2009-02-23 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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University City’s former Municipal Judge, Marvin Boisseau. Mr. Glickert also gave special recognition to Selma Schlaffmann who is turning 101 years of age. Ms. Ricci also believed that the tax initiatives were premature. Ms. Ricci asked Council a couple of weeks ago about her concern over conflict of interest. She stated that conflict of interest was to address pecuniary gains but felt that if it does not appear that a Councilmember can make a candid impartial decision focusing only on the interest and undivided loyalty to University City and felt that if the appearance was not there, then there is a conflict and the right thing would be to recues oneself. Ms. Ricci stated she specifically was speaking about Mr. Crow and his relationship and if any school board decision should come before Council, she believes there would be a conflict of interest. Ms. Ricci also mentioned the talk Honorable Joan Bray presentation on revenue at the Missouri Municipal League’s Dinner in Jefferson City talking about the need to capture sales tax on internet sales. Mr. Sharpe mentioned the University City’s Focus group meeting that was to take place February 24 at the Heman Park Community Center. Mr. Wagner stated that although the City needs revenue to maintain public services, he feels that 2009 is not the right year to put a property tax increase on the ballot and will not support it. Mr. Crow stated in regard to the conflict of interest suggested by Ms. Ricci that the most appropriate way was to refer it to the City Attorney who had responded and he would welcome any input from any of his Councilmembers who would want to hold him to a higher level of care than of others previously on this Council, and particularly when all likelihood there was a far greater overtone in this issue between his partner and himself. He was disillusion with this conversation and hoped that the other members of Council would work with the City Attorney on an appropriate course of action. This was to be a part of a study session and at any point of time be happy to talk with any member of Council or the public about the dedication his partner has toward the schools and he has toward the .City. Mr. Crow mentioned the married relationship of the Liebermans, one being on the school board and the other a member of the Council and never was there a mention of conflict of interest. Mr. Crow stated that if any member of the Council would like to have any further discussion with him or with the City Attorney, he would welcome that. Ms. Ricci felt it necessary to comment in rebuttal and told Mr. Crow not to take it personally as this would be her position for anyone on the City Council who had a significant other on any type of board or organization that came before this body to make any kind of request, her position would be the same as it was in the past and still will be in the future. Ms. Ricci stated the statute deals with pecuniary interests. In the letter of the law perhaps there is not a conflict but she felt in the spirit of a notion of being a conflict when one has a fiduciary duty that appearance alone for her directs what one would need to do. Mayor Adams announced the next Council meeting on March 23 with a study session dealing with purchasing, bidding procedures. A Civic Series will be on March 12 dealing with Conflict of Interest. Mayor Adams stated that he did not consider Mr. Crow’s position to be a conflict of interest.