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Mar. 4 Council Meeting
03/05/09
My comments to the City Council at the March 4, 2009 meeting.
“At Monday’s workshop, “The New Council” (as it was referred to) was likened to our new president’s change of policies. I disagree on the similarity. Our council rotates four people at a time, every two years. The purpose of this rotation, rather than all-in/all-out at the same time, is to create a continuum of leadership. YOU are not the “new council” but rather a part of something greater, that began a long time before you and will no doubt continue after you’ve gone.
Some of you have been involved in the UGB process from the beginning… most of you have not. Public workshops, open houses, 2-years of steering committee work, planning commission hearings with public testimony, city council hearings with public testimony, adoption by the City Council, approval from Josephine County and the State of Oregon… ultimately resulting in law. And yet you propose, while most people are at work and the TVs are off on Monday the 16th, to “bless” or not “bless” the direction hundreds people, including citizens and experts, have worked to provide as well as the public’s money already expended… for what?
After listening intently at Monday’s workshop, I suggest to you that your issue is NOT with the UGB but rather with policies governing growth. Policies, with public input, are completely within your ability to direct.
As I currently serve on four volunteer commissions, I need to know that I’m not wasting my time. I need to see that you respect other’s opinions and experience and the purpose of advisory committees.
I’m asking you to trust the process, appreciate the people, and my hope for you at goal setting this weekend is find the balance required to lead our city with open minds and a genuine concern for your own affect on low morale. Accept that good ideas are not a substitute for true knowledge and remember that citizen involvement is as important as your elected position.”
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Pre-Paid Service Information
Pre-paid Planning Services
How much time would you save if you could get answers to all your land use and development questions without standing in line at the Planning Office or waiting for a return phone call from the staff planner?
- Permitted Uses
- Setbacks
- Permits
- Development Potential
- Violations
- Hidden Development Costs
$50 per month for up to 2 hours of planning help for all of your general planning questions.
- Can be individual or shared, even with your entire office, for the same price.
- 6 month subscription required, no-penalty cancelation anytime in first 30-days.
The Rates
Land Use Planning Rates
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