Update: August 21, 2012 Metro Council meeting agenda

You can get your own copy of the Metro council meeting agenda at this link:Metro Council Agenda.
From the agenda you can link to the analysis. Council meetings can be really, really boring if you don't know what the Council is voting on. With an agenda and analysis, they are just really boring.

I read the analysis and agenda for you so you don't have to. Below are the things that I think are worth being aware of that are on this agenda.

RESOLUTION NOS. RS2012-377 and  RS2012-378 propose amendments to the Metropolitan Charter. The resolutions must get 27 votes to pass the council.  If passed, they will go to the public for a referendum on the November 6th presidential election. Since State law requires charter amendments must be approved between 45 and 60 days prior to the election in order to be on the ballot these resolutions should be deferred until the September 18, 2012 council meeting.

• Resolution No. RS2012-377 by Councilman Garrett would allow the Sheriff's office to perform certain law enforcement duties. Under the current Charter the Sheriff's office is keeper of the jail and that is about it. The Sheriff's office has been participating in the 287(g) program, which allows that office to screen and process illegal immigrants. This program has been very successful in identifying and deporting illegals. The Sheriff Department may no longer be able to continue participation in the 287 (g) program unless this amendment to the charter passes.

• Resolution No. RS2012-378 by Council members Evans & Weiner would rename the “school mothers’ patrol division” within the police department to the “school crossing guard division”. There are valid reasons for doing this. 

ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-214  by Councilman Tygard is on second reading.  This ordinance would restrict the Metropolitan Government’s maximum contribution to the Partnership 2020 economic development program to no more than twice what all other governmental entities contribute combined. To me, it seems Metro pays the bulk of the expense of business recruitment but new development goes to Cool Springs or other communities. I think the Council should take a hard look at this program. Are we getting what we are paying for?  This needs to pass, but maybe it does not go far enough.

ORDINANCE NO. BL2012-215 by Councilman Stites is on second reading. It would prohibit the use of Metro funds to purchase or erect signs that identify the name of an elected or appointed official. This is a good bill. Elected officials should not get free adverting at taxpayers expense.




   

Top Stories