Mayor and City Council

The Mayor and City Council held the monthly Regular meeting of the City of Gretna on Wednesday, September 10, 2025; at Gretna City Hall, 740 Second Street, Council Chambers, on the second floor, Gretna, Louisiana. Notice of Public Meeting (Council Regular Meeting) Notice of the monthly meeting of the Mayor and City Council was duly published as prescribed by law in the legal journal of the New Orleans Advocate; and posted on the bulletin board, at the main entrance of Gretna City Hall; 740 Second Street, Gretna, LA 70053; and to the City’s Website. 1. Call to Order and Roll Call: Mayor Belinda C. Constant chaired the Council Regular monthly meeting; the City Clerk was present; Mayor Constant called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. -The roll was called; a quorum of five Council Members was present; Wayne A. Rau, Councilman at Large; Rudy S. Smith, District 1; Michael A. Hinyub, District 2; Mark K. Miller, District 3; and Randy S. Carr, District 4. --- Absent: None 2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Upon the opening of the meeting, Council Member Randy S. Carr, District 4, offered a prayer. Thereafter, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.   3. Opening Remarks by the Mayor: Mayor Constant called on Mrs. Raylyn C. Stevens, Chief Financial Officer to brief the Council Members on the city’s 2025 Bond Issue. Mrs. Stevens said the city has been preparing to sell these bonds during the last four months. The city had meetings for approval by Council Members. The bonds were sold on September 4, 2025; it was a good sale and exciting, with interests shown in these bonds. Mrs. Stevens introduced Mr. Toby Cortes, Managing Director | Stifel Financial Corp. Mr. Toby Cortes said he had been doing the city’s bonds for a while; and was now excited to help the city with this last bond issue. It takes work to be able to do bond sales. One of the first things to do is to get the rating; and the city got AA rating. One criterion with the rating was management, they reviewed the City Council and the Administration. The work that Mrs. Stevens and Mayor Constant did at the meetings was reflected in one of the highest ratings in the State of Louisiana. The City of Gretna has one of the highest ratings it could attain with an AA rating. Mr. Cortes said Stifel Financial does approximately 15 bond transactions every week. The city had $18-Million Dollars but got $60-Million Dollars orders; and that was a testament to this Council and this Administration. Investors were leery about investing due to hurricane risks. He provided the name of the investors with interest in this bond issuance. The borrowing cost to the city for the next 25 years will be 4.7%, which is outstanding to borrow at that rate. Were able to provide the city with a little under $18-Million Dollars, and deliver the cash to the city, next week. Mayor Constant thanked Mr. Cortes, and the whole team; and said the city loves to work with Stifel Financial with their admirable professionalism and expertise; it was a great partnership for the City. The city was excited to be able to do the infrastructure upgrades needed to do; this was an infrastructure bond issue.   Agenda Amended (September 10, 2025) On a motion by Council Member Rau and seconded by Council Member Smith, IT WAS RESOLVED to amend the agenda to add a presentation video “Sneak Peak Gretna Fest 2025”; and the same was unanimously approved. No comments from the public or Council members.  4. Presentations: A. CASA Jefferson Fundraiser – Ms. Wendy McGee, Executive Director for CASA Jefferson. Ms. McGee briefed the Council on the purpose and functions of CASA Jefferson. “CASA Jefferson is a local nonprofit in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, that recruits, trains, and supervises community volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care. Judges appoint these volunteers to function as a consistent, powerful voice in the court system for children, ensuring their best interests are met and helping them achieve safe, nurturing, and permanent homes.” Page 1 of 6  September 10, 2025 – Minutes “What CASA Does • Advocacy: CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to investigate and monitor a child's case. Information Gathering: They gather information by talking with children, parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and social workers to inform the court of the child's needs. Voice for Children: They ensure that abused and neglected children in foster care are not lost in the complex legal and social services system. Goal of Permanency: The ultimate goal is to help children find safe, stable, and permanent homes. How It Works 1. Recruitment and Training: CASA Jefferson recruits and trains community members to become volunteer advocates. 2. Court Appointment: A judge appoints a trained volunteer to a child's case. 3. Direct Involvement: The volunteer builds a relationship with the child through meetings and phone calls. 