I have been accused of hating Rockwall. This is just a ridiculous statement. Those who make this claim confuse my distaste for council actions as "hate" for my hometown. The true nature of liberty-loving conservatives: skepticism of the intentions of government in general. We have many on council who favor the idea of big-government as the answer to all our woes. "We the people" are the answer, not seven souls who sit at the head of our city government, regardless of who they are. We must fight government intrusion of our liberties at all levels of the governments in our lives: local, county, state, and federal. That is what I will do as your councilman: help protect life, liberty, and your pursuit of happiness.
Tomorrow is the final day to vote. If you haven't, please do. And remind your family, friends, and neighbors as well.
Actions from executive session:1. Council unanimously acted to "enforce termination of lease" the city has at the Shores Golf Course.
2. Parcel acquisition on Airport Road.
3. Appoint someone to Land Use committee.
III. Proclamations.
1. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. A lady biker called "Stryker" received the proclamation on behalf of all motorcyclists.
A couple observations:
-"Bikers" aren't known for their love of motorcycle safety equipment. Most choose to ride sans helmet or other protective gear.
-"Stryker" while shaking hands and talking to the Mayor had a giant patch on her vest letting us know she was a member of the "Sh*tcrew"
-The whole club came to get a picture with the mayor and I noticed "Squirrel" (President of club, I think) had a large patch on his jacket of a skeletal hand letting all who notice said patch that the observer is "Number 1".
-I didn't see any motorcycles in the parking lot despite there being 10-15 bikers present.
IV. Open Forum.
No one spoke.
V. Consent Agenda.
#2 Pulled by Cliff, rest approved 7-0.
2. The city is applying for an $80,000 grant to purchase a SWAT vehicle.
VI. Appointments.
1. P&Z Chairman Michael Hunter presented the recent actions of P&Z for the Site Plans on Council Agenda (See below). 1&2 P&Z passed with little discussion.
Regarding the third site plan (First Baptist Church new Youth Building) for the evening, P&Z expressed concern over the "look" of the building and how it affects the southern "entry" to downtown. Another "entry". Is this the new meme that will be used to block progress? This is the 3rd time it has been used now. P&Z wanted FBC to replace a fairly new 6ft cedar fence with a masonry wall , but settled for an 8ft cedar fence with masonry columns on 45ft centers. P&Z vote was 6-1.
2. Rockwall FD and the Rockwall Committee on aging got a "free" grant to purchase safety equipment for elderly and disabled folks. 420 kits will be distributed throughout the county.
The kit includes:
An emergency radio that works on several power sources and receives emergency alerts. ($85 at Radio Shack, city price is Top Secret.)
Wireless alarm unit with a flashing light (for the visually impaired -not my words) and a siren.
Smoke Detector and CO Detector.
Bed Shaker (The Mayor asked if he could get one.)
3. The city's franchise agreement with Charter Cable is coming to an end. The state has taken franchise agreement authority from cities in the state. An auditor is going to go through the last few years of financial transactions the city has had with Charter to make sure that Charter has given us everything they were obligated and compensate the city is necessary.
Councilman Sevier wanted to know why this wasn't done regularly since it was revealed that Charter is often found deficient in these audits. City Manager answered that we are doing it now.
The question was repeated, with same answer given several times.
The audit will cost the city about $13,500. I hope we find Charter at least $13,500 deficient or else we might be in the red for this process.
Also, Charter may or may not continue to maintain the fiber network between city buildings, it will depend on the cost vs alternatives like wireless.
4. Guy wants to be able to sell stone-like sign covers for metal signs. 2 problems: Changes size of sign and it wouldn't meet the masonry requirement. After lengthy discussion, it was allowed 7-0.
NOTE: If you are appearing before council for what you think is a simple issue, be prepared.
Write down everything you want to say.
Have a clear presentation of the problem from which you are seeking relief .
Have a clear solution for the problem.
Get ready for vague questions and the occasional accusation.
Talk to at least 2 councilmen prior to the meeting detailing your issue.
If possible get a lawyer to talk for you (or someone who talks to obstructionists for a living).
VII. Site Plans
1. A man (who recently was publicly accused of making snide comments about council. No, not me.) wants to split his lot into two. Passes 7-0.
2. REDACTED
3. REDACTED
VIII. Action Items
1. REDACTED
2. Change the quarantine requirements for dogs after biting incidents.
-Last year 44 dog bites resulted in no cases of rabies.
-The Animal Adoption Center euthanized 41% of the animals taken in last year.
Passed 7-0.
3. Allow civic groups to have the rental fee ($100 per hour, 4 hour minimum) waived at the harbor.
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