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Record of Proceedings

New Orleans City Council Regular Meeting - September 17, 2026

City Council — Thursday, September 17, 2026
BodyNew Orleans, Louisiana
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, September 17, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:05:05

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
59:35

Good morning, everyone.

59:36

We are going to uh green.

59:46

Uh that we're going to take this time out to uh recognize some of our shiny stars in this city, so we can have uh Mr.

59:54

Luke and Miss Us.

1:00:05

Come on, come out, come out the come to the podium, Mr.

1:00:10

Luke.

1:00:16

So, Ms.

1:00:17

Jalou, we know that you do a lot with our youth.

1:00:21

Um, as you can see, we can tell by looking at you, you're a bit of a fashion fashionista, and we want to give you your your just they say your flowers and recognize you uh for all the work that you do in a city with our youth as it relates to uh to fashion.

1:00:39

So give us a little bit about uh how you got started.

1:00:42

Floor is yours, how you got started, what's your goals for the future, what you're doing right now.

1:00:48

Good morning, can you hear me?

1:00:49

Yes, ma'am.

1:00:50

Okay, so my name is Jamari Jalouk.

1:00:54

I am a proud alum of Endekar High School, and I actually work at Endekar as well.

1:01:01

Um I created a program for the kids that's not getting as much attention.

1:01:07

Um the individuals that are innovative, um, they're creators, and I wanted to give them a platform so they could shine.

1:01:16

So I created a program where we teach kids how to sew from design to concept and make those dreams come to fruition.

1:01:24

And I actually brought some of my kids here today.

1:01:29

Y'all come y'all can stand up uh behind.

1:01:32

Y'all come stand behind.

1:01:37

Now you tell us about your fashion show.

1:01:39

Mm-hmm.

1:01:41

So the fashion show is actually a nine-month program.

1:01:47

So from about September to April, sometimes it happens in March, just depending on how the school year falls.

1:01:56

Um we teach kids how to sew, use a sewing machine, troubleshoot a sewing machine, um, teach them how to make patterns as well as create the visions that they write down or draw for us.

1:02:08

And honestly, it wouldn't be possible without Jalen because she actually is the instructor.

1:02:13

So I'm the or I like to say I'm logistics, so I'm behind the scenes, I'm creating the plan for us, handling the money, and making sure that everything that we do, you know, comes to life.

1:02:25

Um I actually have video and pictures, but I don't know if I can share that with you all right now.

1:02:30

Is it did you give them to the uh the media people?

1:02:33

No, I didn't know that I could.

1:02:35

Well, it's okay.

1:02:36

You can follow us on Instagram.

1:02:38

Um it's the house of E K underscore um H A U S.

1:02:42

That's what the house is.

1:02:43

I'll make sure we at the uh at least I'll be at the fashion show.

1:02:47

Yes, 2027.

1:02:48

Yes, yes.

1:02:49

We need you to be there as well as if anyone is willing to be a sponsor.

1:02:53

We're looking for sponsors, so my kids don't have to come out of their pockets with everything.

1:02:58

Um I like to pass the floor to Daley as well.

1:03:02

Now, Jalen, is it Richard or Reshaw?

1:03:04

I guess it depends on where you're from.

1:03:05

Um Jalen Ricard.

1:03:06

Recard.

1:03:07

Okay.

1:03:08

All of all of.

1:03:09

All wrong.

1:03:12

Okay, say a few words for us, Jill.

1:03:14

Um, I'm Jalen Ricard, as I just said.

1:03:16

Um, I'm the head sewing instructor for the kids.

1:03:19

I'm also an alum of Edna Carr 2017.

1:03:22

Um coming up on 10 years of graduating.

1:03:24

It's very interesting to look back and think about where I was when I was their age, and I think it's really good that I'm able to help them because I didn't have that same help.

1:03:33

You know, when my mom was growing up, they had homemaking school.

1:03:36

So they were teaching them how to sew.

1:03:38

Sewing was such a part of everyone's everyday life.

1:03:41

So doing this program is bringing it back to the forefront because it can be a career.

