District A News 2014 February

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District A News

February  2014
 
 PJ’s Coffee Grand Opening /Canal Blvd.

New Partners for Smart Growth Conference

 

I am honored to have been invited to participate in the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Denver this February.  I will be a panelist for the “Livable Communities Council: Engaging Volunteers to Empower Communities” session, where we will look at how governments and neighborhoods can work together to improve the quality of life for the residents of their communities.  

 

My panel will specifically focus on the incredible work that is being done in the Hollygrove neighborhood here in New Orleans.  I will be joined by Earl Williams, Chief Financial Officer for Trinity Christian Community and a Hollygrove resident, and Lynn Maloney-Mujica, Senior Planner for ARCADIS.  The panel will be moderated by Jason Tudor, Director of Outreach for AARP Louisiana.

 

Hollygrove is actually the first community that AARP ever chose to work in at the community level.  This initiative has been so successful that AARP has now adopted this as their national model.

 

 As a Councilmember, I have partnered with AARP and the Hollygrove community to assist that neighborhood with their recovery.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share this experience with other civic leaders from around the country.

 

For more information please visit their website at

newpartners.org.

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Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Grant Program
Wells Fargo will be providing $4 million in down payment assistance grants to eligible New Orleans homebuyers as part of its nationwide NeighborhoodLIFT program. The New Orleans NeighborhoodLIFT initiative, being launched in partnership with NeighborWorks America, the Hope Enterprise Corporation, and the City’s soft-second mortgage assistance program, will provide $15,000 grants for up to 200 New Orleans homebuyers.The program is open to homebuyers whose annual income does not exceed 120% of the area median income ($70,550 for a family of four). Grant recipients must also qualify for a first mortgage or HUD-insured purchase renovation loan from a qualified lender, and commit to live in the home for at least 5 years. They must also attend an 8-hr homebuyer seminar hosted by Hope Enterprise Corporation or another HUD-approved organization.
For more information on the program, please visit www.neighborhoodlift.com or call (866) 858-2151.

Thanks For the Support

I want to thank everyone who has supported me over the last four years.  Serving as your Council representative has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life and I am honored to have the opportunity to do so again.  I will continue working hard in my second term to help make District A and our entire city a better place to live, work, and raise a family. 
                                   

Dear Residents and Friends of District A,
 

2013 was a big year for new businesses big and small in District A. I’m so proud of all the extensive retail growth on Magazine Street, Oak Street, Harrison Ave. and all along Carrollton.  I look forward to attending many more groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings in 2014.

 

Here’s a list of other new businesses that I’m proud to welcome to District A:

 

Mid-City Market* Costco* Mellow Mushroom* Brisbi’s on the Lakefront* The Pearl on Harrison Ave.* C&S Dental on Canal Blvd.* The Blue Crab and Oyster Bar* Mizado Cocina* Cindy’s Nail Salon* Catholic Center at Tulane* Pearl Wine Bar* ArtSpace Nola* Walgreens on Magazine St* New Basin Canal Light House

 

I’m also thrilled to announce that the long-awaited Carrollton Hollygrove Senior Center has finally been submitted to FEMA as an At-Cost Replacement Project, with improvements.  The center will be a beautiful two-story, 12,532-square-foot building with a covered patio.  Warton-Smith Construction was the low-bidder and the contract is awaiting the Mayor’s signature.  Construction is expected to take 10-12 months.

 

Although the Broad Street Whole Foods is not in District A, I am still very excited about them joining the Mid-City neighborhood. They opened February 4 with a “bread breaking” event at before officially opening their doors to the public.

 

Whole Foods will anchor the ReFresh Project, a 60,000-square-foot development that aims to stimulate growth on the Broad Street commercial corridor and to improve access to fresh, high-quality food and health-related programs in the community.

 

Other tenants/partners include Liberty’s Kitchen, Tulane University’s Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, Broad Community Connections and Firstline Schools.

