More transparency

This morning I learned that we will have our sound system purchased as a part of City Hall. It will become a fixed asset like the furniture. What is so great about this is that we will now be able to stream the meeting to the internet. This is the crowning of the transparency. The only other thing better would be video but that is down the road. Now you will be able to access the website to replay meetings. There is a way to stay engaged without having to be at all meetings all the time. I will work on make sure all commissions follow suit.

It is a great day for the Pass and the residents. Now onto beautification....great things are about to happen on that front. Crossing off my Alderman bucket list of goals......

Stay tuned for a fun work day in the harbor complete with food and music..... details to follow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Renee:)

Transparency

People have been tossing around the word transparency and I would like to discuss that. I know what it is like to feel like you know nothing about the City and what they are doing. I strive to make it better and it is. If you take time to go online the agendas are posted generally the friday before the meeting. Sometimes the agenda is not ready so it will be Monday before it is posted. The minutes are archived online for 5 years. Next week to expand it I have requested all agendas be kept online with the exhibits. This will allow you to go back in and check on things in the past. Due to the volume we will have to purge it after the year ends. For example the Oct 19th meeting will roll off once the next second meeting in Oct, 2011 comes around.

Also my projector is in and installed. It will show all the exhibits real time while we are in the meeting. It will be attached to my computer. This is do to the generosity of our friends at Dupont! ANd special thanks to Shawn Jerone our IT genius.

I know it is frustrated to feel like you have to "keep" up with government but that is what you have to do. I have made it as easy as I can. Go online look at the agenda and the exhibits. Interested come to the mtg. Not and just curious how the board voted then look at the minutes. I am still trying to find a volunteer to video the meetings and put them on you tube. Please let me know if you have the time. There is nothing as transparent as that.... Most digital cameras will do it, we just need to set up a tripod and have a person to start the camera and stop it and check it through the meeting.

See you around town....R

"Oyster Eve" Festival Tickets available next week

Tickets will be available for the First Annual Oyster Festival 6 to 9:30 in the West Harbor

Nov. 12th for $25 or a couple $40.

Starz will be performing and we will have great eats and a cash bar (beer and wine)... Interested call 342-2366 or email coastmum@aol.com

This is the "Eve" before the festival. There is a limit of tickets. Come see the contestants for the Pearl of the Pass.

Dress is coast casual!

Proceeds support the festival and the scholarship for the Pearl of the Pass and will be awarded Saturday at 11am at the festival...

agenda is out...

Items of interest:

bathrooms in the park...

bring food for the food drive (VFD)

we have two newly certified fire fighters!!!! Congrats Russell and Mark!

We have alot of change orders and pay applications...

Looks like it will be a relatively short meeting... two executive session items....

I apologize it is not online. Since we received our agendas today they will be posted online MOnday...:)

Have a great weekend!

Plein Art Pass Christian

In the spirit of the cool weather. I am planning a Plein Art Painting Party in the Harbor....Calling all artists! WE ARE CHOOSING A DAY NOW SO EMAIL ME YOUR BEST DAY OF THE WEEK. I WILL MAKE LUNCH FOR EVERYONE....

This will be fun.... it is cool grab your easel, canvas and paint and let's paint the Pass!

Beautification projects

Beautification.... We raised $600 for beautification at Spirit of the Pass. I would like to put it to good use. I am looking for ideas. I would like to do something that is native and easy to maintain. The downtown will be landscaped by a professional LA however I would like to do something that will really help the Pass. Please send me your thoughts and ideas.... post them here or do them on facebook please...

Trees Trees Trees

A battle is being waged by homeowners to try and save their trees. As all of the roads are torn up, sewer and water replaced and then repaved, we have trees trying to live. IF you have a tree close to the road it is time now to start feeding it on the side that is not impacted by the road. I would vertically mulch them now and then top dress them with a little 1/4 inch of mulch to help them. Do it now before the construction begins, keep them watered well too. This is a dry time of year and exposed roots make it a vulnerable time. Street paving is important but so are our trees.

Look to an ISA certified arborist to help guide you or stop in to the code office and get a copy of construction and trees.