Sewerage and Water Board members ask no questions after executive director’s first report since Saturday’s flood

By Jennifer Crockett

Source: Fox 8

July 15, 2026

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) members had no questions, comments or critiques for Executive Director Randy Hayman on Wednesday following Hayman’s executive report on the July 11 flooding, despite the board’s oversight role. The regularly scheduled board meeting was the first public meeting of the utility’s governing board since Saturday’s flood. Fox 8 also did not see any public comments submitted.

Hayman’s report contained information that had already been released. It included no insight into ongoing investigations into human failures that Hayman said worsened flooding in Lakeview, Mid-City and City Park, or the specific problems that led to an automation failure at the Pritchard Pump Station, which left Hollygrove underwater for at least two hours. He said employees involved need more support and training.

Following the report, SWBNO President Pro Tem Chadrick Kennedy asked for any questions or comments. When no members responded, Kennedy thanked Hayman and moved on to the next agenda item.

Dillard University political analyst Robert Collins, Ph.D., said that would never be allowed among most governing bodies, but it has been the status quo for SWBNO.

“We’ve seen this from this board before. They don’t want to be critical of themselves. They don’t want to police themselves,” said Collins.

Collins pointed out that most current board members were appointed by former Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Because members serve four-year terms, current Mayor Helena Moreno’s appointees are not expected to hold a majority until late in her first term.

Bureau of Government Research President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray said in a statement that this is not the time for silence.

“As hurricane season continues, it’s essential that the SWBNO’s board maintain close oversight of pump station operations and readiness,” Mowbray wrote in the statement. “New Orleans depends on these systems, and board members have a responsibility to ensure the system is prepared to operate reliably when storms threaten.”

Moreno, who serves as board president, did not attend Monday’s meeting. Neither did City Council member Jason Hughes, the council’s appointee.

In a statement, Moreno’s communications director, Jonah Gilmore, said Steve Nelson, the deputy chief administrative officer for infrastructure, attends SWBNO board meetings in the mayor’s place.

“As a former General Superintendent of SWBNO and current Deputy CAO and Director of Public Works, Steve possesses unique experience and insight into infrastructure operations and planning citywide. Shortly after the meeting, Nelson met with Mayor Moreno and the PUMPS Task Force, providing them with updates related to Director Hayman’s executive report.”

Council member Hughes responded to an email request and said he was at the City Council’s Budget Committee meeting.

“Given the very fragile financial position that currently exists in the City of New Orleans, it is vital for me to participate in Budget discussions. The budget is one of three primary responsibilities of New Orleans City Council Members, pursuant to the City Charter. I unfortunately could not be two places at the same time. I previously received briefings from Director Hayman and his team on July 11 and July 12.”

Hughes added that Director Hayman will appear before the New Orleans City Council on July 22.

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