There is a change in the special meeting format, please read.
Ladies and Gentlemen, there has been a change in the format of the session set for 7/21/07. I reported that the web site for the City said we could make comments reference the PGAV, RFD proposals that will be heard at the meeting.
The new format will allow comments only on the tax, and restaurant issues, but not the RFD as stated on the City's memo.
If you were planning to come before the Board on that subject, please table it until the 8/28/07 meeting, when we will have a chance to air our ideas.
That said, it should be interesting to hear what Mr. Robert Klar(Armstrong Teasdale,)has to say about this one! I am sure most of you remember Mr. Klar from the Kohl's, pool deal, so why not show up and see what he has in mind this time!
Tom Ford
NO.375
The new format will allow comments only on the tax, and restaurant issues, but not the RFD as stated on the City's memo.
If you were planning to come before the Board on that subject, please table it until the 8/28/07 meeting, when we will have a chance to air our ideas.
That said, it should be interesting to hear what Mr. Robert Klar(Armstrong Teasdale,)has to say about this one! I am sure most of you remember Mr. Klar from the Kohl's, pool deal, so why not show up and see what he has in mind this time!
Tom Ford
NO.375
posted by Crestwood Independent at 18:14
33 Comments:
Tom,
I'm not sure Robert Klahr would have any reason to be at Tuesday's meeting. None of the agenda items pertain to the Kohl's TDD - unless he would be needed for some reason for agenda item 4 - setting the rates for tax levies?
Tom, why cant we speak to the issues that your orginal post covered? Are we being prevented from speaking our minds aobut the future of our City and the Mall?
I don't get it, please explain.
Mr. Myers in his info packet to the BOA on the City website said the City had retained the services of PGVA, how could that be if the BOA has not hired them or voted on the question? Is this another consultant deal, no bids, C/A makes choice, BOA told about it after the fact? Not saying this is a bad idea, but if in April, Westfield asked the City to hold off till end of summer, and per Mr. Roby said City hasnt hired them ,just what the heck is going on behind what seem to be closed doors?
When will citizens and BOA be able to express their views about this?
Does the Mayor support this action of what seems to be done by C/A without his or the BOA's ok?
I think the public should be able to speak on the issue of the plaza and hiring a consultant.
Now Mr. Myers has a new Economic Development Director, an intern working for him, and as I understand, as of last week, a new Assistant City Administrator.
First of all, do any of these hires bring to the table some experience in dealing with this problem with the Mall?
Second, didn't the Mayor complain during his campaign about the previous administration having this many people to do the City Administrator's job?
Is this a regular Board of Alderman meeting with all of the minutes recorded?
What is the difference of an Executive Summary meeting versus a Board of Alderman meeting?
Is this legal?
Is this allowed in our Charter?
Will there be a closed session before or after this Executive Summary? Sounds like a corporation versus a city government meeting for the citizens of Crestwood.
Since the Crestwood Plaza is a 353 like a land use for public taxing monies, is this meeting for a separate political subdivision like a TDD?
Looking at the agenda right now people.
Looks like you can speak tonight. I see nothing about limitations. All it says is no topics other than what's on the agenda can be commented on.
Because the development of the mall is on the agenda, looks like the people can speak on it.
Read the agenda a little closer people. You might actually learn something.
4:28 PM blogger: The "agenda" said we could speak. The Mayor, and the BOD president both told me yesterday, we could not(reference the plaza, all others were open as I said.)
That part of the meeting was to be for information gathering only, I.E. a presentation to the BOA from PGAV, Mr. Klar, ET EL!
Now you know what I was told on the phone. So, if you wish to attend, please do so! And by the way, tell me if you were allowed to speak (on the plaza subject.) I doub't that will happen "people!"
7:21 AM blogger: no your not being "prevented," but this is an informational presentation only, and not an open to comment session.
Tom Ford
So, we can sit and listen but not give our input!
Mr. Myers writes that PGVA was retained in Feb. '07, but Alderman Roby said the BOA hasnt voted on anything.
Mr. Myers writes that in April'07, Westfield asked the City not to go any further with PGVA until after the summer.
Mr. Myers writes that a packet of the results of PGVA work will be with BOA work for tonite.
