The CAB's "Shipshape" ordinance?

Apparently, the St. Marys Citizen's Advisory Board (the political arm of the St. Marys EarthKeepers) held a called meeting this past Thursday. Don't feel bad: they did not notify me, either. I think you will find this intriguing. Minutes City of St. Marys Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) Called Meeting – Thursday, September 17, 2009 @ noon @ DDA Building In attendance: Chair, Peggy Hollis. Members: Cookie Johnson, Alex Kearns, Tim Ward, Dick Russell, Maryann Meador. Guests: Chief of Police Tim Hatch & City Manager Bill Shanahan. Members absent: Loretta Hutchinson, Joe Lucent, Penni Rewis Quorum? Yes The meeting was called to order at noon by Chair Peggy Hollis and the agenda was reviewed. There was discussion of the focus of the CAB and ways to deal with potential roadblocks that might impact our work. It was decided that the Chair of the CAB (or another designated member) will respond to inquiries from the public, providing the requested information or directions on how to obtain it, and communicating the dates and times of upcoming CAB meetings. It was verified that the CAB has the authority to create and distribute communications to the community, such as PSA’s in the newspaper, on radio, etc. which serve to educate the public about issues under CAB’s mission and goals, as long as no costs are incurred. The group discussed the draft of the proposed “Shipshape” ordinance. The property committee of the City Council will meet to review the new ordinance on Monday, Sept. 28 at 4 PM in Council Chambers. The CAB wishes to provide the property committee with their input/ideas on the ordinance. The consensus of the CAB is that where possible, the writing of the ordinance be made more easily understandable and “user friendly”. While the CAB understands that certain legal terminology is necessary in the wording of an ordinance, they encourage the use of simple, clear wording, where possible. City Manager Bill Shanahan will meet with Planning Director Roger Weaver – the original author of the ordinance – to re-write the ordinance such that it will retain its’ substantive content while being easier to read and understand. Specific suggestions on language and content were provided to Mr. Shanahan. Further suggestions for the Shipshape Ordinance (to be shared with Mr. Weaver) included : - more detailed provisions for enforcement/fines/consequences, etc. in the event of non-compliance with or violations of any and all provisions of the ordinance. - clarification on how issues of non-compliance will be handled in the case of severe weather or other emergencies. The CAB will meet to review the amended ordinance at a called meeting on Friday, September 25 at noon at the DDA building. Respectfully submitted: Maryann Meador, secretary pro tem I found this passage particularly interesting: "Further suggestions for the Shipshape Ordinance (to be shared with Mr. Weaver) included : - more detailed provisions for enforcement/fines/consequences, etc. in the event of non-compliance with or violations of any and all provisions of the ordinance." Yes, folks, Big Green Brother is watching! Yes, I've already asked Bill Shanahan - who sent me these minutes today, on a Sunday - to please get me a copy of the draft of this ordinance, finished or not. I find it very interesting that the Green eco-weenies are pushing this after qualifying but before the election to cow any incumbents into voting for it. We shall see. This next one did not quite register the first time I read it. "There was discussion of the focus of the CAB and ways to deal with potential roadblocks that might impact our work." I'm honored.