Some of you might recall the uproar that surrounded the Housing & Economic Development Subcommittee having a seemingly secret meeting. Here's the agenda, as a reminder of some of the things discussed.
Now, this Subcommittee, some have wondered how to join or contribute to it. The fact is, it's a subcommittee of Council, so apparently nobody but Council can serve on this. This was confirmed by the City clerk;
"Only councilmembers are appointed". So, why then, is the Redevelopment Authority appointing someone?
#9, item b. Discussion/Motion - Appointing RDA Member to City Council Housing Subcommittee.
Who did they appoint? Did someone from the RDA actually attend? Well, according to The Meadville Tribune article found here;(https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/foundation-for-city-rental-unit-inspection-program-underway/article_a760a50c-9513-11ec-9136-c3ca92d93038.html)
the answer is yes.
"it consists of Kinder, Deputy Mayor Larry McKnight and Joe Tompkins.....who also serves on the city's Redevelopment Authority." Re-read that again and tell us we're wrong in being shut out here. Now, we do know they stated they could request members of other city bodies for information and insight. Why then, was a representative from Center for family services not invited?
Quite confusing to say the least. You might be wondering though, why does it matter if someone from the RDA was invited? It doesn't necessarily. It's more about the WHO that they apparently appointed. Joe Tompkins. The Joe who thinks he's in charge of all of the City of Meadville. He already has his ideas of what should and shouldn't be in the rental inspection program, and he's careful to ensure his owner occupied rental property would be excluded. As well as the owner occupied rental Jaime will eventually have.
"my point is that we can write our own ordinance". Who is this we that we're talking about? Presumably their "groupies", aka Crawford County United, PA United and all the other groups that they have decided to create. Maybe some from their Meadville for Bernie Group? The one's talking about "Democratic Socialism".
I guess the question is, do we really even have a say in anything any more? They already had this plot in place prior to the new members of council even running for Council.
The only thing we know for certain, is that we need to start making it a point to read everything they are trying to put through. We also need to attend these meetings so we don't have to rely on the Tribune to report, or for the minutes of these meetings to finally get posted to the City website.
Next meeting is March 30th at noon. Public is welcome to attend and comment during the public comment period of the meeting.
Comments