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
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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