The Loveland Reporter-Herald reported on the upcoming agenda for the June 1, Loveland Council meeting as being one of the longest in memory. What the reporter Tom Hacker failed to mention in his article was agenda item #14 that Loveland City Manager Don Williams placed at the end of the long agenda (likely to occur after midnight) to avoid public scrutiny.
Loveland City Manager Don Williams was directed three months ago by council in a public vote to take legal action against Colorado vNet and its former owner to recover nearly $1 million the city provided in business incentives for which the owner provided a personal guarantee.
Williams is again attempting to discuss the matter in a closed session meeting which will further delay the action thus violating Williams’ lawful duty to comply with council direction.
So far, Williams has The Loveland Reporter-Herald story (5-31-10) instead focused on the medical marijuana bill that Governor Ritter hasn’t signed into law yet but the newspaper erroneously reported, “the new law gives local governments broad latitude….”
The council will likely take no action on a pending medical marijuana bill other than to direct staff to look into the issue. Many confused readers will likely turn-out to lobby the council on an issue not being voted upon June 1, 2010 as the newspaper story implies.
Don Williams’ tricks seem to never end. According to the state constitution the elected officials provide direction to the city manager. According to this city manager he provides direction to council. Allowing the ugly matter of losing $1 million of city money in a half-baked scheme to disappear after midnight is unpardonable.
Williams is trying desperately to avoid spoiling his legacy just before he retires with the Golden Nest Egg he brought back and back to council until they approved it.
I have a question. Why can’t the mayor and councilors just change the order of the agenda? I thought they used to do that so they decide what to decide.
On the medical marijuana it is really bad for our community. We already have three pot heads on our block and they shouldn’t be allowed to start growing weed in there back yards just because grandma is uncomfortable sometimes and wants a toke.
I hope loveland dosn’t make marijuana growing legal in residential areas tonight.
Good question Cindy, this council will someday have to step up to the plate and acknowledge their responsibility and duties. They may have inherited some unpleasant situations but that is theirs to correct. Suspended and unresolved conflicts can lead to nothing more than a continued failure to move ahead in a positive direction.
I agree with Ed. It amazes me how even the newspaper and RH line blamed it on Don Williams when the council decides the agenda.
Maybe they are too many. 5 would be better than 9. One person representing one ward like many other cities do anyway. Why does Loveland really need 9?
The Council and Planning Commission always puts socially contentious items at the end of the agendas and has done so for years. The mayor and the City Manager sets the agenda. Blame the mayor for not standing up to the City Manager.