Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Staff Changes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge council to restore free pre-use of city hall; staffer Joe announces departure
Summary
Two residents told the council removing a long-standing perk allowing board members pre-use of city hall is disrespectful; later the mayor announced staffer 'Joe' gave notice and will volunteer through April to retain health coverage until a replacement is hired.
During public comment, Phyllis (identified in the transcript by another speaker) and another resident urged the council to reconsider a policy change that eliminated free pre-use of city hall by board members and volunteers. Phyllis said she had served on a national committee for more than 15 years and described losing the one perk of pre-use as "insulting," asking the council to reconsider. Another resident said the downtown cornhole events draw crowds, help local businesses and should be allowed to continue with consideration for alcohol permitting; she said the events are well organized and that she would pay to rent the facility if necessary.
Later in the meeting the presiding official thanked Joe (named in the transcript) and announced Joe had given notice that March 23 or 24 would be his last paid day; Joe offered to continue as a volunteer through the end of April to maintain health insurance coverage until a replacement could begin. Council members noted there are applicants for the position and staff indicated no formal motion was required for an unofficial volunteer continuation.
The council did not immediately reverse the rental-policy change during the meeting; members said the matter involves policy choices about competition with private venues, and staff described the rental-pricing question as a policy item that could be changed by council action in future meetings.
