Public Meetings - New Orleans, Louisiana

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board convened on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 1:13 PM. Four members were present, constituting a quorum. The meeting addressed an ABO appeal dismissal due to non-appearance and ratified the outcomes of the July 29, 2026 Sales Tax Hearing, including multiple consent judgments and continuations. Consent Calendar - The board ratified the July 29, 2026 Sales Tax Hearing results, which included dismissals, consent judgments, and continuations for various businesses (e.g., Bay U Restaurant dismissed as closed; Cornet dismissed as fees paid; Whiskey and Sticks $1,200 consent judgment; The Blue Flamingo Sports Bar and Grill $400 judgment; Pink Lotus $500 consent judgment; Patio 17 continued; Nola Lux $100 judgment; Avenue Mart $2,200 consent judgment; Tony's Historic Parakeet Bar and Lounge continued; The Allen continued; Curio continued; Quickies Discount $4,200 consent judgment; The Maid Stone of New Orleans $1,300 judgment; Bywater American Bistro continued; The Spot Bar and Hookah Lounge continued; Concrete Cowboy $1,600 consent judgment, etc.). Discussion Items - ABO Appeal - Newton Corner Mart: A motion was made to dismiss the appeal from Anh Phan, owner of Newton Corner Mart (1600 Newton Street), requesting a waiver of property tax requirement for ABO license renewal. The board noted this was the second time the case was scheduled and the appellant failed to appear. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - The ABO appeal from Newton Corner Mart was dismissed due to the appellant's repeated failure to appear. - The Sales Tax Hearing results for July 29, 2026 were ratified, imposing fines and continuations as listed. - The meeting adjourned at 1:24 PM.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board of the City of New Orleans held its sales tax hearing on July 29, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. (originally scheduled for 10:00 a.m.) with Hearing Officer Mollie Ponds presiding. The board addressed 28 cases involving delinquent alcohol beverage permits, occupational licenses, and unpaid sales taxes. Decisions included dismissals, consent judgments, board-ordered fines, and continuances to the next hearing on August 24, 2026.

The New Orleans City Planning Commission met on July 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers. The agenda included adoption of prior meeting minutes, a planned development for a monastery adaptive reuse, a text amendment for data center regulations, and subdivision ratifications. The meeting lasted approximately until the conclusion of all items, with votes on all actions. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Minutes: The minutes of the July 14, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (5-0) by a hand vote. - Subdivision Ratifications: The Commission ratified the staff's determination that a list of minor subdivisions could be reviewed and approved administratively. Approved unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Zoning Docket 073/26 (Monastery Adaptive Reuse): Ron Lazell, representative of the project team, spoke in support. He noted extensive collaboration with neighbors, CPC staff, and the council office, and asked the Commission to clarify the exceptions and proviso before voting. - Zoning Docket 036/26 (Data Center Text Amendment): Jesse George, on behalf of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, expressed full support for the prohibition on hyperscale data centers, calling it an important step to protect ratepayers and citizens. He also thanked staff for incorporating the Alliance's recommendations. Discussion Items - Zoning Docket 073/26 – Franciscan Poor Clares Monastery (720 Henry Clay Avenue): Staff presented a planned development request to adaptively reuse the historic monastery into 24 residential units (8 per building) with a central publicly accessible courtyard. The proposal required three exceptions: (1) reduction in off-street parking from 65 to 61 spaces, (2) waiver of the required off-street loading space, and (3) height exception from 35 feet to 49 feet. A proviso required final development plan approval and recording within one year. No opposition was heard. The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the request with the exceptions and proviso. - Zoning Docket 036/26 – Data Center Text Amendment: Staff recommended a text amendment to define and regulate data centers by four tiers (accessory, small, medium, large/hyperscale) based on square footage and power consumption. Large/hyperscale (over 100,000 sq ft or 20 MW) would be prohibited citywide. Small and medium data centers would be conditionally permitted in certain commercial, industrial, and CBD districts, with a 500-foot setback from residential zones and other use standards. However, staff discovered a noticing error: the public notice described an interim zoning district instead of the proposed text amendment. To avoid procedural challenge, staff recommended deferral. Commissioner discussion noted the complexity of the issue and the thoroughness of the report. The Commission voted unanimously (5-0) to defer the item to the August 25, 2026 meeting. Key Outcomes - Zoning Docket 073/26: Approved (5-0), subject to three exceptions and one proviso as read by staff. - Zoning Docket 036/26: Deferred (5-0) to the August 25, 2026 CPC meeting due to a noticing error. The public hearing was opened, testimony received, and then closed. The item will be reheard in full at the deferred date. - Consent Items: Both the minutes adoption and subdivision ratifications passed unanimously (5-0).

