2014-06-09 Regular Council agenda

Home Browse Search

6. Resolution 2014 – 25 City Council reprimand of Mr. Kraft; REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA. BILLS Introduced by Mr. Sharpe 7. BILL 9229 - An ordinance vacating and surrendering a fifteen feet wide north/south public alley Right-of-Way located adjacent to the west boundary of Lot 1 of Boschert’s boundary of block 4 of Delprice Subdivision; reserving any public easements, and directing that this ordinance be recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of St. Louis County, Missouri. The ordinance was read for the first time. O. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (continued if needed) Leo Glickert, 7750 Blackberry Avenue, University City, MO Mr. Glickert stated that he is a lifeguard at the Heman Park Pool and was present on behalf of himself and his coworkers. He stated that he and several other lifeguards were informed that they had not correctly completed their W-4 forms which are required to be filled out at the start of the season. As a result, paychecks for every lifeguard, as well as the assistant manager, were going to be withheld until the next pay period. Mr. Glickert stated that it was totally unfair to penalize those employees who had filled out their forms correctly, but it was absolutely ridiculous for everyone to be informed about this situation two days before they were supposed to get paid. He stated that he does not understand why employees were not told about the errors shortly after the forms were turned in rather than waiting until the end of the pay period. Mr. Glickert stated that a call to upper management resolved the problem, but since this is not the first time he has experienced complications with getting paid, he suggested that a procedure be put in place to ensure that this does not happen again. Jen Jensen, 706 Pennsylvania, University City, MO Ms. Jensen stated that she is very proud of this City’s Council. While she believed that each and every member puts forth a lot of effort to satisfy their responsibilities, her wish is that everyone would stop this foolishness and really get back to work. Ms. Jensen stated that it has come to her attention that the idea of outsourcing the management of Heman Park Pool has resurfaced and she would like to say upfront, please do not even think about doing this. She stated that she has four words for whoever made this suggestion; been there, done that. Ms. Jensen stated that it did not work for the previous administration and residents do not want to see it come back again. She stated that local management works best. City staff is doing a great job, the pool seems to be getting better and better, and her hope is that this concept never comes before this Council for approval. Beth Norton, 724 Trinity Avenue, University City, MO Ms. Norton stated that she made an honest mistake about her voting record in the 2012 election, but th Dr. Carr’s response has absolutely confirmed every other statement that she made at the May 12 meeting. She stated that there are countless ways that Dr. Carr could have responded to her comments, but she chose to respond true to form, the way that her supporters and non-supporters have seen Dr. Carr respond throughout the years that she has been a member of this Council. Ms. Norton stated that Dr. Carr made a public display of her self-righteousness, finding fault and attempting to discredit her for not agreeing or praising Dr. Carr. Ultimately it destroyed any possibility of a meaningful dialogue or hope that Dr. Carr could be a thoughtful and open-minded person. Ms. Norton stated that speaking about her in this public meeting was certainly in line with the many online posts, recordings, videos and statements to the media that Dr. Carr has disseminated in her grandiose attempts to exalt herself at the expense of her colleagues. She stated that per the minutes, Dr. Carr referred to her by name at least six times. Ms. Norton reminded Dr. Carr that she is a private citizen and for Councilmember Carr to speak publicly in this regard is distasteful, improper, intimidating and grounds for a censure. Ms. Norton stated that she also wanted to remind Dr. Carr that it was unacceptable to have her husband ask other citizens questions about her and for him to speak wrongly about her in public. She noted if she ever hears about Dr. Carr speaking about her again in a public forum, she will bring the matter before the entire Council. Ms. Norton stated that for Dr. Carr to assume th that someone manipulated her into making the May 12 statement was an insult. Ms. Norton stated that Dr. Carr continually complains about all of the attacks she has experienced as a member of Council, yet she continues to attack the City Manager, the Mayor, or any other member of Council who does not move in lockstep with her. Moreover, Dr. Carr encourages these attacks with