2014-05-12 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Ms. Hummel noted the Mayor stated that the City’s first African-American City Manager was being treated and attacked at last Monday’s Council meeting and received calls from African-Americans residents who were upset by this action. Ms. Hummel said he was not being attacked but rather called to task for what he did, nothing about his race was said. She said just because Mr. Walker is African-American does not mean that he is above criticism. Ms Hummel said in response to Mayor Welsch’s accusation of an on-going negativity, spread by a small group of University City residents, needs to stop marginalizing and demonizing citizens. She said University City is a city of diversity because of the involvement of caring citizens. Ms. Hummel noted that University City is the city of many people who vigilantly watch over the government and speak out often – people like Cindy Thierry, Tom Sullivan, Gloria Nickerson, Greg Pace, Kevin Taylor and Paulette Carr. She noted the diverse voices are important. Barbara Chicherio, 720 Harvard Ms. Chicherio was present in support of the firefighters. She stated the firefighters should immediately be reinstated and reimbursed for the days missed. At first she thought it was petty revenge but now considers it to be a free speech issue. Edward J. McCarthy, 7101 Princeton Mr. McCarthy stated that the resolutions and the firefighter issue were settled on April 8, 2014. The firefighters made their case for the voters and they lost all three wards and the mayoral race. If they would have presented the firefighters’ positions on the issues it would have been better than condemning and criticizing the other candidates. The firefighters were using the Council as a tool to get what they want. After they have gotten their raise they will not need the Council. All of the Councilmembers and Mayor who were voted in office should vote the way the people voted – against the resolutions and the firefighters. Felix Simmons, 6620 Chamberlain Mr. Simmons thought Council should take action and that was not done by postponing indefinitely. He noted he was an IT specialist and was not his call to walk into a building on fire to save a life. He stated this has become a power struggle. Mr. Simmons stated that he is not saying that what the firefighters did was 100 percent right or wrong. He thought the penalty should be looked at again as it would not be a position of weakness or giving into voices in audience. Tracy Gritsenko, 737 Oakbrook Ms. Gritsenko asked the Council and Mayor to work together and stop the public quarreling and apparent filibustering. She stated that when they are voted into office residents expect them to be civil and get the work done. Ms. Gritsenko said we trust the Council to be their voice and rely on Council and Mayor to do the work and not let personal differences stall progress. She said she respected the City Manager positional responsibilities but many feel the punishment does not fit the crime. Ms. Gritsenko stated that she did not know what an appropriate suspension should be but felt a week or two would be sufficient. She asked Council to be mindful of their elected status and to remember that they have put faith and trust in them to behave civil and work together to govern the City. Mayor Welsch called for a vote on Resolution 2014-10. Mr. Kraft asked what Council was voting on. Mayor Welsch said the vote was on a motion to postpone indefinitely Resolution 2014 – 10. Mr. Price asked for a Roll Call 10