1:03:45

It can be a lifestyle, which is my career and my lifestyle.

1:03:49

So being able to teach them is beautiful.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use█████████████████████████25%
Procedural████████████12%
Historic Preservation████████████12%
Community Engagement██████████10%
Public Engagement███████7%
Mardi Gras█████5%
Economic Development█████5%
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation█████5%
Youth Programs███3%
Summary of Proceedings

New Orleans City Council Regular Meeting - September 17, 2026

The New Orleans City Council held a regular meeting on September 17, 2026, beginning at 10:03 AM and adjourning at 1:52 PM. The meeting included a special recognition, adoption of numerous consent items, consideration of multiple zoning dockets and appeals, and approval of various ordinances and resolutions. Councilmembers Hughes and Willard arrived later in the meeting; all seven members were present for final votes.

Special Recognition

  • Councilmembers recognized the fashion program at Edna Karr High School, led by Jamari Jaluke and Jalen Ricard, which teaches sewing and design to students. Students spoke about the program's impact.

Consent Calendar

  • The Council adopted the consent agenda unanimously (7-0), including:
    • Monthly NOPD staffing data (received).
    • Multiple HDLC appeals setting hearing dates for October 1, 2026.
    • Amendments to classified pay plans for Library and Sewerage & Water Board (referred to Budget Committee).
    • Reports: July 2026 Budget reports, SWB storm reports for August 24, September 4, 5, and 10, 2026 encampment cleanup, OPCD monthly report, FY26 first quarter take-home vehicle report, 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan, Orleans Public Defender budget, District Attorney July report, and various other reports (all received).
    • Ordinance 35,539 (electronic billboard at 100 Poydras St.), Ordinance 35,540 (hotel conditional use at 7979 Earhart Blvd), Ordinance 35,541 (restaurant at 2901 Magazine St.), Ordinance 35,542 (bed and breakfast at 3200 Cadiz St.), Ordinance 35,559 (prohibiting carnival solicitation during parade season), Motion M-26-374 (waiving vehicle purchase requirements for law enforcement), and appointments to various boards (Ethics Review Board, Aviation Board, Audubon Commission, SWB Board, NORA, ABC Board, and confirmation of Austin Wilty as Director of Property Management).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Consent Agenda: Russell Kelly spoke regarding item 18, questioning a $57,000 vehicle purchase in the CAO's office and alleging unfair treatment.
  • HDLC Appeal – Judson Scott (1200-1204 Ursulines Ave.): Judson Scott, property owner, requested reversal of HDLC denial, citing financial hardship and safety concerns. No online comments.
  • HDLC Appeal – Dr. Julie Jones (620-622 Louisa St.): Multiple speakers: Eleanor Graham (Neighbors First for Bywater) opposed the HDLC approval, arguing the design is out of scale and potentially commercial. Albert McComas (adjacent resident) supported the project, noting blight removal. James Eaton (next-door neighbor) supported. Michael Furuda supported. Sherry Fisher May opposed. Brian Luckett opposed, alleging commercial intent. Catherine Harmon (architect) supported. Fallow Dunbar opposed, calling it a "wolf in sheep's clothing." Jennifer Groden opposed, citing distrust. Lucia Dunbar opposed. Sarah Pettit supported. Sarah Nay supported. Approximately 40 neighbors opposed, per speakers.
  • ZD 64/26 (Child Care Center, 7542 Forest Glen Rd.): Nick Kindle (Agenda for Children) spoke in support on behalf of applicant IKEA Russell.
  • ZD 67/26 (Car Wash, 4118-4126 S. Carrollton Ave.): Extensive public comment. Opponents: Taylor Billings (MCNO), Michelle Schlafli, Mary Meising Gubala, Fred Finn, Molly Burke, Trent Santanastaso, Mike Murray, Simone Quinn, Lawrence Jones (minister). They cited traffic, noise, flooding, crime concerns, and that 86% of immediate neighbors opposed (per canvassing). Supporters: Bishop Tom Watson, Tim Levy (Mid-City Business Association), Barrett Van Zant (Sweet Things), Ashley Hitchcock, Patrick Bain (Jesuit parent), Danielle Lee (reading statement from neighbors who changed position after modifications), Eric McDonald (developer), Pastor Tyrone Smith (First 72+, citing jobs for formerly incarcerated).
  • ZD 70/26 & 71/26 (Recording Studio, NiteTrippers): No public comments recorded.
  • ZD 75/26 (Packaged Alcohol Sales, 3315-3319 N. Galvez St.): Speakers: Eldridge Stephens (applicant) and Renard Williams, Candace Williams (owner of GNC Meat Market), Wardell Carrier, Melvin Williams, Eric Hudson (all in support, citing convenience and community need). Online comment from Marguerite Doyle Johnston opposed.
  • ZD 76/26 (Hotel, 1722-1732 Pauger St.): Miles Grandison (applicant) spoke in support.
  • ZD 79/26 (Restaurant, 4001 Magazine St.): Maddie Charleston and Jason (applicant) spoke in support, noting noise abatement plan.
  • Ordinance 35,552 & 35,553 (Housing Trust Fund): Jordan Rogers (Housing NOLA) supported, urging the council to protect dedicated housing dollars.
  • Ordinance 35,547 (Claiborne Corridor Grant): Nairi Ramsey (Ujima) spoke in support.

