They're at it again - Click here for Commission Meeting on Budget - 9/15

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Commissioner Jennings wants more reserved for "open space" for parks.  She had said that it was for a park in Tropical Ridge.  Then Commissioner Mulvehill said that it was for the Sunset property and then someone - not sure who, might have been Jennings, said yes.  There was some public comment on what a bad idea pay parking in the downtown is.  Commissioner Jennings doesn't think an Internal Auditor is needed.  Commissioner Maxwell found that the housing initiative is still in place for around $400,000.

Later, he sounds like he is backing away from it, however initially Mayor Varela was promoting the idea of pay parking in the downtown as a tool that is used everywhere and he is tying it to economic development (?) and how cities regulate parking.  He is not going to wear "I love meters" t-shirts.  He says that it is part of the city "growing up."  At the same time, he is saying that the Commission is getting rid of the "parking-in-lieu-of" fees which will remove a barrier for new businesses.  He says that reputable places use pay parking and it doesn't kill their downtowns. (Editors Note:  Yes, pay parking can be used to regulate parking - where, when,how many park and to discourage the use of automobiles - but in successful downtowns and not in trying economic times.  NOW IS THE WRONG TIME)  The Mayor is o.k. with not having an internal auditor if it is not required by the Charter.  Attorney Humphries doesn't think that the Charter mandates it, just allows it.

Commissioner Golden sounds like she is for it too - she says that it would discourage the use of cars and sees more bike racks.  She agrees we don't need an internal auditor.

Commissioner Maxwell wants a yes or no on the issue - tonight.  Commissioner Mulvehill thinks we should look at it until 2013.  She thinks we need no internal auditor.

Sounds like we may be going to one day a week for garbage pick-up.