[0:24] All right, guys. I got a proclamation I'm going to run through real quick.

[0:29] Mr. Ira, do you want to come over here so we can make fun of you?

[0:37] All right. Kenner needs a lot more like this. This is a proclamation recognizing

[0:42] the dedication and service of Ira L. Snyder. Whereas, Kiwanis is a global

[0:47] organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people and the community.

[0:52] And whereas, Ira L. Snyder has been a member and officer of the Kiwanis Club

[0:56] of Kenner North for three decades and has always answered the call for

[1:01] service. Whereas, Ira is a tremendous booster of Kenner and his countless

[1:06] achievements have made an invaluable impact on the Kenner community.

[1:12] Whereas, Ira had spearheaded and or been involved in dozens of projects that

[1:17] contribute to the improvement of Kenner's overall quality of life. From

[1:21] teaching elementary school students to read to supplying food for the needy

[1:25] students throughout the school year, Ira's dedication is tireless. And

[1:29] whereas, in 2010, with the help of other Kiwanian's,

[1:34] Ira formed a public charity non-profit organization raising substantial funds

[1:39] to present scholarships to worthy high school seniors. Whereas, he was a

[1:43] driving force behind the beloved Parker Boo, an annual Halloween event providing

[1:48] fun and entertainment for more than 8,000 guests who attend. Whereas, Ira

[1:53] has served with the American Cancer Society by providing monthly prepared

[1:57] meals and entertainment to guests of Hope Lodge, a home away from home for

[2:01] people facing cancer and their caregivers when cancer treatments is far

[2:05] away. Whereas Mr. Snyder has been familiar has

[2:09] been a familiar face at the Chateau Living Center where he prepared and

[2:13] served dinners to residents on a monthly basis and was instrumental in planning

[2:17] the annual Christmas party. Sounds like you do a lot of stuff, huh?

[2:22] Whereas Ira has worked with the Kiwanis affiliated youth organizations

[2:26] including project participation and attendance at countless events and

[2:30] activities for Key Clubs and Builders Clubs. Now, therefore, I, Kenner Mayor

[2:35] Michael J. Glaser, along with the members of the Kenner City Council and

[2:38] Chief of Police Keith Conley, do hereby recognize and express deep gratitude to

[2:43] Mr. Ira L. Snyder, a remarkable individual dedicated to the betterment

[2:48] of everything and everyone around him. His legacy will always be honored and

[2:51] cherished by his fellow Kiwanians, peers, friends, and family. Given under

[2:55] the my hand and seal of the city of Kenner this 25th day of April, 2025.

[3:01] Congratulations and thank you for what you did. Thank you. All right. Would you

[3:04] like to say anything? Pardon me?

[3:06] Did you want to say anything? Well, this is a great opportunity. This

[3:10] is a recruitment effort. So, as you leave, you'll be getting an application

[3:14] for membership in the Kenner North Kiwanis. We need people who are willing

[3:18] to work and it can be a lot of fun. Thank you.

[3:22] Thank you.

[3:48] My pleasure.

[3:52] Okay.

[4:42] All right. 1

[4:43] 2 3

[4:45] 1 2 3

[4:52] Thank you.

[5:33] Thank you.

[5:36] Thank you.

[5:41] Thank you.

[5:49] Thank you.

[6:26] I thought it was on. I'd like to call the meeting for April 25th to order.

[6:33] Do we have any special intentions? This Councilman Woolmington.

[6:39] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I'd like to to

[6:44] mention that E.L. "Bubba" Henry, he was a former Louisiana House Speaker. He

[6:50] passed away recently. Uh, he was known to oversee the house

[6:55] during the constitutional convention of 1974

[7:00] when the state constitution was revamped.

[7:04] Uh, please keep him and his family in your prayers. Thank you.

[7:13] Anyone else? Madam Clerk?

[7:18] Oh, just prayer. Um, Councilwoman Dee Dunn, please lead us in

[7:23] prayer. Everyone, please rise. Thank you.

[7:27] Let us bow our heads. Dear God and our Father, as we come to you once again

[7:32] this hour in the morning, Lord, we just want to tell you thank you

[7:36] for all the blessings that you have bestowed upon us. Dear God, I pray for

[7:41] the mayor, for the police chief, for the department, for the administration, for

[7:46] this council, and all that make up the city of Kenner. God, you have been good

[7:51] to us. You allowed the storms to go over, and then you've kept us safe. But

[7:56] dear master, we pray this morning that you would give us wisdom, knowledge, and

[8:00] understanding that the things that we would do not to please us, but to please

[8:05] you, and that this whole city would be blessed. I pray for the our chief in

[8:10] that department also, dear God. And Father, I thank you today for everything

[8:16] that you've already done, and for the things that you will continue to do. In

[8:20] Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

[8:25] Councilman Brennan, would you please lead us in the pledge?

[8:28] Please place your hand over your hearts. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

[8:33] United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands,

[8:37] one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[8:43] Amen.

[8:48] Madam Clerk? Yes, sir. You have a quorum, and in

[8:51] accordance with Council Resolution number B-14550,

[8:55] please be advised that all cellular telephones and other devices of this

[8:58] nature must be deactivated or silenced throughout the Council meeting.

[9:03] Next, we have correspondence reports from the mayor, CAO, and department

[9:06] heads. Mr. Mayor.

[9:09] Thank you. Just a couple of announcements about some events coming

[9:12] up in the city. Uh

[9:14] Starting next Friday is our annual Music in the Park, May 2nd from 6:30 to 9:30.

