I attended the Common Council meeting Tuesday at City Hall.
Although informative and I’m glad I attended, I thought it was uneventful.
Even if you aren’t concerned about what’s going on in your city government, it wouldn’t hurt you to attend one or two meetings just to see how things work.
The more I thought about it, though, a couple things stuck out from the meeting.
If any of the Aldermen I speak about want to respond, I welcome their comments.
But these are my observations and comments.
Alderman Hammelman twice made statements about his constituents in his district, regarding Wal-mart.
He appears to be very caring and open to suggestions from you out there in District 3.
Here is what concerns me.
Regarding one issue, he stated that because he had not had any phone calls or emails from you, his constituents, either in favor or against the issue, to him that meant everything was O.K.
There were no problems.
Now, to me that means something else.
To me, that means either apathy, or citizens just didn’t want to contact the Alderman.
So, District 3….pay attention.
Alderman Hammelman pays very much attention to your phone calls and emails regarding his decision process.
He takes them seriously.
If you don’t make phone calls or emails voicing your opinions, then, to him, this means everything is O.K. and going smoothly.
My question to you…does Alderman Hammelman ever reach out to you, the constituents, if you are not contacting him?
On another issue, Alderman Hammelman said his constituents would be 100% in favor of his decision. 100%.
I just can’t believe that on any issue there would be 100% agreement.
Call me a pessimist.
Next, regarding the Wal-Mart expansion project.
An 8-foot wall is proposed to be built.
A resident, during the comment period, voiced his concerns about the wall saying it is just not a pretty sight and could something be done about it.
Well, first there was a discussion between the Mayor and Aldermen about trees and shrubs.
I guess there isn’t enough space to plant and have such greenery survive.
Then talk of vines.
Hard to maintain and might ruin the fence?
Well, we seem to have ended up with wild grasses.
Wild grasses?
Boy, that will sure cover an 8-foot fence nicely.
Maybe if you plaster it all over the fence.
I’m sure the gentleman who voiced his concern over the fence left the meeting with a smile on his face.
I think he was “stonewalled.”
Next, there was discussion about the refuse collection in Franklin and the ongoing complaints the city has been receiving regarding garbage pick-up.
The service just plain stinks.
It’s not the best job in the world.
We all know that.
And the weather hasn’t cooperated much this winter.
But it sounded like there has been a problem for quite some time with skipped garbage pick-ups.
After a having had a very critical meeting with the service, the City is going to give them another chance, and they have promised to improve their services.
Lastly, remember that video clip of former President Clinton nodding off during a church service?
And the video clip of the Diet Pepsi Max commercial from the Super Bowl where people are nodding off but after a Pepsi, they are rearing to go?
Well, Alderman Kosovich could have used some of that Pepsi Max Tuesday night.
He was actually falling asleep during the meeting.
Eyes closing, head slightly bobbing.
He even did what appeared to be laughing at something everyone else was even though he didn’t quite catch the drift of what was going on (just like Clinton in that video).
Geez, if you are too tired to attend the meeting, call in sick.
Kosovich didn’t appear ill.
He spoke to someone I was sitting next to prior to the meeting and seemed in good spirits.
How can you listen and vote correctly if you are falling asleep and not paying attention?
There were some bright spots at the meeting.
One of them being Scott Thinnes was appointed to the Community Center Task Force.
Congratulations Scott.
