2014-06-16 Special - Laserfiche WebLink

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2014-26 until after a study session is held carried unanimously, with the exception of Mayor Welsch. Councilmember Kraft had prearranged to leave the meeting at this time. Resolution 2014 – 27 2. Independent counsel on City Manager’s action; REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA. Resolution 2014 – 28 3. Non-hostile employee environment; REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA. Resolution 2014 – 29 4. Public safety is City’s primary responsibility; REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA. Resolution 2014 – 30 5. City will maintain current requirement that all first responders will be dual certified; REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA. Resolution 2014 – 31 6. City council supports the rights of all first responders in University City to engage in political activity as enacted in Missouri Revised State Statute 67.145; REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA. Resolution 2014 – 32 7. City Council reprimand of Mr. Kraft; REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA. E. COUNCIL REPORTS/BUSINESS 1. Other Discussions/Business Mr. Crow stated that it continued to strike him as odd when citizens who enter these chambers are reprimanded and yet Councilmembers are not. He stated that he continues to have concerns about Mr. Kraft’s behavior. He stated that to have a police officer asking a citizen if they need to be escorted from a public meeting in City Hall brought shame on the City and the Council. Mr. Crow stated that Mayor Welsch’s letter to Mr. Kraft specifically stated, “Your apparent comment was unbecoming of the office you hold. This behavior is unacceptable and if there are any future occurrences I will be recommending to the City Council that sanctions be imposed upon you as a disciplinary action. I am not recommending sanctions at this time because you have apologized for your behavior.” He stated that it is clear that Dr. Kraft has done it again, and it is high time that this Council bring a little pride back to itself and take action. By removing this resolution from the agenda once again they have condoned Mr. Kraft’s action and put politics above principles. He stated that it is time for everyone to make sure that they hold any member who sits on this dais to the same standard. He stated that it is time to stop being embarrassed and chagrined by the conduct of fellow members when they are addressing the people who have elected them. Dr. Carr stated that she thought that it is appropriate to look back at February 2011, Councilmember Price was censured. She stated that she had disagreed with the censure because she did not feel as though the actions rose to the level of being censured. Dr. Carr said the statement made by Mr. Kraft was very interesting. “This is not a reprimand of a person, position or issue, but rather a reprimand of actions; actions to break the rules; actions that discredit the Council; actions counter to the functioning of a democratic elective body; threatening actions; actions designed to intimidate; bullying actions. Bullying is not free speech, but inhibits it. In order to function it is Council’s obligation to enforce an atmosphere free from such behavior and as a Councilmember it is his obligation to support this reprimand”. Dr. Carr stated that she is unclear as to why Mr. Kraft’s profane language and physical actions are being dismissed, but she is certain that if she had done these things she would have expected this Council to reprimand her. She stated that as a member of this Council she would like to offer an apology to Ms. Martin and the citizens who had witnessed this incident. Dr. Carr believed that this Council will never move forward as long as it has this dichotomy of the haves and the have-nots. So if we really want to heal this Council and conduct the business of the people, we have first got to start with treating every member the same. Dr. Carr 7