Property Tax Rolls to Open in Orleans Parish
(July 31, 2008)

On August 1, 2008, the property tax rolls will open in Orleans Parish. Assessment lists will be open for public inspection from August 1st to August 15th in the Assessors Offices on the fourth floor of City Hall located at 1300 Perdido Street.

According to Council Budget Committee Chair District "D" Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, this is a detailed and complex process - that is why we have attempted to simplify it by providing a list of frequently asked questions and other important information that can be immediately accessed online.

Councilmember Hedge-Morrell said, "To ensure that the public is fully informed and that the process runs smoothly it is vital that accurate and accessible information be provided."

The New Orleans City Council, through its website www.neworleanscitycouncil.com, will provide detailed information on the Property Tax Assessments and Appeals process.

Click here for detailed information regarding your Property Tax Assessments and Appeals process in Orleans Parish.

To accommodate citizens waiting to meet with their Assessors on regular workdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. between August 1st and August 15th, the City Council has authorized the use of seating in the City Council Chamber.

To view complete News Release click here.

City Council Members, Council staff, and other City employees heard a presentation on revisions to the state ethics code recently passed in Special and Regular Sessions of the Louisiana Legislature.

In light of the numerous recent changes made to the ethics code, Councilmembers felt it prudent to be formally updated regarding the new laws. Continuing its proactive approach to government transparency and personal responsibility by elected officials relative to ethics laws, the Council requested the formal briefing be made by state officials.

The presentation was conducted by State Board of Ethics Staff Attorney Courtney Jackson and held in the Council Chamber.

To view complete News Release click here.

The Council supported the establishment of a Southeast Louisiana Trade Office in Panama, and funding for the Computerized Web Video Streaming and Meetings Management System. The Council also addressed one hundred year flood protection and received a status update on the recovery of St. Bernard Parish.

Supports Southeast Louisiana Trade Office

The Council adopted Resolution R-08-403, co-authored by Councilmembers Fielkow, Clarkson, Hedge-Morrell and Willard-Lewis, requesting that the Mayor take the lead in creating a regional task force to establish a Southeast Louisiana Trade Office in Panama and develop a regional strategy for taking advantage of economic development opportunities associated with the Panama Canal.

The regional task force is to be comprised of port authorities, parish governments and other private and public sector stakeholders.

The Resolution reflects the Council's belief that the establishment of the trade office in Panama would maximize potential for economic success through providing staff on the ground to promote
the interests of the City of New Orleans on a daily basis with Panama Canal authority officials, government officials and shippers.

Addresses One Hundred Year Flood Protection

The Council adopted Resolution R-08-402 calling for forgiveness of the local cost share for one hundred year flood protection for Southeast Louisiana, or in the alternative, urging that the executive branch and Congress work to allow the local cost share to be paid out over a thirty year period and to appropriate necessary funds to prevent the delay of construction and rebuilding.

The Resolution cites the fact that much of Southeast Louisiana is still rebuilding and attempting to bring in new business and economic development. Therefore, imposing an additional tax
burden on citizens in order to cover the local cost share will greatly hamper recovery and rebuilding.

Supports Funding for Computerized Web Video Streaming and
Meetings Management System

The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 27,072, authored by District "C" Councilmember
James Carter, approving the Government Access Capital Fund Committee's grant application for funding to be used to purchase the hardware, software and other equipment necessary for the implementation of a Computerized Web Video Streaming and Meetings Management System.

The Council is working through Granicus, the streaming media solution provider, to change the way the public views and participates in the government process by providing the general public easy access to information and public documents.

Addresses St. Bernard Parish Recovery Status

St. Bernard Parish President, Craig Taffaro appeared before the Council to discuss the progress of recovery and rebuilding in St. Bernard Parish.

The status report detailed the substantial growth in the St. Bernard Parish community, as well as highlighted recovery projects in the area.

The Council praised Taffaro's efforts and recognized the importance of rebuilding a community that shares common boundaries and a common spirit with the City of New Orleans.

To view complete News Release click here.

