Council meets tomorrow, Monday April 14, 2014.  I expect it to be a long meeting with plenty of entertainment value.  This is a pleasant way of saying last week was particularly frustrating.  I'm also disappointed that again this week,  I didn't get the opportunity to post responses to outstanding questions.  I will address at least one in this article.  Remember you can watch the meeting online from the city website (live video becomes active about 7pm) 
 
On a positive note at Council meeting tomorrow, the agenda contains:
 
A presentation by United Water concerning our water service.
 
A Mayoral Proclamation to VFW Post 3283 for Buddy Poppy Day.
 
Other items of interest:
 
The appointment of Robert Schommer to the position of City Manager.
 
A contract with the Impact Group for Municipal Communication Services
 
The disposal of Surplus Property
 
Foreclosure Proceedings for certain Abandoned Properties
 
Lease of City Property to Key-Ads for the purpose of erecting a digital sign

Remember if any of these items interest you, you can go to the agenda on the city website.  Click on any item and you can see the legislation and the attachments. 

or you can Download the entire 19mb council meeting packet. 
 
 
Questions from Citizens:
 
What is going on with the debate about whether the Mayor can vote?
 
From my stand point this issue was always about whether council wanted to do things open and with relatively in-depth discussion or if they wanted to cling to the way they had previously been doing business.   When they voted to adopt the changes to the Rules of Council they confirmed they preferred the old way. 
 
For the record:
 
Since the City Charter in certain circumstances gives the Mayor the veto power, this gives that position more influence than a council member with a single vote. Just because it is not powerful enough to overcome 8-0 or 7-1 votes doesn't change the fact that the Mayor is really an "enhanced" council member. All other language and duties in the charter support this concept as well. 
 
Additionally, the common usage of ex officio clearly expects the position of Mayor to be a voting member of all committees.  Furthermore, the arguments Council Member Tyler Starline made concerning the two different ways ex officio is addressed in the City Charter appear solid.  Anyone concerned with the city's budget should be thankful there aren't citizens pressing the issue in court.  
 
I look forward to when council re-opens discussion on the Rules of Council and anticipate the next version will be consistent with the City Charter. 
 
The more important question and responses concern the budget.  I had one question that got the figures for a Case Study on Good Sports started.  For the record I believe the Good Sports project is exactly the kind of good investment TIF revenues and projects are suppose to attract.  I am hoping and expecting when we finally get all the relative numbers examined that it will look very good.  Stand by - unfortunately I don't have time tonight to start that examination.  

Council Meetings are at City Hall and start at 7 pm.  6131 Taylorsville Rd  Huber Heights OH 45424