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Saturday, April 26, 2014

Change Takes Place - Deep Rooted Cultural Family Values Continue to Guide City

As I approached April 24th Council Workshop meeting I was feeling somewhat tired and saddened over the burden placed upon the City and its People to better understand what needs be done to resolve SGCE (Code Enforcement Issues). The pending lawsuit has cast a dark shadow over the city just as it would if a member of our immediate family was found or suspected of having wavered from the straight path of righteousness.

We don’t know it to be true, but none the less…..JUST the thought of it is disturbing. Do we continue to standby just waiting for the other shoe to drop or do we counsel and discuss?  Do we attempt to instill, encourage and develop in our family member, recognition of acceptable and desirable conduct?  Is doing and saying nothing the right course of action?
Due Process of Law gives hope, that a civil and peaceful solution will be found. We know the wheels of justice grind slowly.  Therefore the City must not delay implementing corrective action while it waits for the Court to act. Immediate Action is called for…. The City must reach-out and acknowledge that it is time for SGCE REFORM…. And let it be known that it IS doing something about it.  

The acts of a Councilman (Almquist)….. While Not serving in his elected capacity should not be made part of the Code Enforcement Reform Issue Nor Should the City use city resources in defense of his actions. (Let us not be fooled or misdirected by attorney statements appearing to try civil case in newspapers and that are stated in such a way as to favorably influence disposition of suit filed against the city). The city must remain focused on its mission to provide a peaceful and tranquil environment in which meaningful Code Enforcement plays a very important part in our daily lives. (That’s why we need Immediate Action).
LOOKING AT THE BRIGHT SIDE: While I find it necessary to report on mundane and negative aspects of city government….. It is equally important, to recognize, the contributions made by those attending and supporting this City Council. Those present represent a variety of interests. Their unselfish dedication to the wellbeing of the City is evident as their core values are made known in word and in deed.  This recognition was made evident by the folks attending this council meeting and their comments of appreciation for the appearance of the city and activities for children and families in general.  The Arts, The Children’s Museum, Tree’s and Hills, The Dinosaur Museum all were mentioned with fondness. What made it seem genuine and sincere was the expression on their smiling faces, and sparkle in their eyes. 
In attendance was former councilman Larry Gardner who evidently is back in harness representing the Ledges Development. What I choose to call the New Ledges Master Plan was unveiled by Quality Development which prompted a litany of descriptive plans. Discussed was infrastructure, water, sewer etc. and the development of 500 lots which can be found at any given time. Even here Code Enforcement could not be avoided as a desire to establish Short Term Rentals defined as….. Nightly to 20 Days or Less, could not escape attention. (Short term rentals to be confined to specific location within the Ledges).
Present were new and old members of the Planning Commission. Folks I have seen more of the Planning Commission…..Attending council meetings in the last few months than I have over the last ten years. Interest in listening to what is planned for the Ledges was the drawing card, but what stood out was their willingness to serve by participating in the council meeting. It makes you feel good to be in the presence of such good people.
A draft of the proposed City Ordinance outlining expectations for Ambulance Service was thoroughly reviewed by City Attorney, Shawn Guzman. A lot of thought, time and energy, was obviously put into this effort.  Some tweaking has yet to be done but the final draft of this noteworthy effort will greatly benefit the public and help insure high standards for emergency service. Mr. Guzman should be complimented for a job well done.
Councilman Hughes was absent however his written input was communicated by Mr. Guzman helping to develop the final draft.(Ambulance issue needs to be finalized). 

Please continue to forward you comments.  Thank you, ED BACA

 

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