2009-07-20 Regular City Council Session

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is still waiting for a list of office supplies she requested at last meeting. She stated that there was a dictate by the Mayor that she is not able to amend the budget and noted that this is inaccurate and wrong. She agreed with Ms. Jensen that the question should be answered as to what happens if the tax increase does not pass. Concerning the Prop S brochure, Ms. Ricci asked if it was done in house and how much did it cost. She was troubled that picturing the fire truck on it was certainly subliminal, if this does not pass, the City’s much esteemed firemen will not get what is their due. Ms. Ricci asked why the City Manger told Mr. Tom Sullivan that the brochure was not printed yet when on the same day it was included in Council’s packet. She was troubled by spending City money and not providing neutral information, but rather biased information at a very late date at the City’s expense, not counting the $8,800 spent on the consultant previously, plus the election expense. Ms. Ricci stated she was trouble that the Mayor independently moved without Council approval or participation, calling the Attorney General to complain against a citizen sitting on a commission. She apologized and said there was no Council approval for this action. Ms. Ricci thought it opened the City up for exposure. It was her hope the Mayor would withdraw his request the first thing in the morning. Mr. Price said he had good news for flood homes stating that State officials have been made aware of the continual flooding and seeking assistance in expediting applications. He said they will send videos to both Senators and Congressman Clay in order for this not to be dropped. Mr. Price’s phase two was to get Congressional and Senatorial delegation involved and the City has done this. Mr. Price talked about the U City Alumni picnic with the City working together with the school district in this function. He stated it was a great function to keep in touch and encouraging people to move into the vacant homes. On September 10, Mr. Price and Mr. Sharpe are working with some banks on a home mortgage seminar. He was encouraged with the weatherization program which is presently backlogged. Mr. Price stated that on August 13 there will be a seminar relating to the demolition of Barbara Jordan and the construction of the new project. The green house project has had RFPs issued in the northeast section of town. Mr. Price said that people can vote what they would like. He supported Proposition S. Mr. Crow thanked the Green Practice Commission for their earlier report. He was excited about the partnership with Olivette and with the school district on Flynn Park with their tennis courts. Mr. Crow felt it was important to look for additional partnerships with surrounding communities and with school systems as to how to use our resources better and more efficiently. He announced the filmmakers showcase project of U City High School students, which was partially funded by CALOP. He thanked the City and staff for the $20,000 reduction in Professional Development. Mr. Crow said that everyone wants a vibrant community and we all have different ways of getting there. He stated that we are one community and does not believe there is any ill-intent or that any of us does this except for the betterment of our community. Mr. Crow thought that with the confusion with Robert’s Rules of Order the Council has had, it would be a good idea to set up a study session to be lead by an expert.