On July 27, 2026, the New Orleans City Council's Criminal Justice Committee met to examine the relationship between poverty, economic instability, and crime. The meeting featured a presentation from Tulane University students and a professor, followed by public testimony from youth members of the ALAS organization. Councilmembers discussed policy options and the need for integrated approaches. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Motion by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Harris. Public Comments & Testimony - Lisa Rhodes (Founder/Executive Director, ALAS): Introduced youth from ALAS, an organization serving young people aged 14–24 who have faced immigration or criminal courts. She called for funding to be diverted from policing and incarceration toward organizations supporting opportunity youth and workforce creation. - Ribas (age 17, student): Described being robbed at gunpoint outside a dollar store, linking the incident to poverty and lack of money for basic needs. She stated that when people lack jobs or opportunities, they may resort to theft or drug sales for survival. - Valerie (age 16, ALAS Fellow): Shared her uncle's story of drug addiction, stealing from family, and incarceration. She argued that financial hardship, addiction, and lack of support create a difficult cycle, and that city budget should invest in youth programs like ALAS to break generational barriers. - Legacy (age 14): Discussed how addiction can numb feelings and impact families. Invited councilmembers to ALAS's graduation and seventh birthday party on July 31. - Tyree (age 16): Stated that poverty creates difficult circumstances leading to harmful choices. He noted his brother sold drugs to provide for the family, and urged investment in neighborhoods and support for families before crises occur. Discussion Items - Tulane University Presentation: Lillian Lofton, William Kesterson, Avery Burks, Bellamy Parker, and Professor Brian Brox presented their research on the link between living wages and crimes of necessity. Key points included: - New Orleans is the fastest-shrinking metro area in the U.S., losing 39,000 residents from 2020–2024, partly due to tourism-based irregular income and rising costs. - "Crimes of necessity" defined as offenses (burglary, theft, shoplifting, fare evasion) committed out of unavoidable survival threats or lack of economic opportunity. - Since 2018, the dollar lost 30% of its value; New Orleans' workforce recovered only 10%, resulting in a 20% net loss in purchasing power. - New Orleans has one of the lowest absolute economic mobility scores in the U.S. (0.35, Z-score -1.93) and relative mobility of 0.397, showing strong income dependence on parents. - MIT living wage calculator (February 2026): $20.49/hour for an individual with no children; current city living wage is $16.01–$16.73, and federal minimum is $7.25. 32% of city employees cannot afford to live in New Orleans. - Four policy options were presented: (1) Savannah model (community policing only); (2) New Orleans living wage proposal (raise to $19.42/hour plus $2,600 annual housing allowance = $20.75/hour, costing $9.3M); (3) Providence integrated model (wage increase + social investments); (4) Washington DC model (aggressive wage indexing + precision enforcement, noting DC's property crime surge before turnaround). - Limitations: difficulty defining crime-wage causation, lack of research on crimes of necessity, city-to-city comparability, and no official way to identify survival-motivated crimes. - Councilmember Harris: Questioned whether the study examined existing New Orleans programs (e.g., youth summer program, violence interrupters, Instead program). Presenter Lillian Lofton acknowledged they had not directly studied those but were aware of them. - Councilmember Green: Noted New Orleans was close to its lowest violent crime rate since 1969 and highlighted success of data-informed community engagement. He stressed the role of law enforcement, victims' cooperation, and state law limitations on municipal minimum wage. He disagreed that carjacking is a crime of necessity, calling it a crime of opportunity. He encouraged the students to also consider victims of crime and collaborate with law enforcement. - Councilmember Morrell: Raised the challenge of funding wage increases without cutting elsewhere, referencing the "defund the police" movement as a trade-off example. He asked how the group would respond to the argument that raising minimum wage leads to layoffs. Professor Brox responded that academic literature sees such arguments as rhetorical threats rather than empirical fact, noting that higher wages can boost local demand. Morrell also questioned the lack of education investment in the presentation. Students responded that education, especially literacy and retention programs, is critical and can be improved without massive investment, citing Mississippi's stricter grade advancement policies. - Councilmember King: Praised the courage of both the Tulane students and the ALAS youth, encouraging continued work. Key Outcomes - The committee did not vote on any policy changes, but the discussion informed future considerations. - Councilmembers requested further study by the Tulane group, including: (1) integration of existing New Orleans programs, (2) exploration of funding mechanisms, (3) inclusion of education and victims' perspectives, and (4) coordination with state-level constraints. - The meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.

