MINUTES
HAZLETON CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012

Call to Order:  Council met in regular session on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 in Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m.

Silent Meditation and Pledge of Allegiance:  A silent moment was taken followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call:   Bast-present; Cabell-present; Mope-present; Mundie-present; Perry-present

Minutes of Previous Meetings:  The minutes of the June 20, 2012 regular meeting and July 12, 2012 special meeting were approved unanimously.

Proclamations/Communications:  None.

Courtesy of the Floor:  Judy McGrogan, member of the Funfest Committee, said that Ordinance 2012-16 has a number of vague references, and she gave several examples. She commented that this Ordinance targets Funfest and planning an event with this criteria cannot be done. McGrogan said she meets with department heads regularly and does not believe a formal application is necessary. Cabell commented that Wilkes-Barre has the same Ordinance. McGrogan believes organizations with a 501C6 designation will not be coming to Funfest because of the costs involved. She also asked that some of the costs be clarified. McGrogan commented that this Ordinance does not give them enough time to budget for these costs. She questioned the pay rate for certain employees and wondered who sets these rates. She wanted to know if they can go to the City Administration if they feel the Chief DeAndrea is being "unreasonable." She questioned who will determine what the appropriate sound level should be. She was also concerned with the use of no parking signs. They usually put these up themselves. Cabell said all of this should be addressed in the permit. McGrogan questioned the need to inspect amusement rides because they are insured and have already been inspected. She also questioned the inspection of booths, tents, etc., the fee for putting up banners, and the fee schedule. McGrogan asked Council if they are comfortable with risking the future of Funfest.

Donna Palermo, Chamber of Commerce, Hazleton, stated there are a lot of charities and nonprofit organizations at Funfest. There were 48 in last year's event and 29 participated in the parade. The parade honors everyone and it is the only event of its kind in this area. Palermo said there are economic benefits of Funfest because of all the visitors they bring into the Hazleton area on that weekend. Supplies are being bought locally and businesses see increased business that weekend. She said this is a major fundraiser for many organizations. Palermo felt this Ordinance targets Funfest. She said paying all of these fees will be very difficult. Palermo requested that this Ordinance be tabled, and she requested a meeting with Council, the Mayor and the department heads to go over this.

Pat Ward, President of United Way of Greater Hazleton, stated United Way services 28 different organizations and many depend on Funfest. He believes this Ordinance may have a negative impact on the organizations. Ward believes there are too many questions that need to be answered regarding this Ordinance, and asked that it be tabled. He asked that a group be created to go over this Ordinance. Ward commented that Funfest is a quality of life event for the community. He said everyone is economically strapped at this time, and this is one of the few free events available in the Hazleton area.

Antonio Rodriguez, 718 Muir Avenue, Hazleton agreed with the comments made regarding Funfest. He said Funfest does a great job and he is very proud of the work done by the United Way. Rodriguez said most Hazleton residents are low income. He said we lost First Night and we do not want to lose Funfest too. Rodriguez asked why we do not have federal funds for First Night. He said if Funfest disbands, fingers will be pointed at City Council. He asked that Council table this Ordinance.

Grace Cuozzo, 948 James Street, Hazleton stated there are a lot of "good guys" in the Police and Fire Departments, and suggested asking some of them to volunteer their time during Funfest. She also suggested paying them and then asking them to give that money back to the organizations as a donation. Cuozzo wondered why the resolution regarding the payment of the invoice from labor counsel was on the agenda. She asked if this is always done and if this was a separate bill. Cabell replied yes, it was a separate bill. Cuozzo stated Council members have a duty to question such things.

