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The Harlander

Charter Review and Compliance Commission

There are only two applications in for positions on this mandatory commission.  There are five positions and one alternate as required.  Surely we have six citizens who are willing to step up and fill this commission.  Here is the City Posting on the vacancies:

CHARTER REVIEW AND COMPLIANCE COMMISSION

Applications are being accepted through Monday, April 27, 2009 until 5:00 pm for voluntary positions on the Charter Review and Compliance Commission.  This Commission consists of five (5) members and one (1) alternate to be appointed by the City Council. The members are appointed for three-year overlapping terms, and the Commission's duties to report to the Council or the City Manager are set by ordinance.

Qualifications are as follows:

Registered elector.
Resident of the City for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the date of appointment.
Not an elected official, officer, or employee, board or commission member, or member of the Fire Department.
No conviction for embezzlement, bribery, solicitation of bribery, perjury, subornation of perjury, or any offense involving fraud.

Functions of the Charter Review and Compliance Commission. (1) The Commission has the power to hear all complaints alleging non-compliance with the Charter, including allegations of willful Charter violations, subject to limitations and requirements as established by ordinance.  Any complaints involving the Commission or members thereof are heard by the City Council in the manner provided in Section 7.5(2) of the Charter.

(2) The Commission forwards any findings of willful Charter violations to the City Attorney for possible prosecution in the City's Municipal Court pursuant to Section 19.8 of the Charter.

(3) The Commission reviews the Charter at least once every six (6) years after adoption, and at least once every six (6) years thereafter, for possible amendment. In addition, in the form of advisory resolutions, the Commission presents its findings to the Council regarding complaints of Charter non-compliance.  Therein the Commission might provide suggestions for possible clarification or revision of the Charter to address ambiguities or inconsistencies that it has identified.


Posted:             March 10, 2009

Published:         March 12, 2009 Wheat Ridge Transcript
Calling All Volunteers

The Public Safety board has 0 members. Should have 5.
Board of Adjustment has 2 members.  Should have 5, plus an alternate
Parks and Rec has 3 members and 1 applicant.  Should have 5 members
ERA has 4 members.  Should have 7
Charter Commission has 0 members and 2 applicants.  Needs 5 plus an alternate.
The Budget Committee has 0 members
The Historic Commission needs people

We are in need a lot more than six volunteers.
lkeegan

volunteers

I wonder if the HUB would list these openings? I know the positions get published in the Transcript but maybe we could try the HUB, too. Maybe every few weeks.  Harlander do you know? Not necessarily as published notices but just aa community events/information, so to speak.  

I see the Choice newsletter lists the various openings-- that should help as well. If you dont know off the top of your head , maybe I will give them (HUB) a call tomorrow.
The Harlander

Thank You, Calling All Volunteers for bringing the greater problem to the forefront.  The President of our Nation has sent out a call for  a renewed sense of volunteerism in America.  Could it be that many mistook their vote as a fulfillment of that obligation?  Could it be that some of our Municipal leaders are not encouraging such service by their actions?  Our Fire Department biggest problem is a lack of volunteer fire fighters yet, our community has experienced a growth in young adults.  Is complacency the blame?
Calling All Volunteers has given you the list.  I have put in my application, is there not one opportunity that appeals to you?  The real leaders of a community will not always be found in the elected or hired offices and positions, they will be found in the boards, commissions and volunteer committees and departments.  The pay is lousy but the rewards are priceless.  You can download an application form from the City website http://www.edgewaterco.com/  .
:(

I think we have just discovered what is wrong with Edgewater.  We truely are a bedroom community.  9 to 5, what more do you want?  Pick up my trash, deal with my domestics, pave my streets and leave me alone.  It's the Edgewater way.  Lots of outtake but little input.  Sad, so very sad.
Been there

Volunteers have no value in EW

If you volunteer for a board the City staff don't want to work with you and the City Council look upon you as the great unwashed and unelected. Not worthy of their attention, they take great exception to working with you.  Truth.

