Significant Votes
6/2010: For a detailed discussion of the budget votes I took, click here.
5/17/10 ABSTAINED on a vote to Transfer $3,500,000 from: Certified Free Cash to: Forest Park Middle School Land Takings, Demolition - Free Cash, Capital Improvements - Project Contingency. This matter was referred to the Finance Committee because it is part of a larger issue involving the use of Free Cash from FY 2009. Rationale: As a Springfield Public School teacher State Ethics Law prohibits me from voting on or discussing school matters in Council meetings. The transfer is related to the $35 million renovation of the Forest Park Middle School. The City has hired a project manager, and has begun discussions with abutting property owners. The City has sent letters to all owners on the odd side of Sumner Terrace and to 121 and 125 Garfield Street indicating a desire to discuss the renovation project and the possibility of a city acquisition. Meetings are also being planned with the Forest Park Civic Association. The City hopes to begin construction in the fall of 2011.
5/17/10 Voted FOR Amending RO 1986 - Definitions - Livery Vehicle. The amendment passed. Rationale: This means that wheelchair vans and van vehicles used by a Dept. of Public Health licensed hospital or its affiliate is not subject to the same regulations as taxis or limosine service. Rationale: This is on a trial basis for a period of two years. While the Taxi Commission was against this ordinance, the Public Safety Committee recommended passage after hearings. I voted with the committee because I believe that hospitals already use a high level of scrutiny for their employees and vehicles, thus ensuring the safety of their patients.
4/5/10 Voted FOR Taking of Land and Easements for the Allen Street/Bicentennial Highway Improvement Project. Rationale: Local residents have been working on the planning of this project for years. The improvements are necessary to increase safety and reduce the number of traffic accidents that occur. Most of the money to pay for the takings comes from the ice and snow budget, which had an $86,000 surplus due to a mild winter.
4/5/10 Voted for the Mayor to accept a ARRA Municipal Police Staffing Grant for the sum of $338,482. Rationale: This Federal grant will pay for the first year salaries of five police officers. The Department predicts that they will be able to retain these positions at the end of the grant due to attrition.
4/5/10 Voted for the Mayor to Accept a Donation of Three (3) Wheelchair Accessible Vans to be used by the Elder Affairs Department from PVTA. Rationale: These vans are in great condition and will be used for elderly transportation.
4/5/10 Voted for authorizing the Mayor to accept a Metropolitan Medical Response Program - Grant for the sum of $97,439.06. Rationale: Springfield will use this Department of Homeland Security money for burn injury supplies, Emergency Medical Services mass casualty trailers, and other equipment for emergency preparedness.
3/22/10 Voted FOR Transfer of $40,000 from Department of Capital Asset Construction - Salaries & Wages to Department of Capital Asset Construction - Professional Services. Rationale: The City needs to keep an eye on its construction projects, and this transfer will enable the Department to pay for outside contractors to lend a hand in supervising the $200 million worth of construction projects that are underway in Springfield.
3/22/10 Voted for Amending RO 1986 - Immaculate Conception Historic District. Rationale: The buildings in this city block are clearly historic and deserve protection by the city. Creating a historic district requires 3 votes; this was the first, and subsequent votes will occur later this spring. I did offer a subsequent motion to move this matter to committee because I would like to see how this issue is resolved in the courts before taking a final vote, but the motion failed on a 5-7 vote.