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| Jeff Wan |
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At our last meeting, the Council discussed several signficant items:
- We approved a new job description for a Community Services Coordinator. Given the volume of community events and the level of effort needed to facilitate these events, as well as contemplating new events, staff recommended repurposing an existing unfill role to perform these duties. The role would serve as point on logistics for community events and be on site during events as needed.
- We continued our discussoin around the City's financnes. In our previous meetings, the Council established some aspirational goals around maintaining infrastrucure (roads, sidewalks, etc.) and compensation. Based on those goals, the City would need to increase revenue so this meeting we also continued our discussion around various potential revenue options.
Now that staff has done the dilligence in determining the need, and the dilligence in determining what options are available, it will be up to Council to decide on which of the options move forward with. The simple question of more taxes, less services, or both remains the same, however now we equipped to make informed decisions. There were a few follow up questions to get more detail, and staff will return at our next meeting.
- We gave feedback on updating the City's logo. The current logo is sometimes difficult to see in various forms of media. We provided feedback on ways it could be improved and staff will come back with updates.
- We approved a new job description for a Community Services Coordinator. Given the volume of community events and the level of effort needed to facilitate these events, as well as contemplating new events, staff recommended repurposing an existing unfill role to perform these duties. The role would serve as point on logistics for community events and be on site during events as needed.
- We continued our discussoin around the City's financnes. In our previous meetings, the Council established some aspirational goals around maintaining infrastrucure (roads, sidewalks, etc.) and compensation. Based on those goals, the City would need to increase revenue so this meeting we also continued our discussion around various potential revenue options.
Now that staff has done the dilligence in determining the need, and the dilligence in determining what options are available, it will be up to Council to decide on which of the options move forward with. The simple question of more taxes, less services, or both remains the same, however now we equipped to make informed decisions. There were a few follow up questions to get more detail, and staff will return at our next meeting.
- We gave feedback on updating the City's logo. The current logo is sometimes difficult to see in various forms of media. We provided feedback on ways it could be improved and staff will come back with updates.
And to think, Holly Tillman and Peter Cloven wanted to go right to a $400 parcel tax increase without knowing our numbers. Nothing like putting it to the citizens without doing the hard work. - Brian and Kathy -
ReplyDeleteThey knew the numbers. You just did not like them along with Bret Prebula and Reina Schwartz. They came to the same conclusion as what is happening now. The city needs more revenue. Full stop, end of story. And they are going to do that mostly by adding taxes: parcel, sales, or otherwise. Oh, and the new city manager, Mr Lofthus, said soon after his hiring that the city had a revenue problem. Also see the GJ report which makes a recommendation that the city should fully investigate increases to revenue to address structural deficit. The city's (aka Jeff Wan) response was it has already been done. Well, if it was why are we now looking to add taxes, etc?
DeleteIt’s really disappointing to see some people still spreading false information about the city’s finances. The facts are clear, and anyone who takes the time to review the audited financial statements can see that the numbers used in the Civil Grand Jury report simply don’t match reality. That report also claimed the city hadn’t looked at ways to increase revenue — another claim that was proven false.
DeleteFor years, past management left major issues unaddressed. Current leadership has been working hard to fix those problems, renegotiate contracts, and finally get the city’s finances on solid ground. That’s progress, and it deserves recognition, not distortion.
Our community deserves honesty, transparency, and responsible discussion. It’s time to stop recycling misinformation and start focusing on the verified facts so we can move forward together.
Great job, Jeff. Now that we finally have accurate financial numbers in front of us, we can begin making informed, responsible decisions for Clayton. For far too long, past leadership operated without a clear understanding of our actual reserves or the condition of our general fund. Having clarity now allows us to move forward with transparency, accountability, and sound financial planning. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteCity council meetings are actual city business now not endless self congratulations for attending CBCA meetings and photo ops. Getting rid of council member “reports” was the best thing. No more self adulation or grand standing. Of course one council member still has to grand stand on every vote but fortunately that council member can’t derail meetings anymore. It has been an excellent year to see the council actually getting things done.
ReplyDeleteAgree. Let’s not pretend the grand jury report was some noble pursuit of truth. It was a hit job, plain and simple, cooked up by people bitter about losing the power they once had. They thought they could twist the narrative and get their control back, but it blew up in their faces. Everyone can see it for what it really is: a desperate, transparent grab for relevance. Nice try but no cigar. Please stick to your fundraisers. - Keller Ridge Resident and Clayton Business Owner
ReplyDeleteDiscuss, Discuss, Discuss - when is are Council ever going to show some leadership and demand the services we pay for. I could site many instances of neglect but I will cite just one. Lokk at the fountain its a disgrace. But don't worry Oakhurst residents who all pay a separate parcel that should be funding the maintenance and operations ...we have put it in a fund. Or how about the last 2 years of LMD funding. I am told there may be as much as $800K in funds that were not spent as any casual observer can witness by the looks of the LMD areas. Once again don't worry we are getting a 4% return on that account. Hey, while I would have preferred the services were provided but now, Hey how about a rebate!