Discussion Items

  • HDLC Appeal – Judson Scott (1200-1204 Ursulines Ave.): Councilmember King moved to reverse HDLC denial, noting the modifications improved the property and addressed safety. The motion passed 7-0.
  • HDLC Appeal – Dr. Julie Jones (620 Louisa St.): Councilmember King moved to affirm HDLC's conceptual approval, stating concerns about future commercial use are zoning matters, not HDLC. The motion passed 7-0.
  • ZD 64/26 – Child Care Center (7542 Forest Glen Rd.): Councilmember Hughes moved approval with an added proviso limiting hours to 7:30 AM-5 PM, weekdays. He emphasized this does not set precedent. Passed 7-0.
  • ZD 67/26 – Car Wash (4118-4126 S. Carrollton Ave.): Councilmember McCarron discussed the balance between development and neighborhood quality, noting modifications: no entrance/exit on Ulloa Street, no amplified music, landscaping, and lighting study. She moved approval of M-26-358 with 8 provisos and 3 waivers. Seconded by Councilmember Green. Passed 7-0 after a motion to add 10 minutes to public comment (approved 7-0).
  • ZD 70/26 – Text Amendment for Recording Studio Live Entertainment: Councilmember Harris moved approval. Passed 6-0 (Councilmember King absent).
  • ZD 71/26 – Conditional Use for Recording Studio at 514 Jackson Ave.: Councilmember Harris moved approval with additional provisos from community engagement. Passed 7-0.
  • ZD 74/26 – Multifamily Expansion (1227-1229 Calhoun St.): Councilmember McCarron moved approval, noting no opposition. Passed 7-0.
  • ZD 75/26 – Packaged Alcohol Sales (3315-3319 N. Galvez St.): Councilmember Green noted the request was for packaged alcohol (including hard liquor) versus the speakers' focus on beer. He moved to defer to the next meeting. Passed.
  • ZD 76/26 – Hotel (1722-1732 Pauger St.): Councilmember King moved approval, noting no opposition and compliance with code. Passed 7-0.
  • ZD 77/26 – Trinity School Nursery Expansion: Councilmember Harris moved approval. Passed 7-0.
  • ZD 78/26 – Parking Lot (1900 Carondelet St.): Councilmember Harris moved approval. Passed 7-0.
  • ZD 79/26 – Restaurant (4001 Magazine St.): Councilmember Harris moved approval with noise abatement proviso. Passed 6-0 (Councilmember Willard absent).
  • ZD 80/26 – Hotel (714-716 Carondelet St.): Councilmember Harris moved approval with modifications excluding short-term rentals. Passed 7-0.
  • ZD 93/26 – St. Augustine Baseball Facility: Councilmember Green moved approval, noting $6,700 sq ft indoor practice facility, no opposition. Passed 7-0.
  • Ordinance 35,547 – Claiborne Corridor Grant: Councilmember King explained $500,000 grant for Phase 2 design of Cultural Innovation District. Passed 7-0.
  • Ordinance 35,551 – NOPD to DPW Fund Transfer: Councilmember Harris moved approval for ground transportation bureau. Passed 7-0.
  • Ordinance 35,552 & 35,553 – Housing Trust Fund: Councilmember Harris moved approval of $1.5 million increase to meet 2% charter requirement. Passed 7-0 each.
  • Ordinance 35,554 – Airport Transit Study Grant: Councilmember Green moved approval of $1.15 million federal grant. Passed 7-0.
  • Ordinance 35,555 – Health Department Benefits Coordinator: Councilmember Harris moved approval, fully funded by LPHI. Passed 7-0.
  • Ordinance 35,562 – West End Development CEA: Councilmember McCarron moved approval after years of multi-parish collaboration. Passed 7-0.
  • Ordinance 35,564 – Roadway Lighting Safety Grant: Councilmember Green moved approval of $450,000 grant. Passed 7-0.
  • Ordinance 35,565 – St. Augustine Alumni Lighting Project: Councilmember Green moved approval; Councilmember Harris recused due to membership in the alumni association. Passed 6-0 with one abstention.
