In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the role and accountability of the city attorney, special assessments, and potential changes to the Board of Water and Light's responsibilities.
One council member expressed frustration with the city attorney's consistent refusals to approve various initiatives, particularly regarding gun-related proposals. They emphasized the expectation that the city attorney should adhere strictly to legal guidelines, suggesting that if the attorney fails to do so, they should be replaced. The member also raised concerns about the ethical implications of the city attorney's interpretations of the law, suggesting that these interpretations could be influenced by the mayor's needs, a sentiment echoed by other council members.
The conversation then shifted to special assessments, specifically referencing a recent case involving the Red Cedar development. A council member questioned the legality of spreading the tax burden across the entire city rather than limiting it to the benefiting properties, suggesting that charter limitations might be necessary to prevent similar situations in the future. The response indicated that while special assessments can be useful, the unique circumstances surrounding the Red Cedar project were not likely to be replicated.
Lastly, the meeting touched on the potential for the Board of Water and Light to manage the city's sewer system. While the idea was acknowledged as interesting, it was noted that further discussion and consultation with relevant departments would be necessary before any decisions could be made.
The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for the council members' service and a commitment to ongoing dialogue regarding these important issues.