2014-05-12 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

everyone on that podium is supposed to represent all of their constituency and not just the people who voted for them. He stated the Mayor, along with Council and staff should be ashamed of themselves for maintaining a double standard. Mr. Arnold stated that after being a resident of Clayton for sixty-two years he moved to University City and he cannot wait until the first opportunity arises for him to move back. He stated that he is incensed, embarrassed, feels as though he has been bullied and believes that he is due a huge apology. Jeff Hales, 7471 Kingsbury Mr. Hales stated that he wanted to speak on what he believes to be the most egregious aspect of the suspension of the City’s firefighters. He stated that at the last City Council meeting everyone heard both the City Manager and City Attorney state publicly that our firefighters were suspended for “violating the state statute”. The City Attorney went on to read the Missouri Revised Statute 67.145, which was just passed last year, “No political subdivision of this State shall prohibit any first responder from engaging in any political activity while off-duty and not in uniform”. He stated that she went on to state that the statute “limits firefighters and police officer’s participation”. Mr. Hales stated this is not a matter of interpretation; this is a matter of reading comprehension. He stated that the law is very clear; the City has the right to restrict political participation of first responders in two instances, while they are on-duty and while they are in uniform. Mr. Hales asked if anyone could provide a University City Ordinance or Administrative Regulation that prohibits their participation while on-duty or in uniform, because the State statute does not restrict a first responder’s participation in any way. He stated that he cannot underscore enough the importance that the City’s firefighters are not accused of violating a City policy or Ordinance but have been publicly accused of breaking a state law. Mr. Hales stated that he has always understood that when you break the law, whether it’s Federal, State or even Municipal, no matter how insignificant you can be arrested or at the very least, issued a citation. He stated that under the law every citizen has a right to due process. They have the right to go to court and argue their case and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Mr. Hales stated that the guilt of these six firefighters has not been determined by a judge or a jury, it has been presumed, and they must sue to protect their innocence. He stated that rather than turning this serious accusation over to the proper authorities the City Manager has taken it upon himself to suspend the civil liberties of the City’s firefighters by denying them due process. In effect, Mr. Walker becomes the judge, jury and executioner. So not only has he denied them the right to due process, he has publicly defamed the integrity and character of each and every one of them. Mr. Hales stated that such an arbitrary exercise of government power isn’t just an affront to the values of this City it’s an affront to the fundamental values of this country. He stated that he would implore everyone to consider what is happening here, not just to these firefighters, but to the reputation of this City. Carl Cibulka, 1421 Coolidge Drive Mr. Cibulka stated that several years ago he was accused of a crime by the Director of Facilities for which he pled not guilty. He stated that as a result, Jared and his staff came into his house and removed some of his items. Mr. Cibulka stated that in his opinion, the best thing for the City to do is to disband and disintegrate itself, just like the City of St. George. He stated that he does not want University City to collect ten percent taxes on his utility bill, petition the Federal Government for monies or collect sales tax, because he believes wholeheartedly that St. Louis County can do the same job cheaper, faster, better and with more honesty. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS J. CONSENT AGENDA K. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT 1. Approval to authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional service agreement with Spry Digital for Olive Blvd graphic and marketing website design services. 4