  • Motion M-26-373 – Meeting Schedule Change: Councilmember Morrell moved to start October 1 meeting earlier for breast cancer awareness. Passed 7-0.
  • Resolution R-26-375 – Caesars Grant Program: Adopted 7-0.
  • Resolution R-26-376 – Cox Communications Grant Program: Adopted 7-0.
  • Motion M-26-385 – Olympic Torch Relay Signatory: Councilmember Morrell moved to add Council President as signatory. Rule 57 suspended (7-0), then motion adopted 7-0.
  • Motion M-26-386 – YWCA Loan Agreement: Councilmember Willard moved approval of $250,000 forgivable loan. All councilmembers added as authors. Passed 7-0.
  • Motion M-26-387 – Greater New Orleans Development Foundation Agreement: Councilmember Willard moved approval. Passed 7-0.
  • Motion M-26-394 – Street Renaming (Northline to Palmetto): Councilmember McCarron moved to initiate CPC hearing. Passed 7-0.
  • Motion M-26-402 – 2027 Meeting Schedule: Adopted 7-0.
  • Motion M-26-403 – 2027 Holiday Schedule: Added Katrina Memorial Day. Adopted 7-0.
  • Resolution R-26-405 – Sankofa Wetland Park Grant Application: Councilmember Hughes moved to suspend rules, receive, and adopt. Passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • HDLC Appeals: Reversed denial for Judson Scott (1200-1204 Ursulines); affirmed HDLC approval for 620 Louisa (7-0).
  • Zoning Dockets:
    • ZD 50/26 (Esplanade Ventures, bed & breakfast): Died due to expired deadline.
    • ZD 59/26 (Commercial STR): Deferred to 10/1/26.
    • ZD 64/26 (Child care center): Approved with added proviso (7-0).
    • ZD 67/26 (Car wash): Approved with 8 provisos and 3 waivers (7-0).
    • ZD 70/26 (Text amendment for live entertainment at recording studios): Approved (6-0).
    • ZD 71/26 (Recording studio conditional use at 514 Jackson Ave.): Approved (7-0).
    • ZD 73/26 (Monastery adaptive reuse): Deferred to 10/1/26.
    • ZD 74/26 (Multifamily expansion): Approved (7-0).
    • ZD 75/26 (Packaged alcohol sales): Deferred to 10/1/26.
    • ZD 76/26 (Hotel): Approved (7-0).
    • ZD 77/26 (Trinity School nursery): Approved (7-0).
    • ZD 78/26 (Parking lot): Approved (7-0).
    • ZD 79/26 (Restaurant): Approved (6-0).
    • ZD 80/26 (Hotel, STR prohibition): Approved (7-0).
    • ZD 93/26 (St. Augustine baseball facility): Approved (7-0).
  • Ordinances Adopted: 35,536 (servitude, $210/yr), 35,537 (servitude, $2,298/yr), 35,538 (Yacht Harbor slip lease rates), 35,547 (Claiborne Corridor grant), 35,551 (NOPD-DPW fund transfer), 35,552 (Housing Trust Fund revenue), 35,553 (Housing Trust Fund expenditure), 35,554 (Airport transit study), 35,555 (Health benefits coordinator), 35,562 (West End development), 35,564 (Roadway lighting grant), 35,565 (St. Augustine lighting).
  • Motions Adopted: M-26-373 (Oct 1 meeting time), M-26-385 (Torch relay signatory), M-26-386 (YWCA loan), M-26-387 (Development Foundation agreement), M-26-394 (street renaming), M-26-402 (2027 meeting schedule), M-26-403 (2027 holiday schedule). Resolutions R-26-375 (Caesars grants), R-26-376 (Cox grants), R-26-405 (Sankofa park grant support) adopted.
  • Deferrals to October 1, 2026: ZD 59/26, ZD 73/26, ZD 75/26, Ordinance 34,385 (short-term rental regulations), Motions M-23-426 and M-23-427 (STR elimination), Calendars 35,117, 35,530 (fee-in-lieu), 35,548, 35,549, 35,550, 35,556, 35,557.
  • Ordinances on First Reading: Introduced and laid over (Cal. 35,558, 35,567-35,578).
  • Withdrawn: Motion M-26-357 (denial of car wash), Ordinance 35,558 (incorrectly filed), Ordinance 35,563 (OPSO executive protection services).

