2014-04-28 Reg Part 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

stated that he had made a similar request to the City of St. Louis that was honored immediately because they know how to handle these requests in the correct manner. Mr. Sullivan stated that he keeps hearing so much about transparency and openness, and in fact, one candidate in the last election stated that never in the history of University City has there been more transparency. He stated that while he is hopeful that this matter will be resolved, in his opinion, never in the City’s history has there been less transparency. Barbara Rueter, 1161 Moorlands Drive Ms. Rueter stated that she is a retired educator and a grandmother who has a grandson with asthma. She stated that over the years she has seen children who were on breathing machines and nebulizers because of the pollution here in St. Louis. So she would like to encourage Council to support the Against Coal Campaign that the Sierra Club is fighting right now since it would be beneficial to anyone who has children or grandchildren. Elsie Glickert, 6712 Etzel Ms. Glickert stated that University City has been a Charter Home Rule Council manager form of government since 1947. The City’s Charter in Article 7, Section 60, clearly states “No City employee shall make any contribution, direct or indirect, to any candidate for Council or Mayor of the City, or take part in the political campaign of any candidate for Councilman or Mayor,” and this is what separates University City from patronage government. Ms. Glickert stated that the fallacious and distasteful materials sent out by the Firefighter’s Union demeaning candidates, was clearly a violation of the City’s Charter that was agitated and prompted by the Union. She stated that in addition to the firefighter’s monthly Union dues of $60.00 her understanding is that there is another monthly assessment of $50.00 per member throughout St. Louis County that goes into the Union’s slush fund. And in University City alone that $50.00 cash assessment amounts to $24,000 annually. Ms. Glickert stated that in her opinion, this represents indirect participation that is clearly a violation of the City’s Charter. She stated that it has even been asked, “What is the Union’s interest in destroying good government in University City.” Ms. Glickert stated that the City’s firefighters are in a Fire Department with a budget that is overseen by City Council. However throughout much of St. Louis County Fire Districts are mainly controlled by the Union. So in addition to municipal taxes, residents within these districts must pay a fire district tax where there is no oversight of the budget. Ms. Glickert stated that each district is comprised of an elected Board that is also largely controlled by the Union. She stated that University City does not need this, and the City’s Fire Department should remain the way it has been governed since the Charter was adopted in 1947. She stated that what is needed is an audit of this Union’s slush fund. It should also be mentioned that a previous president of the Union was sentenced to prison for attempting to bribe an elected official. M. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mr. Price stated that while it is his understanding that the City has mutual agreements with other fire departments, what really concerns him is that if University City has to rely on other municipalities for help as the nation moves into tornado season, flooding, storms, or any other type of catastrophic event, there is a strong possibility that there will be no mutual aid coming forth since these neighboring municipalities may find themselves in the exact same situation. And in his opinion, the City Manager does not have the authority to put the public at-risk without first receiving approval by City Council. Mr. Price stated that he would like to see this Council reconsider this matter by looking at the long-term effects that this decision will have on the entire community. The ramifications of these decisions may be much bigger than just taking an action and then thinking that it will simply go away. He stated that Council really needed to decide whether or not their role is to protect the public welfare. If they do not believe that it is, then those members need to resign and go home. Mr. Price stated that his belief is that is the role of this Council and for any member to now say that they wish to abrogate that role to the public is something that he would never agree to. 11