Dear Council Members: Thank you so much for having the special study session with Chief Norris last night! It was so educational, so transparent, so inviting of collaboration with the community. I wish we had study sessions explaining other city departments. For instance, I’d like to hear from the head of Maintenance about that staff’s organization, its duties, problems, successes — and how to contact them when we see something that needs fixing. (FYI:There is an irrigation malfunction at the library plantings along Alma. It’s under the sign on the south side of the first turn-in to the library complex. I think it would make us all feel like we’re more involved with city maintenance if there was an easy way to report problems — and I don’t mean threading my way through the city’s massive website to find an email address.
I’d also like to know how the library is staffed and what its future goals are — or the planning department — or the recreation department.
I would also like to know more about the child care center: how many people are employed? how many children attend? how are the children chosen? how is staff chosen? who reviews their performance? does the center make a profit for the city? does it pay rent? is there a similar center in Belle Haven?
I felt so encouraged to participate last night in our city government — to ask questions and expect clear answers.
Thank you all again! - Susan Bryan, 222 Blackburn Avenue