Zephyrs Field Trip for NORD Summer Campers

Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) and the New Orleans Zephyrs teamed up to bring 850 NORD summer campers and chaperones to watch the Zephyrs take on the Albuquerque Isotopes on Monday, July 21st. The campers received free tickets, lunch, a commemorative t-shirt, a tour of the ballpark and a chance to participate in pre-game activities at Zephyr Field.

Councilmember Fielkow said, "Baseball is an American pastime, and what better way to spend a summer day than at the ballpark watching our hometown Zephyrs. I am very excited to be able to bring such a fun event to our local youth."

The field trip was made possible through donations and sponsorships contributed by the New Orleans Zephyrs, NORD, Councilmember Fielkow and WWL-870am.

$72,000 Donation to New Orleans Mission

Councilmember-at-Large Fielkow presented the New Orleans Mission with cash and furniture valued at $72,000. The donations were contributed by Howard Acquisitions LLC, a subsidiary of Plainfield Asset Management, LLC and by Councilmember Fielkow through funds provided to Councilmembers by Harrah's Casino.

Councilmember Fielkow said, "When Plainfield asked who could best benefit from their donation, I knew the New Orleans Mission was a worthwhile recipient. The New Orleans Mission provides much needed services including housing, case management, clothing and free meals to thousands of men and women each month.”

The New Orleans Mission is the largest private service provider for the homeless in New Orleans and operates a comprehensive program that includes Overnight Shelters for Men and Women, Transitional Housing for Families, and a Day Center featuring laundry, showers, case management and storage for belongings.

To view complete News Release on Zephyrs Field Trip click here.
To view complete News Release on Donation to New Orleans Mission click here.

"In light of the incident that occurred at the Treme Community Center earlier this week, I have called a Special City Council Criminal Justice
Committee Meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 12:00 Noon. The committee will address the recent alleged police misconduct."

"I would like to acknowledge the timely action of New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley to suspend without pay Officer Ashley Terry pending completion of the investigation. However, I must reiterate that, this incident underscores the prudent action taken by the City Council last week to create an Independent Police Monitor to review and act fairly and autonomously relative to issues of police misconduct. The Independent Police Monitor, a Division of the Inspector General's Office, was created to monitor the NOPD's civilian and internally generated complaints; internal investigations; discipline; use of force; and in-custody deaths. In the very near future, this office will be staffed and operational, and when necessary will provide the citizens of New Orleans an independent mechanism to track, review and investigate incidents like the one that occurred this week in Treme."

To view complete Statement click here.

The Council passed ordinances and resolutions supporting establishment of a temporary moratorium on alcohol permits in the Lower Ninth Ward; creation of the Independent Police Monitoring Division; and other city-wide recovery items.

The Council also addressed the logistical status of the Office of Inspector General and received presentations on the "Project Let Me Read" campaign and a report from Dr. Edward Blakely on the status of the City's recovery.

Establishes Temporary Moratorium on Alcohol Permits in Lower Ninth Ward

The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 27,057, authored by District "E" Councilmember
Cynthia Willard-Lewis, to establish a temporary moratorium on all new permits for all alcohol establishments in the Lower Ninth Ward.

The moratorium includes restaurants, bars, grocery stores and liquor stores, within District "E" in the area bounded by the Industrial Canal to the St. Bernard Parish line and from the Mississippi River to Florida Avenue.

Supports Creation of Independent Police Monitoring Division

The Council unanimously passed Ordinance Calendar No. 27,032 supporting the establishment of an Independent Police Monitoring Division within the Office of Inspector General.

The Independent Police Monitoring Division's duties and responsibilities include: monitoring the operations of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) particularly in the areas of civilian complaints, internal investigations and discipline; assessing the quality and timeliness of NOPD investigations; and ensuring NOPD accountability, transparency and responsiveness to the community it serves.

Addresses Logistical Status of Office of Inspector General

Inspector General Robert Cerasoli and Courtney Bagneris and Jay Palestina from the Chief
Administrative Office appeared before the Council to discuss the logistical status of the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Councilmember-at-Large Fielkow requested that the OIG submit a monthly report to the Council regarding logistical set-up details. The Council also emphasized the importance of completing the setup of the OIG in a timely fashion.

