Agenda Packets - 2002/01/22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL SPEAKS OUT There has been more than one occasion during the last year where the past practices of the City of Mounds View have been called into question – mostly with good reason. The process of coming to answers for those questions has not been easy or without its conflicts. And worse, the City has been bound by the strictures of the legal process and unable to respond to any and every allegation leveled at it. That problem has been compounded by questionable, and sometimes downright irresponsible, reporting. Difficult situations are only made worse in such cases. The most recent media coverage expects us to believe that a Park and Recreation Commission member is able to run willy-nilly through City Finances spending what and where he may choose and lining his own pockets at the city expense and then become Mayor. If anyone believes this to actually be possible, the City has far greater problems than we have delved into thus far. Regardless of position, no ONE person is able to expend city resources without the assistance or negligence of at least several other individuals. The problem of acquiring city equipment through the proper channels is something that needs to be addressed, and IS under the proper scrutiny. Situations such as this will no longer be able to exist if we would have followed the procedures already set in place. However, for anyone to attempt to crucify the current Mayor for processes beyond his knowledge and authority – both then and now – is the height of irresponsibility. The City doesn’t need a scapegoat, we need the truth and ethical standards. Even this problem is being handled in the manner set forth in city charter and will be solved by the combined efforts of the staff and Council. The business of the city goes far beyond this one area of correction and that business must continue. The city staff, Mayor and Council have gone to significant effort to address each problem they, and others, have brought forward. Vague and flawed policies and procedures have been set aside or rewritten to assure that every decision can be documented and supported. Of course, difficult problems make for difficult conversations. The City Council debates are becoming notorious for their length, frequency and occasional squabbles in an effort to hear everyone’s opinion and develop workable solutions. There is no foreseeable end to those conversations as the duty of the Council is to discuss and compromise to ensure that no single person EVER has the ability to make decisions unilaterally. Those five voices do become one with the act of a vote. At that moment, the Council stands united whether or not the members held opposing views beforehand. The City Council will continue to do so.