Here is the latest city commission agenda.
Worksession is at 5:30 p.m. today.
Regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
All meetings are at city hall and are open to the public.
* Something new. I have attached a link to the packet for the meetings, which includes background on each item. Just click on the title of this blog entry. It is a lot of pages,so may take some time to download.
Comments from the audience on items not on the agenda.
1. Presentation of Beautification Advisory Board’s Good Neighbor Awards.
2. Consider ordinance adopting dog and cat licensing in the City. (Roll call vote).
3. Consider resolution authorizing renewal of the agreement with Reaching Out Consultation
Services, Inc. (Voice vote).
4. Consider renewal of cereal malt beverage licenses for 2009. (Voice vote).
December 2, 2008 Commission Meeting Agenda - Page 2 of 2
5. Consider revised Boundary Resolution for 2008. (Voice vote).
6. Consider ordinance adopting new storm water regulations. (Roll call vote).
7. Consider ordinance authorizing special one-half percent citywide retailers’ Hospital sales
tax. (Roll call vote).
8. Consider ordinance authorizing special one-half percent citywide retailers’ Street sales tax.
(Roll call vote).
9. Consider resolution adopting revised Personnel Policy Handbook. (Voice vote)
10. Consider Mayor’s appointments to City Boards. (Voice vote).
Miscellaneous Matters from the City Manager/City Commission.
Adjournment.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
40 comments:
James I have something I'd like to see on the agenda but I'm not sure how to go about it and also I'm not sure about the communities support so I figured where better than your blog to raise my question. Where is the land that the commision has promised to the skaters? See as an uptown business owner I see the point of not allowing skateboards on the sidewalks but what alternative do we offer these kids in return? Why is it the same guys who disliked the skateboarders when I was in high school are now police continueing their vendetta? Do they arrest basketball players dribbling their balls up the side walks? Do they arrest runners sprinting down the sidewalk? No but at least we have parks for the kids to skate in right? I mean sure we just deamed their park to unsafe so we tore it down and the rotundahs and tennis courts are far too nice to allow them to skate on so no I guess the parks are out too. Odd isn't it that if we had a kid who was great at baseball, even if he isn't from this town (Spivey, Haffner), we treat them like local heroes. What if one of the Locals do go pro? What if they sign a million dollar deal with Birdhouse or Element, will they still be looked down on then? Sure they are loud, rude, a bit annoying, but honestly they are kids and most kids are. Does this city honestly have the stance that we would rather our children fall in line and do what is normal and popular? Sad to me that the town labels all skaters as evil and turns them all away. I'm not saying the police are wrong, I'm not saying the kids are right I guess what I'm asking is why not just make skateboards illegal since there is nowhere to skate anyways. And don't worry I'll talk to the kids and explain to them that the city would rather them become burn outs or knocked up because that seems to be becoming the norm do to the fact of lack of alternative.
Man, really? Spelling and grammar went right out the window on that one, but I do get your point.
While I have to say that skateboarding has no place on city streets or sidewalks because of dangers to the skaters and the public, I do think it would be nice if there was a skate park.
If anything, I believe the cops in town are too lenient on the skaters. I have seen skaters in the middle of Summit street, in plain view of an officer, and the officer does nothing.
The first time an old lady walks out the front door of a downtown business and gets hammered by a speeding skateboarder, I'm sure they will crack down.. for awhile anyway.
But I agree they need a park. And the city needs to build it.
Not to change the subject but i wanted to rub this in james face as he always said that recession was only in your mind
The day's news reminded investors, who last week were buying on a burst of optimism, that the economy is still in serious trouble. Then, at midday, Wall Street got confirmation of what everyone has suspected for months, that the nation is indeed in a recession. The National Bureau of Economic Research, considered the arbiter of when the economy is in recession or expanding, said the U.S. recession had begun a year ago, in December 2007.
in your face with newssssssssss thats real
my spell check and gramer correcter is broke too, learn to communicate with people on all different levels and not make comments about their ability to do so
Why does the commission have to consider an ordinance authorizing the sales tax for the street and hospital?
Took some smartass on tv to officially announce a recession! How stupid do they think american people are? Well stocks plunged today after that announcement, good going. Ahhh, but I see a light at the end of the tunnel. Friday the numbers will most likely be back up.
And now the dog and cat tax is back on the agenda with Veterinarians offering to sell them when the dogs are vaccinated? And will the vets be calling and reporting people who refuse to pay the extra? When will it become a crime?