4. Court Reporting: The volunteers report their findings to the court, providing recommendations to help judges make informed decisions about the child's future. The Impact Breaks the Cycle: Providing resolute advocates, CASA Jefferson helps break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Provides a Voice: Volunteers give hope and a voice to vulnerable children in the community. Achieves Permanent Homes: Volunteers play a key role in helping children achieve a 94% success rate in securing permanent homes at case closure.” Source: CASA Jefferson Website. Ms. McGee informed they were having the CASA Jefferson Annual Fundraiser with a smaller event “mixer” at the Gretna white house on October 23, 2025. If anyone was interested on purchasing tickets; and accept “in kind” donation. Mayor Constant informed everyone that CASA has participated in the Gretna’s Farmers Market often. In order to help, the city has partnered with CASA to help assist in the outreach of the community. CASA is volunteer driven; and they do an incredible job. Thank you for what you do. “Sneak Peak” video presentation was shown for the “Sneak Peak highlights Gretna Fest 2025”. Councilman Rau informed on the highlights of Gretna Fest 2025, two river stages and a stage in front of City Hall. Dance Play at the Arch. High School bands playing Saturday and Sunday; various crafters and art; the Italian Village, Asian Village, Margaritaville and the German Village, with music associated with it. There will be approximately 40 food booths on the riverside by the Amphitheater, which is convenient for people. Tickets are on sale now, Friday $45.00; Saturday $55.00; and Sunday $45.00 or $100.00 for three days. B. Recognition of New Businesses. NONE   5. CONSENT AGENDA: Was read in its entirety into the record. A. Approval of Meeting Minutes: August 13, 2025, Council Regular Meeting. B. Approval of Special Event Permit applications: 1. St. Cletus Fall Festival - October 17, 18 and 19, 2025; Noon to 10 PM. 3600 Claire Avenue, Gretna, LA 2. Timberlane Halloween Block Party. October 31, 2025; from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Colony at Timberlane and Colony at Wildwood) C. Adoption of Resolutions by CONSENT APPROVAL: (1) RESOLUTION NO. 2025-047 A resolution authorizing and directing Mayor Belinda C. Constant to recognize substantial completion and execute the Certificate of Substantial Completion on behalf of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, for the 100 Westbank Expressway Asbestos Abatement & Demolition Contract with Pipeworks Plumbing and Demolition, LLC, upon substantial completion being established and verified by the City Administration. WHEREAS, the City of Gretna has an interest in the health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of the City of Gretna; and Page 2 of 6  September 10, 2025 – Minutes WHEREAS, the City of Gretna is desirous of improving economic development and subsequent quality of life for the citizens of Gretna; and WHEREAS, Pipeworks Plumbing and Demolition, LLC was the successful bidding contractor and has completed per approved plans and specifications; and WHEREAS, City Engineer has recommended the city accept substantial completion for the project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, acting as legislative authority for the City of Gretna, that: Mayor Belinda C. Constant is hereby authorized and directed to recognize substantial completion and execute the Certificate of Substantial Completion on behalf of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, for the 100 Westbank Expressway Asbestos Abatement & Demolition Contract with Pipeworks Plumbing and Demolition, LLC, upon substantial completion being established and verified by the City Administration; and have a copy of this resolution filed with the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court, Mortgage and Conveyance Department as originally filed on September 4, 2025; Instrument No. 12536582; Mortgage Book 5124, Page 190. On a motion by Council Member Rau and seconded by Council Member Carr, IT WAS RESOLVED to approve and adopt all items read into record from the September 10, 2025, CONSENT AGENDA; and same was approved by the following vote: Yeas: Council Members Rau, Carr, Smith, Hinyub, and Miller Nays: None Absent: None No comments from the public or Council members.  6. Adoption of Ordinances: Ms. Amelia Pellegrin provided the report on this change of zoning request for the property at 59 Westbank Expressway; further described as Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Square 9, Suburban Park Subdivision. An application was submitted to the City of Gretna from the prospective buyer of 59 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, Louisiana 70053, Mr. Joseph Squatrito who is requesting to rezone Lots 19 through 25, Square 9, Suburban Park Subdivision from R-1 Single Family Residential District to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District to allow for commercial use by right at this location. The applicant intends to purchase and develop the proposed site into an outpatient physical therapy clinic. This property contains a long-vacant commercial building with ample surface parking for the proposed use. Planned improvements by the applicant include repainting the building, cleaning, and restriping the parking lot, installing perimeter fencing, renovating the interior, and upgrading the electrical and plumbing systems, among other enhancements. No new construction or expansion of the building’s footprint is proposed. The zoning map change as proposed was consistent with our map and consistent with the rest of zoning along the expressway; and this property has been blighted for a while time in need of repair and revitalization. The City Administration Staff along with the Planning and Zoning Commission members believed that this zoning change will allow them to come back into commerce being reused in a beneficial way to both the community and the city. Last week the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to favorably recommend approval of the zoning change with the following two conditions: 1. Site obscuring fence is erected around the side and rear of the property. 