City Commission worksession may not be all that interesting tomorrow night, except that they may interview candidates for interim city manager in executive session (non public meeting). Nothing illegal about executive sessions, and sometimes it is probably a good thing. I just want to point it out when they do it ...
The deeper issue of course is what the city commission is doing. They will be giving current City manager Steve Archer $33 grand plus other bennies in exchange for his resignation. This is in essence four months pay. During those four months the city will be paying another salary for an interim and possibly a new city manager.
The search for a new city manager will take time and money too.
We are probably looking at at least $50,000 to make this change...
Only time will tell if it is worth it.
Three city commissioners will be up for re-election in April. Deadline for applying for the race is Jan 25. at noon. The filing fee is $10. There is cost involved in running a campaign, but I suppose one could spend as much or as little as he or she wanted.
I am still thinking of running. If i did, i would have to quit the blog.
But I would like to encourage other people to run as well.
Public discourse is a good thing. The election campaign is about that.
We need vision... direction.
With the current political landscape of incumbents being unpopular in general and with the state of flux the city is in .. i think now is an excellent time for someone new to the process to run...
Worksession is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, and regular meeting is Tuesday at 7.
Say what you like about the commission, but they do welcome people at the meetings. They will let you talk even. Ive been around a lot of commissions in different states. I would have to say that the commission here is as open as any i have seen as far as letting the public speak at meetings.
Their rule that it has to be something not on the agenda does seem a bit odd, but ... if you are paying attention to the issues, there is a time when things are being discussed but not yet on the agenda, so there would be the opportunity.
Hope to have the live blog going Thursday at 5:30..
Showing posts with label city commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city commission. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Arkansas City City Commission could tweak its meetings
The Arkansas City City Commission's move to adjust an ordinance relating to animals is not that big of a deal at all. Someone was commenting on it recently.
Over time things need to be adjusted as they come to light. The current ordinance does not differentiate between pets and livestock, so they are going to fix that.
There really isnt that much interesting on the agenda for next Tuesday.
Something coming down the pike though, that I that I think is interesting is how the public is allowed to talk at meetings. I have been around a lot of city commissions in different places, and I have to say the Arkansas City City Commission is pretty open.
They have traditionally let people speak in the middle of a regular meeting while they are discussing an issue. There is also the period at the beginning where you can talk about things not on the agenda. To me this is confusing and not orderly. I know there was a recent meeting where the mayor did not let people talk - he said later that they had an opportunity earlier and did not speak. That is the problem with the current system I believe, it is not orderly and so there can be abuse on either side. An opponent of something could block it forever by filibustering in essence.
The city attorney has given the commission a set of guidelines or recommendations from the state municipal league. It would change the process a bit and make it more streamlined. They are still discussing this at worksession meetings. Not sure when it will come up for a vote.
There are many solutions. You could let people speak at the beginning about items on the agenda, or even at the beginning of discussion of the issue. You could even have a public hearing.
In South Carolina, for instance, you have to have 3 meetings to pass anything. You announce the ordinance at the first meeting and vote on whether or not to move ahead. The second meeting is a public hearing, and the third meeting is the final vote. Takes a lot longer but there is more public discussion usually.
Not advocating that here, but maybe tweaking the system a bit would be a good thing.
Over time things need to be adjusted as they come to light. The current ordinance does not differentiate between pets and livestock, so they are going to fix that.
There really isnt that much interesting on the agenda for next Tuesday.
Something coming down the pike though, that I that I think is interesting is how the public is allowed to talk at meetings. I have been around a lot of city commissions in different places, and I have to say the Arkansas City City Commission is pretty open.
They have traditionally let people speak in the middle of a regular meeting while they are discussing an issue. There is also the period at the beginning where you can talk about things not on the agenda. To me this is confusing and not orderly. I know there was a recent meeting where the mayor did not let people talk - he said later that they had an opportunity earlier and did not speak. That is the problem with the current system I believe, it is not orderly and so there can be abuse on either side. An opponent of something could block it forever by filibustering in essence.
The city attorney has given the commission a set of guidelines or recommendations from the state municipal league. It would change the process a bit and make it more streamlined. They are still discussing this at worksession meetings. Not sure when it will come up for a vote.
There are many solutions. You could let people speak at the beginning about items on the agenda, or even at the beginning of discussion of the issue. You could even have a public hearing.
In South Carolina, for instance, you have to have 3 meetings to pass anything. You announce the ordinance at the first meeting and vote on whether or not to move ahead. The second meeting is a public hearing, and the third meeting is the final vote. Takes a lot longer but there is more public discussion usually.
