Alderman Harry Meyer received a Police Dept. report from Mayor Butch Berry which reflected year-end totals. At the March 9 city council meeting, Meyer insisted that an annual report was far too infrequent for the kind of quality service and significant size of budget that departments like the Police and Fire require.
Meyer placed a motion on the table to receive reports monthly from a department head present at the council meeting to better inform the public of these departments’ due diligence to public service and financial transparency.
Berry disapproved, saying it is not a legislative duty but an administrative duty, which he believes only requires mayoral approval, not council approval. The motion died, and alderman Mickey Schneider argued that it could develop into micromanaging.
“It’s not about micromanaging departments. It’s about getting what’s happened in those departments on the record so the citizens know,” Meyer said.
But three ‘reviews’ are quarterly
Council unanimously approved of establishing a review process for the Parks and Cemetery Commissions, and the City Advertising and Promotion Commission. All three commissions will be asked to submit quarterly financial reports to council for “review only” beginning in April with the first quarter financial reports.
Berry said that this is for review only as he does not believe the commissions require council approval. Alderman Susan Harman suggested that the Hospital Commission be included, but Berry insisted he will take care of that commission and recommended she leave the agenda item to the current three commissions.
The trees have it
The Planning Commission’s proposal for an updated tree preservation ordinance was discussed and deferred in order to hold a workshop to discuss its entirety on Tuesday, March 24 at 6 p.m. in the Auditorium. Elements of the tree preservation ordinance discuss the definition of destroying a tree or its roots, the permit requirements for destroying any tree which would include both a permit from the Building Inspector and the Planning Commission’s approval, the number and size of trees that can be approved for removal, replacement ratios, and penalty not to exceed $500 plus court costs.
ADA adherence at Aud delayed
The Auditorium remodel for ADA compliance was bid out for construction services, and Berry said there were no bidders. Alderman Terry McClung said it might be a good idea to hold off due to his view of a currently faltering economy. “Things are a little unstable right now,” McClung said. No action was taken.
Margaret Hayde and Greg Moon were reappointed to the Historic District Commission.
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23 at 6 p.m. in the Auditorium.