Help For Local Businesses
Our local Mid-City businesses need your love and attention! Banks Street is being repaved from Carrollton Avenue to S. Anthony. The paving began on November 2nd and is scheduled to be finished in March. The nearby businesses at Banks St. and S. Alexander have endured a 40% drop in sales as a result of the street obstructions.Please make a special effort to visit and support these businesses and encourage friends and neighbors to stop by to help keep these Banks Street merchants open for business!Banks St. Bar and Grill: (4401 Banks St.; 504.486.0258) Open from 4pm -’til. Visit their website at http://www.banksstreetbarandgrill.com/.Banks Street Service Station: (4338 Banks St.; 504.484.7484) For all your basic auto repair needs.

Biscuit and Buns:(4337 Banks St.; 504.273.4600 ) Open Tuesday-Sunday and serves breakfast and brunch. Visit them at facebook.com/biscuitsandbunsonbanks.

Crescent City Sausage and Pie Co.: (4400 Banks St.; 504. 486. 2426) Open daily for lunch and dinner and Sunday for brunch. Visit their website at http://crescentpieandsausage.com/. Call now to reserve for the 4 course New Year’s Eve Beer Dinner with LA 31! Check out the menu at https://www.facebook.com/CrescentPieandSausageCo.

Loose Endz: (4339 Banks St.; 504.376.3417) A neighborhood barber and beauty shop opened in March 2011 at the corner of Banks and S. Alexander streets.

Mid-City Pizza: (4413 Banks St.; 504.483.8609) Open daily from 4:30 to midnight, they offer homemade sauces and dough, and they’re directly adjacent to Banks St Bar and Grill. Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mid-City-Pizza.

Wakin’ Bakin’: (4408 Banks St.; 504.252.0343) Open for breakfast and brunch daily except on Tuesday. And they deliver! Visit https://www.facebook.com/WakinBakinNOLA for more info.

Zito’s Plating and Polishing: (4421 Banks St.; 504.482.5771) Specializes in all metal finishes, rewiring and polishing. All work is done in house. Visit their Facebook page for business hours.

 
 
Riverbend, Maple and Oak Merchants

We also can’t forget about our businesses along the St. Charles Ave. streetcar line. Maintenance work has impacted Riverbend, Maple Street and Oak Street merchants. Please show your support for these businesses and tell everyone you know “to continue along the line to the Riverbend area!”
https://www.facebook.com/RiverbendNewOrleans.

 

Thursday, February 6, 2014 – New Orleans, LA – At today’s regular City Council Meeting, the Council reviewed progress relative to legislation to delay federal flood insurance premium increases. The Council also adopted ordinances which appropriate funds to support the New Orleans Police Department community policing and youth programs.


In other business, the Council celebrated the 30th birthday of the Windsor Court Hotel and passed a resolution proclaiming February 12, 2014 “Windsor Court Day.” The Council also received a presentation from the New Orleans Health Department on the importance of breast feeding.   

GNOfloodDiscussed GNO, Inc. Progress on Improvements
to Flood Insurance Options
Greater New Orleans, Inc. President
and CEO Michael Hecht
Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.), appeared before the Council to give a presentation on the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance’s (CSFI) progress relative to legislation to delay dramatic federal flood insurance premium increases.Specifically, Hecht commended the United States Senate for the bi-partisan supermajority passage of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act last week. This Act would delay premium increases for approximately four years, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), to complete an affordability study.

The premium increases were created under the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 in an effort to improve the NFIP’s financial solvency. In addition to the Biggert-Waters Act, incomplete FEMA flood maps and inaccurate actuarial calculations have led to the drastic premium increases, according to CSFI.

Formed in May 2013 by GNO, Inc., CSFI is committed to the development of a sustainable, fiscally responsible NFIP that protects businesses and homeowners. CSFI represents 200 business and civic associations and local governments in 27 states across the country. GNO, Inc. is an economic development alliance dedicated to serving the 10-parish region of Southeast Louisiana.