2. The underlined seven lots of record be consolidated into one with a major resubdivision, which will prevent a denser commercial development happening at this location. Staff have reviewed the application in accordance with the criteria outlined in the Unified Development Code (UDC) and recommend approval of the zoning change to C-1, conditioned upon the consolidation of all lots into one lot of record, and establishment of 8-foot sight-obscuring fencing on the side and rear property lines that abut residential lots. On a motion by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Miller, IT WAS RESOLVED to accept the favorable recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission members and the Administration Staff; and to approve the change of zoning request with the following two conditions: 1. Site obscuring fence is to be erected around the side and rear of the property; 2. The seven lots of record are to be consolidated into one lot of record through a major resubdivision request to prevent denser commercial development happening at this location; and the same was approved by the following vote: Page 3 of 6  September 10, 2025 – Minutes Yeas: Council Members Smith, Carr, Rau, Hinyub, and Miller Nays: None Absent: None On a motion by Council Member Smith and seconded by Council Member Miller, the following ordinance was read, and adopted section by section and then as a whole by the following vote: Yeas: Council Members Smith, Miller, Hinyub, Rau, and Carr Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ORDINANCE NO. 5025 An ordinance amending Chapter 58 –Unified Development Code Official Map, adopted by the Gretna Council on June 12, 2019. To amend the zoning classification of Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Square 9, Suburban Park Subdivision; from Single-Family Residential District (R-1); to Neighborhood Commercial district (C-1). To authorize and direct the Director of Planning and City Development, to alter and amend the Official Zoning Map of the City of Gretna, Louisiana. Municipal Address: 59 Westbank Expressway WHEREAS, Joseph Squatrito III, Applicant; Greater Zionfield Full Gospel Church, Owner. The applicant requests the rezoning of Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Square 9, Suburban Park Subdivision, Gretna, Louisiana, is requesting the resubdivision of same; and WHEREAS, said Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Square 9, Suburban Park Subdivision (Parcel Nos. 0100002037 and 0100002060) are designated on the Official Zoning Map as Single-Family Residential District (R-1), which said Map forms part of Chapter 58 -Unified Development Code (UDC), adopted by the Gretna Council on June 12, 2019; and WHEREAS, the Zoning Official has cause to duly advertise as prescribed by law; and to hold a public hearing in connection with the zoning reclassification of Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Square 9, Suburban Park Subdivision; and WHEREAS, upon consideration of this Unified Development Code (UDC) Map Amendment request, all notice requirements have been met and satisfied. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Gretna, acting as legislative authority for said City, that: SECTION I. Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25, Square 9, Suburban Park Subdivision, are hereby rezoned to General Commercial District (C-1). SECTION II. The Gretna City Council hereby empowers and directs the Director of Planning & City Development to make the appropriate changes to the Official Zoning Map thereof, designating the property above described as Neighborhood Commercial district (C-1). SECTION III. The Mayor of the City of Gretna is hereby empowered and authorized to sign and execute all documents necessary and proper in the premises to give full force and effect to this change of zoning ordinance request. Provided that a majority of the City Council has voted in favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight on the tenth day following the Clerk's presentment of same to the mayor, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the mayor returns the same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period. The applicant Mr. Joseph Quatrito III, informed the City Council that he is already owner of another physical therapy clinic on the Eastbank. briefed on the plans for this property. It will be an outpatient physical therapy clinic; will be open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM; closed on weekends. No loud music will be played. Will fix up the property make it look nice.  B. On motion by Council Member Rau and seconded by Council Member Smith, the following ordinance was read, and adopted section by section and then as a whole by the following vote: Yeas: Council Members Rau, Smith, Hinyub, Miller, and Carr Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None Page 4 of 6  September 10, 2025 – Minutes ORDINANCE NO. 5026 An ordinance adopting the Employee Handbook of Personnel Policies (July 1, 2025) for the City of Gretna, Louisiana under the supervision of the mayor. WHEREAS, the City of Gretna desires to maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all its employees and the public they serve; and WHEREAS, the City of Gretna desires to produce a professional environment with uniform policies and procedures for all employees under the supervision of the mayor; and WHEREAS, it is good administrative practice to document employee policies and procedures and provide all employees with such documentation; and WHEREAS, the City Attorney has reviewed and approved this version of the Employee Handbook of Personnel Policies (July 1, 2025) for all employees under the supervision of the mayor. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Gretna, acting as legislative authority for said City, that: The City of Gretna Employee Handbook of Personnel Policies (July 1, 2025) under the supervision of the mayor is hereby adopted. Provided that a majority of the City of Gretna Council have voted in favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight on the tenth day following the Clerk’s presentment of the same to the Mayor, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the Mayor returns the same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period. Mayor Constant explained that process was a formality since she has been mayor. Years ago, had a labor attorney helped the city develop this employee handbook; and all the policies in the handbook; The handbook is formally adopted every four years with latest changes as the new council and mayor takes office again. All city employees will receive this updated copy of the handbook and will sign for it, acknowledging that they understand their responsibilities as a city employee.  7. Monthly Reports: A. Police Department. Chief Brett Lawson announced an addition to showcase event during Gretna Fest 2025. Will have the “Night Out Against Crime” on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Mel Ott Park from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM; it will be an opportunity for the public to come out for free and enjoy food, and drinks and music, and to meet the police staff. The public is invited to join them. B. City Engineer Projects Monthly Status Report: (Report in Agenda Packet) -Mr. David Boyd, City Engineer (Burk-Kleinpeter Inc.) summarized the September 10, 2025, city engineer’s report for the Mayor and Council Members.  C. Departmental Monthly Reports submitted (Agenda): (1) Finance Department "Actual vs. Budget for Major Funds" report. Distributed prior to the meeting. (2) Building Department - Permits Issued. (3) Code Enforcement - Code Violations. (4) Historic District Commission (September 2, 2025, Meeting) (5) Planning & Zoning Commission (Rescheduled September 3, 2025 Meeting) (6) Planning and City Development Status Report. (7) Parks and Parkways Maintenance Project Status Report.  D. Council District Monthly Report: Council Member Rau – Councilman at Large – Councilman Rau informed that the city was transforming rapidly in preparation for the Gretna Fest 2025. Page 5 of 6  September 10, 2025 – Minutes Council Member Smith, District 1 – Councilman Smith said the city had a very constructive District 1, meeting. The meeting was very productive and were able to announce the $50-Million Dollars the city is supposed to receive and the proposed projects with infrastructure with drainage, etc. Was looking forward in providing necessary services to District 1, was overwhelmed with the potential going forward. Council member Hinyub, District 2 – Council Hinyub informed there had been parking and traffic modifications, due to Gretna Fest 2025, and looking forward to a great fest. Please come out and enjoy. Council Member Miller, District 3. – Councilman Miller thanked the Jefferson Parish Office of Community Development to help Gretna progress with the 25th Street Canal Improvements Project. It was a great meeting and appreciated their participation and their help. He would also like to announce that the parents’ association were doing a “Youth and Booth” for the first time. A Halloween special, if you live in the city you can do a $20.00 basket, and they will bring and surprise your child with a treat. Call Parks and Recreation for more information (504) 363-1597. Council Member Carr, District 4 – Councilman Carr said everyone was excited about Gretna Fest 2025. At last month’s meeting we were able to hear from Cox Cable and Entergy. It was recommended to get the names of all the customers with no service. Names of the affected customers were gathered and provided to the service providers. The customers had their issues resolved; and some problems were resolved by infrastructure replacement and updating and replacing the wires and cables in their residences.  8. Introduction of Ordinances: A. An ordinance amending the Unified Development Code (UDC), Chapter 58; Article IV. -Site Development and Design Standards; Division 3. -Signs; by amending Sec. 58-191 through Sec. 58-202, by edit, addition, clarification and modification with recommendations by City Administration Staff . (Per attachment). Requested: Administration Sponsor: Councilman Hinyub 9. Citizens Addressing the Mayor and City Council: NONE 10. Other Matters: NONE 11. Meeting Adjournment: There was no further city business to conduct, and on a motion by Council Member Rau and seconded by Council Member Smith, the September 10, 2025, Council Regular meeting adjourned at 6:06 PM; and the same was unanimously approved. /S/ NORMA J. CRUZ, LCMC /S/ BELINDA C. CONSTANT CITY CLERK MAYOR CITY OF GRETNA CITY OF GRETNA STATE OF LOUISIANA STATE OF LOUISIANA A TRUE COPY: /S/ NORMA J. CRUZ, LCMC CITY CLERK CITY OF GRETNA STATE OF LOUISIANA Page 6 of 6