[9:21] Always free. Bring your lawn chairs. Uh Contraflow will start it off. Following

[9:26] next week, Wayne James and Partners, Category 6, May 16th, the Fabulous Von

[9:32] Zippers the 23rd, and Rockin' Dopsie Jr. the the

[9:36] And on Saturday, May 3rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., there's a premiere

[9:41] event in our planetarium, free admission.

[9:44] It is Always a Bug, uh story about the new Space Force.

[9:49] Free admission to that, also. Saturdays in May is at 8:00 p.m. Movies in the

[9:54] Park, also free. May 3rd, we Transformers 1,

[9:58] uh and followed by four other ones every Saturday night in

[10:02] the uh month of May. Also, Thursday, May 8th, the city has an

[10:08] auction. It's an online auction only. You can go to

[10:12] uh the website is proxybid, p r o x i b i d dot

[10:20] s e r v c o r p. So, it's at 10:00 a.m. You got to register before, and you'll

[10:24] see some of the uh some of the city surplus and police department surplus

[10:28] that will be auctioned off. And with The last thing is, cuz we're

[10:33] going to start promoting it, uh Friday, May 23rd, after the council meeting,

[10:38] probably around 1:00 p.m. is what we have it scheduled for is the splash park

[10:41] will open down here

[10:44] on Reverend Wish- Richard Wilson Drive, and I do believe Councilwoman Dunn is

[10:48] going to be the first one in her bathing suit to run through the to to the splash

[10:52] park. So,

[10:54] every everybody Everybody come see. That's it. Have a good weekend, guys.

[11:03] Thank you, sir. Madam Clerk? Yes, sir. Under resolutions, motions,

[11:07] and other items from the floor, I have a motion by Councilman LaHatte, seconded

[11:10] by Councilman Bradigan, to amend the agenda to include item 13D, a resolution

[11:15] in support of House Bill 196 of the 2025 regular session of the Louisiana

[11:20] Legislature, authorizing the commercial lease of a

[11:23] portion of Kenner Lake Town to the Kenner Lake Town Area Development

[11:26] Corporation for the operation of an amphi- amphitheater.

[11:31] Is there anyone in the audience wishing to object to us amending the agenda?

[11:35] Please come forward. Seeing none, all council members in

[11:40] favor, please say I. I.

[11:42] All opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0 to amend the

[11:46] agenda. Under the consent agenda, we have item

[11:49] one, approval of minutes of regular council meeting of April 10th, 2025.

[11:53] Item two is approval of alcoholic beverage permit applications, we have

[11:57] none. Item three is approval of bingo and public gathering applications. Item

[12:00] 3A is application number 2453-25, the city of Kenner District 1 to hold a

[12:05] public gathering on July 26, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the purpose

[12:10] of a third annual back-to-school jammed school supply giveaway at Susan Park

[12:15] Gym, 502 Veterans Boulevard. That will conclude the consent agenda. I

[12:19] have a motion by Council Member Wilmot, seconded by Council Member Sharwath. All

[12:23] council members in favor, please say I. I. I.

[12:26] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. Under the public

[12:30] appearance agenda, we have item eight, public hearings and final passage, we

[12:33] have none. Item nine is ordinances for the sale, purchase, transfer, lease, and

[12:37] or alienation of immovable property. Item 9A is a public hearing regarding

[12:42] summary ordinance number 13,777, an ordinance approving a cooperative

[12:47] endeavor agreement with Friends of Rivertown for the long-term use of

[12:50] parcel E of the Loyola of the Loyola Track University City Subdivision, City

[12:56] of Kenner property being owned by the City of Kenner.

[12:59] I have a motion by Council Member Brennan, seconded by Council Member

[13:02] McKenny to open the public hearing. All council members in favor, please say I.

[13:06] All opposed, please say nay. Seeing none,

[13:09] motion passes 7-0. We're now in a public hearing. Is there anyone in the audience

[13:13] wishing to address the council on this subject? Please come forward and state

[13:17] your name and address for the record.

[13:21] Madam Clerk, may I ask a question, please?

[13:23] Sure. Uh could for point of clarification,

[13:27] I think you said Friends of Rivertown. Oh, I'm sorry. Friends of Friends of

[13:33] Okay. Friends of Discovery. Sorry. Thank you.

[13:36] You're welcome. Friends of Discovery.

[13:39] Have it. Yes, ma'am. State your name and address

[13:42] for the record, please. Sure.

[13:44] Uh hello, I'm Sharon Preen, um 3837 Loyola Drive.

[13:49] Good afternoon, esteemed members of City Council. I'm Sharon Preen, Chief

[13:53] Administrative Officer of Discovery Schools. I'm here representing our

[13:57] leaders, teachers, students, and families. As both a proud resident

[14:02] and a school leader who lives, works, and plays in Kenner, I'm deeply invested

[14:06] in our community's growth and prosperity. It's a privilege to serve a

[14:10] community that cares deeply about its children and their future. It's an honor

[14:14] to stand before you today on behalf of Discovery Schools and express our

[14:17] heartfelt gratitude for the generous land donation, a gift that will benefit

[14:22] not only our school, but the entire Kenner community for generations to

[14:26] come. First, I would like to thank Mayor

[14:28] Glazer, Natalie Newton, and the mayor's leadership team for their support and

[14:33] commitment to this initiative. The land represents possibility, progress, and

[14:38] partnership. The gift will enhance future student opportunities at Kenner

[14:43] Discovery Health Sciences Academy. Kenner Discovery is a proud is proud to

[14:47] be an A-rated school committed to academic excellence and the

[14:52] success of every student. We take great pride in our beautiful school facility

[14:57] and the stunning artwork that lines the street as you approach our school.

