Public Meetings - New Orleans, Louisiana

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 01:00 P.M. The Budget/Audit/Board of Review Committee of the New Orleans City Council met to review and approve several budget amendments, discuss a jail healthcare contract extension, consider civil service pay plan changes, and enter executive session to discuss pending litigation. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Lesli Harris. All votes were unanimous (4-0) with Councilmember Freddie King absent. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee approved the minutes from the April 16, 2026 Budget Committee meeting. (Motion by Harris, seconded by Morrell, passed 4-0) - Multiple Budget Ordinances: The following ordinances were approved unanimously without public discussion: - Cal. No. 35,432 – Creation of the 2026 Caesars Lease Rent Strip Sale Proceeds Fund to dedicate proceeds from the sale of future lease payments from Jazz Casino Company, L.L.C. for the Caesars New Orleans Casino to housing. - Cal. Nos. 35,435 & 35,436 – Transfer of $5,000 from Intergovernmental Revenues to the Louisiana Dept. of Health and Human Services (Fund 4405) in the Health Department for healthy behaviors and healthcare access. - Cal. Nos. 35,437 & 35,438 – Transfer of $16,231 from Intergovernmental Revenues to Private Grants (Fund 4900) in the Health Department from the Robert Wood Johnson grant for operating expenses. - Cal. Nos. 35,439 & 35,440 – Transfer of $430,088 from Private Grants to the Health Department’s Office of Violence Prevention for violence prevention and victim support initiatives. - Cal. No. 35,441 – Transfer of $3,953,359 from Intergovernmental Revenues to the General Fund for the Police Department (Grounds Transportation), including $2,566,359 for Personal Services and $1,387,000 for Other Operating. - Cal. No. 35,442 – Transfer of $1,593,000 within NORDC from Personal Services to Other Operating to correct a classification error for operational, programmatic, and facility maintenance needs. - Cal. Nos. 35,443 & 35,444 – Transfer of $556,974 from Intergovernmental Revenues to the French Quarter Development District (Fund 5128) to implement its 2026 adopted budget (including $131,463 for Personal Services and $425,511 for Other Operating). - Cal. No. 35,445 – Re-appropriation of $1,600,000 in 2024 A Bonds from the Departments of Public Works and Property Management to the Chief Administrative Office to honor a previous commitment to Desire Community Housing Corp. for Desire Square construction. Executive Session - The committee unanimously voted (4-0) to enter executive session to discuss two pending lawsuits: - Chelsey Richard Napoleon v. City of New Orleans (Case No. C-7782244 23, 19th JDC, Judge Tarvald A. Smith) - City of New Orleans v. Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System (19th JDC No. C-724562 c/w C-767063, Judge Eboni Johnson Rose) The committee reconvened without taking public action on the litigation. Discussion Items - M-26-199 – Wexford Health Sources, Inc. Agreement (Jail Healthcare Extension): Presenters Sheriff Woodfork, Adam Gordon, and Abby Vienne introduced a motion to extend the Professional Services Agreement with Wexford Health Sources, Inc. for comprehensive correctional health services at Orleans Parish Prison by one year, from June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. The maximum aggregate annual compensation is not to exceed $24,267,264. This motion was added to the City Council Regular agenda of May 21, 2026 for further discussion. No vote was taken in committee. - Civil Service Pay Plan and Rule Amendments: Councilmember Harris noted that the following motions, approved by the Civil Service Commission, would be added to the City Council meeting agenda of June 4, 2026. No committee vote was taken: - M-25-182 (Juvenile Justice Center Hiring Rates) - M-25-183 (Juvenile Reentry Support Specialist and Supervisor) - M-25-184 (Chief Administrative Office – New Grants Specialist Series) - M-25-186 (Public Works – Traffic Signal Series) - M-25-187 (Police – Latent Print Supervisor) - M-25-189 (Professional Certification Pay – 5% increase) - M-25-235 (Police – Deputy Superintendent of Police/Fiscal and Personnel Management) - M-25-236 (Police – Latent Print Examiner Series) - M-25-238 (Property Management – Real Estate Administrator) - M-25-239 (Police – Combined DNA Index System Series and DNA Technical Leader – added to May 21 agenda) - M-25-288 (Police – Rule Amendments for overtime compensation) - M-25-435 (Police – Crime Scene Investigation Manager) - M-26-38 (Office of Inspector General – Deputy IG of Information Technology) - M-26-39 (Property Management – Cemetery Programs Superintendent) - M-26-40 (Health/EMS – Revised Special Rates of Pay for EMS) - M-26-41 (Safety and Permits – Special Rate of Pay for ICC Certifications) - M-26-44 (Chief Administrative Office – Adjudication Bureau Administrator) - M-26-83 (Sewerage and Water Board – Cybersecurity Series) - M-26-84 (Sewerage and Water Board – Operational Technology Systems Series) - M-26-115 (Sewerage and Water Board – Information Management Series) - M-26-198 (Health/EMS – Emergency Medical Services Series) Key Outcomes - All budget ordinances (Cal. Nos. 35,432, 35,435-36, 35,437-38, 35,439-40, 35,441, 35,442, 35,443-44, 35,445) were approved unanimously (4-0) and will proceed to the full City Council. - The executive session was held and the committee reconvened without further action. - The Wexford jail healthcare contract extension (M-26-199) was referred to the May 21, 2026 City Council Regular agenda for further discussion. - The 21 civil service pay plan motions were referred to the June 4, 2026 City Council agenda. - The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time on a motion by Harris, seconded by Willard, passed 4-0.

The joint committee meeting on quality of life and public works sanitation and the environment was held on May 19, 2026, with presentations from the Sewage and Water Board (SWB) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) on infrastructure updates, water quality, drainage, and the JIRR road program. Councilmembers discussed ongoing issues including water loss, sewer leaks, catch basin maintenance, and the progress of the FEMA-funded road reconstruction. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved minutes from the April 14 and April 21 meetings (motions by Councilmember Willard and Councilmember McCarron; five yeas, no nays). Public Comments & Testimony - Sage Michael, a community advocate, commented on the Dwyer Canal issue, calling for SWB to publicly publish raw water quality test results with standards and locations. He also raised concerns about air quality from temporary sewer bypass pumps and urged the council to protect communities. Chair Hughes thanked him for his advocacy. Sewage and Water Board Presentation - Water System: SWB announced that the Algiers water plant maintained an A grade and the Carrollton plant improved from C to B in LDH water grades. A water quality master plan was presented, and a corrosion control treatment additive (zinc orthophosphate) will be introduced at the Algiers plant to mitigate future saltwater intrusion. - Water Main Breaks: A precautionary boil water advisory was issued for a hydrant break in New Orleans East. Repairs continue on South Claiborne and Third Street. Immediate action plan received 27 RFI responses; satellite leak detection program launching. SWB reported that water loss remains around 70–77% of treated water, far above the national average of 16%. The financial plan for critical repairs has $4 million approved; external funding is being sought. - Fire Hydrants: 649 hydrants inspected, 135 repaired, 13 replaced in 2026; over 400 open work orders remain. - Sewer System: A sewer force main break under the Industrial Canal on April 17 released an estimated 50 million gallons over 10 days until the discharge was stopped on April 27. Permanent repair is underway. Recreational advisories are lifted; no impact to Lake Pontchartrain per samples. SWB will pursue insurance from the responsible vessel. - Dwyer Canal Sewage Contamination: Multiple underground defects on six streets identified via dye testing. Repairs on Galahad Street completed; remaining repairs targeted for completion by end of June. Over $400,000 was invested to repair the Ceres pump station. SWB continues to recommend no contact with canal water due to high bacteria and hydrogen sulfide odors. - Drainage: As of May 2026, SWB has cleaned over 1,000 catch basins and removed over 760,000 pounds of debris. Priority