May 22, 2024 Parish Council East Bank

>> TURN AROUND, WE'RE GOING TO GET A PICTURE. [OVERLAPPING] [LAUGHTER].

>> GOOD.

>> THANK YOU, MS. NATALIE.

[00:05:24]

[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU SO MUCH.

.>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, ALL. [BACKGROUND]

>> NEXT, WE HAVE SOME SERVICE PINS.

I'LL SAY IT AGAIN, OUR EMPLOYEES ARE OUR GREATEST ASSET IN JEFFERSON PARISH, AND THE LONGEVITY OF OUR EMPLOYEES IS WHY WE CAN CONTINUALLY PROVIDE EXPERIENCED SERVICE TO OUR CITIZENS.

I'M GOING TO START WITH OUR DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE, BEN LAPIN.

BEN YOU CAN COME UP WHILE I READ ABOUT YOU.

BEN STARTED IN OUR DRAINAGE DEPARTMENT AS A STUDENT ENGINEER IN 2014 AND HAS SPENT HIS ENTIRE CAREER IN DRAINAGE FROM STUDENT INTERN TO DIRECTOR.

THE WHOLE ROAD, WOW.

IN 2015, HE WAS PROMOTED AS AN ENGINEER IN TRAINING.

IN 2019, HE WAS PROMOTED TO OUR DRAINAGE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM MANAGER, AND THEN HE WAS PROMOTED AGAIN IN 2022 TO BE OUR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE, AND I HAPPILY PROMOTED HIM IN MAY OF '22 TO BE OUR DIRECTOR.

HE HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE ASSET FOR US AND HE CARRIES THE SAME TRAITS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.

HE'S WORKED THE WAY UP TO LEADING THE DEPARTMENT.

WE CERTAINLY KNOW THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE IS RIGHT IN THE TARGET OF A LOT.

[LAUGHTER] WHEN IT RAINS, HE'S VERY BUSY.

BUT THROUGHOUT STORMS, OVERSEES ALL OF OUR MAINTENANCE DRAINAGE AND FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAMS AND THE DIRECT OPERATION CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF 340 MILES OF OPEN DRAINAGE CANALS, DRAINAGE DITCHES, CROSS DRAINS, CULVERTS, AND LEVEE SYSTEMS, AND OVER 1,400 MILES OF STREET SUBSURFACEE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF 73 DRAINAGE PUMP STATIONS.

IT IS AN ABSOLUTELY LARGE OPERATION THAT HE'S AHEAD OF.

AFTER IDA, BEN WAS HEAVILY RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING ALL THE PUMPS UP AND RUNNING IN THE LAFITTE AREA WHERE MANY WERE KNOCKED OUT OF SERVICE DURING THE STORM.

IT'S THAT EXPERIENCE AND SEEING THOSE PUMPS THAT LED TO BEING ABLE TO FIX THE SALTWATER INTRUSION ISSUE THAT WE HAD THAT WAS THREATENING US.

THEN, CERTAINLY IN THE EARLY DAYS AFTER THE STORM BEFORE PERSONNEL COULD EVEN GET DOWN TO LAFITTE, BEN PERSONALLY WAITED THROUGH WASTE DEEP FLOODWATERS TO ACCESS THOSE PUMPS TO GET THEM STARTED, AND I'VE CERTAINLY SEEN IT FOR MYSELF.

THAT'S THE KIND OF WORKER BEN IS.

HE HAS THE INTELLIGENCE TO DESIGN A PUMP STATION, BUT ALSO THE PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE TO OPERATE ONE.

WE KNOW THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IS IN GOOD HANDS WITH BEN.

MAGGIE TALLY IS OUR NEXT EMPLOYEE SERVICE PIN.

IS THE DIRECTOR OF FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT AND HAZARD MITIGATION FOR 10 YEARS.

MAGGIE JOINED OUR FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT AND HAZARD MITIGATION TEAM AS A FLOODPLAIN CRS SPECIALIST IN '24 AND WAS PROMOTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT AND HAZARD MITIGATION IN 2018.

MAGGIE'S DEPARTMENT STRIVES TO LESSEN THE RISK OF FLOODING AND WORKS TO IMPLEMENT LONG TERM ACTIONS NOW TO REDUCE THE LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM THE IMPACTS OF FUTURE DISASTERS IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM PROVIDES DISCOUNTS ON PREMIUMS FOR RESIDENTS LIVING IN COMMUNITIES THAT GO THE EXTRA MILE TO REDUCE FLOOD DAMAGES.

PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THE INCREDIBLE DISCOUNT WE GET ON OUR FLOOD INSURANCE BECAUSE OF MAGGIE'S WORK, AND SHE'S TRYING TO GET US EVEN BETTER DISCOUNTS.

MAYBE I SHOULDN'T HAVE SAID THAT, MAGGIE, BUT WE'RE WORKING ON IT.

NO PRESSURE. UNDER MAGGIE'S LEADERSHIP, JEFFERSON PARISH RECEIVED A CLASS 5 RATING IN FEMA'S COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM IN 2019, EARNING US A 25% REDUCTION IN FLOOD INSURANCE PREMIUMS. IT WASN'T UNTIL I DOWNLOADED THE COMMUNITIES IN THIS THAT I REALIZED WE ARE THE TOP TIER ON THIS COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM.

IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE, AND IT REALLY IS DUE TO MAGGIE AND HER EFFORTS.

WE'VE MAINTAINED THAT RATING SINCE AND SHE AND HER STAFF ARE NOW WORKING TO IMPROVE OUR SCORE AND INCREASE OBVIOUSLY THE SAVINGS WE WOULD GET.

ADDITIONALLY, IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, SHE AND HER DEPARTMENT HAVE SECURED 78 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO ASSIST 466 PROPERTIES WITH ELEVATION AND RECONSTRUCTION FOR PROPERTIES THAT EXPERIENCE FLOODING.

SO CONGRATULATIONS, MAGGIE ON 10 YEARS.

THEN THIS IS A NEW ONE FOR ME, EVEN THOUGH DANNY IS NOT NEW, 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO JEFFERSON PARISH.

DANNY, YOU STARTED WHEN YOU WERE LIKE TWO OR SOMETHING. LOOK AT HIM.

DO YOU THINK HE LOOKS LIKE HE'S BEEN HERE FOR 40 YEARS? I'M PROUD TO PRESENT.

I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS AWARD, THE CRYSTAL AWARD TO DANNY FERRARA.

I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WAS SUCH A THING, DANNY.

TEACHING ME NEW THINGS EVERY DAY, 40 YEARS WITH JEFFERSON PARISH.

DANNY HAS WORKED HIS WAY UP IN OUR BUILDING PERMITS DEPARTMENT OVER THE PAST 40 YEARS.

HE WAS HIRED IN 1984 AS A BUILDING INSPECTOR 1,

[00:10:02]

PROMOTED IN 1998 TO A BUILDING INSPECTOR 2, PROMOTED IN 2006 TO A BUILDING PLAN REVIEWER, PROMOTED IN 2011 TO A BUILDING PERMIT MANAGER, PROMOTED IN 2016 TO THE REGULATORY MANAGER, PROMOTED TO 2021 TO THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, AND THEN I ASKED HIM TO BE OUR DIRECTOR BECAUSE OF ALL HIS KNOWLEDGE AND HE STEPPED UP AND HAS BEEN DOING AN ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE JOB.

WE HAVE MADE A LOT OF MUCH NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS TO BETTER STREAMLINE OUR PROCESSES IN OUR PERMITTING, UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP, INCLUDING CHANGING THE NAME OF HIS DEPARTMENT.

I'M GOING TO TALK A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THAT IN MY TALKING POINTS.

BUT UNDER HIS DIRECTION, HE HAS DONE SO MUCH OUTREACH, INCREASED AWARENESS OF THE PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES AND BUILDING SAFETY.

SO INCREDIBLE 40 YEARS OF SERVICE.

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING WORK. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

COUNSEL MEMBERS, IF YOU WANT TO COME TAKE A PICTURES WITH OUR DIRECTORS WHO HAVE REACHED REALLY BIG MILESTONES IN THEIR CAREER WITH US? [APPLAUSE] CRYSTAL AWARD.

[OVERLAPPING] HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED?

>> TWENTY-THREE.

>> I NEED TO TAKE WHAT YOU'RE TAKING. [BACKGROUND]

>> AWESOME. [OVERLAPPING]

>> THANK Y'ALL SO MUCH. THANK YOU, DAN.

>> THANK YOU, MAGGIE. THANK YOU.

>> CONGRATULATIONS. [BACKGROUND] [APPLAUSE].

>> FOUR MORE YEARS.

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

>> FOUR MORE YEARS, YEAH. [LAUGHTER]

>> THANK YOU. [BACKGROUND]

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

>> AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO CALL UP VIOLET PETERS WHO'S THE HEAD OF OUR JEFFERSON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU.

THIS WEEK IS AN IMPORTANT WEEK FOR US, NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK.

ESTABLISHED IN 1983, NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK IS AN ANNUAL TRADITION THAT CELEBRATES TRAVEL'S ESSENTIAL ROLE IN STIMULATING OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

WE CULTIVATE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES, WE CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES, AND WE INSPIRE NEW BUSINESSES.

THROUGH TRAVEL, WE STRENGTHEN OUR ECONOMIC POSITION AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND FOR OVER 20 YEARS, THE JCVB HAS BEEN A PROUD PARTNER IN TOURISM, SUPPORTING THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF OUR PARISH.

WE'RE PROUD TO HAVE VIOLET AS A PARTNER.

SHE AND HER TEAM ARE WORKING FEVERISHLY WITH US TO START PREPARING FOR OUR BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS NEXT YEAR.

WE'RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT AND YOU'LL HEAR MORE ABOUT THAT TO COME OVER THE NEXT MONTH.

BUT WE LOOK FORWARD TO THAT IN 2025 AND SEEING IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR ECONOMY AND FOR PEOPLE TO VISIT OUR PARISH.

WITH THAT, I HAVE A PROCLAMATION, VIOLET. [OVERLAPPING]

>> I'VE GOT MY TEAM. [OVERLAPPING]

>> YOU'VE GOT ALL YOUR STAFF? THE TEAM COMING UP, OF COURSE.

>> I'VE GOT SOME BOARD MEMBERS.

>> OKAY, AND BOARD MEMBERS HERE, SO BRING UP, EVERYBODY.

WHEREAS THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY IS ESSENTIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF EVERY INDUSTRY AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE CRITICAL PART OF JEFFERSON PARISH'S ECONOMY, DEVELOPMENT, AND WORKFORCE, AND WHEREAS TRAVEL IS AN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE FOR EVERY STATE AND DESTINATION ACROSS THE COUNTRY, WITH AN ECONOMIC OUTPUT OF 2.8 TRILLION, SUPPORTING 15 MILLION AMERICAN JOBS.

WHEREAS TRAVEL SPENDING SUPPORTS VIBRANT AND SAFE COMMUNITIES IN JEFFERSON PARISH BY GENERATING 89 BILLION IN STATE AND LOCAL TAX REVENUE IN 2023 TO SUPPORT ESSENTIAL SERVICES SUCH AS EDUCATION, EMERGENCY RESPONSE, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND MORE, AND WHEREAS TRAVEL ENABLES SUCCESS FOR ALL INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING MANUFACTURING, AGRICULTURE, DEFENSE, HEALTHCARE, AND MORE BY DRIVING SALES GROWTH, INNOVATION, EDUCATION, AND OPERATIONS THAT POWER OUR ECONOMY, AND WHEREAS IN 2022, THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY OF JEFFERSON PARISH ACCOUNTED FOR OVER 21,000 JOBS THAT EARNED 614 MILLION WHILE CREATING EXPERIENCES FOR VISITORS THAT SPENT TWO BILLION AND GENERATED 194 MILLION IN STATE AND LOCAL TAXES.

WHEREAS AMERICA'S TRAVEL INDUSTRY CANNOT BE GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE WITHOUT MAXIMIZING GROWTH IN LEISURE, BUSINESS, AND INTERNATIONAL INBOUND TRAVELERS, INCREASING TRAVEL TO AND WITHIN THE UNITED STATES DRIVES OUR ECONOMY TO A MORE PROSPEROUS FUTURE AND CONNECTS AMERICA, AND AS WHEREAS SMALL BUSINESSES ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN 60% OF LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY EMPLOYMENT.

WHEREAS TRAVEL IS AN ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY AND WE MUST CONTINUE TO COMMUNICATE THAT GROWING TRAVEL LEADS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH, BENEFITS BUSINESSES, FOSTERS MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING, AND CONNECTS THE NATION.

WHEREAS THE CITIZENS OF JEFFERSON PARISH RECOGNIZE THE ESSENTIAL ROLE THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRIES PLAYS IN OUR REGION, NOW, THEREFORE, I, CYNTHIA LEE SHENG, PRESIDENT OF JEFFERSON PARISH, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM MAY 19TH TO MAY 25TH, 2024 AS NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR WORK,

[00:15:01]

YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH US IN JEFFERSON PARISH, THROUGH THE MARDI GRAS SEASON AND WELL BEYOND, AND OF COURSE, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A REALLY BIG YEAR NEXT YEAR THROUGH ALL OF YOUR WORK ON THAT.

WE'RE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT, SO VIOLET, YOU WANT TO COME SAY SOME WORDS?

>> WELL, ACTUALLY, I HAVE A PRESENTATION AFTER THIS.

>> VIOLET HAS A BIGGER PRESENTATION ON ALL OF YOUR EFFORTS.

IT'S GOING TO BE PART OF OUR COUNCIL MEETING, SO SHE'S GOING TO SAVE HER REMARKS THERE.

IF WE CAN GET EVERYBODY UP, COUNCIL MEMBERS, YOU WANT TO COME TAKE A PICTURE WORTH OUR TRAVEL AND TOURISM LEADERS?

>> I ACTUALLY HAVE ONE, YES. STU, DO YOU WANT TO HOLD THIS OR SOMEBODY HERE IN THE MIDDLE WANT TO HOLD THAT? HERE YOU GO, STU.

>> ALL RIGHT, [INAUDIBLE].

>> HOLD IT RIGHT HERE.

>> WE GOT LOTS OF PEOPLE.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE]

>> THERE WE GO.

>> EVERYBODY. I'M SORRY.

>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR WHAT Y'ALL ARE DOING.

>> NEXT UP IS COUNCILMAN LILJEBERG.

>> GOOD MORNING. I HAVE A PROCLAMATION FOR NORA VADEN HOLMES.

WHEREAS NORA VADEN HOLMES IS A RESIDENT AND OWNER OF NORA VADEN HOLMES INSURANCE AGENCY, REPRESENTING STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES IN JEFFERSON PARISH FOR 23 YEARS, AND WHEREAS NORA JOINED STATE FARM INSURANCE TROPHY CLUB IN 2023, RANKING NUMBER 2 IN THE UNITED STATES OUT OF 19,500 AGENTS.

THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME A JEFFERSON PARISH AGENT HAS ACHIEVED THIS AWARD SINCE 1935.

WHEREAS NORA'S TEAM HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO HELPING RESIDENTS REPAIR AND RECOVER FROM THE UNEXPECTED, CATERING TO THE COMMUNITY FOR BOTH HURRICANE KATRINA, AND IDA, AND WHEREAS NORA'S OFFICE IS THE LARGEST INSURER IN BOTH LOUISIANA AND JEFFERSON PARISH, PAYING OUT OVER $2 MILLION IN LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS IN 2024 AND OVER $300 MILLION OF LIFE INSURANCE IN FORCE.

WHEREAS ADDITIONALLY, NORA'S COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING JEFFERSON PARISH THROUGH COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, INCLUDE HER EFFORTS OF ADOPTION OF A LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL TO ASSIST TEACHERS, SPONSORSHIPS OF NONPROFITS, AND VOLUNTEERING AT SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK, MEALS ON WHEELS, ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA, HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, JPAS, ARNO ANIMAL SHELTER, OLD MONTEREY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, AND THE JEFFERSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, NOW, THEREFORE, THE JEFFERSON PARISH COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, HEREBY RECOGNIZES, COMMENDS, AND CONGRATULATES NORA VADEN HOLMES FOR HER EXCEPTIONAL DEDICATION TO SERVING THE JEFFERSON PARISH COMMUNITY.

[APPLAUSE] CONGRATULATIONS. THAT'S REALLY AWESOME.

>> TEAM. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT THIS WOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE, AS YOU TALKED ABOUT THE GREATEST ASSET IS YOUR STAFF.

THIS TEAM IS THE MOST PASSIONATE DEDICATED TEAM TO HELPING PEOPLE IN DEVASTATING TIMES.

THEY CARE ABOUT REALLY TAKING CARE OF THE PEOPLE OF JEFFERSON PARISH, AND IT HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE HONOR AND A PLEASURE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF JEFFERSON PARISH, SO THANK YOU, HANS FOR THAT. [APPLAUSE].

>> [INAUDIBLE],GO ON BETWEEN ALL THESE ROSES.

>> COUNCIL. [OVERLAPPING]

>> WHAT? [OVERLAPPING]

>> [INAUDIBLE] JUST A LITTLE BIT. [OVERLAPPING]

>> NO, YOU COME [INAUDIBLE].

>> [INAUDIBLE]. [BACKGROUND]

>> COUNCIL, WE'VE GOT EVERYBODY?

>> HEY. HEY. HOW ARE YOU DOING?

[00:20:01]

GOOD TO SEE YOU.

>> YOU GOT EVERYBODY?

>> I KNOW. IT'S LIKE WHERE THEY COME FROM?

>> YOU GOT IT?

>> CAN YOU SEE THE COUNCIL?

>> CAN YOU COME IN?

>> ONE, 2, 3.

YEAH. PRETTY GOOD.

>> THAT'S NICE. THAT'S SO AWESOME. [OVERLAPPING].

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT. THANK YOU.

>> [INAUDIBLE] [LAUGHTER].

>> THANK YOU. [BACKGROUND]

>> NEXT UP IS COUNCILWOMAN VAN RANKIN.

>> EARLIER IN THIS MEETING, WE GOT TO RECOGNIZE A CRYSTAL ACHIEVEMENT OF ONE OF OUR EMPLOYEES, DANNY FERRARA, WHO'S OUR BUILDING PERMITS DIRECTOR.

OUR HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF LOUISIANA, IS CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN EXISTENCE AND IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY, SO WE REALLY WANT TO HAVE A PUBLIC CELEBRATION IN COMMEMORATION OF THAT MILESTONE, AND I'M GOING TO READ THE PROCLAMATION, AND WE HAVE SEVERAL OF THE BOARD MEMBERS HERE.

OF COURSE, MYRA PENADA IS THE PRESIDENT AND CEO.

REESA PETRI IS THE CHAIR, PAULA DUPLANTIS WITH HANCOCK WHITNEY BANK IS PART OF THE ORGANIZATION ON THE BOARD, CARLOS BELLOS WITH GULF COAST BANK IS IN CHARGE OF THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ENTITY OF THE HISPANIC CHAMBER.

JOSE GARCIA IS HERE AS WELL.

WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOU TAKING TIME OUT OF YOUR SCHEDULE TO BE HERE BECAUSE AS NORA POINTED OUT, IT'S A TEAM EFFORT.

WE KNOW IT'S A TEAM EFFORT WHENEVER YOU'RE ACHIEVING GOOD THINGS.

ON BEHALF OF THE JEFFERSON PARISH COUNCIL, WHEREAS THE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF LOUISIANA CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, 2024, WITH A FOCUS ON ADVANCING THE PROGRESSION OF HISPANIC BUSINESSES UNDER THE THEME OF ONWARD, DRIVING HISPANIC BUSINESSES FORWARD.

WHEREAS THE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF LOUISIANA IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, RESULTING FROM THE MERGER OF TWO CHAMBERS BACK IN 1999, THE LOUISIANA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHICH WAS FOUNDED IN 1984, AND THE GULF COAST INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, FOUNDED IN 1990.

WHEREAS THE HISPANIC CHAMBER HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO FOSTERING A BUSINESS CLIMATE WITHIN THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY, PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION ACROSS THE LOUISIANA LANDSCAPE AND GROWTH OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN LOUISIANA AND LATIN AMERICA.

WHEREAS THE HISPANIC CHAMBER HAS GROWN IN ITS MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFORTS OVER THE PAST FOUR DECADES AND REMAINS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION TO CREATE A VIBRANT BUSINESS COMMUNITY HERE IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

WHEREAS PRESIDENT AND CEO, MYRA PENADA HAS LED THE HISPANIC CHAMBER TO SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN RECENT YEARS THROUGH INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER IN JEFFERSON PARISH, AMONG MANY OTHER INITIATIVES.

WHEREAS THE HISPANIC CHAMBER PLANS TO EXPAND ITS FOOTPRINT AND SHARPEN ITS FOCUS ON CONTINUED WORKFORCE TRAINING EFFORTS TO EMPOWER OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY AS IT MOVES INTO THE FUTURE.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE JEFFERSON PARISH COUNCIL OF JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, HEREBY COMMENDS AND CONGRATULATES THE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF LOUISIANA ON THIS OCCASION OF ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY.

PLEASE COME UP AND JOIN US.

I HAVE TO SAY, RECENTLY, I'VE ATTENDED A FEW EVENTS THAT THE HISPANIC CHAMBER HAS PUT ON, AND THEY'VE BEEN FABULOUS NETWORKING EVENTS AND JUST REALLY BRINGS A GOOD SENSE OF COMMUNITY TO GETTING GOOD THINGS DONE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. MIRA,IF YOU WANT TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE ORGANIZATION.

>> THANK YOU. FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU, JENNIFER.

WE'VE LOVED HAVING YOU THERE, AND WE LOVE FOR PEOPLE TO

[00:25:01]

UNDERSTAND THAT THE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES EVERYONE.

IT IS ABOUT A COMMUNITY, AND WE CAN DO MUCH BETTER THINGS AND IMPACTFUL THINGS TOGETHER.

THAT'S WHY THE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS PROUD TO ALWAYS WORK WITH THE JEFFERSON PARISH ADMINISTRATION, BUT ALSO WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE DOING AMAZING WORK IN OUR COMMUNITY, LIKE THE JEFFERSON CHAMBER, LIKE JCO, AND OTHERS.

WE ARE COMMITTED.

A RECOGNITION LIKE THIS ONLY GIVES US THE SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

FOR MORE, THERE'S A LOT MORE WORK TO BE DONE AND WE CAN ONLY DO IT TOGETHER. THANK YOU AGAIN.

THANK YOU, MADAM PRESIDENT AND JENNIFER.

WE HOPE TO SEE ALL OF OUR JEFFERSON PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS AT OUR NEXT EVENT, AND WE WILL MAKE SURE YOU GET THE INVITATION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU. I'LL ASK OUR OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS AND OUR PARISH PRESIDENT TO JOIN US FOR A PICTURE.

SYMPOSIUM WAS PHENOMENAL.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MIRA.

>> ONE MORE PROCLAMATION FROM OUR OFFICE TODAY IS FOR A YOUNG WOMAN IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO IS JUST DOING PHENOMENAL THINGS, AND I'M SO PROUD THAT SHE'S HERE.

I'M SO PROUD THAT JEFFERSON PARISH CAN CLAIM HER.

I WANT TO READ THIS PROCLAMATION.

IT'S RECOGNIZING SOMEONE, I THINK, MANY OF YOU KNOW, CASSIE ALSFELD AND SHE JUST WAS AWARDED SOMETHING THAT IS SPECTACULAR AND AGAIN, MAKES JEFFERSON PROUD TO HAVE HER AMONGST OUR CITIZENS.

WHEREAS MARY CASWELL CASSIE ALSFELD AS WE ALL KNOW HER, GOT HER START IN POLITICS AT FOUR YEARS OLD, WORKING ON HER GRANDMOTHER, JACQUELINE BRECHTEL CLARKSON'S FIRST CAMPAIGN.

WHEREAS, SHE IS AN ACTIVE ALUM OF ST. MARY'S DOMINICAN HIGH SCHOOL AND LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, WHERE IN 2007, SHE WAS ELECTED AS ONE OF THE ONLY FEMALE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENTS IN LSUS HISTORY.

WHEREAS CASSIE CONTINUED HER CAREER IN POLITICS ON BOTH THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL, WHERE SHE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST DIGITAL HIRES IN GOP POLITICS AND SET ONLINE SMALL DOLLAR FUND RAISING RECORDS.

WHEREAS CASSIE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT CIVIC EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT IN RESTORING CIVILITY TO POLITICAL DISCOURSE, WHICH IS ONE THAT REALLY HITS HOME, I THINK FOR ALL OF US, MAKING SURE THAT WE CAN DISAGREE WITHOUT BEING DISAGREEABLE.

WHEREAS SHE WORKS TO GET MORE WOMEN INVOLVED IN POLITICS AND POLICY MAKING, AS WELL AS EMPOWERING MORE WOMEN TO RUN FOR OFFICE AND TO START BUSINESSES.

WHEREAS SHORELINE STRATEGIES, LLC, FOUNDED BY CASSIE IN 2015, IS AN AWARD WINNING DIGITAL MARKETING, MESSAGING, AND FUND RAISING FIRM BASED IN NEW ORLEANS THAT PROVIDES SPECIALIZED SERVICES FOR CAMPAIGNS, COMPANIES, AND CAUSES.

WHEREAS CASSIE HAS WORKED WITH PRESIDENTIAL, SENATE, GUBERNATORIAL, AND CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGNS, INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES, LEADING NONPROFITS, ADVOCACY GROUPS, AND ISSUES AND ORGANIZATIONS, SMALL BUSINESSES, TECH START UPS, AND COMPANIES VENTURING INTO NEW MARKETS.

WHEREAS SHE IS A CO-FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER, AND CO-CHAIR OF MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT OF ELEVATE LOUISIANA, WHICH IS A FABULOUS ORGANIZATION AS WELL, AND IS INVOLVED WITH SEVERAL OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

HERE'S WHERE THE PARTICULAR RECOGNITION COMES IN.

WHEREAS CASSIE WAS THE FIRST REPUBLICAN FEMALE FROM LOUISIANA TO BE HONORED WITH THE 40 UNDER 40 AWARD BY THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF POLITICAL CONSULTANTS, NATIONWIDE, AND THEIR 2024 PULLEY AWARDS AND CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON, DC, SO AMONG OUTSTANDING YOUNG LEADERS ACROSS THE ENTIRE NATION.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE JEFFERSON PARISH COUNCIL,

[00:30:01]

THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, HEREBY COMMENDS AND CONGRATULATES ON THIS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT.

MARY, CASSIE, CALLED ALSFELD AND WE RECOGNIZE YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOUR EFFORTS.

I'VE SEEN YOU AT SO MANY EVENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY WHERE YOU REALLY ARE PROMOTING WOMEN AND BEING INVOLVED IN GOVERNMENT, IN BUSINESS, PROMOTING CIVILITY SO THAT WE FOCUS ON THE WORK AND GETTING THINGS DONE TOGETHER.

I'M JUST SO PROUD OF YOU FOR REPRESENTING LOUISIANA WOMEN SO WELL.

CASSIE IF YOU'D COME UP.

PLEASE FEEL FREE IF YOU WANT TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.

>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER VAN RANKIN, AND THE REST OF THE COUNCIL FOR THIS GREAT HONOR AND FOR ALL OF YOUR SERVICE AND HARD WORK.

IT FEELS GOOD TO LIVE IN A PLACE WHERE THE GOVERNMENT ACTUALLY WORKS AND WORKS WELL AND WORKS FOR THE PEOPLE.

MY BUSINESS THAT I STARTED BACK IN 2015 IS ACTUALLY BASED IN JEFFERSON PARISH, AND IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME THAT I BRING IT HERE, SO MY TAX DOLLARS AND MY IMPACT CAN BE DIRECTLY IMPACTING THE AREA AND THE PARISH THAT I'VE CALLED HOME SINCE I WAS A KID.

WAS IN DC FOR MANY YEARS WORKING ON POST KATRINA RECOVERY, BUT IT FEELS REALLY GOOD TO BE ABLE TO CALL THIS HOME.

IT WAS INSTILLED TO ME FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE, THE VALUE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC SERVICE, AND PUBLIC SERVICE IN ALL FORMS, WHETHER YOU'RE SERVING IN OFFICE OR BEHIND THE SCENES LIKE I PREFER TO DO AND ADVOCATING FOR ISSUES THAT I PERSONALLY CARE ABOUT AND THAT MATTER TO OUR CITY AND ALSO OUR STATE.

BUT IT'S JUST AN HONOR AND SUCH A PRIVILEGE.

I HOPE TO CONTINUE AND MAKE LOUISIANA PROUD.

I THINK WE NEED MORE AMBASSADORS ON THE NATIONAL STAGE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU. AGAIN, I INVITE THE PARISH PRESIDENT, ALL OF OUR COUNSEL DOWN TO CONGRATULATE CASSIE.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.

WE WERE SO EXCITED.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> CONGRATS. [BACKGROUND]

>> THIS IS THE FIRST PROCLAMATION THAT I'VE DONE WHERE THE RECIPIENT OF THE PROCLAMATION ISN'T HERE.

MISS NORMA LINER, WHO IS NORMALLY SITTING IN THAT CHAIR RIGHT THERE COULDN'T BE HERE TODAY, WHICH IS ALSO HER LAST MEETING.

SHE HAD A FAMILY EMERGENCY TO DEAL WITH, SO SHE'S NOT HERE TODAY, BUT WE HAD THIS PROCLAMATION FOR HER. WE'RE GOING TO DO IT ANYWAY.

IF ANYBODY FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON HER BEHALF, ONCE I READ THIS TO TALK ABOUT HER FOR A MOMENT AND SOME OF HER QUIRKS.

[LAUGHTER] I THINK WE'D LOVE TO HEAR IT.

I'LL READ HER PROCLAMATION.