[15:01] We pledge to be exceptional stewards of this land. We will maintain the property

[15:05] with the utmost care and dedication, making the city proud of its donation.

[15:10] We are committed to honoring this gift and with thoughtful care and purposeful

[15:14] use. This land will be a space where opportunities grow and where the impact

[15:18] of your generosity will be felt for years to come. Thank you again, Mayor

[15:22] Glazer, Natalie Newton, and the Kenner City Council for believing in our

[15:26] future. Together with our partnership, we're

[15:28] shaping a stronger and even more vibrant Kenner for all. Thank you so much.

[15:33] Mayor Mayor Glazer Ms. Karen.

[15:34] Mayor Glazer would like to speak. Yes, for those that don't know this uh

[15:40] piece of property is a small kind of triangle-shaped piece of property in

[15:44] between uh

[15:47] the retirement home and Kenner Discovery School on Loyola. It's really

[15:53] it's an undeveloped piece of piece of property owned by the city that we can't

[15:56] really do anything with. It only would benefit the uh the school to give them a

[16:00] little more land on their uh

[16:03] south side of the the the campus. And as you know, this is done all the

[16:07] time cuz most of our recreation parks in the city of Kenner are a CEA, which is

[16:12] Jefferson Parish Public School Board-owned property. Uh so, it's

[16:15] something that's done in all the time and they'll they'll clear it, maintain

[16:19] it, and hopefully they'll have more activity area that's where they can

[16:23] play football, baseball, and all that kind of stuff. So,

[16:27] with that said, that's it. Thank you, sir.

[16:31] I have a motion by Councilmember Brennan, seconded by Councilmember

[16:39] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted legal, if you will, if you can chime in

[16:43] on this. This is This is a donation, from what I understand, of real

[16:47] property. So, if you can let us know how we stand with that as far as the city's

[16:51] concerned.

[16:54] It's actually not a donation. It's a 99-year lease, so it's a cooperative

[16:58] endeavor agreement, basically. So, at the end of the 99-year term, the

[17:02] property will revert back to the city, and any improvements would become

[17:05] Kenner's again. So, I heard the word donation. That's what

[17:09] it was. I wanted clarification. cooperative endeavor agreement that

[17:12] allows 99 years worth of use. Okay, so we maintain ownership.

[17:19] We will on the at the end of 99-year term, yes.

[17:21] Okay, thank you. That's all. In 99 years, we vote on this again.

[17:29] I I'll let you second it, okay? Madam Clerk.

[17:33] I have a motion by Councilmember Brennan, seconded by Councilmember

[17:36] McKenney to close your public hearing. All council members in favor, please say

[17:39] I. I.

[17:40] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. I have a motion by

[17:44] Councilmember Brennan, seconded by Councilmember McKenney for approval.

[17:49] Seeing no further discussion, all council members in favor, please say I.

[17:53] I. Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none,

[17:56] motion passes 7-0. Item 10 is opening of bids, we have none. Item 11 is

[18:00] reclassification of zoning for final passage, we have none. Item 12 is other

[18:04] ordinances for final passage. Item 12A is summary ordinance number

[18:08] 13,785. An ordinance authorizing the City of

[18:12] Kenner to hold a public auction on May 8, 2025 to sell surplus movable property

[18:17] no longer needed for public purpose and setting the terms and disposition of the

[18:20] proceeds from the sale. I have a motion by Councilmember Sharwath, seconded by

[18:24] Councilmember Branigan. All council members in favor, please say

[18:28] I. I.

[18:30] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. Item 12B is summary

[18:35] ordinance number 13,786. An ordinance amending ordinance 11,622

[18:41] to correct the name of the subdivision. I have a motion by Councilmember Dunn,

[18:45] seconded by Councilmember Sharwath. All council members in favor, please say

[18:50] I. I.

[18:51] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. Item 13 is

[18:56] resolutions and motions by council members. Item 13A is a resolution

[19:00] calling a public hearing on May 23rd, 2025 to determine whether the structures

[19:05] located at 3704 California Avenue, Kenner, Louisiana shall be abated by

[19:09] repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal. I have a motion by Council

[19:13] Member LaHat, seconded by Council Member Branigan.

[19:17] All Council Members in favor, please say I.

[19:19] I. Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none,

[19:22] motion passes 7-0. Item 13B is a resolution appointing Mr. Chad Held to

[19:27] the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board of the City of Kenner,

[19:30] whose current term expired July 30th, 2024 for an additional three

[19:35] three years. Term of three years. I have a motion by Council Member Wellmont,

[19:39] seconded by Council Member LaHat. All Council Members in favor, please say

[19:43] I. I.

[19:44] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0.

[19:49] Item 13C is a resolution appointing Mr. Colin Hollen the Municipal to the

[19:54] Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board of the City of Kenner, whose

[19:57] current term expired on July 30th, 2024 for an additional term of three years. I

[20:04] have a motion by Council Member Brennan, seconded by Council Member

[20:07] Wellmont. Count Mayor Glazer.

[20:11] Well, as you can see on 13B, 13C, term expired July 30th of 2024,

[20:18] somebody I had questions, so someone else I'm sure is going to have a

[20:20] question. These are two nominations from

[20:24] University of New Orleans, and the board secretary due to some staffing issues at

[20:31] UNO, they finally got around to following up

[20:35] the appointments, and now this is that's why it's almost a year

[20:40] after their term expired, but they remain in office until they remove, so

[20:44] the backup documentation that should be attached to this legislation. Just

[20:48] wanted to get out why it's July 30th, 2024.

[20:52] And it's just being addressed today.