Are you telling me that all of this happened without a public meeting and at tonites public meeting we cant ask questions? What kind of government do we now have in Crestwood, " for the people, of the people"? This is America, right, you know the good ole US of A and a City meeting is being held over this important question and I the person who pays a part of the bill to keep the place afloat is being told I will not be allowed to speak,
BY WHO'S AUTHORITY, AND BY WHAT POWER is this outrage being fostered on American Citizens?
Time to storm the gates with our torchs Mr Ford?
Dont be too unhappy if very few people show up tonite, why should they waste their time with the bunch running our city right now, they dont listen, they dont care what we think, and they dont want us to know what they are doing?
Well, I won't be un-happy at all. I won't be there because it's a waste of time!
However, the next meeting could, and should produce some real fireworks, No?
Tom Ford
Second, didn't the Mayor complain during his campaign about the previous administration having this many people to do the City Administrator's job?
Actualy Don Greer had way more people working for him because his "Finance Director" needed so much help becase the $100,000+ Accounting Software thought 1 + 1 = 3 and thus paid his lawyer budy over $400,000 in "legal fees".
The accounting software that they didn't even try out before buying. I chided my Alderman for this when they were pondering the purchase. But what do I know?
poster 10:15/10:23, you have just been told you can not speak to current issues that effect your tomorrow, and all you can do is bring up the acts of a former C/A from 2 years ago that is no longer with us. Have you sold your collective souls to the person you voted for so that you now will look the other way to avoid facing the fact that the person you supported is now spitting on your civil rights?
We get the government we having coming to us by our failure to hold those in office accountable to those who put them there, you and me.
We are finished as a City.
Well, nothing like a positive post!
Tom,
You are always fighting for democracy and promoting following protocol of government procedures.
What is your real agenda? Helping Mayor Roy Robinson have more Executive Summary Meetings that end up being a Board of Alderman Meeting without public input between each reading of an ordinance.
What army did our Mayor Roy Robinson fight in? Russian?
Was this Executive Summary Alderman legal without have any public input and having the Board of Alderman voting on resolutions?
Was this PGAV, Gilmore Bell Law firm, or Westfield Mall idea for tonight's meeting without public comments?
Please send all questions to Our Mayor Roy Robinson as requested by him because no more public input.
The city is partnering with PGAV to send out an RFP to only 87 developers without having Westfield change any of the wording.
Are we only short $1.4 million again in our budget? Maybe the City of Crestwood will get a bonus on selling or eminent domaining property they do not own.
Our Mayor is acting like a commercial real estate salesman!
At least Mayor Fagan, Mayor Robertson, and Mayor Brasfield allowed public comment and open bids!
Is our Mayor setting up the City of Crestwood for another lawsuit like the 66 Drive-In? Is it true that PGAV was part of that mess?
Is it true that PGAV was part of the Kohl's deal?
Now, who is changing how our city government is
Alderman John Foote is a member of Crestwood Smart Growth who was against eminent domain of the Creston Center (Bogeman's property) but is in favor of eminent domaining the Crestwood Mall?
It pays to be a friend of Alderman John Foote. Who paid for his compaign? Bogeman or Westfield?
Will the City of Crestwood post the Redevelopment Plan for the Crestwood Plaza?
Crestwood Plaza is a 353 so how much money does Westfield want for the mall?
$80 million for a 353
$10 million for a TDD
$20 million for a CID
What will be Westfield return on investment?
How many TIFs, TDDs, CIDs, 353s, and land uses has City Administrator Frank Myers marketed for a city?
Does the city get a commission or earn interest rate by getting a letter of credit for the financing of these eminent domain deals?
Who is benefiting from all of these public subsidiaries? Citizens of Crestwood or City's General Fund?
Tom,
I was at the meeting last night and I believe it was said by the Mayor that the original meeting was to be an Executive Session(closed meeting) but that it was changed to an open meeting so the public could hear what the Aldermen were hearing. He also said that citizens could ask questions at the next BOA meeting on August 28th. He also indicated that Town Hall meetings could be held.
Tom,
What was wrong with us being able to speak to the issues last night? You called the Mayor and he told you the public would not be allowed to speak, did he tell you why? The Mayor allows us to speak at work sessions, what was different about this?
Also if you talk to the Mayor ask him why last night was planned to be executive session, what was the legal reason for it being so? If it was legal to be an executive session, then why could the public hear what was being said. Do you think the City has been mis-using executive sessions?
Thanks!
12:26 AM blogger: We are all very lucky to have a man such as John Foote serving at this, or any other time!
