2014-10-27 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Voice vote on the motion to approve the minutes as amended carried unanimously. F. APPOINTMENTS 1. Denise Anderson was sworn in to the Board of Adjustment in the City Clerk’s office. G. SWEARING IN H. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (Total of 15 minutes allowed) Linda Wiggen-Kraft, 7275 CrevelingDr, University City, MO Ms. Kraft provided a detailed account of the harassment, bullying, physical and verbal assaults that she and her family have experienced since her husband’s reelection in April. She stated that although several people have been arrested for their acts, she still fears for her own safety, as well as the safety of her family and neighbors. Ms. Kraft stated that the betterment of this City and the lives of all citizens is what these meetings should be about and it is what her husband has worked to achieve. The record illustrates his success, and it also illustrates the members of this Council who are focused on character assassinations, harassment, bullying, hate and deterring the progress of University City. Ms. Kraft asked that a copy of her statement and the police arrest records be attached to the minutes. Kelly Lachajczyk, 7054 Lindell Boulevard, University City, MO Ms. Lachajczyk stated that she would like to know if she had the right to request that she not be videotaped while speaking, since she did not want her comments to be taken out of context and displayed on social media. Mayor Welsch informed Ms. Lachajczyk that this was a public meeting, but her hope is that whoever is videotaping would respect your request, which has been made a part of the record. Ms. Lachajczyk stated that Councilmen Kraft has not been accused of any egregious violations of the public trust. He is accused of expressing himself in a manner less dignified then what most people expect from a public servant. He is not the first elected official to be charged with inappropriate behavior. It does not make it right, but it does reflect the fact that we like to hold public servants to a higher standard, but they are like everyone as we are all flawed. She made the following comparisons:  Councilmember Kraft referred to another citizen in a derogatory manner; one of the detractors states that Councilmember Kraft should receive a kick in the rear.  Councilmember Kraft has been cited for being disrespectful; one of the detractors recently displayed disrespect to the Mayor.  Videos taken at these meetings and displayed on social media have the overtones of vindictiveness. Ms. Lachajczyk concluded that the citizens of Ward 1 were given the opportunity to replace Mr. Kraft and elected not to do so. Potential businesses can see what goes on in these chambers are making the decision to go to other cities where the leadership is stable. She stated that it is within the power of each person sitting in this room to contribute to a more cooperative and productive environment. Mary Ann Zaggy, 6303 McPherson, University City, MO Ms. Zaggy stated that Mr. Kraft has served on City Council since the spring of 2010 and during his tenure much has been accomplished.  The 2.1 million dollar budget deficit in 2011 was transformed into a 2014 budget surplus of 4 million dollars  University City’s bond rating improved to AAA+ in 2014  In the past four years significant street and sidewalk repairs have been accomplished  In the past two years there has been over 100 million dollars in new development  Licensed engineers and accountants have been hired and no service cuts were  Unpaid garbage bills totaling millions of dollars are being collected These accomplishments were realized because City Council voted to approve ordinances that implemented the reorganization of City Hall which required people to work together. Ms. Zaggy urged everyone to put the past behind them, to stop wasting time, effort and money on a recall election and 3