As has been the case for the last few weeks, the Business improvement District (BID) and the proposed police oversight committee were volatile topics at this week’s City Council planning meeting.
The council next Tuesday will hold a public hearing on the controversial issue, then have a second and final vote.
A city public notice says "All interested persons are invited to attend and express their views." However, City Attorney Phil Noblett said under the state law only those with property interests in the district may speak.
Councilwoman Carol Berz had many questions in particular, all of which City Attorney Phil Noblett tried to answer.
“For the record, Phil, in all fairness, all I need is yes or no answers. I know we didn’t learn this in law school. These are just general questions.”
Councilwoman Berz then continued by asking a number of questions about the power the appointed committee would have over things. She compared it to a “homeowners association,” and wanted to know if the council would have the power to get rid of this committee in a few years.
“There is a dissolution within the clause,” said the attorney, “while it’s up to the people in the area, it’s also up to the people in the council.”
Councilwoman Berz then asked about the supposed hierarchy in this committee.
“I’m recommending to take out a lot about the first and second class citizens, and all of that we’ve heard,” she said, “So what if everyone is on equal footing? Can that be done?”
Councilman Darrin Ledford was one of those in agreement with what councilwoman Berz was proposing.
“One of the concerns was the cherry picking of people. Picking winners and losers. I believe there are good intentions,” said Councilman Ledford, “What I found very disturbing were who was eligible for reductions and fees. And I thought it stood against what this council stood for.”
While many of the council members seemed to agree with this proposal, a few council members had an issue with it. Most of those disagreements had to do with how councilwoman Berz proposed such an amendment.
“The only way to change it is to put it on the agenda, and change it during the meeting,” said Councilman Ken Smith, “An amendment cannot be accepted in this meeting. It can only be accepted in a council meeting by majority vote.”
At the regular council meeting, several small downtown business owners spoke against approval of the BID, saying it would be a detriment to small business, which they called the lifeblood of a thriving city.
The other topic of conversation was the police oversight committee. Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod brought up some now-familiar issues with the committee.
“I’m really concerned that we have an ex-officer serve on the board. It was an oversight on our part,” said Councilwoman Coonrod, “I think it defeats the purpose of this board. No officers should be allowed to serve on this oversight board.”
Councilman Russell Gilbert echoed these sentiments, saying, “Some people feel uncomfortable speaking out if they’re there.”
Councilman Chip Henderson earlier named Rick Mincy , former city officer and a Lookout Valley resident, to the board.