Approved
Minutes
April
3, 2007
6:00 PM
The Clerk took Roll Call with all members recorded as present with the exception of Mr. Dafoe, absent.
Chairman Brown thanked Carol Tytler, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee and members, Dan Tagliente, John Steger, John Daniels, Larry Cornell, Mike McKee and Tom Williams for the time, effort and dedication to complete the report requested. She also thanked Dennis Whitt and the Clerk of the Legislature for compiling information necessary to complete the work of the Committee. She stated that Ms. Tytler held seven meetings along with meetings with Focus Groups from the Neighborhood, Mental Health and Health Department staff and encouraged anyone interested to review the findings of the committee.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Barry Batzing restated his previous statements that the South Main Street site doesn’t fit. He referred to a map that was presented in December that presented the site as being 15,300 square feet versus now hearing that 30,000+ square feet is being projected. He also referred to the July letter from Mr. Schrader to Brian Cummins that stated that the County requires 4-7 acres when the site is only about 2 ½ acres. This is a City concern not just a neighborhood one in light of recent conversations in the City with projects and their impact on neighborhoods. He told legislators that the concern with the lawsuits has been addressed by the County Attorney’s assurance that you acted correctly. He concluded telling legislators they did the right thing and are on the right path and asked them to stay there.
Ann Gebhard agreed with Mr. Batzing saying that zoning protects ones’ homes and does not expect the County to violate that. She noted that the Ad Hoc Committee recommended a comprehensive plan that she supports and asked that legislators rethink this project by not involving residential properties.
Gigi Peterson thanked legislators for the opportunity to speak. She quoted Mr. Williams’ statement in the media saying that sometimes when you make a mistake you have to pay for those mistakes. Mistakes have been made on this project and can be learned from. She spoke of her neighbor’s inquiry to City Code Enforcement regarding code regulations and receiving differing answers. There are too many unanswered questions to spend more money without a master plan.
Chairman Brown thanked the speakers and opened the floor to discussion. Mr. Williams asked Mr. Schrader about the Barton & Loguidice invoices posted to a Buildings & Grounds account as previously discussed. After checking with the Treasurer’s Office that day and discovering the corrections has not been made he asked why. Mr. Schrader said that the directive to the Treasurer is on his desk awaiting the outcome of this meeting. Mr. Williams said that we have spent the money, so why not post it to the correct account. Mr. Schrader said it was his understanding that there is a possibility of creating a capital project at this meeting and if that happens these will be posted to that account.
Ms. Breed said she voted no before and will continue to do so until the jail issue is addressed and let the chips fall where they may in regards to the lawsuits. She referred to the Memo from the Concerned Citizens for Neighborhood Preservation that was distributed to legislators regarding the land area needed for Health Center.
Ms. Tytler thanked the Chairman for her comments regarding the Ad Hoc Committee and continued by thanking the people who prepared and gave presentations to the Committee. She said she was not interested in seeing houses coming down. There are real needs with Public Health and Mental Health to address. Referring to a suggested Resolution she proposed to amend page 2, last Resolved statement “consolidated facility” as she doesn’t believe there is a footprint for a combined facility. She suggested that it read “to address the needs of Mental Health/Public Health issues. Chairman Brown said in order to introduce a resolution we have to suspend the rules which requires a 2/3 vote. Mr. VanDee asked if we are considering a resolution. Chairman Brown answered that we are only in discussion. Ms. Price stated that the agenda says that we are only discussing the issue and understand that it is possible to suspend the rules; however, she questioned whether it is in our best interest when the public was not led to believe that we take action tonight. Mr. Troy said that we rushed into this when we voted in December and January and we should not rush now. This should go back to committee to explore all options.
Chairman Brown asked Ms. Tytler if she wished to make a motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Tytler said she was torn, as we don’t have substantial agreement amongst us. If we can move forward, I am comfortable to stay with discussion. Mr. Williams asked if there was anything more that can be said that has not already been discussed. If not, then I support suspending the rules and move on for everyone involved.
Chairman Brown said that Ms. Price’s point regarding the agenda is valid but other than that I see no reason not to proceed. Mr. Willcox said he would still vote no based upon 2 factors: 1. No environmental study completed on the property and 2. There was 6 acres of property about 400 yards from the project available with none of the impediments we are talking about and want to know why that wasn’t explored. Chairman Brown asked what property and he answered Noss Park.
On the motion of Ms. Tytler, second by Mr. Tagliente a motion to suspend the rules to consider a resolution was made. Mr. McKee asked for clarification on whether this means they have an opportunity to vote one way or another if this passes. Chairman Brown answered yes. A Roll Call vote was taken with all members voting aye except Mr. Armstrong, Ms. Breed, Ms. Price, Mr. Troy, Mr. VanDee and Mr. Willcox. Motion failed to acquire a 2/3 majority.
Ms. Tytler suggested that this be immediately returned to committee to move forward and vote on this. She encouraged special meetings to move this more quickly. Mr. VanDee said we need to take our time; regular meetings are already set and do not see the need for special meetings. Ms. Breed said that we need to know what other options were and are out there from the beginning to current options to reach an informed decision. The priority should be a Master Plan and know what we are doing with the jail. Chairman Brown asked her to describe the beginning. Ms. Brown then stated it was in 2005. Ms. Price asked for clarification on what committees are we referring this back to. Chairman Brown said the Ad Hoc Committee has not been dismissed and believe it should start there. Mr. VanDee said that didn’t give the full legislature an opportunity to work this out. He said we are set up with a committee system and General Services, Health and Budget and Finance Committees should consider it before it goes to the full legislature. Chairman Brown responded that we will start with the Ad Hoc Committee so that they can evaluate and not have the same debacle as last time. If legislators had read their minutes, which we are currently addressing, it could have solved some of the problems.
Chairman Brown asked for any new discussion. With no response the meeting was adjourned at 6:32 PM. Ms. Tytler requested that the Ad Hoc Committee stay after meeting.
Minutes
prepared by: Susan Morgan, Clerk