District “C” Councilmember Gisleson Palmer said, “It is our responsibility as a city, as a region, and as a state to be a leader on this issue. We need to develop a program that is fiscally responsible, sustainable, and equitable – one that will garner local, regional and national buy-in and support. I have been impressed by the quality of leadership and teamwork thus far and I look forward to Louisiana continuing to be a thought leader on this national issue.”
Council President Clarkson said, “We appreciate GNO Inc. and Michael Hecht taking the lead on this. This is very critical to the retention of our citizens who suffered so much after Katrina and is critical to the future of homeownership in New Orleans.”

NOPDfundAppropriated Funds to Support NOPD Community
Policing and Youth Programs
 

The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 29,915, Ordinance Calendar No. 29,916, Ordinance Calendar No. 29,917, and Ordinance Calendar No. 29,918, to amend the City’s Operating Budget of Revenues (Ordinance No. 25,580 M.C.S.) and Operating Budget of Expenditures (Ordinance No. 25,581 M.C.S.) to appropriate Federal Grant funds from Intergovernmental Transfers to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).

Specifically, Ordinance Calendar No. 29,915 and Ordinance Calendar No. 29,916 appropriate funds for the extension of the “COPS Hiring Program” grant. The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) is an office of the U.S. Department of Justice dedicated to advancing the practice of community policing in America’s law enforcement agencies through information sharing and the awarding of grants to police departments across the country. The COPS Hiring Program grant funds will be used to hire new officers, and rehire officers laid off or scheduled to be laid off as a result of budget reductions.

Ordinance Calendar No. 29,917, and Ordinance Calendar No. 29,918

appropriate funds for the NOPD D.A.R.E. Program. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program focuses on teaching children how to make responsible decisions about drugs, violence, bullying, and peer pressure.
Council President Clarkson said, “We appreciate the help these grants provide so that we may continue to put more police on our streets and provide better education on the dangers of drug abuse.”

WindsorHotelCelebrated Windsor Court Hotel’s 30th Birthday 

Windsor Court Hotel Director of Sales & Marketing Megan Uram
and Windsor Court Hotel General Manager David Teich
with Councilmembers Cantrell and Gray

Windsor Court Hotel General Manager David Teich and Director of Sales and Marketing Megan Uram appeared before the Council to celebrate the 30th birthday of the Windsor Court Hotel. The Council also passed Resolution R-14-29, authored by Councilmember Cantrell, officially proclaiming February 12, 2014 “Windsor Court Day” in New Orleans.

The Windsor Court Hotel was opened by local businessman James J. Coleman, Jr. on February 12, 1984, a date specifically selected to coincide with the upcoming World’s Fair. Playing host to Presidents, Dignitaries, and celebrities, the hotel was voted #1 hotel in the world in 1998. The hotel recently underwent a $22 million restoration in 2012.

District “B” Councilmember Cantrell said, “One of the first hotels to reopen following Hurricane Katrina, the Windsor Court has always represented the epitome of New Orleans hospitality. We look forward to the Windsor Court continuing its historic tradition as a luxury hotel for locals and tourists alike for many years to come.”

BreastFeedingReceived Presentation on Improving Breast
Feeding Rate in Louisiana 

Director of the New Orleans
Health Department
Charlotte Parent

Charlotte Parent, Director of the New Orleans Health Department, appeared before the Council to discuss the department’s efforts to improve the breast feeding rate in Louisiana.

Parent emphasized the importance of informing new mothers of the many short- and long-term health benefits of breast feeding. Specifically, the New Orleans Health Department is working to socialize breast feeding in its clinics. Approximately 53% of Louisiana infants are ever breastfed, compared with 77% nationally, leading to Louisiana ranking 44th in the nation for the percentage of infants who are ever breastfed.
Council President Clarkson said, “It is phenomenal that our Health Department is not only taking the lead on encouraging mothers to breast feed their babies, but also educating women on the benefits and how-to of breast feeding. Breast feeding is critical for mothers to bond with their infants and medically essential to build immunities. This Council stands prepared to help make this work!”