WHEREAS NORMA J LINER BEGAN HER CAREER WITH JEFFERSON PARISH IN 1999 AS CLERK 1 IN THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT, AND WHEREAS IN 2000, SHE BECAME A CLERK 3 IN THE COUNCIL CLERK'S OFFICE AND WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT PARISH CLERK IN 2005, AND WHEREAS IN HER LONG AND OUTSTANDING CAREER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, MISS LINER WENT ON TO SERVE AS DEPUTY PARISH CLERK FROM 2013 TO PRESENT, AND WHEREAS MISS LINER HAS ANNOUNCED HER WELL EARNED RETIREMENT FROM JEFFERSON PARISH AS WELL AS HER POST RETIREMENT PLANS TO SPEND TIME WITH HER HUSBAND ROY ROWDY LINER, SONS, RYAN AND ROSS, DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW OF BRIDGET AND MELANIE AND HER THREE GRANDCHILDREN,

[00:35:01]

REX, ARABELLA, AND ALEXANDRA.

AND WHEREAS, AFTER 25 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO JEFFERSON PARISH, NORMA J LINER WILL RETIRE FROM PUBLIC SERVICE ON JUNE 4TH, 2024.

AND WHEREAS THIS COUNCIL WISHES TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND NORMA J LINER, ON OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM JEFFERSON PARISH FOR 25 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE AND FOR HER COLLEGIALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS IN SERVING THE NEEDS OF THE COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS OF JEFFERSON PARISH.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE JEFFERSON PARISH COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, RECOGNIZES AND COMMENDS NORMA J LINER FOR HER EXEMPLARY CAREER OF SERVICE TO THE COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS OF JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA.

AND IF SHE WERE HERE RIGHT NOW RIGHT NEXT TO ME, GIVE HER A BIG HUG AND WE'D GIVE HER A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

[APPLAUSE] YOU PROBABLY REMEMBER THAT MISS EULA RETIRED LAST YEAR, AND NORMA WAS MISS EULA'S PARTNER IN CRIME UP THERE, AND THEY WORKED A LOT TOGETHER AND THEY HELD THE CLERK'S OFFICE TOGETHER FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

WITHOUT THEM IN THE POSITIONS THEY WERE IN OVER THE YEARS, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE SAME AND IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS SMOOTH.

LIZ IS OUR NEW CLERK.

IS NEW NORMA HERE? [LAUGHTER] LIZ, WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME SPEAK FOR A MOMENT? I'M GOING TO PUT YOU ON THE SPOT AND JUST RECOGNIZE MISS NORMA.

MISS NORMA IS THE ONE WHEN YOUR CLOCK EXPIRES, MR. AL AND JOHN, SHE'S THE ONE WHO LOOKS UP AT ME TO MAKE SURE I NOTICE THAT THE TIME HAS EXPIRED.

SHE'S THE TIMEKEEPER.

>> YES, MISS NORMA WAS A GREAT HELP WITH ME LEARNING THIS YEAR, EVEN AFTER MISS EULA LEFT.

THESE PAST SIX MONTHS WITH HER HAS BEEN EXTRAORDINARY, AND I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO THE JOB THAT I'M DOING WITHOUT MY STAFF AND HER, SO SHE WILL REALLY BE MISSED TREMENDOUSLY.

>> THANK YOU, LIZ. I WISH YOU COULD SEE SOME OF THE FACES MISS NORMA MAKES WHEN HER BACKS TO THE AUDIENCE. GO AHEAD, COUNCILMAN.

>> I HAVE TO TELL EVERYBODY WHY SHE REALLY DIDN'T COME.

I LOVE TO PICK AT HER AND HAVE FUN WITH HER.

SO LATE ONE NIGHT, I WAS REGRETTING A POLICEMAN I WAS WORKING THE DETAIL AT ROSS'S, AND I SEE THIS LADY COME IN AND SHE'S GOT A MOOMOO ON AND SHE'S COVERING HER HEAD LIKE THIS.

I SNAPPED A PICTURE OF HER AND I SAID, NORMA, WHEN YOU RETIRE, I'M GOING TO SHOW EVERYBODY THAT PICTURE.

SO THAT'S WHY SHE DIDN'T COME.

>> I DON'T THINK ANYBODY IS STOPPING YOU FROM SHOWING THE PICTURE TODAY IF YOU WANT TO DO THAT.

[LAUGHTER] WE'LL GET THAT PROCLAMATION TO MISS NORMA.

I HAVE A SECOND ONE AS WELL.

IT IS EMS WEEK, AND AS WE DO EVERY YEAR, WE HONOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, AND I HAVE A STACK OF PROCLAMATIONS FOR THE MUNICIPALITIES WHO MAY BE REPRESENTING ANYONE ELSE AND WHOEVER ISN'T WILL GET THEIRS AS WELL.

MAYBE IF OUR EMS REPRESENTATIVES WANT TO COME UP AS I READ THIS.

THESE ARE THE ONES WHO DO THE HARD WORK, THE WORK THAT NOBODY ELSE REALLY CARES TO DO, AND THEY'RE THERE FOR US WHEN WE NEED THEM.

YOU ONLY THINK ABOUT THEM TILL YOU NEED THEM, AND THEN WHEN YOU NEED THEM, THEY'RE THERE PRETTY QUICK.

SO WE APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK YOU DO.

IN HONOR OF THIS EMS WEEK, I'LL READ THIS PROCLAMATION.

WHEREAS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES IS A VITAL PUBLIC SERVICE, AND WHEREAS EMS PROVIDES RESIDENTS AND VISITORS WITH HIGH QUALITY PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE AND ATTENDS TO THEM IN THEIR GREATEST TIME OF NEED, AND WHEREAS EMS HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ARE ON THE FRONT LINES 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK TO PROVIDE AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE TO JEFFERSON PARISH, AND WHEREAS EMS SERVES AS AN INSPIRATION TO THE RESIDENTS OF JEFFERSON FOR THEIR HEROIC DEEDS AND SACRIFICES THAT THEY'VE MADE, AND WHEREAS JEFFERSON PARISH IS A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND VISIT BECAUSE OF THE COMMITMENT OF THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO HELP MAKE JEFFERSON PARISH A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE, AND WHEREAS JEFFERSON PARISH WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL FOR THOSE WHO HAVE CHOSEN TO PLACE PUBLIC SERVICE TO OTHERS ABOVE ALL, AND WHEREAS IT IS APPROPRIATE TO RECOGNIZE THE VALUE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE JEFFERSON PARISH COUNCIL OF JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA HEREBY PROCLAIMS MAY 19TH-15TH, 2024, SHALL BE KNOWN AS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK, WITH THE THEME OF HONORING OUR PAST, FORGING OUR FUTURE, HONORING HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS FOR THEIR SERVICE IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO, WE CERTAINLY APPRECIATE.

[APPLAUSE].

>> WE JUST WANT TO THANK Y'ALL FOR RECOGNIZING THE HARD WORK THAT OUR MEN AND WOMEN PUT IN EVERY DAY, AND THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR EVERYTHING.

>> IF EVERYBODY WHO'S HERE THAT IS A FIRST RESPONDER WOULD LIKE TO COME UP FOR A PICTURE, WE CAN ALSO HAND YOU YOUR OTHER PLAQUE.

IS THIS EVERYBODY? OKAY.

[BACKGROUND]

[00:40:03]

THANK YOU, SIR.[BACKGROUND]

>> CHARLIE. THANK YOU.

>> ONE MORE THING WE WANTED TO RECOGNIZE THIS MORNING AND IF I CAN HAVE JEB TATE, WHO'S OUR DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, ANGELA DESOTO, WHO'S OUR DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING, AND SUSAN TREDWAY, WHO'S THE DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC ENGINEERING.

I WANT TO SHARE THIS HONOR THAT WAS BESTOWED UPON JEFFERSON PARISH WITH THEM.

JEFFERSON CONTINUES TO TRY TO INNOVATE.

WE CONTINUE TO TRY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS FOR OUR CITIZENS AND SO SEVERAL YEARS AGO, WHEN I WAS IN COUNCILMAN LILJEBERG'S POSITION OF REPRESENTING THE METAIRIE AREA, RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO SAY, CAN'T YOU DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE TRAIN AND THE TRAIN INTERRUPTS LIFE 12-20 SOMETHING TIMES A DAY.

I AM NOT THE SKILL SET OF THE ENGINEERS, BUT I KNEW THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE, I KNEW THAT TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE ABLE TO HELP MAKE LIFE MORE CONVENIENT LIVING WITH THE TRAIN.

I TASK OUR ENGINEERING COMMUNITY WITH COMING UP WITH AN APP THAT WOULD ALERT DRIVERS TO WHEN THE TRAIN WAS HEADED TO THAT METAIRIE ROAD CORRIDOR.

IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT IT WAS DONE IN THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES AND IT TOOK A TEAM OF PEOPLE.

JEB WAS SUPPORTING ALL THE IT EFFORTS, ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING, WAS SECURING THE EQUIPMENT THAT WE NEEDED AND SO THIS PAST WEEK WE TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON, DC.

THE PICTURES AREN'T ESSENTIAL, I BROUGHT THE AWARDS IN PERSON, BUT WE WERE GOING TO SHOW YOU SOME OF THE AWARD CEREMONY PICTURES.

ENGINEERS FROM ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY SUBMITTED PROJECTS AND THE NATIONAL ENGINEERING COMMUNITY AWARDED PROJECTS AND ACTUALLY THE GRAND PRIZE WINNERS PRETTY AMAZING OVER ALL THE PROJECTS WAS ONE THAT RECOGNIZED BELOW GRAND CENTRAL STATION IN NEW YORK.

14 STORIES BELOW THE GROUND THEY DUG A TUNNEL, THEY PUT ADDITIONAL TRAIN LINES, THESE ARE THE ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE PROJECTS THAT WERE AWARDED AMONG THEM WAS OUR LOCAL TRAIN APP.

I JUST WANT TO THANK THE EFFORTS OF ALL OF THE FOLKS INTERNAL TO THE PARISH, AS WELL AS GRESHAM SMITH, THE TEAM OF ENGINEERS THAT WON THIS NATIONAL AWARD.

IT'S GIVEN TO BOTH THE ENGINEERS WHO DEVELOPED IT AND THE GOVERNMENT ENTITY THAT SPONSORED IT AND HELPED BRING IT TO LIFE.

THIS IS ONE, AGAIN, FOR THE ENTIRE PARISH OF JEFFERSON TO BE PROUD OF, TO BE RECOGNIZED ON THE NATIONAL STAGE FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS DEVELOPED RIGHT HERE IN JEFFERSON AND NOW IS BEING EXPANDED.

I THINK BIRMINGHAM IS PUTTING IN THIS TECHNOLOGY AT 15 OF THEIR TRAIN CROSSINGS.

IT'S SPREADING OUT TO OTHER PLACES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND COUNCIL MAN BANANO HAS ALREADY COMMITTED TO EXPANDING TO ANOTHER JEFFERSON CROSSING THE ONE AT LITTLE FARMS THAT INTERRUPTS LIFE THERE A LOT.

AGAIN, JUST KUDOS TO EACH OF YOU FOR SUPPORTING THIS INNOVATION THAT YOU MAY HAVE THOUGHT ON THE FRONT END WAS CRAZY BUT NOW CAME TO FRUITION AND IS BEING REPLICATED ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

I WANTED TO SHARE THE AWARDS WITH YOU.

AGAIN, I INVITE EVERYONE FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL AND OUR PARISH PRESIDENT TO SHARE IN THIS RECOGNITION FOR THE PARISH [APPLAUSE].

>> THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN.

>> FIRST TIME. THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN IT.

>> THANK YOU.[APPLAUSE]

>> CONGRATS.

>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY.

[MEETING CALLED TO ORDER]

[00:45:02]

WELCOME TO THE JEFFERSON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ON THIS WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2024, WE'RE IN THE JOSEPH S. YENNI BUILDING 1221 ELMWOOD PARK BOULEVARD, JEFFERSON, LOUISIANA.

THIS MEETING IS NOW FINALLY CALLED TO ORDER.

COUNSEL LESBERG PLEASE INTRODUCE YOUR GUESTS TO LEDE OUR INVOCATION TODAY.

>> ANN BIRDSONG WILL DO OUR INVOCATION. WHERE'S ANN? JUST A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ANN, I JUST MET ANN SHORTLY AFTER I WAS ELECTED.

SHE CALLED ME UP AND GAVE ME A TOUR OF MULHOLLAND WHICH I WAS REALLY IMPRESSED WITH, AND THE JOB THEY DO IS INCREDIBLE.

ANN IS AN ARMY BRAT SO WE'RE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE HER IN METAIRIE AND EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, SHE ACTUALLY CAME TO US FROM DESTIN, SO I THINK THAT'S A BIG CREDIT TO US TO COME HERE FROM BEAUTIFUL DESTIN.

I'M GOING TO READ DIRECTLY FROM HER BIO BECAUSE I CAN'T SAY IT BETTER MYSELF.

ANN IS A POWERFUL WOMAN OF GOD, WHO WITH GRACE, COMMITMENT AND PASSION, DECIDED IN FAITH TO LEAVE ALL THAT SHE KNEW AND LOVED TO COME TO MULHOLLAND IN METAIRIE SO ANN, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> LET US PRAY. DEAR LORD, LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, WE PRAISE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE.

WE THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY AND FOR THE EXACT MOMENT RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW.

LET US FEEL AND FIND THE JOY YOU INTEND FOR US TO HAVE AS WE CARRY OUT YOUR INDIVIDUAL PURPOSE THAT YOU HAVE FOR EACH ONE OF US TODAY.

REMIND US TO ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL FOR PLACING US IN THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY AND IN THIS BEAUTIFUL STATE OF LOUISIANA AND IN THIS PARISH.

WE THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU HAVE PRESENTED TO US, THE BEAUTY, THE FREEDOM, THE EXTRA, AND THE ABOVE AND BEYOND ABUNDANCE THAT WE HAVE HERE, RIGHT IN FRONT OF US THAT MOST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WILL NEVER KNOW.

LORD, PLEASE HELP US TO ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL AND HELP US TO ALWAYS BE THANKFUL IN REMEMBRANCE OF YOU.

LORD, WE TRUST IN YOU, WITH ALL OF OUR HEART AND WE LEAN NOT ON OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.

WE ACKNOWLEDGE YOU IN ALL OF OUR WAYS SO THAT YOU WILL DIRECT OUR PATHS, FATHER, WE DO NOT RELY ON OURSELVES FOR EFFECTIVE RESULTS FOR WE ARE ONLY HUMAN AND BECAUSE OF THAT, WE OFTEN MAKE MISTAKES.

IT IS YOU WHO KNOWS ALL THINGS.

FATHER, WE PRAY AND WE ASK FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR DIVINE WAY IN THIS MEETING TODAY.

GRANT OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS WISDOM AND COURAGE TO KNOW AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND GOOD AND TRUE.

MAY THEY AND WE SPEAK OUT WHEN IT IS TIME TO SPEAK OUT AND LISTEN PATIENTLY AND RECEPTIVELY WHEN IT'S TIME TO LISTEN.

MAY THEY AND WE ALWAYS BE GUIDED BY THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY, BY THE SPIRIT OF JUSTICE, AND BY THE SPIRIT OF LOVE.

FATHER, I THANK YOU FOR THIS MEETING, AND I THANK YOU FOR EVERY LIKE MINDED INDIVIDUAL WHO IS HERE TO FULFILL THE TASKS NOT ONLY FOR OUR PARISH, LORD, BUT FOR YOUR KINGDOM.

BRING PROSPERITY TO OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES, LEAD AND DIRECT OUR PARISH.

AND, LORD, PLEASE PROTECT OUR COUNTRY.

PLEASE GUIDE AND CONTROL OUR PRESIDENT AND ALL THOSE IN DECISION MAKING POSITIONS.

PLEASE COVER AND PROTECT ALL OF THE SERVICEMEN AND WISDOM WOMEN WHO STAND ON THE FRONT LINES WITH US TODAY, LORD, PROTECT US BOTH GLOBALLY AND LOCALLY.

WE PRAY ALL OF THIS IN YOUR HOLY PRECIOUS NAME.

AMEN THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU ANN.

>> MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>> CHAIRMAN WALKER?

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> COUNCILMAN EDWARDS?

>> COUNCILMAN BANANO?

>> COUNCILMAN LEE?

>> COUNCILWOMAN BOHANNAN?

>> COUNCILMAN LILJEBERG?

>> PARISH PRESIDENT MS. LEE SHENG?

>> I'VE COMPLETED THE ROLL.

>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. IN JUST A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THE JCVB IS GOING TO GIVE US A PRESENTATION ON TOURISM IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

BUT FIRST, MADAM PRESIDENT, THE FLOOR IS YOURS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.

[PARISH PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS COUNCIL]

>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN, OUR HONORABLE COUNCIL MEMBERS.

I'M GOING TO START OFF WITH A HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EVENT THAT THE JEFFERSON PARISH DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS IS GOING TO HAVE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JPSO AND LEGACY ENVIRONMENTAL.

THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY JUNE 8TH IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE ALARIO CENTER IN WESTWEGO FROM 9:00 AM TO NOON.

THE COLLECTION EVENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR JEFFERSON PARISH RESIDENTS TO DISPOSE OF LEFTOVER HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN CORROSIVE,

[00:50:01]

TOXIC, IGNITABLE, AND REACTIVE INGREDIENTS.

PRODUCTS SUCH AS PAINTS, COMMON HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS, OILS, BATTERIES, AND PESTICIDES THAT CONTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE WHEN DISPOSED OFF.

WHY WE'RE DOING THIS IS BECAUSE THE IMPROPER DISPOSAL, WHICH PEOPLE DO BY POURING THE WASTE DOWN THE DRAIN IN THE GROUND, INTO STORM DRAINS, OR EVEN SOME CASES PUTTING IT OUT IN THE TRASH IS A DANGEROUS METHOD.

WHILE THAT MIGHT NOT BE IMMEDIATELY OBVIOUS, IMPROPER DISPOSAL POLLUTES THE ENVIRONMENT AND MAY POSE A THREAT TO OUR HUMAN HEALTH.

THE MATERIALS ACCEPTED INCLUDE MERCURY-CONTAINING EQUIPMENT LIKE THERMOSTATS AND THERMOMETERS, PAINT, LAWN AND GARDEN PRODUCTS, HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS, HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS, LIGHTING COMPONENTS, ELECTRONIC WASTE, AND THEN HELIUM TANKS AND 16 OUNCES, WHICH IS ONE POUND PROPANE TANKS.

WHAT WE WILL NOT ACCEPT AT THIS EVENT IS NON-RESIDENTIAL WASTE, MEDICAL WASTE OR MEDICATIONS, PROPANE TANKS LARGER THAN 16 OUNCES, EXPLOSIVES, STYROFOAM, INCLUDING THE PACKING PEANUTS, WE'RE NOT GOING TO ACCEPT THAT, SCHOOL LAB WASTE, PAPER CARDBOARD, TIN ALUMINUM CANS AND PLASTICS ARE ALL THINGS THAT WE'RE NOT GOING TO ACCEPT.

AUTOMOTIVE WASTE, WE WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE, THEY CAN BE RECYCLED.

WE'RE NOT GOING TO ACCEPT THAT, BUT THEY CAN BE RECYCLED AT PARISH DROP-OFF SITES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN METAIRIE ON 400 DAVID DRIVE AND IN THE MARRERO AT 6440 LAPALCO BOULEVARD.

OUR JEFFERSON PARISH LIBRARY, THE 2024 SUMMER READING PROGRAM WILL KICK OFF WITH CELEBRATIONS AT BOTH THE EAST AND WEST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARIES ON SATURDAY JUNE 1ST FROM 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, WITH A SCAVENGER HUNT, GAMES AND A HOST OF FUN ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN.

THIS YEAR'S SUMMER READING THEME IS ADVENTURE BEGINS, AND BOTH THE CHILDREN'S AND AN ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAM WILL BE HELD THROUGHOUT THE MONTHS OF JUNE AND JULY WITH SPECIAL EVENTS AT ALL 16 BRANCHES.

PAT LAMBRINOS, A FIRST-GENERATION GREEK-NEW ORLEANIAN WRITER, WILL HOST A COOKING & COCKTAIL DEMONSTRATION WITH GREEK CUISINE AND A GREEK WINE TASTING ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 29TH AT 6:30 AT THE WEST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARY.

THE LIVE OAK LIBRARY WILL HOST A VELVET ART PAINTING CLASS, I DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS SUCH A THING, ON SATURDAY JUNE 1ST FROM 1:00-4:00.

PATRONS WILL SELECT FROM A VARIETY OF VELVET ART WATERCOLOR POSTERS.

SPACES AND SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED AND AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.

THE JEFFERSON PARISH LIBRARY IS PARTNERING WITH OPERATION HOPE TO PROVIDE AN EIGHT WEEK SERIES OF CLASSES FOR ENTREPRENEURS ON HOW TO LAUNCH NEW BUSINESSES EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT AT 6:00 PM FROM JUNE 4TH TO JULY 23RD AT THE WEST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARY.

NOW, I WANT TO GO OVER SOMETHING THAT'S VERY OPERATIONAL, BUT IT'S ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS WE'VE DONE.

AS MANY OF YOU KNOW AND ON THE COUNCIL YOU'VE HEARD, ONE OF THE MANY LONGSTANDING IMPROVEMENTS WE'VE TRIED TO MAKE IN JEFFERSON PARISH IS STREAMLINING OUR PERMITTING PROCESS FOR OUR PEOPLE WHO ARE FILING BUSINESS APPLICATIONS, WHO WANT TO START NEW BUSINESSES.

MANY OF THE THINGS THAT WE'VE DONE OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAVE BEEN INTERNAL THAT NO ONE WOULD SEE FROM THE OUTSIDE.

I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS EVEN THOUGH THAT I'VE NOT BEEN TALKING ABOUT IT.

WE'VE MOVED MANY APPLICATIONS PROCESSES OUT OF THAT PERMITTING DEPARTMENT LIKE GARAGE SALES, CHRISTMAS TREE LOTS, FOOD TRUCKS, BLOCK PARTY, SHORT TERM RENTALS, THEY WERE DOING ALL THAT WORK, WE'VE MOVED THAT OUT.

WE'VE CHANGED THE NAME OF THE DEPARTMENTS, WHICH WAS REALLY COUNTER-INTUITIVE AND BRINGING PEOPLE TO THE WRONG DEPARTMENTS JUST SIMPLY BECAUSE OF THE NAME.

THAT SOUNDS LIKE AN EASY THING.

IT WAS A VERY HEAVY LIFT BECAUSE WE HAD TO RESEARCH ALL THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, LOOK AT EVERY PLACE THOSE DEPARTMENTS WERE REFERENCED, CHANGE ALL OF OUR ASSETS, CHANGE THE NAME.

NOW, CODE ENFORCEMENT DID NOT DO ANY ENFORCEMENT, BUT THEY GAVE OUT PERMITS.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & ZONING, PEOPLE LOOKING TO FILE PERMITS WERE GOING THERE INSTEAD OF THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

IT WAS REALLY COUNTER-INTUITIVE.

NOW, CODE COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT DOES EXACTLY WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE.

IT ENFORCES, AND IT MAKES PEOPLE COMPLY WITH THE CODE.

BUILDING SAFETY & PERMITS DOES EXACTLY WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE.

IT DOES THINGS ABOUT BUILDING SAFETY AND IT GIVES OUT PERMITS.

VERY EASY FIX BUT VERY DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT.

THEN WE'VE ALSO DONE OTHER THINGS LIKE CREATED SIX NEW PERMANENT NAVIGATOR POSITIONS TO HELP GET ALL THE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TOGETHER FOR PLAN REVIEWERS TO BE ABLE TO MAKE QUICKER DECISIONS, AND WE'VE ALSO DONE SOME OFFICE MOVES TO KEEP THOSE DEPARTMENTS TOGETHER BECAUSE THEY WERE SCATTERED THROUGHOUT.

THAT'S A LOT OF THE INTERNAL THINGS WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON THROUGHOUT THIS TERM OF OFFICE.

THIS IS THE FIRST NEW THING THAT WE'RE INTRODUCING.

I GOT INTRODUCED LAST MONDAY, WHICH IS A NEW INTERFACE ON OUR PERMITTING WEBSITE.

WE'RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT.

USERS WILL NOW SEE A NEW INTERFACE THAT LAUNCHED LAST MONDAY.

THIS IS NOT A NEW PERMITTING SYSTEM, IT'S JUST A NEW INTERFACE TO THE WEBSITE.

IT'S JUST HOW WE COMMUNICATE WITH OUR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CUSTOMERS.

EXISTING USERS OF THE PARISH PERMIT WEBSITE WILL CONTINUE TO USE THEIR SAME USER NAME AND PASSWORD.

THE NEW INTERFACE FEATURES BUTTONS WHICH ALLOW USERS

[00:55:03]

TO NARROW DOWN THE TYPE OF APPLICATION THEY ARE SUBMITTING.

THIS NEW INTERFACE IS MUCH MUCH EASIER FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE SUBMITTING THINGS FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF PERMIT TO GET, THE DEPARTMENT IT WALKS THEM THROUGH IT IN A MUCH SIMPLER USER FRIENDLY WAY.

THE NEW INTERFACE ALSO BREAKS THE APPLICATION ITSELF INTO EASY TO FOLLOW SECTIONS AND SHOWS THE USER WHERE THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF COMPLETING AN APPLICATION. IT'S COLOR CODED.

THE NEW PROJECT LIST PAGE AVAILABLE FROM THE TOP OF THE MENU PROVIDES AN ADD A GLANCE STATUS OF ALL APPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THAT USER ACCOUNT.

IF YOU'RE AN ARCHITECT AND YOU WANT TO JUST GET A ONE PAGE VIEW OF ALL THE APPLICATIONS YOU HAVE FILED WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT PROJECTS, IT'S THERE ON ONE SCREEN FOR YOU.

THEN THE NEW INTERFACE INCLUDES A HELP LINK WITH RESOURCES FOR CREATING A NEW USER ACCOUNT, APPLYING, VIEWING AN APPLICATION, COMPLETING ONLINE PAYMENT, AND OTHER TASKS RELATED TO THIS.

WE'RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT.

A LOT OF WORK WENT INTO THIS.

WE KNOW IT'S AN EASIER BRIDGE TO WORKING WITH US.

YOU CAN VISIT MGOCONNECT.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

THE LINK TO THE ONLINE PERMITTING SYSTEM FROM THE JEFFERSON PARISH WEBSITE ARE UPDATED TO DIRECT USERS.

THE HOMEPAGE IS WWW.JEFFPARISH.NET.

WE ALSO HAVE A VIDEO OUT OF ALL THE NEW BENEFITS THAT WE'RE PROVIDING THERE.

GREAT WORK TO THOSE DEPARTMENTS WHO WORKED ON THIS.

THIS IS PART OF JULIETTE CASSAGNE'S CLUSTER, DANNY, LISA.

THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS NEXT LEVEL INITIATIVE TO OUR CITIZENS.

NEXT IS HEAD START REGISTRATION.

THE JEFFERSON COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM WILL HOST ITS FINAL OUTREACH EVENT TODAY MAY 22ND TO HELP FAMILIES REGISTER FOR THE 2024-2025 HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START SCHOOL YEAR.

THIS OUTREACH EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE TODAY FROM 9:00 AM-3:00 PM AT THE WOODMERE COMMUNITY CENTER.

JEFFERSON CHILD COORDINATED ENROLLMENT IS REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF LOUISIANA FOR ANY FAMILY APPLYING FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FROM CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO FOUR YEARS OLD.

YOU CAN APPLY AT WWW.JEFFERSONCHILD.COM AND IT'LL UPLOAD ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS OR CALL 504-736-6900.

THAT'S OUR HEAD START OFFICE IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS.

J PAWS AND THE BISSELL PET FOUNDATION WILL BE CELEBRATING THE 20,000TH SPAY & NEUTER COMPLETED IN LOUISIANA THIS WEEK.

BISSELL'S PROGRAM FIX THE FUTURE KICKED OFF IN JANUARY AND J PAWS WAS HONORED TO BE THE FIRST ORGANIZATION TO PARTNER WITH THEM FOR THIS PROGRAM.

J PAWS IS NOW THE LARGEST OPEN INTAKE MUNICIPAL ANIMAL SHELTERING FACILITY IN LOUISIANA, AND WE HAVE COMPLETED OVER 2,000 SURGERIES SINCE THE PROGRAM STARTED.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE FOLKS ON THAT.

WE GOT A TELLY AWARD.

OUR PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE LED BY GRETCHEN HIRT WAS NAMED A 2024 RECIPIENT FOR THE 45TH ANNUAL TELLY AWARDS, THE WORLD'S LARGEST HONOR FOR VIDEO AND TELEVISION ACROSS ALL SCREENS.

OUR INFORMATION SPECIALIST NEIL CREATED TWO BRONZE AWARD WINNING VIDEOS FOR OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT.

ONE WITH SAFETY TIPS ABOUT DEFRYING TURKEYS AND ANOTHER ABOUT AUTOMOBILE EXTRICATION CLASS.

BOTH ISSUES ARE VERY UNIQUE TO US HERE IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA.

THESE VIDEOS WERE SELECTED OUT OF MORE THAN 13,000 ENTRIES AROUND THE WORLD.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PIO TEAM AND FOR MAKING THESE VIDEOS AND BRINGING THAT AWARD HOME TO US IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

RECREATION, JOHNNY JACOBS POOL WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON TUESDAY, MAY 28TH.

THAT'S A FAMILY FAVORITE.

HOURS OF OPERATION ARE TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY FROM 2:00-6:00 AND SATURDAY 10:00-6:00 AND SUNDAY 1:00-6:00.

THE COST OF ADMISSION IS ONLY $2 FOR SWIMMERS AND $1 FOR SPECTATORS.

WE ONLY ACCEPT CASH, SO YOU CAN GO TO JPRD.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CERTAINLY, LAST BUT NOT LEAST IS MEMORIAL DAY IS COMING UP.

WE'RE GOING TO HOST OUR VERY OWN ANNUAL JEFFERSON PARISH MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY THIS FRIDAY, MAY 24TH AT 10:00 AM.