A better question: How many will take their pets to Newkirk or Cedarvale?
What's a "gramer correcter"?
"in your face with newssssssssss thats real"
Think that is a little uncalled for. James is trying have a positive outlook on the economy. Why don't you take your issues out on the oil companies, banks, car companies and any others that you can think of that sits there and gouges the public while ceo's are making millions and sometimes billions. I sometimes wish the oil companies would collapse and go broke, they're going to sock it to us again anyway.
Why does the commission have to consider an ordinance authorizing the sales tax for the street and hospital?
>>>>
It is just a legal thing.
The city has to pass an ordinance to raise the sales tax. What we voted on was allowing them to pass the ordinance.
Im not sure whether they could refuse to do so or not?
ZACH
I do see your argument, but will also say that they have messed with my wife's flower gardens - and continue to do so - at the Library, so my attitude toward them is not the best.
Just last week she engraved little metal tags to mark what bulbs she had planed as a reference for next year. So she wouldn't uproot them with future plantings.
Well, they tore out her tags and now there is no way of knowing where the bulbs are.
Also during the year they tore out several flowers.
They were seen doing it. And even crashed into her flowers a few times.
So forgive me for not being real sympathetic :)
Anyways, kids need to learn a little responsibility.
The city offered to give them a place - don't know if it was identified or not.
The city also tried to help them organize and raise money to pay for it... the kids wouldn't do it.
JJ your facts are not correct on the skate board park, you have listened to too many burocrats to report what is really going on with this subject,,
if you do not belive me ask to see the Water plant upgrade plans,, you ask what this has to do with the skate board park and why it was not built or maintained to standards of other skate board parks?? the anwsers are always the most obvious to the eyes while the ears collect lies to deceive the mind
My kids like to ride 4 wheelers, build them a park!
My kids like to finger paint, build them a park!
My kids like to collect stamps, build them a park!
My kids like to paintball, build them a park!
My kids like to ride horses, build them a park!
What has happened to being responsible for themselves and stop expecting the City to hold everybodys hands?
the anwsers are always the most obvious to the eyes while the ears collect lies to deceive the mind
>>
And some people believe what they want to believe.
Fact is, the skateboarder kids came to a city commission meeting. The city told them they would help them raise the money, would help them get organized, and would help them build the park.
The kids didnt want to take part in fundraising.
Thats the fact jack.
"Thats the fact jack."
James, you are 100% correct! I was one of the parents that helped with the original skate park and offered with this new venture. No help or input from the kids! zip, nadda, 0 nothing.
Has anyone checked to see how Ponca City managed the construction of their classy skateboarding and cycling park. It is right next to the Armory building on the SW edge of town.
It seems to get quite a bit of use and maybe even has held some competition events there. It looks to be well built with several amenities. Was it private funded? Municpal funds? Maybe a corporate or anonymous (different from our anonymous bloggers though) donor?
It is still true that there is no need to re-invent the wheel. Most issues we face have been dealt with in a great number of communities similar to ours in size and population.
It is always good to have a couple of models, each unique from the others to compare and then take the best of all ideas and go forward.
December 2, 2008 12:56 PM
If kids on skateboards are such a problem to the downtown merchants, then the merchants should band together and build a park for the skateboarders. This would solve two problems. It would keep the kids off the sidewalks and give them a place to skateboard.
If only the adults liked to hang out downtown as much as the kids. Maybe business would be better. :)
I noticed that a lot of kids like to hang out in the rec parking lot at night. I assume it's a nice place to skate. However, we have heard of many incidents (fights) happening there. Also, it is just across the street from the flowers James said was destroyed. I'm sorry, but they have proved that they need to be supervised. I still think we need a skatepark ran and organized by the rec center like the public pool. It needs to be fenced, supervised and a small entry fee charged to pay for maintenance and other expenses associated with the park.
the merchants should band together and build a park for the skateboarders.
>>>
I dont see what would be so bad about having the kids actually put forth a little effort to get a park.
What a way to learn some responsibility, and to gain some confidence.
Maybe we hand to much to the kids as it is ?
I know, im a grouch ... but ...
James has posted a link to the city commission packet. In that same area is the appropiations [what is being spent and where]. Want to raise your blood pressure, start looking at that on a regular basis. WalMart does very well with city departments charging cookies, candy and so forth]
i was applauled at the 64 meals bought at bricks,, who the heck are we feeding and why?
i was applauled at the 64 meals bought at bricks,, who the heck are we feeding and why?
