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Ms. Straatmann expressed her dislike with Council perks of travel and lap tops. <br />Paulette Carr, 7901 Gannon <br />Ms. Carr stated her disappointment of the budget hearing earlier with barely a quorum present <br />to listen to the public’s budget comments. She said it felt like a public hearing was provided <br />merely to comply with the Charter rather than a place where citizens might bring forward their <br />ideas and issues to willing ears. Ms. Carr noted that University City is the winner as the most <br />expensive city in which to live compared to nearby cities of Clayton, Maplewood, Olivette, <br />Webster Groves, Hazelwood, Shrewsbury, Brentwood and Richmond Heights. She <br />encouraged residents to visit a new website www.ucitycitizen.org. to read more. Ms. Carr <br />stated that Council should exercise their responsibility to the electorate and citizens to provide <br />good, clear guidance to Ms. Watson as she looks to cut the budget for all of us. <br />Elsie Glickert, 6712 Etzel <br />Ms. Glickert felt the City Clerk should set aside money in the budget in order to make copies of <br />the Charter to give to any new Commission members. She felt that residents are not aware of <br />the City Charter and what is in it. <br />Rod Jennings, 1306 Mt. Olive <br />Mr. Jennings stated he is opposed to new laptops for the Council. He stated they are already <br />on line and he has seen the use of computers as a type of weapon, spreading rumor laden <br />negative emails and background checks. Mr. Jennings said they were more financially fit than <br />the City and should purchase their own. Next he was against using cash reserves as we could <br />very likely need it in the near future and if weak reserves could affect our bond rating. Lastly he <br />advised the Council of the success of the Youth Jobs Program as it kept 22 youth off the <br />streets and gave them work experience. <br />COUNCIL COMMENTS <br />Mr. Glickert was in favor of Finance Director Ms. Watson keeping the expenses the same as <br />last fiscal year. <br />Mr. Crow asked the Interim City Manager Ms. Watson who requested a laptop from the Council. <br />Ms. Watson said that Mayor Welsch had requested one. He stated that by the end of the day <br />the City would need to cut employees or services. <br />Mayor Welsch stated that the budget is not set in stone and the Council will continue to make <br />adjustments. <br />Ms. Ricci noted some of the increases as presented in the FY 11 budget.She said everything <br />should be frozen. She asked that her council comments be made part of the record. <br />Mr. Price stated that he does not want the budget balanced on the back of sanitation as that <br />consists of all African American employees. <br />Mayor Welsch stated that Council will enter discussions next month and asked members to <br />have an open mind in order to move forward, to speak with respect and to make honest <br />decisions. <br />Mr. Glickert moved to go into Executive Session RSMO 610.021 (1) Legal, (2) Real Estate (3) <br />Personnel and was seconded by Mr. Kraft. <br /> 8 <br /> <br />