public comments idea & apology email

I felt I was too critical in my comments regarding cutting off community comments. So I sent a quick email apology. I include more for the idea I put out there vs a word for word account.

Cortney
----------------------
Had a thought about Public Comments during Council Meetings.

First, wanted to apologize if I was a bit snarky during last night's meeting (questioning the ability to ask more than 1 question). I see an opportunity to elevate these meetings and agree with Ed that it's a two-way street. And we can lead by example.

Here's my come-from state: I saw Rex shut down a 2nd question last year, and it left a bad taste in my mouth (had the perception of a heavy hand). And separately, I've spoken to more than one regular attendee about making their statements constructive. I've told them "zingers" aren't helpful, and I think I'm seeing more thoughtful comments. As you can see, I plan on being the "polite police" if you will, this year. :)

That said, I think guidelines are smart - here's what I would recommned:
-speak one time until all have spoken (Frank Raeon tried to speak but gave up)
-if after everyone speaks, you may have a 2nd turn
-no more after 2nd
-declare these rules before public comment (I'm happy to be that guy stating the rules if it would help)

Again, sorry if I offended.

Council Mtg 1/25/10

I attended the Rick Griewe presentation before Council, Council Meeting, and the Executive Session after Council.

Rick's presentation was thorough and professional. I like that he exceeded minimum standards for Parking. I like that it has no "back side", correcting a major flaw of Jordan Park. However I'm still concerned about the massing 45.0 feet to the roof peaks will yield. There will be 3 readings during Council to convert the properties to Zone D. I was openly critical of D this Fall and still oppose it. Question I'm wrestling with: do I oppose D, Rick's project, or both? I need to talk with homeowners in District 4 before the final vote.

Council was next. I still have serious concerns about a combined Fire and Police Chief. However, I'm pleased to see some more process being inserted into this idea. By that I mean we'll have Committee Meetings where we'll invite in experts. I hadn't heard this before. If we're methodical on this critical issue, we'll be more likely to get it right. For me weighing alternatives is key. So is removing personalities from this discussion.

I questioned Dan and Ed on allowing citizens to speak more than once. I feel like shutting down comments is heavy handed. So I asked, however I don't feel I was tactful enough. I sent a quick email apology - will attach in a posting.

I heard some pretty passionate discussion on Trash. We have work to do to get current contract right. And we'll need to tread lightly as we try to change for cost savings sake.

In terms of voting, I voted in the affirmative on on all procedural votes as there was nothing that was of concern to me.

Executive Session was last. My first one. It's a confidential meeting so I can't discuss, however I can confirm we stuck to the 1 Agenda Item: lawsuit filed against Village by a citizen.

Cortney

Sloppy or approachable?

Folks may be wondering why I'm not wearing a coat and tie to council. It's a conscious choice - last year attending meetings I sensed an escalated tension and didn't like it. I want to serve the citizens, and being approachabe is step one. If it opens up communication even by a bit then mission accomplished.

Cortney

Fire Research to date

I've reached out to a couple P&G Safety guys who are Certified Fire Fighters, I've talked with Jim Whitworth of Miami Township, I've talked with the ISO people about rankings, I've reached out to a Business owner, and I've talked to another active Village FF. All really great conversations that are helping me hone my opinion.

Cortney

Safety Committee

I attended the Safety Committee tonight and heard about part time police pay rates. 2009 Council approved part time officers, and I like parity vs Fire. Rates set higher than Fire Department. I confirmed this reco goes to Finance Committee who blesses and brings to Council

Discussion of Chief's increase as well. Jenny Ferguson asked why the number was set before the job description was. Sunshine Law rules were invoked. Jeff asked for a re-print in the EH Journal. It stated decision was foregone conclusion. I confirmed this reco goes to Finance Committee who blesses and brings to Council.

Cortney

Attended Planning Commission

I sat in on the Planning Commission to learn more about the 2 property owners' plans to have their 5 families rezoned as 5 x Single family properties (w 0 lot lines). Two (or more) motivations for this:
-reduce Prop Tax burden. 3+ Families are charged at a higher rate in the County
-prepare for sale of Coop/Condos in the future.

