Beyond the headline items, Hammond’s City Council approved a package of routine and project items on Dec. 9.
Key approvals and outcomes:
- Rezoning: Final adoption of a rezoning request for 806 Mooney Avenue (RS‑3 to RM‑2) passed after the applicant requested reintroduction. Planning and Zoning recommended the change with a 3‑0 vote and council adopted the ordinance.
- Event alcohol waivers and permits: The council approved a resolution authorizing the Hammond Regional Arts Center to serve alcohol during its Art of the Cocktail fundraiser (Feb. 28, 2026) and a limited open‑container waiver for the event. Melissa Griffin, executive director, described the fundraiser as a major revenue source for arts programming.
- License renewal: The Brown Door’s 2026 alcohol renewal was approved after the administration reported no new disqualifying facts and the state’s prior suspension had been adjudicated.
- Grants and interagency agreements: The council authorized participation in the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force MOA (subgrant to Hammond PD via Jefferson Parish Sheriff) and approved a grant application pairing $12,000 from a Bulford Vests Partnership with a $12,000 local match to purchase body armor for officers.
- Bids and capital projects: Spangler Engineering recommended awarding the Airport East utility extension to Greenbrier Digging Service as the lowest responsive bidder; the Allied Street (Bridal/Allied) street improvements bid was awarded to Arbor Construction LLC. Both bids came in under budget, according to engineers on hand.
- Fleet: The council authorized purchase of six Dodge Durangos under state contract to replace totaled and aging patrol vehicles; the vehicles will be paid from the police millage and will be equipped with GPS tracking. The vote carried with a majority; one council member voted no.
Council members and staff said many of these actions reflect budgeted items and prior planning processes; project managers confirmed outreach plans and timelines for construction and resident notice.
Next steps: Planning, public works and police department staff will execute contracts, notify affected residents and report back to the council on procurement and project schedules.