Other observations from last night's City Commission meeting...

The Internet stream of the meeting was not working last night. Mayor Clemens announced this at the beginning of the meeting and he said that someone was working on it. I understand it didn't come on at any time during the meeting. They went on and on about the possibility of making Bryant Park a passive park - meaning no organized recreation. After almost 45 minutes, they decided to do nothing and address the issue (sport teams with cleats, etc.) in other way.

They also went on and on in a very confusing discussion on the length of time audio records of city meetings are kept. They ended up saying that the audio record of meetings will be kept forever and that appointed boards are encouraged to use the Commission Chambers where digital recording equipment resides. Makes sense. However, this seems to have become an issue since recordings from various meetings are non-existent from 2005 on back. Sounds like someone may have an interest in hearing those recordings. More power to them - that sort of history should be available. It was more than a little bit scary when Annbeth Karson stood up and said that there is a difference between what is in the minutes and what is said (that I can agree - minutes are not supposed to be a verbatim record) unless "three or four can get together and agree on what was said." That sounded like free license to make up history. People beware of what you are told at your front door!

Owners of the Sunset and Waterville properties were there last night to protest the city not sending the land use change ordinances that had second reading up to the Department of Community Affairs. It is my understanding that staff is doing the right thing and sending them out today. But it still leaves the prospect for this Commission to put forth a down-zoning item as it relates to the Sunset property. How bizarre would it be for the same City that fought to uphold its actions for two years, now go back and go against that action - only to end up in court again with a certain major judgment against it? Warning: This is entirely possible with this Commission.

Our tax dollars at work.