|
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – I’d like to welcome all of you to Massillon City Council for Tuesday, January 3, 2006. We have in attendance with us this evening: Mayor Cicchinelli, Auditor Hamit, Law Director Stergios, Treasurer Lambert and our former president our current Income Tax Dept Investigator Denny Harwig. On the wall to your left are agendas for anyone who wishes to follow the meeting. Also under item #5 on the agenda is where the public can speak on any item that appears on the agenda and then under item #17 is where the public can speak on any item that does not appear on the agenda. I’d also like to remind anyone with a cell phone please turn it off or turn it very far down. We’ll move into the roll call I should announce that Mary Beth Bailey is here as a volunteer citizen at this point. Her term expired on December 31st and I will ask her as a volunteer to call our roll please. 1. ROLL CALL Roll call for the evening found the following Council Members present: Tim Bryan, Kathy Catazaro-Perry, Jayne Ferrero, Chuck Maier, Ron Mang, Paul Manson, Dave McCune and Donnie Peters Thus giving a roll call vote of 8 present. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – Mr. Bryan, you have a motion? COUNCILMAN BRYAN – I’ve a couple of motions if they are in order. First to excuse Tony Townsend I understand he had to go to the hospital today; I’ll wait for the second. Seconded by Councilwoman Catazaro-Perry. Seconded I’d like to add to our agenda tonight under reports from city officials the Mayor’s has I think that’s where it should go. The Mayor has his list of appointments to board and commissions for us to approve tonight. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA WERE SO NOTED. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – Alright, just by way of explanation Mr. Townsend did go to the hospital on an emergency basis; seems the thought of being on council a little bit overwhelming. He seems to be alright they are keeping him in for observation. He should be released from Doctor’s Hospital tomorrow. But as we move into the invocation please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. 1A. APPOINTMENT OF THE COUNCIL CLERK RESOLUTION NO. 1 – 2006 BY: COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE COUNCILMAN BRYAN moved for suspension of the rules and passage, seconded by Councilman Mang. The rules were suspended by a roll call vote of 8 yes. RESOLUTION NO. 1 – 2006 WAS PASSED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 8 YES. (AT THIS POINT LAW DIRECTOR PERRY STERGIOS SWORE MARY BETH BAILEY IN AS THE COUNCIL CLERK FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS). 1B. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF PRESIDENT PRO-TEM OF COUNCIL COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – This is an officer of council. I will take nominations from the floor; we need a motion and a second. If there are more than one person nominated we will vote by secret ballot. I now open the floor for nominations. COUNCILMAN MANG – Yes, I’d like to nominate Tim Bryan, seconded by Councilwoman Catazaro-Perry. COUNCILMAN MANSON – I’d like to say one thing; if I’m allowed. I threw my hat in last week and said I was interested I just want to make it clear I am not interested being pro-tem. Roll call vote of 8 yes to appoint Councilman Bryan as President Pro-Tem. 1C. ADOPTION OF COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – I passed out a list and also a copy of the rules indicates the president shall not later than the first regular meeting in each term appoint the standing committees subject to the approval of council. It further says that council may change these committees at any meeting. I assume one of the reasons the president is given this task is because there is little enough to do as I sit here that this is an interesting assignment plus I would assume that whoever came up with this rule thought that maybe the president could be a little more objective in seeing the body as a whole. But in any event every member has had ample opportunity to put input and as I talked either directly by email to Tim or myself I did call Tim last week to compare notes and see what he had gotten in the way of any input. As I mentioned my starting point in putting the committees was to allow any sitting chairman to remain there if he chose. I feel that way because I think council is a very high turn over body and I’d like to quote the static that in the last 10 or 11 years there’s been 38 different council members sitting in those seats and 5 different presidents. That’s a lot of turn-over and I think that the city is best served in some way by having a little bit of institutional memory by having a chairman repeat if he chooses to stay. Three chairmen have indicated they would like to keep their positions and I’ve done that. I also made one campaign promise during the campaign that the Ward 4 representative