I would tell you that Mr. Foote will run circles around you in any sort of debate, much less a finincial one!
And while I am at it, what's wrong with "smart growth?" We have seen the results of "dumb growth," (another department store, and a free pool.) Please give me "smart growth" every time!
As for the remainder of the questions, I believe I have told you that on the 28th. we will all have our chance to speak, so come loaded for bear!
That said, I am not at all happy with Mr. Golterman refusing to give a copy of "public papers" reference the Plaza to a citizen last night!
He should know that whenever thoes packets go out to the floor they become "public knowlwdge!" Rob, it's our tax monies your playing with, so as soon as I can, I will be filing a FOIA form with the City for a copy!
Tom Ford
I cannot understand what the confusion was about last night's meeting. My alderman called me, asked me to attend so that I could hear what the prospects were and that is exactly what happened. The meeting was very informative. If everyone there had a five minute time limit to speak about whatever he/she had on their minds, the meeting would have lasted until midnight. Our aldermen spend sooo many hours working for us, why would we feel the need to be heard unless we have something solid to report. The city is not ready for the graveyard, we need to be not so pessimistic and give the natural order of things time to run their course. I hear one person say how about a super Walmart. How's that for an idea? I'm just curious. What we do not need is another clothing store.
Wasn't there a group known as the 'smart group alliance' awhile back? In last week's paper our new girl Ms. Brown said what we need is not just growth, but smart growth. I believe we're saying the same thing here two different ways. I attended a few of the smart group alliance meetings and there were some really intelligent people with very forward thinking ideas. It seems some of our residents can't stand the idea of any number of people getting together to exchange ideas. Look how the CCFFR got bashed and I'll bet if the truth be known, the people talking the most knew the least. Our city attorney certainly doesn't seem to have a handle on things. If our mayor has one shortcoming it's his trust in this man.
Why doesn't Tom ask Mr. Golterman what he did to the honest citizens of Wildwood?
Smart Growth Alliance was started by Ken Bogeman to save his Creston Center from being eminent domain by the Crestwood BOA.
Ask Alderman John Foote what his relationship is with Ken Bogeman!
How many rental properties does Alderman John Foote own in the City of Crestwood?
How do you know this information?
What or who is your source? Do you have any contacts with Smart Growth Alliance?
Why don't you speak to Alderman Foote yourself?
poster 7:40, since when has anyone been concerned about how much time it takes to allow the voters to ask questions and express their views? That was not a concern in the past when there were other elected officals in place, why now?
Could it be that then it was ok and correct to question, but now it is not? Do we now have a secret government in place being run by a former Federal Law Enforcement officer?
Also, Mr Foote reads this blog as as such, he has been asked those questions and needs to answer them here.
Yes, you are so right blogger. All the questions asked on this blog need to be answered.
If a person played poker with his feet, could he still have some good hands?
If it’s all downhill from here, should we get our brakes checked?
Gee, I understand that Ms Barrett was upset with the Mayor at the BOA meeting, something about calling him Hitler?
I find it interesting that most everyone is so concerned about not having the opportunity to ask questions. My alderman invited me to provide him with questions i had and he would ask them. I slipped up and forgot to do so. but I will be there next Tuesday and will ask them myself.
Lots going on now and lots of it in search of some very important answers regarding the future of our city. Reading through all this whole blog site one easily senses there are lots of blithering idiots who peddle fear, distrust and vengence and who contribute nothing more on this blog, or to the city for that matter. Thus, advisable to read and consider the sources. These posters like to call names, criticize and run down ideas and people. They contribute to the dark side of politics in the city. It is a "high" for them, a "rush.". Easy to read, these people; these insincere people; these people who despise themselves and our leaders; their city and their lives. Concerned people do not let their mouths overrun their bottom side. It is time they stepped off their imaginary stage of self importance. We need to get busy with matters at hand and realize that some of the already forgotten and inefficient leaders are as ineffectual now as in their unenlightened past. Its time for the has beens to rake leaves and time for the hope to be's to work together having found a common goal. How hard is this?
And from the sound of things, it might be time to get sounder counseling or a neutral city attorney. I am not sensing the trust factor or intellect here is up to the task ahead. Now is not going to be a good time to be without astute guidance. "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link." Legal and Financial expertise is now front and center in Crestwood lest we forget our past experience. We need to benefit from past mistakes not just roll our eyes.
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