Maybe it's just me, but it seemed like there was a lot of tension in the room last night between the public and the council, and within the council itself.
From what I understood, there was some confusion about who actually controls the money for the city.
Ordinance G-10-18, which discussed setting salaries for the sworn members of the police and fire departments, stated that the salaries may be amended when the contracts for 2011 are signed.
What's the point then?
When the council was asked this question, their responses differed.
The first councilman seemed to approach the question a little less than diplomatically. He seemed to be saying that the city council doesn't actually control the funds.
Really?
Who does then?
The second councilman seemed to take a more diplomatic approach and asked the council's attorney to look into how much they actually do have control over.
But in the end, the ordinance did not pass, with 7 nays and 1 sustainment.
This brings us to the big dog of the night.
Ordinance G-10-01, which states that residents of New Albany would be able to purchase an individual parking space outside of their houses for $250 for the first year, and at a discounted for subsequent years.
One citizen proposed that $250 seemed a little steep, and when he added the numbers, it would only cost the city a little over $55. The city should make a profit, but not that much of a profit.
When it came time for the council to discuss the ordinance, I was less than impressed by how one councilman handled himself. He took quite a dig at the citizen who proposed a cut in the cost of the parking space. Saying something to the effect of,
'Why should we listen to some guy who comes in here and thinks the price is too high?'
Well I'll tell you why. It's your job!
This ordinance was tabled for future discussion, so I'm sure we'll hear about this again.
See you in two weeks!
:)