New Orleans City Council District A News

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 Project NOLA                

Project NOLA received a $10,000 grant from the Westway Group, LLC – a leading provider of bulk liquid storage for agricultural products, oils, and chemicals across the globe – to install 40 crime cameras in the Leonidas neighborhood of New Orleans. Once installed, these cameras will become part of Project NOLA’s growing citywide network of high-definition crime cameras.
I am delighted for the Leonidas area residents. As Chair of the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee, I have been a big supporter of Project NOLA’s work, and have assisted other communities in my district with obtaining crime cameras through Project NOLA. These forty cameras will drastically increase security in the vibrant Leonidas neighborhood. My sincerest thanks go out to the Westway Group for their generous donation and to Project NOLA for its commitment to public safety.

 Sanitation Changes

 

The city estimates it lost $1.3 million this year to property owners who didn’t pay for trash pick-up.  The council recently voted to authorize the Sewerage & Water Board to shut off water service to properties not paying the sanitation fees.

 

A $24 sanitation fee appears on property owners’ S&WB bills each month. The Council passed amendments that would ensure property owners in danger of having their water shut off are mailed notices and given enough time to get on a payment plan.

 

The City will begin an education campaign before enforcement of the sanitation fees begins in Spring 2014.  A reduced sanitation rate of $10 is available for low-income, elderly or disabled residents.  To be eligible, residents must be 65 years or older and meet low income household income standards established by HUD.  For more information and to sign up, residents can call 3-1-1. According to the S&WB, about 1,400 residents are involved in the program.

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Oaks on the Bayou
I was glad to be part of the “Restore the Bayou Canopy Campaign” tree planting ceremony on Bayou St. John. On Saturday, November 16th, we celebrated the planting along the Bayou of one 300-gallon live oak and two massive 670-gallon live oaks.
 
Through the non-profit Mothership Foundation, this campaign has raised $30,000 to re-plant Oaks lost in Hurricanes Katrina and Issac. Earlier this year, the Foundation planted five new 200-gallon live oak trees.  The Foundation also brought renowned tree sculptor Martin Miller to New Orleans last year to turn an oak on the bayou that had been struck by lightning and died into a beautiful work of art we will all enjoy.

Dear Residents and Friends of District A,

Following three long weeks of intense hearings, the Council recently adopted the City’s operating budget for 2014.  As the Chair of the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee, I feel that it is critical for the City to continue using the budget as a means for reforming our criminal justice system into one that is more effective, efficient and equitable.

Some of the top public safety priorities that we successfully addressed are the declining number of officers on our police force, reducing violence on our streets, and the projected costs of compliance for both the NOPD and OPP consent decrees.  The Council provided funding for five NOPD recruit classes, which will allow us to add up to 150 new police officers next year.  We also ensured that every NOPD officer’s salary has full funding, meaning that the department will be able to replace any officer who leaves the force during the year.  The adopted budget for NOPD consent decree compliance costs includes funding for 100 new police cars, body cameras for all officers and a court monitor.  Additionally, we provided funding for a new 2nd District Police Station.

 

The Council also supported Mayor Landrieu’s violence reduction strategy, NOLA for Life, that targets those youths in our community who are at the greatest risk of killing or being killed.  In the first full year of NOLA for Life’s implementation, the City has seen a 25-percent drop in the number of homicides.  While there are still far too many murders, this is nonetheless a promising start, and we felt that it was important to continue investing in these programs.

 

The Council held three separate budget hearings on the expected costs of the OPP consent decree.  While everyone agrees that the consent decree will result in significant additional costs to the Sheriff’s Office and City, we also heard from experts on ways to reduce spending within the jail system so that the overall financial impact of the consent decree will be minimized.  This includes reducing our pretrial jail population by investing in the City’s pretrial services program for another year. We expect that the Sheriff and Administration will work together to implement the experts’ other cost cutting recommendations as quickly as possible.

