Work session

Last night's work session was long. They went into executive session after four hours of meeting, to discuss "non elected personnel." Of course, that was to negotiate with Steve Archer for the job of city manager. Tonight he may get appointed.

There were several items of discussion before they even got to the agenda. This blog was even a topic of discussion. Dotty Smith and Patrick McDonald had an interesting "discussion" about the badges.
She explained her side of the story. She never tried to arrest anyone. She said she never "flashed" it. Im not sure what the difference is between "flashing" and "showing." She said she mostly shows it to kids in schools when she explains what a mayor is and what a mayor does. (Referring of course to when she was mayor.)
The badges are commemorative things that commissioners - and mayors - have received for years. Though I think there was a time recently when they were not getting them.
They are not very expensive in the overall scheme of things.
But Dotty pointed out to me that her badge was given to her by a friend.

There was someone who was upset with her for showing it to him on the street. This person threatened to write a letter to the editor, but never did. She said she only showed it to him to show that she was who she claimed to be.

I think its a tempest in a teapot, or much ado over nothing, or maybe some other Shakespeare play.

Speaking of the blog. Yesterday's post also got a reaction from the commission. Two commissioners called me.
I have to give Mell Kuhn credit here. He didn't like it and let me know exactly why it was he didn't like it. I saw him later on in the day, and he didn't act upset or anything. He voiced his opinion and objection about it and then moved on.
Patrick also called but I was really busy on deadline and didn't get to talk much.

So I guess the blog is getting some attention.
I think it can make a difference. The commissioners don't think they are being secretive or that they are withholding information. Maybe they are not for the most part. Still, sometimes the do give that impression. I should perhaps note here that I am talking about the three amigos.

In other items of discussion, they hospital board showed up and began making its pitch for a half-cent sales tax. This would have to go to voters. A sales tax is the fairest of taxes. Everyone pays.

They also talked about cutting some money from the friendship meal program. This is kind of an interesting issue. They are talking about cutting "extra" money that they have been giving the program. The funding for the program itself would remain in place. Other cities in our area do not give the program extra money, so it would bring us in line with what others do.
The city already contracts with a company to provide the meals both at the senior center and delivered. That would not be affected For some years the city has put additional money into the program, and that is what is being discussed.

The Vinelife church was also discussed. The city is trying to get out from under it. The folks at Vinelife are interested in taking it over. They currently lease the building.
More department heads also made their pitch to the commission for their annual budgets.

Tonight may not be as interesting, though we may get a new city manager.