I’ve used the word ‘defensive’ a bit lately with regard to the administration and my colleagues. This started about the time Meg Tapucol-Provo published her resignation letter from the Police Diversity Committee. What I’ve tried to explain is that her experience on that committee was not isolated. She was simply reflecting on what is the … Continue reading “Defense”
Transparency
I need your help…
Categories Environment, TransparencyOn March 24th, the City Of Des Moines posted on its web site the following: The City Council did not receive notification of this via official email. But, whatever, probably an oversight. So, being someone who is concerned about water quality issues in Des Moines and given the fact that I am a member of … Continue reading “I need your help…”
Future Agendas
Categories Policy, Transparency2 Comments on Future AgendasThe Future Agendas Report is the most important City document that most people have no idea even exists. It acts as sort of a calendar as to what/when things will be discussed at various upcoming public meetings. For example, if you have an interest in a certain project (eg. when are they redoing the Redondo … Continue reading “Future Agendas”
A question re. diversity in hiring
Categories Policy, TransparencyI recently noticed that the City had posted several job openings in the building and planning department. These jobs have a very low turnover rate. So at the 18 March Regular City Council Meeting, I asked the City Manager what steps the City was taking wrt diversity in hiring. I wanted to make sure I … Continue reading “A question re. diversity in hiring”
Letter of resignation from Des Moines Diversity Task Force: Meg Tapucol-Provo
Categories Neighborhoods, Policy, Public Safety, Transparency4 Comments on Letter of resignation from Des Moines Diversity Task Force: Meg Tapucol-ProvoSubject: Stepping down from the DMPD Diversity Task Force To: Chief Ken Thomas, Des Moines Police Guild, City Council, etc. To the Members of the Des Moines Police Department Diversity Task Force, I am regretfully writing to inform you that I am stepping down from the Diversity Task Force. In joining this Task Force, my … Continue reading “Letter of resignation from Des Moines Diversity Task Force: Meg Tapucol-Provo”
Vouchers
Categories Policy, Transparency1 Comment on VouchersLet’s talk about vouchers for a few minutes. What are vouchers? They are the bills the City has to pay. The City Council votes to approve these payments as part of the Consent Agenda generally once a month. Vouchers are one of the most important parts of running a City. And in Des Moines, they’re … Continue reading “Vouchers”
The Hat
Categories TransparencyIt’s just a hat. 🙂 OK, it’s not just a hat. It’s the official hat of the 2001 Detroit Red Wings. 1The finest hockey team ever to lace up skates. This is a screen cap from the video of one of my over fifty public comments at 2Des Moines City Council–and that was before I … Continue reading “The Hat”
State Of The City Presentation To DMMA (November 11, 2020)
Format VideoCategories Economic Development, Neighborhoods, Policy, Transparency1 Comment on State Of The City Presentation To DMMA (November 11, 2020)Back in November, Mayor Pina and Deputy Mayor Mahoney gave a presentation to the Des Moines Marina Association and it’s worth thinking about. I get comments sometimes complaining that all I do is bitch about picayune stuff like parliamentary procedure saying basically “Let’s talk about something real, Dude!” Well, this is as real as it … Continue reading “State Of The City Presentation To DMMA (November 11, 2020)”
Better City Council Meetings #3: Informality
Categories TransparencyThis is the third in a series of changes to our City Council Meetings I’d like to see. This particular change has to do with ‘relationships’ so it may well sound crankier than usual. It’s not meant to. Honest. 😀 But there is a thing that tends to happen with group meetings that is kinda … Continue reading “Better City Council Meetings #3: Informality”