The New Orleans City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting was called to order by Council President JP Morrell with six members present (Councilmember Hughes arriving later). The session included a consent agenda, numerous zoning and legislative items, an executive session, and two special presentations. The meeting adjourned at 12:17 PM. Consent Calendar - Utility Communications: Received reports and filings from Entergy New Orleans, Delta Gas, and related intervenors (UD-14-01, UD-24-02, UD-26-01, UD-18-07). - Contracts & Agreements: Received and referred to committees: Community Foundation Realty energy incubator agreement; Leads Online agency agreement (NOPD); State of Louisiana CREST MOU (NOPD); Greater New Orleans Development Foundation workforce agreement; YWCA agreement; and several routine reports (S&WB storm reports for July 5, 7, and 11; OPCD budget; OIPM June report; encampment cleanup; District Attorney May report; CPC zoning dockets 47/26, 64/26, 65/26). - Ordinances Adopted: - Cal. No. 35,474 (rescind ZD 123/14 and grant planned development at 636-650 N. Broad Street) – adopted. - Cal. No. 35,475 (zoning change to HU-MU at 2819-2821 Jackson Avenue) – adopted. - Cal. No. 35,476 (zoning change to OS-N at 4235-4237 Touro Street) – adopted. - Cal. No. 35,484 & 35,485 (appropriation of Housing Bond Funds for FY24/25 projects) – adopted. - Motion M-26-293 (adding Council President as signatory to OpenGov contract amendment) – adopted. - Motion to Adopt Consent Agenda: Moved by Councilmember Willard, seconded by Harris; adopted 6-0 (Hughes absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Joe Morales (owner of 139 Broadway Street): Expressed full support for Zoning Docket 61/26, noting the property has operated as a neighborhood business for over a century and that the two adjacent property owners submitted letters of support. - Susan Johnson (2822 LaPage Street, not paid): Expressed opposition to cannabis-related zoning changes, citing disturbances at a location on South Carleton and arguing the 750-foot distancing recommendation from the City Planning Commission should be enforced. She noted an ongoing lawsuit. - Russell Blanchard (811 Opelousas Avenue): Thanked the Council and community for support of the Algiers park project (Cal. No. 35,479), describing a decade-long effort to create a green space for children. He recognized numerous city staff and community members. - Rochelle Julik (Director of Strategic Property Initiatives, OCD): Thanked the Council, Mayor, and the Confetti Kids Board for their patience and persistence in bringing the Algiers park to development. Discussion Items - HDLC Appeals: - Item 1 (2663 Iberville Street): Appeal was withdrawn at the applicant's request. - Item 2-3 (510 Race Street): HDLC staff recommended denial due to moisture intrusion and masonry deterioration. Councilmember Harris moved to affirm the HDLC decision; motion adopted 6-0. - Item 4-5 (1510 Religious Street): Similar denial for deteriorated masonry, stucco, entry gates, and inappropriate uplighting. Councilmember Harris moved to affirm; adopted 5-0. - Zoning Docket 42/26 – Affordable Housing Definition Amendment: The City Planning Commission (CPC) recommended approval. The amendment expands "small multi-family affordable dwelling" to include permanently affordable for-sale housing operated by nonprofit community land trusts. Councilmember Harris moved to approve; adopted 5-0. - Zoning Docket 49/26 – Vocational Educational Facility: CPC recommended approval subject to two provisos. Councilmember Hughes moved approval; adopted 6-0. No opposition. - Zoning Docket 61/26 – Neighborhood Commercial Establishment (139 Broadway Street): CPC recommended approval subject to three provisos. Joe Morales spoke in support. Councilmember McCarron moved approval; adopted 5-0. - Commercial Short-Term Rentals (Boathouses 84 and 85): Councilmember McCarron moved adoption of Cal. No. 35,472 and 35,473. Both passed 5-1, with Council President Morrell voting nay. - Cal. No. 35,478 – Wireless Franchise to VERTA: Councilmember Morrell moved approval; adopted 6-0. - Cal. No. 35,483 – Continued Use of BRASS System by Clerk of Court: Councilmember Morrell explained the ordinance requires the Clerk of Court to use the city’s enterprise resource planning system (BRASS) for funding previously allocated to the clerk of criminal court. Adopted 6-0. - Cal. No. 35,491 – Carnival Regulations: Councilmember Morrell detailed the ordinance: changes to parade start times (cost savings), requiring