2009-09-21 Regular City Council Session

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Mr. Price had a couple of questions for the City Manager. The first was related to the petition, he would hope the Police Chief was apprised of the situation when it happened or shortly there after. Even though he is against the petition, everybody has the right to do the petition. Secondly he asked the City Manager for the training date for the residents who were affected by the flood. The City Manager stated it was October 6 and the residents affected by the flood were notified by letters. Mr. Price asked the current status of the flood victims. The City Manager stated the status has not changed since the last letter that went out. SEMA completed their review and went on to FEMA who still has it. She stated that when the City hears from them, an additional letter will be sent. She stated the focus on the meeting on the October 6 is about understanding the regional response plan and how we fit into the larger region. Focus will be on overview of what to be aware of. Mr. Price asked the City Manager on status if they were on schedule. Ms. Feier felt that they were slightly ahead of schedule. She was hopeful that the City would hear by the end of the year. Mr. Price stated to the City Manager that he does not think the large gangs in the Loop area is fixed, as a friend was sitting outside at a Loop establishment, when a group of about fifty ran past from the University City side of the Loop to the City side. He noted in the report he received, that most of the arrests occur between nine and ten-thirty at night. He asked the City Manager to get an update from the Chief as to where the City is with the Loop situation. Mr. Price feels activities like that spills over into the school system. He noted that the Chief is working with the school board to identify individuals who may be causing disruptions and there will be another open session to discuss various issues. Mr. Crow stated that the Council will all like to hear more about the incident at the post office. On a positive note he and Mr. Wagner have worked with the police in curbing activity in Ames Place and thanked the Chief for increased presence in the neighborhood. He commended the police and fire department for their overwhelming presence in the Loop he noticed around dinner time. He hopes the City works with the business owners to make sure all the patrons feel safe. Mr. Crow again stated that he is concerned that all pension funds are invested with one manager. He stated it is an appropriate concern for the City to monitor those funds and move those funds out of one into several. He commended the school district for the successful Barbara C. Jordan ground breaking. Mr. Crow stated that Olive and I 170 is the area that the City needs to expand because that is where the developable land is. He said that Olive will present its own unique set of challenges because of its length but also opens opportunities. Mr. Crow stated the Traffic Commission did move forward on the parking solution for Forsyth; as soon as Highway 40 opens, the recommendation will be for the south side rush lane be eliminated and for the north side to have their permit parking allowed. Mr. Sharpe commented on the open budget session that was held. He stated that Ms. Feier and Ms. Watson did an outstanding job in explaining to individuals what the budget was all about and dealing with some of the concerns they had. His only concern was that there were not many individuals present. Many individuals have questions but when certain situations occur they do not always come forth, so that questions they have can be answered. Mr. Sharpe hoped that these open meetings on the budget can happen quarterly so these individuals can come and have their questions answered.