Like Pulling Teeth

The videos below were taken at the open meeting portion of a South Euclid Council Meeting with less than 10 audience members in attendance. The citizen’s concerns were met with hostility from city officials. At times, their demeanor resembles that of someone under interrogation.
Responding to a question about Cedar Center and the status of the development agreement between the City and the Coral Company, Service Director Ed Gallagher states: “…the contract had been extended and it was in revision for a final draft…” Is a signature currently on the dotted line if the contract “was in revision for a final draft?” Have the terms changed?

Safety and liability issues at the demolition site were questioned by those concerned about the poorly secured and therefore easily accessible hazardous area. City officials vigorously defended their strategy of the “no trespassing” signs and designated service department employee drive-bys as ample security for the area.

Community Services Director, Keith Benjamin makes an unsuccessful attempt to convince a citizen that the Cedar Center project has always been a public/private development, and has consistently been portrayed as such to the taxpayers by city officials.

Ward 1 Councilperson Ruth Gray responded with several different outbursts to exclaim her displeasure with the citizen’s remarks. When Kevin Ignasiak, newly announced candidate for Ward 1 challenger, politely introduced himself and offered an explanation for his candidacy, Ruth Gray boisterously and inappropriately alleges that he is acting improperly. Further, another outrageous and baseless rant erupts when Ms. Gray proclaims that anyone who is not a regular attendee at city hall does not have the right to voice their opinion. She indicates her disregard for the citizens by saying, “…they’re not part of the process.” Here’s the exact quote, as reflected in the video below:

“This little charade that is going on this evening is very disrespectful. 90 percent of the people they get up in this room tonight do not come in this room on a consistent basis. They’re not in the committee meeting, they’re not part of the process but we’re hearing this.”

• time: 7 min. 48 sec.

• time: 5 min. 37 sec.

Wide Open To Danger....Again

• time: 4 min. 26 sec.

The above video footage of Cedar Center documents irresponsibility and a blatant disregard for the safety of the community. Who shoulders the responsibility?

The Mayor also serves as the Safety Director. The Service Director was apparently tasked to take on an increased responsibility for the Cedar Center project, and therefore a new position was created for Assistant Service Director. If that is indeed the case as indicated by Councilperson Goodman in the 27 second video below, then why does it appear that the demolition site has been recklessly abandoned? Does the Building Commissioner oversee this? Ward 1 Councilperson Ruth Gray is the Chair of the Safety Committee. Cedar Center is in Ward 4, perhaps the Ward 4 Councilperson Jane Goodman would have noticed something askew.

It is unclear who is ultimately responsible for securing the area. However, you can bet that shortly after this video goes public there will be a mad scramble to batten down all hatches.

As of the date of this posting, the demolition site has remained unchanged from the footage taken on May 19th.

• Mayor’s salary: $83,283.20
• Building Commissioner’s salary: $83,845
• Service Director’s salary: $79,769

Monitoring a major demolition project, securing the perimeter, alleviating any stagnant water and debris filled cesspool-like giant holes, and - possibly avoiding any liability and negligence issues due to catastrophic mishaps:

• Priceless.

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******Please don't miss the previous post on SEO entitled Greenvale Dangers . The people of South Euclid shouldn’t be subjected to this encore performance. ******
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• time: 27 sec.

Letter To The Editor

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Please see related post at SEO:

• You Be The Judge

Good Money After Bad

In the video below, there are noticeable efforts to conceal any discussion of specific dollar amounts surrounding the proposals.

The detailed information “packets” provided to city officials at council meetings are not made readily available to the citizen attendees. Why not?

Here is a link to the City of South Euclid website:

• http://www.cityofsoutheuclid.com/

• time: 4 min. 03 sec.

Please also see:

• Weak Website At Lavish Cost

• Where Have The Minutes Gone?

You Be The Judge

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2009 Salaries And So Much More….

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Please click on the link below to view the entire text of Ordinance 20-09: "Fixing the salary range, compensation and rates of pay for various offices, boards, commissions and departments of the municipal government effective January 1, 2009...":

• http://www.scribd.com/doc/14866064/Ord2009

Don't miss other financially relevant information previously posted at SEO, including, but not limited to:

• **************2008 Salaries**************

• ************Budget 2009************

The 3 video segments below are from the Finance Committee Meeting on April 27, 2009. The topic was the Salary Ordinance 20-09. If you do not have audio capability on your computer, it would be worth the effort to find one that does. You don't want to miss this.

• time: 6 min. 25 sec.

• time: 8 min. 30 sec.

• time: 5 min. 05 sec.

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