April 7, 2011 –
Today, the New Orleans City Council received presentations from the Landrieu Administration outlining the City’s budget performance measurement and management strategy and GNO, Inc. updating the economic growth of the New Orleans Region.
The Council introduced a motion to revise its rules and regulations; and passed motions to hold public hearings to consider establishing the Greater Tulane Interim Zoning District and to expand the existing boundaries of the Inner City Urban Corridor District.
The Council passed resolutions to address wage theft; urge Congress to ensure Harbor Maintenance Taxes are appropriated for the intended purpose of operating and maintaining the Nation’s ports; support the expansion of the Streetcar along the Rampart – St. Claude Corridor; and urge full federal funding of a termite treatment program for the historic French Quarter.
The Council also introduced ordinances expanding the boundaries of the Gentilly – Pontchartrain Park Cultural District to include Dillard University; creating a Gun Offenders’ Registry; and, officially designating Congo Square in Armstrong park.
The Council’s final action, by resolution, congratulated the New Orleans Hornets Basketball team for advancement into the playoffs.
The Council passed Resolution R-11-150, authored by Councilmembers Clarkson and Gisleson Palmer, urging continued full federal funding for Operation Full Stop, a termite treatment program that has reduced the reproduction of Formosan termites up to 60 percent. Formosan termites cost the New Orleans area approximately $300 million annually. Of particular concern is termite infestation in the French Quarter where there is a concentration of buildings over 200 years old that share common walls and rest on wooden foundations.
Council Vice President Clarkson said, “We cannot allow French Quarter homes and businesses to be eroded by termite damage. The beautiful historic nature of these buildings which attracts residents, artists, and trourists also makes them susceptible to termite infestation. Operation Full Stop ensures that a preventable infestation does not crumble the infrastructure of this historic neighborhood and economic stronghold.”
The Council passed Resolution R-11-171, authored by Councilmember Clarkson, congratulating the Hornets Basketball Team on its advance to the National Basketball Association playoffs in the Southwest Division. The Council acknowledged the renewed community support for the team.
Council Vice President Clarkson said, “Our city came together and supported the Hornets in January to keep the team in New Orleans. And now the pride and enthusiasm of our fans has once again prevailed, and we’ll continue cheering on the Hornets as they advance to the playoffs!”
Councilmember Clarkson also honored Dr. E. Ralph Lupin on his 80th Birthday, presenting a Proclamation which commended him on his many years of medical and military service to the City of New Orleans.
Councilmember Clarkson also presented a Proclamation to Zully Jimenez of Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans for her life-long dedications to the improvement of the City.
You can read a full summary of the City Council Regular Meeting on the City Council Website.
