On January 18, 2012, Calvin Giordiano presented the information for Work Order #2 and did not provide the materials until we were at the meeting.  I don't understand why our vendors cannot provide information for the meeting PRIOR TO the meeting so those watching the webcast have access as well.   There is a 51 page slideshow attached here.

Another edition of At My Chair, with all the documents left at our seat at the City Council meeting last night.

A list of documents left at my chair last night: 

Agenda Item 10G:  Optimist request for funding



1.9.12 Emails between attorneys regarding MS General Employee Pension Plan


1.9.12 Emails between Seiden and Wishneff regarding Curtiss Mansion Historic Tax Credits


Sample Ballot


Announcement regarding Commissioner Rebeca Sosa Commission "Mom and Pop Grant Program" for 2012


1.9.12 Memo from City Manager regarding September 2011 City of Miami Springs Public Works Dept Organizational Review and Operating Cost Analysis

As you well know, my least favorite thing is agenda items left at my chair.  Unfortunately, my own husband is to blame this week as the only late agenda item was the Optimist request.  

The first meeting of the New Year was relatively short, as the Council Chambers seemed giddy with the prospect of the National Championship Game.  (I am a bit disappointed that LSU did not pull out the win.)  But there was some controversy with respect to some of the recreation related proposals.  And, a group of Angels from All Angels Academy stopped by to lead us in the pledge.  The short meeting was certainly worth watching.  You can find the video at miamisprings-fl.gov under webcasts or just link here.

Very little to report at my chair this week.  Only a revised Extension Agreement for Theatrical Services for the Pelican Playhouse.

Have a very Happy Halloween!

    If you have not guessed by now, I really don't like to receive materials on the day of the meeting.  I understand when there is an emergency, but when I ask that something be put on the agenda, I ask days, if not more than a week, in advance of the materials being distributed and uploaded to the City website.  
    My husband suggested that I include a short description of what was included -- great idea Bill!  The documents attached here were either provided the day before the meeting or at the meeting:

        Agenda item 10F:  Purchase Order for PBSJ for production of plan to address DERM concerns on the golf course.
        Agenda item 10G:  Recommendation that Council waive competitive bid process and approve expenditure of $9,900 for a consulting service to develop a master strategic plan for the City.
        Memo from Mike Aldridge to Jim Borgmann, with documents attached, discussing the request to review the possibility of having vanity gift cards for our golf pro shop and golf department.
        City of Miami Springs analysis of Millage Changes (prepared by Finance Director).
        Draft GIS Zoning Map prepare by Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc.
        Powerpoint of Update on Redevelopment and Revitalization Activities from Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc. 

As promised, here are the items we recieved during the workshop meeting last night.  So many things have been happening, I have a long list of blog posts.  I will work on catching up very soon. 

Click Here to Download.

    At nearly every Council meeting this term, Councilmembers receive additional information for the agenda at their chair at the beginning of the meeting.  While sometimes it is unavoidable, this is very frustrating for a variety of reasons.  First, the Council does not have time to review or digest the materials prior to the meeting.  In order to have a legitimate discussion members of the Council need time to review the materials, research as necessary, and prepare a response if necessary.  Getting things "at my chair" prohibits me from being the "best I can be" because I have not had time to think it over -- the pros, the cons, and the potential problems.  
 
    At the chair materials are also frustrating because,even though they are public records, the documents are not available to those attending the meetings, or those watching the meetings on the webcast.  As a result, if there is an item of interest to the community, it is not only addressed at the meeting where it is "at the chair" but it also inevitably is the cause of two weeks worth of rumors and innuendo, a lot of email traffic, and a room full of residents at the next meeting.

    I can't stop the documents from appearing "at my chair," but I can provide those materials on this website after the meeting.  If possible, I will post the materials "at my chair," immediately after the meeting.  If not, the following day.   In order to catch us up, here are the things that were given to us at the Council meetings from April 2011 until the present.

April 12, 2011

April 25, 2011

May 9, 2011

May 23, 2011

June 6, 2011

June 13, 2011

June 27, 2011

July 28, 2011

August 8, 2011

August 15, 2011

August 22, 2011