I'm trying to learn more about this to see if it makes sense for the Village to encourage or to discourage. Encourage: better cost control for landlords, which are an important group in the Village. The money they save can be used for repairs, as an example. Discourage: more condos mean less apartments, again a vital group in the Village. Discourage: money out of our and schools pockets....

Cortney

Public Works Committee recap

Attended my first committee meeting. Rules and law headed by Kim had 2 agenda items: 2010 paving, 2010 mowing contract.

Paving
We normally spend $115k each year. This year we'll spend a max of $84k (est before bids go out). Last year we got 7 which is a great thing. Only 2 streets are poor, both near kelloggs. 3rd is plainville but we'll wait on a bid until ohio grant is decided in may. If grant then yes, if no we will prob postpone and cost would be less than $84.

Mowing
We'll send out 2 types of bids:
2x/week spring then 1x/wk summer
"per cut"

John S ran the numbers and bringing on an employee is a viable option that will save some money. It will be useful as we compare vs our expected costs internally.

Cortney

Meeting set to talk Building Code Violations

I've been assigned as Chair of Rules and Law to tighten up Building Code/condition standards. We have a steadily declining housing stock due to age. We have an opportunity to work against this inertia with appropriate building condition requirements.

Today we use an international standard, which is too general to be of help. The other part of this I'd like to consider is how can we look like help to the property owners/landlords. Unfunded mandates are not ideal.

I am meeting with Dennis Malone and Dave Zack of MPF on Saturday to learn the background. We'll setup an official Committee Meeting soon.

Cortney

Fire Chief research

I've had a number of conversations with Citizens, a few Council, and the Mayor. I'm continuing to learn by the day. The Mayor informed me that we'll vote at the end of 1A Training for Chief Hines. And again at the end of Probation. This is different than I heard at Monday's Council Meeting. But it makes sense. He also said that the 2nd layoff can be avoided if Hines becomes Fire Chief. Separately, I also heard that a salary increase won't happen until post probation.

As I see it, there are multiple options:
Hines as Fire Chief 36hr Training
Hines as Fire Chief 260hr Training
Other Department Head as Fire Chief 36hr
Other Department Head as Fire Chief 260hr
Morgan as Fire Chief
Morgan as Long Term Interim Fire Chief
New Fire Chief, Asst Chief remains
New Fire Chief, Asst Chief eliminated

I plan on measuring each based on factors like:
Safety
Cost
Organizational Health
etc

Job ahead is to evaluate these and others and eliminate many and choose between the remaining. This is a bigger job than I expected, but it's also very important to get this right. I'll find the time to make the best decision possible for 1)Residents then 2)Employees then 3)Businesses

Cortney

Website avail next week

The new Village website Jeff, Kim, and I have been working on should be ready for prime time next week. We're trying to show up as new and improved for Tax Season. I think you'll like it.

Cortney

1/11 council recap + voting

Long but helpful meeting last night. The big issue was the idea of having rick do two jobs police and fire. Lots of public comments for and against.

I felt I asked and said lots on this. For detailed comments see my earlier blog post or minutes. Andy, jeff, and I all had concerns. Joe didn't have comment. Dennis spoke in favor of the move.

As said last night, there is much I need to learn over the next 6-7 months.

Reports
Police-i asked about crosswalk violations. 2009 had 14 08 had 12. I asked the chief what can be done. I also asked about nixel and how the dpt was using it.

Committees
I got my first committee assignment to look into building code w denny malone. Important work but want to talk w landlords and mpf to make sure its balanced. Further, what carrots can be offered?

Website I've helped with should be ready for review in a few weeks. Looking fwd to this.

Voting
I abstained on accepting minutes since I was not present
I voted y for all other issues. None were controversial. Terry gaines (mayors court judge had his salary changed so to collect retirement but was neutral to village in terms of net cost. Accepting the bond aka appropriation of funding for cy2010 was also more procedural in nature. Don't agree or will accept $240k deficit but this is a start.

