SANTA ANA — In the spirit of not just pointing things out about Santa Ana City Council when they get something wrong, the release of the Meeting Agenda for September 19th has a couple items that demonstrate an attempt at change.
Item #25C is an agreement by the City to officially engage negotiations with Chivas USA for the possible move of the team to a stadium to be built on the site of the Willowick Golf Course . This has been a thorn in the side of some residents of Santa Ana who complained about the lack of transparency on the part of the city regarding “preliminary” discussions with Chivas USA. While this agreement will not silence that discussion, at least know things will occur somewhat in the light of day.
The second item of interest related to transparency and open government is item #55C, a revision to the Council rules regarding the conduct of their meetings. Among the things included in the ordinance is the establishment of an official starting time for regular sessions of the Council meetings. This will at least avoid the confusion as to what time the meeting starts. While I believe the City must set an actual location for their meetings, rather than just stating the location on the agenda, the changes are a good first step. Also, this ordinance sets time limits for comments by members of the Council to the same length as members of the public, though they get to talk on every single item on the Agenda.
Change is good, even if it happens a little bit at a time. The agenda for this meeting can be found on the Council’s web page under meetings then Agenda.
Whoa, what’s going on here? This is a radical change. Kinda likeTustin Mayor Jerry Amante being nice to citizens and fellow councilmembers. This could be the dawning of a new day.
“.. (the)ordinance is the establishment of an official starting time for regular sessions of the Council meetings. This will at least avoid the confusion as to what time the meeting starts.”
You have been working on this issue for a long time Chris – job well done! Thank you from a Santa Ana resident and business owner.
The Chivas deal is still alive after the budget shortfall revelations? Again, I just want to know how this is all going to be paid for.
With your tax dollar (or at least if you lived in Santa Ana) of course, Dan.