Committee Meetings

I had the opportunity to go to two committee meetings. The first, at 10:00 am, was a sub-committee meeting held on the 12th floor. For those who don't know, each council member is in charge of a particular area (this one was for Downtown Development and Aviation), and three other councils members are also on the panel of the sub-committee. I really enjoyed it. My department was there for the way-finding signs (it looks like they decided on the plum color, by the way) and for an APS sub-station. I decided to stay the entire length of the meeting. While the way-finding signs were being pitched to the sub-committee, a gentleman got up and claimed the City did not do due diligence to his client's (he was the lawyer of the client) system. Thus, much to my amusement, the meeting was not without drama.

Learning about the sub-station was also really interesting. She did a power-point show, mostly filled with pictures, of how APS is trying to make the substation not stand out as much. Thus, instead of seeing a bunch of wires and metal poles, you see something completely different. In order to avert citizen complaints, APS built the shell of an condo complex around the facility. If you look closely, you can tell the structure is not habitable. But driving by, you would never notice.

The second meeting I attended was Formal Council. They said a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. I thought it was very appropriate, and I'm not going to lie, I teared up a bit. This meeting too, was a little drama-filled. Apparently, a development company wants to rezone their property from residential to residential and retail. Of course, the citizens surrounding the area have a huge problem with this, and quite a few (I would say around 40) came to the meeting to let their opinions be known. The developer claimed that he worked with a lot of the residents to make the development more to their liking. And, in truth, some changes were made. That doesn't mean the citizens want the establishment. After about 30 minutes of hearing one side, then the other, the measure (to re-zone and hence for development) was passed.

I think I want to run for Council one day. I fully realize the responsibility it is-- and after watching the re-zoning committee meeting, I am also fully aware of how difficult decision-making can be. But I think it is the height of democracy, and indeed a profession that is a catalyst for good.