 

The 2014 budget also includes funding to help address a number of quality-of-life issues facing our residents. At my urging, the Council provided money for Traffic Engineering to hire additional staff to help improve traffic patterns and flow.  We’ve also allocated funds to establish a City-wide sign replacement program and continued funding to repair and replace streetlights, including converting many to energy-efficient LED and induction lighting.  The Council recently passed two major ordinances to improve the City’s ability to combat blight across the City, and in the budget provided Code Enforcement with funds to hire additional researchers, inspectors and hearing officers that will help return blighted properties back to commerce as quickly as possible. 

We provided funding for park and playground improvements,  including Conrad Park, Fleur de Lis Park and Willie Hall Playground in District A.

While we certainly face some significant financial challenges in the coming year, this budget continues moving us in the right direction through its focus on improving public safety and our citizens’ quality of life.

 Awards and Recognitions

 

I was honored to be recognized by the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana (JJPL) on Friday, November 15th, for my work as the Chair of the City Council Criminal Justice Committee in advocating for a fair and effective criminal justice system and advancing system reform.

On December 5th, I was also honored by Global Green USA/New Orleans  for my work  on the City’s Utility Committee and my advocacy of energy efficiency for our citizens.

I am proud to have overseen the coordination of the City’s energy efficiency programs, Energy Smart and NOLA Wise, and the merger of these programs.  These programs help residential and commercial property owners and renters save energy and energy costs and created green jobs for our citizens.

I continue to work to weave these programs into the permanent plan for our city’s energy future, the Integrated Resource Plan.

 

Councilmember Guidry is On the Job

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Dear Residents and Friends of District “A”,
My staff and I are continuing to reach out to our District “A” neighborhoods to help get out critical information during this difficult and extended time of hurricane recovery.

If you are receiving this communication from me, please share it with your neighbors who may not have access to computers and email. Please reach out and check on neighbors, particularly the elderly or those with special medical needs. The special medical needs phone number is 658-2500.

RECOVERY SUPPLIES AVAILABLE AT 6 SITES The Louisiana National Guard has now opened a total of six emergency Point of Distribution (POD) sites where critical supplies are available.

Three new locations are:
The Municipal Auditorium at 1451 Basin Street – NOTE: line up on Basin Street;
Tad Gormley Stadium in City Park at 5120 Marconi Drive; and
Old Engine 31 in Venetian Isles at 4300 Alba Road (Opening Sunday).

The three previously opened POD sites are:
5501 Read Blvd in New Orleans East near the intersection of Read and Lake Forest Blvd;
2730 Vespasian Blvd on the West Bank; and
700 Poland Avenue, the Port of Embarkation in the Bywater – NOTE: line up along Chartres Street.
POD sites are open 6 am to 8 pm, or while daylight allows, until further notice. Sites will distribute water, ice, ready-to-eat meals (MREs) and tarps. Individuals who drive up MUST remain in their vehicles to expedite the process. People without cars will be allowed to walk up to POD sites in a pedestrian lane.

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS UPDATES
Here is the most recent information my office has received from Entergy as of today, Sept. 1, at 2pm. Entergy has released a list of District A neighborhoods where they are currently working to restore the circuit/feeders. Entergy has informed us that portions of the neighborhoods listed should have lights by this evening.

COUNCIL DISTRICT | NEIGHBORHOOD | FEEDER

A | Audubon University | B0525
A | Audubon University/East Carrolton | 2013
A-B | Audubon University/Uptown | 1917
A | Audubon/East Carrolton/Leonidas-West Carrolton | 2014
A-B | Audubon/Freret/Uptown/West Riverside | 1927
A-B | Audubon/Uptown/West Riverside | 1913
A | Audubon/West Riverside | 1914
A | Audubon/Holley Grove/Leonidas-West Carrolton/Marlyville-Fountainbleu | 2016
A | City Park/Mid City/Parkview | 2011
A-D | Dillard/Filmore/St. Bernard Area-Project/St. Roch | 1703
A-C-D | Gentilly Terrace/St. Claude/St. Roch | 613
A-C-D | Marigny/7th Ward | 614

As of last night, Friday, August 31, at 9:00 p.m., Entergy reported that they have repaired feeders in neighborhoods in the areas of: Lakeview, Audubon Park between the river and Broadway, and Napoleon.