Rick Harmon, Barry Isett & Associates, commented on Ordinance 2012-14. He commented that basing UCC inspections on square footage cannot be done correctly. He felt the fees would be higher this way and gave several examples. Harmon said some of the fees depend on what the building is used for. He commented that he does not know of anyone else who determines the fees by this method. He gave several more examples where the fees would be higher. Cabell stated the Alfred Benesch does UCC inspections for 11 other municipalities. Harmon stated he does not believe the Certificate of Occupancy should be prepaid along with the other fees. They should pay for and receive it once everything is completed. He believed this may not be legal. Harmon stated Benesch charges $75.00 fee to extend the permit, but Act 46 signed by the Governor extends all permits until July 2, 2016. Mundie asked Harmon if he has to bid on UCC inspections and Harmon replied yes. He was not sure why the City is not doing that. Cabell asked what other municipalities Barry Isett does UCC inspections for. Harmon gave some examples of Tamaqua, Lansford, Nesquehoning, Salem Township, etc. He stated they do zoning, property maintenance, electrical, plan reviews, and UCC inspections. Harmon said he would be happy to get resumes and references from other municipalities. He said the City owes it to people to get the best costs. Perry asked Harmon why he was let go. Harmon replied that he did not know. They were told they were doing a good job, and two weeks later they were let go. Cabell commented that an executive session was held regarding this matter, and Council knows what happened during those two weeks. Mundie commented that Code Enforcement wrote out a lot of tickets that were then thrown out and that is why they were let go. Harmon commented that Barry Isett & Associates is an exceptional company. They called Code Enforcement to see if any complaints were lodged about them, and they were told no.

Dee Deakos, 43 West Mine Street, Hazleton commented on Ordinance 2012- 10. She questioned the fact that some tenants regulate and pay their own heat, and was concerned how that would affect landlords. Cabell replied that all of this language is from the state, and all we had to do was set up the time frame. The 68 degree minimum temperature is set by the State Code, and this only defines the dates. All tenants need to have the ability to heat the home. Deakos commented on Ordinance 2012-14 and asked for clarification on what the definition of a townhouse is. She commented that this new fee schedule will cost more than the actual repairs. Deakos commented that people will stop coming in for permits because the fees are so high. She gave some examples. She felt this Ordinance turns apartments into commercial property instead of residential.

Neil Oberto, Catholic Social Services, thanked Council for their commitment. He stated he understands the challenges the City has with the budget. Oberto said fundraising is very important to all non-profit organizations and charities. They sponsor and hold events to make the quality of life better for people.

Joe Scarcella, founder and member of Funfest, commented on Ordinance 2012- 16. He commended all the people who spoke on behalf of Funfest at this meeting. He said he has great respect for the City employees. Scarcella questioned the fees and the time periods in the Ordinance. He felt the time periods were too short and did not give them enough notice for budgetary reasons. He commented that hourly rates are not going to stay the same and he questioned how that would be determined from year to year. Scarcella commented that there is not enough information in this Ordinance and requested that it be tabled. Cabell stated some municipalities charge time and half, and we are only asking for nominal fees. Scarcella said Funfest is being accused of getting everything for free. He spoke with a retired Hazleton police officer, who stated he never incurred any overtime costs during Funfest weekend. The schedule  was just rearranged. Scarcella commented that the requirement that three officers are required on each shift is not a skeleton crew, as Chief DeAndrea stated in the past. Scarcella commented that Funfest has never put a demand on any department of the City. He said Chief DeAndrea should have spoken to the Mayor about this Ordinance before preparing it. He said they had a security budget of $10,000+ for Funfest last year. Scarcella commented that Council should have looked into the cost first. Mundie stated the he believes the Solicitor should be here at the meetings to answer their legal questions.

Joe Scarcella, II, member of the Funfest Committee, stated there is a tendency for the government to pull in as much power as possible, but there should be a necessity of humility in public service. He feels DeAndrea is an honorable man but he has too much power.

Bob Whitenight commented on Ordinance 2012-21. He stated this Ordinance was not researched properly before being prepared. He has been in the second hand goods business for 10 years. Whitenight felt the idea was good but it puts ever business owner in jeopardy of going out of business. Cabell commented that the Luzerne County District Attorney requested this Ordinance, and stated the Wilkes-Barre has the same Ordinance. Whitenight said the law states they have to hold onto an item for five days and not 30 days. He said every shop owner inputs this information into a database. By adding these restrictions, people will stop entering this information on the database. Whitenight felt it was not a realistic expectation and said the City will lose all of that information.