cleaning areas include Tremay, Lower Garden District, Algiers, and Audubon. There are 2,900 open 311 reports for catch basin issues. SWB aims to reduce the backlog and will shift to a drainage basin approach in 2027. Councilmembers stressed proactive cleaning and coordination with residents. - Temporary Pumps: SWB acknowledged noise and emission concerns but noted use of electric or quiet diesel pumps; permanent repairs are the ultimate solution. - Community Engagement: SWB held two 'Water Talk' community meetings in May and plans more in June; the annual water quality consumer confidence report will be sent in June. - Hurricane Preparedness: All departments are on track for preparedness goals before June 1. Joint Infrastructure Recovery Roads (JIRR) Program Update - DPW Director Nelson reported that over 91 projects have been completed, and all remaining projects are bid and in construction. The program is on track for completion by December 2028, pending a FEMA extension due by July 1, 2026. A bundling strategy saved approximately $100 million, allowing an additional 100 blocks of street replacement at no extra cost. - Scheduling: Two-week look-ahead schedules are being provided to council offices and posted on the website. The infrastructure coordination council dashboard is being developed for public access. - Savings: The New Orleans FEMA Optimized Group (NoFOG) project bundling yielded significant bid savings; the reinvestment will be added to the program map once FEMA extension is confirmed. - Council Concerns: Councilmember Harris raised issues with the Lower Garden District project (RR068) completion timeline and coordination with other utility work. Councilmember McCarron emphasized including Bel Air road and urged residents to contact Congress for support. Coordination with city bond projects is ongoing. Key Outcomes - The committee voted to approve the minutes from April 14 and April 21. - SWB agreed to review the Arado Street barricade situation and remove them if work is not yet started. - SWB will consider publishing raw water quality test results, sampling locations, and standards on its website. - DPW will continue providing two-week look-aheads and updating the program map with the reinvestment phase. - The committee supports the FEMA extension request and encourages public advocacy.

The New Orleans City Council met in a Committee of the Whole session on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 2:16 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting was called to order with a roll call, followed by a motion to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation, and then adjournment. The raw transcript of the proceedings was unintelligible due to transcription errors, so this summary relies on the official agenda and minutes. Roll Call - Present (5): Green, Harris, Hughes, McCarron, Morrell - Absent (2): King, Willard - A quorum was established. Discussion Items - Executive Session: The Council moved to enter executive session to discuss litigation in the case Chelsey Richard Napoleon, in her official capacity as Clerk of Court for Orleans Parish v. City of New Orleans, et al., Case No. C‑7782244 23, Division A, 19th Judicial District Court for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (Judge Tarvald A. Smith). The motion was made by Councilmember Hughes and seconded by Councilmember McCarron. Key Outcomes - Motion to Enter Executive Session: Passed with a vote of 5 yeas (Green, Harris, Hughes, McCarron, Morrell) — 0 nays, 0 abstentions, 2 absent (King, Willard). - Motion to Adjourn: After the executive session, Councilmember Harris moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilmember McCarron. The motion passed with 4 yeas (Harris, Hughes, McCarron, Morrell) — 0 nays, 0 abstentions, 3 absent (Green, King, Willard). The meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

