By Al Ronca.
Once again, our council is not doing itself any favors.
Led by a seemingly confused Mayor Friedel, after extended discussion on an extension of the building permits for Park Place Phases II and III, the council finally voted on a motion to approve with a stipulation to “resolve” an issue(s) in the project Development Agreement. But no one was able to say what needs to be resolved. They even argued about the term “resolve” versus “amend.”
The applicant threatened a lawsuit. History was distorted. The Chamber president urged passage without amendment. And, as has become the standard allegation, it was the previous mayor who apparently caused the problems! After motions, amendments, friendly changes, points of order, thoughts of executive session for attorney advice and, of course, a call for question, an amended motion finally passed, but not unanimously. What’s next for Park Place? Fences up or down? Lawsuits filed? Distortions of history? Who will be blamed next?
And then the council revisited the town attorney procurement/contract. Allegations were put on the table for discussion by a councilperson. Oh my, what a mess ensued as council engaged in a spirited discussion. There were points of order, gaveled-down councilpersons, councilpersons arguing over each other, threats from the mayor to have a citizen removed, and the mayor’s statement: “That’s enough!”
And then there was a resident (guess who) blaming previous Mayor Dickey for the mess – again, how convenient – when it was under Mayor Kavanagh the previous attorney/firm was hired (a famously conservative firm – that little tidbit got left out!). Tenured councilpersons and staff sat silent when history was again distorted. Shameful.
Watch the video of Sept. 2 (fountainhillsaz.portal.civicclerk.com/event/90/media). The Times Independent account didn’t do the meeting justice.
Where does this elected group go next?
