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REGULAR MEETING May 28, 2019
<br /> updated on a regular basis. They need to be pulsed. Does it reflect our vision at the neighborhood
<br /> level? That has got to be a priority. I would suggest that in 2016, Bill No. 16-90, it was said it was
<br /> a priority of the Council Members who sat to my left and right back then. So, I guess my request
<br /> is making those updates a priority. We need to schedule those updates. Each one (1) of these area
<br /> plans have plans behind them that are approved. So, reviewing those and updating them is
<br /> important. Then there are some areas within these identified districts where there really may not
<br /> even be a plan. So of course, then, we must start down the road in doing those plans. But, that has
<br /> to be a priority and it has to be scheduled.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden continued, That gets to my second (2"d) point. We as Council, but
<br /> the Administration in particular,has to embrace that concept and, frankly,budget for that. Whether
<br /> that is in-house staff or whether it is with the help of a consultant, and I do want to underline help,
<br /> because this comes down to where people live, walk and spend the majority of their time. So, I
<br /> want to make sure that as we go into budget season, you've heard the priorities of this Council in
<br /> the past. I think we are all better-served by documents that are refreshed, up to date and that pulse
<br /> is still in our vision. Then third (3rd), the Redevelopment Commission is made up of appointed
<br /> individuals. They are not elected individuals. The tremendous amount, the millions of dollars that
<br /> are spent on an annual basis through there, there are opportunities for greater transparency and
<br /> greater education of what goes on there. Because these are tax dollars shepparded away, we don't
<br /> generally have the first (1St) look at them in terms of those decisions. So, it is very important to
<br /> me, and I hope other Council Members will join me and, if it has to be by a resolution at our next
<br /> meeting, frankly, I think it could get done by a commitment. A commitment to transparency that
<br /> takes the Redevelopment Commission meetings to 5:00 p.m. That is so the public, who has so
<br /> much invested in this, can be a part of that process. I would like to see that effective July 1. I have
<br /> been asking for it for four(4) years. Or, three(3) going on four(4). I really think for transparency
<br /> and for our shared vision of where we want to go for our community is really important. So, I
<br /> shared that earlier, I thank you for your indulgence Council Members for letting me do that again.
<br /> I've set forth, pretty clearly, what I would expect, frankly, at this point, three (3) and a half years
<br /> into my term. Then, finally, the last piece, oh no, that's it.
<br /> Council President Tim Scott stated, Thank you. I would like to remind Council that we will have
<br /> time for comment later. This is the time to ask questions to the petitioner.
<br /> Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis stated, In light of what was just shared from Councilmember
<br /> Broden, and the question from Councilmember Teshka, if we were to put together a resolution,
<br /> isn't it possible to meet the needs she has talked about? I have thoughts on that.
<br /> Council Attorney Bob Palmer assisted Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis with the possible
<br /> timelines of introducing the proposed resolution.
<br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, This thing really needs to get passed tonight. I think we can
<br /> do a resolution. If it's unanimous, a four (4) five (5) vote, it will be taken on its merit. It sounds
<br /> like it can be done in one(1) meeting and as a resolution. Then it goes to the Administration. The
<br /> Redevelopment Commission is a combined commission of Council appointees and Mayoral
<br /> appointees. If transparency is a priority and if we really do feel education on this very important
<br /> funding mechanism, this is what it is all about. It is a very important funding mechanism and tool
<br /> that is critical to our City. I don't want to hold up anything tonight and would be fine with doing
<br /> a resolution.
<br /> Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis stated, Since it's the Redevelopment Commission, I mean,what
<br /> kind of teeth would that have?
<br /> Council Attorney Bob Palmer stated, Resolutions are not legally binding on any party. It is an
<br /> expression of the Council's intent and desire of what it wants the Redevelopment Commission to
<br /> do. It would not be mandatory in any way.
<br /> Councilmember Dr. Oliver Davis followed up, Then the question comes, do we as a Council have
<br /> the authority to make it into an ordinance? I know it would be a longer time, but do we have any
<br /> authority to change the times?
<br /> Council Attorney Bob Palmer replied, I do not believe we have the authority to govern the
<br /> Redevelopment Commission.
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