Kenner · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kenner public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Firefighter pay dispute and FY2026-27 budget
The council adopted next year's operating and capital budgets, restoring the general fund balance to about $10.1 million and moving money to council district capital accounts for streets and drainage. The mayor warned that repeatedly cutting capital money could cost the city state and federal matching funds for big projects.
Kenner mall abatement progress
The council president is pressing the mall's owners over cut-but-uncollected grass, fallen trees and trash, sending dozens of code enforcement photos.
No-parking sign dispute in District 1
Resident Glenda McGee said it took over a year for the city to remove signs illegally placed in the right-of-way near her home, leaving safety concerns with damaged grass and holes. The mayor promised to follow up with her and Code Enforcement next week.
Crimen annual leave dispute
Chief of Fire Prevention Keith Crimen, Jr. is contesting the fire department's decision to rescind annual leave he says state law entitles him to. A hearing will be held at the board's next regular meeting.
Fire Prevention Officer classification amendment
Kenner's fire department wants to update the Fire Prevention Officer job description to match new statewide certification standards for inspectors and investigators. A public hearing is set for December 15, 2026, and the change only takes effect if the department first shows how employees will earn the required certifications.
Police Lieutenant exam with time-in-rank waiver
Sergeants who haven't usually spent the required time in rank can now sit for the Police Lieutenant exam, but only for this one exam — widening who can compete for promotion.
G-League arena renovations change order
The council awarded a $3.44 million contract to Kent Design Build to renovate the convention center for the Pelicans' G-League team, who reimburse the city over time through rent offsets. The team should be playing there this fall.
$3.5 million in state aid to the Kenner Police Department
SWAT is getting 20 new ballistic helmets now, and a $415,720 armored tactical response vehicle was introduced. The city also ratified emergency fire apparatus repairs and celebrates the new Duke Street fire station opening Monday.
City's storm-media visibility
A resident asked why Kenner gets no airtime during weather events; the city's PIO explained the parish leads emergency press conferences and various city officials appear on TV and radio.
Flock camera oversight
A resident asked whether Kenner's license-plate cameras have been abused, after scandals elsewhere. The police chief reported audits since 2023 have found no abuse and new AI audit tools are coming.
School-zone and stop-sign safety
Councilman Riehm flagged viral resident concern about speeding and thanked police for traffic enforcement, reminding drivers the limit is 20 mph in neighborhoods.
Firefighter cancer screening compliance
A resident flagged that a state-approved voluntary cancer screening program for firefighters, passed in mid-2024, hasn't reached Kenner firefighters yet. The mayor and fire chief explained they're building a first-in-the-nation tracking registry with LSU and Ochsner and expect testing to start within a month or two.
North Kenner town hall after South Lake Village/Woodlake incident
After Tuesday's SWAT-level incident in North Kenner, the chief plans a town hall with Councilman Riehm to answer residents' questions.
Motorized scooters and bicycles in traffic
A resident described a near-miss with an unlicensed motorized bicycle weaving between cars. The police chief said enforcement is active, including arrests, and a public awareness and school outreach program is planned before summer.
New four-way stop signs at Thirty-Second Street and Arkansas Avenue
Cars keep crashing at this intersection — sometimes straight into a house at the corner. A city traffic study backed a four-way stop, and the council approved it unanimously. Councilwoman Dunn wants police to publicize the change so drivers actually stop.
Fire department equipment maintenance
A resident flagged a social media list of fire truck repairs, prompting an administration breakdown showing most items were minor, several already fixed, and only one truck briefly out of service that day. Two new trucks arrive this week; a new maintenance contractor has begun preventive maintenance.
Firefighter cancer screenings
The fire department is screening active members for eleven statutorily mandated cancers through Ochsner's MD Anderson partnership, with retiree outreach ongoing.
Fire Station 38 completion
Phase one of the fire station construction was formally accepted; officials explained the ~$6.2 million total covers construction plus design, inspection, and testing, with the $5.2 million guaranteed maximum unchanged.
Police helmet cameras for tactical teams
Police get helmet-mounted cameras that relocate the body-cam view onto tactical operators' helmets, improving footage and letting commanders see live what's happening inside structures.
Fire truck repair backlog
A resident flagged a social media list of fire trucks needing repairs, asking whether trucks are out of service. The fire chief confirmed all front-line trucks remain in service, issues are minor, and a new maintenance contract takes effect after second reading.
Derelict property at 54 Verde Street
A neighbor described a home overrun with vermin, with a downed fence, a pool untended for 25 years that nearly drowned a man, and an owner who can't be located — even his agent can't reach the former Saints player thought to own it.
Unenforced lighting code provisions
A resident pointed out Kenner's building code bans lights above rooflines but has no day-to-day enforcement mechanism, letting businesses install bright floodlights — like the Star station on Williams. The code director said the rule was written for new construction, and the city is actively pursuing court summons on commercial-to-residential light complaints.