Post by 150york on May 21, 2014 11:02:35 GMT -5
May 21, 2014 copy of FB post.
Fred Snyder's comments in his Around Town column about some of the goings on with some members of Gettysburg council hit the nail on the head. Or more appropriately, make that plural "nails." What a dysfunctional organization; albeit there are some council members that try so hard to make progress but inevitably get voted down by the entrenched voting block. I especially liked Fred's comment "taking from the poor to give to the poor." How apropos!
It was interesting to note on page 6, Wednesday, May 14,2014 whereas council "opted to not conduct a special public workshop concerning regulation of commercial use of Lincoln Square, ranging from food trucks and other vendors to restaurants' outdoor dining. Members then instead opted to seek additional input." On Tuesday Main Street Gettysburg president Deb Adamik told the committee she would share information with the borough from a community outreach effort her organization recently begun. She offered to work with borough staff to develop useful questions and prepare information about existing regulations. Does this mean that council is going to abrogate their responsibilities to an outside organization? Does the borough not know what the current regulations? That would not surprise me or most other folks that pay attention to some of the council member's shenanigans.
A couple of years ago I brought to the borough manager and council's attention via emails to all concerned the fact that the borough should be receiving rental money from any business that occupies Lincoln Square which is owned by the taxpayers of Gettysburg. I also stated to them that the borough should have in their possession copies of insurance policies that contain the language that liability insurance coverage is afforded to the public spaces occupied by businesses and specifically excludes the borough from any lawsuits arising from any damage or injury that occurs within the occupied areas AND from any damage or injury to passersby from any action that originated from within the defined areas of occupation. I also advised the aforementioned at the time that any restaurant selling alcohol in public areas would have applied and paid for an Extension of Premises permit from the Liquor Control Board which requires a dimensioned drawing to be submitted as well as a fee paid and approval granted by the Liquor Control Board. I also advised council and borough manager to obtain a copy of this drawing and insure that only the approved space is being occupied.
To date, even after attending the last two council meetings, and again expressing my concern that the taxpayers would end up footing the bill defending a liability lawsuit has brought no action from the council. In fairness, after the first council meeting, Ms. Naugle did call me to discuss this situation. It was more of a fact finding mission. At the second council meeting I again asked for a progress update and received nothing. Because nothing had been done.
I don't want anyone to misunderstand my intentions. I fully support establishing a café atmosphere as this adds some charm to our town. I believe we should have wine festivals on the square so that our wineries can showcase their excellent wines. Let us make Lincoln Square a vibrant area that will draw folks to Gettysburg for reasons other than visiting the battlefield or their kids at college. I lived and worked in Europe for many years and I know how their cafes operate, what their municipal fees are, and the great draw they provide for tourists and locals alike. However, the citizens of Gettysburg deserve to be paid and this can aid at reducing our ridiculous taxes.
Ms. Naugle is the chairperson for the Community Development Community. It is therefore her responsibility to "drive" this committee. And if she cannot or refuses to provide leadership she should resign from this assignment. I have offered to assist her or any council member. I do have some experience in government. I successfully managed a new city of 150,000 people in Yanbu, KSA for four years for the Saudi Arabian Royal Commission. I further extend my offer. It is past time to get something accomplished and God willing, I am not going away.