RM 09-16-77 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7. FLOORIDISCUSSION CONT'D the m eting. Mr. Butler stated that this is not required, the items came to Mr. Brownell after the original agenda had been posted and we are not limit d to the agenda that is posted. Ms. Schankerman objected to this to which Mr. Butler added that the "sunshine law" is ambigious in this respect. Mr. Joseph D. Anderson interjected by saying that "the answers I have heard are based on legality or illegality; whether or not the "sunshine act" may or may not a ply. Do these resolutions involve public funds ?" Mr. Butler answered no. The r solution adopted today strictly...Mr. Anderson asked if they (the resolution) invol ed state, federal or city funds...Mr. Butler answered that he thought all of out actions involved funds, public funds. Mr. Anderson stated "that from the c aracter of the answers I have heard here since I got in here it appears to me that the Commission is hiding behind the fact that in your opinion the "suns ine law" does not apply—that you are saying that even in matters of gr at public interest which you knew before this meeting were of great publi interest, will not be publicized to the public or the press to know in ad ance. You will run it through your normal routine fashion whether the publi is interested or not and I believe that hiding behind the "sunshine law" or an thing else that is a matter of great public interest is contrary to your cath of office." Mr. Butler added that he did not think anyone was hidinc behing the law, that he was just pointing out that the requirements of th "sunshine law" in these meetings were determined in his mentioned opinion of that law. As far as the resolution is concerned it was not un- avail ble for any reason other than it had not been prepared... Mr. Anderson intern pted by saying that "perhaps if preparation takes that long there should be a (elay in bringing it before the Commission and afford the public an opportunity to hear it." Mr. Butler added that when that item was under discussion by the Commissioners, when the people from the audience had an opportunity to discuss the r solution...Mr. Anderson interrupted... "Mr. Butler if it takes you until the last minute to prepare the resolution, how long do you think it takes laymen to in uire into the meaning of its legality, its pertinence, do you think it will take ihem 30 seconds ?..." Mr. Butler answered "No, the resolution was available about 15 minutes before the meeting ... my point is that if there was concern by anyone in the audience with respect to those resolutions they could have asked at that time that they be given time to question and review. I heard no discussion at all concerning the resolution." Mr. Anderson added "this is after thought." Mr. Butler added that we have handled many matters before that have been deferred... Mr. Anderson added "for reasons best known' to the public.." Mr. W ggins objected to that statement: " the actions were taken at public meetings whatever public was here, heard what went on, if they have had any input there has never been any meeting of the Commission to my knowledge, and I have attended practically all of them, to where the public has not had a full opportunity to provide input. With all due respect to you sir, this is the first time I have seen you at one of our meetings.." Mr. Anderson replied that "this is the f rst time that the private actions of the Mayor, Common Council, and all the elected and appointed officials of the City have tried to trample on the public right so openly and obviously." Mr. N mtz recognized Mrs. Allen: Mrs. Allen asked if the resolution's purpose was to close out the Project R -66 in 19118 to which Mr. Brownell answered yes, a financial close out which will happep in August of 1978. Mrs. Allen asked if there would be another extension to th s project to which Mr. Brownell answered no, absolutely not, HUD has been pushitig us to close out for years and now we have agreed to do so in August of 1978. (10)