COUNCIL MEETING #2

R163-09 to authorize the execution of a Grant agreement with FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security and the City for $478,944.00(pocket change) was removed for the routine business of the Consent Agenda and accepted. It was explained that this was funds for near future replacement of outworn equipment used by the Police and Fire departments.

R168-09 to execute a contract agreement with thee County of Union Human Services Division of Aging under the Safe Housing and Transportation Program for the sum of $11,666.00 was passed after removal from the Consent Agenda and an explanation that this was for $500.00 grants to needy elderly for home repairs.

R166-09 remained on the Consent Agenda although a citizen had questioned why trees were being bought from a vendor who imported them from distant Long Island instead of New Jersey. The explanation given was that the contract was awarded to an approved vendor of the County Cooperative group. $25,000.00 for a contract not subject to competitive bidding!

R171-09 On the agenda although not discussed at the previous week's agenda setting session authorizes the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute grant applications for Federal Economic Stimulus Funds without prior approval of the Council if time constrictions make it necessary. This is a byproduct of the new Council Schedule of monthly meetings instead of the previous every two weeks (semimonthly).

Because of the short lead time often involved for applications for grants the new meeting schedule would be too late for the Council to take advantage of the grant, hence the need for Administration action and post hoc approval. Not an ideal policy but under present schedules no alternative is possible other then special meetings.

R139-09 Established guidelines and procedures during the general public segment of the meeting. AS a result of cutting in half the number of meetings at each session the Council has twice the amount of work. The public on the other hand is not given a compensatory increase in time for c commentary or questions. Moreover the public is effectively muzzled by not being able to comment on given explanations or ask a clarifying question. If true civic involvement were desired and not lip service that would be included in the Council's procedures.