With some smooth blocking by Dan Canada, Michael Barber ran the length of the Town Council field for a breathtaking touchdown last night.
Citizen concerns had previously been brought before Council about having some way of crediting sewage handling fees for people who are using water for gardens and lawns. It makes sense to me. The water used for those purposes is not going into the sewer system so why should they pay that fee.
Mr. Barber played center, quarterback, and receiver positions on this issue. He went out and did the research as to costs, benefits, how to make the system work, and then he threw the long bomb in the form of a trial run of 25 special meters that people can buy and use to monitor the water that is going into the ground rather than in the sewer. Full details of the information are on the audio recording of the meeting but I will not address them here as the final design for actually doing the pilot project may change. The Town will be announcing this project if you are interested in being one of those first 25.
When some of the other Council Members balked a bit at such a project, concerned about how much extra work this might create for an already overwhelmed town staff, Dan Canada came rolling down that field like a steamroller, clearing the field for the project. He successfully argued that this was a pilot program that would not have a significant impact on the Town, and a logical approach to dealing with the issue.
Overall, what a wonderful change from the "let's wait and see" attitudes that had been so predominate in previous meetings. What we have instead is a 'let's test drive' this vehicle first, then if it meets our needs, we can look at getting the whole package.
Great job on the part of Mr. Barber who put a great deal of time and effort into talking with other jurisdictions already using this approach about the problems they had. He then went the extra mile of coming up with some modifications to those systems that would minimize problems.
Great job on the part of Mr. Canada when he took out the oppositions defense with a few well placed moves based on good old fashioned common sense.
Ultimately, they got the touchdown and won the game when the decision to support the trial project was unanimous.
Personally, that's what I like to see in elected officials, the attitude of "how can we accomplish this". It is much more effective than "we can't do this" or "let's wait and see".
Additionally, Kudos to both Mr. Stipes and Mr. Canada for a good job of researching the downtown parking issues and coming up with a tentative plan that allows some room for modification as they continue doing research over the next couple of weeks. Their ideas clearly came from a vested interest in the impact of parking times on all of the businesses, trying to find a 'happy medium' that meets the majority of needs without creating an undo hardship for any individual business. Furthermore, they made it clear that there is an intention to find signs that add to the aesthetics of downtown rather than detract, and stiff parking fines (rather than the former slap-on-the-wrist) would be enforced!!
It is a delicate balance, looking after the business of the Town and the needs of the people. Last night's meeting showed how good teamwork and communications worked to accomplish that.
The lone detractor of last night's meeting, as far as I am concerned, was when Mr. Wade asked how much money was being given to the Town in return for adopting a 20 year lease agreement (normally 5 year) concerning a cell tower near the water tank. He wanted to know how much money was involved before voting on whether or not accept the proposed 20 year contract. Mr. Terpenny responsed "does it matter?"
Duh! Yes, it does matter.. if for no other reason that when the boss (town council) asks a question the employee (town manager) should give an answer. What is all of this need for secrecy? (
This entire conversation is available on the citizen's webpage in the recording of 7/1/08 Town Council Meeting.)
Kudo's to Mr. Wade for hanging in there and getting a clear answer! I think it is important for citizens to know that a $75,000.00 contribution to the recreation department hangs in the balance of this decision. And, the council voted to use it to continue on the construction of the skate park that has been sitting on the backburners for so long. (Another very wise choice, I my opinion.)
Overall, it was a great meeting with a lot accomplished!