Not advocating that here, but maybe tweaking the system a bit would be a good thing.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday, Arkansas City, City Commission
Ok, I missed the Arkansas City commission meeting yesterday. It was a pretty short agenda, but im sure there were some interesting things discussed.
I was chastised by one reader for missing it. Actually I kinda appreciated that, seeing that someone was actually expecting me to be there.
I am pretty sure I will be there Tuesday night. On the agenda for Tuesday is rearranging the schedules for the National Night Out festivities, that always conflict with the first meeting in August.
They should also soon be setting a date for a public hearing on the budget. The current budget proposal keeps everything at the current levels and no tax increases.
Another item is adjusting the ordinance on the number of animals you can keep on your property. Its a minimum per area kind of thing.
Also a contract concerning the Kansas Avenue overpass will be discussed.
I was chastised by one reader for missing it. Actually I kinda appreciated that, seeing that someone was actually expecting me to be there.
I am pretty sure I will be there Tuesday night. On the agenda for Tuesday is rearranging the schedules for the National Night Out festivities, that always conflict with the first meeting in August.
They should also soon be setting a date for a public hearing on the budget. The current budget proposal keeps everything at the current levels and no tax increases.
Another item is adjusting the ordinance on the number of animals you can keep on your property. Its a minimum per area kind of thing.
Also a contract concerning the Kansas Avenue overpass will be discussed.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Meetings and other topics
There are a few items I want to mention this morning.
I will be doing a live blog tonight at the city commission meeting. One item will be allowing wine at Paris Park for PrairieFest. I am not sure anyone cares about this. It does seem that more people are wanting alcohol at public events. Of course, we still bust Cowley students for drinking......
But I think what will happen, is that they will move that part into the Agri Business building. If they do that, they do not have to get a permit, and the city does not have to get involved.
This is part of trying to get PrairieFest more popular. They moved it downtown last year, and it was just too hot. I still think thats a good idea in principle, but you cant control the weather.
Anyone want to talk about PrairieFest? Do you like it? Why or why not?
I have been busy with freelance projects and have not posted as much lately. Its going to get worse. I am headed out of town for awhile. At least a week, maybe more. Headed to Tennessee. With all the flooding, I will have to go a different way.
My last topic of the morning:
Someone posted yesterday about having a monthly picnic in the summer. People could bring food and have games and such. I added that you could have bands too. This is a really good idea. You could also have speakers .. maybe a commissioner or school board member - or maybe a civic club representative who could talk a bit about their group.
I hope someone will take on that project. I do not have the energy to head up something - which is why there is no music festival cooking. I would help someone if they will take the lead on it.
I will be doing a live blog tonight at the city commission meeting. One item will be allowing wine at Paris Park for PrairieFest. I am not sure anyone cares about this. It does seem that more people are wanting alcohol at public events. Of course, we still bust Cowley students for drinking......
But I think what will happen, is that they will move that part into the Agri Business building. If they do that, they do not have to get a permit, and the city does not have to get involved.
This is part of trying to get PrairieFest more popular. They moved it downtown last year, and it was just too hot. I still think thats a good idea in principle, but you cant control the weather.
Anyone want to talk about PrairieFest? Do you like it? Why or why not?
I have been busy with freelance projects and have not posted as much lately. Its going to get worse. I am headed out of town for awhile. At least a week, maybe more. Headed to Tennessee. With all the flooding, I will have to go a different way.
My last topic of the morning:
Someone posted yesterday about having a monthly picnic in the summer. People could bring food and have games and such. I added that you could have bands too. This is a really good idea. You could also have speakers .. maybe a commissioner or school board member - or maybe a civic club representative who could talk a bit about their group.
I hope someone will take on that project. I do not have the energy to head up something - which is why there is no music festival cooking. I would help someone if they will take the lead on it.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Wednesday update
Lots of new stuff on the site.
New city commission story.
They put off changing the elections to make it more likely that there will be a primary. The argument is that it gets people more involved. Maybe, but it still seems like a lot of effort and usually you are just eliminating one person from the running. Ok, you can call me a naysayer this time.
Food page is updated. Our columnist writes about growing up gardening, and about making your own ketchup. Also a recipe for Okra. Some people are still trying to convince the world that okra is an edible plant.
Sports page is also updated. I am getting press releases from K-State and KU now. For the hardcore fan, there will be some useful nuggets in those.
Remember the Cowley volleyball team opens its home season tonight. It's a new era with a new coach and an almost new team.
Also, I posted an email from the arts council. They are looking for input for PrairieFest, and will have a meeting Thursday night. For those of you that criticized the festival last year, now is your chance to be heard. They do want to be responsive to the public, so stop by.