[20:55] Seeing no further discussion, all Council Members in favor, please say I.

[20:59] I. Opposed, please say nay.

[21:01] Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. Item 13D is a resolution in support of House Bill

[21:07] 196 of the 2025 regular session of the Louisiana legislature also authorizing

[21:13] the commercial lease of a portion of Kenner Laketown to the Kenner Laketown

[21:16] Area Development Corporation for the operation of an amphitheater. I have a

[21:20] motion by Councilmember LaHat, seconded by Councilmember Branigan.

[21:24] Councilmember LaHat. Thanks.

[21:28] Madam Hall. This, as you saw on the Fox 8 report

[21:32] today, we wanted to this not just the city council as a whole, but the

[21:38] administration, the police chief, the fire chief, and

[21:41] really all the workers of Kenner to really recognize

[21:45] how great of a project we have coming in Laketown.

[21:49] The contingent I want to say some names here, the

[21:52] people who've been working on this. You know, Aritha Behannon's office and

[21:55] Jefferson Parish District 4 started this almost less than a year ago

[22:00] to seek the money and seek the lease of the area in Laketown from the

[22:04] state to actually be able to build this amphitheater. It's going to have 8,000,

[22:08] 9,000 seats. And it's going to allow some mini acts

[22:12] throughout the city, almost 20 musical acts a year once it's constructed.

[22:16] The steps we've had to go through, that Aritha's had to go through, that Mayor

[22:19] Glazer and the administration have had to go through, along with our

[22:22] representatives Debbie Villio and Joe Stagni at the state legislative level, a

[22:27] lot of steps, a lot of things had to be done.

[22:30] One of the main issues we had was we needed to actually lease the area of

[22:33] Laketown from the state to make this commercial development happen. And

[22:38] that happened. We actually this House Bill 196 of the 2025 regular session

[22:43] happened this past week and it got approved. And the Jefferson Parish

[22:47] Council just recognized this and on our behalf, we want to thank the Jefferson

[22:52] Parish contingent, Aritha Behannon and her office. I want to thank the mayor,

[22:55] Mayor Glazer, who's been up there in Baton Rouge with Aritha,

[22:58] with Joe Stagni, with Debbie Villio, and all the people that are making this

[23:02] happen. So, on behalf of the Council on the world of the city, we support House

[23:07] Bill 196 of the 2025 regular session of the commercial lease.

[23:12] I really hope it, you know, Rita's goal is to have that Christmas concert next

[23:15] in 2026, but the money's there and we're going to they're going to start build up

[23:19] bidding out this thing to get developed. So, this is a real project. You know,

[23:23] people have said things over the years, you know, what's happening at Laketown,

[23:26] you know, there's a lot of different things have been floated, but this is

[23:28] happening, folks. This is something that procedural steps have been done. We have

[23:32] an incredible team of people in our city, our administration, the council,

[23:37] and of course the parish of Jefferson, and our state contingent. So, I want to

[23:41] thank them and I'm sure many my members and colleagues up here want to say

[23:44] something as well, but we absolutely support House Bill 196 and I look

[23:48] forward to many great concerts in the city of Kenner and Laketown in my

[23:52] district. Thank you.

[23:55] May I go, Lisa? Yes. Well, just to kind of clarify a

[23:59] little bit. I testified Wednesday in the House Committee on Natural Resources. It

[24:05] passed the committee unanimously with not one question.

[24:09] I think it's due to go to the House floor the end of next week. This

[24:13] resolution in support of it is just going to be attached to

[24:17] the the House bill just showing that local government is on board with this

[24:21] pro- program. We don't see any any issues in getting out of the House

[24:25] or Senate. So, uh and Monday we have a meeting Monday morning with the people

[24:31] at Hall and the Dirt spreading the dirt and the consultant engineer that's

[24:34] designing and overseeing that project. Uh and the pile of dirt is going to

[24:39] probably remain out there. It's going to be 22 ft in the air for probably 9

[24:43] months while they they uh monitor the settlement until it gets to

[24:48] an acceptable settlement. And that's when the construction will start. And

[24:52] hopefully, like Councilman said, we have a

[24:55] a a there the end of next year where we can

[24:58] actually use it.

[25:03] Councilman Branigan. Yeah, I and the only thing I want to add

[25:08] is that this is another piece of the puzzle and

[25:12] in Laketown to get it kickstarted for the redevelopment of the north side of

[25:17] Kenner which we need obviously. It will It should draw businesses to the

[25:24] area and that produces sales tax which we survive on. So it is a big deal and

[25:31] I appreciate everything that everyone has done

[25:34] and got to get to this point and uh basically it's going to happen. Thank

[25:40] you.

[25:44] Councilman Womack. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[25:49] Um I think everything pretty much has already been said and and very well laid

[25:52] out and um um but I would like to add just a couple

[25:55] of things. Um as far as procedurally this has gone

[25:59] through committee already as as the mayor said. Uh it was on the 23rd which

[26:03] was Wednesday and it was reported favorably out 11-0.

[26:08] Uh it's natural resources is the House Committee. Then it goes to the House

[26:11] floor and it probably will be there in a couple of weeks or so. Then after that

[26:15] then it goes to the Senate um committee. Uh

[26:19] their comparable side of natural resources to the House. Uh it's heard

[26:24] there uh at that time and even on the House floor they can use a resolution

[26:29] from us from the City of Kenner uh showing that we're in full support of

[26:33] this and it will have positive impact I'm sure. Um we hope that it maintains

[26:38] its current path uh as unanimous and um anyway this resolution will support that

[26:44] so thank you.

