Council/Staff Quotes

UA Solid Waste Initiative

Vote "YES" on 52!

So ...

What do members of UA Council and Staff say
during their PUBLIC meetings?

Here are a few snippets ...

July 2, 2007. The Assistant City Manager tells Council about a "window" that closes at the end of 2007, regarding the ability to make 'major' staff changes in the solid waste division. He told Council that it was "critical" that they make a quick decision.
This is NOT TRUE. There is nothing in the union contract
that talks about this "window." Read the relevant portion of the contract Here.

Why was this said if it wasn't true?

July 2, 2007. A Council member asks what will happen if the City has sold its equipment and entered into a contract with an outside firm, and it doesn't work out.

July 2, 2007. The 4th of July Parade is coming up, and Council is told which vehicle they will be riding in the parade.

November 5, 2007. The Finance Director "answers" a question about why there is a 300% jump in "Avoidable Costs" in the third year of the 5-year projection. Here's the explanation.

No one from Council requests further clarification.
If you can make sense of it, we will send you a free bumper sticker.

November 5, 2007. A member of Council asks the Finance Director about the type of service being provided by the contractor to the City of Akron (their only Ohio customer).

Then, 15 minutes later, the same Council member asks what type of references the service provider has, and the Finance Director again answers.

So ... did the City talk with Akron, or didn't it?

December 3, 2007. A member of Council poses the question of what will happen if the new service provider fails. How did Council react?

December 3, 2007. A member of Council cites talks about the "average trash user" ...

Which he isn't. He lives in a condominium complex which does NOT use city-supplied trash service.

December 14, 2007. How do Staff and Council address questions posed by a concerned resident?

How would you feel in his position?

February 15, 2007. How does Council welcome residents who come to express their opinions about the "Trash Ordinance" voted by Council?
Play each of these three audio clips.

Are we in Council Chambers or a courtroom?

February 21, 2008. At a Council/Staff retreat, the subject of resident input is discussed, and the idea of prohibiting speaker comments at the third reading is addressed. While nothing is decided, one thing is clear.

So ... the next time you speak at a Council session,
DO NOT READ from a paper that you give them.

February 21, 2007. And what about residents claiming that something has been "rushed?"

So ... when you're talking to Council, DO NOT say that you thought the process was rushed.

March 24, 2008.  BZAP (Zoning Board) Meeting. A long-time resident and taxpayer whose home will be affected by the "Tremont Rezoning" is addressing the Board.

"Entertaining?" I do not think his intention is to entertain, but rather to plead his case.

Council also does business in Executive Sessions,
which are CLOSED to the public.
You've just heard what is said in PUBLIC sessions,
what is said during these PRIVATE sessions?