BECAUSE OF THE HEAT, WE'VE MOVED THIS TO LAKESIDE MALL UNDER THE VETERAN SKYLIGHT.

SO JUST NOTE THAT BECAUSE OF THE FORECAST OF THE HEAT INDEX.

EVERYONE IS INVITED FOR A LIVE MUSIC, SPECIAL REMARKS AND REFRESHMENTS.

THE CEREMONY IS GOING TO ALSO BE STREAMED LIVE ON JP TV.

THEN ALSO NOTE THAT ALL OF OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 27TH IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY.

THIS INCLUDES OUR LIBRARIES, OUR JPO FACILITY, EAST AND WEST JEFFERSON, AMERICAN JOB CENTERS, AS WELL AS OUR RECREATION CLASSES AND PROGRAMS, BUT THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE LAFRENIERE PARK AND PARK DAY FOR ME.

THOSE WILL BE OPEN. OF COURSE, OUR TRANSIT DEPARTMENT WILL BE RUNNING A NORMAL WEEKDAY SERVICE ON MONDAY AND GARBAGE COLLECTION WILL TAKE PLACE AS SCHEDULED ON MONDAY. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MADAM PRESIDENT. ANYONE WITH QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR THE PARISH PRESIDENT? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I'D LIKE TO INVITE MS. VIOLET PETERS UP TO THE PODIUM FOR A PRESENTATION FROM

[Additional Item]

THE JEFFERSON CONVENTION OF VISITORS BUREAU ON TOURISM IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, MADAM PRESIDENT AND GUESTS.

AS WE ALL READ THE PROCLAMATION WITH PARISH PRESIDENT CYNTHIA LEE SHENG,

[01:00:06]

WELCOME TO NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

IT IS AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION TO SHOWCASE TOURISM'S ESSENTIAL ROLE IN DRIVING OUR ECONOMY.

SO 41 YEARS AGO, NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK WAS CREATED TO HIGHLIGHT TOURISM ROLE IN SOCIETY AND ITS FINANCIAL IMPACT IN OUR COUNTRY.

EARLIER, THE THEME SEEMED TO BE TEAMS. WITHOUT OUR TEAM OF BOARD MEMBERS, OUR TEAM OF MY CO-WORKERS, ALL OF THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS WOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE, SO I WANT TO THANK THEM VERY MUCH.

I ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT IN JEFFERSON PARISH, TOURISM HAS SOLIDIFIED ITS ROLE IN IMPROVING OUR QUALITY OF PLACE.

VISITOR SPENDING, HOSPITALITY EMPLOYEE EARNINGS, AND REVENUE DERIVED FROM TOURISM-RELATED STATE AND LOCAL TAXES HAVE LIFTED JEFFERSON PARISH TO THE SECOND LARGEST TOURISM CENTER IN LOUISIANA.

OUR MOST RECENT FINANCIAL ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT TOURISM IN JEFFERSON PARISH IS A TWO BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY.

VISITORS TO OUR PARISH CONTRIBUTED NEARLY $194 MILLION IN STATE AND LOCAL TAX REVENUES FOR JEFFERSON PARISH.

THIS IS THE BIG NUMBER FOR EVERYONE TO TAKE AWAY, TOURISM SAVES EACH JEFFERSON PARISH HOUSEHOLD OVER $100 EACH YEAR IN STATE INCOME TAXES.

NOW, WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THESE IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS, BUT THEY DON'T JUST HAPPEN.

THEY ARE THE PRODUCT OF STRATEGIC PLANNING, FOCUSED MARKETING, AND DYNAMIC SELLING.

WE GENUINELY BELIEVE THAT WHEN YOU BUILD A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO VISIT, YOU HAVE A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE.

BUT IT ALL STARTS WITH A VISIT.

EVERY DAY, WE ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE KNOWN TO GROUP AND LEISURE TRAVELER.

JEFFERSON PARISH TOURISM WAS PUBLICIZED IN 50 TRAVEL ARTICLES IN VARIOUS PUBLICATIONS, REACHING ALMOST 230 MILLION POTENTIAL VISITORS.

IT'S A RESULT OF OUR AGGRESSIVE EFFORTS TO LURE TRAVEL RIDERS AND INFLUENCES HERE TO EXPERIENCE JEFFERSON PARISH.

OUR DIGITAL MARKETING EFFORTS REACHED OVER FOUR MILLION POTENTIAL VISITORS, AND WE FOCUSED OUR LEISURE ADVERTISING ON TRAVEL MARKETS THAT WE FELT WOULD MOVE THE NEEDLE FOR US.

THROUGH THAT MARKETING, THOSE MARKETS THAT HAVE CONSISTENTLY BROUGHT HIGH NUMBERS FOR US INCLUDE OUR TOP ADVERTISING MARKET: DALLAS, CHICAGO, MOBILE, HOUSTON, ATLANTA.

IN ADDITION, WE'RE THRILLED TO BE ON DESTINATION NETWORKS, NO TV THE IN-ROOM HOTEL PROMOTION CHANNEL, THAT'S IN MOST OF THE NEW ORLEANS AREA HOTELS, AND WE'RE ENTICING GUESTS TO VISIT JEFFERSON PARISH DURING THEIR STAY.

WE COMMUNICATE WITH OVER 50,000 PEOPLE ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS.

LAST YEAR, OUR GROUP EFFORTS, THROUGH OUR SALES DEPARTMENT, GENERATED OVER 9,500 ROOM NIGHTS.

THOSE ROOM NIGHTS CREATED AN ECONOMIC IMPACT OF NEARLY 10 MILLION.

WE'VE DEVELOPED AND PROMOTED AND/OR MANAGED A NUMBER OF QUALITY OF PLACE EVENTS THAT ALSO BENEFIT TOURISM.

EVENTS LIKE GRETNA FEST, FAMILY GRAS, UNCLE SAM JAM, HARAHAN MUSIC FESTIVAL, FEST D'ITALIA, GRAND ISLE TARPON RODEO, AND MANY MORE.

THESE TOURISM ASSETS PROVIDE DUAL BENEFIT AS A QUALITY OF PLACE ENHANCEMENT FOR OUR RESIDENTS, BUT THEY ALSO OFFER OUR WEEKEND VISITORS A REASON TO SPEND EXTRA TIME IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

BACK IN 2012, WE CREATED THE LOUISIANA OYSTER TRAIL, AND WE ALSO NOW HAVE THE TASTE OF THE TRAIL.

THESE PROJECTS ARE SOME OF WHAT WE USE TO ENHANCE FOODIES TO VISIT OUR JEFFERSON PARISH RESTAURANTS.

WE ALSO CREATED FISH JEFFERSON TO HIGHLIGHT THE ABUNDANT INLAND AND OFFSHORE FISHING AND ENTICE ANGLERS OF ALL AGES, OF ALL LEVELS TO FISH IN OUR WATERS.

AS YOU CAN SEE, JEFFERSON PARISH TOURISM IS THRIVING, AND THAT BRINGS US TO AN EXCITING UNVEILING TODAY.

WE ARE LAUNCHING OUR NEW TOURISM ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN.

[01:05:02]

THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO ENJOY BEING OUT IN JEFFERSON PARISH, OUT SHOPPING, OUT DINING, OUT CAMPING, OUT EXPLORING OUR NATURE TRAILS, OUT ON THE BEACH OF GRANDE ISLE, AND ALL THE WAY TO OUT IN THE SWAMPS OF LAFAYETTE.

NOW, IT REALLY GOT US THINKING THAT IN JEFFERSON PARISH, IT REALLY IS IN TO BE OUT.

THAT'S HOW WE WILL INVITE OUR VISITORS.

VISIT JEFFERSON PARISH WHERE IT'S IN TO BE OUT, AND OUR THEME WILL BE MARRIED TO BOLD IMAGES OF OUR VISITOR EXPERIENCES, AND OUR GUESTS WILL BE INVITED TO BE PART OF THE IN CROWD IN EVERY WAY AS THEY STEP OUT INTO JEFFERSON PARISH.

THE THEME IS UNLIMITED.

IT'S VISITOR FRIENDLY AND IT PROVIDES WAYS TO BEST ENJOY THE PARISH JUST FIVE MILES OUTSIDE OF NEW ORLEANS.

IN PRINT, WE'LL SHOWCASE OUR MANY AMENITIES UNDER THIS NEW POSITIONING STATEMENT.

THIS PRINT CAMPAIGN WILL ALSO CARRY OVER TO ALL OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA AND ALL OF OUR DIGITAL MARKETING.

OUR TELEVISION CAMPAIGN TAKES ON LOUISIANA SOUND AND ENERGY.

HERE TO SHOW YOU TODAY ARE A FEW OF OUR IN TO BE OUT TELEVISION COMMERCIALS.

>> ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS.

>> WANT TO BASK IN THE SUN OR REVEL IN THE MOONLIGHT, GET OUT AND BE IN THE MOMENT.

>> I'M SO GLAD YOU CAME AROUND.

HOLD ON TO ME SO TIGHT, AND HEAT UP SOME COFFEE GROUND.

>> BE PART OF THE IN CROWD.

VISIT JEFFERSON PARISH WHERE IT'S IN TO BE OUT.

>> SO BE RIGHT ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS.

ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS.

>> YOU WANT TO BASK IN THE SUN OR REVEL IN THE MOONLIGHT? GET OUT AND BE IN THE MOMENT.

>> I'M SO GLAD YOU CAME AROUND.

HOLD ON TO ME SO TIGHT, AND HEAT UP SOME COFFEE GROUND.

>> BE PART OF THE IN CROWD.

VISIT JEFFERSON PARISH WHERE IT'S IN TO BE OUT.

>> SO BE RIGHT ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS.

ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS.

>> YOU WANT TO BASK IN THE SUN OR REVEL IN THE MOONLIGHT? GET OUT AND BE IN THE MOMENT.

>> I'M SO GLAD YOU CAME AROUND.

HOLD ON TO ME SO TIGHT, AND HEAT UP SOME COFFEE GROUND.

>> BE PART OF THE IN CROWD.

VISIT JEFFERSON PARISH, WHERE IT'S IN TO BE OUT.

>> SO BE RIGHT ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS.

>> WE'RE SO EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW CAMPAIGN.

WE'RE EXCITED TO INVITE EVEN MORE VISITORS TO VISIT JEFFERSON PARISH.

BUT BEFORE I CONCLUDE MY PRESENTATION, I DO WANT TO THANK PERSONALLY EACH OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT BECAUSE YOU ARE CRITICAL AMBASSADORS TO PROMOTE OUR PARISH AS WELL, AND WE'RE SO THANKFUL TO HAVE YOUR SUPPORT.

BEFORE I LEAVE YOU, I DO WANT TO SHARE STARTING FRIDAY, WE WILL KICK OFF OUR THIRD ANNUAL SNOWBALL BLITZ.

THAT WILL RUN FROM MAY 24TH THROUGH JUNE 30TH.

BE SURE YOU GET ONE VOTE, BE SURE TO TRY ALL THE SNOWBALLS BEFORE YOU CAST YOUR VOTE.

MADAM PRESIDENT, MR. CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TO BUILD A ROBUST TOURISM ECONOMIC ENGINE HERE IN JEFFERSON PARISH. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. GREAT WORK.

[APPLAUSE] ANYBODY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR MISS PETERS? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

NOW, ANYONE WISHING TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COUNCIL REGARDING

[PERSONS WISHING TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COUNCIL REGARDING A RESOLUTION(S) ON AGENDA/ADDENDUM AGENDA]

A RESOLUTION ON THE AGENDA OR ADDENDUM AGENDA CAN DO SO NOW.

YOU MUST FILL OUT A REQUEST TO SPEAK CARD IN THE BACK OF CHAMBERS.

YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES AND MUST STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD.

IF YOU'RE HERE TO SPEAK ON THE INDUSTRIAL ZONING REGULATIONS, THAT IS COMING UP LATER IN THE AGENDA, AND YOU CAN SPEAK ON THAT WHEN THE ITEM COMES.

>> AL AMORELLA, 4260 EAST LOYOLA DRIVE, 5TH DISTRICT KENNER, 4TH DISTRICT UNINCORPORATED JEFFERSON, 52 YEARS.

ITEM NUMBER 42, 43, 44, 60, 64, 66, 70, 76, 79, 108, AND 12.

TOTAL TWO DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN THE CHANGE ORDERS, PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION.

TOTAL ADDITIONAL COST TO THE TAXPAYERS AT JEFFERSON PARISH, $4.02 MILLION.

ITEM NUMBER 60, $15,000 NET REDUCTION BECAUSE WE DIDN'T NEED AS MUCH MATERIALS AS WHAT WAS AUDITED AND LESS WORK ALSO.

NOW, I WANT TO TALK ABOUT ITEM NUMBER 12.

FIRST OF ALL, THE PEOPLE OF JEFFERSON PARISH MANDATED

[01:10:03]

THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE FOR THE INSPECTOR GENERAL TO FOLLOW THE MONEY, UNCOVER FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE.

>> YOU CAN SPEAK ON THAT WHEN THE ITEM COMES UP NUMBER 12.

>> THAT'S YOUR RESOLUTION, ISN'T IT?

>> THAT'S ORDINANCE. SPEAK ON THAT WHEN THE ITEM COMES. THERE'S A PUBLIC HEARING FOR IT.

>> OKAY. NO PROBLEM.

>> SKIP THAT ONE HERE.

>> GOOD. I DON'T WANT TO GIVE YOU TOO MUCH TIME BACK.

>> THAT'S FINE.

>> ANYBODY GOT ANY COMMENTS, ANY QUESTIONS? THANK YOU.

>> 12 WILL BE HERE SHORTLY, THANK YOU.

>> FRANKIE HYERS, I'M JUST TRYING TO SPARK A LITTLE CURIOSITY IN THE WAY WE GO.

I GUESS I'LL READ THESE OFF, NOT THAT ANYBODY'S GOING TO REALLY RESPOND TO THESE.

I HAD 112 ON THE ADDENDUM AGENDA, 126, 121, 115, 117, 101 TO 106, 98, 67 TO 69, AND 112.

>> I'VE GOT A WOULD BE BY CAMERA BODY CRAMMED INTO A UNI CAMERA BODY.

THERE'S NO PROCLAMATION. THERE'S NO GOOD DEED.

THERE'S NO GOOD WORKS THAT DOESN'T END UP BEING AN ILL GOTTEN GAIN THROUGHOUT THIS AGENDA.

EVERY SINGLE THING YOU DO IS ILLEGITIMATE.

YOUR CHILDREN ARE GOING TO FIGURE THIS OUT, I'M ONLY COMING HERE TO SPARE YOUR LEGACY.

LET YOU ALL HAVE A CHANCE TO FIX THIS BEFORE YOU LEAVE PUBLIC OFFICE.

YOUR KIDS ARE GOING TO FIGURE THIS OUT, THEY REALLY ARE.

I'VE MET THEM, THEY'RE GOING TO FIGURE THIS OUT.

WHO HOLDS OFFICE MATTERS A WHOLE LOT LESS THAN HOW WE EMPOWER THE OFFICES HELD? FROM ONE AGENDA ITEM, COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT TO ANY OTHER GOOD DEED, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A FIRE CHIEF THING GOING ON.

BEFORE YOU DECLARE YOURSELVES AS DISAGREEING WITH ME, NO MATTER HOW HEARTEDLY WHOLE OR OTHERWISE, YOU MIGHT WANT TO FIGURE OUT WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.

IF ON THE BACKS OF THE NEW HIRED FIREMEN, YOU GIVE TAX BREAKS TO THE OLDEST FIREMEN WHO ARE OVERPAID.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THIS FIRE THING THAT'S ON THERE, THERE'S GOING TO BE A FIRE POSITION THAT SECRETARY IS GOING TO BE EMPLOYED OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, SOME NEW POSITION.

YOU GOT NEW POSITIONS ALL THROUGHOUT THIS.

MY PROBLEM WITH ALL THE NEW POSITIONS IS THAT I GOT TO PAY 12.5 CENTS ON EVERY DOLLAR EVERY NEW POSITION IS GETTING MADE.

IT'S JUST ANOTHER PERSON, ANOTHER CROTCHET INGENUITY, COMBINATIONS OF THE DAY GIVE RISE TO SO YOU CAN BLAME SHIFT ONE ITEM AGENDA CONSEQUENCE FROM THE NEXT.

YOU GOT STOP SIGN ON HERE, MAYBE I'LL JUST KILL WHATEVER TWO MINUTES I GOT LEFT ON THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND STOP SIGNS.

WELL, NONE OF YOU ARE QUALIFIED.

NONE OF YOU ARE QUALIFIED AS TRAFFIC ENGINEERS.

NONE OF YOU SHOULD BE VOTING ON A STOP SIGN.

WE SHOULD HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO DEAL WITH NEIGHBORHOODS.

WE DON'T CONFORM TO ANY NATIONAL STUDIES, SO THE RHETORIC THAT WE GET THAT YOU POST UP ON THE WEBSITE DOESN'T APPLY TO JEFFERSON PARISH IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM.

YOU'RE ACQUIESCING BECAUSE YOU'D LACK FOR THE ENLIGHTENMENT REQUIRED TO EXERCISE YOUR CONTROL WITH A WHOLESOME DISCRETION.

NOW, MIND YOU, I'VE SPOKEN TO YOUR STAFF, I'M NEVER UPSET WITH ANY OF YOU, I'M NEVER UPSET WHEN I COME IN HERE, I'M NEVER UPSET WHEN I LEAVE HERE.

IT'S LIKE I CLOCK IN, AND WHAT YOU'RE GETTING FROM ME IS THE GENERAL DISDAIN, THE GENERAL SENTIMENT FROM THE POPULATION.

THE PEOPLE OF JEFFERSON PARISH, THAT'S WHAT I BRING IN HERE.

I'M SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THEM.

THERE'S ME AND MR. OWL, THE ONLY TWO WHO WILL GET UP HERE AND DO THIS ON BEHALF OF OUR FELLOW CITIZENS, WAKE UP AND FIGURE IT OUT.

>> ANYONE ELSE? ITEMS ON THE AGENDA OR ADDENDUM AGENDA.

THANK YOU. MADAM CLERK,

[PROFESSIONAL SERVICES]

PLEASE READ ITEM NUMBER 1, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.

>> A RESOLUTION SELECTING A FIRM INTERESTED TO PROVIDE INTERPRETATION SERVICES TO RESIDENTS IN JEFFERSON PARISH SHELTERS, EVACUATION SITES, AND COMMUNITY DISTRIBUTION SITES DURING DECLARED EMERGENCY EVENT UNDER RFP NUMBER 0472.

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN RANKIN, YOUR SELECTION?

>> SELECTING HOMELAND, SECURITY AND MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS.

>> IS THERE ANY OBJECTION TO THE SELECTION OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS ON MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN RANKIN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

WE'VE GOT SEVERAL EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS TO GET TO AT NOON, WE'LL COME BACK TO THAT.

ITEMS 2 THROUGH 6, SO IT TAKES US TO ITEM NUMBER 7, PLEASE, MADAM CLERK.

[SUBDIVISION ORDINANCES]

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26309 SUB OF LOTS ONE AND 3B SQUARE 13 BEVERLY HILLS SUBDIVISION INTO LOTS 1A AND 3B ONE SQUARE 13, ES 12623 COUNCIL DISTRICT FOUR.

>> NOW WE CAN WAIVE THE READING HERE.

WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26309.

ANYONE IN OPPOSITION, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED.

COUNCILWOMAN BOHANAN YOUR MOTION?

>> I HAVE ACTUALLY MET WITH THE WOODS FAMILY, THEY ARE HERE THAT ARE ASKING FOR THIS SUBDIVISION.

[01:15:04]

THEY MAY NOT HEAR WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE BACK, BUT I'VE MET WITH THEM, I'VE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THIS DISCUSSIONS WITH THE NEIGHBORS.

WE HAVE LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM ALL SURROUNDING AREAS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

THIS IS BEING SUBDIVIDED FOR THEIR DAUGHTER TO BUILD A SMALLER HOUSE ON.

IN LIGHT OF THAT, I MOVED TO APPROVE.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26309 ON MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN BOHANAN, AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ITEM NUMBER 8, PLEASE.

[RECLASSIFICATION OF ZONING]

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26310, AMENDING THE ZONING MAP, LOT 1 SQUARE 32 PATTA TRAIN GARDEN SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT 2925 HARVARD AVENUE, MORE PARTICULARLY AMENDING THE ZONING FROM BC2 TO C2, EZ-3-24 COUNCIL DISTRICT 5.

>> WE CAN WAIVE THE READING HERE AS WELL, SO WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26310.

ANYONE OPPOSED? I SAW GENTLEMAN GET UP IN THE BACK.

>> [INAUDIBLE]

>> OKAY. MADAM CLERK, PLEASE NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED.

COUNCILMAN LITZBERG, YOUR MOTION?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26310 IN MOTION OF COUNCILMAN LITZBERG SECONDED BY COCMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

NOW WE HAVE TO DO A LITTLE REARRANGING.

IS THERE ANY OBJECTION TO SUSPENDING THE RULES TO TAKING ITEM NUMBER 10 OUT OF ORDER BECAUSE THAT ONE ACTUALLY NEEDS TO BE TAKEN BEFORE NUMBER 9.

ANY OBJECTIONS? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

MADAM CLERK, NUMBER 10 WITH AMENDMENTS, PLEASE.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26312 TO AMEND CHAPTER 13, FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, CHAPTER 16 GARBAGE AND OTHER SOLID WASTE, CHAPTER 33 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 39 WATERWAYS AND BEACHES, AND CHAPTER 40 ZONING OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE PARIS OF JEFFERSON TO CREATE A SET OF NEW, MODERN INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS AND STANDARDS THAT WORK WITH EXISTING INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS TO ADD AND DEFINE NEW USES AND ASSIGN THESE USES TO EXISTING AND NEWLY ESTABLISHED DISTRICTS USE OF THE MATRICES APPLY NEW DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO MITIGATE ANY IMPACTS TO SURROUNDING USES.

MODIFY SPECIAL PERMANENT USE PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS, MODIFY REGULATIONS OF THE AIM ABDALE INDUSTRIAL MARINE DISTRICT AND THE U-1R UNRESTRICTED RULE DISTRICT AND PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS, AS RECOMMENDED BY A STUDY AUTHORIZED BY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NUMBER 137617 ON MAY 19, 2021, AND COUNCIL RESOLUTION NUMBER 138807 ON JANUARY 12TH, 2022, AND I WILL DEFER TO MS. MARTIN FOR THE AMENDMENTS.

>> THANK YOU. THE FIRST AMENDMENT IS TO SECTION 33-3.70.6 REQUIRED SEPARATION TO AMEND THE DISTANCE FROM 1,500 FEET TO 2,000 FEET.

THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS TO SECTION 33-3.70.8 TO ALLOW VARIANCES TO THE SEPARATION REQUIREMENT AND THE LANDSCAPE BUFFER, AND TO REMOVE THOSE TWO SECTIONS FROM ITEM B.

>> IS THERE ANY OBJECTION TO THE AMENDMENTS BEING BROUGHT TO THE FLOOR? HEARING NONE. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, YOUR MOTION ON THE AMENDMENTS?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENTS AND THE MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

BEFORE WE OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS, COUNCILMAN BONANO WANTED TO SPEAK AHEAD OF THIS TO TALK ABOUT WHERE WE WERE AND WHERE WE ARE CONSIDERING THIS GOES BACK SEVERAL YEARS. COUNCILMAN BONANO.

>> YES. THANK YOU. AS YOU KNOW, WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS PROCESS FOR TWO YEARS NOW, AND AS LATE AS LAST NIGHT, STILL WORKING TO TRY TO FIND COMMON GROUND AND AMEND THIS ORDINANCE IN A MANNER THAT WORKS FOR EVERYBODY.

WHEN YOU HAVE A PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT BOTH SIDES FOR AND AGAINST ARE NOT QUITE HAPPY WITH THE END RESULTS, I THINK YOU'VE REACHED A GOOD PLACE, A GOOD COMPROMISE.

NOBODY EVER GETS EVERYTHING THEY WANT, AND SO THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE TODAY.

WHEN I RAN FOR OFFICE FOUR YEARS AGO, UNFORTUNATELY, FOR ME, COUNCIL DISTRICT DO INCLUDES 90% OF ALL THE INDUSTRIAL ZONED PROPERTIES IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

MY COLLEAGUES DON'T OFTEN HEAR FROM THE CITIZENS WHO ARE IMPACTED BY THESE INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES.

BUT TRUST I HEAR FROM THEM ALL THE TIME. I HEAR LOUD AND CLEAR.

ONE OF THE THINGS THEY WANTED ME TO DO WHEN I FIRST TOOK OFFICE WAS TO FIND A WAY TO UPDATE OUR INDUSTRIAL ZONING TO PROVIDE MORE PROTECTIONS, TO PROVIDE THINGS LIKE ODOR CONTROL, LANDSCAPING, AND SAFETY BUFFERS, AND THAT'S WHAT THIS LANGUAGE DOES FOR YOU.

BUT I WANT TO BE CLEAR, THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF CONFUSION ABOUT THE BUFFER ZONES.

[01:20:05]

THE BUFFER ZONES ONLY APPLY TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, NO OTHER INDUSTRY.

THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE SAYING, WELL, THIS IS GOING TO KILL INDUSTRY IN JEFF'S PARISH, IT DOES NOT AFFECT ANYBODY, BUT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, FACILITIES, AND THE EXISTING FACILITIES DO GET TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE TODAY JUST LIKE THEY ALWAYS HAVE.

NO ONE WILL LOSE THEIR JOB, NO BUILDING, NO FACILITY WILL HAVE TO CLOSE BECAUSE OF THIS ORDINANCE BECAUSE IT EXEMPTS AND GRANDFATHERS THE EXISTING FACILITIES.

GOING FORWARD, WHILE YOUR HAZARDOUS FACILITIES HAVE TO BE 2,000 FEET FROM A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD, YOU CAN STILL BUILD IN THAT 2,000 FEET.

YOU CAN BUILD YOUR ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, PARKING LOTS, LABORATORIES, SHEDS, WHATEVER YOU WANT.

IT'S NOT 2,000 FEET OF VACANT LAND.

IT'S A 2,000 FOOT BUFFER FROM THE HAZARDOUS STORAGE OF MATERIALS TO AN ADJACENT HOME.

IF THE NEIGHBORING PROPERTY IS ZONED INDUSTRIAL, THE 2,000 FEET DOES NOT WORK, IT DOESN'T EVEN AFFECT IT.

THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR 2,000 FOOT BUFFER IF YOU'RE ADJACENT TO ANOTHER INDUSTRIALLY ZONED PROPERTY.

LASTLY, I JUST WANT TO TELL YOU I TOOK IT ON MY OWN TO DO A SURVEY, A PARISH-WIDE SURVEY OF WHAT THE PEOPLE OF JEFFERSON PARISH BELIEVE ABOUT THIS ORDINANCE.

THE RESULTS WHILE NOT SURPRISING, ARE STILL SHOCKING.

WHEN YOU ASK PEOPLE, DOES JEFFERSON PARISH ADMINISTRATION AND THE COUNCIL NEED TO DO MORE TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE AIR QUALITY? EIGHTY-EIGHT PERCENT OF THE RESPONDENTS SAID YES.

WHEN YOU ASKED THEM IF THEY WANTED TO SEE INCREASED SAFETY MEASURES LIKE OUR CONTROL AND OUR MONITORING, 86% SAID YES.

WHEN YOU ASKED THEM IF IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE A SETBACK OF AT LEAST 1,500 FEET FROM CHEMICAL PLANTS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, 74% SAID YES.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I CONSIDER THIS A PRETTY SERIOUS MANDATE THAT THE PEOPLE OF JEFFERSON PARISH WANT THIS. THEY NEED THIS.

LASTLY, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT OUR QUALITY OF LIFE, IT'S NO SECRET THAT OUR PARISH IS AGING BY THE DAY AND OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE LEAVING, THE ONES THAT ARE BORN HERE ARE LEAVING AND WE'RE NOT GETTING THEM MORE TO MOVE BACK IN, AND SO WE NEED TO SEND A MESSAGE THAT WE'RE GOING TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN OUR QUALITY OF LIFE.

BECAUSE IF NOT, NO YOUNG COUPLE IS GOING TO WANT TO COME HERE AND NO ONE YOUNG COUPLE IS GOING TO WANT TO RAISE THEIR FAMILY HERE, AND THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE TODAY.

I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY A FEW THINGS BEFORE WE MOVE ANY FURTHER. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

>> I WILL NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26312.

IN FAVOR? I'M NOT SURE WHAT THAT LAPTOP IS FOR.

>> I'M SORRY. WE HAVE OUR CONSULTANT HERE TO DO THE PRESENTATION, OR ARE WE WAIVING THE PRESENTATION, COUNCILMAN BONANO? THANK YOU, COUNSEL CHAIR.

>> SORRY.

>> OF COURSE [INAUDIBLE]

>> EXACTLY. FAST AS SLOW AND SLOW.

>> NANCY PEARSON, 8924 RENSU, PRESIDENT OF THE RIVER RIDGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION.

>> GOOD MORNING.

>> MORNING.

I THINK ALL OF YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM US AND THE PETITION THAT WAS SIGNED AT OUR MAIN MEETING IN FULL SUPPORT OF WHAT IT WAS BEFORE THE AMENDMENTS.

WE UNDERSTAND THE AMENDMENTS ARE GOING TO PASS.

WE NEED TO LOOK, LIKE COUNCILMAN BONANO SAID, TO THE FUTURE.

EARLIER, ONE OF THE SPEAKERS SAID SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN.

YOU SAW THIS IN THE LETTER, BUT I WANT TO PUT THIS ON THE RECORD.

FROM THE US CENSUS DEPARTMENT.

ONLY 15% OF JEFFERSON PARISH'S POPULATION IS BELOW THE AGE OF 15. THINK ABOUT THAT.

AND 17% IS OVER THE AGE OF 65.

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE LEAVING.

WE NEED BUSINESS HERE.

JUST THIS MONTH, TWO OF OUR LARGE FURNITURE COMPANIES ARE LEAVING.