[26:49] Just as a point of clarification we've added all council members um to the

[26:53] submitted by plus the mayor and the police chief. Just so everybody knows.

[26:58] Okay. Seeing no further discussion, all

[27:00] council members in favor, please say I. I.

[27:03] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. Item 14 is items

[27:08] removed from the consent agenda. We have none. Item 15 is acceptance of contracts

[27:13] and similar matters approved by the mayor. Item 15A is summary ordinance

[27:17] number 13,748. An ordinance approving the use of a

[27:21] state contract for the purchase of bleachers at Musco Berlino Stadium.

[27:25] I have a request as per Councilman Branigan for a one

[27:29] meeting deferral. Councilman Branigan. Yes, we've been deferring this

[27:33] legislation for the last probably 6 weeks and I just want to let

[27:38] everyone know it's going to uh

[27:41] work out. The problem we had was the contract uh

[27:45] a state contract got messed up and we have to get it the state contract

[27:50] straightened out before this body can vote on this legislation. So, I'm hoping

[27:55] that by May 1st is what I've been told, the state contract should be fixed and

[28:01] we'll be voting to pass this um on May the 8th at the council

[28:05] meeting. Thank you.

[28:09] All council members in favor, please say I.

[28:11] I. Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none,

[28:14] motion passes 7-0 for one meeting deferral. Item 15B is summary ordinance

[28:18] number 13,787. An ordinance accepting the lowest

[28:22] responsible bid received from Grimco Incorporated to furnish and install one

[28:27] Graphtec FC9000-140 plotter or equal for traffic division in

[28:32] accordance with electronic bid 25-2159 in an amount not to exceed $7,526.14

[28:41] for the general services department. I have a motion by Councilman Brennan

[28:44] seconded by Councilman Branigan. All Council Members in favor, please say

[28:48] I. I.

[28:50] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. Item 15C is Summary

[28:55] Ordinance number 13,788, an ordinance authorizing the utilization

[29:00] of Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Contract number 25-MAR-1201

[29:06] with Vision Uniforms, Incorporated to purchase uniforms on an as-needed basis

[29:11] in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the life of the agreement for the Kenner

[29:15] Police Department. I have a motion by Council Member McKenney, seconded by

[29:19] Council Member Welmont. All Council Members in favor, please say

[29:23] I. I.

[29:25] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0.

[29:29] Item 15D is Summary Ordinance number 13,789,

[29:33] an ordinance accepting the lowest responsible bid received from Partin

[29:36] Roofing LLC to replace the roofs of the Kenner Police Headquarters and Jail

[29:40] Facility in accordance with sealed bid number 25-68-68

[29:45] in an amount not to exceed $454,400 for the Kenner Police Department. I have

[29:51] a motion by Council Member Branigan, seconded by Council Member McKenney.

[29:56] Council Member Welmont.

[30:00] Thank you, Madam Clerk. Um considering the amount of the money that

[30:05] we're we're looking at, 454,000, and it's not to exceed, I understand.

[30:10] But I believe this building is fairly new, but at the same time it was damaged

[30:14] by one of the hurricanes. Is that correct, Chief?

[30:18] It is correct. And it's it's it's a total of five roofs at the complex.

[30:24] It's just not the headquarters building and the jail facility. It's a total of

[30:28] five roofs. And those those were all damaged as a

[30:32] result of that hurricane we had some years back?

[30:35] Correct. And we've been working a lot with Mr. Jose and Ms. Liz to uh

[30:39] try to move this forward for a while. And I believe Liz could probably give

[30:43] you a little bit of update on where we stand with the the jail facility and the

[30:48] headquarters. So, all of them are being replaced with

[30:50] this? Correct.

[30:51] Okay. Okay. And if you will, Ms. Herring, chime in on the financing.

[30:56] Yep. So, this is for um police headquarters and the next one will be

[30:59] for the training center that's right here. So, both of those facilities um

[31:04] experienced damage during Hurricane Ida that caused significant damage to the

[31:08] roofs, also the interiors of the buildings, but you know, we can't fix

[31:12] the interior until we get the roofs replaced. So, we're at the point now

[31:16] where we can bid these out and move forward with the project. Um

[31:20] so, that's where we're at. We There were five responsive bidders for this and

[31:24] this is the lowest responsive bid. Okay, you mentioned that that um that it

[31:28] also contains the the training facility.

[31:32] The the 454,000, that's just for the

[31:35] the one at battle. yeah. That's just the next item on the

[31:38] agenda is for the training facility. so you're just covering both. Okay. Just

[31:42] wanted to make sure and that's clear. And

[31:44] okay, we understand. Thank you.

[31:54] Seeing no further comments, all council members in favor, please say I.

[31:58] I. Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none,

[32:01] motion passes 7-0. Item 15 E, summary ordinance number

[32:05] 13,790, an ordinance accepting the lowest

[32:08] responsible bid received from Roofing Solutions LLC to replace the roof of the

[32:13] Kenner Police Training Facility in accordance with sealed bid number

[32:16] 25-6867 in an amount not to exceed $155,000

[32:22] for the Kenner Police Department. I have a motion by Council Member Don, seconded

[32:25] by Council Member Brennan. All council members in favor, please say

[32:29] I. I.

[32:30] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. Item 15 F is summary

[32:36] ordinance number 13,791. An ordinance to accept the lowest

[32:40] responsible receive from Bow Brothers Construction Company LLC to provide

[32:44] asphalt street maintenance and small jobs in accordance with sealed bid

[32:47] number 25-6871 in an amount not to exceed $3 million

[32:52] annually for the Public Works Department. I have a motion by Council

[32:55] member Sharbutt, seconded by Council member Wilmont.