The New Orleans City Council held a regular meeting on May 14, 2026, to approve minutes from the previous meeting, conduct a confirmation hearing for the Director of Safety and Permits, and confirm appointments to various boards and commissions. All votes were unanimous (5-0) unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (April 16, 2026): Moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember McCarran. Vote: 5-0. - Contracts Item (Rule 47): Moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Hughes. Vote: 5-0. Discussion Items - Confirmation Hearing – Susanna Kirby, Director of Safety and Permits: Ms. Kirby presented updates including a call center answer rate of 83% (up from under 80%), the launch of the Spark account management team, and progress on checklist development and cross-training for inspectors. Councilmembers discussed the need for better information dissemination, district liaisons, morale improvements, and the importance of eliminating unnecessary barriers. Councilmember Moreno expressed concerns about staff evaluation systems and the need for a functional, customer-focused department. - Boards and Commissions Appointments: Each appointee explained their motivation for serving, and councilmembers offered praise and questions: - Audubon Commission: Amanda Berger (attorney, focus on legal complexities); Tracy Griffin (community involvement, Girl Scout troop leader); Joseph Wilson (daily park user, planned giving expertise); Richard "Wes" Freeman (longtime resident, witnessed zoo transformation). - Downtown Development District: Ryan King (reappointment, waiver); Kenny Rubenstein (reappointment, continued work); Michael D. Simone (CEO Link Restaurant Group, restaurant community); Stephanie Burks (Quality of Life Committee, Celebrate Canal involvement). - Regional Planning Commission: Adrian Bruno (passionate about economic development and rail expansion, particularly extending the Mardi Gras line to Baton Rouge). - New Orleans Public Library Board: Dernell "DJ" Johnson (literacy advocate, owner of Baldwin & Co. bookstore); Austin (strategic focus, familial legacy of literacy and book selling). - Sandy Krasnoff Criminal Justice Council: Raynard Thomas (re-entry specialist, consultant for Bureau of Prisons); Margaret Washington (victim of violence, community grant writer). Key Outcomes - Susanna Kirby confirmed as Director of Safety and Permits: Motion by Councilmember McCarran, seconded by Councilmember Harris. Vote: 5-0. - Audubon Commission appointments confirmed: Amanda Berger, Tracy Griffin, Joseph Wilson, and Wes Freeman all advanced to full council confirmation (5-0 each). - Downtown Development District appointments confirmed: Ryan King (reappointment, waiver), Kenny Rubenstein (reappointment), Michael D. Simone, and Stephanie Burks advanced to full council confirmation (5-0 each). - Regional Planning Commission appointment confirmed: Adrian Bruno advanced to full council confirmation (5-0). - New Orleans Public Library Board appointments confirmed: Dernell Johnson and Austin advanced to full council confirmation (5-0). - Sandy Krasnoff Criminal Justice Council appointments confirmed: Raynard Thomas, Pike Howard (waiver), Miss French (waiver), and Margaret Washington advanced to full council confirmation (5-0 each). - Adjournment: Moved by Councilmember Hughes, seconded by Councilmember Green. Vote: 5-0.

The meeting convened on May 12, 2026 at 7:45 PM local time. However, the provided agenda, minutes, and raw transcription contain no coherent or interpretable content. The transcription consists of repeated, garbled phrases (e.g., "Human", "oh") and no meaningful discussion, motions, or decisions can be extracted. Therefore, no substantive summary can be provided. Note - The source materials for this meeting are corrupted or unreadable. No public comments, discussion items, or key outcomes are available.

The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 11, 2026, to hear reports and presentations from the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), Heroes of New Orleans, and the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development regarding summer 2026 programming, employment, and violence prevention for youth. Councilmembers King, Morell, Harris, Green, and Hughes were present (quorum of four members). Councilmember King noted she had to leave at 1:30 PM due to a medical issue but expressed strong support for the agenda. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the April 27th meeting were approved by motion with a second from Councilmember Green. Public Comments & Testimony - Shantae Scott (mother of Jace Lee Scott, who was killed by gun violence) spoke after each presentation. She expressed that recreation is "intervention, mentorship, mental health support," and urged the city to build trust, transparency, and accountability in violence prevention. She stated that "public safety is not just about creating programs, it is about creating trust." - Alicia Plummer advocated for expanding boxing programs in the city, specifically a boxing gym in the Cutoff area. She noted the historic Milne Boys Home boxing gym and said boxing teaches discipline and sportsmanship. Discussion Items - NORD Summer 2026 Programs (Larry Barabino, Chief Executive Director) - Goal to hire 100 lifeguards and 31 camp staff. As of the meeting, 82 lifeguard applications were in process: 49 ready to start, 2 failed drug tests, 17 pending background checks, 14 pending applications. 36 applicants for summer camp hires, 23 ready to go. - Lifeguard pay is $17.58/hour, described as one of the highest public pool lifeguard rates in the country. Junior lifeguard program (ages 13-15) offers a $450 stipend for six weeks. Summer camps are at capacity (1,560 youth enrolled; goal was 1,380). Teen camps have 628 spots with 582 filled, mostly junior lifeguard slots. - Summer Sports Challenge (evening program for ages 13-17) runs June 1 – July 10, 4–7 PM, offering stipends up to $450. Two new splash pads are planned: at Cutoff Rec Center and Velazquez Playground. - Councilmember Harris asked about A.L. Davis Park pool repairs; Barabino said the contract is awaiting the mayor's signature, with a goal to open the pool this summer unless long lead times on parts. - Councilmember Green highlighted recent developments at Perry Roehm Stadium and asked for attention to Samson Park, noting that bond-funded renovations (restrooms, locker rooms, office) have already begun. - Barabino clarified that NORD's junior lifeguard and teen camps provide stipends, not wages, and that NORD believes it is the only parks agency in the country to provide a stipend for teen camp attendance. - Heroes of New Orleans (Greg Ravey, Founder/CEO) - Launched "Heroes 360" program, partnering with the Mayor's Office and Housing Authority to provide 15 young people (ages 14-21) with workforce development, career exploration, and peer-to-peer mentorship. 57 students are on the waiting list for the program. - Topics include employment payroll, financial literacy, resume building, on-job training, and making proud choices (HIV/STI knowledge, healthy relationships). - Councilmember King noted the facility on Breen Balbach on Herschel is near a dumping site and visible drug activity; Ravey confirmed that youth sometimes have to be met at the bus stop to avoid the area. - Councilmember Green praised the program's impact. - Mayor's Office of Workforce Development – Marisummer Youth Employment Program (Carmen McKinley, Director of Youth Initiatives) - Program serves youth aged 16-24 with paid work experience and career exploration. 951 applicants have been processed toward a budget of 1,000 participants; program lasts 6-8 weeks. - Track 1: Traditional (high schoolers) focuses on workplace norms. Track 2: Work & Learn (ages 16-24) combines employment with academic readiness via Southern University at New Orleans and the University of New Orleans. Track 3: Internola (college students) matches career industry interests. - 2025 outcomes: $1.67 million in wages distributed; 91% of youth saved at least $100; STEM NOLA employed 50 youth, building STEM kits worth $2 million. - Councilmember Hughes questioned collaboration with other workforce programs; McKinley cited partnerships with Delgado and Greater New Orleans Inc. for regional grants. Hughes expressed concern about high school graduates being ill-prepared for high-demand jobs like welding. - Councilmember Harris asked about payroll timeliness; McKinley confirmed there were no payment issues in 2024 or 2025, resolving the 2023 payroll crisis. Harris also asked about programming in the Job One building's mezzanine space; McKinley said it houses the youth career center with 12 career coaches and is used daily for counseling and testing. She committed to providing exact usage numbers. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on the presentations. The committee received the reports and heard public comments. - The meeting was adjourned by motion after the final public comment.

