Some questions for the commissioners here in TR

Originally posted by bhicks
How can you force a businessperson to pay a debt that is not theirs? As in making a rental property owner pay a water bill that they didn't run up?

As I understand it the landlord has two options. The property owner can require the renter to make arrangements with the city (a security deposit) and pay the water and sewer directly or the owner can for go this and accept the responsibility themselves. The landlords in question chose the later option leaving them responsible if their tenants skip out. They should (and those I’ve dealt with before do) require their own security deposit to help avoid and possibly cover just such situations.

Why isn't there more discussion when it comes to making decisions that affect us all here in Three Rivers? There are usually only two, maybe three commissioners who actually express their concerns on any one issue. Is that enough? Who do the other (silent ones) represent?

A very very good question. I would encourage you to ask them that.

Is it acceptable behavior for the city manager to try make light of the concerns of members on the commission?

No. I believe he was trying to defuse the situation and failed miserably.

How much absenteeism is too much for any one commissioner? According to the City Charter 4 consecutive absences are allowed with consent. Does anyone track that? What if a commissioner missing every other meeting will he/she still be excused?

Yes, it is recorded in the minutes. If one had too many scheduling conflicts to perform the duty I hope they would themselves step down just as Scott Schneider did. If not, each commissioner can choose not to excuse them. Personally, if the situation came up it would depend a lot on why.

Do you hold each other to the higher standards that I heard are applied to business owners (Rental Property Owners) in Three Rivers or does the commission get a pass because they are the power?

If a commissioner is in default to the city I believe they lose eligibility of their office though I’m not aware of this ever being put to the test.

Daryl

"Tell them there are 2 billion stars in the galaxy and they will believe you. Tell them the paint is wet and they'll have to touch it to be sure.", Unknown

Daryl thanks for answering my questions.
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If the landlord had that option and chose to take on the responsibility anyway then yes I believe the city should aggressively seek payment. However that was not made real clear during the discussion (What little there was).

That is great advice and I think I shall follow up on it.

I can understand keeping things light but he had no right to publicly humiliate Gretta for asking questions. I believe he owes her a public apology.

I have not actually looked at any statistics but it seems that every time I tune into a commission metering there are 1 or 2 of the same people missing.

I hope that is true.

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