Another update for Walnut Valley Festival has also been posted. Its getting closer. I am going to camp this year, and will be live blogging from time to time.
New city commission story.
They put off changing the elections to make it more likely that there will be a primary. The argument is that it gets people more involved. Maybe, but it still seems like a lot of effort and usually you are just eliminating one person from the running. Ok, you can call me a naysayer this time.
Food page is updated. Our columnist writes about growing up gardening, and about making your own ketchup. Also a recipe for Okra. Some people are still trying to convince the world that okra is an edible plant.
Sports page is also updated. I am getting press releases from K-State and KU now. For the hardcore fan, there will be some useful nuggets in those.
Remember the Cowley volleyball team opens its home season tonight. It's a new era with a new coach and an almost new team.
Also, I posted an email from the arts council. They are looking for input for PrairieFest, and will have a meeting Thursday night. For those of you that criticized the festival last year, now is your chance to be heard. They do want to be responsive to the public, so stop by.
Another update for Walnut Valley Festival has also been posted. Its getting closer. I am going to camp this year, and will be live blogging from time to time.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
city commission worksession
Good morning.
Cop notes are posted on the site.
City commission worksession is today at 5:30 p.m. They may be discussing the Corp of Engineers situation that I wrote about last night. That information is in the pre-meeting packet that commissioners receive.
There's not much on the agenda tonight.
1. There will be hearings for six possible dangerous structures in the city. These properties could eventually be torn down. The properties are at : 505 N. 7th.; 219 S. 8th St.; 508 S. 7th St.; 319 North D Street; 1320 South K Street; 507 E. Van Buren.
2. Select delegates to the league of municipalities annual meeting.
3. Consider charter ordinance relating to primary elections and general elections for city commissions. This would make it more likely that there would be a primary election.
4. Consider instituting a 2-hour parking zone around 100 block of East Central. This is around the Osage. Residents park on the street instead of the parking lot, and some local businesses have objected.
Those are the only agenda items.
Cop notes are posted on the site.
City commission worksession is today at 5:30 p.m. They may be discussing the Corp of Engineers situation that I wrote about last night. That information is in the pre-meeting packet that commissioners receive.
There's not much on the agenda tonight.
1. There will be hearings for six possible dangerous structures in the city. These properties could eventually be torn down. The properties are at : 505 N. 7th.; 219 S. 8th St.; 508 S. 7th St.; 319 North D Street; 1320 South K Street; 507 E. Van Buren.
2. Select delegates to the league of municipalities annual meeting.
3. Consider charter ordinance relating to primary elections and general elections for city commissions. This would make it more likely that there would be a primary election.
4. Consider instituting a 2-hour parking zone around 100 block of East Central. This is around the Osage. Residents park on the street instead of the parking lot, and some local businesses have objected.
Those are the only agenda items.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Rolling on the river?
There are a few days left to vote in the poll. The question is, should river access be made a priority. So far the vote is very lopsided in favor.
The point of this post is to give people a place to comment on the rivers.
I don't think it would require any kind of major investment. Just some mowing and clearing off of paths would help a lot.
But what we need most of all, is for someone to start a business of some sort, involved with the river. I would imagine a canoe business would do very well, or some sort of boat rides.
The music festival was a shot in that direction. I was hoping that people would get some ideas from that as far as using that area.
Our friends over at KACY radio wanted to hold concert there - so I thought we were headed in the right direction. The radio station jumped through all sorts of hoops. The only catch was they wanted a beer permit. The city denied the permit, which meant the sponsor - a major beer company - withdrew and the concert folded.
Also river access has been closed at the chestnut street bridge, and at that little cottonwood park out of Madison.
These are examples of where the city has not acted in a way that promoted river access and use. These are things the city could do that would not cost much at all.
People need to let commissioners know if they are concerned about this.
The point of this post is to give people a place to comment on the rivers.
I don't think it would require any kind of major investment. Just some mowing and clearing off of paths would help a lot.
But what we need most of all, is for someone to start a business of some sort, involved with the river. I would imagine a canoe business would do very well, or some sort of boat rides.
The music festival was a shot in that direction. I was hoping that people would get some ideas from that as far as using that area.
Our friends over at KACY radio wanted to hold concert there - so I thought we were headed in the right direction. The radio station jumped through all sorts of hoops. The only catch was they wanted a beer permit. The city denied the permit, which meant the sponsor - a major beer company - withdrew and the concert folded.
Also river access has been closed at the chestnut street bridge, and at that little cottonwood park out of Madison.
These are examples of where the city has not acted in a way that promoted river access and use. These are things the city could do that would not cost much at all.
People need to let commissioners know if they are concerned about this.
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