6-0): Corrected an error in the capital budget to properly split the “extra million” seven ways among council districts, as originally intended. The Lake Town Amphitheater allocation remained unchanged.
• Ordinance 14,234 – PUD Amendment for Contractor’s Office (vote 6-0): Amended a planned unit development at 1616 18th Street to allow a contractor’s office, shop, and storage yard in addition to the existing RV storage use. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval; no objections were raised at the neighborhood meeting.
• Ordinance 14,235 – Resubdivision for Contractor’s Yard (vote 6-0): Resubdivided lot 31A and a portion of Maria Street right-of-way to create lot 31B for outdoor storage, supporting the contractor’s use. A servitude for wastewater access was granted.
• Ordinance 14,238 – Brake Tag Repeal Effective Date (vote 6-0): Moved the repeal of Kenner brake tag requirements from January 1, 2027 to immediately, aligning with state law (Act 701) which prohibits citations for missing brake tags between June 30, 2026 and January 1, 2027. Council member Reim sponsored the change to eliminate public confusion. Police Chief Conley confirmed brake tags were never a priority and that officers can still enforce other vehicle safety laws.
• Ordinance 14,239 – Abandoned Vehicle Ordinance (vote 6-0): Streamlined the process for towing junk vehicles from private property, reducing the timeframe from 3–4 weeks to approximately 10 days. Affirmative defenses for antique cars, vehicles for sale, and military owners were included. The change aligns with state law and aims to reduce blight.
• Resolution 13A – Naming Pavilion for William Henry Shane Jr. (vote 6-0): Requested State Representative Debbie Villier to introduce legislation authorizing naming the pavilion at Kenner City Park after William Henry Shane Jr., recognizing his contributions to the city, including funding the pavilion and beautification efforts.
• Resolution 13B – JAG Grant Public Hearing (vote 6-0): Authorized a public hearing on September 18, 2026 for comments on a $18,044 Justice Assistance Grant for police overtime.
• Resolution 13C – Tax Adjudicated Properties CEA (vote 6-0): Approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with Jefferson Parish and other entities for selling tax-adjudicated properties, clearing liens to return them to commerce.
• Resolution 13D – Historic District Design Commission Appointment (vote 6-0): Appointed Lisa Leday.
• Resolution 13E – Planning and Zoning Commission Appointment (vote 6-0): Appointed Timothy James.
• Resolution 13F – Capital Outlay Request for West Esplanade (vote 6-0): Requested the administration apply for state capital outlay funds for road repairs on West Esplanade Avenue (estimated $360,000).
• Resolution 13G – Capital Outlay Request for 21st Street (vote 6-0): Requested similar funding for 21st Street east of Roosevelt Boulevard.
• Item 14A – Resubdivision for Jefferson Parish School Board (vote 6-0): Approved resubdivision of lot 349A into two lots to facilitate the city’s purchase of one acre for affordable single-family housing using HOME-ARP funds. The purchase price is $375,000 based on an appraisal.
• Item 15F – Pontchartrain Center HVAC Improvements (vote 6-0 after amendment): Accepted a bid from AHG Services for $1,839,340, amended to $2,469,900 to include alternates. Funds come from the capital budget and Pontchartrain Center budget. The project is part of broader renovations including roof replacement and mold abatement for the G League arena.
• Esplanade Mall Property Discussion (New Business, no vote): Council members and Police Chief Conley discussed ongoing code enforcement and safety issues. The Chief obtained a consent judgment in Mayor’s Court; a compliance timeline has been set. Council members expressed frustration and called for more aggressive enforcement, liens, and potential expropriation. A plan by Jefferson Parish Councilwoman Arita Bohannan to purchase and redevelop the property was endorsed.

Key Outcomes

• All ordinances and resolutions passed 6-0 except where noted.
• Brake tags effectively repealed immediately; the public is no longer required to display or obtain brake tags in Kenner.
• Abandoned vehicle enforcement timeline shortened to 10 days.
• The city will purchase a lot from the school board for affordable housing development.
• The Pontchartrain Center HVAC contract was approved at $2,469,900 after amendment.
• The council expressed strong support for continued pressure on Esplanade Mall owners and documentation of violations.