New Orleans City Council reads ordinance to add utility customer protections on first reading

The New Orleans City Council moved to advance routine first-reading items and, following a voice vote, the clerk read Ordinance Calendar No. 35,422 on first reading.

Council member Hughes moved to "vote the little orders on first reads," and Vice President Willard seconded the motion. A voice vote followed; the transcript records the result as a 6-0 voice outcome, after which the presiding officer said, "All right, you can read."

The clerk read the ordinance, identified on the calendar as No. 35,422 and sponsored by Council members Morrell, Willard, McCarran, King and Hughes, saying: "An ordinance to amend and reordain chapter 158 of the code of the city of New Orleans to establish customer protections, rules governing regulatory proceedings, and guidelines for utility programs, and otherwise to provide with respect thereto." The clerk then stated, "That concludes the ordinances on first reading."

The ordinance as read would amend Chapter 158 of the Code of the City of New Orleans to add customer protections and to set rules for regulatory proceedings and utility programs. The transcript does not record further debate, public comment, or a final vote on adoption of the ordinance; the reading on first reading is a preliminary procedural step under the council's rules.

After the reading, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded. A voice vote was called; the presiding officer declared, "Meeting's adjourned. Thank you." The transcript does not include a numeric tally for that adjournment vote.

The ordinance remains at first reading pending any additional readings, public hearings, or committee action required by council rules.