THEY'VE BEEN HERE SINCE 1977, AND THEY'RE CLOSING SHOP.

IN RIVER RIDGE, JUST THIS WEEK, TWO MORE FAMILY BUSINESSES ARE CLOSING.

GO UP AND DOWN THE STREET.

EVERY STREET HAS HOUSES FOR SALE.

PEOPLE ARE LEAVING.

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT COMING HERE BECAUSE OF THE VERY STATISTICS THAT COUNCILMAN BONANO JUST SAID.

I UNDERSTAND AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT THESE AMENDMENTS ARE GOING TO PASS.

WE JUST NEED TWO CLARIFICATIONS ON THAT.

ONE, THAT ANY VARIANCES WILL GO THROUGH THE PAB AND NOT THE PCA.

[01:25:02]

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE OF THAT.

NUMBER 2, THE 2,000 FEET, IF SOMETHING IS ON THE WEST BANK, THAT 2,000 FEET ALSO COMES OVER TO THE EAST BANK, BECAUSE IF ANYTHING IS ALONG THAT RIVER, THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE ON THE EAST BANK ARE CLOSER TO THOSE BUSINESSES THAN A LOT OF THE PEOPLE ON THE WEST BANK THAT YOU TALK TO ABOUT THESE THINGS.

RIVER RIDGE IS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 1,600 FEET FROM THE WEST BANK OF JEFFERSON PARISH.

YET WE'RE VERY SELDOM CONSIDERED WHEN SOMETHING IS GOING UP ON THE WEST BANK.

WE JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT 2,000 FEET THAT YOU'RE GOING TO APPROVE TODAY COMES TO THE EAST BANK.

IT'S NOT JUST 2,000 FEET ON THE WEST BANK OF THESE BUSINESSES.

SAME WAY WITH ELMWOOD.

ELMWOOD HAS INDUSTRY.

YOU'VE GOT HICKORY KNOLL.

I CAN'T BELIEVE NOBODY FROM HICKORY KNOLL WAS HERE, BECAUSE IF THESE THINGS PASS, THEY GET VARIANCES.

THEY COULD BE A BUSINESS WITH HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS RIGHT IN THEIR BACKYARD.

CAN WE GET JUST CLARIFICATION ON THAT 2,000 FEET THAT IT COMES TO THE EAST BANK?

>> MS. MARTIN.

>> SURE. THANK YOU, COUNCILMAN. THE 2,000 FOOT IS MEASURED FROM AN ADJOINING OR ABUTTING LOT THAT IS NOT ZONED INDUSTRIAL.

WHEN YOU SPEAK OF GOING ACROSS THE RIVER, THE RIVER IS NOT A LOT AND IT'S NOT ZONED, SO IN THAT INSTANCE, THE 2,000 FOOT WOULD NOT BE MEASURED FROM THE RIVER OR ACROSS THE RIVER.

>> THEN I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE WAITED TO OPPOSE.

BUT JUST MAKE THAT NOTE, BECAUSE YOU DO HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE OF RIVER RIDGE FOR ALL OF THESE INSTANCES.

WE'RE ONE OF THE FEW GROUPS THAT DOES COME HERE AND TALK TO Y'ALL, AND THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT.

IF THAT COULD BE CHANGED, THAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED, BECAUSE WE'RE THE ONES, WHEN THAT WIND IS COMING FROM THE WEST OR THE NORTHWEST OR THE SOUTHWEST, WE'RE GETTING IT ON THE EAST BANK, NOT THE WEST BANK.

>> MS. PEARSON, I THINK WHAT THAT ALLOWS US TO DO TOO, WITH THE VARIANCE IS TAKE IT ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS AND LOOK AT SITUATIONS JUST LIKE YOU'RE PRESENTING AND TAKE THAT INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE ANY VOTE HAPPENS, WHICH WOULD OBVIOUSLY NEED FOUR OF THE SEVEN OF US UP HERE FOR IT TO PASS.

I THINK THAT'S THE REASON THAT WE LIKE THIS COMPROMISE BECAUSE IT GIVES US A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS WAY TO LOOK AT THINGS AND NOT HAVE A BLANKET STATEMENT FOR EVERYTHING.

>> WE JUST HOPE THAT YOU LISTEN TO THE CITIZENS, THE PEOPLE WHO ARE LIVING HERE AND YOUR CHILDREN.

LIKE YOU SAID, YOUR CHILDREN ARE GOING TO FIGURE THESE THINGS OUT WHEN THEY GET OLDER, RATHER THAN JUST THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, WHO WE KNOW IS PUSHING THIS BIG TIME. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> I'M SORRY, COUNSEL CHAIR. MS. PEARSON, FOR YOUR OTHER REQUEST, THE VARIANCES WOULD COME TO THE COUNCIL.

THEY WOULD NOT GO TO THE PCA. YOU'RE WELCOME.

>> THERE'S 11 MINUTES LEFT FOR THOSE IN FAVOR.

>> ALMARALA 4260 EAST LOYOLA DRIVE FIFTH DISTRICT KENNER.

FOURTH DISTRICT KENNER INCORPORATED JEFFERSON 52 YEARS.

I'M IN FAVOR OF THIS, BUT I'M GOING TO SAY THIS.

I WANT TO MAKE THESE COMMENTS.

THE REASON WHY WE HAVE THIS OUT MIGRATION.

WE'VE LOST 85,000 PEOPLE OUT OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA SINCE 2010.

THE REASON WHY WE HAVE THIS PROBLEM THROUGHOUT THIS WHOLE STATE.

ONE WORD CAN SUM THAT ALL UP, CORRUPTION.

>> WE HAVE THE LOWEST WAGE SCALE IN THE ENTIRE NATION.

WE HAVE THE SECOND HIGHEST SALES TAX IN THE ENTIRE NATION.

WE HAVE THE HIGHEST INSURANCE RATES OF ANY STATE IN THE ENTIRE NATION.

PEOPLE CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE HERE ANYMORE.

WE GOT A QUALITY OF LIFE THAT'S DIMINISHING MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY BECAUSE THE LAWS ARE NOT ENFORCED.

BUSINESSES ARE LEAVING BECAUSE THE BUSINESS CLIMBING IS ONE THAT THOSE WHO PAY THROUGH CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS, GET THE BREAKS.

THOSE WHO DON'T PAY DON'T GET ANY BREAKS.

IF I GOT A BUSINESS AND YOU GOT A BUSINESS AND I CONTRIBUTE TO POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS, I DON'T HAVE EXPENSES THAT THE OTHER GUY HAS THAT I SHOULD HAVE.

THEY EVEN GO AS FAR AS TO CIRCUMVENT THE LAW TO TAKE CARE CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTORS.

THIS IS THE PROBLEM WE HAVE.

THIS CORRUPTION INFECTS EVERY LEVEL OF OUR GOVERNMENT, FROM THE LOCAL TO THE STATE TO THE FEDERAL.

NOW, YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT? LET'S START HEARING YOUR VOICES.

>> STAY ON THIS TOPIC, PLEASE.

>> THAT'S THE TOPIC RIGHT THERE.

YES, IT IS. THAT'S THE REASON WHY.

ANYWAY, I'M DONE NOW.

ANYBODY GOT ANY COMMENTS, ANY QUESTIONS? THANK YOU. I KNOW THE TRUTH IS PAINFUL. I KNOW IT IS.

>> THE TRUTH IS WE HAVE TO STAY ON NUMBER 10.

BUT THE MICROPHONE WORKS, WE KNOW THAT TODAY.

>> GOOD MORNING, MADAM PRESIDENT,

[01:30:01]

MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.

MY NAME IS MARGIE LOUD ZENO.

I'M A RESIDENT OF HARVEY, LOUISIANA.

BEFORE I GIVE YOU A FEW HISTORICAL FACTS, I WOULD JUST LIKE TO REFERENCE WHAT THE FIRST SPEAKER SAID, AND THAT LADY IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT BECAUSE THE WIND KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES.

THE WIND DOES NOT DETERMINE BUFFER ZONES BETWEEN WEST BANK OR EAST BANK, AND WE HAVE TO PROTECT ALL OF THE CITIZENS.

ON MAY 9TH, 2023.

WWNO NEWSCAST MADE A PRESENTATION AND THEY HAD MAPS SHOWING THAT PLANTS ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY LOCATED NEAR BLACK COMMUNITIES.

THEY FURTHER SAID THAT 30 YEARS AGO, A REPORT CALLED OUT LOUISIANA PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY FOR BUILDING PLANTS IN AREAS WITH LARGE BLACK POPULATIONS, AND LITTLE HAS CHANGED FROM 30 YEARS AGO.

ALSO, ON JULY 10TH, 2023, THE TIMES PICKY UNE PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE THAT REPORTED THAT LOUISIANA HAS 740 PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS THAT ARE VULNERABLE TO TROPICAL STORMS. OUR TROPICAL STORM SEASON LASTS APPROXIMATELY FIVE MONTHS, BUT OUR BODIES ARE VULNERABLE TO TOXIC EMISSIONS 2047.

ACCORDING TO RENTECH DIGITAL, AS OF APRIL 20TH, 2024, LOUISIANA HAS 148 CHEMICAL PLANTS, MORE THAN 300 PROCESS MANUFACTURING FACILITIES.

OVER 150 PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS AND 15 REFINERIES.

WE ARE NOT ASKING, AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THAT THESE PLANTS BE CLOSED.

WE ARE NOT ASKING THAT NO NEW PLANTS BE BUILT.

WE ARE SIMPLY ASKING TO STRENGTHEN THE REGULATIONS IN ORDER TO PROTECT OUR HEALTH.

YOU MAY REMEMBER THAT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, SOME OF OUR SCHOOLS IN JEFFERSON PARISH WERE CLOSED, AND THE REASON THEY WERE CLOSED, ONE OF THE REASONS IS A LOSS IN POPULATION.

IF WE'RE LOSING POPULATION, I BESEECH YOU TO DO THINGS THAT SUPPORT THE POPULATION THAT IS LEFT.

FINALLY, SOME YEARS AGO, BRUCE HORNSBY AND THE RANGE HAD A SONG THAT SAID, WHEN WE DIE, IT'S TOO LATE TO SAY THAT WE DON'T SEE EYE TO EYE.

BUT IT'S NOT TOO LATE TODAY, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TO STRENGTHEN OUR REGULATIONS TO SUPPORT THOSE OF US WHO ARE ALIVE NOW AND THOSE OF YOU WHO WILL BE ALIVE.

WELL, THOSE OF US WHO WILL BE ALIVE 20 YEARS FROM NOW.

BUT WE CAN DO SOMETHING NOW, WE DON'T HAVE TO SEE EYE TO EYE ON EVERYTHING.

BUT WE CAN AGREE THAT WE MUST PROTECT WHATEVER WE CAN THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US ON THIS LIFE.

WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO POLLUTE THE AIR, WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO ERASE THE OZONE LAYER, WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO FRACK DOWN AND DOWN WITHIN THE SOIL AND DRILL WITHOUT REGULATIONS AND EXPECT MOTHER NATURE NOT TO RESPOND.

WE ASK THAT YOU PROTECT THE CITIZENS, AND WE SUPPORT COUNCILMAN BANANO'S ORDINANCE. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. BECAUSE THERE ARE STILL SO MANY PEOPLE IN LINE, IF THERE'S NO OBJECTION TO SUSPENDING THE RULES TO LET EVERYONE SPEAK ON THIS, WE'LL DO THAT.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. THERE ARE STILL EIGHT PEOPLE LEFT, SO IF YOU'RE REASONABLE, PLEASE, WE HAD 5.5 MINUTES LEFT, SO JUST DON'T TAKE ALL DAY, BUT GO AHEAD AND SAY YOUR PIECE.

>> GOOD MORNING TO ALL OF YOU.

I AM JUDGE MELVIN ZENO, RETIRED.

THAT WAS MY WIFE AND I AM ALSO HERE AS PASTOR OF ST. JOSEPH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH.

WE ARE LOCATED AT 236 ROBINSON AVENUE IN MORIA, LOUISIANA.

MY WIFE HAS TOLD YOU THAT WE LIVE IN HARVEY, LOUISIANA, SO CERTAINLY WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE OUR PARISH PRESIDENT AND OUR COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, AND MY TWO COUNCILMANS, I SAY THAT BECAUSE I HAVE ONE, COUNCILMAN BYRON LEE FOR MY HOME, AND SECONDLY, COUNCILMAN BANANO FOR THE CHURCH THAT THE LORD HAS PERMITTED ME TO SERVE AS PASTOR NOW FOR 20 YEARS.

I'VE COME AND I LISTENED WITH INTEREST AND JOY CONCERNING THE PRESENTATION THAT WAS MADE BY THOSE WHO ARE PROMOTING OUR PARISH AND THEY TALKED ABOUT COMING OUT AND ALL OF THAT TO BE IN.

I'VE COME TO SAY TO YOU THAT THERE ARE MANY OF MY CONGREGATION IN PARTICULAR WHO CANNOT COME OUT.

THEY HAVE TO STAY IN BECAUSE OF THE FUMES AND ALL OF THAT THAT IS WITHIN THE AIR.

[01:35:04]

I APPEARED HERE SOME SEVERAL YEARS AGO IN A PASSIONATE PLEA TO THIS COUNCIL AND SPOKE CONCERNING THOSE OF MY CHURCH WHO LIVE WITHIN THEIR HOMES.

OUR CHURCH HAS INDUSTRIES THAT ARE RIGHT UP ON IT.

THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO COME OUT AND TO SIT IN THEIR BACKYARDS AND TO SHARE AND ENJOY THE BLESSINGS AND PRIVILEGES THAT WERE PROMOTED JUST A MOMENT AGO.

THEY IN FACT HAVE TO STAY INSIDE.

WE REALLY WANT TO SEE THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY THAT WE ALL THINK WE ARE ENTITLED TO.

THEN WE HAVE TO TAKE THE ACTION THAT IS NEEDFUL AND NECESSARY TO RECEIVE THOSE BLESSINGS.

I LOOKED AT A LOT OF STATISTICS AND PRESENTED SOME SEVERAL YEARS AGO.

TWO THINGS THAT I WANT TO SAY TO YOU FIRST IS WE WANT TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT.

IT IS AN ENVIRONMENT THAT AFFECTS AND IMPACTS DECISION MAKING WHEN PEOPLE DETERMINE WHERE THEY'RE GOING TO LIVE.

WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE HURRICANES AND ALL OF THAT, THAT COME UP ON US AND MUCH OF THAT IS IMPACTED BY WHAT WE RELEASE INTO THE AIR.

YOU REMEMBER THAT OUR LAST HURRICANE WE HAD SOME FLARE UPS THEY HAD TO TAKE PLACE BECAUSE THE HURRICANES IMPACTED THE INDUSTRY.

THEY HAD TO RELEASE GAS AND FUMES INTO THE AIR.

BUT NOT ONLY THAT IS WE LOOK AT THE NUMBERS AND STATISTICS, AND I LOOK AT WHERE MY MEMBERS LIVE AND DRIVE ALONG THE LEVEES, I NOTICE AS A STATISTICS SUPPORT THAT MANY OF THESE ARE LOCATED IN MINORITY AREAS.

AS A JUDGE, I'VE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT THE VIEW OF GOVERNMENT AS RELATES TO RACISM, AS IT RELATES TO LOCATION OF INDUSTRIES AND SO FORTH.

WHILE WE'RE NOT SPEAKING CONCERNING THOSE EXISTS.

WE DO COME TO SAY TO YOU, PLEASE SUPPORT THIS ORDINANCE, PASS IT.

IT GRANDFATHERS IN THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY THERE, BUT IT GIVES MY MEMBERS AND IT GIVES THOSE OF THIS PARISH AN OPPORTUNITY TO COME OUT AND TO SHARE IN THE BLESSINGS THAT ARE BEING PROMOTED AND THEY WON'T HAVE TO BE FEARFUL THAT THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE CANCER, THEIR LUNGS ARE GOING TO BE CLUTTERED WITH DISEASE AND ALL OF THAT.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY NOT CLOSE WITH THESE WORDS.

AS GOVERNMENT, WHEN YOU LOOK AT ROMANS CHAPTER 13, IT SPEAKS OF THE NECESSITY FOR GOVERNMENT TO RULE IN A MANNER FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE PEOPLE.

WHEN WE CONSIDER AND BALANCE LIFE AGAINST THOSE PEOPLE, THOSE WHO WANT TO PROSPER, WE HAVE TO ALWAYS RULE ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS AFTER ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WILL ENJOY AND SPIN AND ALLOW THE PROSPERITY TO COME.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

THANK YOU, COUNCILMAN BANANO FOR KEEPING YOUR PROMISE, AND WE PRAY THAT ALL WILL JOIN IN WITH YOU AND PASS THIS ORDINANCE. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> GOOD MORNING, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, JERRY BOLOGNA, PRESIDENT OF JEDCO, AND WHAT A LONG STRANGE TRIP IT'S BEEN.

I WANT TO SPEAK IN FAVOR SPECIFICALLY OF THE AMENDMENT.

ALL OF YOU HAVE FIELDED NUMEROUS CALLS, SOLICITED AND UNSOLICITED, ATTENDED MANY MEETINGS OVER THESE 2.5 YEARS.

IT'S GOTTEN US WHERE WE ARE TODAY, AND THAT'S WHAT WE BELIEVE IS A COMPROMISE POSITION.

THE FACT THAT WE'RE HERE WITH A COMPROMISE IS AN ENCAPSULATION OF WHAT I SELL TO BUSINESSES EVERY DAY, THAT THEY CAN COME TO JEFFERSON PARISH AND REALIZE A PARTICIPATION OF OUR RESIDENTS, OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY, AND OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ALWAYS WORKING TOGETHER TO COME UP WITH WHAT'S BEST FOR THIS COMMUNITY.

THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE TODAY.

I DO WANT TO SAY WE HAVE MAINTAINED OUR POSITION FROM THE BEGINNING.

WE WANT TO HOLD OUR BUSINESSES TO HIGH STANDARDS.

WE WANT OPERATORS HERE THAT ARE GOING TO OPERATE IN THE RIGHT MANNER.

WE ALSO DO NOT WANT TO CUT OFF INDUSTRIES THAT ARE STILL EMERGING OR INDUSTRIES THAT WE DON'T KNOW YET WHAT THEIR REQUIREMENTS ARE GOING TO BE.

WE'RE HERE AT A COMPROMISE.

I WANT TO THANK COUNCILMAN BANANO FOR HIS LEADERSHIP THROUGH THIS, BUT FOR ALL OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO HAVE FIELDED ALL OF OUR CALLS.

THANK YOU, AND WE'LL ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AS WE GO THROUGH. THANK YOU.

>> NOW, JERRY, I STILL HAVE PTSD.

LAST TIME I WAS IN PUBLIC WITH YOU, I ENDED UP ON THE COVER OF CITY BUSINESS WEARING A HAIR NET.

WHEN I SEE YOU, I START SHAKING.

>> GOOD MORNING, MADAM PRESIDENT, COUNCIL MEMBERS, COUNCIL CHAIRMAN.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING THIS TODAY. MY NAME IS RUTH LAWSON.

I'M PRESIDENT OF THE JEFFERSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND HERE TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF THE AMENDMENT TO THIS CODE OF ORDINANCES.

[01:40:02]

DEANO, I THINK YOU SHORTED YOURSELF ABOUT SIX MONTHS IN THIS PROCESS BECAUSE IT'S BEEN A LONG 2.5 YEARS, NOT TWO YEARS.

WHEN I FIRST TOOK MY JOB, THIS WAS THE FIRST THING THAT WE STARTED WITH, AND IT'S BEEN A VERY LONG JOURNEY.

I WANT TO FIRST THANK THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, BESS, BROOKE, ELENA, AMANDA, AND SHANE, AND THEN I'M LEAVING SOMEONE OUT.

BUT I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE HARD WORK THAT YOU'VE PUT IN ON THIS AND THE WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN TO INDUSTRY, WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN TO BUSINESS.

I THINK WITH THIS AMENDMENT, WE'RE STRIKING A FAIR BALANCE.

LIKE DEANO SAID, NOT EVERY PARTY IS HAPPY.

BUT WE HAVE A GOOD STRONG BALANCE BETWEEN WHAT IS FAIR TO INDUSTRY AND WHAT IS FAIR TO OUR CONCERNED CITIZENS. THANK YOU.

THIS IS A GREAT TESTAMENT JUST ECHOING JERRY'S COMMENTS ABOUT HOW WELL OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND OUR COUNCIL MEMBERS WORK TOGETHER AND HOW RESPONSIVE YOU ARE ALL TO OUR NEEDS AND OUR COMMENTS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH AND WE APPRECIATE YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH MISS LAWSON.

I KNOW IT'S BEEN A LONG 2.5 YEARS, AND I'M SURE YOUR HUSBAND'S GLAD TO FINALLY HAVE YOU BACK BECAUSE I FELT LIKE I WAS MARRIED TO YOU FOR THE LAST 2.5 YEARS.

[LAUGHTER].

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS RICHARD JURISICH.

I RESIDE AT FIVE SPARROW LANE IN RIVER RIDGE.

I ALSO SERVE AS GENERAL COUNSEL TO INTERNATIONAL MATEX TANK TERMINALS.

AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A FACILITY IN AVONDALE, LOUISIANA, AND WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT SOME OF THE NEW OPPORTUNITIES WITH THAT FACILITY.

I'M HERE TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF THE AMENDMENT.

I KNOW THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF HARD WORK DONE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS TO TRY TO GET THIS IN PLACE.

MY COLLEAGUE, TRACY JOHNSON HAS BEEN INVOLVED FROM OUR COMPANY WITH MANY OF YOU.

I THINK SHE'S DONE A GREAT JOB.

ONE THING I WANTED TO STRESS IS THAT THESE ORDINANCES ARE GOING TO BE IN PLACE AND ENFORCEABLE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.

I THINK THE PARISH SHOULD PRESERVE THE RIGHT FOR THE ELECTED COUNCIL TO GRANT VARIANCES IN THE RARE CASES WHERE THEY THINK IT WOULD SERVE PUBLIC POLICY.

I THINK THAT'S AN IMPORTANT THING TO KEEP IN MIND.

I WOULD ASK THAT THE PARISH PRESERVE THAT RIGHT, PRESERVE THE FLEXIBILITY.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THE DEFINITION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE, SAY IN 15 YEARS.

NOW, I THINK THE PARISH DEFINITION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BASICALLY TRACKS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

I THINK PRESERVING THE RIGHT TO GIVE VARIANCE IN THOSE RARE INSTANCES WHERE THEY MAY BE WARRANTED, I THINK IT'S AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC POLICY PROCEDURE THAT THE PARISH SHOULD RETAIN. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> GOOD MORNING. I'M TRACY JOHNSON, 6951 LOUIS XIV, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA.

I'M ALSO HERE REPRESENTING INTERNATIONAL MATEX TANK TERMINALS.

AS MY COLLEAGUE AND CO WORKER JUST MENTIONED, WE HAVE A FACILITY IN AVONDALE.

WE DO STORE BULK LIQUIDS, AND WE ARE SUBJECT TO THE NEW HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OVERLAY.

TO REITERATE THE COMMENTS THAT HAD BEEN MADE EARLIER, BIG THANKS TO BESS AND HER TEAM.

THEY WERE ALWAYS THERE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.

I HAD PLENTY OF QUESTIONS AND THEY WERE OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS AND ALWAYS WILLING TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS AND MEETINGS WITH US. THANK YOU FOR THAT.

THAT'S NOT SOMETHING YOU FIND EVERY DAY IN AND OUTSIDE OF GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY.

I'M ALSO HERE IN FAVOR OF THE VARIANCE.

I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT ONE ITEM IN THAT PROVIDING A VARIANCE DOES NOT GIVE US A GET OUR OF JAIL FREE CARD.

IT IS NOT CARTE BLANCHE TO JUST IGNORE THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.

PRESUMING THAT THE LANGUAGE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE VARIANCE LANGUAGE FOR THE OTHER ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS, THERE WOULD BE STRICT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE IN THE VARIANCE LANGUAGE FOR THE OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS.

THE PROPOSAL CANNOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE HARMONY OR COMPATIBILITY OF SURROUNDING LAND USES, AND THE GRANTING OF A VARIANCE WILL NOT BE CONTRARY TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST, WILL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT PROPERTY VALUES, WILL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT OTHER PROPERTY IN THE VICINITY AND WILL BE IN HARMONY WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE.

IT'S DIFFICULT TO PREDICT WHAT A VARIANCE MIGHT BE USED FOR, BUT NOT HAVING THE ABILITY TO BE FLEXIBLE WHILE STILL PROTECTING THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC WOULD NOT MAKE GOOD PRACTICAL SENSE. THANK YOU.

>> MISS JOHNSON, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE TIME YOU SPENT WITH US AS WELL. MANY OF YOU DON'T KNOW.

MISS JOHNSON WAS ONE OF THE KEY MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRY THAT MET WITH US OVER AND OVER AGAIN TO GET THIS ORDINANCE TO WHERE IT IS TODAY.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS.

>> TO OUR PARISH PRESIDENT AND OUR COUNSEL AND ALL WHO ARE ASSEMBLED, WE GREET YOU IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

I COME AS REVEREND DOCTOR WARREN D GRANT SENIOR,

[01:45:03]

PASTOR, TEACHER, SERVANT, LEADER OF THE ST. PAUL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN DISTRICT 1 OF THIS PARISH IN GRETNA MCDONOGHVILLE.

I'M ALSO A RESIDENT OF THIS PARISH AND I LIVE IN DISTRICT 3 AT AVONDALE.

I COME TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THIS ORDINANCE AND THE THINGS THAT ARE ON THE TABLE BEFORE OUR PARISH COUNCIL.

FOR DECADES, OIL REFINERIES, CHEMICAL, AND PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS HAVE BEEN PACKED INTO AND NEXT TO BLACK COMMUNITIES ALONG THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER.

THESE FACILITIES EMIT ENORMOUS AMOUNTS OF CANCER CAUSING POLLUTANTS.

HENCE, WE'LL CALL CANCER ALLEY.

I SPEAK ON BEHALF OF ALL PEOPLE WHEN IT COME DOWN TO HEALTH, BUT ESPECIALLY BLACK PEOPLE.

91% OF COMMUNITIES OF COLOR HAVE AIR POLLUTANT RELATED RISKS ABOVE HEALTH GUIDELINES.

THAT'S A BAD STATISTIC.

ON OTHER DAY, I SHARE WITH MY COLLEAGUES AND WITH MY CHURCH MEMBERS THE PREVIOUS INJUSTICES AND HEALTH DISPARITIES AND EVEN FATALITIES IN LIGHT OF THESE CHEMICAL PLANTS.

WE PROTECT PLANTS, WE PROTECT PIPES, WE PROTECT PETS, BUT I THINK WE NEED TO PROTECT PEOPLE.

WE GET VARIANCES, THE BUSINESSES, BUT SOMETIMES EVEN WHEN CITIZENS OF THIS PARISH COME FOR VARIANCES FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL PROPERTY, THEY GOT TO GO THROUGH ALL KINDS OF BUREAUCRATIC RED TAPE.

I WOULD THAT THIS PARISH COUNCIL WOULD REALLY REPRESENT THE PEOPLE.

THIS IS THE LARGEST AND ONE OF THE MOST RICHEST PARISHES IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA.

A PREACHER ONCE TOLD ME, AND HE NOW RESIDES IN HEAVEN, GREED IS NEVER SATISFIED.

THESE BUSINESSES COME TO OUR COMMUNITIES AND THEY RANSACK OUR COMMUNITIES.

THEY RUN OUR PEOPLE OUT OF OUR COMMUNITIES.

THEY BUY THEIR PROPERTY, AND OUR PEOPLE SUFFER FROM ALL KINDS OF ILLNESSES AND SOMETIMES FATALITIES.

I SUPPORT THIS ORDINANCE, AND I WOULD THAT WE WOULD PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER NOT DOING THE WRONG THING. THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS TYLER DOZAT.

I RESIDE AT 4037 OLIVE AVENUE ON HARVEY, AND I'M IN SUPPORT OF THIS ZONING VARIANCE.

I'D LIKE TO BUILD ON WHAT COUNCILMAN BONANO STATED EARLIER ABOUT THE MAJORITY OF JEFFERSON PARISH RESIDENTS.

BELIEVING THAT WE'RE NOT GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AS FAR AS QUALITY OF LIFE.

I WOULD LIKE TO STATE THAT BECAUSE I'VE BEEN LIVING IN MY HOME FOR ALMOST FOUR YEARS NOW AND I'M VERY CLOSE TO A BULK STORAGE FACILITY AND THEY WREAK HAVOC ON MY QUALITY OF LIFE.

IT TOOK THAT TO HAPPEN FOR ME TO REALLY START GETTING INTO UNDERSTANDING HOW THAT HAS BECOME A CHAIN REACTION UP AND DOWN THE RIVER.

I BELIEVE THAT GOING FORWARD IN JEFFERSON PARISH, WE COULD USE THIS PARTICULAR LEGISLATION TO BUILD ON AND I BELIEVE THAT GOING FORWARD, CONTROL TECHNOLOGY WOULD BE A WAY THAT INDUSTRY AND THE COMMUNITY CAN WORK TOGETHER SO THAT THE COMMUNITY HAS BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.

BECAUSE I FEEL RIGHT NOW THAT INDUSTRY IS WINNING AND INDUSTRY CAN AFFORD TO BRING PEOPLE INTO PLACES, BRING PEOPLE TO THESE MEETINGS AND THEY PAY FOLKS TO COME HERE AND SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THEM WHEREAS TODAY, I HAD TO TAKE OFF OF WORK TO BE HERE.

I REALLY WANT TO STRESS AGAIN THAT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO TAKE IN A PERSPECTIVE PEOPLE'S QUALITY OF LIFE GOING FORWARD.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS JOHN REM.

I LIVE AT THREE REN PASS IN HARAHAN.

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE CAN LOOK AT NOISE POLLUTION AND WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE RIVER AND THE THINGS THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IN AVONDALE, AND I LIVE RIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER IN HARAHAN AND RIVER RIDGE AND ALL THAT'S ADJACENT TO ME.