Why go there?   I can throw mud in my own face, I just don't want to.
Off the Radar

Re: Volunteers have no value in EW

Been there wrote:
the City Council look upon you as the great unwashed

I’ve heard the council dis on volunteers and committees during meetings.  I’m not putting my self in their line of fire.
Been there too

The Mayor isn't even looking for people to serve.  They don't care, why should we?  You're in for a heartbreak Harlander.
Guest

What?

Who the hell is "they" and "we"? Wow, that's just wrong.
Guest 6

Explanation

"We" would be certain members of City Council (and the poster was honest, why should they care? I think if that is how they feel they should return that monthly check though)

"They" would be Administration who is apparently being asked to find volunteers so that Council can rip into still more volunteers.

It's all good though. We get a City Manager soon. You know, a mature adult?
Guest 7

I'm not so sure about that.  Council is the body responsible (oxymoron) for selecting the City Manager.  The Mayor for the most part is in charge of the Boards and Commissions and she is locked up in her Ivory Tower and not talking to anyone.  In the case of the CRCC, the Council is responsible (another oxymoron) for the appointments.  I've heard that Adam Gardner does not want anyone from the Charter Committee to serve on the CRCC.  Brillant!!  Dave Cooke on the other hand isn't listening to anybody but his own drummer so he has no clue.   You get what you vote for I guess.
Guest 8

Been there too wrote:
The Mayor isn't even looking for people to serve.

Where’d you get that idea?  you don’t expect her to draft people do ya?  The city, including the mayor, can’t just go headhunting.  If people won’t apply then that’s that.
Guest

You would hope that an elected official, such as the Mayor, would be out communicating with the constituents and during the process incouraging people to join a board or commission.  Post in a newspaper ,no one reads in Edgewater, is not getting the job done.
ex Charter volunteer

Boards and Commissions created by Council or Charter

I believe any elected official could be "out communicating with the public" and recruiting volunteers for Boards and Commissions. Aside from Planning and Zoning and the Board of Adjustments, and the Charter Review and Compliance Commission, Council was given the authority in the new Charter to create and define the purpose of any board or commission they felt they needed. The Mayor, as Council President, appoints applicants, however these boards or commissions work for Council now or our new City Manager (if Council assigns them to this person) so it would stand to reason that any Council member could encourage residents to serve as volunteers.
The boards and commissions are there so that Council can delegate work that they don't have time to do themselves and then they report back to Council. It's a simple concept, it should be a very constructive tool for Council to use and yet they refuse to use it. I don't get it.
Guest

I believe it is the job of the mayor to 'recruit' for commissions and any volunteer positions. Why wouldn't it be? If not her, then who?

I am concerned that the people who might apply for the charter review commission will also be running for one of the five positions on council this year. In my opinion, that would be a waste of everybodys time and show little dedication to the charter review commission. I want to be sure that the people who are on one are committed and won't turn to another opportunity if it comes along.
Guest

Anonymous wrote:
I believe it is the job of the mayor to 'recruit' for commissions and any volunteer positions.

Why wouldn't it be?  Nepotism is often the result of desperation.  If no one applies we are going to end up with nothing but family members and close personal friends of whom ever is seated as mayor.  Mayor already appoints, don’t give them ALL the power.
ex Charter volunteer

Less nepotism

Another reason the Charter allows Council to form (and reasonably participate in recruiting for) boards and commissions. Why do they insist upon pointing the finger of responsibility back to the Mayor when [i]the whole idea [/i]was to spread the power around and break up the dynamics that in a small town create nepotism and old-boy-networks? You can lead a Council to water but you can't make them drink! Sheesh!

Quote:
I want to be sure that the people who are on one are committed and won't turn to another opportunity if it comes along.