[32:59] All Council member Oh, oh, Council member Wilmont.

[33:03] Thank you, Madam Clark. Just point of clarification, this is $3 million

[33:07] annually, not to exceed amount. Um if we can't get an explanation on that and I

[33:12] also it it what it was last year. Yes.

[33:17] Uh it's a 2-year contract for maintenance related work on an as needed

[33:22] basis and the $3 million cap is annual. Yes.

[33:28] What was it last year? Do you Last year was a $3 million annually.

[33:32] million, so there's no change. And we have only spent like $1.8 million

[33:36] on this current contract with Bow Brothers as well. So Bow Brothers was

[33:40] the low bid again. For this 2-year contract.

[33:44] Thank you for that clarification. Thank you. That's all.

[33:47] Council member Branigan? No.

[33:49] No. Okay.

[33:51] You're welcome. All Council members in favor, please say

[33:54] I. I.

[33:56] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0.

[34:00] Item 15G is summary ordinance number 13,792.

[34:04] An ordinance to accept the lowest responsible receive from Coburn Supply

[34:07] to provide sewer clamps, couplings, PVC, etc. on an as needed basis in accordance

[34:13] with sealed bid number 24-6857 in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for

[34:18] the Department of Wastewater. I have a motion by Council member LaHat, seconded

[34:22] by Council member Sharbutt. All Council members in favor, please say

[34:26] I. I.

[34:28] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. Item 15H is summary

[34:33] ordinance number 13,793. An ordinance ratifying an emergency

[34:38] repair of the Fairbanks-Morse turbine pump of the effluent dock at the

[34:42] wastewater treatment plant by Fluid Process and Pumps LLC in an amount of

[34:47] $33,900 for the wastewater department. Have a

[34:51] motion by Councilmember Dunn, seconded by Councilmember McKinney.

[34:55] All councilmembers in favor, please say I.

[34:58] I. Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none,

[35:00] motion passes 7-0. Item 15I is summary ordinance number 13,794.

[35:06] An ordinance ratifying an emergency replacement of the Hydromatic HMPC pump

[35:11] number one at the boat launch lift station by Fluid Process and Pumps LLC

[35:16] in the amount of $9,112 for the wastewater department. Have a

[35:20] motion by Councilmember LeHat, seconded by Councilmember Wilmont.

[35:24] All councilmembers in favor, please say I.

[35:27] I. Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none,

[35:29] motion passes 7-0. Item 15J is summary ordinance number 13,795.

[35:35] An ordinance Ordinance accepting the quote received

[35:38] from Innovative Flow Solutions to install one Rotork actuator for the

[35:43] wastewater treatment plant dumping pit in the amount of $9,450

[35:49] for the wastewater department. I have a motion by Councilmember Dunn, seconded

[35:52] by Councilmember Sherwood. All councilmembers in favor, please say

[35:57] I. I.

[35:58] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. Item 15K is summary

[36:03] ordinance number 13,796. An ordinance authorizing an agreement

[36:08] with Macinnis Incorporated to provide disaster meal service in accordance with

[36:11] the request for proposal number 25-6873. Have a motion by Councilmember McKinney,

[36:18] seconded by Councilmember Brennan. Councilmember Wilmont.

[36:24] Thank you, Madam Clerk. Uh, I guess my question on this is the amount.

[36:29] Do we have an amount? We don't put a maximum amount on there

[36:33] just because of a disaster. We don't know, um, you know, what it's going to

[36:36] be. We spent last year 27,000, uh, from that Hurricane Francine. So,

[36:42] typically, um, these are treated a little differently

[36:46] since they are disaster related, but you know, we issue a notice to proceed. It's

[36:51] based on what type of hurricane or a disaster comes. So, but last year we

[36:56] spent 27,000. Do we know the annual?

[36:59] The regular annual? That's That's Yeah, it depend I mean, if we have no

[37:02] hurricane, then it's going to be nothing. So, it just depends if it's

[37:06] needed or not, but it's, you know, all put in place just in case.

[37:09] So, this contract is just for emergencies.

[37:13] Okay. All right. Thank you. Do we know if these funds are

[37:16] recoverable from FEMA? Yes, they are. It's all Cat B work.

[37:23] All council members in favor, please say I.

[37:25] I. Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none,

[37:28] motion passes 7-0. Item 15L is summary or is a resolution

[37:33] accepting as complete the agreement with Technical Services Group Incorporated

[37:38] dated June 24th, 2024 regarding the furnish and install speaker system

[37:42] upgrade at the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center for the Department of

[37:46] General Services. I have a motion by Council member Lahatt, seconded by

[37:49] Council member Willmott. Councilman Branigan.

[37:54] Do we have a cost on this to, uh,

[37:58] do this project? Yeah, the total was 151,804,

[38:02] which was what the original agreement was for. So, this is accepting the

[38:06] project as complete. And these were Hurricane Ida damages and

[38:11] all will be recoverable.

[38:15] That's perfect.

[38:21] Seeing no further discussion, all council members in favor, please say

[38:24] I. I.

[38:26] Opposed, please say nay. Seeing none, motion passes 7-0. Item 16

[38:31] is ordinances and resolutions in summary for first reading. Item 16A is an

[38:35] ordinance adopting the operating budget for the city of Kenner for the fiscal

[38:37] year beginning July 1st, 2025 and ending June 30th, 2026.