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, everyone. We are going to uh green. Uh that we're going to take this time out to uh recognize some of our shiny stars in this city, so we can have uh Mr. Luke and Miss Us. Come on, come out, come out the come to the podium, Mr. Luke. So, Ms. Jalou, we know that you do a lot with our youth. Um, as you can see, we can tell by looking at you, you're a bit of a fashion fashionista, and we want to give you your your just they say your flowers and recognize you uh for all the work that you do in a city with our youth as it relates to uh to fashion. So give us a little bit about uh how you got started. Floor is yours, how you got started, what's your goals for the future, what you're doing right now. Good morning, can you hear me? Yes, ma'am. Okay, so my name is Jamari Jalouk. I am a proud alum of Endekar High School, and I actually work at Endekar as well. Um I created a program for the kids that's not getting as much attention. Um the individuals that are innovative, um, they're creators, and I wanted to give them a platform so they could shine. So I created a program where we teach kids how to sew from design to concept and make those dreams come to fruition. And I actually brought some of my kids here today. Y'all come y'all can stand up uh behind. Y'all come stand behind. Now you tell us about your fashion show. Mm-hmm. So the fashion show is actually a nine-month program. So from about September to April, sometimes it happens in March, just depending on how the school year falls. Um we teach kids how to sew, use a sewing machine, troubleshoot a sewing machine, um, teach them how to make patterns as well as create the visions that they write down or draw for us. And honestly, it wouldn't be possible without Jalen because she actually is the instructor. So I'm the or I like to say I'm logistics, so I'm behind the scenes, I'm creating the plan for us, handling the money, and making sure that everything that we do, you know, comes to life. Um I actually have video and pictures, but I don't know if I can share that with you all right now. Is it did you give them to the uh the media people? No, I didn't know that I could. Well, it's okay. You can follow us on Instagram. Um it's the house of E K underscore um H A U S. That's what the house is. I'll make sure we at the uh at least I'll be at the fashion show. Yes, 2027. Yes, yes. We need you to be there as well as if anyone is willing to be a sponsor. We're looking for sponsors, so my kids don't have to come out of their pockets with everything. Um I like to pass the floor to Daley as well. Now, Jalen, is it Richard or Reshaw? I guess it depends on where you're from. Um Jalen Ricard. Recard. Okay. All of all of. All wrong. Okay, say a few words for us, Jill. Um, I'm Jalen Ricard, as I just said.

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