A "High Profile Project" for COGG

I know not all of us have an interest in Economics, Development Plans or otherwise. Thus, being on the "Giroux Gang" probably holds little luster.

However, the following was in an e-mail sent to COGG members regarding their upcoming meeting.

Would like to let you know , based upun the membership decision at the September COGG meeting, the October meeting is scheduled for Sunday October 21st at Yesterday's at Noon with meeting beginning promptly at 12:30 p.m.

Also would like to let you know that we were contacted by the City regarding the possibility of the group working on a particular high priority project that would be of great benefit to the city. The plan is to discuss this at the upcoming meeting-so we hope you can attend.

Any guesses on what the "high profile project" could be?

For Those Interested in Being Part of the Giroux Gang

A meeting of the Comprehensive Planning Review Committee has been set for October 16th, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. to be held at the Overland Community Center Activity Room.

Stars aligned or Seeing Stars

Earlier Edgar Casey posted the following comment:
Edgar Casey said...
Sounds like the OBA has come up with 5 points...


The article referenced states that the "stars are lining up" for Overland. Actually this article brings to light the lack of action by our city to take advantage of the Hwy 40 shutdown. Instead of the stars being aligned it is more like seeing stars as we realize we have been punched by a lack of leadership in our city.

What else has been missed this millenium by our city "mis-leaders"?

• Centenne development (hey, we are just as centrally located as Clayton and no eminent domain needed)
• Move of National Records Center operations
• Any type of development at Page and Dielman

What can you add to the list?

We must PUSH for a City Administrator

We have had two to three workshop meetings since the August election. None have mentioned the "CA word", let alone has this important issue been added to a workshop agenda.

This is important if Overland has any hope to move forward. We desperately need the expertise required in areas of grant writing, municipal law and union negotiations. (Expertise--what a novel idea!)

Aside from expertise, we need the continuity. A CA would allow the city to transcend politics. Currently, every two years we can change dynamics of the city council and every four, the mayor’s office. Having a CA will allow these transitions to be as seamless as possible administratively.

It might be easier to pass tax initiatives if we had a CA. I think people would be more trusting of City Hall that is not beholden to campaign contribution favors than they would be trusting of the politicians.

It is our responsibility to hold the council’s feet to the fire on the hiring of a CA. I propose that we contact our city council members and demand this be added to a workshop agenda this month!!

Suzy's Little Helpers

In case you haven't realized, some readers have stepped up to the plate to become contributors to the blog. There are now a total of four people writing posts for OVCC2.



I even added a box to the right side of the blog listing these fine folks:



Contributors
Nellie Bly
suzyjax
Overland Muckraker
ORT Contrarian



We will always take more writers, so if you are interested please let me know.

A different type of Laptop Debate

The headline in today's Post read: The Laptop Debate. It seems everywhere there are laptop stories everywhere. After reading Sailor's summary of last night's workshop, perhaps there should be a different kind of debate.

Why in the world do we need to spend our taxpayer money on laptops for all of the council members?

This was claimed to be needed to increase communication.

• Hasn't state politics recently been riddled with stories about Sunshine Law violations due to lack of oversight and control of e-mail and its retention?
• Didn't we recently have issues with city-paid cellphones for council members?
• Would the city be paying for internet service, too?
• What about providing for our officers on the street before the city council (as Sailor points out)?

I shake my head in disappointment. The city has so many larger priorities than whether Mikey-Mike can e-mail Owenbsy at a moment's notice.

Workshop Meeting Tonight

From the City's website:

There will be a COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING on October 1st, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Possible topics for discussion:

Job Description-Computer Technician
Lights for Brooks Park
Marquis
Park Grant for Norman Myers & Brooks Park
Parking Problem at 2200 Woodson Rd
Appointment for Board of Adjustment
Trash-for those not able to pay