crews to submit marching band names, limiting vehicular marching groups to three per parade, banning glass throws and smoking on floats, creating misdemeanors/civil fines for violations, and allowing branded personal items via an amendment. The amendment was adopted 7-0, and the main ordinance as amended was adopted 7-0. - Cal. No. 35,492 – Mercy Partners CEA Waiver: Councilmember Harris moved adoption, noting the city contributes about 10% of project costs for water retention infrastructure at the former Lindy Boggs Medical Center, and the waiver of Section 70-12 is in the city’s best interest. Adopted 7-0. - Cal. No. 35,500 – Safe Streets Program Amendment: Councilmember Green moved approval, stating the amendment merges Safe Streets Research Consulting into Fehr & Peers with no fiscal impact. Adopted 7-0. - Cal. No. 35,503 – Monticello Canal Culverts CEA: Councilmember McCarron moved adoption, authorizing the mayor to sign a CEA with S&WB using state capital outlay funds. Adopted 7-0. - Motion M-26-272 – Cannabis, Tobacco, and Nicotine Study: Councilmember McCarron moved to direct CPC to hold a public hearing on amendments based on the recent study. Susan Johnson spoke in opposition. Adopted 6-0. - Cal. No. 35,479 – NORA Property Exchange for Algiers Park: Councilmember King moved adoption. Speakers Russell Blanchard and Rochelle Julik expressed support. The ordinance authorizes acquisition of several properties from NORA and transfer of a city property to create a park in Algiers. Adopted 7-0. - Cal. No. 35,477 – Crescent City Connection Bridge Lighting Fund: Councilmember King moved adoption, establishing a fee structure for decorative lighting programming to generate maintenance revenue. Adopted 7-0. - Motion M-26-284 – Fence/Wall Regulations (Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks): Councilmember Morrell moved to direct CPC to consider adding these neighborhoods to Section 21.6.N.2.a and deleting Section 21.6.N.4. Councilmember Harris expressed support. Adopted 7-0. - Motion M-26-285 – Hurricane Katrina Anniversary Recognition: Councilmember Morrell moved adoption; all members added as co-authors. Adopted 7-0. - Appointments to Delgado Albania Plantation Commission: - M-26-287 (Damien Lebouef) – adopted 7-0. - M-26-288 (Michael Kerrigan) – adopted 7-0. - M-26-289 (Charley Richard reappointment) – adopted 7-0. - Motion M-26-294 – Community Foundation Realty Signatory: After suspending Rule 57 (unanimous), Councilmember King moved to authorize the Council President to sign the subrecipient agreement. Adopted 7-0. - Motion M-26-295 – Barrasso Usdin Contract Amendments: Councilmember Morrell moved to authorize extensions and compensation increases ($65,000 for one agreement, $275,000 for another) to continue legal representation, notably in Wisner heir litigation. Councilmember Green expressed reservations about compensation increases while council staff remain furloughed but acknowledged necessity. Adopted 7-0. - Executive Session: Held to discuss three pending lawsuits (Stanton Square LLC, Granaio LLC, and John Johnson et al.). Motion to enter adopted 7-0; reconvened with 5 members. - Ordinances on First Reading: Calendar Numbers 35,504 through 35,524 were introduced and laid over, including several servitude agreements, a conditional use for a reception facility, a commercial short-term rental, sign regulations, a zoning change for a restaurant, S&WB governance amendments, capital budget amendments, drone reporting, and a percent-for-art dedication. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 6-0. - HDLC Decisions Affirmed: 510 Race Street (6-0) and 1510 Religious Street (5-0). - Affordable Housing Definition Expanded: ZD 42/26 approved 5-0. - Vocational Educational Facility Approved: ZD 49/26 approved 6-0. - Neighborhood Commercial Use Approved: ZD 61/26 at 139 Broadway approved 5-0. - Boathouse STRs Approved: Cal. No. 35,472 and 35,473 each passed 5-1 (Morrell nay). - Carnival Regulations Reformed: Cal. No. 35,491 adopted as amended 7-0. - Bridge Lighting Fund Established: Cal. No. 35,477 adopted 7-0. - Algiers Park Land Exchange Approved: Cal. No. 35,479 adopted 7-0. - Cannabis Study Referred to CPC: M-26-272 adopted 6-0. - Legal Contracts Extended: M-26-295 adopted 7-0, with Councilmember Green noting the challenge of staff furloughs. - Deferrals: Over a dozen items were deferred to the August 6, 2026 meeting, including short-term rental regulations, sanitation fee reform, certain zoning dockets (50/26, 58/26, 60/26, 62/26, 63/26), classified pay plans, community solar resolution, and others. - Special Presentations: Recognized the 160th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers (9th Cavalry and 25th Infantry Regiments) and Dr. Keith Ferdinand, National Physician of the Year by the American Heart Association. Proclamations were presented.