The New Orleans City Council held a special meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 12:06 PM in City Hall Council Chamber to address the vacancy in the office of Orleans Clerk of Court. The meeting focused on two related resolutions: one to appoint an interim clerk and another to order a special election to fill the vacancy. All seven council members were present, constituting a quorum. The meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes, adjourning at 12:56 PM. Discussion Items - Resolution R-26-194 (Appointment): Introduced by Councilmember Morrell, this resolution proposed appointing a person to assume the duties of the vacant Orleans Clerk of Court office pursuant to La. R.S. § 18:602 and Act 15 of the 2026 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. The council first adopted an amendment (7-0) to the resolution, then voted to add the item to the agenda (7-0), and ultimately adopted the resolution as amended by a 5-2 vote. Councilmembers Green and Harris voted against the adoption. - Resolution R-26-195 (Special Election): Introduced by Councilmember Willard, this resolution ordered a special election to fill the vacant Orleans Clerk of Court office, setting primary and general election dates and providing qualifying dates, also under La. R.S. § 18:602 and Act 15. The council voted to adopt the resolution by a 5-2 vote, with Councilmembers Green and Harris opposed. - Suspension of Rule 47: The council unanimously (7-0) approved a motion to suspend Rule 47 to allow consideration of the resolutions. Communications and Public Comments - The agenda listed a communication that included a letter from the District Attorney to the Council (dated May 7, 2026), a letter of support from Mayor Helena Moreno (dated May 8, 2026), and a council letter. No public testimony or e-comment forms were noted in the minutes, though speaker cards were filed. Key Outcomes - R-26-194 adopted as amended (5-2, with Green and Harris dissenting): An interim appointment to the Orleans Clerk of Court office is made. - R-26-195 adopted (5-2, with Green and Harris dissenting): A special election is ordered to fill the vacant office, with primary and general election dates and qualifying dates set. - The council adjourned at 12:56 PM.

The provided transcript for this meeting consists of garbled or nonsensical text with no discernible discussion, agenda items, or decisions. No public comments, presentations, or votes could be identified. Therefore, this summary reflects that no substantive content was available. Note - The transcript appears to be corrupted or incomplete, preventing any meaningful summary of the meeting.

The New Orleans City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Hall Council Chamber, with Council President JP Morrell absent and Councilmember Freddie King III arriving later. The meeting adjourned at 11:54 AM. The Council adopted the consent agenda, conducted hearings on several Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) appeals and zoning dockets, and voted on multiple ordinances and resolutions, including a landmark settlement with the Orleans Parish School Board and the authorization of a $100 million sale of lease rights from the New Orleans Building Corporation to TPG Angelo Gordon. Consent Calendar - Received communications and reports from the Council Utilities Regulatory Office (Entergy and Delta New Orleans Gas filings), the Department of Civil Service (NOPD staffing data), the City Planning Commission (Cannabis, Tobacco and Nicotine Study; zoning dockets), the HDLC (reports on appeals at 4308-4310 N. Rampart St., 823-25 Atlantic Ave., 1413 Columbus St.), the New Orleans Aviation Board (quarterly financial and musician pay reports), Municipal and Traffic Court (March 2026 report), the Sewerage and Water Board (storm report, construction contracts, annual financials, operations reports), and others. - Referred communications on the ESRI licensing agreement and Hammerman & Garnier contract to the Governmental Affairs Committee. - Passed ordinances on first reading: a zoning change at 2727-2733 Baronne St. (Cal. 35,416), a conditional use for a community center at 2134-2138 Third St. (Cal. 35,417), a conditional use for a hotel at 716 Iberville St. (Cal. 35,418), an increase in rabies vaccination license tag fees with hardship waivers (Cal. 35,419), and a transfer of parking and towing enforcement from Public Works to Police (Cal. 35,425). Discussion Items - HDLC Appeal – 7309 Freret Street (Demolition): Council held a hearing and adopted Motion M-26-188 (5-0, with 2 absent) to deny the demolition challenge and approve the demolition request. The competing motion M-26-189 was withdrawn. - HDLC Appeal – 1128-30 Lowerline Street (Demolition): After a hearing, Council adopted Motion M-26-192 (5-0) to modify the HDLC decision, requiring the applicant to obtain an approved building permit in substantial conformance with attached plans before demolition. - HDLC Appeal – 934 Port Street (Stucco retention): Hearing held; Council adopted Motion M-26-181 (6-0) granting the appeal and modifying the HDLC decision to require stucco and masonry remediation, with work allowed to be phased and completed by May 7, 2031. - HDLC Appeal – 823-825 Atlantic Avenue (Ridge tiles): Hearing held; Council adopted Motion M-26-182 (6-0) reversing the HDLC denial and granting the applicant’s request. - HDLC Appeal – 4308-4310 N. Rampart Street (Windows): Hearing held; Council adopted Motion M-26-184 (6-0) modifying the HDLC decision to remove the proviso requiring full screens and permitting retention of half screens as installed. - Demolition Application – 1300 Frenchmen St. / 2035 Urquhart St.: Hearing held; Council adopted Motion M-26-180 (5-0, with 2 absent) approving the demolition request by Ovella Enterprises, LLC. - Zoning Docket 34/26 – Behrman Mixed-Use Integrity Overlay District: Hearing held; Council adopted Motion M-26-185 (6-0) approving the City Planning Commission’s recommendation to establish a new overlay district ensuring non-residential uses in multi-family developments within the specified S-MU and MU-1 districts. - Zoning Docket 35/26 – Behrman Mixed-Use Integrity Interim Zoning District: Hearing held; Council adopted Motion M-26-186 (6-0) approving an interim zoning district that temporarily prohibits multi-family dwellings lacking at least 50% ground-floor non-residential uses in the same area. - Orleans Parish School Board Litigation Settlement: Council adopted Resolution R-26-187 (6-0) as amended, approving in principle a settlement including a 1.5% sales tax collection fee, a one-time $6 million payment to the School Board, and annual payments of $2 million for 15 years starting in 2027, along with provisions related to the Caesars New Orleans lease. - New Orleans Building Corporation (NOBC) Lease Rights Sale: Ordinance Cal. 35,426 was adopted as amended (6-0), authorizing NOBC to sell its right to receive payments under the Jazz Casino Company lease to a purchaser financed by TPG Angelo Gordon for a minimum purchase price of $100 million. An amendment clarified that any use of proceeds must be authorized by ordinance. - Cooperative Endeavor with Friends of InspireNOLA: Ordinance Cal. 35,427 adopted (6-0) authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for public parks and recreation. - Lake Willow Subdivision Improvement District Election: Resolution R-26-176 adopted (6-0) calling an election for November 3, 2026. - Adaptive Reuse Zoning Text Amendment: Motion M-26-177 adopted (6-0) directing the City Planning Commission to consider allowing new structures as part of adaptive reuse in planned developments. - Durr Heavy Construction Contract Amendments: Motions M-26-178 and M-26-179 adopted (6-0 each) adding the Council President as a signatory to fourth amendments for emergency and non-emergency demolition contracts. - Certifying Officer Designation: Resolution R-26-190 adopted (6-0) designating Jeffrey Schwartz as a certifying officer for CDBG-Disaster Recovery and Mitigation funds. - Delta New Orleans Gas Hedging Authorization: Resolution R-26-191 adopted (6-0) authorizing the company to hedge a portion of its 2026-2027 winter heating season natural gas requirements. - Tulane University Scholarships: Resolution R-26-193 adopted (6-0) confirming Mayor Helena Moreno’s scholarship appointments for ten students across all council districts. - Ordinances on First Reading: Council suspended the rules to introduce 19 new ordinances (Cal. 35,428 through 35,446), which were all adopted on first reading. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda adopted (5-0). - Minutes of April 9 and April 23, 2026 approved (5-0). - Deferrals granted for: Restoration Tax Abatement applications (4417 Dryades St., 1401 Delachaise St., 1419-1421 Dauphine St.) to future meetings; HDLC appeals (1413 Columbus St., 6309-6311 S. Claiborne Ave., 6307-6309 S. Miro St., 3100 Calhoun St.) to dates in May/June; short-term rental appeals (1038 Elysian Fields Ave.) to December 17, 2026; and seven other legislative items (short-term rental regulations, sanitation budget and fees, and zoning dockets) to May 21, 2026. - Withdrawal: HDLC appeal for 2745 Banks Street was withdrawn. - Notable unanimous approvals (6-0 or 5-0): All motions, ordinances, and resolutions listed above were adopted without opposition. Special Orders of Business - The Council recognized the 130th anniversary of Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana; Voris Vigee, President and CEO, appeared and highlighted the organization’s impacts and future vision.