UH Charter Review Commission Chair Morrison says, "dollars are there"
it was taken in Council Chambers in University Hts.
Charter Review Commission Chair Harvey Morrison said, at the Feb. 24 CRC meeting that the commission is leaning toward a city administrator. The Commissioners explained there was no difference between a city manager and administrator. They are drawn from the same pool of applicants, with a salary range of about $120,000.
When a voter asked how we will pay for this new position, Morrision said, “the dollars are there… it’s a question of shifting salaries, personnel, but the dollars appear to be available. So I’m taking my economic reservations off the table.”
Morrision also said it was too late to put this on the May election and we don’t want the costs of a special election so it will be on the general November ballot.
About eight of the 56 people who packed Council Chambers had an opportunity to address and question the commissioners. Almost all said they did not know of the CRC until the mayor called a special Town Hall meeting the evening before. They agreed that what was needed was a Town Hall meeting where both sides present their views, answer questions and requested it be held prior to a final decision of the commission.
Morrison told the frustrated audience they had notice of everything from the “garbage news, the Web page and the Sun Press.” He further went on to say, “unfortunately we are not in a position to send engraved invitations to every house.”
Commissioners Mark Wiseman, Michael Boyle, Robert McClintock, Simon A. Carroll and Paul Miller agreed that more needed to be done to inform the residents based on what they heard at the meeting.
Commissioner Paul Miller summarized by saying the residents are saying they don’t understand and it should be explained at a town hall meeting where we invite all to attend, it is so important. “Whatever we can possible do, we owe the people of the city every possible means so they can make intelligent decision… what are pros, cons? We owe it to the individuals,” he said.
A tape recording of and minutes of the meeting are available at University Heights City Hall.
Anita Kazarian is a freelance writer and University Heights resident.