The agenda for the regular city council meeting on Monday, December 9th at 6:00 pm is out. I have posted the agenda for you to view, but shouldn’t WE THE PEOPLE know more about the “consider for approval” line items they are presenting? If you have any insights, please share and educate us all. This is where transparency gets murky, and things can be pushed through that should not. I have added my opinion to a few items, and that is just what it is, my opinion. You can do with it what you will.
Item 5 – Grant Administration Contract between David J Waxman and Jasper for GLO Grant
Did you know that on September 26th, the Commissioners Court discussed grant-related business and voted to apply for approximately $40 million in funding through the Texas General Land Office? However, the timeline for identifying eligible projects under this program is short, so they agreed to consult with David J. Waxman, Inc. for potential “shovel-ready” projects. I’m sure they already have some projects in mind, but will they benefit ALL of Jasper?
Item 6 – Amend and Update October 15th minutes
Why would we need to Amend and Update minutes from 2 months ago, isn’t that why there are minutes?
Item 8 – Catalytic Converter Grant Program
In my opinion, this program should be voted on by the people. It seems to be an intersection camera program aimed at preventing theft or locating those who steal, but how are “intersection” cameras supposed to achieve all that? I can drive all over Jasper without passing through a main intersection.
Another question I have for the City: will you help replace stolen goods? From my research, it seems that ordinary folks who try to use the program to recover financially often get the run-around. Furthermore, installing the cameras under this “reimbursement” program means we pay upfront and are responsible for 20% of the cost. And what about maintenance?
Item 10 – Review request from Jasper Economic Development Board asking city council to ratify the current JEDCO board members to assigned terms.
This line item seems to be strategically placed in the middle of an agenda, perhaps so people don’t pay too much attention. At this point, who knows?! This is one of the most important issues our city is dealing with, and they want to sneak it in to see if they can ratify the situation. According to Mayor Land, he made this decision along with JEDCO’s Executive Director Eddie Hopkins, their attorney Ted Walker, and the recently resigned city attorney Michael Ratcliff. Who wouldn’t want to go in and backdate something they’ve failed at?
Honestly, after reading and reminding myself on JEDCO’s history, it seems clear they need to scrap the board and start over, or scrap the EDC altogether. The over $1 million per year in taxpayer money they receive could be put to a multitude of better uses. It’s high time we rethink this!
Item 11 – Change the name of Graham Street to Lewis Street
Why do we need to change the name of a street? Unless it has to do with someone’s “legacy”
Closed Executive Session – Personnel Matters – City Attorney
I wonder if they’ve found a new one already, and if so, who have they chosen? Did they meet with applicants for the job, or were “special” requirements conveniently changed on the application to ensure their desired lawyer was a shoo-in?
City Council Workshop/NO ACTION TO BE TAKEN – Scope of work – Forensic Audit
Delay – Delay – Delay