New Orleans City Council Regular Meeting - August 6, 2026
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New Orleans City Council Regular Meeting - August 6, 2026
The New Orleans City Council held its regular meeting on August 6, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM in City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting began with a proclamation honoring the life and legacy of music educator Donald W. Richardson, followed by the approval of minutes, consent agenda, and a series of zoning and legislative items. Major discussions centered on the restructuring of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) governance, amendments to the city's infrastructure project list, drone reporting requirements, and a proposal to phase out mule-drawn carriages. Public comments were heard on multiple topics, including animal welfare, carriage operations, and SWBNO oversight.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes of July 9 and July 23, 2026.
- Received communications from Entergy New Orleans, Delta New Orleans Gas, and others on utility matters.
- Received and referred to committees various reports: Civil Service pay plan amendments, NOPD staffing data, contract amendments for Professional Accounting Management and AlliedUniversal, polling location changes, Municipal and Traffic Court report, City Planning Commission zoning dockets, Orleans Parish DA budget report, Finance Department reports, SWBNO quarterly reports, and legal judgments report.
- Introduced and referred several ordinances and motions (Cal. No. 35,494, 35,497, 35,499; motion M-26-297 through M-26-305; resolutions R-26-309 and R-26-310).
- Approved consent agenda after public comment (7-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Mule-drawn carriages: Christie Solano requested a phase-out of mule-drawn carriages; she argued the practice is inconsistent with modern compassion and proposed electric alternatives. Louis Charbonnet and Alex Mata (carriage owners) defended the industry, citing no heat-related incidents, rigorous animal care, and compliance with heat index policies. Catherine Cassidy described witnessing mules in distress and argued the practice is unethical. Jeff Dorson (Humane Society) supported a ban and noted other cities have transitioned to electric carts. Councilmember Harris suggested the public should consider donating to private rescues rather than the SPCA, questioning the SPCA's use of its endowment.
- SWBNO governance (during regular agenda): Irma Plummer (SWBNO employee) expressed concern that the reform appeared to be a “hostile takeover” and questioned the council's motives. Councilmember King and President Morrell responded that the goal is accountability and transparency, not a takeover. Russell Gill and others spoke in support of the audit and reform, citing longstanding billing and operational issues. Dr. Angela Chalk urged the council to stop finger-pointing and focus on solutions.
- Drone reporting (Item 22): Sue Mobley urged transparency in drone use, noting concerns about surveillance impacting marginalized communities. Councilmember Willard thanked her for input that informed amendments.
- Other: Susan Johnson thanked Councilmember Harris for withdrawing a conditional use request at 2400 Napoleon Avenue. Ron Lazel supported a standard restaurant zoning change on Magazine Street, noting the lengthy process for alcohol permits.
Discussion Items
- SWBNO Governance Restructuring (Cal. No. 35,521): The council discussed and voted on an ordinance to establish a new governance structure for SWBNO, including a board composition with council approval, ex-officio representatives, and mandatory approval powers. Council President Morrell emphasized that the council previously lacked oversight, leading to problems with billing, customer service, and public trust. An amendment adding councilmembers as co-sponsors was adopted before final passage (7-0).
- SWBNO Bylaws (M-26-311): A motion requiring SWBNO to submit new bylaws by December 31, 2026, including provisions on the executive director/general superintendent roles (potential combination), procurement policies, and consideration of holding board meetings in council chambers. Passed (7-0).
- SWBNO Employee Compensation Review (M-26-312): Directed the Civil Service Commission to review classified employee pay at SWBNO to ensure alignment with similar public utilities. Councilmember Morrell clarified this is not to lower pay but to ensure proper compensation. Passed (7-0).
- SWBNO Audit (R-26-313): Resolved to request the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to conduct a comprehensive audit of SWBNO. Councilmembers noted the cost-effectiveness of the LLA and the need for a full financial health assessment. Passed (7-0).
- SWBNO Local Control Governance (R-26-315): A resolution supporting the pursuit of a local-control governance model for SWBNO, including potential transfer or consolidation into the city. Passed (7-0).
- Infrastructure Project List (R-26-314): Amended the city infrastructure project list approved by voters to add 12 additional projects, allowing bond funding to free up general fund cash. Councilmember Willard clarified no projects were removed. Passed (7-0).
- Capital Budget Amendment (Cal. No. 35,522): Appropriated 2026 bond funds to various departments for eligible projects, freeing up ARPA and general fund dollars. Passed (7-0).