Entergy crews have worked on feeders that serve every district and District A neighborhoods are continuing to report to my office that power is coming back on. Entergy has informed us that because there was much less damage in District E, their crews have been able to get to more areas there. By comparison, because there are so many trees in District A, we have experienced much more damage and the feeders are longer with more tree issues. Repairing these feeders is a critical part of the restoration process and will facilitate Entergy’s ability to get power back to houses and businesses.

CITY COUNCIL UTILITY COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY

The City Council will hold a Utility Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 4th at 10:30 a.m. to question Entergy on its preparedness, procedures, and response.

Remember to please call 311 to report power lines down, street flooding, debris removal, or other issues. My office number is 658-1010. There is also updated emergency information and lists of open businesses and additional resources at the city’s website at: http://ready.nola.gov

Thank you all again for continuing to reach out to your neighbors.
Susan G. Guidry
New Orleans
Councilmember, District “A”
(504) 658-1010
(504) 658-1016 (fax)
[email protected]

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Dear Residents and Friends of District “A” –

My staff and I have been on duty daily since Monday working with the Mayor and other emergency responders to coordinate efforts in District “A”, to help facilitate that District “A” services will be back up and fully operational as soon as possible.

If you are in need of emergency services – please call 911. Please call 311 to report power lines down, street flooding, debris removal, or other issues. The city is using 311 reports to track areas of concern and to schedule city responses.

My staff and I will be out in the district today, our office is staffed, and we can be reached at 658-1010.

You can get a great deal of up-to-date information and also sign up for emergency alerts at the city’s emergency website at: http://ready.nola.gov
Please see the following list of non-emergency numbers that may be helpful to you:

City of New Orleans Non-Emergency Hotline: Dial 311

Entergy
1-800-ENTERGY ((800) 368-3749)
Power Outages: (800) 9OUTAGE ((800) 968-8243)

Louisiana State Police
(225) 925-6325 or *LSP from any cell phone

Louisiana State Police Road Closure Hotline
(800) 469-4828

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
(800) 621-3362

National Weather Service Forecast Office
(New Orleans/Baton Rouge) – (504) 522-7330
(Lake Charles) – (337) 477-5285

American Red Cross
1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Shelter Locator: http://www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter
Please be patient as we all continue to work together to get our city back up and operational and most importantly, stay safe.

Sincerely,
Susan G. Guidry

Community Meetings on the Budget

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The District A Community Meeting
will be held at the Lakeview Christian Center
at 5885 Fleur de Lis Drive
on Wednesday, August 22nd at 6 p.m.

Mayor Landrieu announces series of community meetings
Dear friends,

It’s that time of year again. Budget season is upon us, and I’m
asking for your help and input as we put together the 2013 budget
proposal. This year, we will host a series of community meetings in
each district as part of the Budgeting for Outcomes process. These
community meetings allow us to hear directly from you on what your
budget priorities are. We’re commited to producing results and
sticking to to our budgeting principles- cut smart, reorganize, and
invest in the future.

We will host one meeting with the district councilmember in each
council district. Deputy Mayors, NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas,
NOFD Superintendent Charles Parent and department and agency heads
will join me at these meetings.

