Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting - August 13, 2026

The Governmental Affairs Committee met on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, appointments to multiple boards and commissions, two Sewerage and Water Board arbitration appeals, a contract for legal services, and a motion to end furloughs for the Council Utilities Regulatory Office (CURO). Committee members present included Councilmember Morel, McCarron, Green, and Hughes (forming a quorum). Councilmember King later joined but was not a committee member.

Boards and Commissions Appointments

The committee considered appointments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Board of Zoning Adjustments, Downtown Development District, Fairgrounds Citizen Advisory Committee, Historic District Landmarks Commission, New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, Sewerage and Water Board, and Vieux Carré Commission. All appointments were approved unanimously (4-0) with specific comments and public testimony.

• Alcoholic Beverage Control Board: Earl Williams (waiver timely submitted, documents in order) and LaTanja Silvester (second time before committee) were both approved.
• Board of Zoning Adjustments: Jennifer Duhe, a lifelong New Orleans resident with construction experience and a certified building official, was approved. Councilmembers noted she was "tremendously overqualified."
• Downtown Development District: Frank Zumbo, current DDD commissioner, general manager of New Orleans Marriott, and French Quarter Management District commissioner, was reappointed.
• Fairgrounds Citizen Advisory Committee: Richard Cahn was appointed after public comment by Morgan Clevinger.
• Historic District Landmarks Commission: Allain Hardin, a lifelong resident and attorney from the Garden District, was appointed.
• New Orleans Redevelopment Authority: Dwight Jarrett, a longtime resident and insurance professional from New Orleans East, was appointed.
• Sewerage and Water Board: Eight appointments were considered: Corinne Villavaso, Leslie Bouie (both with supporting comments from Councilmember Green), and reappointments/waivers for David Gallo, Jonathan Stewart, Kimberly Thomas, Chadrick Kennedy, Julius Kimbrough Jr., and Kathryn Walmsley (waiver later located and approved). All approved.
• Vieux Carré Commission: Kimberly Abramson (waiver, documents in order) was approved.
• Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (additional): Adonis Expose was added to the agenda by unanimous vote and then appointed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Morgan Clevinger (representing Fairgrounds Triangle Neighborhood Association) spoke against the reappointment of Richard Cahn to the Fairgrounds Citizen Advisory Committee. She stated the committee has been dominated for 20 years by the Fort Bush/St. John Association, does not comply with public meeting laws (meetings held in Fairgrounds executive boardroom, minutes taken by Fairgrounds employee, no public information), and excludes the predominantly black Fairgrounds Triangle neighborhood. Councilmember McCarron acknowledged her concerns and stated it was imperative to elevate them.

Discussion Items

• SWBNO Arbitration Appeals (Item 4): Two appeals were considered.
  • Sabrena Williams: Resolution dismissed her appeal as untimely but directed SWBNO to restore service upon a $700 payment, waive penalties/fees, and enroll her in a two-year payment plan. Councilmember Green noted the balance was not eliminated but a good-faith payment plan was offered. Approved 4-0.
  • Mark Moeller: Resolution dismissed his appeal requesting enforcement of an arbitration decision, as SWBNO provided evidence the credit was applied timely. Approved 4-0.
• Contract for Professional Services (Item 5): Professional services agreement between the City and Canales-Rojas Law, PLCC for specialized bankruptcy legal representation in Florida. The city attorney explained that the LLC owning DeGaulle Manor (Greno LLC, principal Joshua Bruno) transferred its jurisdiction from Louisiana to Florida and filed bankruptcy and adversary proceedings there. The firm represented the city on an emergency basis, even though its regular contracting authority was limited. Councilmember King and others praised the law department for securing qualified counsel quickly. Councilmember King also inquired about pursuing legal fees against Mr. Bruno for venue shopping. A criminal blight statute was briefly discussed. Approved 4-0.
• Motion to End CURO Furlough (Item 6): The committee considered ending furloughs for the Council Utilities Regulatory Office Chief of Staff & Counsel, acknowledging responsibilities under Act 938 and that office costs are reimbursable. The CAO already directed civil service to end furloughs for classified employees; this motion addressed the one unclassified staffer. Approved 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• All board and commission appointments were approved by unanimous votes (4-0 or 3-0 where noted).
• SWBNO arbitration appeals were both dismissed with specific conditions for Ms. Williams.
• The contract with Canales-Rojas Law was approved.
• The motion to end CURO furlough was approved, effective immediately.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:00 A.M. (estimated).

All votes were unanimous with no opposition recorded.