2005-01-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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no discussion of ending up with a ward system where the more affluent people in those neighborhoods run. Mr. O'Brien said the Task Force talked about minority representation and socio- economic status, but more as it related to Council workload and pay. Ms. Hamilton said that of the people calling her about this issue, most of whom are African-American, 90% have urged her to keep the system as it is. Mr. Lynch said that of the people who attending the meetings who were not the "usual suspects" their comments reflected a number of myths that need to be dispelled. For example, some people thought that Councilors were not accessible. He said that all Councilors' telephone numbers are in the phone book and all are happy to hear from people. Mr. Lynch said one consistent theme was about communication issues, with people wanting to know about development issues, etc. He said we should agree to work on those issues even if we do not want to change the form of government. He said he would not necessarily favor having the City provide staff to the neighborhood associations as proposed, but is willing to meet with neighborhood associations, and thinks that could be done on a more regular basis. Mr. O'Brien said that the idea of staff for Council is that some people are intimidated about directly contacting Councilors. Mr. Caravati said that when he was Mayor he had contact with over 500 people in City Hall. REPORT: REVIEW OF STREET CLOSING POLICY Mr. O'Connell said that the goal of the street closing policy is to give a framework to citizens. Ms. Lisa Kelley, Deputy City Attorney, presented Council with an updated street closing policy which includes changes in State law. Responding to a question from Ms. Hamilton, Ms. Kelley said that in Part A the $75 fee is set by State Code for streets and alleys established by recordation of a subdivision plat prior to July 1, 1946 and not currently maintained by the City, and for which the person requesting the closing does all of the legwork. The fee of $100 in Par A is set by City Code and is for closings that require staff review and report. Part B requires a fee of $300 and is for closing of paper streets or alleys established by recordation of a subdivision plat after July 1, 1946, and for vacation of streets currently maintained by the City. Mr. Caravati said that consideration of the wider public good seems to be prohibited in Part A. He said that some closings also allow more development opportunities. Ms. Kelley said there is a different procedure for those plated before and after 1946. She said the City's interest in those plated before 1946 is very slim. Ms. Kelley said that a notice requirement could be written in for those closings done administratively. Mr. Lynch suggested that language be added to Part B, Page 4 about cases where there is a legal question as to ownership and which require staff time. He said consideration should be given to the impact on the rest of the neighborhood. He said that the City may want to look at unaccepted streets and see if it makes sense to accept them. Responding to a question from Mr. Schilling about the situation where the Mayor can sign the deed without Council discussion, Ms. Kelley said that in the mid 1990's the State Code was amended to only require that adjacent property owners are required to demonstration their interest. She said that if additional staff inquiry is wanted, it can be added.