would have a seat on the Community Development Committee this is in response to a number of Ward 4 citizens who wrongly felt that they were being somehow short changed with the federal dollars and CDBG programs. This will give Ward 4 a direct representation on that committee and I hope it will make them feel more comfortable about how the dollars are allocated. Something to keep in mind is that basically every council member is an ex-official member of every committee because of the way we do our committee work sessions anybody who wants to can chip in and talk on any subject that comes up. Two good examples are the recent contract renewal for the Red Center; everyone had every opportunity to speak on that. There was nobody who didn’t get to speak just because they weren’t on a particular committee. Then last week when we were discussing annexation members other than the committee also certainly got to say what they wanted to say. Then finally as noted in the rules these are not permanent assignments; this is a starting point council can change the committee structure at any point. Last year in 2005 alone we changed the committees three times. Twice it was in response to having new members on board and once because someone wanted to change committees. So with that being said I would suggest that we go ahead and approve these assignments as they’re listed here and then further down the road if any council member wants to change anything that’s your right and your option to do that. COUNCILMAN MCCUNE – In recognition of the president’s right to make these recommendations I’d just like to say that in the world in which I have spent most of my life positions that are maybe desired by a multiple number of people I look at it as a bid process. Where an individual or individuals place their name in a box and say “hey, I’m interested in this position” and then the job is awarded by a physical ability and then seniority. So I want my hat to say that if there are any continsous possibilities here that will be the way that I will view this process. By ability physical ability or mental ability and seniority. COUNCILMAN BRYAN – I noticed that you said that we did speak which indeed we did and picking up what Mr. McCune said at that time I did tell you as you already knew that Mr. Maier continued to desire to be the chairman of the Police and Fire Committee as he has since sometime last year. Councilman Mang wished to be the chairman of the Community Development Committee and that I would tend to agree that both of them should have those committees. There’s no slight intended to any other member of council; it’s just that due to their experience and seniority and other factors that I believe they would be the people. So I did in fairness tell you that I felt that. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – I in no way mean to imply that you endorsed anything on the list. I just mentioned that we talked and compared notes. I might mention too that it is the presidential task to put these committees together and I was upfront and open that I was going to allow the existing committee chairman to keep their spots and I followed through on that. I did offer another individual with more seniority you mentioned Mr. Mang the option to be on the Community Development Committee. He indicated that if he could not be chairman he would rather not be on the committee at all. I honored that request; Mr. McCune wanted to be on the committee and I thought it would be more worth wild to put someone who wanted to be there on the committee. Regarding police and fire last year if you remember it was my recommendation that Chuck Maier be chairman of Police and Fire Committee; council saw otherwise. Mrs. Ferrero was there now and she’s chosen to stay as chairman and that as I said is how I looked at the committees. Any other comments or discussion? COUNCILWOMAN FERRERO – I do want to say that I have worked hard this year on police and fire. I have really got a good working relationship with Chief Williams and Chief Layne. So it’s been a learning position for me as well and I think the longer you’re on something the better you get at it. So it gives me an opportunity to continue to get better and better. The fact that Chuck was a former police officer they felt a lot of people not me personally, but other people felt that it was conflict and that wasn’t the place for him. So that was part of the reasoning behind that and its worked very well this year. Not that Mr. Maier doesn’t have input because he definitely does as well as everyone that sits on this council. COUNCILMAN MAIER – Yes, with all due respect and I have a working relationship with Chief Layne and Chief Williams also for many years over 20 years each. I continue to have working relationship those fellows and talking to rank and file they have no problem with me being on the committee. COUNCILMAN BRYAN made a motion on the Council President’s proposed committee assignments for 2006, seconded by Councilman Manson. