| LovelandPolitics.com |
----- Original Message ----- From: Carol Johnson To: Marc Cittone ; 'Jim Cox' ; Tangier Barnes - lrpintern ; Don Cook ; George Hill ; Gerald Portugal ; Gregg Ault ; Paula Sutton ; Robin Ericson ; Trudi Manuel Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 8:51 AM Subject: Re: Historic Preservation Commission Sept 21 Meeting Marc, Tangier, and Commissioners: I was not able to make the Saturday Boards and Commissions dinner as I was in Boulder in a 4 day seminar. Also I will not be able to attend the Monday, Sept 21 meeting as I will be attending the mayoral debate. Since I will not be attending, I wanted to express to all of you what I have shared with some of you individually while it is fresh in my mind. As your liaison for almost two years and someone who has attended many commission meetings in two cities, I can tell you that there seems to be some confusion in your minds as to the role of the HPC. This is your citizen advisory commitee: The Boards and Commissions Handbook describes you as an advisory body to the City Council and specifically (6) develop and assist in public education programs... including walking tours, etc. and (8) actively pursue financial assistance for preservation-related programs, to name two. These are your opportunities to make a difference in the city, not city staff's or mine, as council liaison. Since I came on board I have heard a lot of griping and moaning about how the city does not give historic preservation money or how the Commission does not have a mechanism to fix raising money. Instead of advocating or making change when you have the opportunity, you are not. Some specific examples: you have agendas and work plans, but from the chaos at meetings, I do not see good communication of expectations and roles with staff. HPC is in charge of HPC meeting agendas and workplans, not staff, so sit down with staff in your leadership role after reaching consensus among you and get that done. In your meetings, you re-hash the same misunderstandings pointing blame instead of fixing the problems. Fix the fundraising problem. Get in writing what you can and cannot do, and find a solution if you really want to fundraise. Third example: knowing it is your job to advocate for funding for Milner-Schwartz house, and sitting on your butts! Do you have any idea what a big deal it was that HPC is receiving money for this? Believe me it is, and you lost a lot of credibility with me and with council as a whole expecting that I as a council member would correct the errors Marc made in his presentation on insurance and historic markers. And were you expecting that I ask for the money? Think again. As your liaison be thrilled that I got it on the agenda for you on my own initiative. HPC is the advisory board, the citizen advocates, so where were all of you? After the November elections, council liaisons will be re-assigned. I am not sure I will stay with HPC unless there are some indication of leadership among you to actually advocate for what you want instead of whining and some leadership in getting straight who is in charge of the meetings and your goals and agendas. I am sorry if this sounds harsh, I am happy to discuss it at the October meeting. But all you need to hear why I am considering leaving this commision as liaison. It is obvious you are all passionate about historic preservation, but leaving the heavy lifting to staff or myself is just not appropriate. Carol Johnson |
| Loveland Councilwoman Carol Johnson |
Loveland - Oct. 3, 2009
Loveland Councilwoman Carol Johnson received a letter Thursday (Sept. 29, 2009) by the
volunteers of Loveland's Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission told Councilwoman
Johnson, "Commissioners felt that we could not ask you to remain on the Loveland
Historic Preservation Commission as liaison." The letter marks possibly the first time in
Loveland's history that a member of the Loveland City Council has been asked to cease their
liaison position for the council by a commission of volunteers.
The commission's letter was in response to an angry letter Johnson emailed to the commission last
week (see the email and story) chalked full of put-downs, bullying and a threat Johnson may quit
her role as liaison if they didn't improve the quality of their meetings.
Instead of capitulating to Johnson's demands, the commission opted to instead ask the entire city
council for a better representative to attend their meetings. The letter was hand delivered to city
hall in a hard copy to avoid going through email where it might leak to the press. LovelandPolitics
has obtained a copy of the letter (click here to read the Historic Preservation Commission letter).
Especially upsetting to members of the Historic Preservation Commission has been the fact
Loveland's City Council failed to denounce Johnson's conduct or even investigate the matter.
Off-the-record, one commissioner stated, "I am really upset that all those guys running for Mayor
didn't have the courage to speak out for the volunteers who were the victims here." Another
suggested Loveland's council needs to "muzzle" Johnson and go on the record to say she wasn't
speaking for the city council when she told them they lost their credibility.
