City Council Meeting Review Raves and Rants

First the Good News:

Proper use of Microphones. Comments coming in from those listening on TV and in the Chambers are reflective and appreciative of the Council's attention to speaking into the Microphone. Only the City attorney needs to review the purpose of a public meeting, and his part in PUBLIC meetings includes being heard by the public.

Great News: councilwomen Millers insistence that better contracting solicitation and practices be used for the council to be able to review a half million dollar Heating, and Air conditioning Contract. There was no mention of the use of the standardized practice of making a public notice in the News Papers, and all. Soliciting from known vendors if they are interested in presenting a proposal. This issue was brought up as a result of the current practices of the City Manager, and staff. Their contracting method included comparing the installation price of 3 suppliers, and one of which offering a 10 year contract including equipment and maintenance services. The three bids were not bidding on the same system to be delivered, nor were the services to be rendered the same. The "Preferred vendor "worked" with Steve Berry to formulate their proposal, and contract. As the document was presented, it was sign this agreement or experience a failed system. Councilman Miller's persistence that this was not the way to conduct the contractual business of the city prevailed. The contract proposed was set aside and a solicitation for other interested parties will be made. One can hope that the specifications and terms and conditions will be the same for each proposal or bid supplied so that the council can make an informed decision. Clearly the City Manager needs to have a Contracting protocol Written and Enforced Upon him as his staff does not use standard business practices.

Good News: Councilmember Hilkey's persistence on establishing the protocol, for Council Meetings, Policy and Practice and a definition of the rolls of the Council Member, Future Mayor and the Citizen is slowly moving along. There has been a committee formed to evaluate the current GT document with other documents. Suggestion from the community that a citizen representative serve on the committee was not included in the formation of the committee. However, a "staff" member will be assigned by the City Manager as appropriate.

Good News: We found out that the City Council Members are presented with a quarterly report of the CRA'S INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS. Now, we know to ask for a quarterly report or an end of year report should detail the assets of the CRA and possibly the City..

Bad News: August 2004 was the first time the Council discussed the revision of the Policy and Practices for the City Council. What is taking them so long? Not one Council Member thought it note worthy to disclose the $3,000,000 BOND purchase.

Bad News: Council members could not recognize that the issue before them was not did they want a power plant to be proposed. but, rather do you want it to be proposed at site A or site B. A proposal will be made.

Bad News: The Council members failed to recognize that with creative landscaping and stage craft the towers could be "dressed" to look like agent tree, or rock formation. The ammonia could come by rail, and there is most likely already ammonia coming into the city along that very same rail line.

Bad News: The council could suggest in its negotiation that Gage Park be re-established as a music/concert/ picnic venue like Flemming Park in Colton. This may even be a great place for the Dog Park to help develop. There are large trees, and shade.

Bad News: The council could see that the land swap could provide land for a Public Library and Park Parking adjacent to the High School, thus getting the best use of all the truly Public Facilities.

Bad News: The council did not ask, how does the emissions from the power plant compare with the emissions from OAC? How does the power plant's noise level compare with a foot ball stadium of fans? How does the power plant noise level compare with the noise of 2000 students, cars, bells, and activities?

Bad News: The council did not ask if they can negotiate for a dedicated supply of power, so that the city of GT is rewarded for the power plants location.

Bad News: Included in the Guide for City Council Members and City Staff should include Policy on Attendance. If a Council member misses 3 consecutive meetings, on the 4th meeting they should be put on notice that they are in contempt with their duty to attend meetings and upon the 5th absence they will be replaced. If a member of the staff is absent from their job they should be placed upon disability where appropriate, and replaced after a year's absence. At no time should an employee be absent from the work site for 2 years, receiving their normal contractual or other wise negotiated compensation.

In the future: No city employee or contractor with contract in excess of $1,000.00 per year shall benefit directly or indirectly from the purchase, or sale of City or CRA property, including surplus material and equipment, homes or land. No employee shall recieve property such as housing or automobiles as part of their compensation package. All city vehicles will be parked at the City Lot when not being used for direct city business.