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS WHERE DEFEATED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 6 NO, 2 YES. FERRERO AND MANSON VOTED YES. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – Alright, I suggest we take a recess and that a new committee assignment be proposed. we do have to have committees in place for our next committee meeting. So Mr. Bryan you’re the pro-tem. COUNCILMAN BRYAN – Take a five minute recess. Mr. President, I’ve passed around another proposed council committee list. One which I feel in no disrespect to anyone who chaired a committee last year, but one which I feel has more support and also recognizes people’s abilities and experience as well. I would like the chair has a copy and every member of council has a copy. So I will move for adoption of this committee list, seconded by Councilwoman Catazaro-Perry... COUNCILWOMAN FERRERO – I’ve been on council for a year now and one of the smaller committees that Mr. Bryan has proposed me for is one that doesn’t get very much activity so I would like to know why that is, Mr. Bryan? You made sure that the people the brand new people that are coming on board have committees that are much busier. I would like an explanation as to that. COUNCILMAN BRYAN – I don’t think that’s true. COUNCILWOMAN FERRERO – It’s very true. COUNCILMAN BRYAN – Mr. McCune’s on Public Utilities and Mr. Townsend is on Rules and Courts. COUNCILWOMAN FERRERO – You know what I’ll just say publicly that there’s some of these council people that gather in the backrooms and whisper back and forth and until all you get your way or you call each other on the phone and you know what that’s not a unified council. That’s what I talked about for an entire year about unity. You know what none of you have never once, not once picked up the telephone and called me and I resent that. I want you all to know that. That’s all I have to say. COUNCILMAN MCCUNE – As a new person and since my name was mentioned; I want to reaffirm what I said earlier. I have no ill will versus anyone in this room as part of my campaign was I was going to work or attempt to work well with all council members. I just simply in the world in which I have lived most of my life I feel like seniority has to be recognized. If this list better represents the senior members of council then so be it. COUNCILMAN MANSON – I don’t think the seniority thing should be sole determining thing. I mean I’m not arguing I’m just saying I don’t think that should be the sole determining thing. I think there’s a lot more to being a city representative and purely seniority. I’ll just have to use myself for example on the Community Development I started out on council I took Streets and Highways if you do that you’ll find out that’s not one of the easiest things to do you have a lot problems. I also worked on the Community Development I got right in the middle of a number of projects and I feel I did a very good job of helping keeping these projects moving forward. Also before I was on council I spent four years on the Planning Commission studying this stuff and I do think that does bear some consideration. I did put time in studying that I liked it; I can’t see where this recommendation here is a better recommendation than what your council president made. It’s not going to satisfy everybody to reject his the council president’s and then come out and say you know here’s the pro-tem’s list and just say you know that’s it this should go through. Well I think you ought to think about it I really do. I think we should reconsider and go back to the original proposal. COUNCILMAN MCCUNE – Paul, I would just like to say that I don’t think that anyone I’m not saying anyone is any more or less able to do any of these jobs than another person. I just with all things being equal in the world in which I’ve lived most of my life the seniority is just the way I’ve always been dedicated by way of doing things. COMMITTEE LIST WAS ACCEPTED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 6 YES, 2 NO. FERRERO AND MANSON VOTED NO. 2. INVOCATION COUNCILMAN MANG – gave the invocation for the evening. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE COUNCILMAN MANG – Chairman of the Community Development Committee led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. READING OF THE JOURNAL COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – Madame Clerk are the minutes of the previous meeting transcribed and open for public viewing (THEY ARE) Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes. If not the minutes stand approved as written. 5. REMARKS OF DELEGATIONS AND CITIZENS TO MATTERS ON THE AGENDA 6. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ORDINANCE NO. 1 - 2006 BY: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE COUNCILMAN MANG – Ordinance No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 the committee would like time to talk about these ordinances. So ordinance No. 1 will be given its first reading. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – Mr. Mang, when is the Commissioner’s hearing on this? COUNCILMAN MANG – According to the ordinance it’s February 8th at 7pm. ORDINANCE NO. 1 – 2006 WAS GIVEN FIRST READING. ORDINANCE NO. 2 – 2006 BY: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE COUNCILMAN MANG –.First reading. .Stark County Commissioners will have a public hearing February 8th at 7:15pm. ORDINANCE NO. 2 – 2006 WAS GIVEN FIRST READING. ORDINANCE NO. 3 – 2006 BY: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE COUNCILMAN MANG – First reading. Stark County Commissioners will have a public hearing February 9th at 11:00am. ORDINANCE NO. 3 – 2006 WAS GIVEN FIRST READING. ORDINANCE NO. 4 – 2006 BY: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE COUNCILMAN MANG – First reading, ORDINANCE NO. 4 – 2006 WAS GIVEN FIRST READING. ORDINANCE NO. 5 – 2006 BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE COUNCILWOMAN CATAZARO-PERRY – Yes, this ordinance is simply to accept a grant and if there are any questions I would believe that the Mayor or I don’t see anyone else here would be able to answer those. COUNCILWOMAN CATAZARO-PERRY moved for suspension of the rules and passage, seconded by Councilman Bryan. The rules were suspended by a roll call vote of 8 yes. ORDINANCE NO. 5 – 2006 WAS PASSED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 8 YES. 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NOTHING 8. PETITIONS AND GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS (A) LETTER FROM OHIO DIVISION OF LIQUOR CONTROL REGARDING A TRANSFER OF A LIQUOR LICENSE FROM RAE LORRAINE BROOWSKY DBA THIRD BASE 2215 W MAIN 1ST FL ONLY MASSILLON OHIO 44646 TO TEAM LCJS LLC DBA THIRD BASE 2215 W MAIN 1ST FL ONLY MASSILLON OHIO 44646. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – Alright, make sure the council person has a copy of that. 9. BILLS, ACCOUNTS AND CLAIMS 10. REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS A). MAYOR SUBMITS MONTHLY PERMIT REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2005. – COPY FILE COUNCILMAN BRYAN – During the meeting today or before the meeting today we were each given a copy I believe of the Mayor’s appointments. If there are any questions the Mayor is here he can answer them. Each year the Mayor makes these appointments and reappointments to these Boards and Commissions and in the interest of caring on the work of the Boards and Commissions I’m going to ask that approve the Mayor’s appointments tonight. COUNCILMAN BRYAN moved for the passage of the Mayor’s appointments, seconded by Councilwoman Catazaro-Perry. Roll call vote of 8 yes to accept the Mayor’s appointments. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – At this point I’d like to ask the Mayor to come forward have your annual State of the City address. MAYOR CICCHINELLI – Mr. President, members of council, ladies and gentlemen as is customary and required by statutory law it is a requirement that I give the annual State of the City at the first regularly scheduled meeting of city council for every year. Recently, however, the chamber has been also sponsoring later on this month and preceding Januaries a State of the City breakfast where we go with a little different format that we go over some of the information that I’m going to share with you tonight. But it is a requirement that I do this. A COPY OF THE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS TO COUNCIL IS INCLUDED AS PART OF THE RECORD. COUNCILMAN BRYAN – To kept up with our agenda items I’d like to make a motion that we accept the Auditor’s monthly report, seconded by Councilman McCune. Roll call vote of 8 yes to accept the Auditor’s report. 11. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES - NOTHING 12. RESOLUTIONS AND REQUESTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS - NOTHING 13. CALL OF THE CALENDAR - NOTHING 14. THIRD READING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ORDINANCE NO. 132 – 2005 BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE COUNCILWOMAN CATAZARO-PERRY – As the Mayor said in his State of the City that this is something that many cities have already done and have one account for this. It maybe controversial to some but this needs to happen in the City of Massillon. If there are any questions we can have the Mayor answer those. COUNCILWOMAN CATAZARO-PERRY moved for passage, seconded by Councilman Bryan. ORDINANCE NO. 132 – 2005 WAS PASSED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 8 YES. 15. SECOND READING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ORDINANCE NO. 143 – 2005 BY: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE COUNCILMAN BRYAN – I’d like to go ahead and explain that we gave it first reading because the Law Director felt that since it went into affect this year and since we