2008-09-22 Regular Council Session Agenda

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so the survey was in process before it was presented to the Council. She felt the survey questions were biased toward a quarter cent sales tax increase and she would like the City to be more prudent in reviewing their spending before asking for a tax increase. Mr. Jenson said she was still waiting to hear why the City, with a declining population, needed an Assistant City Manager and why there are so many staff people in the recreation department. Lastly she thanked Community Development Director Lehman Walker for the Charrette, for the area of N&S and Olive, which produced great brainstorming and the sharing of ideas. She is looking forward to seeing the results. Anne Marie, Kiddon, 7348 Wellington Ave. Ms. Kiddon has cause to believe the City is not taking the survey’s recommendations seriously and keeping in mind of what the citizens are asking for, as questions on the garage survey, overstaffing and would like to have a follow up on questions that have been raised. L. COUNCIL COMMENTS Michael Glickert was dismayed when he went to the pool the past weekend and saw that the slide was closed and the baby pool was closed at 4:00. He asked Ms. Feier to address the problem and fix it and hoped that next year this time would be different. Mr. Sharpe, Jr. complimented the street crew that did work in his neighborhood as they did an outstanding job on the curbs and streets. Mr. Price asked the City Manager to provide Council information related to curfew in the Loop area and a plan for next year to head off the trouble experienced recently. Mr. Crow asked the City Manger to provide him with additional follow-up on the garage consultant and where it stands. Secondly he asked the City Manager about Department Directors being able to go to HR Department and asked for a job reclassification without it going any farther, especially in view of the step process. He liked seeing the employee benefit survey going out as he would like to see what the employees see as beneficial. He believes benefits are what attracts and keeps good employees. Mr. Crow found the School District’s Community Engagement process meaningful in a way to work together. He would also like to plan ahead for the Loop area before next year’s busy time. He also congratulated the West th Portland Place on their 100 year neighborhood celebration. Ms. Ricci is still very seriously concerned about the City’s school system. She found the Charrette for North & South and Olive very exciting and interesting with many good ideas being expressed. Ms. Ricci wanted to address a citizen that came to her and said you are the “rabble rouser”. She wanted to be clear to the Council and to the citizens that her job is to remind Council, administration, employees that a Councilmember’s job is to serve the citizens of University City. She will not be shy about expressing her opinion when she feels anyone deviates from what is good for the City; she will vigorously fight for the citizens. Ms. Ricci encouraged citizens to become involved in the City whether on a board or commission or registering to vote and voting.