Resident challenges city council's actions
After attending the city council meeting of Oct. 7, 2003, I feel compelled to write some reflective thoughts.
Six or seven people were in the audience, and we did not know what the other people had on their minds or why they were there.
Toward the end of the council meeting, Mayor Dalke said that she knew why we were there and asked if anyone wanted to speak. A second request was made; I figured the business men there had another reason for being there.
After repeated requests for comment, I ventured to speak against the issue of alcoholic beverages to be allowed on city property, at sporting events, etc. I was surprised that the mayor, city manager, or council members could not mention exactly what was referred to as the reason for our presence. We were informed that IT was off the agenda, but I still don't know for certain what they were referring to since it was never mentioned.
Never did they say that it would not come up against. The mayor repeated that we needn't be concerned because it wasn't on the agenda. I believe we can be assured it will come up again.
The city manager made a lengthy statement about the fact that we should trust the city council. The longer he talked about trust, the more uncomfortable I became.
First of all, the city manager cannot control how the council will vote.
Secondly, the outward appearance is that the council would have passed a resolution allowing alcoholic beverages had they had the legal documents drawn up at the previous meeting. I see no reason for a legal document if the majority were not in favor it. Why spend the money for the city attorney to draw up the document unless it was anticipated to be needed later?
Thirdly, we were being asked to trust the city council; however, if they had approved alcoholic beverages on city property, would that have been in our best interest? I do not buy this line of thinking.
I challenge the city council to pass a resolution reaffirming the city's stand not to allow alcoholic beverages to be sold or consumed on city property. The existing ordinance should be improved if it is difficult to enforce or if it is vague in any way. This measure will re-instate my trust.
I think it could be a conflict of objectivity since the mayor's son was hired to run the recreation activities in our town, although he may or may not be a part of the above request. It might be helpful to know where and why this was originally put on the agenda.
Finally, we were advised that the council's agenda is posted late Friday in the city building on the bulletin board so we could see what was coming up; however, I believe at a regular meeting items can be added at the meeting. If this is the case then what good is it to go look at the agenda.
John Wiebe
Hillsboro