[38:42] Item 16B is an ordinance authorizing a public hearing and amendments to the

[38:46] fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 annual action plans of

[38:53] the home investment partnership program and home rescue

[38:58] American Rescue Plan for the Community Development Department. Item 16C is an

[39:03] ordinance authorizing a public hearing and approv- and approving the proposed

[39:07] fiscal year 2025 annual action plan of the Community Development Block Grant

[39:11] Program and the Home Investment Partnership Program Grant for the

[39:15] Community Development Department. Item 16D is an ordinance authorizing the

[39:19] purchase of three new laser shows for the planetarium including shipping and

[39:23] handling at a cost of $6,075.75 from

[39:29] J. Hack, doing business as Hack Industries, a sole source provider for

[39:33] the General Services Department. Item 16E is an ordinance accepting the lowest

[39:38] responsive bid received from Legacy Restoration and Referral LLC to remove,

[39:43] furnish, and install windows and related at Heritage Hall in accordance with

[39:48] sealed bid 25-68-83 in an amount not to exceed $81,000 for

[39:54] the General Services Department. Item 16F is an ordinance approving an

[39:58] agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development state

[40:02] project number H.016392, Federal Aid Project Number H016392

[40:08] regarding Vintage Drive Westbound resurfacing

[40:13] improvements from Duncan Canal to Power Boulevard, City of Kenner project.

[40:18] Item 16G is an ordinance accepting the lowest responsive bid received from H&O

[40:23] Investments LLC to provide grass cutting of rough cut ditch slopes in accordance

[40:28] with sealed bid 25-6878 in an amount not to exceed $155,000

[40:34] annually for the Department of Public Works. Item 16H is an ordinance

[40:39] accepting the lowest responsive bid received from New Light Electrical

[40:42] Wholesalers to supply street light poles and accessories on an as needed basis in

[40:47] accordance with sealed bid 25-6881 in an amount not to exceed $300,000

[40:52] annually for the Public Works Department. Item 16I is an ordinance

[40:56] accepting the lowest responsive bid received from Ottwell Services LLC to

[41:00] provide emergency equipment rental in accordance with sealed bid 25-6886

[41:05] in an amount not to exceed $175,875

[41:10] annually for the Public Works Department. Item 16J is an ordinance

[41:14] approving amendment number one to the agreement with BSN Sports LLC to supply

[41:18] shirts, hats, visors, and screen printing in accordance with sealed bid

[41:22] 24-6823 increasing the agreement amount to a not

[41:26] to exceed amount of $45,000 annually for the Parks and Recreation Department.

[41:31] Item 16K is an ordinance accepting the lowest responsive bid received from

[41:35] Atakapa Services LLC to provide sanitary sewer evaluation services on an as

[41:40] needed basis in accordance with sealed bid 25-6884

[41:45] and an amount not to exceed $300,000 annually for the Department of

[41:48] Wastewater. Item 16L is an ordinance approving an

[41:52] agreement with Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana for the Repair on

[41:56] Wheels program in an amount not to exceed $95,000 for the Department of

[42:00] Community Development. Item 16M is an ordinance approving the use of state

[42:04] contract number 4400026020

[42:08] to purchase Kubota tractors and equipment in an amount not

[42:12] to exceed $100,000 for the General Services Department or any other

[42:16] department. Item 16N is an ordinance approving a sub recipient agreement with

[42:20] the city of Kenner and the parish of Jefferson to provide funding for Arthur

[42:24] P. Clay Resource Center reconstruction project in an amount not to exceed

[42:28] $1,000,000. Item 16O is an ordinance to to amend section 16-23 of the code of

[42:35] ordinances of the city of Kenner entitled specific traffic control signs

[42:39] by adding thereto truck prohibited signs on Delaware Avenue between 20th Street

[42:44] and 21st Street. Item 17 is reports from the council and all special committees.

[42:50] Councilman LaHat. Yes, uh September of last year Chris

[42:54] McKenny and I requested and we filed a resolution for the planning department

[42:58] to do a study about potentially putting gas stations and vape shops into

[43:02] potential conditional use designation moving forward. And I have Chris

[43:07] Zwolinski here who's going to come up and give us an update as to what he's

[43:09] found so far um since we filed that resolution.

[43:32] Good morning. Um So, back on September 5th, 2024, the

[43:38] city council passed a resolution authorizing the planning department

[43:41] to conduct a study. I worked with Mr. Dufour on this. It was

[43:48] ready probably around ready about the end of the year, but

[43:53] it's taking a while to get up here. Um anyways, we started by

[43:58] mapping all of the locations of gas stations and vape shops within the city.

[44:03] We utilized uh from the Department of Inspection.

[44:08] Yeah. Hello. I don't know why it's not connecting

[44:12] now. Give me a second.

[44:39] Okay. All right.

[44:41] Thank you.

[44:44] Uh so, we started by mapping all of the locations uh utilizing reports that came

[44:48] from the Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement. Um and as you can see

[44:53] on this graphic, we found 34 gas stations, and you can see some tables

[44:57] there that indicate which districts they fall in and which uh

[45:02] zoning districts they fall in. Uh as you can see, they are primarily

[45:06] gas stations are primarily primarily located along major commercial corridors

[45:11] such as Airline Drive, Loyola Drive, West Esplanade Avenue, and Williams

[45:16] Boulevard. And they are predominantly found in the C-2 general commercial

[45:20] zoning district. We also mapped the vape shops. You can

[45:24] see there that we found 14 in total. Uh that tells you which districts

[45:28] they're in and which zoning districts they're in. Uh they are also primarily

[45:32] found along the major commercial corridors,

[45:35] and they are also primarily in the C-2 zoning district.

