by: Diane Benjamin
At last Monday night’s City Council meeting a BIG item was on the agenda. The agenda is done by City Manager David Hales and Mayor Renner, but it seems like Renner either changed his mind or Hales put the item on the agenda without Renner’s knowledge. The members of the Council have NO input on what is on the agenda.
This is what was on the agenda:
D. Comprehensive Plan Proposed Scope of Work by Houseal Lavigne Associates for Professional Planning and Visioning Services in the Development of the City’s Comprehensive Plan (Recommend that the Proposal with Houseal Lavigne Associates for Professional Planning and Visioning Services be approved, in the amount of $179,165, and the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary documents.) (15 minutes)
An addendem changed the amount to $202,865!
Mayor Renner pulled this item from the agenda and said the work would be handled by the McLean County Regional Planning Commission..
Here’s the problem: David Hales has made it clear there is NOTHING that can be cut from the budget, but then he wants to spend $202,865 on a totally unneeded planning project!
The Council – at least the 7 potted plants – think Hales is doing a great job. They just gave him another 4 year contract and a big raise. Then, at the next meeting, Hales wants to spend money everybody knows the City doesn’t have so some group in Chicago can tell Bloomington what they should do.
The Council is David Hales’ boss. What would a REAL boss do to an employee throwing away money? How much time did Hales waste putting together the Council presentation? Did anybody on the Council question his logic (or sanity?)
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Me thinks Renner pulled it as a result of your article and emails flooding his office. Just my opinion.
Think its about time the citizens take control of the 7 potted plants, and demand action be taken on their actions , after all its taxpayers money they are playing with !!