MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 18, 2011

SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE ALLIANCE CITY COUNCIL

The meeting was called to order by President Benincasa at 6:00 P.M. 

ROLL CALL: Alan Andreani, Roy Clunk, Larry Dordea, Steve Okey, Phyllis Phillips, Roger Rhome, and Larry Thompson (arrived late) present.

Clerk Yost read the notice of the special meeting.

President Benincasa asked Councilman Okey to outline the proposed ordinance and turned the floor to Mr. Okey

Councilman Okey addressed the reason for the ordinance arising out of the loan for the Cat Fanciers Association.  Noted the need for financial transparency in the process.  Question the quick turn around time from the introduction of an ordinance until a council vote.  Okey questioned why rules were not strictly followed.  Mr. Okey noted the Downtown redevelopment district amendment was inadvertently deleted and should be restored.

Council discussed issues of confidentiality and public information of financial issues and information as well as the nature of the application.

Law Director  issued an opinion that companies that take efforts to keep business strategies and plans private qualify as trade practices and trade secrets and on not public records for disclosure.

Council discussed issues regarding amending the proposed changes to protect confidentiality of information and Councilman Andreani offered proposed amendments.

Law Director was directed to exchange proposed modifications of the ordinance with Councilman Okey.

Mayor Middleton addressed the role of the screening committee and commended them for their past performance.  Noted the amended process doesn’t ask for any action that the review committee hasn’t been doing just asking for reports on the process.  Also noted that increased meetings of the Economic Development Committee on a regular basis might also assist in the process.  The Mayor also addressed how our ordinance compares with other communities on the issue.

Councilperson Phillips discussed the procedures of the Economical Development Committee and the potential to change the way issues are handled and meetings are called.

President Benincasa noted the need for a meeting to address City finances and the Estate Tax money received.

Motion and Second to hold a Committee of the Whole meeting on February 7, 2011 to address address City finances and the Estate Tax money received.

ADJOURNMENT: Noting no further business to come before the body or  Council, President Benincasa adjourned the special meeting at 6:20 P.M.

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JOHN BENINCASA, PRESIDENT                                   GERARD T. YOST, COUNCIL CLERK