All meetings will start at 6:00pm. Prior to the meeting, from
5:30-6pm, the City will host a Resource Center with representatives
from several City departments and agencies. During that time,
citizens will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with various
departments about programs, initiatives and specific complaints and
concerns.
Check out the full list of meetings below to find out when your
specific meeting is. I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Mitchell J. Landrieu
Mayor
City of New Orleans

2012 Community Meeting Schedule:

District B – done

District E
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Church
5600 Read Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70127

District C
Monday, August 20, 2012
YMCA at Federal City
2220 Constitution Street
New Orleans, LA 70114

District A
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Lakeview Christian Center
5885 Fleur De Lis Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124

District D
Monday, August 27, 2012
Dillard University
Professional Schools Building, Georges Auditorium
2601 Gentilly Boulevard
New Orleans, Louisiana 70122

Saints Fans Go To San Fran

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Photo and article by Warren Guidry

This was the highlight of our playoff trip to San Francisco, taken with my cell phone, from the hills across the Golden Gate Bridge looking back at the city. You can see a car traveling up the hills on the left to get to where we were and above that, in the water, is Alcatraz. Sailboats and cruisers dotted the water and airplane trails seem to sail across the sky, as a bonus in the landscape. It was an awesome moment. Time moved on. Wish we could have frozen Jimmy Graham’s awesome touchdown moment and called it a day.

Maybe Next Year . . . Go Saints!
Warren

City Council Adopts 2012 Budget

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New Orleans, LA – December 1, 2011 – Today, the New Orleans City Council adopted the 2012 Capital and Operating Budgets for the City of New Orleans. In other business, the Council by resolution requested that the federal government continue investment in streetcar service in New Orleans. The Council also heard a presentation from the Director of the New Orleans Museum of Art about NOMA’s upcoming centennial celebration. And, the Council commended the heroic life-saving efforts of a New Orleans firefighter and recognized the Urban Search and Rescue Squad for its response in the aftermath of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama tornadoes.

Adopted the City’s 2012 Operating and Capital Budgets

The New Orleans City Council adopted the 2012 Capital and Operating Budgets for the City of New Orleans. The Council adopted Ordinance Calendar No. 28,717, providing a Capital Budget for 2012; Ordinance Calendar No. 28,718, providing an Operating Budget of Revenues for 2012; and, Ordinance Calendar No. 28,719, providing an Operating Budget of Expenditures for 2012. The Council received the Mayor’s proposed budget October 17th and conducted a series of month-long budget hearings receiving presentations from City Departments, the Mayor’s Office, and the Courts, the District Attorney, the Sheriff, outside agencies, boards and commissions.

The Council revised the original proposed budget with passage of a series of budget amendments that restored and shifted allocations for the District Attorney, the Juvenile Courts, the Criminal Sheriff, the Office of the Public Defender, the City Planning Commission (CPC) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), among others.

Council President Clarkson said, “As is the Council’s legislative responsibility, the City budget is balanced. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to chair a budget process that resulted in a structurally sound budget with a consensus among our council members and the administration to meet the priorities of our constituents. The Council is committed to advancing its vision for the City in 2012 and supporting the programs, initiatives and projects funded in this document that will have lasting benefits for the future of New Orleans.”

Supported RTA Federal Grant to Continue Investment in the City’s Streetcar Lines

The Council passed Resolution R-11-568 by Councilmembers Gisleson Palmer and Head to support the City of New Orleans and Regional Transit Authority’s submission of an application for Phase III of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER III) funding for the Ninth Ward Streetcar Extension and Howard Avenue Connection Project. The resolution asks the federal government to continue investment in streetcar service in New Orleans. Streetcar service provides green and sustainable transportation alternatives and dramatically impacts the economies of the neighborhoods that are served.

District “C” Councilmember Gisleson Palmer said, “The revitalization of the St. Claude commercial corridor with a new streetcar line from Elysian Fields to Poland Avenue funded with federal transportation investment generating funding embodies the purpose of this federal grant. The extension of streetcar service down St. Claude Avenue is a vital linchpin to the comeback of important and historic New Orleans neighborhoods.”

District “E” Councilmember Johnson said, “Extension of the streetcar line into the Ninth Ward through this grant opportunity will result in increased ridership and an improved quality of life for citizens. The community will be well-served and a public service that had been utilized and enjoyed by this community for many decades would be restored.”

