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future”. She stated that she never used the word hope in her email, because wishing and hoping will not get the job done. Ms. Santoro stated that the citizens of University City hope that tomorrow will be a good day; they hope that their local government will be back on track. However this Council and the City Manager are in no position whatsoever to rely on hope and certainly does not have the luxury of taking the easy way out or the option of avoiding difficult votes. She stated that each member of this City’s administration had assured residents that if they provided their support that they could make the hard choices and that they would be committed to establishing a more ethical and transparent government. Ms. Santoro stated that she has observed and worked with every member of Council in better times and is confident that everyone would prefer to be operating on a higher plane than they are today. Ms. Santoro would respectfully encourage Council to take that first step sooner, rather than later. Sarah Davoli, 7378 Milan Avenue, University City, MO Ms. Davoli stated that she had noticed Mayor Welsch demonizing certain Councilmembers in the press. Ms. Davoli stated that the emotional climate of this Council is established by the Mayor, so disparaging comments about colleagues also hurts their constituents. She stated that working with those who do not hold your same views will always be a part of the Mayor’s job because it is not possible for all viewpoints to be the same. Ms. Davoli stated she would like to see a more diplomatic approach and statements made by the City’s Mayor to the media and reflect a more stable style of governance. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. The public hearing for the map amendment – rezone 7416 Bland Drive from General Commercial District(GC) to Limited Residential District (LR) was opened at 6:48 p.m. Hearing no requests to speak the hearing was closed at 6:49 p.m. 2. The public hearing for the draft Parkview Gardens Neighborhood Development Plan was opened at 6:49 p.m. CITIZEN’S COMMENTS Rick Salamon, 8342 Delcrest Drive, University City, MO Mr. Salamon stated that as a five-year resident and member of Parkview Garden’s Board of Directors, he believes that the plan has a lot of solid positives. He stated that even though there are still a number of questions surrounding the plan the concept is worthwhile and will aid tremendously in the development and growth of the eastern portion of University City. Mr. Salamon stated that unfortunately Parkview lost some grant opportunities due to the fact that there was a lot of political foot-dragging on this project, so he would urge Council to support this plan, because a divided Council would not be good going forward. He asked Councilmembersto keep in mind that what they are being asked to support is a concept. Mr. Salamon said Parkview Gardens draft plan is a 10, 15 or 20-year plan and it is impossible to nail down every nuance or detail on a project which could take that long to come to fruition. Mr. Salamon asked Council to get behind this plan and support it as much as possible. Joe Edwards, 6504 Delmar, University City, MO Mr. Edwards stated that Mr. Salamon’s comments to consider the overall plan were well worded and he certainly could not have said it any better. He stated that as President of the Loop Special Business District he wanted Council to know that the businesses and building owners are in agreement with almost all aspects of the plan and are very supportive.