AGENDA SESSION #1

There was a public intimate personal discussion that lasted for several minutes between Council President Rivers and Councilor Williams last night at the Agenda Session.

Apparently Williams’ repeated and unanswered requests for Administration to supply her with information about contracts related to the 4^th as well as certain expense items had created a spark.

Rivers did say that the affair was the “best ever” and the parade noteworthy with the inclusion of three high school marching bands and more were expected next year.  She praised Recreation for the job “they” did.

Noteworthy at present the only FT in the Recreation “division” is a secretary. Williams wanted to know who negotiated and signed the contracts; if there were any.

Unfortunately neither City Administrator Berry, nor Director Restaino of Administration and Finance were present or available.  Eric Jackson Director of Public Works and Urban Development acted as City Administrator for the meeting. He too did not answer her questions about a division in his department.

One objection Rivers had was that she had not been “cc'd” on the initial emails. Williams noted that she was following protocol by directing her right as a Councilwoman to directly ask the City Administrator for information.

Lame Duck Mayor Robinson-Briggs’ request to appoint Rickey Williams to a new 5 years term as Commissioner of the Housing Authority was tabled. Councilors except Reid felt that such a long term appointment should be made by the new Mayor. 

Meanwhile RW will continue to serve in his hold-over status.

Corporation Counsel Minchello requested to be placed on the agenda was a resolution of problems between the City and UCIA over I suspect Park/Madison. The details will await publication for next Monday’s meeting.

The Council did agree to place on the agenda the resolution relating to Certification of the Police Department. Some of the positive financial reasons according to Director Hellwig seemed vague including the amount of anticipated savings in insurance. He also announced that there would be various new reductions in some of the fees.

Enough for today.