Laserfiche WebLink
L. CITIZEN COMMENTS <br />Correy Smotherson, 1243 Purdue <br />Mr. Smotherson was present to give an update on the double-decker bus as proposed <br />by the Brittany Woods Robotic Team. He said the team was invited to Jefferson City to <br />compete in the METS formally known as the Governor’s Cup. Mr. Smotherson said the <br />rd <br />Team placed 23 out of 36 at the Regionals qualifying them to go to Jefferson City. The <br />double-decker bus will be in to Loop area February 20 through the 21. Metro was not <br />able to provide insurance coverage so the bus will only be available for touring not <br />riding. <br /> <br />Trish Fontana, Creve Coeur <br />Ms. Fontana spoke on behalf of the school district thanking Council for supporting the <br />Youth Job Initiative. <br /> <br />Rick Salamon, 6404 Cates <br />Mr. Salamon stated it was a pleasure to sit through an orderly meeting for a change. He <br />was present to speak about the erosion of civility that appears in the Council meetings. <br />The discussion began with Mr. Price for which he commended him for being a consistent <br />advocate for youth; however frequently at meetings he has shown a lack of tolerance, <br />courtesy and respect for fellow Councilmembers and citizens who attend these <br />meetings. Mr. Salamon said this sets a negative example to the young people who sat <br />through the last meeting. He next addressed Mr. Mayor for letting comments that are <br />not civil go on for as long as they do. Mr. Salamon stated that Mr. Crow’s platform when <br />running for City Council was to bring consensus to the Council but he sat through these <br />meetings never objecting to some of the comments made. He addressed Mr. Wagner <br />stating that he has been on the Council for decades and wonder why he does not object <br />to some of the antics that happen in this chamber. In addressing Mr. Sharpe he noted <br />that Mr. Price has referred to him as his mentor. Mr. Salamon’s suggestion to him was <br />to do some mentoring. Finally he said he may disagree with Ms. Ricci on some items <br />but we are able to carry on a civil discourse. Mr. Salamon said unfortunately that is a <br />lesson her fellow Councilmembers have not learned. <br /> <br />John Williams, 7018 Dartmouth <br />Mr. Williams wanted to speak on behalf of the Youth Job Corp. He stated that from what <br />he hears, you judge people by the way they look. Mr. Williams said it was not fair to <br />judge people by the way they look like, as you don’t know them on a personal level. <br /> <br />Robin Reed, 1079 N. Hanley <br />Ms. Reed strongly believes the Job Youth Corp should be passed. Whenever I apply for <br />a job it is always asked if I have any job experience. She believes the Job Youth Corp <br />will give the teens the experience needed towards a career rather than just a job. She <br />said one of the big arguments against the Job Corp is the money isn’t there but this is an <br />investment that will come back tenfold. The Youth Job Corp will give the youth <br />something to do in their idle time and would save a lot of money by creating productive <br />citizens. Ms. Reed stated that the youth are not asking for a hand-out but rather they <br />are asking for a chance. <br /> <br />Richard Dockett, 6844 Crest Ave <br />Mr. Dockett gave Ms. Reed’s presentation to the City Clerk and is attached at the end of <br />these minutes. He again emphasized his support of the Youth Job Corp. Mr. Dockett <br /> <br /> 8 <br /> <br />