George Yenchko, Locust Street, Hazleton said he is a business owner and he was proud when Funfest first started. He said Funfest brings money into the town. Yenchko commented that this Ordinance is wrong and should be completely thrown out. He also commented that taxpayers are not paying for Funfest, as someone had previously stated.

Old Business: 

ORDINANCES

Ordinance 2012-10 Adopting a Standard Heating Temperature and Heating Season for Rental Properties in the City of Hazleton (2nd Reading)

Motion to Remove from Table:

Presented by Bast. Seconded by Cabell.

Roll Call (on Motion to Remove from Table):  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

ORDINANCE REMOVED FROM TABLE 3-2

Presented by Cabell. Seconded by Bast.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

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Ordinance 2012-10 Adopting a Standard Heating Temperature and Heating Season for Rental Properties in the City of Hazleton (3rd Reading)

Presented by Cabell. Seconded by Bast.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

ORDINANCE PASSES 3-2

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Ordinance 2012-14 An Ordinance Regarding Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Permit and Inspection Fees in the City of Hazleton (1st Reading)

Motion to Remove from Table:

Presented by Perry. Seconded by Cabell.

Roll Call (on Motion to Remove from Table):  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

ORDINANCE REMOVED FROM TABLE 3-2

Motion to Retable:

Presented by Cabell. Seconded by Mope.

Roll Call (on Motion to Retable):  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-yes; Mundie-yes; Perry-yes

ORDINANCE TABLED

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Ordinance 2012-15 An Ordinance Regulating Parking within the City of Hazleton During the Snow Season for Snow Removal and/or Plowing and Establishing a Schedule of Fines for Violations Defined in the Various Classifications of Said Regulations (2nd Reading)

Presented by Cabell. Seconded by Bast.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

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Ordinance 2012-15 An Ordinance Regulating Parking within the City of Hazleton During the Snow Season for Snow Removal and/or Plowing and Establishing a Schedule of Fines for Violations Defined in the Various Classifications of Said Regulations (3rd Reading)

Presented by Cabell. Seconded by Bast.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

ORDINANCE PASSES 3-2

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Ordinance 2012-16 An Ordinance Requiring Permitting for Parades, Special Events, and Public Gatherings in the City of Hazleton and Imposing Penalties for Violations (2nd Reading)

Presented by Cabell. Seconded by Perry.

 
On the Question:

Cabell commented about recent allegations being made within the community about Funfest. She said if Funfest does not need or use any of the City's resources, then no costs will be incurred the Funfest organizers. Cabell commented that it is "disingenuous" to say the City is responsible for the demise of Funfest. Mundie commented on the positive impact Funfest has on the community. Mope said she was proud of Funfest and it is something positive for the community. She said we owe the Funfest Committee and organizers a debt of gratitude for all the work they perform on the event. Mope commented that the citizens of Hazleton deserve to have this type of event in their community. Bast stated the talked to several people about this. He would like to table this Ordinance until everyone involved in Funfest can get together with Council and the City Administration and discuss it further. Perry said he admires the hard work all of the people involved in Funfest perform. He said a lot of organizations look forward to Funfest as one of their fundraising events. Perry said if there is no cost to the City, then there is no cost to Funfest. A permit will still be needed but there will be no fee as long as the City's resources are not utilized. Perry researched the matter and stated that last year Funfest cost $6,500.00 for the Highway Department and $20,000.00 for the Police Department. He said we need to start saving money and recouping costs for the City. He asked the Funfest Committee to find ways not to use the City's resources in order to save money. The City cannot continue to give things away for free and we need to be accountable for what is spent. Perry commented that he believes a lot of these volunteer organizations would probably be happy to pay a small fee to cover some of the costs to save Funfest. This all needs to be brought out in future discussions. Bast made a motion to table this Ordinance and Cabell seconded the motion.

Motion to Table:

Presented by Bast. Seconded by Cabell.

Roll Call (on Motion to Table):  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-yes; Mundie-yes; Perry-yes

ORDINANCE TABLED

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Ordinance 2012-17 An Ordinance Amending the City Peace and Good Order Ordinance, Ordinance 95-18, and Chapter 176 of the Code of the City of Hazleton, to Revise the Curfew for Minors and Violations and Penalties (2nd Reading)

Presented by Cabell. Seconded by Bast.