December 2, 2008 8:28 PM
Thats not as bad as a lot of the other stuff.. I'm pretty sure that was the noon meal furnished the visiting law enforcement who donate their time on Arkalah Saturday. Note in the past at least Brick Vining has sent that check back to the city,now where it goes from there is probably the interesting question. Don't you like the $1600 plus at WalMart. That runs from $600 and up very month.
WalMart does very well with city departments charging cookies, candy and so forth]
>>>
The commissioners walked in the arkalalah parade and threw out candy.
You would have to check with the city to see what the money went for. Thats the thing about posting your bills, it is good, but there is no context.
You could call the city and ask them.
I could, but, Its not real interesting to me why the spent $1600 at walmart except that it means they did not spend that amount with a local business.
I imagine they would tell you.:)
What do you people want? you gripe because the city spends too much money and then gripe because they buy at Walmart! Everyone of you buy at Walmart and the #1 reason is......Ding ding ding, to save a little money! Ever wonder why walmart generates more revenue than all the downtown merchants, because of all the hipocrites shopping there. And another thing guess who I saw at Lowes the other day. I saw them but they didn't see me! Hipocrites in action.
Once again, it's about what they are buying [are you unable to look at the actual expenditures] [don't think hot chocolate, cookies, lemonade] and so forth are necessary. Lot of folks struggling to make ends may not enjoy these luxuary items. [The following while nickle and dime are just a few select items. Total the year and it would pay your water bill. Further it is not meant to demean city employees, but they do receive a paycheck.
23034 WALMART COMMUNITY
1310 1 I 11/26/2008 10/27/2008
DPDoFcuments
Complete
Click Here & Upgrade
Expanded Features
Unlimited Pages
APSCHDRP Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:14 PM **** City of Arkansas City **** OPER: CLF PAGE 29
BDAY PARTY GOODIES 14.92 14.92 14.92 01 1
01-209-73-792 Food
2778 1 I 11/26/2008 11/18/2008 CANDY,BALLOON 21.47 21.47 21.47 16 1
16-650-69-688 Employee Appreciation
2 I HOT CHOCOLATE MIX 2.82 2.82 2.82 16 1
CANDY,COFFEE,NUTS,WATER 37.86 37.86 37.86 11/26/2008 11/13/2008 GIFT CARDS,PRIZES 125.58 125.58 125.58 01 1
01-209-69-688 Employee Appreciation
2 I GIFT CARDS,PRIZES 135.24 135.24 135.24 16 1
16-209-69-688 Employee Appreciation
3 I GIFT CARDS,PRIZES 135.24 135.24 135.24 18 1
18-209-69-688 Employee Appreciation
4 I GIFT CARDS,PRIZES 86.94 86.94 86.94 19 1
19-209-69-688 Employee Appreciation
* INVOICE TOTALS 483.00 483.00 483 LEMONAIDE MIX 2.28 2.28 2.28 16 1
16-650-73-792 Food
16-650-70-754 Minor Supplies
2 I COOKIES 17.28 17.28 17.28 16 1
16-650-73-792 Food
OH MY GOSH! someone bought some cookies and hot coco for employees or commissioneers.
Get a grip people!
And they do it every week, too! Think about the whole issue as you stand in line to pay your water bill.
Seriously. Get real. The employees in this city serve you everyday. Some protect you everyday. Police officers put their lives on the line for you... Everyday. The city employees are just like most of you; people trying to earn money to provide for their families. I am a city employee and can promise all of you that myself and my coworkers are not drinking hot chocolate everyday laughing that you paid for it! I pay taxes in Ark City too, and like you, am wondering where these cookies and hot chocolate are. I have been working with the city almost 10 years now and have never seen a packet of coacoa. Anyways.... When was the last time that you have gone to the bank and they didnt have little suckers or candy... wonder why people dont scrutinize that??? Interest rates might decrease a little if we didnt have that overhead!! (I am just kidding, by the way!!)
Anonymous said:
Seriously. Get real. The employees in this city serve you everyday. Some protect you everyday. Police officers put their lives on the line for you... Everyday. The city employees are just like most of you; people trying to earn money to provide for their families. I am a city employee and can promise all of you that myself and my coworkers are not drinking hot chocolate everyday laughing that you paid for it! I pay taxes in Ark City too, and like you, am wondering where these cookies and hot chocolate are. I have been working with the city almost 10 years now and have never seen a packet of coacoa.
charles said: Didn't take long for the new employee hand book. Position cut at Seniors Center, as budget savings, but yet we still allow city departments to charge trinkets and treats at WalMart. Last bills, included gift cards for employee appreciation. Did one go to the out going Senior Center employee? Yes I've been told it's minor amounts,and to get over it, but some still just don't get it. It adds up and prioritys seem to be out of sync. Could really save money if we cut down on the out of town junkets by department heads.
