2011-02-28 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Weston asked when she saw the consultant’s report on how to save money and become more efficient, how much was paid for this report when the City is constantly telling us they have financial problems. She said she knows how they could save money by not hiring all the consultants when the City already knows it is broke. Ms. Weston said they were led to believe that City staff would evaluate existing programs and expenditures, solicit public input and develop a budget. She asked when was the decision made to hire consultants, how was it made and how many studies were requested since August 2010 and their total cost. Ms. Weston hoped that citizens’ input would be included in the budget studies. Eleanor Mullin, 7162 Delmar Ms. Mullin, as President of the Historical Society, presented the finding on the condition of the Lion Gates at the City’s entrance. She noted that they were in serious disrepair - a lot of deterioration is present. She said before the Society makes a full report to the Council, they are exploring avenues of replacement as opposed to repair. She said at the suggestion of Mayor Welsch the Society will also have the four lions on the entrance steps to City Hall inspected along with the pylons on the Lions Gate. Ms. Mullin said they are looking at a major repair and would be looking into help from grants. Ellen Bern, 7001 Washington Ms. Bern, as a member of University City’s Board of Education, was present to invite everyone to go to the Cardinal game, Sunday April 3, 2011, for U City day at the ballpark. She said for $18 you receive a ticket with a face value of $34 and free hot dog and soda. If you come early, everybody gets free ice cream as long as it lasts; anyone 15 and under receives a free t-shirt and a free ticket to another Cardinal game in April or May; and lastly there will be an opportunity to run the bases at the end of the game. Ms. Bern said you could purchase a ticket from her tonight. Hazel Erby, 8340 Fullerton Ave Ms. Erby said she has seen the City face many problems but they always worked together in a respectful manner. She said the arrival of the new group to town has brought the City to an all time low. Ms. Erby said it appears that the City cannot expect anything positive from the new Council majority. She said the letters, the resolutions, the reprimands are out of control and bordering on insanity. Ms. Erby did not understand the expressed fear of the citizens. She said if this foolishness continues that maybe the Charter should be looked at for the procedure of recall. Willie and Nazaree Burns, 1150 Wilson Ms. Burns said they were there tonight as this was the date when we were to find out if the CDBG grant was approved. She was told the City has not heard anything as to whether the grant has been accepted or denied. She stated she sent Mr. Walker a letter stating that if the City did not get an answer by today, if they would still be held up or would the City proceed as originally promised. Ms. Burns said they need to know tonight by a vocal vote. Mayor Welsch stated there is not an answer the Council can give tonight. The Council would be checking with Mr. Walker on the additional grant status. She said the Council is not prepared with all information to provide a vote on anything tonight. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS J. CONSENT AGENDA 4