Voters keep watch on UH Council

University Heights residents have continued the trend of the past several months to attend CIty Council meetings in greater numbers, addressing the Council in the first 15 minutes –the open-comments portion of each session.

At the Dec. 7 meeting, one resident requested that the city resume salting side streets. This was suspended last year due to a salt shortage. This year, the issue is how much salt the city can afford to purchase – which will be considered when the 2010 budget is evaluated.

Another resident expressed concern over a letter that appeared in a local newspaper indicating the new Council might create a city administrator position by ordinance, after creation of the same position was rejected by voters in November. He told the current Council: “The voters have already spoke.... I hope you don’t try to do this again.” 

Mayor Bery Rothschild responded that, if the new Council tried, it could create a “mammoth disaster within the community … that the people would rise up.” She urged residents to be vigilant and continue to monitor the new Council by attending meetings.

Sarah Wilder, a co-founder of the Concerned Citizens of University Heights, offered several suggestions for the new Council to “regain a sense of community and to promote greater openness and transparency.” Wilder wants the Series of Discoveries Program reinstated. She said “this award winning program provided numerous opportunities that promoted diversity and involvement of all age groups.” 

Anita Kazarian is a freelance writer and University Heights resident.