THAT 2000 FEET DOESN'T CUT THE MUSTARD WHEN IT COMES TO NOISE.

THAT'S OUT THE WINDOW THAT NOISE THAT COMES ACROSS THE RIVER IS EVEN MOSTLY AMPLIFIED BY TIME IT GETS OVER TO US SO THAT'S ONE THING THAT WE NEED TO LOOK AT.

[01:50:04]

WE NEED SOUNDPROOF BARRIERS, SOME NOISE ABATEMENT BARRIERS.

ONE THING THAT WE COULD LOOK AT ALSO AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S ADDRESSED TOO MUCH IN THE ORDINANCE, BUT PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES THAT THE COMPANIES CAN FOLLOW.

THIS COSTS NOTHING AND PEOPLE CAN TAKE THAT TIME AND DO THEIR JOB RIGHT AND DO IT QUIETLY BY ME AND SOUTHEAST CORNER OF HARAHAN, THERE'S A CONCRETE RUSSIAN FACILITY THERE AND THERE'S AN IRON CUTTING FACILITY.

THE CONCRETE RUSSIAN JUST STARTED ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO, THAT'S REALLY BAD.

I TALKED TO DINO ABOUT IT.

THEY DID SEEM LIKE THEY GOT SOMETHING THAT'S JUST LIKE A DRUM THAT THEY DROPPED ROCKS INTO AND IT'S BANGING AROUND.

SOMETIMES THEY START BEFORE 6:00 IN THE MORNING AND THEY DON'T END TILL 8:00 AT NIGHT.

SOMETIMES THEY WORK ON SATURDAY, SOMETIMES THEY WORK ON SUNDAY, AND IT'S NOT A EVERYDAY THING, BUT SOMETIMES THAT HAPPENS AND IT RUINS THE QUALITY OF LIFE.

I CAN'T GO OUT IN MY YARD AND IT'S ALL NOISE OUT THERE.

SOMETIMES WHEN THEY GO IN MY HOUSE EVEN, I CAN HEAR IT.

I HAVE A FAIRLY NEW HOUSE, SO IT'S PRETTY SOUND PROOF.

I KNOW PEOPLE, BEHIND ME IS A WOOD FRAME HOUSE.

PAUL EDZARG LIVES THERE, AND I KNOW SHE CAN HEAR THAT ALL THE TIME.

BUT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ALSO.

BUT THERE IS DUST THAT CANCER CAUSING DUST WITH THE CONCRETE CRUSHING COMPANY STARTED AND I ADDRESSED DINO WITH IT AND THAT DUST WAS JUST BLOWING OVER THE LEVEE AND HE CALLED THE DEQ UP AND HE SENT THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT OUT THERE AND COME TO FIND OUT THEY DIDN'T EVEN HAVE A PERMIT TO DO IT AT THE TIME.

BUT THE DEQ ALLOWS THEM TO PUT OUT FIVE TONS OF PARTICULATE MATTER.

NO MATTER WHAT IT IS, IT'S FIVE TONS A YEAR, YOU CAN PUT THAT OUT WITH NO REGULATIONS, NO NOTHING.

WE NEED TO LOOK INTO THAT BECAUSE WE HAVE NO MONITORS OF WHAT'S GOING ON.

WE DON'T KNOW IF AFTER WE TURN AROUND THAT THEY STOP DOING IT, THAT THE DUST IS COMING OVER THE LEVEE.

THIS IS NOT JUST HERE, THIS IS EVERYWHERE.

NOW, THE BIG PLANTS, THE CHEMICAL PLANTS AND ALL, THEY HAVE MONITORS.

THEY KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING.

BUT SOMETIMES THESE LARGE COMPANIES HIRE SUBCONTRACTORS THAT COME IN AND THEY THINK THEY EXEMPT FROM WHAT'S GOING ON.

BUT THAT OUGHT TO BE ALL LUMPED TOGETHER, THAT THIS COMPANY OWNS THAT PROPERTY, WHOEVER DOES WORK ON THAT PROPERTY, IF THEY'RE PUTTING OUT POLLUTION, THEY NEED TO BE MONITORED.

THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IN SOME WAY.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU COULD PUT SOMETHING IN THERE ANOTHER AMENDMENT TO IT OR WHATEVER, BUT ALSO THAT PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES COST NOTHING TO THE COMPANIES, AND IF THEY DO THEIR JOB RIGHT, IT'LL COST LESS POLLUTION AND LESS NOISE SO I APPRECIATE YOU'LL LISTEN TO ME. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> REM REAL QUICK, MR. REM.

I DID EXCHANGE E MAILS THIS WEEK WITH THE NEW SECRETARY OF DEQ, AND I WILL BE MEETING WITH HER SOON TO DISCUSS SOME OF THESE VERY ISSUES.

>> ONE THING TOO, THAT IT TAKES SO LONG FOR DEQ TO DO ANYTHING.

BACK IN 2016, 17, I ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL, 2018 AND ALL DID A GREAT JOB WORKING WITH THE DEQ.

I KNOW YOU WERE ASSISTANT AT THE TIME, I APPRECIATE IT AND Y'ALL GOT THE JOB DONE AND ACTUALLY THE SAND COMPANY MOVED THEIR ROAD AND GOT LESS SAND BACK THERE.

BUT THEY WERE ONE THING THAT THEY WERE DOING ALSO, THEY WERE VIOLATING ONE OF THE ORDINANCES OF HARAHAN AND YOU ALL STOOD BEHIND US AND ALL THAT, TOO.

SO I APPRECIATED EVERYTHING WORKED OUT AT THE END SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> MAKE SURE THERE'S NOBODY ELSE IN FAVOR.

>> I FAVOR.

>> OPPOSITION.

>> ANYONE ELSE IN FAVOR? CLERK, NOTE THAT 11.

>> APPEARED IN OPPOSITION.

>> GIVE ME A SECOND. MADAM CLERK, PLEASE NOTE THAT 11 APPEARED IN FAVOR.

NOW, ANYONE IN OPPOSITION, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

>> STEVE FRANKIE HARRIS, RISE IN OPPOSITION, ONCE AGAIN, JUST HEAR SPARKS SOME CURIOSITY AND AWAY WE GO AT THE FIRST ENUMERATION.

IF IT HAD BEEN ACHIEVED BY JUST INTOLERABLE RESULTS, THEY HAD ACHIEVED JUST INTOLERABLE RESULTS FOR THE INDUSTRIAL NORTH AND THE AGRARIAN SOUTH.

FOR ALL PARTIES CONSIDERED, THE SMALL STATES, THE BIG STATES.

EVERYBODY CONSIDERED THEY GOT TO JUST IN TOLABLE RESULTS WITH 120 REPRESENTATIVES, THE FIRST BILL THAT PASSES NARROWLY BY ONE VOTE IN ONE CHAMBER, TWO AND THE NEXT.

WE GOT TWO CHAMBERS COMBINED HERE, SO I EXPECTED TO PASS WHOLEHEARTEDLY.

SINCE TWO REPRESENT THE WHOLE PARISH AND THE INTERESTS OF THE WHOLE PARISH ARE

[01:55:03]

CERTAINLY GOING TO SIDE WITH THE INDUSTRIAL ZONING CHANGES THAT YOU'VE ACQUIESCED TO.

IT WAS SAID THAT IF THOSE RESULTS, THOSE JUST IN TOLABLE RESULTS HAD BEEN ACHIEVED BY ANY METHOD PRESCRIBED CONSTITUTIONALLY, THERE'D BE NO WAY TO OPPOSE IT.

IF THIS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED BY ANY MEANS PRESCRIBED CONSTITUTIONALLY, I COULD NOT RISE UP IN OPPOSITION.

IT SHOWS ITSELF WHAT IT IS.

JUST BY WATCHING EVERYBODY RISE IN FAVOR.

IF JACKOB CAN GET UP HERE IN FAVOR OF THIS AND JACKOB GETS TO PUT TWO SEATS ON EVERY BOARD, EVERY COMMISSION, THEY GET TO APPOINT TWO PEOPLE TO EVERY BOARD AND COMMISSION.

IT'S NO SURPRISE THAT YOU'VE GOT TWO SENATORS REPRESENTING THE WHOLE PARISH, NOT ANY PART OF THE PARISH.

THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT HARVEY, THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT RIVER RIDGE, SPECIFICALLY, THEY'RE NOT OBLIGED TO.

THEY'RE OBLIGED TO COLLABORATE AND COORDINATE WITH THE PARISH ADMINISTRATION.

THAT'S THE JOB OF THE AT LARGE MEMBERSHIP.

>> YOU'RE GOING TO PASS THIS. IT'S THE TOKEN GESTURE.

IT'S THE LIP SERVICE.

IT'S THE QUARTER MEASURE, THAT IF WE HAD AN ACTUAL REPRESENTATIVE BODY WOULD LOOK A WHOLE LOT BETTER.

THE COMPROMISE WOULD FAVOR THE PEOPLE.

THEY WOULD HAVE TO WONDER ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THIS GOT ACROSS THE RIVER.

ONE OF YOU WOULD HAVE MADE SURE IT DID.

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN 3,000 FEET.

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR THE PEOPLE IF THE PEOPLE WERE REPRESENTED, BUT THEY AREN'T.

THEY HAVE TO ACQUIESCE TO LEADERSHIP.

WE'VE ACQUIESCED FOR SO LONG, WE BELIEVE IT TO BE LEGIT.

I'M HERE TO WAKE YOU UP.

THAT'S ALL I'M HERE TO DO.

ROMANS 13, "WAKE UP.

RECOGNIZE A SUPERSEDING COMMANDMENT TO LOVE THY NEIGHBOR." IT'S WITHIN OUR PREAMBLE, THE THING THAT WRAPS UP OUR PREAMBLE, WHEREIN YOU'RE OBLIGED, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US AS A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OR SOMEONE WHO ASPIRES TO BE IS OBLIGED TO SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY, NOT TO YOU OR ME, NOT TO HIM OR HER, NOT TO THEY OR THEM, BUT TO OURSELVES AND TO OUR POSTERITY, MOST IMPORTANTLY.

IT'S YOUR POSTERITY THAT'S GOING TO SEE THIS FOR WHAT IT IS.

YOU HAVE NOT SECURED THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY TO ANYONE.

I THINK YOU'D LACK FOR THE ENLIGHTENMENT REQUIRED TO EXERCISE ANY CONTROL WITH A WHOLESOME DISCRETION.

I GOT TO KEEP UP WHAT I'M DOING HERE, INFORMING YOUR DISCRETION, THE TRUE CORRECTIVE OF CONSTITUTIONAL ABUSES OF POWER, AND YOU'RE ABUSING THE POWER OF THE CONSTITUTION HERE AND NOW WITH A HALF MEASURE, A TOKEN GESTURE THAT LEAVES RIVER RIDGE HANGING OUT TO DRY.

LEAVES THE PEOPLE OF HARVEY HOPING FOR SOME SUBJECTIVE COUNSEL TO VOTE AGAINST A VARIANCE.

I WATCHED YOU PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF HARAHAN, I WATCHED YOU TO PROTECT THEM.

YOU SPEND MORE TIME PROTECTING THE PEOPLE FROM THEMSELVES BECAUSE YOU LACK FOR THE ENLIGHTENMENT REQUIRED.

THE POWER OF SELF DETERMINATION, THAT'S WHAT LIBERTY IS IN THE CONTEXT OF OUR PREAMBLE.

WE DON'T HAVE IT. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.

IF YOU REPRESENT THREE DIFFERENT TAXED COMMUNITIES, YOU CAN'T REPRESENT ANY OF THEM LEGITIMATELY.

REPRESENTATIVES SHALL BE APPORTIONED AMONG THE SEVERAL PARTS OF THE PARISH ACCORDING TO THEIR RESPECTIVE NUMBERS.

WHEN WE REPEAL THIS CHARTER, WE'LL DEFAULT TO A 15 MEMBER SINGLE DISTRICT POLICE JURY.

THE WEST BANK WILL HAVE SEVEN REPRESENTATIVES TO THAT POLICE JURY, THE EAST BANK WILL PROBABLY HAVE EIGHT.

IF WE WERE TO DO IT CONSTITUTIONALLY, EACH OF THE SIX MUNICIPALITIES WOULD HAVE THEIR OWN REPRESENTATIVE.

THEIR VOICE WOULD BE DIMINISHED.

THE POWER OF THAT VOTE WOULD BE DIMINISHED BY 25%, BECAUSE THEY GET A 25% TAX BREAK ON PROPERTY TAXES, DIRECT TAXES.

WE GOT TO FIGURE THIS STUFF OUT.

IT APPLIES TO EVERYTHING, ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING YOU DO.

YOUR CHILDREN ARE GOING TO NULLIFY EVERY BIT OF THIS.

ANY POPULATION OF THE JEFFERSON PARISH AT ANY TIME, EVERY INDUSTRIAL ZONING THING YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING, YOU THINK THIS IS GOING TO WORK FOR YEARS TO COME? NO, IT AIN'T.

WE'RE GOING TO REPEAL THIS CHARTER AND WE'RE GOING TO FIX THIS.

WE'RE GOING TO FIGURE IT OUT IF YOU WON'T.

>> ANYONE ELSE IN OPPOSITION? MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT ONE APPEARED IN OPPOSITION.

COUNCILMAN VAN FRANKLIN, YOUR MOTION.

YOU WANT TO MOVE ON IT, I ASSUME.

>> BEFORE I MOVE, JUST MADAM PARRISH PRESIDENT, I KNOW OTHERS HAVE SAID IT, BUT YOUR PLANNING STAFF WAS ABSOLUTELY SO PROFESSIONAL AND RESPONSIVE THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS, AND I OWE THEM A GREAT DEAL OF GRATITUDE.

THEY WERE GREAT, SO JOB WELL DONE.

WITH THAT, I MOVE FOR APPROVAL.

>> LOOK, COUNCILMAN VAN FRANKLIN, LET ME ADD REAL QUICK BEFORE WE MOVE ON IT.

BACK IN 2019, WHEN WE WERE BOTH CAMPAIGNING THE FIRST TIME, THIS WAS PART OF EVERY CAMPAIGN STOP.

I REMEMBER IT WELL, AND KUDOS FOR A CAMPAIGN PROMISE KEPT.

IT'S GOOD TO SEE ONE KEPT, ESPECIALLY, NOT ONLY ONE KEPT, BUT ONE KEPT THROUGH ALL THE DIFFICULTIES AND CHALLENGES THAT YOU FACED GOING THROUGH THE MANY STEPS AND HURDLES AND OPPOSITION AND SUPPORT THAT YOU FACED OVER THE PAST TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS.

I'M PROUD TO SEE THIS HAPPEN TODAY, AND TO HAVE REACHED A COMPROMISE WHERE WE REACHED COMPROMISE. THANK YOU.

>> GO AHEAD, COUNCILMAN LEE.

>> CAN I SAY.

[02:00:01]

>> YOU'VE GIVEN YOUR LIFE TO THIS.

>> EXCUSE ME, SIR.

>> CAN YOU USE YOUR MICROPHONE, COUNCILMAN LEE?

>> YOU'VE GIVEN YOUR LIFE TO THIS OVER THE LAST TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS, AND I ADMIRE THE FACT THAT YOU'VE STUCK TO IT AND THAT THIS IS OF BENEFIT FOR THE CITIZENS OF JEFFERSON PARISH IN SUCH A WAY THAT MANY PEOPLE WILL NOT KNOW.

BUT AS A PART OF YOUR HISTORY AND WHAT WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED ONCE WE WALK AWAY, I'M SURE THAT YOU'LL BE SOMEONE WHO PEOPLE LOOK AT FAVORABLY CONSIDERING HOW MUCH YOU CARE.

I WANT TO TELL YOU, CONGRATULATIONS.

>> JUST DON'T LOOK AT THEM IN THE HAIRNET.

IT MIGHT NOT BE AS FAVORABLE. COUNCILMAN VAN FRANKLIN.

>> AGAIN, JUST TO ECHO, DESPITE SOME OF THE COMMENTS EARLIER TODAY, I THINK WE DO HAVE A PROCESS THAT WORKS.

THIS, I THINK, IS PROOF OF THAT, TO LOOK OUT INTO THE AUDIENCE AND SEE MEMBERS OF OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY HERE WHO REACHED OUT, WHO GAVE US THEIR THOUGHTS, TO SEE PEOPLE FROM OUR NEIGHBORHOODS HERE, WHO REACHED OUT, WHO GAVE US THOUGHTS.

AS RECENTLY AS YESTERDAY EVENING, I WAS RESPONDING TO EMAIL TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO REACHED OUT IN JEFFERSON PARISH, RETURNING SOME PHONE CALLS, STILL BRINGING UP GOOD QUESTIONS THAT WE NEEDED TO HAVE ANSWERED.

COUNCILMAN BANANO, AS RECENTLY AS YESTERDAY, WAS OPEN TO CONTINUING THE DISCUSSION ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT PATH FORWARD FOR EVERYONE.

AGAIN, I THINK THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF OUR PARISH WORKING FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED, AND KUDOS AGAIN.

>> ANYONE ELSE? COUNSEL MEMBER, YOUR MOTION.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26312 ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN BANANO, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

[OVERLAPPING] ALL THE WAY TO NUMBER 9.

IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.

BUT LET'S FORGE AHEAD.

FOR NOW, ITEM NUMBER 9 WITH AMENDMENTS. PLEASE, MADAM CLERK.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26311, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF JEFFERSON PARISH FOR CERTAIN PROPERTIES OR PORTIONS OF PROPERTIES CURRENTLY ZONED OW-1, OFFICE WAREHOUSE DISTRICT, M-1, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, M-2 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, M-3, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, AND/OR M-4, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT.

MORE PARTICULARLY, AMENDING THE ZONING FROM OW-1, OFFICE WAREHOUSE DISTRICT, M-1, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, M-2, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, M-3, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, M-4, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT WITH CERTAIN PROPERTIES OVERLAID WITH THE CPZ, COMMERCIAL PARKWAY-OVERLAY ZONE OR THE AIM, AVANDALE INDUSTRIAL MARINE DISTRICT TO THE MOST APPROPRIATE ZONING DISTRICT.

IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT ESTABLISHED AS A RESULT OF THE JEFFERSON PARISH INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS, AS RECOMMENDED BY A STUDY AUTHORIZED BY COUNSEL RESOLUTION NUMBER 137617 ON MAY 19TH, 2021, COUNCIL RESOLUTION NUMBER 138807 ON JANUARY 12TH, 2022, AND BY THE PLANNING DIRECTOR ON APRIL 27TH, 2023, AND I WILL DEFER TO MS. MARTIN FOR THE AMENDMENTS.

>> THANK YOU. THE FIRST AMENDMENT IS TO SECTION 38 TO REMOVE THE REFERENCE TO S1 SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL AND REPLACE IT WITH IL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND TO REMOVE THE DATE 5/2/2024 AND REPLACE IT WITH THE DATE 5/21/2024.

THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS TO EXHIBIT LL TO CHANGE THE S1 ZONING TO THE IL FOR THE PORTION OF PROPERTY SHOWN IN THE EXHIBIT.

THOSE ARE ALL THE AMENDMENTS.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE AMENDMENTS BEING BROUGHT FROM THE FLOOR? HEARING NONE. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, YOUR MOTION ON THE AMENDMENTS?

>> SO MOVE.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENTS A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26311.

ANYONE OPPOSED, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26311, MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

ITEM NUMBER 11, PLEASE.

[OTHER ORDINANCES (Part 1 of 2)]

>> WE CAN ACTUALLY MOVE TO CANCEL THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME.

>> IS THERE ANY OBJECTION TO THE MOTION TO CANCEL ITEM NUMBER 11 ON MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECOND BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

ITEM NUMBER 12, PLEASE, MADAM CLERK.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26313, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES ARTICLE 5, RELATIVE TO AMENDING SECTION 2-155.10 REGARDING QUALIFICATIONS, TERM LIMITS, AND INVESTIGATIVE POWERS OF THE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL.

>> WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26313.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, PLEASE COME FORWARD?

>> I'M NOT IN FAVOR. AMARILLA 4260 EAST DRIVE FIFTH DISTRICT KENNA, FOURTH DISTRICT INCORPORATED JEFFERSON IN 52 YEARS. I'M NOT IN FAVOR.

[02:05:04]

I'M NOT OPPOSED, BUT I WANT TO COMMENT ON THIS ORDINANCE.

LIKE I STATED EARLIER, WE MANDATED THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE FOR ONE REASON.

TO BRING IN AN INSPECTOR GENERAL THAT WAS GOING TO FOLLOW THE MONEY THAT WAS GOING TO UNCOVER FRAUD, WASTE, ABUSE, AND CORRUPTION IN THIS GOVERNMENT.

NOW, UNFORTUNATELY, WE GOT ELECTED OFFICIALS.

WE HAVE NON-ELECTED OFFICIALS.

FOR WHATEVER REASON, WHETHER IT'S LACK OF INTELLIGENCE OR WHATEVER, CAN'T DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN FRIENDSHIPS AND BUSINESS.

IT'S BROUGHT DOWN US ATTORNEY JIM LATIN'S OFFICE, HAS BROUGHT DOWN PARISH PRESIDENT BRUSO'S OFFICE IN HERE, AND IT'S COST MISS CHIN'S PREDECESSOR HIS JOB BECAUSE HE COULDN'T DO IT.

I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY OF THIS IN THE TWO INSPECTOR GENERALS WE HAD.

I DON'T WANT TO SEE THIS OFFICE WEAPONIZED.

I DON'T WANT TO SEE NO FRIENDSHIPS.

I DON'T WANT TO SEE WEAPONIZE OR GO AFTER STRAIGHTENED ENEMIES OF STRAIGHTENED COUNCIL MEMBERS UP HERE.

I DON'T WANT TO SEE THAT.

UNTIL WE CAN GET SOMEBODY IN HERE THAT'S GOING TO DEAL STRAIGHT UP, I'M NOT GOING TO OPPOSE THIS AND I'M NOT GOING TO BE IN FAVOR OF IT. ONE MORE THING.

I WANT TO SAY, I DON'T BELIEVE IN BEING ANONYMOUS.

I DON'T EVER DO NOTHING AND REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

EVERYTHING I DO IS OUT IN THE OPEN.

I LIKE TO LOOK THE PEOPLE THAT I'M CALLING OUT IN THE FACE WHEN I'M CALLING THEM OUT.

I HAD A TESTIMONIAL SITTING IN THIS AUDIENCE.

I DON'T KNOW IF HE'S STILL HERE.

YES, HE IS. FOX 8 NEWS ANCHOR WRITING THE SONG.

WHEN I WAS ON THE KENNA HOUSING AUTHORITY ABOUT 14 YEARS AGO AND INITIATED THAT INVESTIGATION IN THAT CORRUPT AGENCY I DID THE INTERVIEWS WITH ROB MASA RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE AGENCY SO THE BOY COULD SEE ME TALKING TO HIM AND THE DISTRICT COULD SEE ME TALKING TO HIM.

ANYTHING THEY HAD TO TELL ME I DEALT WITH THEM AT THE MEETING.

HE'S A TESTIMONIAL TO THAT.

THAT'S THE ONLY COMMENTS THAT I HAVE.

ANYBODY GOT ANY COMMENTS OR ANY QUESTIONS? THANK YOU.

>> ANY ONE IN FAVOR PLEASE COME FORWARD.

>> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, JERRY SULLIVAN 3838 NORTH CAUSEWAY BOULEVARD.

I'M COUNSEL TO THE ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE COMMISSION AND I'VE BEEN BEFORE YOU ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO THE SAME ORDINANCE.

THE ORDINANCE WAS ORIGINALLY CREATED FOLLOWING A CHARTER AMENDMENT WHICH WAS PROPOSED FOR TRANSPARENCY OF GOVERNMENT.

IF YOU RECALL, TRANSPARENCY OF GOVERNMENT WAS A CRITICAL ISSUE AT THAT TIME, AS WAS THE ATTEMPT TO UNCOVER FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

WITH ME TODAY ARE TWO MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION, DR. WARREN BURGOS WHO HAS BEEN ON THE COMMISSION FROM THE BEGINNING.

HE IS CONCLUDING A 12 YEAR SERVICE AND HE WILL BE ROTATING OFF AS WELL AS CHRISTOPHER CLEMENT, WHO IS THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION.

WHEN 2019 CAME AROUND AND THE AMENDMENTS CREATED CHANGES IN HOW THE INSPECTOR GENERAL IS TO SERVE, HE CREATED AN IMPEDIMENT.

YOU HAVE CHARGED THIS COMMISSION WITH RESPONSIBILITY TO SECURE THE BEST PERSON IN A NATIONAL SEARCH.

YET THE 2019 AMENDMENTS AS WE HAVE DISCOVERED HAS CRIPPLED THAT VERY COMMISSION BECAUSE WHEN WE GO OUT TO SEARCH IN A NATIONAL COMMUNITY, WE'RE ASKING PEOPLE TO COME TO JEFFERSON PARISH.

WE'VE SEEN THIS BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION OF TOURISM FOR JEFFERSON PARISH.

BUT WHEN WE ASK PEOPLE TO COME TO MOVE TO JEFFERSON PARISH, WE HAVE MANY IMPEDIMENTS THAT WE HAVE TO ENCOUNTER.

ONE OF WHICH WHEN SOMEONE ASKS US THE QUESTION, WILL MY CHILDREN BE ABLE TO COMPLETE SCHOOL IN JEFFERSON PARISH IF I RELOCATE TO THAT AREA, EIGHT YEARS DOES NOT GIVE THEM THAT OPPORTUNITY.

IF THERE'S A FEAR BY THE COUNSEL THAT THIS WOULD APPLY TO THE CURRENT INSPECTOR GENERAL, WE WOULD CERTAINLY BE OKAY WITH A STIPULATION THAT IT BE PROSPECTIVE ONLY TO THE NEXT APPOINTED INSPECTOR GENERAL.

THIS INVOLVES THE INTEGRITY OF THE OFFICE, NOT THE PERSON THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.

THE INTEGRITY OF THE OFFICE ALSO COMPELS US TO ASK YOU TO CONSIDER ALLOWING FOR THE CERTIFICATION WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE APPOINTMENT.

WE HAD A NUMBER OF EXTREMELY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS FROM THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.

BUT AS I TOLD YOU ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, THOSE APPLICANTS COULD NOT QUALIFY AS AN INSPECTOR GENERAL BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HOLD THE CERTIFICATION.

WHEN WE CONTACTED THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSPECTOR GENERALS, WE WERE TOLD, GENERALLY, YOU HAVE TO BE AN INSPECTOR GENERAL TO GET THAT CERTIFICATION.

WE ARE PUTTING AN IMPEDIMENT AGAIN IN THE PATH OF THE BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES.

[02:10:05]

WE WANT THE BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE TO COME HERE TO SERVE AS JEFFERSON PARISH INSPECTOR GENERAL TO BE TRANSPARENT.

JEFFERSON PARISH CITIZENS VOTED FOR TRANSPARENCY OF GOVERNMENT.

WE SHOULD NOT FEAR TRANSPARENCY.

WE SHOULD NOT FEAR AUDITS.

WE ALL GET NERVOUS WHEN AUDITORS COME ASKING US QUESTIONS, BUT WE SHOULDN'T BE.

AUDITORS ARE THERE FOR A REASON TO TEACH US SOMETHING AS OUR INVESTIGATIONS.

WE AS A PARISH, I'M A RESIDENT OF PARISH FOR OVER 40 YEARS, AND I SEE WHAT THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE HAS DONE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PARISH CITIZENS.

THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS ITS ROLE TO BE SACRED TO THE CITIZENS OF JEFFERSON PARISH TO SEEK AND SECURE THE BEST CANDIDATE POSSIBLE.

AND I WOULD ASK YOU STRONGLY TO CONSIDER THESE AMENDMENTS AS YOU LOOK AT THE AMENDMENTS FOR THE ORDINANCE TODAY. THANK YOU.

>> MR. SULLIVAN, BEFORE YOU STEP OFF, AND MAYBE YOU'RE NOT THE RIGHT PERSON TO ASK THIS, SO I'LL WAIT IF YOU'RE NOT.

HAS THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE EVER NOT RECEIVED INFORMATION IT SOUGHT? HAS IT EVER? I CAN DO AN INVESTIGATION.

>> I'M GOING TO BE VERY CANDID, WE AS A COMMISSION RECEIVE INFORMATION ON A CONTINUAL BASIS.

I THINK THE PROBLEM IS NOT RECEIVING THE INFORMATION.

THE QUESTION IS, DO THEY RECEIVE IT TIMELY? BECAUSE IF THERE ARE DELAYS IN RECEIPT OF THAT INFORMATION OR IF THERE ARE FILTERS PUT IN PLACE IN RECEIVING THAT INFORMATION, DOES IT IMPACT THE QUALITY AND TIMING OF THE REPORT? BECAUSE IF THE COMMISSION RECEIVES A REPORT AND THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS THAT CAUSE DELAYS.

BUT IF THERE ARE NUMEROUS FILTERS IN THE TRANSMISSION OF THAT INFORMATION, THEN WHAT IS LOST IN THE PROCESS BECAUSE IF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL IS SEEKING INFORMATION THEY MAY SEEK A BROAD SWATH IN ORDER TO FIND A SMALL NUGGET.

BUT THAT'S GENERALLY WHAT THEY DO.

IF IT'S BEING FILTERED THAT THEY HAVE TO REQUEST FROM THE PARISH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OR FROM A DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE PARISH ATTORNEYS CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT'S FILTERED, THEN WHAT IS BEING FILTERED OUT BY ACCIDENT? THIS IS NOT AN INTENTIONAL ACT.

WE DON'T BELIEVE ANYBODY UNDERTAKES THE INTENT TO WITHHOLD INFORMATION, BUT THE QUESTION IS, HOW IS IT FILTERED AND IS IT FILTERED IN SUCH A MANNER SO AS IT IS NOT TIMELY PERMITTED.

