Theresa M. Hastings

The Council reviewed and approved several items, including alcoholic beverage permit applications, bingo applications, and various municipal contracts for signage, roofing, and building maintenance. Key financial and operational actions included approving software security purchases, accepting justice assistance grants, ratifying emergency repairs for wastewater treatment plant infrastructure, and authorizing playground equipment purchases. The council also reviewed ordinances for the city's operating and capital budgets, which were deferred for one meeting, and discussed future service agreements for grant writing and insurance policy coverage.

The agenda for the meeting includes the review of personnel action forms and examination grades for positions including Police Sergeant, Police Captain, and Fire Prevention Officer. The Board will also initiate a call for examinations for Fire Communications Supervisor, Chief of Fire Prevention, and Fire Prevention Officer, as well as review any new requests for hearings or investigations.

The board reviewed and approved several personnel action forms for the Kenner Police and Fire Departments. A public hearing was held to discuss and adopt amendments to various classification plans within the Kenner Fire Department, including Fire Communications Supervisor, Chief of Fire Prevention, Fire Driver, Fire Captain, District Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Training Officer, and Chief of Administration. The board considered input regarding the establishment of a dedicated Fire Scene Safety Officer position and concerns regarding promotional certification requirements.

The Kenner City Council held a 2026-2027 fiscal year budget hearing. Key discussion topics included the Police Department's standstill budget, which represents a slight increase over the previous fiscal year and incorporates outside revenues from grants and state appropriations. The Chief of Police provided details on current staffing levels, including sworn officers and civilian employees, and highlighted the importance of capital investments in equipment such as body-worn cameras, drone technology with infrared capabilities, speed trailers, and an armored vehicle. Council members also inquired about the newly established motors division, the effectiveness of the current vehicle fleet, and the management of grant funding through the general fund.

The council meeting addressed various operational and financial items, including the deferral of the operating and capital budgets for the upcoming fiscal year to facilitate further discussions with the fire department regarding compensation and benefits. Several contracts and procurement actions were approved, such as the installation of a welcome sign, front metal roof repairs for the Rivertown Theater, roof and window repairs for City Hall, and the procurement of security software. Additionally, the council authorized the acceptance of a Department of Justice grant for police officer overtime, approved change orders for playground demolition, authorized the purchase of playground systems, and increased the annual expenditure limit for valve procurement for the wastewater department.