didn’t have anything appropriated for it until we passed the budget that we should give it first reading at the last meeting. I don’t believe unless the Law Director objects if there’s any reason to hold this up. I know the Mayor wants to get working on his lineup for the summer. COUNCILMAN BRYAN moved for suspension of the rules and passage, seconded by Councilman Maier. The rules were suspended by a roll call vote of 8 yes. ORDINANCE NO. 143 – 2005 WAS PASSED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 8 YES. ORDINANCE NO. 155 – 2005 BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE COUNCILWOMAN CATAZARO-PERRY – We have had several meetings to discuss the budget for 2006. We have noted that there are several positions that the Administration would like to add. One would be in the Mayor’s office doing workman’s comp as well as prevailing wage. We do feel that I do feel that position is needed. There is another position that’s located in here for EEO Officer; I also feel that position is needed. Then there is a third position that would like to be added and I think if I could call upon Mr. Bryan he may have some information about this position. COUNCILMAN BRYAN –We had a little meeting before our council meeting tonight. We had a finance committee meeting in which we discussed this position. Mrs. McGill was good enough to come down and spend her time inform us of what the plan was. You know, I feel that they do need the additional staff however I understand many of us are also concerned about adding staff at a time when our budget isn’t completely up to what we know the demands are going to be next year. So I ask the Mayor if he would speak to that issue for us tonight if the president would allow it I’d like the Mayor to comment on the Income Tax Department position. MAYOR CICCHINELLI –Just one point of clarification it’s for the newer members. These are not new positions meaning that these are not new to the city. In the past, we’ve had a Civil Service Commission Clerk which was eliminated. We had a full time EEO Officer which we have now reduced to part time. The only additional person and as far as the other duties like workman’s comp or prevailing wage I’ve divvied those responsibilities up to other present staff. The only really new position is the additional Administrative Assistant in my under my jurisdiction that will handle those. That’s the only really new because both of my Administrative Assistants are mine and technically Mr. Loudiana’s are under me in the budget. This is just the third one so technically that’s the only new one. But those responsibilities were done before. I just wanted to make that clear. The other the issue of the person within the Income Tax Department remember when we had the lay offs we laid two people off in that department. Since that time I called one back. Mr. Harwig was added but again that was a part time position. So we’re still one short one full time short in that department. Just keep in mind that’s our bread and butter the more staff you have there I think the better it is for the department. I am willing however because I share the concern looking at the budgets overall and the revenue projects overall willing to maybe back away temporarily for that additional staff person in the Income Tax and see how the revenues are. Maybe look at it monthly, quarterly and if dollars are there add that second person. I’m willing to compromise there, but folks since we put those two departments because we have income tax and collection actually working as one entity, one department. Linda has been doing a great job and the staff down there have been doing an unbelievable job in working through a lot of adversity and the adversity is they could probably use more than one person. But that’s beside the point I just want everybody to know that that’s the engine that runs the city because that’s where our revenue comes out of that department. But I am willing Mrs. Catazaro-Perry if council is willing to do that I’m willing also if you’re willing to pass the budget and be done with it then I’m willing to back away from that and report back to council what we’re finding out . You’ll see the cash reports, you’ll see what we’re finding out. But we’ll go from there. COUNCILMAN BRYAN – I just want to clarify then the one position in which is technically budgeted in your office that’s the person that’s going to do the civil service work? MAYOR CICCHINELLI – and workman’s comp and prevailing wage. It’s sort of a floater. COUNCILMAN BRYAN – I thought that was the case and then when you said it tonight I got confused. So I’m glad we understand. MAYOR CICCHINELLI – I just wanted everybody to know that’s the only new position because we’re going from 2 Administrative Assistants to 3. COUNCILMAN BRYAN – However, there is a position in civil service that’s been vacant isn’t being refilled as well. MAYOR CICCHINELLI – No, the new person will do that. Years ago that