On July 22, 2026, the New Orleans City Council convened to consider appointments to various boards and commissions and to discuss proposed amendments to the Mardi Gras ordinance. The meeting included public testimony and forwarded several items to the full council for final approval. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved minutes from the June 11 meeting. - Appointments (all approved or forwarded to full council): - Delgado Albania Plantation Commission: Michael Kerrigan and Charles Richard (reappointment) forwarded. - Industrial Development Board: Calvin Lawrence forwarded. - Fairground Citizen Advisory Committee: Andrew Ryan appointed; Mr. Nesbitt’s waiver approved. - French Quarter Management District: Michael Lowethal forwarded. - Alcohol Beverage Control Board: Craig Mitchell and Nissan Patel forwarded; Molly Pond reappointed directly. - Downtown Development District: Edwin Murray forwarded (waiver received). - New Orleans Recreation Development Commission: Kevin Kimbrough Sr. appointed directly. - City Planning Commission: Anthony Jackson forwarded. - Board of Zoning Adjustments: Miss Carlisle’s appointment withdrawn. Public Comments & Testimony - Brett Davis (Executive Director, Grounds Crew): Supported use of local, functional throws and urged caution against commercial branding. Expressed willingness to work with the council on throw regulations. - Morgan Clevinger (Rider with Zulu and FemmeFitel): Supported safety improvements, including limits on plastic beads and enforcement of no-parking rules. Raised concern about identifying out-of-town violators but commended the overall effort. - Ken Beck (Captain, Sparta Crew): Opposed the proposed route change that eliminates Sparta’s Magazine Street portion. Argued it is the crew’s favorite section and that members have already paid dues expecting that route. Sought further dialogue before a final decision. Discussion Items - Mardi Gras Ordinance Amendments: Presented by Buddy (NOPD) and Julia Zuckerman (Council staff). Key changes included: - Float rider safety: Two feet on float, safety harnesses for all riders (previously only children). - Throw regulations: Pre-approval by crews; weight limits (glass necklaces ≤220g, total throw ≤3.5 lbs); prohibition of heavy items like TVs and appliances. - Branded throws: Allows crews to approve branded food and small personal items (≤12 inches, ≤0.5 lbs) with manufacturer logos. - Alcohol: Riders may drink but cannot dispense alcohol to the crowd; glass containers prohibited (except bead necklaces). - Smoking: Extended ban to include cigars, vapes, hookahs; violators removed from parade. - Marching bands: Bands cannot stop independently while parade is moving; must stop only when floats stop. - Support vehicles: Must travel with their element without stopping. - Car clubs: Must ride two abreast; limit of three vehicular elements per parade. - Route and timing changes: Parade start times moved earlier to reduce late-night operations; consistency in formation areas; Sparta route change eliminates Magazine Street, aligning with other parades that night. - Ladder/tent enforcement: Tying ladders together, enclosing public space, open flames become misdemeanor criminal offenses; civil fines raised to $1,000 (first) and $2,000 (subsequent). Property may be confiscated. - No-parking enforcement: Formation areas cleared 4 hours before parade (previously 2 hours); towing strictly enforced. - Councilmember Hughes emphasized budget constraints and the need for crews to share costs or accept route changes to manage police overtime. - Council President noted that the route changes are driven by NOPD superintendent for safety and efficiency, and the proper forum for Sparta’s concern is the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Advisory Committee meeting the following day. Key Outcomes - All board and commission appointments were approved (either directly or forwarded to the full council). - The Mardi Gras ordinance amendments were forwarded to the full council for consideration without a final vote in this committee. An amendment to the ordinance was noted but not voted on. - The meeting adjourned after handling the last item (Edwin Murray’s appointment).