On the Question:

Bast said there are too many children out past 10:00 p.m., especially in residential neighborhoods, and commented that he supports this Ordinance.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-yes; Mundie-yes; Perry-yes

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Ordinance 2012-17 An Ordinance Amending the City Peace and Good Order Ordinance, Ordinance 95-18, and Chapter 176 of the Code of the City of Hazleton, to Revise the Curfew for Minors and Violations and Penalties (3rd Reading)

Presented by Cabell. Seconded by Perry.

 
Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-yes; Mundie-yes; Perry-yes

ORDINANCES PASSES

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Ordinance 2012-18 An Ordinance Placing Limitations upon the Number of Animals that may be Kept upon any Premises within the City of Hazleton and Imposing Penalties for Violations (2nd Reading)

Presented by Bast. Seconded by Cabell.

On the Question:

Mope stated she would like to see language placed in this Ordinance requiring a search warrant to search the premises. Cabell stated that is common knowledge and does not need to be in the Ordinance. Bast agreed and said if there is cause to enter, such as a broken window, seeing someone illegally entering the premises, etc., the premises may be entered without a search warrant. Mope made a motion to amend to insert language requiring the issuance of search warrant and Mundie seconded the motion.

Motion to Amend:

Presented by Mope. Seconded by Mundie.

Roll Call (on Motion to Amend):  Bast-no; Cabell-no; Mope-yes; Mundie-yes; Perry-no

MOTION TO AMEND FAILS

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

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Ordinance 2012-18 An Ordinance Placing Limitations upon the Number of Animals that may be Kept upon any Premises within the City of Hazleton and Imposing Penalties for Violations (3rd Reading)

Presented by Bast. Seconded by Cabell.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

ORDINANCE PASSES 3-2

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Ordinance 2012-19 An Ordinance Defining and Prohibiting Graffiti and Providing for Removal and Penalties for Violations in the City of Hazleton (1st Reading)

NO PRESENTATION MADE TO REMOVE FROM TABLE

ORDINANCE FAILS

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Ordinance 2012-20 An Ordinance Amending the City Parks Curfew Ordinance, Ordinance 95-18, and Chapter 174 of the Code of the City of Hazleton to Revise the Prohibited Hours and Violations and Penalties (2nd Reading)

Presented by Bast. Seconded by Cabell.

On the Question:

Bast said he did some research on this matter himself. He went to some of the City parks around 9:30 p.m. and said he found at one of them approximately 35 children screaming and yelling. This was in a residential neighborhood. He said people have been finding baggies from drugs in the parks and playgrounds. The current Ordinance does not give the police very much power to search people or investigate activities going on in the parks and playgrounds. Bast said with this Ordinance, if something seems suspicious, the police can go in and investigate, and do what they need to do. Mope felt the times should be changed because 5:00 a.m. was too early, but felt that dusk to dawn was to general. She asked for specific opening and closing times. Bast said there are too many children out past 10:00 p.m. and commented that he supports this Ordinance. Perry said we are trying to help the police do their jobs. He hoped this Ordinance will help get the "undesirables" out of town, and hoped this would put a stop to the drug dealing going on at the parks and playgrounds.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

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Ordinance 2012-20 An Ordinance Amending the City Parks Curfew Ordinance, Ordinance 95-18, and Chapter 174 of the Code of the City of Hazleton to Revise the Prohibited Hours and Violations and Penalties (3rd Reading)

Presented by Perry. Seconded by Cabell.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

ORDINANCE PASSES 3-2

RESOLUTIONS

None.

New Business:

ORDINANCES

Ordinance 2012-21 An Ordinance Establishing Rules and Regulations Regarding the Licensure of Secondhand Goods and Dealers with the City of Hazleton and Imposing Penalties for Violations (1st Reading)

Presented by Bast. Seconded by Cabell.

