There’s certainly been a lot of news concerning Glendale this week:
- On February 20, 2015 the group led by Anna Lee filed the necessary paperwork once again to recall Councilmember Gary Sherwood of the Sahuaro district. The group’s first effort was denied by the city on various grounds. Consider their first effort a life’s lesson. They now know exactly what eyes to dot and tees to cross. Expect them to gather the necessary signatures to compel the city to call for a Sherwood recall election. If you would like to sign the petition (must live in the Sahuaro district) and/or help gather signatures please call 602-657-0303 and your call will be returned.
- The city council accepted former City Manager Brenda Fischer’s resignation effective April 3, 2015. Her request of the emails of only 3 councilmembers may have been the last straw for council.
- The city council appointed former Scottsdale City Manager Dick Bowers as Glendale’s Interim City Manager. Mr. Bowers has filled this position before during the last search by council for a city manager. One of his first decisions was to retain the services of Jon Froke as the city’s Planning Director.
- Mayor Jerry Weiers, on Friday, February 20, 2015 issued the following statement regarding the proposal to sell Foothills Library and relocate it to the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center:
“Over the past few weeks, the citizens of Glendale have voiced their opinion regarding the proposed relocation of the Foothills Branch Library. Their voice has been almost entirely united in opposition to the proposal. While I share their concerns and am personally opposed to the proposal, I await the recommendation of the Library Advisory Board, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Arts Commission. “I am glad that Glendale residents have taken such an active role on this issue. Ever since it was announced, I urged staff to seek the input of the public to ensure that our citizens were incluced an any propoal to alter the library. It is my sincere hope that Glendale residents will continue to actively participate in this and other important issues facing our great city. “I also thank Midwestern University for their long-term support of the Glendale community. In addition to producint hundreds of doctors, pharmacits, physician assistand, and many other types of medical professionals every year, Midwestern opens their campus to the community through clinics and other wonderful events. Our City is a better place because they are here.”
- Tony Tavares, the former president of Disney Enterprises and the Anaheim Ducks, will conduct an audit of the Arizona Coyotes’ financials for $45,000 (anything over the $50,000 cap would require council approval). The audit was supposed to have begun by the end of September. It has been delayed because IceArizona has taken over 5 months to perform its own audit and still is not finished. With this audit the city will be able to examine revenue sources related to the Coyotes and Gila River Arena. Tavares was involved with Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago White Sox in a failed 2011 attempt to buy the Coyotes…hmmm.
- In the Glendale Republic of February 21, 2015, under the title of West Valley Sound Off, elected officials were asked their thoughts on SB 1435 which would gut Arizona Open Meeting law. Mayor Kenn Weise of Avondale expressed opposition as did Councilman Roy Delgado of El Mirage and Councilman Jamie Aldama of Glendale. Not so with Councilman Gary Sherwood. Still smarting from an ongoing Attorney General’s Office into allegations of violation of the Open Meeting Law, he said, “I do believe that reform is needed to allow for additional dialogue amongst the council” and “On Glendale’s seven-member counci, it is difficult to speak to three other members without violating the law.” Well, if anyone should know, he should.
- Each of the three citizen commissions who heard the presentations on selling the Foothills Library last week will be meeting again this coming week. Citizens are welcome to attend as they are public meetings BUT it will NOT be an opportunity for citizen comment but rather an opportunity for the commission members to have their questions answered by staff and then to decide on an advisory recommendation to the city council. The meeting dates are as follows:
- Glendale Arts Commission at the Foothills Recreation Center on Monday, February 23, 2015, 6 PM
- Library Advisory Board at the Foothills Library on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, 6 PM
- Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission at the Adult Center on Thursday, February 26, 2015, 6 PM
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LETS GO YOTES!!! Despite a disappointing season..Ticket office and marketing still getting decent crowds, twice as many concerts..A SEGER SELLOUT!!!
LETS GO YOTES!!!!!
Mayor Jerry Weiers statement reads:
“Over the past few weeks, the citizens of Glendale have voiced their opinion regarding the proposed relocation of the Foothills Branch Library. Their voice has been almost entirely united in opposition to the proposal. While I share their concerns and am personally opposed to the proposal, I await the recommendation of the Library Advisory Board, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Arts Commission. “I am glad that Glendale residents have taken such an active role on this issue. Ever since it was announced, I urged staff to seek the input of the public to ensure that our citizens were incluced an any propoal to alter the library. It is my sincere hope that Glendale residents will continue to actively participate in this and other important issues facing our great city. “I also thank Midwestern University for their long-term support of the Glendale community. In addition to producint hundreds of doctors, pharmacits, physician assistand, and many other types of medical professionals every year, Midwestern opens their campus to the community through clinics and other wonderful events. Our City is a better place because they are here.”
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@ Joyce
I’m not sure if Mayor Weiers statement is sincere or if he’s just paying us “lip service”. He writes: “…Their voice has been almost entirely united in opposition to the proposal…”
“Almost entirely”? I have not read about or heard one person speak out in favor of this proposal – except for Erik Strunk and Mike Beal.
IF, after the Library Advisory Board, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Arts Commission meet again, a decision is made to accept the offer/proposal by MWU to purchase the FBL, I will be verrrry interested in knowing how they reached that decision.
I know I’m jumping the gun here, but I simply cannot imagine any right thinking person would decide that this is a “good deal” for anybody but MWU.
In view of the fact that so many citizens of Glendale have spoken out against the sale of the FBL, and presented some excellent reasons why it would be a huge mistake – and the fact that Strunk and Beal made such a weak presentation describing the proposal – I cannot imagine this sale going through.
The taxpaying residents of Glendale deserve to be kept informed of the proceedings even after the three meetings take place next week. I hope and pray that this doesn’t turn out to be an “under the table transaction”, and we’ll be informed of it only after it becomes a “done deal”.
I appreciate your updates, Joyce, and am hoping you can/will continue to keep us informed.
Staff seems to be taking a big hit on this one which seems unfair since for years the city council has been asking for staff to find something to sell. I recall the numerous presentation by staff on the cost of some of the city property at purchase or construction and market value, all staff recommendation was not to sell because cost far exceeded value and no buyer was available. I recall some members of the past council not liking that answer.
So what do we have now, someone wanting to buy a city building in a program area where the city council would like to reduce cost and everyone is crying foul and more ridiculously wanting to kill the messenger. Thank for Erick for having the courage to do what was asked of you.