City Council Meeting Tonight (and a few random thoughts)

Tonight is the Waco City Council meeting. I certainly wish I could attend the work session at 3pm. They do not allow public comment during the work session, but there is a lot of discussion in that session that would help me understand the topics being discussed. Maybe I can work something out with my boss.

But for now, I will have to go off the agenda provided and what I hear in the formal evening meeting.

I haven't set up a meeting with Councilman Bush, but I still think that's a good idea.

I have not yet read about TIF, but on my last blog you can see that I found some good, helpful information.

Speaking of good, helpful information.....does everyone know that the entire municipal code is available online. Click here to see it. There is also a link in the "Helpful Links" list on the right of this page. This code talks about the procedures they go through. My specific question was about first and second readings. A new ordinance is submitted for consideration. The measure must be voted on two separate dates and pass each time. So, when you see that something has passed on "second reading" that means it's a new ordinance or that the measure passes. That's a high level view. It's what I thought it was, but I wanted to be sure.

The agenda is prepared and on the city website. There's a link on the "Helpful Links" to the right that will take you the meetings page.

I am SO impressed by the City of Waco website. I'm also impressed by how open the council seems to be with what they are planning and doing. They TELEVISE their meetings. I had the opportunity to watch the work session last Friday night. I got the impression that the council members are generally concerned with getting value for the taxpayers money. Not everyone likes how much money they spend or the way they spend it. My view on city government is different than that of federal government. It is the job of local governments to provide education, libraries, parks, public safety, as well as create an environment to attract people and job to the area. The federal government should only do what people and local governments cannot do for themselves.

One more note: I NEED comments. I need to know this is getting out there. If no one is reading it, I'll have a hard time keeping it up. Writing the blog makes me accountable to my readers. Please help me keep up the good fight!