Kenner · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kenner public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Accessory building setback appeal — 3804 Connecticut Avenue
A homeowner on Connecticut Avenue is appealing how the city's accessory-building rules apply to their property. Kenner's code requires detached accessory buildings — sheds, garages and similar structures — to sit at least six feet from the main house. The board's decision could affect how strictly that rule is enforced.
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.
Special Industrial rezonings in Kenner Heights
Two rezonings put recently sold street parcels and a former planned-unit-development lot into the Special Industrial district, matching the surrounding airport-area uses.
Odor and pest complaints at LA Fish and Seafood
A District One resident says foul odors from the fish market at 606 Shaw Street seep into homes and draw swarms of flies; the councilwoman promised to revisit the site.
Westminster Towers senior housing rehab
A PILOT deal cleared the council, unlocking $2.6 million in private equity to renovate Tower Two's 82 senior apartments after a $4.1 million Tower One makeover that never displaced residents.
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.
Retirement of CAO Jose Gonzalez
The council honored — and jokingly tried to block — the retirement of CAO Jose Gonzalez, credited with roughly $100 million in infrastructure work and countless grants over nearly 50 years of public service.
New Orleans Aviation Board appointment process
The seat has been vacant since February; the council sent three names forward but not before a fight over whether incoming members should get a say. The New Orleans mayor makes the final pick.
Waste tire dumping enforcement
The city contracts with Waste Pro to collect and track dumped tires, with costs historically under $10,000 a year. Council members flagged heavy commercial dumping near the railroad tracks and urged residents to report it.
Laketown playground construction
The recreation director reported the gym repair is stuck in a dispute with FEMA over more than half a million dollars of a roughly $1 million estimate, but new playground equipment for the north side arrives this month and should open by summer.
Kenner Loop transit overhaul
Starting Sunday, one bus runs straight up Williams Boulevard while a modified loop serves the rest, cutting the ride by about 40 minutes. The northwest corner (two-lane and West Loyola north of West Esplanade) becomes a door-to-door lift zone paid by the parish. Hospital and Social Security Office stops are preserved.
Rivertown amphitheater moving to bid
Jefferson Parish took a procedural vote Wednesday to start advertising the amphitheater construction bid — the culmination of two years of funding and permitting work, including Army Corps sign-off near the levee.
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.
Muss Bertolino Stadium upgrades and fall football
New wall pads approved and members celebrated the stadium's rebirth — expanded seating, donated AEDs and Catholic League football coming to Kenner, which officials say could bring an economic boost.
AED donations to Kenner Recreation
Councilman Riehm's family foundation — created after his cousin Chad Barcia died of sudden cardiac arrest — donated five AEDs to the city's recreation department. Three will go to Muss Bertolino.
West Esplanade bridge condition
The 50-year-old westbound bridge was limited to 5 tons in February but emergency repairs reopened both lanes at higher load ratings; officials will seek federal money to replace it.
CDBG and HOME grant plan
The council approved the annual action plan for about $519,022 in federal community development money that funds programs for the public.
287(g) Immigration Agreement and Local Economy
Three residents urged the council and Mayor Glaser to reconsider the 287(g) agreement that lets Kenner police work with ICE, saying it's hurting Kenner's economy and making immigrant families afraid. Administration staff countered that sales tax revenue is up about 5% this year.
Naming Veterans Park exhibit area for Claude Tadaro
The council honored the late Claude Tadaro, the volunteer who spent years securing military equipment for Veterans Park, by naming the exhibit area after him. A split debate over deferring the honor delayed the vote but the measure passed unanimously in time for the May 21 Memorial Day ceremony.