ReplyDeleteThe fountain is in the process of being repaired once and for all. If the fountain is your main issue after years of being led down a path of bad governance by prior councils then you really have nothing else to complain about. Keep in mind that while this council actually discusses and is working on a reasonable plan, we had two council members last year who were in a hurry to pass ANY tax along with a bad city manager who just wanted to grow city government. The fountain is minor issue at best.
DeleteThere’s still a lot of misinformation being shared about the City of Clayton. To help everyone stay informed, I encourage all of you to attend the State of the City meeting on Wednesday, November 5, at 6:00 PM in Hoyer Hall.
ReplyDeleteThe Civil Grand Jury process should promote accountability, not political agendas. Unfortunately, some personal disagreements were elevated into an “official” narrative, which has caused confusion in our community. It’s important that we look at the facts — not rumors.
From what I read and hear, we are on solid ground, and the picture is bright. Let’s show up, stay engaged, and continue working together for Clayton’s future. - Roy
The facts are the city council is exploring various options to increase revenue in order to meet expenses. I believe this is one message that was delivered in the Grand Jury report. This does not appear to be a political agenda, just facts surrounding the city budget.
DeleteIs this site going to ever move on from the "Grand Jury" Report? Our services suck and all we get is discuss, discuss, discuss. Look at the fountain what a joke. Look landscape maintenance is many areas non-existent to the point that entire areas are un-watered and plants dead. Will thy ever be restored. Meanwhile the City hoards unspent funds and pts themselves on the back for their portfolio return. Potholes all over, street resurfacing non-existent or done poorly. Meanwhile our leadership takes governing classes - wow! Its time for us citizens to demand results or at least our taxes and assessments back if they are not going get the work done or the services provided. And please no more we need more revenues or we can't afford. Stat holding folks accountable.
ReplyDeleteNow all of sudden the folks who couldn’t shut up about the civil grand jury report now are fixated on the fountain. But but, turnover, but but, the roads, but but, the fountain, we need to elect CBCA people! Laughable. Claytonwatch, keep up the good work reporting on things that matter. It’s pretty clear those who are behind the bogus civil grand jury report suddenly will have reason to back track.
DeleteNo we don't need CBCA people (in fact those are the ones that did not focus on providing services but their own woke games). What we need is leadership that focuses on getting us the services we pay for not silly parlor games. So if you don't want to back track maybe we should just demand our leadership move forward and stop with the discuss, discuss, discuss. How about some action.
DeleteBlind action is what got us here in the first place. Blind action by past councils that wanted to play bocce ball instead of actually thinking things through. You want the fountain turned on today because why? They are working on a PERMANENT fix. It’s the same with the finances or would you prefer a rushed sales tax that would have solved nothing? You want to complain, then find something real to complain about. Once the fountain is on what will your next complaint be?
DeleteThat's what they tell you but instead they using the same vendor that has caused the problem why, because he is cheap. On my next complaint we have not irrigation water in the median at the Peacock Creek Hill for over 2 years, why because they had a leak. Apparently no competent person could fix so they fired him. I ask how does that solution help us or provide a solution? And, who is going to replace all the dead plants. Oh they will tell they are working on it with the limited 5 person staff who spends at least part of their time hanging pictures and moving chairs. This is not a solution and the very bad conditions are bound to get worse. Its time to hire an outside maintenance contractor . Sure the labor might be more expensive in the short term but no legacy costs or benefits required and you would have a guarantee that work would get done or you could just move on. As for a sales tax or any other tax, no way, they can't even administer and use the funds they have instead they have created reserves that are enormous (but they won't spend) and "sustainability" portfolio that meets from time to time to pat themselves on the back on their 4% return. Use the funds to actually provide the services we paid for. Finally, isn't it about time to move on from the "bocce ball" comments, the current Council majority has been in power now close to two years and they have done shit, they just discuss, discuss, discus!
DeleteThe finance position is a great example of lack of action by the current council, which has been in the majority for two years. First, they had to try and dismiss the fact brought to them by previous management that they need to increase revenue. They drive out Prebula, hire Lofthus. Lofthus identifies in his first month that the city has a revenue problem (in his own words.) Now a year later they are acknowledging that as an issue and "discussing" the options. And that will continue.....ad infinitum. Discussing will get nothing done. Last nights "state of the city" meeting was a joke. Mayor Trupiano did nothing but pat herself on the back for all the good she has done. Take a look at her list...what is meaningful? The most ironic was her accomplishment of working together again with the CBCA. That relationship was destroyed by Jeff Wan years ago when he terminated the agreement that existed between the city and the CBCA for fees paid for their events. Nice job...you break it...you fix it. Terrible!!
DeleteWhen the new City Manager arrived, it was assumed the financial numbers left behind by Brett Prebula and Reina Schwartz were accurate. They were not. His initial comments were based on what he thought the numbers showed at the time. But once a thorough review was completed — and competent financial staff were finally put in place — the real picture emerged.