WE ALREADY HAVE DELAYS IN THE DRAFT PERIOD AND I'M SURE THE INSPECTOR GENERAL WILL TALK ABOUT IT, BUT WE ALREADY SEE A DELAY OF 60-75 DAYS FROM THE TIME A DRAFT IS COMPLETED BEFORE IT'S PRESENTED TO THE COMMISSION AND TO THE PARISH AT LARGE.

WE DON'T NEED MORE DELAYS BECAUSE OFTEN WE SEE INFORMATION THAT'S STALE.

THAT'S UNFORTUNATE BECAUSE THE CITIZENS EXPECT BETTER, YOU AS A COUNSEL EXPECT BETTER, AND PART OF THAT DELAY PROCESS INHIBITS THE SHARING OF INFORMATION BETWEEN VENDORS AND PAIRS DEPARTMENTS AND COUNCIL MEMBERS BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE DRAFTS ARE SENT OUT AND THE WAY THE RESPONSES ARE TO BE RETURNED.

WE HOPE THAT THIS BECOMES THROUGH THESE ORDINANCES A GREATER ABILITY FOR TRANSPARENCY, NOT ONLY FOR THE CITIZENS OF JEFFERSON PARISH, BUT FOR THOSE VERY TARGETS OF THE INVESTIGATION BECAUSE THEY DESERVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH PARISH DEPARTMENTS, AND PARISH DEPARTMENTS TO SPEAK WITH THEM WHEN RESPONSES ARE GIVEN SO THAT THEY CAN BE FULL AND COMPLETE AND A REPORT CAN BE PRESENTED TO THE CITIZENS IN THE BEST POSSIBLE MANNER. THANK YOU.

>> ACTUALLY, COULD I ASK A QUESTION?

>> SURE.

>> YOU REPRESENT THE ECC, RIGHT?

>> YES.

>> ARE YOU HERE MAKING A RECOMMENDATION OR GIVING AN OPINION BASED ON THE ECC OR IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY?

>> AS I AM COUNSEL TO THE ECC AND DR. BURGOS WILL ALSO BE SPEAKING, BUT YES, ON BEHALF OF THE ECC.

>> YOU GUYS ARE THE SUPERVISING AUTHORITY OVER THE IG, CORRECT?

>> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> YOU'RE MAKING A RECOMMENDATION TO SUPPORT THE ORDINANCE.

>> WE ARE MAKING RECOMMENDATION TO SUPPORT THE ORDINANCE.

IN FACT, IT'S BEEN DISCUSSED IN NUMEROUS ECC MEETINGS THAT ARE NOW PUBLISHED ON JEFF TV, WHICH WE APPLAUD BECAUSE WE HOPE THOSE MEETINGS ARE REVIEWED AND EXAMINED.

THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MONTHS.

DISCUSSIONS HAVE BEEN VAST BETWEEN THE COMMISSION AND THE IG ON AMENDMENTS TO THOSE ORDINANCE AND WHAT THOSE AMENDMENTS MEAN.

THIS IS ON BEHALF OF THE ECC THAT WE REQUEST THAT THE ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED. THANK YOU.

>> I HAVE A QUESTION TOO BEFORE YOU STEP DOWN.

[LAUGHTER] SORRY.

>> THAT'S OKAY.

>> I'M TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT ARE THE FILTERS AND WHAT ARE THE DELAYS THAT YOU ENCOUNTER? THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF IT.

>> I WOULD RATHER THE INSPECTOR GENERAL TALK ABOUT THE FILTERS AND DELAYS.

I CAN TELL YOU FROM THE ECC'S PERSPECTIVE, AS WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THE REQUEST HAS TO GO THROUGH THE PARISH ATTORNEY.

IT MUST BE PUT IN WRITING.

>> ARE THEY COPIED OR DOES IT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PARISH ATTORNEY?

[02:15:04]

>> THEY'RE COPIED, BUT OFTEN THE DEPARTMENT CHAIRS OR THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING THE INFORMATION, SAY WE CAN'T GIVE YOU ANYTHING UNTIL WE GET APPROVAL BACK FROM THE PARISH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OR THE ADMINISTRATOR.

>> THERE'S NO TIME LIMIT ON THAT?

>> THERE'S NO TIME LIMIT ON THAT, UNFORTUNATELY.

TYPICALLY, THE INSPECTOR GENERAL PRIOR TO 2019, COULD REQUEST INFORMATION DIRECTLY FROM THE DEPARTMENT HEAD.

>> MY QUESTION IS THIS THOUGH. IN OTHER WORDS, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT COPYING THE PARISH ATTORNEY WOULD CAUSE A DELAY BECAUSE THAT'S JUST AN EXTRA BURDEN ON AN EMAIL.

BUT MY QUESTION IS, WHEN YOU SEND OUT A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE PARISH ATTORNEY IS COPIED, THERE'S NO TIME WITHIN WHICH TO RESPOND?

>> LIKE ANY REQUEST, ONE WOULD EXPECT A REASONABLE TIME LIMIT, BUT THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S REQUESTS ARE NOT THE SAME AS A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST.

WE ALL UNDERSTAND THE TIME CONSTRAINTS OF A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST.

THE SAME IS NOT GIVEN IN A RESPONSE TIME FOR THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S REQUEST, EVEN THOUGH THE INSPECTOR GENERAL MAY REQUEST INFORMATION WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME PERIOD.

I DON'T THINK THERE'S ANY REQUIREMENT IN THE ORDINANCE THAT REQUIRES THE RESPONSE TIME TO BE WITHIN A CERTAIN MATTER OF DAYS.

I DO THINK DELAYS CAN HAPPEN.

I THINK DELAYS HAPPEN OFTEN BECAUSE THE INDIVIDUAL WHO IS THE INFORMATION BEING SOUGHT FROM IS AFRAID TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION BECAUSE THEY ARE AWARE THAT THE ORDINANCE REQUIRES THE PARISH ATTORNEY BE NOTIFIED AND THERE IS A CONCERN AND WE DON'T WANT THAT CONCERN.

WE WANT TRANSPARENCY BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENTS AND THE INSPECTOR GENERAL AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

WE DON'T THINK ANY DEPARTMENT HAS ANYTHING TO HIDE.

THIS IS JUST A MATTER OF FACILITATING THE TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION.

THE INFORMATION ULTIMATELY MAY LEAD TO NOTHING, BUT IT'S STILL THE ABILITY TO SECURE THAT INFORMATION ON A TIMELY BASIS.

I THINK THE BEST PERSON TO ANSWER WHAT DELAYS ARE GIVEN ARE THOSE MEMBERS OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL STAFF.

HOWEVER, WE AS A COMMISSION ENCOUNTER THOSE COMMENTS ON A VERY FREQUENT BASIS AT ALL OF THE MEETINGS WE ATTEND.

>> ONE FOLLOW UP QUESTION.

WHEN YOU SAY THAT YOU'RE EXPERIENCING THOSE COMMENTS, THE ECC IS NOT EXPERIENCING A DELAY FROM THE PARISH BECAUSE THE PARISH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS COPIED.

YOU GUYS AREN'T MAKING THE REQUEST YOURSELF.

WHEN YOU SAY THE COMMENTS, YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT THE COMMENTS THAT YOU'RE RECEIVING FROM THE IG?

>> THAT IS EXACTLY CORRECT.

>> SO YOU DON'T HAVE ANY DIRECT COMPLAINTS ABOUT RECEIVING INFORMATION OR NOT RECEIVING INFORMATION FROM THE PARISH OR THROUGH THE PARISH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE?

>> THE ECC WOULD HAVE NO REASON TO ISSUE REQUEST EITHER TO A PARISH DEPARTMENT OR THE PARISH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

IN THE EVENT THAT THERE'S AN ETHICAL CONSIDERATION, THOSE ARE ENTIRELY CONFIDENTIAL UNTIL A HEARING WOULD BE HELD. THANK YOU.

>> HONORABLE LEE, MR. CHAIRMAN, I'D LIKE SOMEONE FROM THE LEGAL TEAM, JEFFERSON PARISH TO PLEASE COME AND ADDRESS THIS BECAUSE IT SEEMS THAT THE ISSUE IS POINTED TOWARD THE ADMINISTRATION.

I UNDERSTAND TONY'S NOT HERE, BUT IF YOU HAVE.

>> IF I COULD, I HAD MY BUTTON PRESSED, COUNCILMAN AND CERTAINLY, MR. CROCE HAS BEEN VERY INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS, BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT OVERALL WHEN I CAME INTO OFFICE IN 2020.

I'LL SAY IT THIS WAY. THE FORMER ADMINISTRATION AND THE FORMER INSPECTOR GENERAL DID NOT HAVE A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP.

IT WAS ONE OF MY PRIORITIES TO CHANGE THAT.

ONE OF THE VERY FIRST THINGS I TOLD ALL OUR DIRECTORS, I COME FROM THAT WORLD.

I'M A FORMER CPA.

I'M A FORMER CERTIFIED FRAUD EXAMINER.

I BELIEVE IN THAT WORK.

I BELIEVE THAT THE INSPECTOR GENERAL HAS REALLY GOOD STAFF. THEY'RE DATA-DRIVEN.

I'M FROM THAT WORLD.

I'M ALL ABOUT MAKING EFFICIENCIES IN GOVERNMENT.

THAT'S WHY I WANTED THIS JOB.

NORMALLY, IN MOST COMMUNITIES, PEOPLE IN MY POSITION DON'T LIKE AN INSPECTOR GENERAL.

I CAME IN FROM MY KNOWLEDGE AND I'M NUTS AND BOLTS, AND LET'S MAKE IT BETTER.

THAT'S THE LEADERSHIP THAT I TRY TO BRING TO THIS ORGANIZATION.

I TRY TO RESET THE STAGE AND SAY, THIS IS NOTHING TO FEAR.

I'M NOT AFRAID OF IT.

WE'RE NOT PERFECT.

IF THEY'RE ABLE TO UNCOVER CERTAINLY ANY FRAUD WASTE OR ABUSE, WE WANT TO BE ON TOP OF IT RIGHT AWAY, THIS IS A VERY LARGE ORGANIZATION.

I CAN'T SAY I KNOW EVERYTHING GOING ON.

IF THEY UNCOVER SOMETHING THROUGH AN ANONYMOUS SOURCE, I WANT TO DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO FIX IT, TO ENFORCE IT, TO MAKE SOMEONE BE PUNISHED FOR IT, AND ALSO WITH EFFICIENCY.

MY DIRECTORS KNOW, I SAY, IF THEY HAVE SMART PEOPLE LOOKING AT THIS STUFF IN WAYS THAT WE CAN BECAUSE WE'RE SO BUSY DOING OUR REGULAR WORK AND THEY'RE STUDYING IT, AND THEY SAY, THIS IS A BETTER WAY TO DO IT.

THAT'S NOTHING TO FEAR.

[02:20:01]

THAT'S SOMETHING TO EMBRACE.

IF WE CAN'T DO IT BECAUSE THEY MIGHT NOT UNDERSTAND THE OPERATIONS, THEN WE JUST SIMPLY WRITE IT IN THE REPORT THAT WE CAN'T DO THIS. WE CAN DO THIS.

THERE DOESN'T NEED TO BE ANY DRAMA ABOUT IT.

MY PEOPLE HAVE HEARD ME SAY THAT TIME AND TIME AGAIN.

EVERY NEW DIRECTOR THAT COMES IN, WE HAVE A LIST OF THINGS THAT WE TALK ABOUT AND ONE OF THOSE THINGS IS WE COOPERATE WITH THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.

WE GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT.

WE WANT TO CHANGE THE WAY THIS RELATIONSHIP HAS WORKED.

TO MY BELIEF, IT HAS BEEN CHANGED.

THIS WHOLE NOTION NOW, I'M HEARING DELAYS AND FILTERING IS HONESTLY A SURPRISE TO ME.

I WAS IN A MEETING WITH THE INSPECTOR GENERAL AND THAT LANGUAGE WAS BROUGHT UP, AND I SAID, WELL, NOTHING CAME TO MY ATTENTION, LET ME KNOW, BECAUSE I WANT TO GET ON TOP OF IT PERSONALLY MYSELF.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE THERE'S BEEN DELAYS, IS THERE A SCHEDULE YOU DIDN'T GET, AN EMAIL YOU DIDN'T GET, A SPREADSHEET YOU DIDN'T GET, A REPORT YOU DIDN'T GET, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

I'VE ASKED MY STAFF, SCRATCHING MY HEAD, WHAT DID THEY ASK FOR THAT WE DIDN'T GIVE THEM? WHAT DID THEY ASK FOR THAT TOOK A LONG TIME FOR US TO GIVE THEM? PLEASE TELL ME, I STILL HAVE YET BEEN TOLD AN ANSWER.

TO THIS MOMENT, I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT DID WE NOT PRODUCE IN TIME.

AND IF THERE WAS A DELAY, LET ME LOOK INTO IT.

IS IT SUCH A VOLUMINOUS REQUEST THAT IT TAKES US A LONG TIME TO GET INTO IT? BUT I DO TRY TO LET IT GO INDEPENDENTLY SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE REQUESTING ALL THE TIME, NOR DO I BELIEVE IT'S MY ROLE TO BE KNOWING WHAT THEY'RE REQUESTING BECAUSE WE'RE NOT HIDING ANYTHING.

CERTAINLY, I DON'T WANT ANYBODY TO LEAVE WITH THE IMPRESSION THAT SOMETHING'S HELD UP ON MY DESK BECAUSE SOMEBODY NEEDS TO GET APPROVAL FROM ME? THAT IS NOT WHAT'S GOING ON AT ALL.

I JUST WANT TO PUT THAT OUT THERE BECAUSE SOME OF THE LANGUAGE WOULD MAKE IT BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING DIFFERENT IS GOING ON.

AGAIN, PLEASE, THIS TODAY, FORWARD AS IT WAS IN THE PAST, IF THERE IS A BELIEF THAT THERE IS ANY DELAY IN ANY INFORMATION REPORT, WHATEVER THEY'RE LOOKING FOR, PLEASE, AND I'VE TOLD THEM IT NEEDS TO COME TO MY DESK SO I CAN PERSONALLY LOOK INTO IT.

THAT'S THE SAME VIEW I'VE HAD THIS ENTIRE TIME.

AGAIN, I'M NOT AWARE OF ANY DELAYS.

AGAIN, I WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK INTO IT, BUT I'VE NOT BEEN TOLD ANYTHING SPECIFIC.

IT'S THIS GENERAL LANGUAGE OF AN ANTI-TRANSPARENCY, AND I'M THE BIGGEST BELIEVER IN THE WORK THAT THEY DO.

>> AM I ON? WITH RESPECT TO FILTERS, AND I WILL SAY THAT THAT'S THE FIRST I'VE HEARD OF IT AS WELL, AND ONLY TONY HURLEY AND I ARE THE ONES THAT LOOK AT THE REQUEST BECAUSE WE ARE COPIED ON THEM.

THERE IS NO FILTERING. I CAN ONLY REMEMBER SINCE 2019 SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE ON ONE OCCASION THAT THERE WAS A DISCUSSION ABOUT A REQUEST.

WE ARE COPIED ON THE REQUEST.

IT IS GIVEN TO OUR SECRETARY OR DIRECTLY TO US.

IT IS VIEWED, SEALED, AND PUT INTO A LOCKED FILE CABINET.

WE DON'T HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE PERSON TO WHOM THE REQUEST WAS MADE AND WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY WHERE THEY CALLED US.

I CAN ONLY REMEMBER ONE TIME.

YOU GUYS MAY RECALL BACK IN 2019, THE REASON THAT THERE WAS SOME CHANGES PUT IN WAS BECAUSE THERE WERE ALLEGATIONS AND PERHAPS REAL ALLEGATIONS THAT EMAILS WERE BEING VIEWED THAT WERE PRIVILEGED.

AND THERE WERE ALSO SOME PRIVACY RIGHTS THAT WERE ALSO BEING REVIEWED.

WHAT CAME INTO PLAY WAS THE WRITTEN REQUEST WITH A COPY TO THE PARISH ATTORNEY.

NOT ANY FILTERING, WE DON'T APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE.

THE ONLY TIME AGAIN WAS ONE TIME THAT I RECALL A CONVERSATION.

I WON'T GET INTO IT BECAUSE IT WOULD REVEAL THE REQUEST.

BUT IT WAS ONE TIME AND IT DID INVOLVE EMAILS.

THAT WAS THE ONLY CONVERSATION I CAN RECALL IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS.

WE'VE ALSO MADE IT CLEAR AND IN THE ORDINANCE STATES THAT IN THE EVENT THAT THEY HAVE TROUBLE GETTING INFORMATION, THEY CAN GET US TO GET WITH THE INDIVIDUAL TO WHOM THE REQUEST WAS MADE, AND WE'LL GET THEM THE INFORMATION.

WELL, YOU GUYS ARE NOT PRIVY TO THE REQUESTS, THE REQUESTS OFTEN INVOLVE VERY VOLUMINOUS RESPONSES AND DOCUMENTS.

IN THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS, WE HAVE REVIEWED REQUESTS, AND THE INFORMATION REQUESTED IS A LOT.

WHOMEVER IT WENT TO, I'M SURE IT TAKES SOME TIME, BUT I CAN MAKE IT CLEAR.

IF THERE IS ANY OCCASION THAT THEY CAN TELL YOU ABOUT, WE ARE UNAWARE OF IT.

NEITHER MISS HURLEY NOR I HAVE EVER FILED INFORMATION, NOR WOULD WE? WE DON'T EVEN REVIEW THE DOCUMENTS PRODUCED.

WE DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT IS PRODUCED, DON'T WANT TO KNOW.

AGAIN, WE SIMPLY GET THE REQUEST.

WE LOOK AT IT, WE SEAL IT, AND WE PUT IT AWAY LOCKED.

>> IF I MAY ADDRESS JUST ONE COMMENT.

AGAIN, I BELIEVE PRESIDENT LEE SHENG IS CORRECT THAT SHE DOES COME FROM A DIFFERENT PLACE.

BUT THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE IN PLACE NOT JUST FOR

[02:25:04]

A PARISH PRESIDENT AND A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BASICALLY OF THE PARISH, WHO COMES FROM A FORENSIC ACCOUNTING BACKGROUND, WHO UNDERSTANDS THE ROLE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.

THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE IN PLACE FOR ALL FUTURE PARISH PRESIDENTS AND DEPARTMENTS AS WELL.

I WANT TO BRING UP WHAT HAPPENED IN 2019.

MR. [INAUDIBLE] BROUGHT IT UP, AND I'D LIKE TO BE VERY CLEAR WHAT HAPPENED.

THERE WAS AN ISSUE THAT SOMEONE CAME TO THIS PODIUM, PARTICULARLY A COUNCIL MEMBER CAME TO THIS PODIUM AT AN ECC MEETING.

HE BROUGHT UP THE ISSUE THAT THE PARISH PRESIDENT HAD BEEN CONDUCTING BUSINESS USING HIS PERSONAL EMAIL.

THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT.

THE CONCERN THAT THE ECC RAISED, BECAUSE YOU'RE AWARE OF WHAT PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST SIGNIFY, THEY REQUIRE THE PARISH OR ANY PUBLIC ENTITY TO PROVIDE EVERY SINGLE DOCUMENT RELATING TO THAT REQUEST.

OUR CONCERN THAT WE RAISED AT THAT TIME AS THE ECC IS, COULD THE INSPECTOR GENERAL DO AN EXAMINATION TO ENSURE THAT IN THE EVENT THAT A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST IS MADE, THAT ALL EMAIL AND COMMUNICATIONS, WHETHER ON THE PARISH SERVER OR ON PERSONAL EMAILS BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST AS REQUIRED BY STATUTE.

THAT WAS NOT THE INTENT OF READING PERSONAL EMAILS.

THAT WAS NEVER OUR REQUEST TO READ ANYTHING THAT WAS GOING BEYOND AN INVESTIGATION TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST WERE BEING HONORED.

NOT THAT ANYONE WAS ATTEMPTING TO HIDE MATERIAL, BUT WHEN A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST IS MADE, IT MAY NOT EVEN COME TO THE ATTENTION OR THE MINDSET OF SOMEONE FULFILLING THAT PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST, THAT THERE MAY BE DOCUMENTS ON PERSONAL EMAILS OR DOCUMENTS ON PERSONAL TEXTS.

THAT WAS WHAT ORIGINATED THAT ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION IN 2019 THAT ULTIMATELY RESULTED IN THE CHANGE OF THE PARISH ORDINANCES.

AGAIN, I THINK THE INSPECTOR GENERAL AND HER STAFF IS BEST TO ANSWER BECAUSE AS THE ATTORNEYS ON THIS COUNCIL KNOW, I'M GIVING YOU HEARSAY BECAUSE I SIT IN THE CHAIR FOR COUNCIL AS THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, FOR COUNCIL FOR THE ECC, NOT FOR THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.

I THINK THE BEST PERSON TO ANSWER THAT IS INSPECTOR GENERAL WITH REGARD TO THE TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION AS WELL AS HER STAFF. THANK YOU.

>> THAT'S ONE FOR THE RECORD.

>> IF YOU COULD REMAIN AT THE PODIUM, JUST ONE MOMENT BECAUSE I WANT TO SIMPLIFY.

>> I WANT TO SIT DOWN. THANK YOU.

>> I KNOW THESE CHANGES HAVE BEEN CONTEMPLATED AND TALKED ABOUT FOR MONTHS NOW.

THIS EXTENDS BACK INTO LAST YEAR WITH OUR PREVIOUS COUNCIL.

WE'VE INHERITED THIS ISSUE, AND I'M PUTTING FORWARD THIS FORMALLY AS COUNCIL AT LARGE, NON CHAIR.

THAT'S HOW IT'S FALLEN UNDER JUST BEING PUT FORWARD BY OUR OFFICE.

IT ESSENTIALLY DOES THREE THINGS.

JUST TO SIMPLIFY WHAT THIS LEGISLATION WOULD DO.

IT PROPOSES THREE CHANGES TO THE ORDINANCE, TWO OF WHICH TO ME, FALL IN THE WHEELHOUSE OF ECC AND THOSE WHO WOULD CONDUCT A SEARCH FOR A FUTURE A FUTURE INSPECTOR GENERAL.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> DID YOU PARTICIPATE DIRECTLY IN THE SEARCH FOR THE IG AT THE LAST OCCASION?

>> I DID, AND IT WAS IT WAS A VERY TELLING RESPONSE THAT WE GOT BACK.

>> OF THE THREE THINGS THAT ARE BEING PROPOSED IN THIS LEGISLATION, TWO ARE RELATED TO A SEARCH FOR A FUTURE INSPECTOR GENERAL.

ONE WOULD BE TO ALLOW FOR MORE THAN TWO TERMS SO THAT WHOEVER MIGHT MOVE HERE WOULD HAVE THE OCCASION TO SERVE A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN EIGHT YEARS.

THE OTHER IS, AGAIN, THE QUALIFICATIONS, AND YOU-ALL HAD CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS THAT YOU PUT OUT LAST TIME THAT BECAME PROBLEMATIC.

TWO OF THESE THREE REQUESTS ARE RELATED TO YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE PAST SEARCH FOR AN IG, CORRECT?

>> THAT IS CORRECT. YES, MA'AM.

>> WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT? AGAIN, THIS IS NOT SOMETHING WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH RIGHT NOW.

THIS IS FORWARD LOOKING.

NEXT TIME, YOU'RE SEARCHING FOR AN IG, WHY ARE THESE IMPORTANT CHANGES?

>> VERY CANDIDLY AND TO ANSWER THAT WITH SHRIFT, WHEN YOU'RE PUTTING OUT A NATIONAL SEARCH, AND WE SET OUT ALL THE CRITERIA FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE SEEKING THE POSITION, SO THEY WILL UNDERSTAND WHETHER THEY MEET THOSE CRITERIA.

WHEN WE SENT THEM OUT, WE GOT A NUMBER OF INQUIRIES, MANY OF WHICH SAID WE'RE NOT CERTIFIED.

WE COULD BE CERTIFIED, WE HAVE ALL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS, BUT WE CAN'T GET CERTIFIED BECAUSE WE DON'T SIT AS AN INSPECTOR GENERAL.

[02:30:03]

ALTHOUGH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION DOESN'T REQUIRE THAT, THAT TYPICALLY IS WHAT HAPPENS.

OUT OF ALL THE CANDIDATES WE HAD, WE HAD TWO THAT ALREADY HAD THE CERTIFICATION OF INSPECTOR GENERAL.

THE OTHER MOST CHILLING EFFECT WAS THE TERM LIMIT OF TWO TERMS. AGAIN, WE'RE NOT TELLING YOU IT HAS TO BE AN UNLIMITED TERM, WE LEAVE THAT TO THE COUNCIL'S DISCRETION.

HOWEVER, TWO TERMS POTENTIALLY IS GOING TO INHIBIT ANYONE WITH SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY YOUNG SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN FROM RELOCATING TO JEFFERSON PARISH.

THE SALARY IS NOT SIGNIFICANT IN TERMS OF THE QUALIFICATIONS THAT WE EXPECT OF AN INSPECTOR GENERAL, SO WE'RE ASKING SOMEONE TO COME HERE TO RELOCATE AT NOT THE GREATEST OF SALARIES, TO BE A PUBLIC SERVANT.

WE WANT TO MAKE IT AS ATTRACTIVE AS POSSIBLE TO GET THE BEST CANDIDATE, BECAUSE WE'RE CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DOING NATIONAL SEARCH, NOT A LOCAL SEARCH, AND THAT'S CRITICAL FOR US IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE WHAT YOU HAVE CHARGED US WITH.

>> TWO OF THE PROPOSED CHANGES ARE RELATED TO YOUR EXPERIENCE AND TRYING TO IMPROVE THE PROCESS MOVING FORWARD THAT WE WOULD GET THE BROADEST APPLICANTS IN A FUTURE SEARCH.

>> YES, MA'AM.

>> THOSE TWO YOU CAN REALLY SPEAK TO DIRECTLY.

THE THIRD CHANGE THAT'S PROPOSED IS ESSENTIALLY FOR THE INSPECTOR GENERAL TO GO BACK TO HAVING DIRECT ACCESS TO THINGS AND NOT HAVING TO PUT EVERY REQUEST IN WRITING AND COPY THE PARISH ATTORNEY.

IT WOULD RESTORE DIRECT ACCESS.

I DO THINK THE INSPECTOR GENERAL WOULD PROBABLY BE BEST ABLE TO SPEAK TO THAT.

LET ME JUST SAY, I APPRECIATE.

I REMEMBER THE CONTENTIOUSNESS OF THE LAST INSPECTOR GENERAL AND PARISH PRESIDENT.

IT WAS NOT A GOOD TIME, AND I APPRECIATE THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION SEEMS VERY RESPONSIVE, SEEMS TO BE OPEN TO WORKING WITH THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE, PROVIDING THEM WHAT'S NEEDED.

I'VE NOT ACTUALLY HEARD OF ANY PARTICULAR DELAYS OR ANYTHING BEING WITHHELD, SO I THINK IT SERVES US WELL TO HAVE AN ADMINISTRATION OPEN TO THE IMPROVEMENTS THAT CAN BE MADE FOR PARISH GOVERNMENT THAT ARE RECOMMENDED BY THE IG'S OFFICE.

I THINK IT HAS BEEN A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP, WHETHER OR NOT WE RESTORE DIRECT ACCESS.

I THINK IT IS WORKING WELL NOW.

AGAIN, I THINK THE CURRENT INSPECTOR GENERAL CAN SPEAK TO THAT OTHER THIRD CHANGE PROPOSED. THANK YOU.

>> JUST FOR CLARIFICATION, OUR REQUESTS WOULD REMAIN IN WRITING.

BOTH THE ADMINISTRATION AND MY CONVERSATION WITH COUNCIL MEMBERS, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS REQUESTED THAT WE WORKED THROUGH WITH THE INSPECTOR GENERAL WAS THAT WE HAVE A PAPER TRAIL, SO THAT IF DOCUMENTS ARE REQUESTED THAT BOTH SIDES KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WAS ASKED FOR, AND IT ALSO PROTECTS THEM AND US, SO WE DON'T HAVE A WAR LATER ON OR BATTLE ON, HEY, YOU DIDN'T PRODUCE THIS OR YOU DID PRODUCE THAT, OR YOU DIDN'T ASK ME FOR THAT.

THAT ACTUALLY DOES REMAIN IN THE PROPOSED NEW ORDINANCE THAT TO REMAIN IN WRITING.

>> I'M GOING TO LEAVE NOW.

>> THANK YOU. ACTUALLY, I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION, BUT I'M GOING TO WAIT.

>> OTHERS IN FAVOR?

>> I THINK I'VE GOTTEN ABOUT 10,000 STEPS JUST SITTING UP AND DOWN HERE. HI, GOOD MORNING.

THANK YOU. MY NAME IS ERICA SMITH, AND I WORK FOR THE JEFFERSON PARISH OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL.

I'VE BEEN HERE FOR TWO YEARS AS THEIR DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR AUDIT.

THE PREVIOUS 12 YEARS, I'VE WORKED FOR THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL.

MOSTLY, I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING FOR ED QUATREVAUX AND MOST OF MY TIME THERE WAS ALSO SPENT AS THE DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR AUDIT.

I JUST WANT TO COMMENT AND SAY THAT THE LEGISLATION THAT'S CURRENTLY IN PLACE HERE IS NOT MODEL LEGISLATION.

I HAVE WORKED FOR THE NEW ORLEANS LIKE I MENTIONED FOR 12 YEARS, AND THE LEGISLATION THAT IS HERE DOES NOT SUPPORT EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT OF PUBLIC FUNDS.

IN NEW ORLEANS, THERE IS AN EXPECTATION OF COOPERATION AND WE GET IT.

I KNOW IT SOUNDS WEIRD, BECAUSE IT'S NEW ORLEANS, BUT WE REALLY DID GET COOPERATION.

HERE, I HAVE ENCOUNTERED OPPOSITION FROM JEFFERSON PARISH REALLY MORE THAN I HAVE IN 12 YEARS IN NEW ORLEANS.