position was full time, it was part time then it was full time. It probably should be part time. So we came up with the idea seeing that it’s a requirement that and you better watch with Civil Service Law and remember we service the Massillon City School District too and they give tests. So that’s a statutory requirement and we’ve been the City of Canton has assisted us and this is a better approach to take and I think council will be happy with the person that we select. COUNCILWOMAN CATAZARO-PERRY – The other area that I did want to point out so that all council members are aware and I do believe is aware of this is that we are short in the fire department as well as the police department. We I do recommend that we pass this tonight and watch our budget very closely. The Auditor was here to answer questions for us as well this evening. Someone had asked him if he were able to alert us in times of need and which he has done in the past and will do in the future. COUNCILMAN BRYAN – We had a number of changes since the last time and they were not in the General Fund. However, they were in some of the other funds we went through all of them at our last finance committee. But in order to make those funds budget we do need to amend the ordinance. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – Alright, that’s fine I make the note though that document you received tonight, is dated December 19th. There’s nothing at all to indicate that this is a new document or a changed document or in any way that’s different from anything we’ve received in the past. So my request again is that we constantly update these documents so we know which version we’re working with. Right now you’re asking us to adopt a document dated December 19th is that right? How are we to know which document we’re working with? COUNCILMAN BRYAN – At the last committee meeting I passed out the revisions. Then tonight when I arrived I had this on my desk. I did check the figures and these are the figures that we talked about last week. So this document is December 19th, but which you received on your desk tonight is the one that would be the amended one. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – So you need to amend the ordinance? And who is going to make the motion? COUNCILWOMAN CATAZARO-PERRY – I defer to Mr. Bryan. COUNCILMAN BRYAN moved to amend Ordinance No. 155 – 2005, seconded by Councilman McCune. Roll call vote of 8 yes to accept the amendment. COUNCILWOMAN CATAZARO-PERRY moved for suspension of the rules and passage, seconded by Councilman Bryan. The rules were suspended by a roll call vote of 8 yes. ORDINANCE NO. 155 – 2005 WAS PASSED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 8 YES. 16. NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS - NOTHING 17. REMARKS OF DELEGATIONS AND CITIZENS TO MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA KELLY LONG – My address is 2605 26th Street and Lincoln Way. I’m here because I’m reading a 700 page essay on why having a skate park in Massillon would benefit students all ages. Having a skate park would keep students off property where we are not allowed. Our parents would know where we are at we would not be skating in front of merchants or retailers where their businesses could be affected. Because shoppers do not want to enter stores where kids are hanging out. It would also keep us out of trouble because our minds would be focused on skate boarding and not being bored. Skateboarding is a great form of exercise. It keeps young people, it helps young people stay active it burns calories which helps you lose weight. It helps improve coordination we would be able to work on our skills throughout the entire year if we had a skate park. This would help us not to be so bored in the wintertime when we can not get outdoors. If we had a skate park we would we could practice our tricks and skills. We could learn to do kick flips and these. With time and practice we could improve these tricks and skills someday some of us could actually become professional skateboarders and participate in the professional tournaments. This would also provide a place where we could get our boards fixed. There would be rules to follow we have to respect other skaters and wait your turn on ramps and rails. You would also have to respect the owners of the skate parks and follow their rules. Rules are followed so that no one gets hurt. Other rules are that you would have to wear protective head gear. This would be to protect your skull and brain from injury, arm pads, leg pads and knee pads would also protect us from injury too our arms, legs and knees. The staff of the skate park would be watching to make sure that we are wearing our equipment at all times and properly. You would also have to respect your parents and follow the rules that they want you to follow while at the skate park; especially if your parents want you home by a certain time which is another rule you have to