Chain of Command in the Police/Fire Departments

I had a productive conversation with Rick Hines re importance of Chain of Command within the Police and Fire Departments, both "para military" organizations. I grew up in the relatively flat organizational structure of P&G, and I've never worked within a rigorous COC organization. Rick's explanation of how COC works was very helpful perspective I wouldn't have otherwise known.

For my part, I committed to Rick to respect COC among his organzation, and I'll bring anything I hear to him (or Dennis on Safety) first.

This conversation came after an email directive (haven't personally seen) that stated that Employees talking with Council or the Media faced discipline if they didn't obey Chain of Command. While I'm very supportive of working issues through COC (this keeps small stuff off of Council's to-do list), there are some issues that I fear won't be brought to light for fear of penalty. For instance, if the issue is with the 1 up it's an uncomfortable conversation. If it's with 1 and 2 up it's very dangerous. And if it's 1 & 2 up, Dan's close relationship with Rick (a great thing) means 3 bosses could be on the opposite side. A real world example: recent headlines in Bell, California where the Chief, Administrator and the Mayor each quietly made 6 digit salaries. Not an issue in Mariemont, for sure, but it illustrates the conundrum a whistle blower faces: how to work this issue through COC?

I believe there needs to be a safe outlet for issues that can't be brought up via COC. Until we have a rock solid Ombudsman process, we risk not hearing about real issues that may affect our Village. I don't have the clout or authority to request this change, but I believe strongly in transparency and an ombudsman person or panel can bring issues to light absolving the the complaint's originator.


Cortney

Council Meeting 11/22/2010

I attended Council on 11/22 and here's what I heard.

Routine, quick meeting, and it was typical of 2nd meeting of the month.

Schools update was helpful. I feel the Schools are doing a nice job during design, trying to work with the Business Community. We're all in this together - none of us can exist on our own.

Recycling Award. I attended a County awards banquest where Mariemont was honored for best in class recycling - well done Mariemont Residents!! We were 2nd highest tonnage of any Village/City in Hamilton County, highest among small Villages less than 10K people. And we did it with old-school small bins, compared to Montgomery's large bins. I learned that large bins nearly guarantee an increased participation due to a psychological "abundance mentality". So, I think there's upside for next year! Keep in mind Hamilton County PAYS US to recycle, so there's even more reason to get on board.

Boy Scouts Tree sale. I support the sale and think it's an asset to the Village. I do think the neighborhood complaints are worth consideration. Meeting in the middle on lighting and parking seems like a win-win. I hope the concerns can be managed.

I voted in the affirmative on all issues as nearly all were routine.


Cortney

Meeting Video:
icrctv.com

Special Council Meeting 11/4

I attended an emergency session of Council on 11/4 to approve a "Safe Routes To School" Grant application.

I believe strongly that we should tap into the monies available via grants. Others on Council aren't in this place. Encouraging further pedestrianism is a big idea and am on board for every year. Paul Imhoff committed help to submit each year.

I voted in the affirmative for the one vote.

Cortney

Met with local developer

I met with a Developer recently to talk about what Econ Development could be. He offered some great ideas, for instance: create public commission with a time bound commitment (2 yrs maybe). Also, adopt MPF's components as a starting place.

My takeaway is I'm not an expert here, and I would benefit greatly from having those that are as consultants.

Cortney

Hunting in Lower 80

I feel we need to re-commit ourselves to publicizing the hunting rules for the S80 acres. I've asked the Police Chief to provide me the rules. For instance, we should definitely post these to the website.

Also, per Dennis Wolter's report in the most recent Town Crier, I'm concerned that hunters are taking more than just deer. A coyote was taken as well. Not sure our ordinance is written to allow for this. More to come as I educate myself.

Cortney

Composting Recycling Class a success

We held our class this past Saturday 11/6. Recall Public Works decided to offer a class to offset the increase in Trash Fees, effective 11/11. Less volume of garbage = less cost.

We had 10 in attendance, and I learned a bunch. A big thanks to John Duke and Anne Gray for investing part of their Saturday with us. Also, thanks to those who attended.

Video of the class to be posted shortly on the website!

Cortney

Council Meeting 11/8

I attended the Council Meeting on Nov 8 and heres what I saw. This was a very quick and controversy-free meeting with no public comment, so I don't have much to add to the soon-to-be-published minutes.

Flood Plain. I believe we have an asset in the lower 80 acres. This is not a widely accepted belief on Council. Regardless of FEMA designation, we should develop portions in a flood-friendly way. The designation will probably limit us to a minor degree, however I like our increased Grant chances that this designation gets us. I support the ordinance.

I voted in the affirmative on all votes. All except Flood Plain were routine.

Cortney


video: icrctv.com