The September 12th, 2011 Mountain Home City Council Meeting was interesting and a good learning experience for me. There were quite a number of folks in attendance with the “Youth Center” issue the biggest draw. The Mayor and Council spent a considerable amount of time with one “concerned citizen” and on the Youth Center.
Here are some of the issues the Mountain Home City Council took on:
1. Concerned Citizen: A gentleman addressed the council about the recently approved Waste Water Rate increase. His concern was his Water-Sewer-Trash bill has increased significantly over the last 10 years. The “concerned citizen” didn't seem to be as concerned about his bill but more so about the increase for other citizens who may not be able to afford this newest increase.
- My thoughts are the Mayor and Council did a good job explaining why the City had to raise rates. But if I was in “concerned citizens” shoes, I would have left the meeting thinking the City doesn't have much compassion for us.
- I have attended many City Council Meetings in the past and have done some research into the budget and waste water issues. From what I have seen, the City has done some pretty amazing planning for “our” future when it comes to our sewer system. In the short term, paying higher rates now will likely result in more stable Water-Sewer-Trash bills 5-15 years down the road. Little consolation to the people who are having troubles paying their bills however.
2. The Youth Center Issue: Until recently, there was a business working out of the Youth Center property. The Mayor/City Council were unaware of this situation. In short this “For Profit”/”Non-Profit” organization was using the Youth Center property to help our kids in some way. The main issue here is this organization was using City property and City resources without a formal written agreement. Again, it seems as if the Mayor and Council are quite willing to work with people and organizations to make things better for all concerned.
- This issue, in my mind is clouded by lack of information on my part. The Mayor/Council apparently have some or lots of information pertaining to this problem so they know where they are going with it. Without heading to City Hall, getting the documentation and talking with the Mayor, the regular citizen is kind of left in the dark. Let's just say I fully trust our local leaders will get this issue straightened out. The information is likely available if you want to dive into this issue.
3. Solicitor Licenses: The “concerned citizen” also brought up an issue with how the City issues a solicitor license. He said he did some research into a company called “Vivint”. This company just had 4 individuals approved for a City solicitor license. “Concerned citizen” said his research turned up some not so favorable information about “Vivint's” past.
- My thoughts are “citizens” can offer a lot to the City Council and our local government. They just need to step up to the plate like “concerned citizen” did last night. I for one will be more “on guard” when a “licensed” salesperson knocks on my door.
- The City's responsibility in issuing Solicitor Licenses currently stops at making sure the individual doesn't have a criminal record. They don't, and shouldn't vet each and every company that does business in Mountain Home. There are State Government agencies that do this job. Unfortunately in the case of door-to-door sales, it's your job to make sure you do your own research before pulling out the checkbook.
4. Water is Big Business: I've addressed this issue in most every “City Council Meeting Minutes” I've posted on this website. Last night the City Council approved 3 payments totaling over $55,000 to keep drinking water flowing to our kitchen sinks and bathroom showers. The Mayor said last night “an average well cost about $750,000”. We have a lot of City wells and from everything I have heard at City Council Meetings, our City employees are doing an exceptional job at maintaining the wells and keeping costs as low as possible.
Comments:
Have any questions about this City Council Meeting? Please leave a comment. I'd love to hear what you think and any concerns you might have.
Here are some of the issues the Mountain Home City Council took on:
1. Concerned Citizen: A gentleman addressed the council about the recently approved Waste Water Rate increase. His concern was his Water-Sewer-Trash bill has increased significantly over the last 10 years. The “concerned citizen” didn't seem to be as concerned about his bill but more so about the increase for other citizens who may not be able to afford this newest increase.
- My thoughts are the Mayor and Council did a good job explaining why the City had to raise rates. But if I was in “concerned citizens” shoes, I would have left the meeting thinking the City doesn't have much compassion for us.
- I have attended many City Council Meetings in the past and have done some research into the budget and waste water issues. From what I have seen, the City has done some pretty amazing planning for “our” future when it comes to our sewer system. In the short term, paying higher rates now will likely result in more stable Water-Sewer-Trash bills 5-15 years down the road. Little consolation to the people who are having troubles paying their bills however.
2. The Youth Center Issue: Until recently, there was a business working out of the Youth Center property. The Mayor/City Council were unaware of this situation. In short this “For Profit”/”Non-Profit” organization was using the Youth Center property to help our kids in some way. The main issue here is this organization was using City property and City resources without a formal written agreement. Again, it seems as if the Mayor and Council are quite willing to work with people and organizations to make things better for all concerned.
- This issue, in my mind is clouded by lack of information on my part. The Mayor/Council apparently have some or lots of information pertaining to this problem so they know where they are going with it. Without heading to City Hall, getting the documentation and talking with the Mayor, the regular citizen is kind of left in the dark. Let's just say I fully trust our local leaders will get this issue straightened out. The information is likely available if you want to dive into this issue.
3. Solicitor Licenses: The “concerned citizen” also brought up an issue with how the City issues a solicitor license. He said he did some research into a company called “Vivint”. This company just had 4 individuals approved for a City solicitor license. “Concerned citizen” said his research turned up some not so favorable information about “Vivint's” past.
- My thoughts are “citizens” can offer a lot to the City Council and our local government. They just need to step up to the plate like “concerned citizen” did last night. I for one will be more “on guard” when a “licensed” salesperson knocks on my door.
- The City's responsibility in issuing Solicitor Licenses currently stops at making sure the individual doesn't have a criminal record. They don't, and shouldn't vet each and every company that does business in Mountain Home. There are State Government agencies that do this job. Unfortunately in the case of door-to-door sales, it's your job to make sure you do your own research before pulling out the checkbook.
4. Water is Big Business: I've addressed this issue in most every “City Council Meeting Minutes” I've posted on this website. Last night the City Council approved 3 payments totaling over $55,000 to keep drinking water flowing to our kitchen sinks and bathroom showers. The Mayor said last night “an average well cost about $750,000”. We have a lot of City wells and from everything I have heard at City Council Meetings, our City employees are doing an exceptional job at maintaining the wells and keeping costs as low as possible.
Comments:
Have any questions about this City Council Meeting? Please leave a comment. I'd love to hear what you think and any concerns you might have.
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