First, I want to give a shout-out to Misty Haji-Sheikh, who presented the findings of apparently self-initiated research into the likelihood and implications of a rail transfer station on the south side if the landfill expansion is approved. She recommends council anticipate these developments and put ordinances in place to protect us pronto. Thank you!
I strongly encourage listening to the public comments section of last night’s council meeting for her presentation, if you haven’t already.
My own public comments were directed at the resolution to allow Mayor Povlsen to enter into a contract with Aerodrome Mechanics, Inc., a company out at the airport that was just incorporated April 28, 2010. Besides the lack of a track record and competition, is there anyone else bothered by the timing of this project? IMO it’s in the public interest to know whether or not Aerodrome is part of a golden parachute package for city employees who took the voluntary separation program. The response did not reassure.
I was also going to comment on the allocations for the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) and ReNew DeKalb, but couldn’t stay late enough to do so. Am I right, that Council approved the same allocation for 3 years for CVB? That kind of commitment is wrong during a time when they a) still have so much more to do to fix the structural deficit, and b) aren’t planning to go more than one year even for union contracts.
Additionally, I would have noted the inconsistency of CVB’s and ReNew DeKalb’s having goals to become less dependent on the city for funding, yet requesting the same amounts as last year. Reductions of 12-1/2% to each allocation sounds fair under the circumstances.
Did you attend or watch the whole meeting? What did you think of the whole Corn Fest spectacle? How did ward reports go?
4 comments
Comment by Anson MacDonald on June 29, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Lynn, appreciate your looking into this AMI contract and it’s shameful when there are no follow up questions or response from the council. Shameful.
I second your appreciation of Misty’s presentation last night and nominate her for citizen of the day.
Compare the potential impact of her report versus what this city does give awards for: lawn beautification. Citizen Advisory Group wants citizens tending to their yards instead of using that time scrutinizing local government.
And, of course, not a word in the Chronicle write ups.
I’m sickened by the time wasted by Baker’s motions last night, as at other meetings, which die for lack of a second. He should be reviewing his back up material earlier and doing independent research, as well as fostering consensus if he is sincere about his initiatives. Clearly, the council does not respect his approach and they let him twist in the wind. Shame his constituents don’t do the same, but as long as he can hire election consultants he’ll keep his seat.
I’m all for fiscal prudence, but what Baker did to the volunteer Corn Fest Committee last night was an abomination. There are HUNDREDS of different expenditure burdens which are not allocated appropriately in this city hall. There are DOZENS of fundamental cost accounting principles which have evaded the methods of our savvy budget architects. To single out one entity for such paybacks is ludicrous and petty. The $10,000 overtime motion was just spiteful. Take a look at the ridiculous NIU contracts for firefighters and paramedics if you want some real bang for your buck!
Baker should seek first to understand before making half-assed motions only weeks before the annual event which has been in the planning stages for a year. As the senior alderman on the council, it’s about time he learned about Roberts Rules and developed the requisite skills of composing a cogent motion and speaking to the issue on the floor.
Time after time he has whined from the dais that “we were never told over the years” or “council was misinformed” when in reality it’s probably his own failures to comprehend or research beforehand.
Perhaps he did get one thing right last night. Parking cars might be his true calling because it sure isn’t serving as an alderman.
Comment by yinn on June 30, 2010 at 8:03 am
Thanks for your contribution, Anson.
I agree with your assessment of the NIU contract, also would add Cortland. Outside of the “sweetheart deal” nature of these contracts, let’s look at our chronic FD staff shortages — which will end no time soon — and figure out once and for all whether we can afford to offer these extra services even if the revenues from these contracts were to match the real costs. Has such an analysis been done yet?
Comment by Ivan Krpan on July 2, 2010 at 2:35 pm
I’ve been told by several truck drivers that there is a major push to put anything and everything on rail. The cost difference per trailer is staggering lower on rail versus over the road.
You can bet that Waste Management is definitely money (profit) motivated with this expansion of the landfill. Misty has probably hit a grand slam with her find.
Comment by Anson MacDonald on July 9, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Personally, I think Misty’s approach had a lot of class. We need more citizens coming forth with concerns and back up materials to support their case.
Now if we can only get the council to LISTEN and to respond to such citizen concerns. More often than not, we hear a snarky rely from the far left corner of the room during ward comments, but there is little engagement.
If her approach doesn’t work, the only other (non-violent) thing we can do is emulate this guy. He gets my vote for hero of the day:
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_b0c7730a-8b16-11df-9248-001cc4c002e0.html
You must be logged in to post a comment.