The joint committee met on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. to receive presentations on Lincoln Beach restoration, hurricane preparedness, SWBNO updates, electric reliability, and to consider a resolution on the electric formula rate plan extension. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the March 18, 2026 joint committee meeting. Presentations - Lincoln Beach Restoration: Chief Sustainability Officer Meagan Williams provided an update on the Lincoln Beach restoration project. - Hurricane Preparedness: Representatives from Entergy New Orleans (ENO) and the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans presented on hurricane preparedness strategies, including lessons learned from Tropical Storm Arthur and results of the third-party review of frequency changer settings. - SWBNO Updates: SWBNO representatives provided updates on the Morrison Road water main repair, the Florida Avenue Bridge, and the July 11 flood event. - Electric System Distribution Reliability: ENO presented on recent outages, including the transmission failure in the French Quarter and outages in North Kenilworth and New Orleans East. The committee considered a resolution to review and revise Electric System Distribution Reliability Standards (UD-17-04). Resolution - Formula Rate Plan Extension: The committee considered a resolution on ENO’s motion to extend the electric formula rate plan rider. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were recorded in the available source material. The transcript for this meeting was not provided; this summary is based solely on the agenda.

The joint meeting of the Utility, Cable, Telecommunication, and Technology Committee and the Public Works, Sanitation, and Environment Committee convened on July 22, 2026. The meeting covered updates on Lincoln Beach restoration, hurricane preparedness and reliability reports from Entergy New Orleans, a review of the July 11 flooding incident by the Sewerage and Water Board (S&WB), and two resolutions regarding electric reliability standards and a rate plan extension. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the March 18, 2026 joint meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Ed Parker requested a meeting with Chief Sustainability Officer Megan Williams to discuss community matters related to Lincoln Beach; coordination was initiated. - Eva Washington (online) expressed appreciation for Entergy's community support, including a payment center in New Orleans East and school supply donations. - William Stout (Executive Director, Rebuilding Together New Orleans) spoke in support of Entergy, citing their long-term investment in critical home repairs for low-income homeowners. - An anonymous online comment thanked Entergy for its partnership with Einstein Charter Schools. Discussion Items Lincoln Beach Restoration Update (Agenda Item 3) - Chief Sustainability Officer Megan Williams presented the Phase 1 status. The project uses a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) approach with three construction packages: parking lot, bridge/tunnel/utilities, and beach/shoreline restoration. The 90% design for the parking lot and 60% design for the bridge and utilities have been received. All previously communicated funding (congressional, bond, and grant) remains in the budget and has not been reallocated. The first shovel is expected in the ground by the end of 2026, with completion targeted for fall–winter 2027, weather permitting. Councilmember Hughes commended the team's transparency and urged adherence to the schedule. Entergy Hurricane Preparedness (Agenda Item 4) - Entergy representatives (Sharonda Williams, Dan Calamari, Jessica Williams) outlined storm preparation: all-year training, incident command structure, third-party weather monitoring, damage prediction models, and pre-storm patrols of critical infrastructure. The restoration sequence prioritizes generation, transmission, then distribution, with a goal of restoring 70% of customers within a specified timeframe (depending on damage). 