Retired Major Sam Zena, representing the 9-1-1 communications district, told the council that the communications center will replace seven outdated dispatcher consoles and highlighted progress on a redundant radio system.

"We're replacing 7 consoles at the 9-1-1 center, which the present ones are outdated," Zena said. He told Council members that FEMA awarded just over $1 million and the governor's homeland-security funds provided additional support, which trimmed the parish's remaining budget requirement to roughly $700,000.

Zena added that the redundant radio system is now up and running after a multiyear effort. No vote was required on the presentation; council members thanked Zena for the update.