 
On the Question:

Mope stated that she believes some of the items in this Ordinance may violate the law and asked to table it until further research could be done. Bast said precious metals need to be held for 30 days, and not five days as was stated earlier by Mr. Whitenight. He said this can always be amended. Perry commented that this Ordinance will make life a lot easier for everyone.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

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Ordinance 2012-22 An Ordinance Defining and Prohibiting Graffiti and Providing for Removal and Penalties for Violations in the City of Hazleton (1st Reading)

Presented by Bast. Seconded by Cabell.

On the Question:

Cabell stated she spoke with Chief DeAndrea and Rob Martinelli and we will be using community service individuals to perform the graffiti removal and cleanup. We will be covered for any liability. There will be no charge to the homeowner for this service. Cabell said fines will only be imposed if the owner has not rectified the problem within 30 days after being contacted. Perry said the Post Office has graffiti on the back of it, and they will be cleaning it up. Cabell said they are not looking to "revictimize" anyone. Mope said we need to take away the ability of the gangs to get their message across. She read from a newspaper article dated July 31, 2012. She said this will help young people from joining gangs. Mope said Congressman Barletta and Senator Yudichak are working on stiffer penalties for gang members. She said when Congressman Barletta was Mayor, he tried doing this same thing but it did not work. Mope feels this Ordinance "victimizes the victim." She feels after awhile, the volunteers will grow tired of cleaning up the graffiti and will quit. Bast commented that we do not want to "victimize the victim" again. He believes 30 days is a valid period of time for graffiti cleanup. Bast commented that this needs to be fought on both fronts. We need to clean it up as well as go after the individuals who put it there. All members of City Council volunteered to be on the cleanup crew. Bast said he wanted to point out that if the volunteers come out to clean up and paint someone's, the owner cannot then say that the color is off. Having the color off is better than having graffiti on the building. Perry stated that the crime watch groups are supportive of all of these Ordinances.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-yes

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution 2012-57 Authorizing the Administration to Solicit Bids for the Sale of Vehicle

Presented by Bast. Seconded by Cabell.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-yes; Mundie-yes; Perry-yes

RESOLUTION PASSES

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Resolution 2012-58 Approving Payment of Invoice from Special Labor Counsel for Professional Legal Services Rendered

Presented by Cabell. Seconded by Perry.

On the Question:

Mundie asked if a resolution such as this was ever presented to Council for approval before. Perry said there is no line item for this expense and we need to ask the City to pay for it. Cabell stated the Third Class City Code states that any expense expected to be over $500.00 needs to be approved by Council by either ordinance or resolution prior to being expended or undertaken. She read from the Third Class City Code, Article XIX, Section 1904 regarding this matter. Cabell said Mope knew she would be creating an expense, and did not follow proper procedure. Mundie stated there is no contract or agreement with this firm. Mundie stated there is $5,000.00 budgeted for special litigation but $16,154.00 was actually spent. Cabell said Mope asked Slusser the same questions, but she did not like the answers she received, so she decided to get answers elsewhere. Mope stated she would like to encourage Council to ask the Administration to halt payments of anything over 5%. She said the City is overspending on its line items and it constitutes poor business practices. Mope said this Resolution was put on the agenda by the Mayor in an attempt to make her look bad. Mope researched the invoice and found that the City was billed twice for an item. She said the law firm was instructed by Lieb to reply to her questions and expand on the bills. Mope commented that this is an attempt by the Administration to stop her from asking questions in the future. She stated the needed transfers were not done legally. Lieb should have known the line item was overspent. Mope said she believes Lieb was told to by the Mayor to have the law firm reply to her request and expand the work on the bill. Mope stated that at the January 3, 2012 Council meeting she said to Lieb "All transfers above 5% should be presented to Council to vote on as per City Code, and Mrs. Lieb responded they do not do them internally. The only way we would do them on our books is if has been presented to Council." Mope said transfers have not been brought to Council since 2007. Mope referred to the Hazleton City Code, Article VI, Section 4, and the Third Class City Code, Section 1801. Mope stated the City overspent the Solicitor's line item by $36,000.00 and the special litigation line item in the amount of $51,000.00 last year. She stated that according to Mayor Yannuzzi, there were no transfers above 5% last year. Mope made a motion to table the Resolution and Mundie seconded the motion.

