June 8, 2008
Possible Lengthy Monday Meeting Awaits Council; Special Meeting May Be Called on Sewer Issues
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Dotted with controversy --- from the Mayor's salary increase to the self described monster storm sewer rate increases --- Huntington City Council, based on Friday's work session, appears to have a lengthy buffet Monday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m. Discussions concerning the storm water/sewage separation mandate could dominate a lengthy session with the city's hired experts from Wisconsin on hand for Q and A.
However, judging from the numerous inquisitive inceptions raised by council members at the work session, tentative plans have been made for a special call meeting on Monday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. for sewer related questions. The quagmire could temporarily be resolved by the Sanitary Board's withdrawal of ordinances for tweaking, but council members have a multitude of questions relating to possible way of reducing the cost on citizens.
The third reading will occur on an alarm ordinance which would penalize commercial and residential locations for alarms triggered by weather related power interruptions. Originally, the ordinance exempted natural events, but the mayor and council have determined that nearly all installed systems have battery backup.
Although some education may be necessary, consumers will be more protected if they insert the proper battery into their alarm system, rather, than depending totally on electrical power.
Ordinances related to the B & O tax incentive proposals will likely face a second delay, since the Finance Committee did not have a chance to discuss them due to spending their time on city employee and retiree health insurance issues.
Dr. Calvin Kent, chairman of the finance committee indicated that while several issues were brought before the committee, the decision remains with the mayor. " What we received was a very good and thorough explanation of what is being proposed," Kent said. "The decision as to the contracts is the mayor's. It's not up to City Council. The only decision we make is how much money we are going to put into the program. It's [now] up to the Mayor to work out a solution that's within that [$5.6 million dollar] budget. This is something the city council can not stick it's nose into under a strong mayor system."
Labeling the bargaining unit's dissatisfaction as "to be expected," Kent called the benefit plan " pretty good," adding that he had several idea for alterations that would not "significantly damage" the city's position and benefit the bargaining unit. His largest concern after hearing the plan relates to "how retiree's are treated."
The contract for the firefighters expires at the end of June. No word on whether it would be extended until an accord can be reached.
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Possible Lengthy Monday Meeting Awaits Council; Special Meeting May Be Called on Sewer Issues
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Dotted with controversy --- from the Mayor's salary increase to the self described monster storm sewer rate increases --- Huntington City Council, based on Friday's work session, appears to have a lengthy buffet Monday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m. Discussions concerning the storm water/sewage separation mandate could dominate a lengthy session with the city's hired experts from Wisconsin on hand for Q and A.
However, judging from the numerous inquisitive inceptions raised by council members at the work session, tentative plans have been made for a special call meeting on Monday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. for sewer related questions. The quagmire could temporarily be resolved by the Sanitary Board's withdrawal of ordinances for tweaking, but council members have a multitude of questions relating to possible way of reducing the cost on citizens.
The third reading will occur on an alarm ordinance which would penalize commercial and residential locations for alarms triggered by weather related power interruptions. Originally, the ordinance exempted natural events, but the mayor and council have determined that nearly all installed systems have battery backup.
Although some education may be necessary, consumers will be more protected if they insert the proper battery into their alarm system, rather, than depending totally on electrical power.
Ordinances related to the B & O tax incentive proposals will likely face a second delay, since the Finance Committee did not have a chance to discuss them due to spending their time on city employee and retiree health insurance issues.
Dr. Calvin Kent, chairman of the finance committee indicated that while several issues were brought before the committee, the decision remains with the mayor. " What we received was a very good and thorough explanation of what is being proposed," Kent said. "The decision as to the contracts is the mayor's. It's not up to City Council. The only decision we make is how much money we are going to put into the program. It's [now] up to the Mayor to work out a solution that's within that [$5.6 million dollar] budget. This is something the city council can not stick it's nose into under a strong mayor system."
Labeling the bargaining unit's dissatisfaction as "to be expected," Kent called the benefit plan " pretty good," adding that he had several idea for alterations that would not "significantly damage" the city's position and benefit the bargaining unit. His largest concern after hearing the plan relates to "how retiree's are treated."
The contract for the firefighters expires at the end of June. No word on whether it would be extended until an accord can be reached.
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