Cynthia Bidney, GT Resident admonished the City Council Members once again. This time she asks something rather simple. She wants them to have all the facts before them prior to making a decision. This time it was regarding the Economic Agreement between the City RDA and Stater Brothers Market. Now mind you this is a BIG FINANCIAL AGREEMENT FOLKS. (See article in the GTCN Sept 30, 2010 ed.)
Lee Ann Garcia stated there were some exhibits that weren't included in the staff report. Joyce Powers the Community and Economic Development Director said "the documents were only a recommendation". They were not in final form.? And so forth.
The City Council went ahead and approve the agreement without full disclosure to the public or the City Council what was in the Final Agreement. Does this sound familiar folks?
Isn't this how we got Planning Commission Approved things past the City Council on "Staff" "Schwab/Berry" reports and representations?
Here is a short list of what has gotten through Mr Doug Wilson's Planning Commission and Schwab's Staff Recommendations.
Outdoor Adventure Center: Failed to provide real revenue study, and infrastructure requirement plan
Manhole Cover Manufacturing: Documents were copied for a Gas Station and Approved by Planning Department and Planning Commission and were in front of the City Council for final approval. Citizens Stopped that one.
Blue Mt. Senior Villas: The first Plan 3 story building for Seniors. No Commercial Kitchen for the Senior Center, and "reduced parking because seniors don't drive" yet no real plan for transportation requirements included in the Management of Facility Agreement. Oh yes, when Jim Miller objected to the City Council Approving the final sign off on the Senior Housing and Senior Center he noted, in the absence of a final copy of the financial contract and the post build management contract the City Council is asking for problems down the road. Well Jim Miller was right on that one. (This is where he began to get flack from City Management also.)
CVS: Storage Container in Parking Lot
Town Center/Jacobsen Development: Failed to require replacement of housing elements removed prior to demolition of said housing.
What we and the Seniors got was a building and management contract of horsetrading, removed furniture, and often described prison like environment for the residents. Bad plumbing and air conditioning units that have not lasted a full year prior to needing repair or services.
Then we have Ms Cortes who said, around the same time. She did not read the Council Book.
"I don't read the Council Book, I wait till the meeting to get the feel of the idea and the staff report... I like the spontaneity of it.... This should all indicate she is not only habitually ill prepared she lacks the general natural curiosity required for a City Council Member. Her Council Member Reports are often just the fliers she picks up on the counter at the Library or Information Desk on her way into the meeting.
Now for all the rest of you Council Members, You need to demand all the information prior to a vote. Let's stop letting half baked Planning Department and Planning Commission Plans get past the approval of the City Council. PLEASE.
See Sept 2, 2007 post for more on this subject.
The Citizens nor the City should have to suffer another Court Case brought on by poor management of contracts, plans and information. Much has improved under the new management. However, old habits of old staff, and commissions are difficult to remold. The City Council MUST demand a change and support the City Manager in making those needed changes.
Getting it right should be a requirement prior to an election. Even if you have to vote no and go on the record as a minority voice for better documents for better contracts and agreements.
We need to break the links of Schwab/Planning(Koonts in the past)/Wilson and keep them out of the future of Grand Terrace.