Please read, previous posts did not accuse the average city employee. But you obviously know whats going on in the city. Are you one of the long timers, whose, feed up and actively looking looking for another job. Maybe you'd like to share your information with us.
i am a city employee also and when i look at the expences paid sheet and i see thousands of dollars that is spent on custom tailored shits for Code enforcement and Police department, and special pants with name tags sewn in, this moth the paid list shows $400.00 dollars worth of meals at the Landing strip, last month there was $600 at bricks... whos is acountable for these expences and who is actualy doing it,,, the majority of us are getting working for peanuts let alone getting a meal at the Landing strip
JJ your auto correct spell check isnt working again
All of these expenses may or may not be justifiable. Chances are that a healthy percent of them are. The minority that aren't can simply be chalked up to bad judgement that humans tend to be in the habit of making. These appropriations warrants were put on line only in the last year or so for us to be able to readily view and I applaud who ever had the notion to do that. I agree with James that context is important so you should ask the city Manager or the department head where the expense is attributed if you want justifiication for some expense. One of the benefits of this process is that when something like this is open up to citizen review we have the possibility of changing processes through our questions and suggestions and that is a great opportunity. If you are going to gripe then gripe but also go a step further and see if you can improve the process.
December 3, 8:49PM, post...
Gripe, you bet and could it be the only reason your not is because you are one who is benefiting? I've done my research and know most of the answers. Do You? Interesting post about three above by a city employee who knows about the meals, fancy shirts and other expenses and yes the average city employee isn't receiving any of it.
A lot of people are struggling just to pay their utility bills. Maybe your not in that category [be thankfull] but don't thumb your nose at those who don't know they are being taxed to death for the benefit of a few elite.
OK JJ, you can pull my post, but I am sick and tired of those who do not have a sense citizenship. It's asked over and over whats wrong with Arkansas City. Pretty obvious isn't it..
It's asked over and over whats wrong with Arkansas City. Pretty obvious isn't it..>
>>
Could it be that its people not being willing to actually do something to get involved?
If you wonder about any of those expenses, you should call the city manager or a city commissioner and ask them.
If you're not willing to do that, then, you are part of the problem.
Ok everyone bear with me my spelling may not be the best here. Last year we organized a skate coallition in which the kids met twice a week to get help on their home work and discuss ideas for raising money for the skate park. They raised quite a bit of money, which when turned over to the citys teen center, they never heard of again. Awesome. But hey you are informed right? The thing is I'm not asking for something new. They had a skate park, there was a man the city paid to take care of it, he didn't, the city tore it down. It was not unused and before it was gone I don't recall the issue being this large. Interesting observaion I think. No I don't think the sidewalks are a safe place for the kids to skate but I also don't see it as a safe place for joggers to run. Honestly James I am a little dissappointed in you. With the new "gang problem" in AC you still blame skaters for your flowers? You label them all? As a man of the media aren't you taught that it is wrong to lump people together. Here is a problem I have had. Sense I bought my store I have caught 4 shoplifters. 3 of which spoke very little English. So by this citys standard all non-English speaking people steal. Good to know. Let's ban them from the uptown right?
Zach, is there proof that money was turned over to the teen center and how many witnesses was there? I would ask the person in charge and if they cant answer and beat around the bush, maybe talk to the city attorney about this.
If my memory serves me right, these kids did hold a fundraiser. They probably need some guidance on the raising the money, since, well.. they are just kids.
I agree, let's ban non-English speaking people from town.
enough with the skate park already
I can't believe more people didn't state that they wholeheartedly agree with the poster who wrote this--
My kids like to ride 4 wheelers, build them a park!
My kids like to finger paint, build them a park!
My kids like to collect stamps, build them a park!
My kids like to paintball, build them a park!
My kids like to ride horses, build them a park!
What has happened to being responsible for themselves and stop expecting the City to hold everybodys hands?
-----------------------------------
THAT is the problem not just with this town but a whole society of steal from those who have to give to the few with the biggest whiny voices.
Post a Comment