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Aside from hiring the new P&R Director, the Monona council meeting on Tuesday evening, the council also discussed a proposal from Alder McKeever to put all city agendas and information packets on the city's web site in advance of all meetings. The council seemed generally supportive.
It's doable - the county already does it (http://www.co.dane.wi.us/coboard/packet.aspx). People expect and deserve to know more about what local government is doing and technology allows us to be more and more transparent.
We need to figure out what our current technological capacity is (hardware, software, and staff) and we need to set up a routine for saving or scanning documents so they can be put web published.
At my request, the council discussed the level of council interest in pursuing a referendum to exceed the state-imposed 2% levy cap in 2009. The urgency that was apparent during our 2008 budget discussions this past fall seems to have ebbed away, at least partially. The original thought was to go to the voters in April, but the consensus seems to be to wait for the September primary. We will have a better picture of our finances by then, but less time in 2008 to do much. Unless some significant new revenue source appears, I don't see how we can stay under a 2% levy cap in 2009 without serious damage to city services. I expect and hope this issue will be a major campaign issue this spring.
Friday, January 25, 2008
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Doug-
ReplyDeleteCan you update us on the status of the idea that a hybrid vehicle may be purchased to replace the current police vehicles. Will that be decided this Monday at the Council meeting?
Also, do you anticipate any argument about the posting of council packets on the website. I think this is a great idea for those folks who want to be informed and don't get Channel 12!
Sue
The police vehicle purchase is on for a vote Monday night. I doubt a hybird vehicle will be chosen. Not sure that hybrids are made in cars used by police.
ReplyDeleteIf you do know about that availability let me know.
I think the packet posting policy will be adopted, but there will likely be some changes and it may be referred to the cable committee to work out details.