Ponchartrain Center layoffs

An HR staffer said ten workers got one week's notice with no severance, and criticized the administration for not offering them other city jobs.

A near-60-year-old sales coordinator asked the council to consider severance packages for the arena crew.

An 18-year arena engineer losing his benefits blasted the handling of the terminations, noting he and his crew were still expected to set up the inauguration.

A 27-year employee told the council she was notified June 23 that her job ends June 30 and asked only that someone from the city come speak with the workers.

Called the layoffs 'collateral damage' and urged an investigation; also stood by his brake tag opposition and asked about leftover light poles on Williams Boulevard.