03/21/2006 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 3/21/2006 LEGISLATION Resolution No. 2006-52 introduced by Mayor O'Grady was given its third reading. A resolution authorizing the Mayor to hold an annual "Mayor's Ball" as acity-sponsored event and directing that the proceeds be used far a community or charitable purpose as designated annually by the Mayor, and declaring an emergency. Councilman Gareau moved for adoption, and the motion was seconded by Council Member Dailey Jones. Roll call: Gareau, yes, with comment that he understands the concerns that were raised with respect to the conflict concerns. However, he looks at this from a different perspective of the opportunity for our community to have a community event at our city owned Springvale Golf Course. Often Springvale has not been able to pay its own way. This is an opportunity to get back on the right track. (}bviously, it needs a little bit of work. There are some planning issues that would have to be straightened out. But from a philosophical perspective, anything that we can do at this point in time to make Springvale a successful establishment, he thinks should be pursued. Any harm to potentially come from this is greatly outweighed by the fact that we're not transferring thousands of dollars from the General Fund once again or cutting services at Springvale to make sure the place can pay its own way. He would hope that his opinion is shared by his colleagues that we can do this, allow far the opportunity to maximize the usage at Springvale and hopefully it benefits everybody-the community and Sprngvale. Roll call continued: Jones, yes; Orlowski, no; Barker, yes, with comment. He mirrors Mr. Gareau's thoughts. But as Recreation Chairman, he would like to note that Springvale paid for itself this past year and even paid its administrative fees. Roll call continued: Tallon, no, with comment. He has a philosophical difference with using city employees to work on a charity function. He doesn't think the city should be in the charity business. He applauds Mr. Gareau's thoughts on using Springvale. Even though he knaves the Law Director has said this is a gray area, he doesn't see any problem with a private citizen or mayor using the ballroom for his ball. Other than that, he really doesn't have a problem. He just don't like using city workers for basically political entities and also far charity events. The city isn't in the charity business. Roll call continued: Miller, no, with comment. He is uncomfortable with a scenario where directors on city time are organizing and promoting an event like this. Oftentimes it's the employees who least can afford it who are asked to buy tickets and whether directly or indirectly feel somewhat pressured to participate. Also, approaching vendors who do business with the city could be an implication they might gain some favor. He is uncomfortable with that gray area and doesn't think it's appropriate to do an event under those conditions. While he would like to see an event that benefits the city held at Springvale, he doesn't think it should be done by city workers on city time and primarily paid for by city employees who are having a hard enough time financially on their own. Roll call continued: Ryan, commented it is his position it is impossible for this group, which is the legislative branch, to get involved in the charity business. It is wrong for Council to be considering this. We are not preventing the mayor and his administration from this. At this point, President Kennedy informed Mr. Ryan he would have to state his vote before making comments. There was a lengthy discussion and some confusion. It was determined that Mr. Ryan was not making a no vote; he was choosing not to vote on this issue. He felt it 13 awe -~-*,-~~ asa,..,,~ ;.. ,._ ~. #"