A few words on the last council meeting

I have opined in the past that several of the boards and commissions in this city have overstepped their bounds. I have likewise opined that several city employees have also overstepped their bounds. Without regards to motives, and as matters of examples only, I present the following FACTS for your consideration:

From the 2009 Codified City Ordinances:

The forgoing is the entire scope of duties of the Tree Commission. They are not authorized to expend public funds. They do not have the authority to execute public contracts. If they raise funds, spend funds, or execute contracts they do so as a private organization unless SPECIFICALLY authorized to do so by official public action of the City Council, acting as the Legislative Authority of the City of Middletown.

Now let’s look at a portion of the minutes of the November 17, 2010, meeting of this public body, included as part of the 12/7/2010 Workbook:

(From pages 50 & 51 of 192 of the workbook):

Jay reported on his survey of the properties of the four people who had applied and only one was unsuitable for a street tree. A discussion was had and it was decided that since we had money for the four trees that the property at the corner of Breiel and Central had taken out two trees and had room we would award them two trees, one large shade tree and one small ornamental. Steve will talk with Berns and find out the species available and when they can schedule the planting and get with Carolyn who will call the winners and give them the species options so they can chose which species they would like to have. Jay will then flag the properties to get the tree in the correct location and for OUPS.

Doris reported that she had gotten a call from Berns and they could only get the Redbuds that she had originally ordered. She had then spoken with Steve and Jeff who had approved this and all members agreed. She also showed the Tree City USA application and gave the members a copy of the breakdown of dollars and volunteer hours that had made the city eligible for the fourth year. She thanked all the volunteers for their contribution. That made the cut off date for additional volunteer hours on November 16th of this year.

Members agreed that we need to ramp up education on this starting in February of next year. Jeff said he would speak with Jessica about getting something in the Journal. Also mentioned was the old information on the cities web site about the Tree Commission and Carolyn said she would forward Doris two new slides from the T.V. Middletown presentation to be put on this site when it is updated at the beginning of the year.

State Ash Canopy Restoration Grant:

Doris passed copies of the application to members and explained that she had just gotten the information a week ago and had until December 15th to apply. This is a 50/50 matching grant from the state to help with replacement of Ash trees and the removal. She ask for projects the TC would be in favor of since it would require a letter from the TC stating their approval. She mentioned finishing out the Breiel Blvd median planting, tree replacements in Smith and at the Golf Course since these were the two city locations with the most Ash trees and the most used. She reported that Dave had said she should go for a $3,000/$3,000. Members thought that she should also go for matching funds for the scheduled tree planting in spring which would complete the Breiel project. They expressed and Mr. Allen agreed that we should go for all the money we can if it has already been set aside for the spring planting. Carolyn pointed out that it would also pay for administrative matching dollars. Jeff McMullen brought money Rob Nicholls had set aside for tree planting along the bike trail and members thought we might want to go for matching dollars on that. Carolyn said she would write the letter supporting it and give Doris some ideas on more money she could go for from her experience writing grants.

Now let me be the first to say that if all of the above-mentioned money is DONATED money or money received due to fundraising by these well-meaning, public-spirited citizens, then bless their hearts and more power to them!!! And if “Dave” is a municipal employee, or if “Mr. Allen” is a public official and either of these people, or any other municipal employees or public officials, may have misled these good-intentioned folks then shame on those who mislead them.

There was one other item worthy of note at the last council meeting, and that is the proposed development on Commerce Drive by Mr. Robinson and his colleagues.

It appears obvious to me that, once again, certain staff members have tried to roadblock legitimate business development for what appears to be personal preference.

If I had been able, I certainly would have appeared at this public hearing and spoken in support of this development. I find the treatment given these well known and respected businesspeople to be abhorrent.

City Council has now made their direction perfectly clear. If Mr. Kohler, or any other members of city staff (including the City Manager or City Law Director) continue their personal vendettas against this project either during the next application to the Planning Commission or at any other time, they should be summarily discharged (fired) immediately!!!