follow. Skateboarding is a positive drug-free sport. It keeps our minds focused so we can complete a trick. It helps improve self confidence when you know you have completed a trick or a series of tricks correctly. Your self esteem improves because younger and beginner skaters ask for advise or gives you a complement. You would not do your best if drugs and alcohols altered your mind. Some ideas for a skate park are to have plenty of rails and kickers we should have a bowl and a couple (inaudible) it would have a concession stand and eating area would be another idea. We would also be able to get something to eat right there instead of having to leave and go somewhere then we would have somewhere to sit and rest or continue with skateboarding. Our parents would like to watch us skateboarding could also stay and watch. It gives our parents a chance to interact with us and actually see what it is we are doing. This would also improve self esteem to know our parents really want to watch us skateboarding and be involved with us at the skate park. It would definitely be positive for students who skate as well as students who just like watching the sport. This would give students a chance to enjoy the sport until they are ready to participate in it. It would keep us off of the streets and getting in trouble. It could possible cut down on crimes such as vandalism and loitering. We would not be sitting around watching TV and playing video games. A skate park would also benefit students so they could improve their skills. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – Kelly, that was great. You did a fine job. Thank you, can I ask do you know that the Park and Rec. Department is working on that right now are you working with that group at all? KELLY LONG – No, but I want to. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER – Alright, you see the Mayor over here. I would suggest after the meeting talk to him and he can give you some information. Because there is a group in the city working towards that end right now. KELLY LONG – I need one of the city council to sign my paper. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER - Alright, if you’ll pass that in we’ll have somebody sign it for you and get that back to you. COUNCILMAN MAIER – Yes, I would suggest maybe we make a copy of that and forward that to Parks and Rec. committee. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER - Alright, after Mr. Manson signs it we’ll make a copy of that we need one for our record. We’ll make another copy to send to Park and Rec. and then the original we’ll give back to Kelly. Again, nice job you said that was 700 words? (703) 703, very good. Is there anyone else that would like to come forward and speak? LAUREN GRIBBLE – I reside at 3900 Harvard Avenue, Canton, Ohio 44709. I would just like to address the council on a matter that I feel is of importance to more than you might expect. It was estimated that 55% of eligible voters voted in the 2004 presidential election compare those statistics with the 37% turnout in 2002. Voters are even less enthusiastic when it comes to local elections. I believe that in light of these facts I encourage the council to support programs which aim to inspire citizen involvement in the government especially among youth. My personal experience has revealed that young people often don’t understand the system or they feel that they can’t make a real impact. I’ve certainly experienced some of those feelings as I’ve sort of journeyed on this path. Then one of my friends encouraged me to join an organization called Generation Joshua. Generation Joshua’s mission is to focus on education and involvement. Activities like a summer camp, local clubs, online classes, things like that equipment and excite students to become active members of the society. Since then I’ve also become involved with something called Team Pact. Team Pact focuses on education in a fun way through weekends at the State Capital where students write and pass bills in a mock Congress. I believe that participation in such programs prepare and even excited me to become an active member of my government and community. I hope the council will encourage programs like Generation Joshua, Team Pact also Youth Vote Coalition, the Free Child Project and others. Programs like this educate and empower the public. I would like to submit a list of said organizations to the council and encourage that they be passed on to local guidance counsel offices at local schools. So thank you very much. COUNCIL PRESIDENT GAMBER - Lauren, thank you very much if you pass that list forward we’ll make sure the appropriate committee chairman gets that. Did you count your words? (No.) 18. ADJOURNMENT COUNCILMAN MANG – I move that we adjourn, seconded by all. _________________________ ______________________________ |
©Copyright 1998 - present City of Massillon.
All Rights Reserved
Designed and Maintained by Imaging
2000 Web Design