Cortney

Cortney Scheeser
Senior Analyst, Global Home Care & PGP
Phone: 513-983-0463
Mobile: 479-221-1752
Email, IM: scheeser.cm@pg.com

Please consider the Environment before printing this email

Hines as fire chief research

I've spoke with a number of folks, trying to learn about the fire chief position. So far:
All of council
A number of firemen
Current fire chief (will @ 6pm)
A number of citizens
Solicitor

What I've heard:
Big savings oppty
Avoids cuts that would be more painful
Anberly and oakwood do this but both are fully trained firemen+policemen
Mason tried this and went back but was left with incremntal safety dir layer
Avoids 2nd fire layoff
1st fire layoff is costing more post and will for 15mo
Curr fire chief goes on nearly all fire runs and acts as experience proj mgr
Chief hines would get 36hr volunteer status
140 hours of training gets part time status, 240 gets full time status
No one has reached out to the fire dpt to get their perspective
Asst chief does more than job description today
Chief hines is a good leader
Chief hines is a very busy leader
Volunteer status is acceptable for fire chief
May be 3 phases: pre volunteer cert, 6 month probation, permanent hire
1 guy in 2 jobs is legal and ok

More to come!

Cortney Scheeser
Senior Analyst, Global Home Care & PGP
Phone: 513-983-0463
Mobile: 479-221-1752
Email, IM: scheeser.cm@pg.com

Please consider the Environment before printing this email

Sworn in as of Saturday

Jeff, Andy, Joe and I were sworn in Saturday @ 12:00 by Dan. Quick ceremony but I had my kids there to watch anyways.

I asked about what to expect Monday and was told about the Bond (budget number that lives for 1 calendar year) a few appointments, and an idea to bring in Chief Hines as acting Fire Chief.

I had heard about this rumor, but I was surprised by the speed in which it's come to life. Here's the plan:
-Chief Hines gets is 36 hour Volunteer certification during a 180 day probationary period
-He becomes a desk-type Chief who doesn't fight fires
-Village saves 80% of current Chief's salary (20% ish salary bump for Chief Hines)
-Village may save cost of 2nd car
-Amberley Village and Oakwood (Dayton area) use this model

The Mayor wants to "move quickly" on this. I have some questions that I'll bring up tonight around Safety, Cost, and Communication. More on these in a future post.

Cortney

Reach out to Fire Chief

As you know, the Fire Chief announced his abrupt retirement last month, effective this week. I think this is a failure on both sides of the relationship. There should be no 'resign in anger' happening in a sweet place like Mariemont. We need to do better all around.

I asked the Chief to meet with me and share his thoughts on how to "Heal" the Fire Department. Safety is vital, and I want guys and girls who love their jobs, love the Village on the truck. And I want to help provide an environment where this can happen.

Jack graciously offered to meet with me. I'll report back on what he says.

Cortney

conversation with Resident

Had a great conversation with a Village Resident who's seen lots. I reached out to him/her with the hope of some insights as I show up for work on Day 1 without any real experience.

It was helpful so say the least. Lots of perspective on various topics ranging from Deer Hunting to Police Overtime to potential of Village Administrator to rumor of new "Safety Director" to why people in other communities are saying "Mariemont has slipped" to morale issues in Fire & Maintenance to to effectively navigating Council to reco of showing up with utmost Professionalism. And no, it didn't scare me away! I firmly believe there is so much opportunity and so much room to navigate that we can do lots of good work for the Village.

I'd like to meet every month or so. Such a wealth of information and experience.

Cortney

new website work

I've been working with a few Council and Council elect on a new improved website. Lots of activity over the holidays. Think similar navigation skeleton but packaged in a cleaner, more stable way, that's easier to support. New functionality I know about for this release:
-Calendar to know everything going on
-Twitter Accounts for new avenue of communication

I'm sure I'm forgetting some. A test or "Beta" copy will be available separate from current active site soon.

Many of us running for Council talked about communication. This is a perfect way to kick off that promise.

Cortney

Swearing in Today!

Andy, Jeff, Joe and I are being sworn in today @ 12:00 PM in Council Chambers. This is the culmination of lot of hard work. I'm excited about it.

Now the real work begins!

Cortney