- Drone Reporting (Cal. No. 35,523): Adopted an ordinance requiring NOPD to provide quarterly reports to the Criminal Justice Committee, monthly transparency reports to the council, and a public dashboard on drone deployments. An amendment added monthly reporting on agencies requesting drone use and supervising officer identity. Passed as amended (7-0).
- Percent for Art (Cal. No. 35,524): Reduced the percent for art allocation from 1.5% back to 1% of capital budget, saving $2.5 million over six years to address the budget crisis. Passed (6-0).
- Other items: Deferred multiple items to future meetings (August 20, August 28, September 3), including short-term rental regulations, sanitation fees, homeless housing funding, carnival gap fee, and various classified pay plan motions. Approved lease extensions for United Airlines and Alaska Airlines at the airport (6-0). Approved police department contract extension for city hall security (M-26-325, 7-0). Approved polling place relocations (M-26-308, 7-0). Zoning matters: Approved text amendment for billboard conversion (ZD 47/26, 7-0); approved conditional use for hotel at 7979 Earhart Blvd (ZD 58/26, 7-0); approved standard restaurant at 2901 Magazine St (ZD 60/26, 7-0); denied zoning change for 2657-2659 Treasure St (ZD 62/26, 7-0); approved accessory bed and breakfast at 3200 Cadiz St (ZD 65/26, 7-0); approved property disposition for convention center hotel (PD 1/26, 7-0).
Key Outcomes
- SWBNO governance reform ordinance passed (7-0) with an amendment adding all councilmembers as co-sponsors.
- Three related SWBNO motions and one resolution passed: bylaws requirement, compensation review, LLA audit, support for local control (all 7-0).
- Infrastructure project list amendment and capital budget appropriation passed (both 7-0).
- Drone reporting ordinance passed as amended (7-0).
- Percent for art reduction passed (6-0).
- All deferred items were postponed to specified future meetings.
- All consent agenda items were adopted (7-0).
- Approved airport lease extensions for United and Alaska Airlines (6-0 each).
- Approved city hall security contract extension (7-0).
- Approved polling place relocations (7-0).
- Zoning dockets: 47/26, 58/26, 60/26, 65/26, PD 1/26 approved; 62/26 denied (all 7-0).
Meeting Transcript
Good morning, everyone, and thank you all for being here, and thank you for those who are with the family and the friends of Donald Richardson, who is who are here on time. Richardson's beloved parents, Thomas and Yunus Richardson took him when he was a young child to World Lines Music Store on Canal Street. Oh, good. Subsequently, Donald Richardson attended Carter G. Woodson Junior High School. Anybody from Carver Carter G. Woodson? Yes. Whose music teacher was Mercedes Tucker Stamps. Subsequently, he would attend Booker T. Washington High School, where he continued his music education under direction of Dr. Ernest Chacher. It was during these days. I'm sure they say something other than Shacher, but that's technically the French way to pronounce that name. It was during these days that Donald would play the trumpet and the French horn, continuing his music education path, Donald enrolled in Xavier University. Richardson's music talents led him to roles such as piano player, organist, and choir director of a gospel choir at St. James AME Church, Regular Baptist Church, Pure Light Baptist Church, Payne Memorial AME and Regular Baptist Church. Music was his passion, his life. During his 32 years at Andrew J. Bell High School School, Richardson would teach, mentor, and cultivate some of New Orleans' most talented and well-known professional musicians. And I know if I knew a few of them when I was at St. Augustine High School in the band. A lot of young people came over after Bell years ago. Another form of acknowledgement was added to Mr. Richardson's list of notable recog recognition. A noted mural artist, Richard Thomas was commissioned to produce a likeness of Mr. Richardson on one of the columns under the Clayborn Avenue Overpass. And I want to encourage everyone to visit and take a look at it as soon as you can. The unveiling ceremony also included a likeness of the late famous chef Leah Chase. I'm going to ask family members and supporters of Donald Richardson to come forward for a second. We are going to take a photo afterwards, so everybody come up and just stand behind those chairs, and we're going to have one or two spokespersons just say something about Mitch Mr. Richardson. Come right on side, come right inside. Okay. You're ready. And I appreciate y'all putting those so that folks can see him. This camera is showing the public the photos that you have. And it's great to see so many people. That's a good look. This Janice Manual, the sister of Donald Richardson. Would you have would you say a few words for us, please? And good to see you. You can sit right there. Right in the middle. Good morning. Okay, good. You gotta go. Councilman Green. Thank you for doing this honor, the proclamation of my late brother Donald W. Richardson.
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