DeleteThere were multiple double entries, accounting errors, and unresolved balances. In fact, the City had not fully reconciled its checkbook in over 18 months. So why were some people loudly claiming that Clayton was “going broke” when the previous management didn’t even have a reliable set of books to begin with?
Because the goal wasn’t accuracy — it was to expand City Hall and justify a tax increase. You should have attended the meeting last night; it was great, and the city is moving forward without all the drama and misinformation.
I did see the meeting last night...it was a joke. BTW, Lofthus said there is a revenue problem when he started...and he is saying the same thing now, showing what will happen if revenues are not increased. There will be new taxes unless the majority on the CC decides they want to continue with status quo...that is let roads further degraded, continue to pay staff less that what they should, etc.
DeleteLooks like the aggrieved "we want everything for free" CBCA crowd has found its way on to this site. The only criteria that matters to them is, elect CBCA members and keep everything free for them. The meetings when Cloven was mayor were great. One meeting he patted himself on the back for playing bocce ball and feeling spiritual. Meanwhile the city's books had not been reconciled for 18 months and the city had recently been defrauded to the tune of 50k. But that was great leadership! Now we have competent staff going through the numbers and somehow that's bad. Given how successful they were running the city for so long while focusing on bocce ball and high density housing, they think we should put them back in control. Thanks but no thanks, things are going well.
DeleteThe non-profit CBCA needs to stay in its lane or risk losing its status. I am sick of the CBCA bullies with their nasty attitudes.
DeleteSome of the residents of this town are nothing but complainers. Look, things didn't fail overnight, and they certainly won't be fixed overnight. Our current council, sans Tillman, is diligently working to get things in order throughout the city. One big kudos goes to Kris Loftus for getting rid of Jim Warburton, who did absolutely nothing. The department is slowly getting back on track. The fountain is at least thirty years old, and so far, three pumps have been replaced. All those who think that things get done by snapping your fingers, please wake up. Things are changing for the better, and the city is moving forward with competent leadership again, sans Tillman.
ReplyDeleteAnd when we are having this conversation three, five, ten years down the road your excuses will be what?
DeleteThere are no excuses—only facts. Progress is happening in the city; perhaps not as quickly as you'd prefer, but specific procedures must be followed. Our new city manager is working hard to meet all priorities and additional goals. How about being part of the solution and not the problem.
DeleteCite ONE fact of services improvement - just One - no one is questioning if City Manager AND his staff they are working hard - there are just NO results because our Council leadership has no will.
DeleteDoes our council leadership lack will? Or is it that they aren’t doing your bidding? Do you attend council meetings, or are you a couch quarterback? Last night's meeting showcased improvements across the city's departments, including police, planning, maintenance, management, council, and finance. I don’t need to cite one since they were already listed and are expected to be fully operational. Again, it’s a matter of the city not acting with a snap of your fingers—that’s the real issue. You might want to have a pissing contest, but I’m not interested in that; I want solutions. Instead of being adversarial, be collaborative and solution-focused.
DeleteRevenue type will be decided. There are some misinformed folks who think we have do something right now or it won't get on the ballot. That was clarified beyond a doubt at the last city council meeting. We have until August of next year. So all the panic let's rush to do something folks can calm down. What's funny is watch next year how many Tillman Cloven CBCA folks start railing against any tax. There is one character who was writing endlessly on Nextdoor for taxes to fix the streets, the GHAD etc. When the GHAD passed that character was suddenly against the tax. The trouble makers in this city just want attention. The adults are in charge now, let's ignore the peanut gallery.
DeleteFor mister can't even cite on - drive down Clayton Road to the Middle school turn around in their entry and drive back up to Peacock Creek Drive, observe the condition of the drainage inlets and the adjacent curb and gutter systems along this section where dirt and debris is soo bad and has been there so long that it actually has vegetation on it this has been known to the City for almost 6 months now and as of the 15th of October is a violation of the City's SWWP - they should be fined and charged with a violation that could jeopardize this permit (something I personally sought avoid but we shall see). The point is these conditions have been know for many months both by the Council and Staff. - They don't care and probably will let them persist so congratulations you win the pissing contest and we will suffer the consequences.
DeleteYou need some anger management
DeleteThe “look at me, everyone loves me” days are done. Cloven’s still a joke, Holly’s keeping Kodak alive, and Wolf’s about to be employee of the month at McDonald’s. Thank God he's over at CBCA making a mess.
ReplyDeleteWolfe is tanking the CBCA. He doesn't share pertinent information with the membership; he lies to them by omission. Then we have Cloven having a fit, not wanting to accept that the city has always been involved with holidays in the grove. Cloven proves once again that he is a petulant child. The absolute best thing that happened to the city of Clayton was that the CBCA no longer controlled the council. That should have never happened in the first place or ever again. The 501(c) (3) needs to stay in its lane.
DeleteWho is Wolfe?
DeleteCarl Wolfe, former councilmember who bypassed Jeff Wan for Mayor, is leading the CBCA into its decline just as he did with the city of Clayton, along with Cloven and Tillman.
ReplyDelete