Committee of the Whole recap

Attended the mtg last night - very well attended. Both andy and joe attended which was good to see. I chose not to speak since my comments were already registered.

Rex kicked it off w a helpful 1 pager on options.

Lots of public comments, about 1/3 said act now. Others didn't address or said act in 2010. Some interesting pov's: treat fire and police same, treat police and fire differently, how to avoid budget problems next time, layoffs are litigation risk, garbage stickers are fair game, garbage stickers are a tax increase, beware of taxing to oblivion, less full time is less convenient but no less safe, full time fire is bedrock of dpt.
(Not a full recap just what I jotted down)

My takeaways: part of gap only, we have lots to do regardless. Public by some margin wants to wait.

Then council discussion
Melissa wanted a number and paul had the data but couldn't boil it down due to complexity. Mayor talked about part time police too. 2010 is year of rreconing. Future exec session to discuss details. Vote on monday.

My takeaways: 1)Heard talk about part time cops which feels fair. Every dpt + residents need to chip in. 1)Heard talk about dpt heads owning their budget and love this. Chief your number this year is x down y percent. Make the tough choices - we trust you, you're the most qualified. Push down decision. 3)we need lego building block detail on all ideas. Best case, worst case, 50/50 risk adjusted. I think we're close w all pauls work. 4)we need to act fast! Times a wasting. 4)a resident was cutoff from a 2nd comment and I think it sent wrong message. 4)decision had appearance of being pre-made. Could have gone differently, as simple as add in no xmas bonuses and garbage rate hike same as rumpkes. 5)visual aids are a huge help and a good pr move.

Final decision: 5 to 3 full time fire, maint down 1, no filling vacant police spot.

Lively after meeting w lots more perspsective - more to come.

Cortney