14 of 32 Phase 1 resilience projects have been completed, seven are under construction, and all are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. During Tropical Storm Arthur, no resilience-upgraded structures were damaged. Councilmember King requested details on lightning resilience; Entergy noted that direct strikes can still cause failures but design standards include insulation levels. Councilmember Willard asked about the rate of return on storm recovery costs; Entergy will provide the information. Customer communication plans include pre-storm outreach, 72-hour and 24-hour check-ins, and post-storm updates via NOLA Ready, text, and social media. Entergy Reliability – French Quarter and North Kenilworth (Agenda Item 6) - Entergy CEO Deanna Rodriguez and team provided updates on the French Quarter underground fire incident and repeated outages in North Kenilworth. For the French Quarter: two end-to-end vault inspections are performed annually, and new transformers will include real-time monitoring for pump operation, oil temperature, and pressure. For North Kenilworth: 30,000 feet of conduit and new cable have been installed; the project is 94% complete. Councilmember Hughes criticized Entergy for not acting on its own outage data sooner, emphasizing the health impacts on elderly constituents. Entergy apologized, acknowledged they should have responded earlier based on repeated small outages, and committed to a customer-outage-based approach rather than only equipment-based triggers. Customer communication included door hangers, a dedicated hotline, and a project website. Multiple council members thanked the linemen and field crews for their work under extreme conditions. Sewerage and Water Board – July 11 Flooding and Infrastructure Issues - S&WB officials addressed the July 11 flood event. At DPS 7, operator confusion and communication delays led to a late start in pumping, contributing to flooding. The operator is being retrained and procedures simplified with visual cues. At the unmanned Pritchard station, an automatic pump went offline due to a power surge (likely lightning); it took 75 minutes to restart. S&WB is adding notification systems for pump status. Catch basin cleaning has been slower than the previous year (2,506 basins cleaned, 3.5 million pounds of debris removed, vs. 4,320 basins and 10.6 million pounds by this time in 2025). Councilmember McCarron pressed for improved workforce development and higher pay for pump operators. Councilmember Harris recommended screens on catch basins to reduce debris ingress. S&WB acknowledged an aging workforce and plans to partner with trade schools. Use of retired employees is limited by civil service rules to 17.5 hours per week; Councilmember Green suggested exploring changes to allow more experienced retirees during emergencies. Static Frequency Controller (SFC) and Substation Issues - A consultant report noted that the SFC's under-voltage trip was set to trip instantaneously at a 20% voltage drop, which is uncommon and contributed to reliability issues. S&WB has lowered the setting to allow a 72% voltage drop but the instantaneous trip remains because the manufacturer has not provided a time-delay option. S&WB is working with Entergy and MISO on parallel operation to reduce voltage sags. Council President Morel questioned why S&WB did not account for Entergy's known frequency variations when designing the plant, noting that Entergy publishes voltage variance standards for commercial customers. He urged S&WB to consider litigation if the manufacturer is at fault. Resolutions (Agenda Items 7 and 8) - Resolution on Reliability Standards: Sets a procedural schedule to revise reliability standards established in Docket UD 17-04, reexamine the 2018 Quant report, and require Entergy to report feeder-level performance using IEEE standards (including major event days). An amendment was added directing Entergy to include such analysis in its annual compliance filing and resubmit the 2025 reliability report. The amended resolution was approved and sent to the full council for the August 6 meeting. - Resolution on Entergy Electric Formula Rate Plan Extension: Establishes a procedural schedule to consider Entergy's motion for extending the electric formula rate plan rider. Approved and sent to the full council. Key Outcomes - Minutes from March 18, 2026, approved. - Lincoln Beach Phase 1 on schedule and fully funded; construction begins end of 2026, completion by end of 2027. - Entergy to provide data on storm recovery cost return rate and to implement feeder-level reporting as amended in the reliability resolution. - Entergy will continue underground cable replacement in North Kenilworth and install monitoring technology in new French Quarter transformers. - S&WB will increase staffing at pump stations during storm events, improve automatic pump off-line notifications, and explore workforce development partnerships. - The Static Frequency Controller issue is under investigation with the manufacturer; S&WB will evaluate potential legal action. - Two resolutions (reliability standards and rate plan extension) approved for consideration by the full council on August 6, 2026.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting, so no substantive discussion, decisions, or public comments can be summarized. The meeting was scheduled to convene at 09:30 UTC on July 22, 2026.