The Demolition at 109 E. Main Street: Part V


At the June 5, 2018 meeting, Team Santiago approved another change order for the demolition of 109 E. Main Street. When questioned during the agenda session by two taxpayers no answers were given. Once again Mayor Santiago stated he did not have to answer any questions. The questions asked were during the public session regarding agenda items. This is the time to question and discuss what the commissioners will be voting on during the meeting. Once again no answers were given. One question was what is the change order for? The basis for the additional money is not listed in the agenda. No Commissioner replied, but the city clerk said that it does not have to be attached and anyone can stop at the clerk’s office to get a free copy on anything on the agenda. In the past the information was attached and available on line.  So much for the transparency Team Santiago promised.

When it came time to vote, Commissioner Udalovas admitted she had not seen the change order and did not review it, as there was no itemization attached to the agenda. She asked Ms. Hitchner, the city clerk, how she should vote – no or abstain. This brings up the point of why is an elected official asking a city employee how to vote.  Commissioner Udalovas was elected to make decisions. Ms. Hitchner replied that she does not have to attach the information to the agenda but it is available in the clerk’s office. As the 4 of the 5 commissoners have full-time jobs, when are they supposed to stop in to get the information? This also means that the commissioners are not prepared for the meetings. They have not done the research necessary to make informed decisions prior to voting. Commissioner Udalovas asked Ms. Hitchner if the change order resolution should be tabled. Finally at that point Ms. Hitchner read the change order that she had all along.

So even without being informed the change order passed, another $260,000 of taxpayer money gone. The way this was handled raises some serious questions:

1.     Why is Team Santiago not preparing for the meetings?

2.     Why is information being withheld from the commissioners and the public? Is this the city clerk’s decision or was she directed by one of Team Santiago?

3.     Why does a city commissioner have to ask a city employee how to vote?

4.     When will the change orders end?

      Would any questions have been asked by Team Santiago if the two taxpayers had not raise questions about the change orders?

And most important and fundamental for every vote: How can you vote on something that you know nothing about? Irresponsible comes to mind!



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