Commemorated Centennial Year of the New Orleans Museum of Art

Councilmember Guidry with NOMA Director Susan Taylor
At the request of Councilmember Guidry, the Council received a presentation from Susan Taylor, Director of the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) regarding the museum’s centennial year. Since 1911, NOMA’s mission has been to inspire the love of art, collect and preserve visual art and to educate and engage the public. Taylor discussed NOMA 100, a celebratory exhibition that consists of 110 objects acquired over the past five years. The exhibition tells the story of the museum’s transformation over the past 100 years. To celebrate NOMA’s centennial, the museum will be open for 31 consecutive hours from Friday, December 16th at 10 a.m. to Saturday, December 17th at 5 p.m. The festivities will include art making, a variety of musical performances, yoga and a jazz brunch. Visit www.noma.org for a full list of activities and times.

District “A” Councilmember Guidry said, “The New Orleans Museum of Art is the City’s cornerstone of art and culture. For a century, NOMA has been a driving force in promoting, educating and encouraging an appreciation for the arts in New Orleans. We are grateful for all that NOMA has contributed to the artistic life of our community and look forward to a future that continues the traditions and accomplishments of a truly grand museum.”

Recognized Heroic Life-Saving Efforts of a New Orleans Firefighter and Praised the Urban Search and Rescue Squad Disaster Response

Council President Clarkson and Chief Darryl Klumpp
At the request of Council President Clarkson, the Council heard a presentation from New Orleans Fire Department Superintendent Charles Parent and Deputy Superintendent Tim McConnell, acknowledging the heroic efforts of 8th District Fire Chief Darryl Klumpp. On Thursday July 28th, Chief Klumpp noticed smoke coming from the home of his neighbor and alerted the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD). District Chief Klumpp bravely entered the burning home and rescued an elderly wheel-chair bound resident. Fernando Echeagaray was found in a bedroom and carried from the burning house. Firefighters arrived on the scene and Chief Klumpp directed firefighters on the ground. The fire was contained, ensuring that nearby homes were not destroyed.

NOFD Superintendent Parent and Deputy Superintendent McConnell also presented along with Louisiana State Fire Marshal Butch Browning, Director of New Orleans Louisiana State Fire Marshal Butch Browning, Council President Clarkson and Superintendent Charles Parent with a gift from the
City of Tuscaloosa thanking USAR personnel for their aid in the immediate aftermath of the spring tornadoes Emergency Medical Services and Fire Department Medical Director Dr. Jeffrey Elder, and St. Bernard Parish Fire Department Chief Thomas Stone, concerning the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force response to the spring tornadoes in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. On May 2, 2011, in the immediate aftermath of the destructive tornadoes, USAR personnel were deployed to Tuscaloosa. Their main task was to conduct searches in a densely populated area of Tuscaloosa. Technical expertise was needed to ensure that people were not trapped beneath rubble and to provide medical care. Information was provided to family members anxiously awaiting news regarding their missing loved ones. USAR personnel were able to search and clear an area which allowed for heavy moving equipment to move in and continue clearing debris.

Council President Clarkson said, “I am continually amazed by the bravery of our New Orleans firefighters and of the willingness of firefighters and disaster rescue teams in our City and the surrounding area to risk their lives for the benefit of others. These are the true heroes. Again and again, they go above and beyond what is required and exhibit selfless acts to protect the lives of citizens. We are so grateful to you for all that you do.”

Where Do You Want Your Money to Go?

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Mayor Mitch Landrieu & New Orleans City Council
Community Meeting for District A

Please join Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Councilmember Susan Guidry for a community meeting in your district to discuss budget priorities. The Mayor will bring his entire team including all Deputy Mayors and Department Heads, so come out and make sure your voice is heard.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011
5:30 to 6:00 pm – Resource Center
(Citizens will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with various departments.)
6:00 to 8:00 pm – Community Meeting

Lakeview Christian Center
5885 Fleur de Lis Drive