Motion to Table:

Presented by Mope. Seconded by Mundie.

Roll Call (on Motion to Table):  Bast-no; Cabell-no; Mope-yes; Mundie-yes; Perry-no

MOTION TO TABLE FAILS 3-2

Back on the Question:

Mope suggested that since Bast sat on the Civil Service Commission, maybe he should not vote on this Resolution. Bast stated that he has spoken to many people regarding this invoice and they all say that Mope should pay the bill herself. It was stated that when asking questions of a lawyer on any topic, they will research it, write it down, and bill us for every single cent. Mundie commented that the lawyer should have told someone what the cost would be prior to performing the work.

Roll Call:  Bast-no; Cabell-no; Mope-no; Mundie-no; Perry-no

RESOLUTION FAILS

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Resolution 2012-59 Mandatory Attendance at Council Meetings

Presented by Mundie. Seconded by Mope.

On the Question:

Mundie commented that tonight's meeting proves that the Solicitor needs to be at every Council meeting to answer legal questions. Every municipality has a solicitor attend their meetings. He commented that this puts the City at risk and opens us up to lawsuits. Mundie stated that the Mayor does not need to attend, but the Solicitor needs to be here. Cabell commented that Mundie "holds the Solicitor in such high regard" but he never agrees with his opinion on legal matters. Cabell commented that this Resolution is not legal. Bast stated that the Home Rule Charter states none of them have to be here. Mope spoke to the errors and omissions insurance carrier for the City and they prefer that the Solicitor attend all of the meetings. She said we are being billed by Chris, and he does not afford her the opportunity to speak with him without being charged.

Roll Call:  Bast-no; Cabell-no; Mope-yes; Mundie-yes; Perry-no

RESOLUTION FAILS 3-2

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Resolution 2012-60 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute the Local Share Account Cooperation and Funding Procedures Agreement for the Greater Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority (GHJSA) Mill Street Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Project

Presented by Perry. Seconded by Cabell.

On the Question:

Perry stated that this is just a "conduit" for the grant for the sewers.

Roll Call:  Bast-yes; Cabell-yes; Mope-yes; Mundie-yes; Perry-yes

RESOLUTION PASSES

Comments from the Audience:  Dee Deakos, 43 West Mine Street, Hazleton commented that the City Administrator and the Solicitor were not properly appointed to their positions. The City Administrator is still considered "acting" and this is illegal. The law provides for approval by Council of both of them. She also stated the Solicitor is supposed to have an office within the City and a yearly salary for him should be set.

Grace Cuozzo, 948 James Street, Hazleton commented on Resolution 2012-58. She asked if the Campbell Durrant law firm was ever officially hired by the Civil Service Commission. Bast said they were retained in 2002 regarding an issue with the retirees. Perry said Mope questioned them on the Police Civil Service policy. She asked 20 plus questions. Cuozzo asked if there was ever a contract or agreement with the law firm and Mope said there was nothing. Cuozzo thanked Council for tabling the Ordinance 2012-16. She said there are very good people in the City and we should ask people to volunteer to help out Funfest.

Comments from Council:  Mope stated she simply asked questions of the law firm, and did not request a legal opinion. The Campbell Durrant law firm was in contact with the Lieb and Slusser, and Lieb gave approval to the law firm to answer her questions. Mope said she gave Perry an e-mail regarding her questions. Any one of them could have stopped it. Someone should have told them the money had already been expended.

Mundie thanked everyone for coming and speaking on behalf of Funfest and for showing their support. He said DeAndrea and the Mayor prepared the Ordinance and he apologized for not having any answers for them.

Bast thanked everyone for coming and speaking today. He said he had a meeting with Donna Palermo and Slusser. Slusser volunteered his time to work on this with him.

Perry commented that it does not serve a purpose to just sit here and argue and get nowhere. He said unfortunately Funfest creates expenditures for the City, and we need everyone to be aware of the costs involved. He commented that he hoped PEL will have some good news for us when their report comes out.

Adjournment:  Perry motioned to adjourn the meeting with Cabell seconding the motion. Meeting adjourned.