[45:39] Uh I guess I should point out for vape shops

[45:41] that we only mapped locations that spe- specialize specifically in tobacco or

[45:46] vape products. Uh it's very hard to determine the full extent of vape sales

[45:51] within the city because they can be sold at grocery stores, convenience stores,

[45:56] you know, uh at shops that fix cell phones might have a vape display, you

[46:00] know, on the side. Um

[46:04] So, we believe that gas stations should be made

[46:09] uh conditional uses in the C2 zoning

[46:12] district. Uh this would allow for greater scrutiny of proposed projects

[46:17] and that would help ensure that any new gas station does not detract from the

[46:21] appearance of our commercial corridors. Um I actually have a planning case uh in

[46:26] the works. It will be heard uh at the planning and zoning commission meeting

[46:32] at the end of May to get that process started.

[46:36] Um unfortunately from a land use perspective, there is

[46:41] really nothing we can do to limit vape shops. This has to do with the

[46:45] regulatory structure in place at higher levels of government. Um so,

[46:50] unfortunately, there's really nothing we could do and even if we did do something

[46:54] like make them conditional uses, that would uh really increase the workload of

[46:59] the code enforcement people because they would basically have to go to every

[47:03] retail shop in the city to check to ensure that they're not selling vape

[47:06] products and that's just unreasonable. And I will add that uh

[47:11] just a couple weeks ago, I was at a uh at a

[47:15] birthday party for a friend and I met one of their friends

[47:18] who actually works for a uh an organization that, you know, spearheads

[47:24] lobbying efforts for anti-smoking and anti-vape

[47:27] uh efforts. And I talked to that person about this very uh situation and they

[47:33] they concurred that there is nothing local governments can do when it comes

[47:36] to vape products or tobacco products. And they actively engage with uh

[47:41] state-level government to try to get laws changed to help us, but nothing

[47:46] exists at this time. Uh so, that's all I have.

[47:50] Are there any questions? Yeah, that that's fantastic. Thank you

[47:53] for the explanation. It was great. So, in terms of, you know, gas stations,

[47:57] we're not prohibiting gas stations, any new ones

[48:00] in the city of Kennesaw. We're just trying to make it to allow the the

[48:04] planning department the planning zone board and then, of course, the council

[48:08] to authorize any new developments based on what you stated. So, basically what

[48:12] you found, I'm going to support that in some point and get that moving. And I

[48:15] understand about the vape shop issue about the state level legislation.

[48:19] They'll have to actually work on that. Um I really appreciate that. Thank you

[48:23] for doing that study. And I know you're put in a weird place with Wendell

[48:27] situation last year. But thank you so much, Chris, for doing this for us

[48:30] today, okay? Sure. You're welcome.

[48:33] What's that? Oh, yeah. Can you please email us that

[48:36] presentation? Absolutely.

[48:38] Cuz T had no idea there were 15 gas stations in her district.

[48:41] Yeah, absolutely. I can do that. You don't think it was Aubrey?

[48:47] Thank you so much. Councilman Wellmont.

[48:52] Thank you, Madam Clerk. I just want to mention, too, that I understand that

[48:54] there's uh state legislation going through at this time. And from what I

[48:58] understand, that the taxes on vape is going to increase. So,

[49:03] just mention it, food for thought. Thank you.

[49:09] Item 18 is new business. We have none. Item 19 is unfinished business and a

[49:13] motion to reconsider or remove from a tabled position. We have none. Item 20

[49:17] is persons wishing to address the council on special subject matters.

[49:22] Mr. Grant, sir.

[49:27] You have the podium. Thank you.

[49:30] Uh great to have fifth district. What I

[49:34] What I want to bring up today is very simple. First, I want to thank Joanne

[49:39] for her presentation that she gave on what we're doing

[49:42] regarding the vape pumps and all that cuz

[49:46] that was concerning. And I do want to say this.

[49:50] I understand it's not just this administration's problem.

[49:55] Cuz this has probably been kicked down the road

[49:59] ever since I can remember. But still, it's it's just concerning

[50:04] that it went this far and that unfortunately, all I was trying to do

[50:11] was figure out a way where we probably get it done faster.

[50:15] But citizen input on something like that probably is not that important.

[50:21] But I do want to bring this up because it is concerning. If you read council

[50:25] rules, it is the council president that is in charge of the council

[50:32] meetings, not the mayor and not the mayor's

[50:35] administration. I definitely was out of line asking

[50:40] questions, but

[50:44] the individual answering those questions should not have been called out because

[50:47] me asking them and it's the council president should

[50:51] have told me to shut my mouth because it's not allowed.

[50:56] But it came from the administration and I have problems with that. This council

[51:01] is supposed to be independent. You're supposed to think independent. You're

[51:04] supposed to think on behalf of the citizens.

[51:08] And that's my concern. And you know, again, all I was trying to

[51:13] do is figure out how we the citizens can step it up

[51:17] because this administration got caught in the middle of it. I understand that.

[51:21] But we're all in here together. And that's all I was trying to do. I

[51:25] wasn't trying to be rude, but

[51:28] you know, what I would recommend that the council president if someone like me

[51:31] gets up and does something wrong, you got two choices. Tell me to shut up and

[51:35] or tell me to leave. Plain and simple, anybody.

[51:39] And that's really all I have to say. Thank you.

[51:44] Thank you, Mr. Craig.

[51:49] Next is Sharon.

[51:54] Gmail app. Mr. Richard.

[51:58] Sir. I'll pass, Mr. Chairman.

[52:03] Thanks, sir. Did anyone else like to speak?

[52:08] See none.

[52:11] Meeting adjourned.

City of Kenner City Council Meeting for April 25, 2025

Transcript