I'LL GIVE YOU SOME SPECIFIC EXAMPLES BECAUSE I THINK SOME OF YOU WERE ASKING ABOUT WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE.

I WON'T USE NAMES BECAUSE I THINK THAT'S INAPPROPRIATE, BUT I CAN AT LEAST GIVE YOU A FLAVOR FOR SOME OF THE THINGS THAT I'VE EXPERIENCED TRYING TO RUN AN AUDIT DEPARTMENT.

ONE IS, I'VE REQUESTED A MEETING WITH A CERTAIN DIRECTOR, AND IN SPEAKING WITH ANOTHER PARISH ADMINISTRATOR WAS ESSENTIALLY TOLD THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT THAT PERSON TO ATTEND THE MEETING, AND THEN WHEN I INSISTED THAT THE PERSON ATTEND THE MEETING.

NOW, REMEMBER, WE'RE SUPPOSED TO HAVE COOPERATION, I WAS HUNG UP ON.

THAT'S GENERALLY THE RESPONSE THAT I GOT THERE.

I'VE ALSO IN EXPERIENCE COMMUNICATING WITH AND AGAIN,

[02:35:03]

I'LL JUST USE THE SAME DIRECTOR WHO MENTIONED THAT THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION UNTIL IT WAS APPROVED.

NOW, I FOUND IT ALSO BAFFLING.

I KNOW SOME OF THE PARISH ADMINISTRATION HAS SPOKEN THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THIS, BUT I'VE SPOKEN WITH THEM DIRECTLY ABOUT SOME OF THIS AND HAD VERY CANDID CONVERSATIONS WITH NAMES ABOUT SOME OF THE EXPERIENCES AND THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE FACED IN THE PRESENCE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL OVER INVESTIGATIONS.

I WAS A LITTLE PERPLEXED WHEN THAT WAS GOING ON BECAUSE THIS HAS BEEN COMMUNICATED.

I'M ON THE ASSOCIATION OF INSPECTOR GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

I'M ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

I CONDUCT PEER REVIEWS OF OTHER OFFICES OF INSPECTOR GENERAL.

I'M ALSO A CPA, I'M CERTIFIED IN FINANCIAL FORENSICS.

I'M A CFE, I'M A CERTIFIED INSPECTOR GENERAL, I'M CERTIFIED INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDITOR.

I'VE HAD ALMOST 14 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS INSPECTOR GENERAL COMMUNITY.

I'M A NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR AT THE INSTITUTE, I TEACH BEST PRACTICES ON WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE TO INSPECTORS GENERAL AND EMPLOYEES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, SO I'VE DONE THIS A WHILE HERE.

ACCESS IS MEANT TO BE UNRESTRICTED AND INFORMATION IS MEANT TO BE OBTAINED WITHOUT INTERFERENCE FROM THOSE THAT WE AUDIT AND INVESTIGATE.

THAT'S JUST ALSO COMMON SENSE.

I WANTED TO QUOTE A FEW THINGS FROM THE MODEL LEGISLATION.

THIS IS PROMULGATED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF INSPECTOR GENERAL YOU CAN FIND IT ON THEIR WEBSITES PUBLICLY AVAILABLE.

BUT THERE'S TWO PASSAGES I JUST WANTED TO READ JUST SO YOU KNOW I'M NOT JUST MAKING THIS UP.

THE FIRST IS, THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY, LEGISLATIVE BODY, OR AGENCY HEAD SHALL NOT PREVENT IMPAIR OR PROHIBIT THE INSPECTOR GENERAL FROM INITIATING, CARRYING OUT, OR COMPLETING ANY AUDIT INVESTIGATION OR REVIEW.

THE NEXT PASSAGE. UNDER POWERS, THE INSPECTOR GENERAL IS PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING POWERS TO ACCOMPLISH THE INTENT OF THIS LEGISLATION, THE RIGHT TO OBTAIN FULL AND UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO ALL RECORDS, INFORMATION, DATA, REPORTS, PLANS, PROJECTIONS, MATTERS, CONTRACTS, MEMORANDA, CORRESPONDENCE, AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC DATA OR ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION THAT MAY BE INVOLVED WITH THE AGENCY.

THIS POWER SUPERSEDES ANY CLAIM OF PRIVILEGE.

THIS COMES DIRECTLY FROM MODEL LEGISLATION, AGAIN, NOT JUST FROM ME, BUT THIS IS PROMULGATED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF INSPECTOR GENERAL.

CONFIDENTIAL REQUEST AND UNRESTRICTED ACCESS PROTECTS THOSE WHO HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG.

IT ALSO ALLOWS US TO FILTER AND SORT OUT TRUTHFUL ALLEGATIONS FROM THOSE THAT ARE NOT TRUTHFUL, OR THOSE THAT ARE UNFOUNDED.

WE DON'T WANT TO DAMAGE ANYONE'S REPUTATION UNNECESSARILY.

THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO US.

WE DON'T WANT INFORMATION TO GET OUT BECAUSE WE WANT TO PROTECT THOSE THAT HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG, BUT WE CAN'T DO THAT IF INFORMATION IS JUST READILY AVAILABLE AND BEING SHARED AMONGST A VARIETY OF PEOPLE WITHIN THE PARISH.

IT'S ALSO NOT HOW IT'S DONE IN NEW ORLEANS.

AGAIN, I SPENT 12 YEARS THERE, THAT IS NOT WHAT HAPPENS IN NEW ORLEANS.

I HATE TO SAY THIS, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SAY THIS, BUT THE LEGISLATION IN NEW ORLEANS IS BETTER THAN JEFFERSON PARISH.

THE LAST THING I JUST WANTED TO SAY IS THAT WHEN EVERYONE KNOWS EVERYTHING, IT CAN BE USED AGAINST EVERYONE.

A NUMBER OF YOU JUST WENT THROUGH A VERY CONTENTIOUS ELECTION CYCLE, I GET IT.

I WAS HERE IN THESE CHAMBERS WATCHING ALL OF YOU, IT PLAYED OUT VERY PUBLICLY.

WHAT I WOULD SAY TO YOU IS, DO YOU REALLY WANT EVERYONE KNOWING EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU BEFORE WE CAN REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT'S TRUTHFUL AND WHAT'S NOT TRUTHFUL? I WOULD SAY NO.

THAT'S REALLY WHAT WE WANT TO PROTECT.

WE WANT TO PROTECT INFORMATION UNTIL IT NEEDS TO BE RELEASED.

WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO FILTER THIS OUT AND GATHER FACTS, PREPARE REPORTS THAT ARE SUPPORTED BY EVIDENCE AND THAT'S WHAT SHOULD BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC.

I THINK VOTING FOR THIS ORDINANCE IS REALLY VOTING FOR GOOD GOVERNMENT.

IT'S VOTING FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND IT'S VOTING FOR TRANSPARENCY, AND IT'S WHAT THE PEOPLE OF THIS PARISH VOTED FOR WHEN THEY VOTED FOR THIS OFFICE. THANK YOU.

>> I HAVE ONE QUESTION THAT ACTUALLY, IT WAS A QUESTION I WAS GOING TO ASK, MR. SULLIVAN BUT I FIGURED YOU WERE BETTER SUITED YOU,[BACKGROUND] IT'S AN EASY ONE.

WE'VE BEEN HERE SINCE JANUARY, SO I'M LEARNING THE KNOTS AND BOLTS.

>> I'M HAPPY TO PROVIDE ANYTHING I CAN.

>> MR. SULLIVAN SAID THAT IN ORDER TO GET CERTIFICATION AS AN INSPECTOR GENERAL, YOU NEED BE A SITTING INSPECTOR GENERAL.

>> YEAH.

>> BUT I HEARD YOU JUST SAID YOU HAD A CERTIFICATION.

>> I DO. THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFIED INSPECTOR GENERAL TO BE ADMITTED INTO THAT COURSE ARE THAT YOU HAVE TO BE EITHER A SITTING IG OR APPOINTED OR YOU CAN BE A HIGH LEVEL, ESSENTIALLY THE DEPUTY LEVEL POSITION.

THEY ALLOW THE INSPECTOR GENERAL AND THEN THEY ALLOW THE DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERALS.

SINCE I'VE BEEN IN THIS BUSINESS FOR ALMOST 14 YEARS NOW, AND BECAUSE OF THE LEVEL THAT I'M AT, THEY ALLOW THOSE TWO PEOPLE TO SIT IN.

>> [OVERLAPPING] THAT YOU WILL MEET QUALIFICATIONS AS IT STANDS, RIGHT?

>> I DO YES.

IF KIM DECIDED TO RETIRE TOMORROW IN THEORY,

[02:40:02]

YES I COULD APPLY AND MEET THE REQUIREMENTS HERE.

BUT I DO KNOW JUST BEING INVOLVED IN THE INSTITUTE AND TEACHING THE CERTIFIED INSPECTOR GENERAL COURSES THAT MANY INSPECTORS GENERAL AND NEW ORLEANS, TOO, FOR EXAMPLE, THEY HAVE THE ONE YEAR REQUIREMENT.

THE ETHICS OR THE ERB COULD APPOINT SOMEONE AND THEN THEY HAVE ONE YEAR TO GET THAT CERTIFICATION AND I TOOK THAT COURSE.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF IGS THAT WERE NEWLY SITTING, ACTUALLY, I WOULD SAY MOST OF THEM WERE NEWLY SITTING IGS THAT WE'RE THEN GOING ON TO GET THAT CERTIFICATION.

LET ME BACK UP HERE. BY NOT HAVING THAT REQUIREMENT, YOU'RE DIMINISHING YOUR POOL OF CANDIDATES SO THAT REQUIREMENT IS, I THINK IT'S A GOOD REQUIREMENT.

>> I GUESS MY CONCERN IS ANYTIME YOU LOWER RESTRICTIONS, YOU'RE WIDENING YOUR POOL OF CANDIDATES?

>> YOU ARE. THAT'S WHY THEY DON'T LET YOU IN.

THEY DON'T LET YOU IN UNLESS YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPOINTED OR YOU ARE A SITTING INSPECTOR GENERAL AND THAT'S THE CONUNDRUM.

>> I'M A RETIRED FBI AGENT, I CAN'T SIT FOR THAT COURSE, I CAN'T GET CERTIFIED.

>> CORRECT. UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN APPOINTED OR YOU'RE A SITTING INSPECTOR GENERAL.

IF THERE'S A LAG TIME BETWEEN LET'S SAY YOU'RE APPOINTED ON JANUARY 1ST, AND THEN YOU COULD APPLY, THE COURSES DEEP TYPICALLY IN MARCH.

MAYBE YOU START LIKE IN APRIL BECAUSE YOU'RE MOVING.

THERE'S THAT THREE MONTH LAG TIME.

YOU COULD SIT FOR THE COURSE IN MARCH BECAUSE YOU ARE AN APPOINTED INSPECTOR GENERAL.

>> HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?

>> IT'S A WEEK.

>> NO PROBLEM. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

>> THIS IS A WEEK ONE COURSE?

>> WAIT. HANG ON, MR. LACHUTE.

SHOULD BE ON.

>> ON?

>> YEAH.

>> JUST TO DAFT HERE WITH SOMETHING THAT WAS BROUGHT UP IN REGARDS TO FILTERING.

I'M NOT SURE WHAT MS. SCHMIDT OR MR. SULLIVAN WAS ALLUDING TO, BUT THERE WAS AN INCIDENT BACK IN JANUARY, WHERE ONE OF OUR DIRECTORS RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE FOR SOME INFORMATION.

THE DIRECTOR ASKED FOR SOME GUIDANCE ON WHAT HE SHOULD RETURN BECAUSE THE REQUEST WAS UNCLEAR TO HIM.

HE WAS INSTRUCTED TO CONFER WITH OUR CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT OF COMPLIANCE AND RESEARCH, MR. JAN GROSSO, HE IS AN ATTORNEY, TO MAKE SURE THAT WE RESPONDED TO EVERYTHING THAT WAS REQUESTED.

WE DID THAT. WE RESPONDED AND GAVE THEM THE INFORMATION THAT WAS ASKED OF US.

AFTER WE DID THAT WE RECEIVED QUITE FRANKLY SOMEWHAT OF AN OBNOXIOUS E-MAIL FROM MS. SCHMIDT, QUESTIONING MR. JAN GROSSO'S INVOLVEMENT, AT WHICH TIME I CALLED THE INSPECTOR GENERAL AND DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH HER.

THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S RESPONSE TO ME WAS THAT SHE WOULD PREFER US TO RESPOND INAPPROPRIATELY OR INCORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME AND IF THEY NEEDED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THEY WOULD COME BACK AND ASK US AGAIN.

LET ME TELL YOU, PAST PRESIDENT LEE SHANG, HOLDS ALL OF US TO VERY HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS IN THIS ADMINISTRATION, AND EXPECTS A LOT OF US, AND WE STRIVE EACH AND EVERY DAY TO MEET THOSE OBJECTIVES THAT SHE PLACES ON US.

WE ARE GOING TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO RESPOND APPROPRIATELY, CORRECTLY, AND GIVE EVERYTHING THAT IS ASKED OF US FROM THE INSPECTOR GENERAL THE FIRST TIME AND NOT HAVE TO GO BACK AND FORTH.

IF WE ARE TO BE CRITICIZED FOR THAT, I DON'T THINK IT'S WARRANTED, I THINK IT'S NOT WARRANTED.

I THINK THEY'RE BEING DISINGENUOUS INFERRING TO THAT PROSPECTIVE INCIDENT.

NOW IF THERE'S OTHER INCIDENTS THAT WE ARE UNAWARE OF, THEN THEY SHOULD TELL US ABOUT IT, BUT WE HAVE NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF ANY OTHER INCIDENT AS IT RELATES TO WHAT WAS MENTIONED EARLIER.

ALSO THEY ACTUALLY RECEIVED MORE INFORMATION THAN WAS ACTUALLY ASKED ON THE INITIAL REQUEST.

>> ULTIMATELY THAT'S BEEN RESOLVED THOUGH?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> MITCHELL, BEFORE YOU GET STARTED, THERE ARE FIVE MINUTES AND 40 SECONDS LEFT FOR THOSE SPEAKING IN FAVOR, FYI.

>> I'LL KEEP THAT IN MIND.

I'M HAPPY THAT I WAS ABLE TO HEAR THE COMMENTS OF EVERYBODY THAT CAME BEFORE ME.

YOU HAVE AMENDMENTS BEFORE YOU THAT I HAVE DISCUSSED WITH YOU, SOME OF YOU, MANY OF YOU, ALL BUT TWO OF YOU, FOR 10 MONTHS.

THESE AMENDMENTS ARE NOT ABOUT ME, THEY ARE ABOUT THE QUALIFICATIONS.

I ALREADY HAVE THE JOB, I AM ALREADY QUALIFIED.

I'M DOING THE JOB, BUT I'M NOT DOING THE JOB IN THE WAY THAT I THINK THE PUBLIC INTENDED.

THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT IN 2011,

[02:45:04]

WE HAD A PARISH PRESIDENT, A COO, AND A PARISH ATTORNEY BE INDICTED.

THAT'S IT. THAT IS JUST IN OUR RECENT PASS.

AT THAT TIME THE PARISH COUNSEL HAD THE STRENGTH AND THE FORTITUDE TO STAND UP THIS OFFICE.

IT WAS THE PARISH COUNSEL THAT ACTED FIRST.

THEY DID IT AFTER A SIX-MONTH STUDY THAT ENDED WITH, CREATE AN OFFICE WITH THE MAXIMUM AUTHORITY UNDER STATE LAW.

THAT'S WHAT THE COUNCIL DECIDED TO DO.

THAT'S WHAT THE COUNCIL TOLD THE VOTERS THAT IT DID.

WHEN THE VOTERS APPROVED THE FUNDING FOR THIS OFFICE, THEY APPROVED AN OFFICE THAT HAD THE MAXIMUM AUTHORITY UNDER STATE LAW.

IN 2019, WE BROKE A WELL-DESIGNED OFFICE, AND WE BROKE IT BECAUSE OF PERSONALITIES.

I AM FROM HERE, SO I AM COMMITTED TO HERE.

I AM A CITIZEN HERE, I FOLLOWED WHAT WENT ON IN THE NEWS IN 2011.

OVERSIGHT IS MEASURED BY OUR COMMITMENT MOMENT BY MOMENT, AND IT COMES DOWN TO TWO THINGS, ALWAYS EVERYWHERE, ACCESS AND INDEPENDENCE.

THAT'S IT. IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR GENERAL, YOU'RE NOT DELIVERING THE CITIZENS OVERSIGHT.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN INSPECTOR GENERAL WHO HAS ACCESS, YOU'RE NOT DELIVERING THE CITIZENS WHAT YOU PROMISED.

I APPRECIATE PRESIDENT LEE SHANG, I APPRECIATE YOU.

THESE AMENDMENTS ARE HERE, AND I SPOKE TO YOU BECAUSE FRANKLY I TRUSTED EACH OF YOU TO DO THE RIGHT THING IN THIS MOMENT FOR OVERSIGHT.

IT WOULD BE FAR MORE DIFFICULT FOR ME TO BE SOMEBODY ELSE, FOR SOME OTHER INSPECTOR GENERAL UNDER SOME OTHER PARISH PRESIDENT WITH DIFFERENT COUNCIL MEMBERS.

FAR MORE DIFFICULT.

I'M STANDING HERE BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN YOU.

BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHILE I RESPECT THE PARISH PRESIDENT, WHILE I APPRECIATE THE PARISH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, WHILE I WAS ABLE TO SIT DOWN, AND I AM PROUD THAT I WAS ABLE TO SIT DOWN WITH MR. CORCEEL, EXCHANGE CONCERNS, COME TO A LANGUAGE THAT I BELIEVED TODAY, IF NOT THE LAST TIME YOU MET, THAT YOU WOULD VOTE FOR.

I'M PROUD OF THE FACT THAT I CAN ALWAYS SIT DOWN AT THE TABLE AND HAVE THESE CONVERSATIONS.

BUT OVERSIGHT SHOULD NOT BE DEPENDING ON ANY ELECTED OFFICIAL TO AFFIRM IT.

THAT'S NOT INDEPENDENCE.

THAT'S NEVER INDEPENDENCE.

WHEN OUR CURRENT PARISH PRESIDENT LEAVES, OR OUR LAST PARISH PRESIDENT COMES BACK, OR FRANKLY, OUR PARISH PRESIDENT BEFORE THAT COMES BACK, WE ARE BEING DENIED WHAT WE NEED TO GET TO DO OUR JOB, MAXIMUM AUTHORITY UNDER STATE LAW.

CORRESPONDENCE, DOCUMENTS, CONTRACTS, HARD DRIVES, E-MAILS, INSTANT MESSAGES, PLANS, MEMORANDUM.

EVERY SINGLE BIT OF INFORMATION THAT'S IN THE PARISH WAS ANTICIPATED IN OUR AUTHORITY.

RIGHT NOW WE CANNOT SIT DOWN WITH THE DIRECTOR, HAVE HIM PULL UP A REPORT TO ANSWER OUR QUESTION, AND SAY, "GREAT, GIVE ME THE REPORT AND WALK OUT THE DOOR." I GOT TO STOP, I GOT TO BREAK IT DOWN IN WRITING, I GOT TO DELIVER TO THE PARISH ATTORNEY.

FOR WHAT? WHAT IS THE PARISH ATTORNEY DOING? WHAT ARE WE SERVING? ARE THEY GOING TO REVIEW IT? ARE THEY GOING TO SUPERVISE IT? ARE THEY GOING TO DENY IT? IT'S NOT ANYTHING THAT IS ADVANCING OVERSIGHT.

THE PRIMARY AMENDMENT YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU AS IT RELATES TO ACCESS.

MR. [INAUDIBLE] IS RIGHT, WE LANDED IN A PLACE THAT THE REQUESTS ARE STILL GOING TO BE IN WRITING.

BUT I DON'T NEED SOMEBODY SUPERVISING WHAT IS GIVEN TO ME.

>> THIRTY SECONDS.

>> MY BACKGROUND IS IN LAW,

[02:50:01]

AND A LOT OF YOU UP THERE ARE FAMILIAR WITH IT.

YOU DON'T SIT DOWN TO DEPOSE SOMEBODY TO ASK THEM A QUESTION TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY KNOW AND HOW THEY KNOW IT, AND HAVE SOMEBODY ELSE GIVE THE ANSWER.

PART OF OUR JOB OF WORKING FOR EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS IS UNDERSTANDING COMPLETENESS OF WHAT WE ARE GETTING.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT ANY PARISH EMPLOYEE KNOWS AT THAT MOMENT, NOT WHAT SOMEBODY TELLS THEM TO KNOW, KNOWS AT THAT MOMENT.

>> THAT'S THE TIME MS. [INAUDIBLE] THANK YOU.

WELL, THAT'S THE TIME FOR IN FAVOR. ANYONE IN OPPOSITION? MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT THREE APPEARED IN FAVOR, UNLESS I MISSED SOMEBODY.

I THINK IT WAS THREE IN FAVOR, AND ONE WITH COMMENTS ALL OVER THE PLACE FROM MR. EARL.

[LAUGHTER] [BACKGROUND]

>> I BELIEVE THERE'S A DESIRE TO VOTE DOWN THE LINE ON THIS.

IS THERE ANY OBJECTION TO A ROLL CALL VOTE ON THIS ITEM? MADAM CLERK.

>> CAN I ASK THE PARISH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE BEFORE WE VOTE? I'VE READ THIS ORDINANCE BUT I DON'T HAVE A GOOD FEEL, PRACTICALLY SPEAKING.

I CAN OBVIOUSLY SEE THAT GIVING THE NEW ORDINANCE GIVES THE IG THREE TERMS AS OPPOSED TO THE CURRENT TWO.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER REAL LIVE PRACTICAL IMPACTS? DAY TO DAY IMPACTS.

>> WELL THE IMPACT ON THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED, I THINK BY COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN.

THREE THINGS. ONE, QUALIFICATIONS, TWO, TERM LIMITS.

THEN THE ONLY OTHER THING IS WHAT'S BEING CALLED ACCESS, REQUEST FOR RECORDS.

THERE WAS SOME DISCUSSION I JUST HEARD ABOUT TALKING TO PEOPLE.

THAT'S NOT COVERED IN THESE CHANGES.

THEY DO HAVE THE ABILITY TO GO AND TALK TO PEOPLE, AND I THINK IF THEY BROUGHT ANYTHING TO MR. [INAUDIBLE] OR THE PARISH PRESIDENTS, IF THEY LET THEM KNOW THAT THEY WERE HAVING ANY ISSUES AND MAKE THEM AVAILABLE.

BUT THIS ONLY DEALS WITH ACTUAL RECORDS REQUESTED TO BE IN WRITING.

WITH RESPECT TO E-MAILS AND INSTANT MESSAGES, THE ORDINANCE BEFORE YOU MAINTAINS WRITTEN REQUESTS WITH A COPY TO THE PARISH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

SO NO CHANGE. A WRITTEN REQUEST TO AN EMPLOYEE, OR SOMEONE ELSE IN A PARISH, NOT INCLUDING E-MAILS AND INSTANT MESSAGES, WHICH COULD BE AN ISSUE AT SOME POINT BECAUSE A LOT OF THESE REQUESTS ASK FOR ALL INFORMATION REGARDING.

I DO SEE THAT POTENTIALLY AS SOMETHING WE MAY HAVE TO DISCUSS, BUT THAT'S REALLY THE ONLY PRACTICAL CHANGE IS A REQUEST TO A PARISH EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A COPY TO THE PARISH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE ONLY IF IT DOESN'T INVOLVE E-MAILS AND INSTANT MESSAGES.

>> MR. CORSELL, BUT THAT WOULD ONLY BE FOR WRITTEN RECORDS, RIGHT?

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> IF THE COMPLAINT IS THAT I CAN'T GO TALK TO AN EMPLOYEE [INAUDIBLE]

>> THAT'S NOT COVERED IN THESE CHANGES.

>> IF ASSUMING THAT'S A LEGITIMATE COMPLAINT, JUST FOR THE SAKE OF ARGUMENT, THAT WOULDN'T BE FIXED WITH THIS ANYWAY?

>> WELL, THE ORDINANCE ALLOWS FOR THEM TO DO SO, AS ERICA STATED.

>> RIGHT NOW THEY COULD CURRENTLY GO SIT DOWN WITH THE EMPLOYEE.

>> YES. IF THERE'S IF THERE'S A PROBLEM, I BELIEVE THEY WOULD, BECAUSE I KNOW THERE WAS ONE ISSUE THAT MR. [INAUDIBLE] SPOKE ABOUT, AND THAT WAS WHAT HE JUST COVERED.

I DO BELIEVE THERE WAS A CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE.

BUT THAT WAS WITH RESPECT TO WANTING TO MEET WITH THAT GENTLEMAN, AND I THINK ALSO A RECORD REQUEST.

BUT YES, THEY ALREADY HAVE THAT, THEY'RE ENTITLED TO DO THAT ALREADY.

>> THIS CHANGE STILL REQUIRES THE PARISH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO BE COPIED.

REALLY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT EXTENDING TERM LIMITS AND LESSENING QUALIFICATIONS?

>> TERM LIMITS QUALIFICATIONS AND THE ONE ISSUE THAT DOESN'T INVOLVE E-MAILS AND INSTANT MESSAGES.

>> ANYTHING ELSE?

>> ANYONE ELSE?

>> LET ME JUST ASK ONE QUESTION, BECAUSE I NOTICED WHEN YOU SAID LESSON IN QUALIFICATIONS, I DO APPRECIATE THE ECC IS ASKING FOR A CHANGE IN QUALIFICATIONS.

I KNOW RECENTLY, AND MAYBE MARK DREWS, OUR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR WOULD BE BEST ABLE TO ADDRESS THIS.

[LAUGHTER] I SEE THE FEAR ON YOUR FACE, "HOW AM I GETTING DRAGGED INTO THIS?" [LAUGHTER] BUT IT'S JUST A POINT OF REFERENCE BECAUSE I DON'T WANT IT TO SEEM UNUSUAL FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT IN GOVERNMENT.

RECENTLY WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF ELEVATING ONE OF OUR PARISH EMPLOYEES, BEN LAPIN, INTO THE POSITION OF OUR DRAINAGE DIRECTOR.

[02:55:01]

WE'RE DELIGHTFUL THAT HE IS IN THAT CAPACITY.

BUT HE STILL HAD TO TAKE SOME ADDITIONAL TESTING TO GET, I GUESS, THE FULL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THAT PROMOTION, FOR THAT ELEVATION, IS THAT CORRECT?

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> YES.

>> YES. BEN, ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BEING A DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE IS THAT YOU NEED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER, MEANING THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE PASSED THAT TEST AND HAVE A LICENSE.

AT THE TIME HE WAS THE INTERIM WHEN MITCH TERRIO, HAD STEPPED DOWN.

HE DID NOT HAVE HIS LICENSE.

HE HAD THE FOUR YEARS OF EXPERIENCE THAT WERE REQUIRED, HE JUST NEEDED TO PASS THE TEST.

SO WE GAVE HIM THAT TIME TO STUDY, BE PREPARED AND EVENTUALLY PASS THAT TEST.

>> HE DID, AND WE'RE DELIGHTED TO HAVE AS DRAINAGE DIRECTOR.

I KNOW THE PARISH, THIS HAS BEEN SOME TIME AGO, BUT AGAIN, THE SAME WAS TRUE OF PEGGY BARTON, WHO WAS OUR PARISH ATTORNEY.

WE ASKED HER TO STEP INTO A ROLE OF SERVING AS OUR HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

SHE DID NOT HAVE HER SHRM CERTIFICATION AT THE TIME, THE OFFICIAL OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION FOR HUMAN RESOURCES.

BUT IN THE COURSE OF THAT FIRST YEAR SHE GOT IT.

IT'S CERTAINLY THEY'RE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS, THEY'RE COMING WITH QUALIFICATIONS.

OTHERWISE THEY WOULDN'T BE CONSIDERED AT ALL.

BUT SOMETIMES IT DOES TAKE ANOTHER YEAR TO GET AN ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION THAT QUALIFIES THEM EVEN MORE.

JUST TO POINT OUT THAT IT'S NOT AN UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCE, I GUESS, THAT THE ECC IS REQUESTING THAT THEY HAVE QUALIFICATIONS THAT GET THEM INTO THE ROOM FOR THE CONVERSATION, BUT THEN EVEN ONE MORE CERTIFICATION THAT THEY COULD GET IN THAT ADDITIONAL YEAR. THANK YOU.

>> EVERYBODY GOOD? MADAM CLERK.

>> THIS WILL BE A ROLL CALL VOTE FOR AGENDA ITEM 12, SUMMARY NUMBER 26313.

COUNCILMAN EDWARDS.

>> I VOTE NO.

>> COUNCILMAN BANANO.

>> COUNCILMAN LEE.

>> COUNCILMAN WALKER.

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN.

>> I VOTE YES.

>> COUNCILWOMAN BANANO?

>> COUNCILMAN [INAUDIBLE]?

>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. WE'RE WAY LATE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION,

>> THE MOTION FAILS.

[EXECUTIVE SESSION]

SO LET'S GO BACK TO THOSE ITEMS AND READ THOSE, PLEASE.

FIRST OF ALL, ITEM NUMBER 2, I HAVE A NOTE THAT WILL BE CANCELED.

COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN, YOUR MOTION ON CANCELLATION OF ITEM NUMBER 2.

>> MOVE TO CANCEL.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE CANCELLATION OF ITEM 2 ON MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

>> A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNCIL TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, DISCUSS LEGAL MATTERS CONCERNING A LAWSUIT ENTITLED CARL L.

PLEASE READ ITEM 3.

ROBO VERSUS JEFFERSON PARISH AND AMERICAN ALTERNATIVE INSURANCE CORPORATION, HAS INSURE FOR JEFFERSON PARISH 24 JDC, NUMBER 825-072 DIVISION A, AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

>> PLEASE QUIET THE CHAMBERS. WE'RE NOT DONE YET.

