One high school administrator said the district told her to change school policy in what may have been an overstep.
The council decided the new factory was worth it, despite aspects of both applications that violate local rules.
"Faking a subpoena is clearly improper under the law," one judge said.
The hearing was planned for public discussion of the proposed Plaquemines Liquids Terminal. The PLT is a massive crude oil export terminal that would be built adjacent to the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion.
Port employees told The Lens that the debate over the mural evolved into a wider conversation over how the Port leadership handles issues of race, the treatment of non-white employees and the lack of people of color in senior staff positions.
The council's decision goes against the wishes of Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who argued the council has "no role" in investigating the collapse.
Employees will receive back pay from the date of their suspensions in September.