The Historic Preservation Commission invited Johnson only to their October meeting to talk
through what has occurred. However, the same letter made clear she was not their choice to
represent Loveland's City Council during other future meetings.
Loveland Councilwoman Carol Johnson received a letter Thursday (Sept. 29, 2009) by the
volunteers of Loveland's Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission told Councilwoman
Johnson, "Commissioners felt that we could not ask you to remain on the Loveland
Historic Preservation Commission as liaison." The letter marks possibly the first time in
Loveland's history that a member of the Loveland City Council has been asked to cease their
liaison position for the council by a commission of volunteers.
The commission's letter was in response to an angry letter Johnson emailed to the commission last
week (see the email and story) chalked full of put-downs, bullying and a threat Johnson may quit
her role as liaison if they didn't improve the quality of their meetings.
Instead of capitulating to Johnson's demands, the commission opted to instead ask the entire city
council for a better representative to attend their meetings. The letter was hand delivered to city
hall in a hard copy to avoid going through email where it might leak to the press. LovelandPolitics
has obtained a copy of the letter (click here to read the Historic Preservation Commission letter).
Especially upsetting to members of the Historic Preservation Commission has been the fact
Loveland's City Council failed to denounce Johnson's conduct or even investigate the matter.
Off-the-record, one commissioner stated, "I am really upset that all those guys running for Mayor
didn't have the courage to speak out for the volunteers who were the victims here." Another
suggested Loveland's council needs to "muzzle" Johnson and go on the record to say she wasn't
speaking for the city council when she told them they lost their credibility.
The Historic Preservation Commission invited Johnson only to their October meeting to talk
through what has occurred. However, the same letter made clear she was not their choice to
represent Loveland's City Council during other future meetings.
| Dear Ms. Johnson: This letter is in response to your e-mail, dated September 15, 2009 to the Loveland Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission discussed the e-mail at its regularly scheduled meeting on September 21st. Generally, members of the Loveland Historic Commission felt you were an asset to the Commission and you sincerely care about Historic Preservation, and agree that we are all passionate about historic preservation. The Commission appreciates your efforts in getting the Milner-Schwartz house on the agenda; although we had requested Marc do this. This is why we Commissioners were shocked, angry, and insulted over the tone and content of your e-mail to us. This e-mail was also sent in a way as to give access to the public of its content. Many felt it would have been best to discuss any issues in person rather than in an e-mail that was made public. This attack may affect all other Commissions as they may now feel they too can receive such an e-mail from their liaison officer. All Commissions are made up of volunteers who have families, other obligations, and a life apart from the Commission they serve on and to be attacked in such a way is not appropriate by any standard set for a city official. Your comments were extremely negative and did not recognize any of the accomplishments of this Commission, such as the award granted by the National Alliance of Historic Preservation Commissions won last year for Historic Preservation Month Outstanding Outreach Program, the progress on the Garden Project at the Milner-Schwartz house, the new historic district, the new historic plaques for local homes on the register, plus many other accomplishments. The reaction of various Commission members ranged from wanting to rebut every charge you made and asking you to stay on as liaison officer, to one member stating that we should demand City Council replace you immediately and that he would not attend another meeting in which you would be a part. Generally, Commissioners felt that we could not ask you to remain on the Loveland Historic Preservation Commission as liaison. It is your choice to do so if you desire. Some felt that you would still be the best choice for that position. You did say you would be happy to discuss your e-mail at the October meeting. This would be a good idea. Leaving without this discussion would certainly not be beneficial to you, the Commission, or the City of Loveland. If you choose to abruptly leave and serve as liaison to another Commission that is your choice. After your highly inflammatory e-mail, you must do what you feel is best for the Commission and as the representative of the Loveland City Council. Thank you for your time. The Loveland Historic Preservation Commission cc: Marc Cittone, Cecil Gutierrez, Kent Solt, Glenn Rousey, Daryle Klassen, Walt Skowron, Dave Clark, Larry Heckel, and Gene Pielin |
| Johnson's letter to the volunteers serving the city's Historic Preservation Commission |
| The Historic Preservation Commission September 27, response to Johnson |
| Council Appointed Volunteers Want New Council Liaison - Johnson Asked To Stay Away |