Addresses City-Wide Recovery Items

The Council passed the following Resolutions and Ordinances addressing several city-wide recovery items:

- Resolution R-08-384 encouraging the formation of a coalition of disaster impacted Gulf Coast and Midwest communities to petition the federal government for appropriate funding and assistance to rebuild and restore affected communities

- Ordinance Calendar No. 27,034 in support of meter fare for taxi cabs, including disabled friendly taxis, to include an additional $2.00 gasoline surcharge per each completed trip to assist drivers in combating rising gas prices

- Ordinance Calendar No. 27,059 in support of assisting and rebuilding the City's police, fire and other necessary government buildings

The Council also received presentations on the following:

- The "Project Let Me Read" campaign to replenish book collections of school libraries devastated by Hurricane Katrina

- A report from Dr. Edward Blakely, Executive Director of the Office of Recovery and Development Administration, on the status of the City's recovery

To view complete News Release click here.

The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 27,019, authored by Councilmember-at-Large Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson, to call an election for November 4, 2008 to consider amendments to the Home Rule Charter relative to the City Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning adjustments and to give the Master Plan the force of law.

The purpose of including force of law in the Master Plan is to simplify and clarify the zoning and planning process in the City of New Orleans to allow for economic development and further progress.

Councilmember-at-Large Clarkson said, "Providing a consistent and transparent zoning process will attract more businesses to New Orleans. This Master Plan will send a message to the world that we are serious about rebuilding and redevelopment."

To view complete News Release click here.

The Council adopted Resolution R-08-366 on the report of the Energy Smart New Orleans facilitation process and proposed Energy Smart New Orleans Energy Efficiency Program.

 The Energy Smart Plan's elements include: community education, delivery of energy efficiency measures to homes and small businesses, weatherization, energy efficiency training and certification for contractors and builders.

District "A" Councilmember Shelley Midura said, "We must take action to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency. The purpose of the Energy Smart Plan is to reduce the cost of energy and foster the development of a new green industry in the City of New Orleans."

 The Resolution reflects the Council's belief that the Energy Smart Plan concept is consistent with and capable of fulfilling the Council's commitment to energy efficiency and the development of a viable energy efficiency program, as part of the City's comprehensive long-term energy policy.

To view complete News Release click here.

The Council adopted Resolution R-08-382, authored by District "D" Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, supporting and encouraging the passage of the 2009 Education Millage.

Councilmember Hedge-Morrell said, "Millages have been an important source of revenue for the Orleans Parish Public School system and the Recovery School District for more than 50 years. We are in full support of New Orleans schools and this is an important step in their recovery."

The Millage will provide funding for textbooks and technology, competitive teacher salaries, repairs and maintenance and pre-k and drop out programs. This is a renewal of an existing millage and will not raise taxes.

To view complete News Release click here.

District "E" Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis and City officials announced the formation of an Illegal Dumping Task Force that will focus on strengthening code enforcement of illegal dumping in the industrial areas of the City, specifically New Orleans East.

The Task Force's mission will also emphasize the review of current local and state legislation and policies regarding illegal dumping and enforcement.

"The impact of blatant illegal dumping threatens public health and public safety, and is unsightly and demoralizing to our recovering communities. These actions hinder our efforts to attract new businesses and revitalize the City's recovering economy. We want to send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated," said Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis.

The Illegal Dumping Task Force will include the following City Departments:

- The New Orleans City Council Sanitation and Environmental Affairs Committee
- New Orleans City Council District E
- New Orleans Sanitation Department
- New Orleans Health Department
- New Orleans Police Department (NORD)
- Office of Recovery Development and Administration (ORDA)
- New Orleans Department of Code Enforcement
- Mayor Office of Environmental Affairs
- New Orleans Fire Department
- Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff's Office
- New Orleans Department of Safety and Permit

To view complete News Release click here.