Council Receives Mayor's Proposed 2009 Budget
(October 28, 2008)

At a Special Council meeting, Mayor Ray Nagin appeared before the City Council to present his proposed 2009 Budget.

The presentation included a PowerPoint presentation detailing the budget which was narrated by the Mayor. To view the PowerPoint presentation, 2009 Operating Budget and 2009 Executive Capital Budget, click here.

Following his presentation, Councilmembers commended the Mayor and his staff for the improved format of the budget document, allowing Councilmembers easier reference to details regarding specific department budgets.

Councilmembers and Council staff are preparing for the Council's month-long review of the proposed budget. 

Budget Hearings will begin on November 5th and are scheduled throughout the month. Click here to view the Budget Hearing schedule.

The Council must adopt the 2009 budget by December 1st.

To view complete News Release click here.

Councilmember-At-Large Fielkow Addresses
Critical Issues on Louisiana Disaster Shelters
At "Shelter Planning Summit"
(October 27, 2008)

Council Vice President Arnie Fielkow attended the "Shelter Planning Summit" organized by the Louisiana Department of Social Services (DSS) to address critical issues involving disaster shelters across Louisiana. The summit consisted of discussions organized around specific emergency sheltering issues, such as tracking and registration, shelter safety and cleanliness standards and shelter services such as food and medical care.

Councilmember Fielkow said, "I'm glad that DSS is organizing this summit in response to issues surrounding the state shelter program during Hurricane Gustav. I personally met with many New Orleanians who stayed in shelters throughout Louisiana, and while some had positive experiences, there are a lot of improvements that need to be made to the system. It is never too early to plan for the next Hurricane season and ensure that the state's plans are continually improved upon."

Lt. Colonel Jerry Sneed, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparation for the City of New Orleans, and government representatives from around the state were also in attendance.

To view complete Media Advisory click here.

Representatives from Prospect One came before the Council at the request of District "B" Councilmember Stacy Head to discuss Prospect One International Art Biennial beginning on Friday, October 31, 2008.
 
Prospect One representatives gave a presentation on details of the event which will feature artists from around the world exhibiting art at galleries and venues throughout the City. The event is free and open to the public, and a free shuttle bus service will be provided to transport people to all the venues.
 
Councilmember Stacy Head said, "Thank you so much for all that you are doing - this is going to be a legacy for our City and will help make New Orleans a focus of the national and international art community. Our citizens will have the opportunity to travel all over the City and see exhibitions from artists from around the world."

To view complete News Release click here.

Representatives from the Orleans Public Defenders (OPD) Office came before the Council to give a report on the Office's mission, operational status and funding.
 
The Council adopted Motions M-08-576 and M-08-577, supporting funding for Orleans Public Defenders and encouraging the state to fund OPD at a level that will enable the Office to meet the standards mandated by the Louisiana Public Defender Board.
 
Criminal Justice Committee Chair District "C" Councilmember James Carter said, "We understand the importance of the Orleans Public Defenders Office and the services it provides to our citizens. Funding Orleans Public Defenders at a level that will enable them to meet constitutionally mandated standards is critical to ensuring a criminal justice system that is just, effective and efficient, and it is an essential step toward making New Orleans a safer City."

To view complete News Release click here.

The Council, at the request of District "A" Councilmember Shelley Midura, addressed a presentation on the outcome of the October 11-13 meetings with the Dutch to discuss new flood control ideas in New Orleans.
 
The presentation featured diagrams detailing the City's current flood control measures and illustrating alternative flood control methods currently utilized in the Netherlands, and highlighted the need for multiple lines of defense as a fundamental strategy in the protection of New Orleans.
 
Councilmember Midura said, "Thank you for all of your hard work and the time you dedicated to addressing this issue. We know the importance of keeping this at the forefront of discussions and we look forward to evaluating what we can do to improve flood control in the City."

To view complete News Release click here.

Council Holds Public Information Briefing
Summarizing 2008 Council Planning Retreat
(October 10, 2008)

The New Orleans City Council held a public information briefing at the InterContinental New Orleans hotel, summarizing the 2008 Council Planning Retreat.

Items addressed in the Retreat and discussed in the public information briefing included 2008 policy initiatives and concerns; implementation results and forward activity; and development of 2009 policy initiatives and concerns.

Looking forward, the Council collectively will develop and prioritize 2009 policy initiatives and timelines. A final 2009 legislative agenda will be finalized by February 15, 2009.

To view complete News Release click here.

Approves Pay Raises for Fire Fighter Classifications
(October 2, 2008)

Led by Budget Committee Chair District "D" Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, the Council passed Motion M-08-363, approving pay raises for each classification of fire fighters to ensure that all fire fighters are paid at or above the southern average.
 
Councilmember Hedge-Morrell said, "We have been working towards placing our fire fighters' pay at the southern average, and we are pleased to have finally reached that goal with our fire department, as we did for our first responders."
 
The Motion approves pay raises for each classification of fire fighters. All fire fighters who currently are not paid at the calculated southern average will receive a ten percent (10%) increase to the minimum base salary. If any of the fire fighters' salaries are still below the proposed increases, they would receive an additional increase in base pay that will place them at the Civil Service Commission's calculated southern average for their job classification.

To view complete News Release click here.

The Council honored the "Unsung Heroes of Gustav" whose efforts led to the successful evacuation of the City during Hurricane Gustav.
 
The honorees included: Colonel Jerry Sneed of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Cesar Burgos and Mark Major of the Regional Transit Authority, Marcia St. Martin of the Sewerage and Water Board, Harrison Boyd of the Mayor's Office of Technology, Police Chief Warren Riley, Fire Chief Charles Parent, Head of EMS Dr. Jullette Saussy, and Dr. Kevin Stephens of the Public Health Department.
 
Council President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson said, "You all set a pattern for the rest of America on how to perform in a crisis and we can't thank you enough for your courageous leadership. We are thankful to have such dedicated professionals working for our City and our citizens."

To view complete News Release click here.

Provides Detailed Information on November 4th
Ballot Propositions and Constitutional Amendments
(October 10, 2008)

As a service to the public, the New Orleans City Council, through its website www.neworleanscitycouncil.com, is providing the actual ballot proposition language on the eight Ballot Propositions that will appear on the November 4, 2008 ballot in the City of New Orleans, as well as the seven Constitutional Amendments that will appear on the ballot state-wide.

The eight Ballot Propositions include:

- City of New Orleans Home Rule Charter Amendment (City Planning Commission and City's Master Plan Acquiring Force of Law)

 
- Audubon Area Security District Proposition

- Lake Bullard Neighborhood Improvement District Proposition

- Maple Area Residents Security Tax District Proposition

- McKendall Estates Neighborhood Improvement District Proposition

- Mid-City Security District Proposition

- Tamaron Subdivision Improvement District Proposition

- Upper Audubon Security District Proposition

The seven Constitutional Amendments can be viewed here.

To view complete News Release click here.