WE HAVE TO READ THESE ITEMS TO GET TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN, YOUR MOTION?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION, A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WALKER.

HEARING NONE SO ORDERED. ITEM 5, PLEASE.

>> FOUR.

>> FOUR, PLEASE. SORRY.

>> A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNCIL ACTING AS GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT NUMBER 2, TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION HAS AUTHORIZED BY LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTE 46 1073B, TO DISCUSS AND DEVELOP MARKETING STRATEGIES AND STRATEGIC PLANS FOR THE HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT NUMBER 2, AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

>> COUNSELWOMAN VAN VRANKEN, YOUR MOTION?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ITEM 5, PLEASE.

>> A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNCIL TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS LEGAL MATTERS CONCERNING THE LAWSUIT ENTITLED THE PARISH OF JEFFERSON VERSUS VRK LLC 24TH JDC NUMBER 824-670 DIVISION L, AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED, AND ITEM 6, PLEASE.

>> A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNCIL TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS LEGAL MATTERS CONCERNING A LAWSUIT ENTITLED PARISH OF JEFFERSON VERSUS CRESCENT COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION LLC, AND G AND H ELECTRIC LLC 24TH JDC NUMBER 839-633, DIVISION G, AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

WE'RE NOW IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

[03:00:07]

EVERYBODY CAN TAKE YOUR SEATS.

WE'LL READ IN THESE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS, AND THEN WE'LL GET BACK TO THIS MEETING.

STARTING ON ITEM NUMBER 13.

IT'S LIKE WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED.

[NOISE]

>> MADAM CLERK, PLEASE READ THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS.

>> A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SETTLEMENT IN A LAWSUIT ENTITLED CARL L. ROBEAU VERSUS JEFFERSON PARISH AND AMERICAN ALTERNATIVE INSURANCE CORPORATION HAS INSURER FOR JEFFERSON PARISH 24 JDC NUMBER 825-072 DIVISION A AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER. YES, SIX.

>> A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ATTACHED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN JEFFERSON PARISH HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT NUMBER 2, PARISH OF JEFFERSON DISTRICT AND LCMC HEALTH HOLDINGS INCORPORATED BUYER IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FUNDS TO LCMC FROM THE STATE MATCH WITHIN THE LOUISIANA MEDICAID PROGRAM.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER. HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

>> A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ATTACHED INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER AGREEMENT, INTRA-AGENCY TRANSFER AGREEMENT BETWEEN JEFFERSON PARISH HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT NUMBER 2, PARISH OF JEFFERSON DISTRICT, STATE OF LOUISIANA AND THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, LDH, COLLECTIVELY, THE PARTIES IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE STATE MATCH WITHIN THE LOUISIANA MEDICAID PROGRAM.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECOND BY COUNCILMAN WALKER. HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

>> A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SETTLEMENT IN THE LAWSUIT ENTITLED THE PARISH OF JEFFERSON VERSUS VRK LLC 24 OF JDC NUMBER 824-670 DIVISION L AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. I'M SORRY. THERE'S ONE MORE.

>> A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SETTLEMENT IN A LAWSUIT ENTITLED PARISH OF JEFFERSON VERSUS CRESCENT COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION LLC AND G & H ELECTRIC LLC 24 OF JDC NUMBER 839-633 DIVISION G AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

NOW WE'LL GET BACK TO IT AT NUMBER 13, MADAM CLERK.

[OTHER ORDINANCES (Part 2 of 2)]

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26314, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 5, DIVISION 34, SECTION 5-515.14, WHICH IS DESIGNATED AND SHOULD BE SECTION 2-515.14, AMENDING SECTIONS 2-515.15 AND 2-515.16 OF THE JEFFERSON PARISH CODE OF ORDINANCES AND AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 13709, THE EXECUTIVE PAY PLAN TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SECURITY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND SECURITY, ESTABLISHING A PAY GRADE FOR THE DIRECTOR AND TO TRANSFER CERTAIN SAFETY RELATED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OTHER DIRECTORS AND DEPARTMENTS TO THE NEWLY CREATED DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND SECURITY AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

>> WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26314.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, PLEASE COME FORWARD? ANYONE OPPOSED? MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26314? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ITEM 14.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26315, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 3, DIVISION 1, SECTION 2-93.2 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO MODIFY CERTAIN SAFETY RELATED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF RISK MANAGEMENT.

>> WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26315.

ANYONE OPPOSED? MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26315? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ITEM 15.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26316, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 5, DIVISION 24, SECTION 2-456 AND 2-458 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO

[03:05:01]

REMOVE CERTAIN SAFETY RELATED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

>> WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26316.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, PLEASE COME FORWARD? ANYONE OPPOSED? MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26316? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ITEM 16, PLEASE.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26317, AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 14796 TO REVISE THE PAY GRADE ASSIGNMENT FOR THE CLASS OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TECHNICIAN 2.

>> WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26317.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, PLEASE COME FORWARD? ANYONE OPPOSED? MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26317? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ITEM 17.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26318, AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 14796 TO REVISE THE PAY GRADE ASSIGNMENT FOR THE CLASS OF EARLY HEAD START TEACHER.

>> WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26318.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, PLEASE COME FORWARD? ANYONE OPPOSED? MADAM CLERK NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26318? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ITEM 18.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26319, AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 14796 TO REVISE CLASS TITLES UTILIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF J PAWS.

>> WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26319.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, PLEASE COME FORWARD? ANYONE OPPOSED? MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26319? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ITEM 19, PLEASE.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26320, AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 14796 TO REVISE FOOTNOTE NUMBER 8 AND FOOTNOTE NUMBER 11.

>> PUBLIC HEARING IS NOW OPEN FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26320.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, PLEASE COME FORWARD? ANYONE OPPOSED? MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED, COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26320? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26321, AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 14796 TO CREATE A NEW CLASSIFICATION OF COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER.

ITEM NUMBER 20, PLEASE.

>> WE NOW OPEN FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26321.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, PLEASE COME FORWARD? ANYONE OPPOSED? MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED, COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26321? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. NUMBER 21 WITH AMENDMENTS, PLEASE, THE OPERATING BUDGET.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26322 AMENDING THE 2024 OPERATING BUDGET.

THE AMENDMENTS ARE, TO ALLOCATE $5,000 FROM COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 OFFTRACK BETTING FUND TO ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS FOR COYOTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

COUNCIL DISTRICT 1, ALLOCATE $29,415 FROM COUNCIL DISTRICT 3S VIDEO POKER FUND TO RECREATION CAPITAL FOR A FENCE AT JOHNNY JACOBS SPLASH PARK.

COUNCIL DISTRICT 3, ALLOCATE $180,000 FROM COUNCIL DISTRICT 5S VIDEO POKER FUND TO GENERAL SERVICES CAPITAL FOR UPGRADES TO VETERANS MEMORIAL SQUARE.

COUNCIL DISTRICT 5, ALLOCATE $5,000 FROM COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 TO WEST BANK RIVER BOW GAMING FUND TO ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS FOR COYOTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, COUNCIL DISTRICT 1, AND THAT'S ALL THE AMENDMENTS I HAVE.

>> ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE AMENDMENTS BEING BROUGHT FROM THE FLOOR? HEARING NONE. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, YOUR MOTION ON THE AMENDMENTS?

>> ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENTS? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26322.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, PLEASE COME FORWARD? ANYONE IN OPPOSITION? DID SOMEONE NOT TELL MR. HAYES WE'RE BACK FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION? [LAUGHTER] MADAM CLERK, PLEASE NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26322? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

ITEM NUMBER 22 OF AMENDMENTS, PLEASE, THE CAPITAL BUDGET.

>> SUMMARY NUMBER 26323, AMENDING THE 2024 CAPITAL BUDGET.

THE AMENDMENTS ARE, TO RECOGNIZE A TRANSFER OF $29,415 FROM COUNCIL DISTRICT 3S VIDEO POKER TO RECREATION CAPITAL FOR A FENCE AT THE JOHNNY JACOBS SPLASH PARK.

COUNCIL DISTRICT 3, RECOGNIZE A TRANSFER OF $180,000 FROM COUNCIL DISTRICT 5S VIDEO POKER FUND TO GENERAL SERVICES CAPITAL FOR UPGRADES TO VETERANS MEMORIAL SQUARE.

COUNCIL DISTRICT 5, TO CANCEL THE ALLOCATION OF $4 MILLION FROM CONSOLIDATED DRAINAGE CAPITAL TO VETERANS CANAL OUTFALLS AT THE REQUEST OF THE ADMINISTRATION.

[03:10:01]

TO RECOGNIZE A TRANSFER OF $100,000 FROM COUNCIL DISTRICT TO CBIA GENERAL FUND TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 4 4 5 3 0 4 0 0 7 7 6 8 0 1 6 2 4 5 3 2 5 2 1 1 FOR A CEA WITH HARAHAN FOR GYM REPAIRS.

THAT'S ALL THE AMENDMENTS I HAVE.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE AMENDMENTS BEING BROUGHT FROM THE FLOOR? HEARING NONE. COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, YOUR MOTION ON THE AMENDMENTS?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENTS? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER. HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SUMMARY NUMBER 26323.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, PLEASE COME FORWARD? ANYONE OPPOSED? MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED.

COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, YOUR MOTION?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE APPROVAL OF SUMMARY NUMBER 26323? A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

THAT TAKES US TO ITEM 23, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS FROM THE FLOOR. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?

[RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS FROM THE FLOOR]

>> COUNCILMAN LILJEBERG.

>> NONE.

>> COUNCILMAN EDWARDS.

>> I HAVE ONE.

>> A RESOLUTION GRANTING PERMISSION TO WORLDWIDE MINISTRIES CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INCORPORATED TO ERECT TEMPORARY SIGNED ADVERTISING THEIR OUTREACH EVENT FROM JUNE 24TH THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2024.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THAT RESOLUTION BE BROUGHT FROM THE FLOOR? HEARING NONE, SHOULD I OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THAT RESOLUTION? ANYONE IN FAVOR OR OPPOSITION, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILMAN EDWARDS?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION BROUGHT FORWARD? A MOTION BY COUNCILMAN EDWARDS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

>> COUNCILMAN BONANO.

>> I HAVE ONE, MA'AM, IF YOU WOULD READ IT, PLEASE.

>>YES SIR.

>> A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NUMBER 142649 ADOPTED ON AUGUST 23TH, 2023 TO AMEND THE SECTION 2 TO READ THAT ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CHARGED AS FOLLOWS, $100,000 TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 44-530-4007-7680-162-453-25-604, COUNCIL AT LARGE A CDIA GENERAL FUND, AND $100,000 TO 44-530-4007-7680-162-453-25-211 COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 WHICH WAS ADOPTED TO APPROVE A CEA AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARISH OF JEFFERSON AND THE CITY OF HARAHAN FOR GYM REPAIRS DUE TO HURRICANE IDA AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $200,000.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THAT RESOLUTION BEING BROUGHT FROM THE FLOOR? HEARING NONE. WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THAT RESOLUTION.

ANYONE IN FAVOR OR OPPOSITION, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILMAN BONANO?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION BROUGHT FORWARD IN A MOTION BY COUNCILMAN BONANO, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

>> COUNCILMAN LEE.

>> I BELIEVE I HAVE TWO. [LAUGHTER]

>> I THINK YOU HAVE THREE.

>> A RESOLUTION APPROVING A REQUEST BY LIVE OAK MANOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT TO OBTAIN A FOUTS FB-94 CUSTOM PUMPER AT A COST OF $575,898 FROM BFA FIRE AND RESCUE UNDER EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THAT RESOLUTION BE BROUGHT FROM THE FLOOR? HEARING NONE, WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THAT RESOLUTION.

ANYONE IN FAVOR OR OPPOSITION, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

>> COMING UP.

>> KEEP GOING. COUNCILMAN LEE.

>> WELL, FIRST OF ALL, I'M SO HAPPY THAT WE HERE AT THIS POINT WHERE YOU CAN HAVE AMPLE EQUIPMENT THAT WORKS THAT'S GOING TO PROTECT THAT AREA.

AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOU ALL ACQUIRING THE VEHICLE; THAT FIRE TRUCK.

I'LL CALL IT THAT, WHAT IT IS A FIRE TRUCK TO PROTECT THAT AREA BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN OUR RATING OUT THERE IN THAT AREA.

>> IT'S A PUMPER COUNCILMAN.

>> PUMPER.

>> FOR YOU TO BRING UP THE RESOLUTION, I WAS GOING TO WAIT FOR YOU TO VOTE TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL, BUT ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY OF WAGGAMAN, THE HEROES OF THE PAID STAFF.

>> THERE'S NO PROBLEM HERE COUNCIL. [LAUGHTER]

>> UNLESS YOU'RE ME. I DO WHATEVER YOU THINK.

>> I'M LIKE THIS BECAUSE I'VE ONLY BEEN A FIRE CHIEF SINCE FEBRUARY 12TH.

THE PURCHASE OF THIS TRUCK HAS WORN ME OUT.

I'M APPRECIATIVE ON BEHALF OF EVERYBODY.

[03:15:02]

THANK YOU. I KNEW YOU MISSED THE ORIGINAL MEETING BECAUSE YOU HAD A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

MS. VAN VRANCKEN, COUNCILMAN BONANO, COUNCILMAN WALKER STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE TO AT LEAST GET THE INFORMATION AND GET IT ROLLING.

THANK YOU FOR STEPPING IN.

IT'S YOUR AREA. WE WANT TO REPRESENT YOU PROUDLY.

I WILL SAY THIS, IF YOU'RE AVAILABLE TOMORROW, ANY OF YOU, WE'LL ACTUALLY ROLL THE TRUCK OUT AND YOU'LL GET TO SEE IT. FAIR ENOUGH?

>> WHAT TIME?

>> TEN O'CLOCK, SOUND GOOD?

>> I'LL CONFIRM WITH MY BOSS.

>> YOU GOT TO LET HIM PLAY WITH THE SIREN RIGHT NOW.

>> I WAS GETTING THERE. Y'ALL PUSHED ME.

>> WHAT'S THAT?

MS. PAM, ALSO THANK YOU TO YOU FOR ALL THE HELP.

WOULD YOU LET THE COUNCILMAN COME OUT 10 O'CLOCK TOMORROW? [LAUGHTER] THANK YOU.

>> HOW ARE YOU DOING? ASSISTANT CHIEF LARRY FREDERICK.

I JUST WANT TO ECHO WHAT HE SAID.

THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY ON THE COUNCIL AND EVERYBODY IN THE ADMINISTRATION WHO HAD A HAND IN GETTING THIS TRUCK.

I'VE BEEN A FIREFIGHTER AT LIVE OAK FOR 13 YEARS AND JUST SPEAKING FROM MY EXPERIENCE WHEN I CAME IN IN 2011, WE WERE DRIVING A 1985 GMC.

AFTER THAT, WE HAD A COUPLE OF '90S MODELS, FREIGHT LINERS AND THEN AFTER THAT, WE INHERITED A BUNCH OF TRUCKS FROM OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

I'M BORN AND RAISED IN WAGGAMAN, MY FAMILY LIVES IN WAGGAMAN, AND JUST TO HAVE THIS REPRESENTATION OF SOMETHING NEW THAT WE CAN BE PROUD OF IS MUCH APPRECIATED.

SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYBODY WHO HAD A HAND IN GETTING US THIS TRUCK.

>> PROBABLY YOU ALL KNOW ME.

I TALKED WITH YOU ALL.

WE ARE REALLY HAPPY ABOUT THIS.

THIS IS GOOD FOR WAGGAMAN.

WE'VE BEEN ON THE OUT AND ALMOST LIKE GROWING OUT THE OTHER WAY.

WE'RE PART OF THIS COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

WE NEEDED THIS MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE. THIS IS ONLY 10 YEARS.

MOST OF OUR TRUCKS ARE 30 YEARS OLD AND ONE OF THEM WE REPAIRED EVERY THREE DAYS.

THAT'S HOW BAD WE NEED THIS. THANK YOU ALL.

>> I TELL YOU WHAT. A LOT OF HEADS WENT TOGETHER TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.

COUNCILMAN LEE, AND THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF GOVERNMENT WORKING WHEN YOU'RE PRESENTED WITH A PROBLEM AND A LOT OF PEOPLE COME TOGETHER TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> YOUR MOTION?

>> I MOVE.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION BROUGHT FORWARD, A MOTION BY COUNCILMAN LEE, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

>> A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE FINAL PLAT OF SUBDIVISION FOR PHASE 2A STEEPLECHASE AT HOMEPLACE, LOTS 1-9 SQUARE 31, LOTS 1-9 SQUARE 32, LOTS 1-9 SQUARE 33, LOTS 1-14 SQUARE 34, LOTS 1, 2, 3, 22, 23 AND 24 SQUARE 35, LOTS 10-16 SQUARE 36, LOTS 13 AND 14 SQUARE 37, LOTS 1-10 SQUARE 38 PARTIAL G1 AND G2, WHICH LOTS ARE OWNED BY H SOUTH, LLC IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLAN BY TILDEN J DUFRENE JR DATED FEBRUARY 21ST, 2022, LAST REVISED ON JANUARY 22ND, 2024 AND ACCEPTING CERTAIN STREETS AND UTILITIES IN PHASE 2A STEEPLECHASE AT HOMEPLACE FOR MAINTENANCE BY THE PARISH OF JEFFERSON IN ACCORDANCE WITH PLANS BY DUFRENE SURVEYING AND ENGINEERING INCORPORATED DATED FEBRUARY 24TH, 2023, AND STAMPED RECORD DRAWINGS ON FEBRUARY 9TH, 2024.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THAT RESOLUTION MAY BE BROUGHT TO THE FLOOR.

HEARING NONE. WE NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THAT RESOLUTION.

ANYONE IN FAVOR, OPPOSITION, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILMAN LEE?

>> I MOVE.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION BROUGHT FORWARD A MOTION BY COUNCILMAN LEE, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

>> A RESOLUTION REQUESTING AND AUTHORIZING THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND THE PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD TO STUDY THE TEXT OF CHAPTER 33 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE IN CHAPTER 40 ZONING OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF JEFFERSON PARISH, WITH THE INTENT OF EVALUATING STANDARDS FOR ENERGY RECOVERY FROM WASTE AND THE CONVERSION OF NATURAL AND OR RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY INTO ENERGY AND THEIR ASSOCIATED USES IN PROVIDING FOR RELATED MATTERS.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THAT RESOLUTION MAY BE BROUGHT TO THE FLOOR.

HEARING NONE. WE ARE NOW FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THAT RESOLUTION.

ANYONE IN FAVOR OR OPPOSITION, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILMAN LEE.

MOVE. ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION ON THE MOTION OF COUNCILMAN LEE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL WALKER. HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

>> COUNCILMAN WALKER.

>> I HAVE NONE.

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN RANKIN.

I BELIEVE I HAVE ONE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION.

>> YES, MA'AM. A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF MONICA PIERRE TO SERVE ON THE JEFFERSON PARISH ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE COMMISSION AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THAT RESOLUTION TO BE BROUGHT TO THE FLOOR? HEARING NONE. NOW FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THAT RESOLUTION.

ANYONE IN FAVOR OR OPPOSITION, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

[03:20:02]

MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNCILMAN VAN FRANKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION BROUGHT FORWARD IN A MOTION BY COUNCILWOMAN VAN FRANKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER. HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

>> COUNCILWOMAN BOHANNON.

>> MADAM CLERK, I HAVE ONE, IF YOU DON'T MIND READING IT, BUT BEFORE WE DO, I'D LIKE TO EXPRESS A SINCERE THANKS TO JEREMY DWYER FOR THE LATE-NIGHT WORK ON THIS ONE AND THE LAST-MINUTE WORK AND TO MY FELLOW COUNSELMAN, I LITERALLY SENT THIS TO THEM YESTERDAY, SO I APPRECIATE EVERYBODY'S HELP.

>> A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING FULL SUPPORT OF THE JEFFERSON PARISH COUNCIL AND REQUESTING THE AGENCIES, DEPARTMENTS, AND COMMISSIONS OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IT IS TO REGULATE THE LEGAL AND PROPER ISSUANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLE CREDENTIALS TO INVESTIGATE ALL POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING NEW AND TOUGHER REGULATIONS TO PROHIBIT THIS ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AND URGES AND ENCOURAGES THE JEFFERSON PARISH LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE AND SECRETARY OF THE OFFICE OF MOTOR VEHICLES WORK TOGETHER TO ENACT NEW LAWS, REGULATIONS AND ENHANCED PENALTIES DESIGNED TO COMBAT AND PROHIBIT ISSUING ILLEGAL, TEMPORARY AND FRAUDULENT OBTAINED VEHICLE PLATES.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THAT RESOLUTION BE BROUGHT TO THE FLOOR? HEARING NONE, AND NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THAT RESOLUTION.

ANYONE IN FAVOR OR OPPOSITION, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

MADAM CLERK, NOTE THAT NO ONE APPEARED. COUNSEL WOMAN BOHANNAN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION BROUGHT FORWARD IN MOTION BY COUNSEL WOMAN BOHANNAN, SECONDED BY COSMAN WALKER. HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

>> I'VE COMPLETED THE ROLE.

>> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK.

LET'S MOVE TO CONSENT AGENDA 1 NOW

[CONSENT AGENDA ONE]

AND COUNSELMAN VANRANKEN YOUR MOTION ON THE ENGLOBO ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 24 THROUGH 57.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE GLOBAL ADOPTION OF ITEMS 24 THROUGH 57 ON THE CONSENT AGENDA, MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN BRANKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

THAT TAKES US TO ITEM 58 AND CONSENT AGENDA 2.

[CONSENT AGENDA TWO]

>> YOUR MOTION, COUNSEL WAN VAN RANKIN, ON THE ENGLOBO ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 58 THROUGH 1201-59, WHICH IS A SELECTION AT 88, WHICH IS TO BE CANCELED.

>> IF YOU CAN ALSO ADD THAT I NEED TO ABSTAIN FROM THE VOTE ON 119, MY HUSBAND HAS A COMMITMENT PROBLEM AND SAYS YES TO EVERY VOLUNTEER BOARD AND SO THAT ONE IS ONE THAT HE SERVES ON THE BOARD.

>> WELL, YOU JUST CELEBRATE YOUR ANNIVERSARY, SO THE COMMITMENT PROBLEM DOESN'T EXTEND TO THAT.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ENGLOBO ADOPTION OF ITEMS 58 THROUGH 1201-59, WHICH IS THE SELECTION 88, WHICH IS TO BE CANCELED IN 119, WHICH COUNSELMAN VAN FRANKEN WILL ABSTAIN FROM ON MOTION OF COUNSEL WAN VAN RANKIN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED, THAT TAKES US 259.

>> A RESOLUTION SELECTING AN ENGINEERING FIRM FROM THE LIST OF APPROVED FIRMS ESTABLISHED UNDER RESOLUTION NUMBER 139780, ADOPTED JUNE 15, 2022, FOR ROUTINE ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR SEWAGE PROJECTS, WHICH SERVICES WILL BE REQUIRED FOR PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES FOR THE INFILTRATION AND INFLOW REHABILITATION PROJECT.

COUNCIL DISTRICT 2, SCIP PROJECT NUMBER D6801.

>> COUNCILMAN BANANO.

>> MOVE TO SELECT BRIAN HAMMETT AND ASSOCIATES.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE SELECTION OF BRIAN HAMMETT AND ASSOCIATES.

A MOTION OF COUNCILMAN BANANO SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

NO, 122 ON THE ADDENDUM AGENDA.

LET'S GO TO ITEM 1.

WHICH ONE, 119?

[ADDENDUM AGENDA ITEMS]

>> IT'S ALL OVER THE PLACE.

>> MY IPADS ON THE FRITZ. I'M BACK ON PAPER.

IT'S TAKEN A WHILE TO GET BACK ON THIS.

ALL RIGHT. I'M THERE. MADAM CLERK, ITEM NUMBER 1 ON THE ADDENDUM AGENDA, PLEASE.

>> A RESOLUTION SELECTING TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE FLOOD PLAN MANAGEMENT AND HAZARD MITIGATION DEPARTMENT IN PREPARING INFRASTRUCTURE UTILITY RETROFITS, COMMUNITY FLOOD MITIGATION, COASTAL RESTORATION, AND OTHER INNOVATIVE CONCEPT GRANT APPLICATIONS AND GRANT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR FEMA HAZARD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAMS UNDER RFP NUMBER 0475.

>> COUNSEL VAN RANKIN, YOUR SELECTION?

>> SO THE SCORING IN THIS INSTANCE, HAD THE TOP 3 FIRMS ALL WITHIN TWO POINTS OF EACH OTHER.

SO VERY COMPETITIVE.

BUT THE SECOND HIGHEST FIRM, ADORA IS 100,000 LESS IN COST THAN THE FIRST SCORE.

SO I'M GOING TO GO WITH ADORA GROUP INC. AS THE SELECTION.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE SELECTION OF ADORA GROUP INC. ON MOTION OF COUNSELMAN VAN BRANKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ITEM 2, PLEASE, MADAM CLERK.

>> A RESOLUTION SELECTING FOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING SERVICES,

[03:25:04]

INCLUDING AND NOT TO LIMIT TO FINANCIAL, PROGRAMMATIC AUDIT SUPPORT STAFFING, PREPARATION OF VARIOUS ACCOUNTING REPORTS, AND OTHER DUTIES, HAS ASSIGNED ON AND HAS NEEDED BASIS FOR THE JEFFERSON PARISH DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS AS NEEDED FOR A THREE YEAR PERIOD WITH AN OPTION TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT FOR TWO ADDITIONAL ONE YEAR PERIODS IF AGREEABLE BY BOTH PARTIES.

>> COUNSELMAN VAN RANKIN, YOUR SELECTION?

>> SELECT DELOITTE.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE SELECTION OF DELOITTE ON MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN RIKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER? HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED.

>> NOW, YOUR MOTION, COUNCILWOMAN AN BREKEN ON THE ENGLOBE ADOPTION OF ADDENDUM AGENDA ITEMS 3 THROUGH 17 - 11 AND 12 ON THE ADDENDUM AGENDA, WHICH ARE TO BE CANCELED.

>> MOVED.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF ADDENDUM AGENDA ITEMS THREE THROUGH 17 MINUS ITEMS 11 AND 12 ON THE ADDENDUM AGENDA.

THOSE ARE TO BE CANCELED, A MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN BREKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

ADDENDUM AGENDA ITEM 18 NOW SPECIAL DISTRICTS.

>> A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CORROBORATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARISH OF JEFFERSON AND THE TIMBER LANE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT, PARISH OF JEFFERSON, STATE OF LOUISIANA TO PROVIDE FUNDING TOWARDS THE REPAIR OF THE SWIMMING POOL AT THE TIMBER LLANEELF AND RECREATION FACILITY TO OFFER CITIZENS INCREASE ACCESS TO AN ACTIVITY THAT PROVIDES MANY PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS AND TO PROVIDE ENHANCED RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO THE CITIZENS OF JEFFERSON PARISH AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $250,000.

>> COUNCILMAN EDWARDS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EDWARDS SECONDED BY COUNCIL WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED, ITEM 1203, PLEASE.

[JEFFERSON PARISH SPECIAL DISTRICTS]

>> A RESOLUTION DECLARING 56 MSA AIR PACKS, 133,000 PSI AIR BOTTLES, 56 AIR MASS, AND FIVE RIT PACKS OWNED BY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NUMBER 6 OF THE PARISH OF JEFFERSON, STATE OF LOUISIANA, NO LONGER NEEDED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES AND AUTHORIZING THE DONATION OF THE SET EQUIPMENT TO THE CITY OF GRETNA.

>> COUNCILMAN EDWARDS YOUR MOTION.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION ON MOTION OF COUNCILMAN EDWARDS, SECOND BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

1204, PLEASE, MADAM CLERK.

UNDER NEW ORLEANS CONTRACT NUMBER K23-753, RESPECTIVELY AWARDED TO CASCO INDUSTRIES FOR THE EAST BANK CONSOLIDATED SPECIAL SERVICE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF JEFFERSON, LOUISIANA, NOT TO EXCEED $102,670.

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION? MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECOND BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NON, SO ORDERED. ITEM 125, PLEASE.

>> A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT, PIGGYBACK PURCHASE BETWEEN JEFFERSON PARISH AND THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, DEPARTMENT OF FIRE FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND PARTS MAINTENANCE REPAIR UNDER NEW ORLEANS CONTRACT NUMBER K23-504, RESPECTIVELY AWARDED TO CASCO INDUSTRIES FOR THE EAST MAIN CONSOLIDATED SPECIAL SERVICE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF JEFFERSON, LOUISIANA, NOT TO EXCEED $100,000.

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION? MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ONE TWENTY SIX, PLEASE.

>> A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NUMBER 144136, ADOPTED ON MAY 1ST, 2024, RELATIVE TO THE ANNUAL SALARY OF THE JEFFERSON PARISH FIRE CIVIL SERVICE BOARD SECRETARY IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT NUMBER.

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION.

MOTION OF COUNCILMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED, 1207, PLEASE.

>> A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH TRANSFER X TO REPLACE CORE COMPONENTS OF THE NETWORKING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE JEFFERSON PARISH COMMUNICATION DISTRICT AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $34,746.31 THROUGH STATE CONTRACT NUMBER LA NUMBER 440-002-1189.

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN YOUR MOTION?

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION? MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.

HEARING NONE, SO ORDERED. ONE TWENTY EIGHT, PLEASE.

>> A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL ALMAN AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE JEFFERSON SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPLACING LINDSEY F AND JOSEPH ELFER, A REPRESENTATIVE OF GRETNA POLICE DEPARTMENT REPLACING FRANCINE GIGGENHEIMER TO THE JEFFERSON PARISH 911 ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE REMAINDER OF TWO YEAR TERM.

>> COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN.

>> ANY OBJECTION TO THE ADOPTION OF THAT RESOLUTION?

[03:30:01]

MOTION OF COUNCILWOMAN VAN VRANCKEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WALKER.