You can't be sure of that, it isn't even fair to ask someone to do that. Any resident who qualifies to run for Council may run for Council. If one of the results is they must vacate another position so be it. You can't deny someone the right to run for Council because they volunteered for something else. That isn't logical.
LKeegan

posting for board and commission volunteers

I have posted a brief article online on the Edgewater Hub and have contacted the Hub. They will put a piece in the regular Hub soon. Maybe a few more people will see we have openings on the boards and commissions and step up.
Thanks

Now that's leadership

How refreshing to see a member of council come out from behind the bench, on a Wednesday, and do something for the community.  Thank you.
Nice

Someone who gets it...Nice!

Thanks Councilwoman Keegan for stepping up to encourage people to step up! The more the merrier, the newer the better!
-my thanks  
Way to go!

Laura,

Not only did you do it, but it did a great job of doing it!

http://denver.yourhub.com/Edgewat...News/Government/Story~601097.aspx

Thanks
The Harlander

Thank you Council Person Keegan.  You have my vote come November.
Suggestion

Hub Article for Volunteers

I followed the link to the city website but couldn't find where the Board and Commission Openings were posted. Where should I be looking? Thank you
Maybe in the coming HUB article, you could provide a more complete link to the exact place?
Hard to Find

You need to call city hall (303.238.7803 Ext. 11) and ask.  It isn't in print any place besides the posting boards at the Library, in the Clerk's vestibule and out side City Hall.
LKeegan

will keep working on this

Thanks for that info.   A complete list of openings is in the Choice, so you can refer to that in the meantime. And another poster has listed the openings, too. I have written to the city to see if this can be corrected and all of the openings listed in one place on our city site.
I will let you know when I find out more.


Calling All Volunteers wrote:
The Public Safety board has 0 members. Should have 5.
Board of Adjustment has 2 members.  Should have 5, plus an alternate
Parks and Rec has 3 members and 1 applicant.  Should have 5 members
ERA has 4 members.  Should have 7
Charter Commission has 0 members and 2 applicants.  Needs 5 plus an alternate.
The Budget Committee has 0 members
The Historic Commission needs people

We are in need a lot more than six volunteers.
LKeegan

Here is a link for an online application, too.  If one knows what board/commission they would like to apply to, they fill that information in anyway.

http://edgewaterco.com/images/stories/forms/boardapp.online.pdf
Cautiously Optimistic

Stormy EdgeWaters

It would be great if a lot of people applied to volunteer. On the other hand, with the new City Manager coming on board soon, there is going to be a lot of deck shuffling and people learning new roles etc.
So, yes, if people are interested, do apply but keep in mind it might be awhile before the ship of state is steady enough to take on a number of new volunteers and be able to show them the ropes appropriately.
I would hate to see people step up and have no one there to  greet them and show them what to do.
Be patient. Things are going to fall into place but it may look a little chaotic for awhile.
One thing at a time, you know and that one thing should be the City Manager first.
Sad Facts

The fact that Edgewater has significantly less than 50% of it's board positions seated says somethings that need to be addressed- the current leaders of the city (or at least the bulk of them) do not appreciate the volunteers. even worse they denigrate them in public and denounce the work and ideas that the boards produce.  the ones who do try to recruit try to seat people who will work thier own will for them. and this council allows itself to micromanage every aspect of every thing- so the boards are told to their face they are useless! we used to have a greater sense of community and purpose, but who really wants to stand up to have "mud thrown at them" for trying to make edgewater a better place?  remember this in november and vote very carefully- after you ask the candiadates some very carefully thought out questions........and if you have thick skin, please apply for a position of interest and make a difference!
Guest

Happy Facts

I would like to remind my good neighbors that "this Council" has attempted to navigate a brand new Charter, they have diligently and adeptly found a proficient search firm and have studied many, many resumes to find Edgewater the most qualified City Manager they can find.
They dealt with the budget and had the economy not crumbled they would have overseen the construction of the Ice Ranch (and hopefully still will before the year is over!).
With the Mayor they have kept our City running in these hard times and continue to care about and attempt to solve our police station problem,
our Heritage Center problem, our lack of park and recreation programming problem and even our fireworks problem!
Now, I realize that taking potshots at Council is Edgewater's favorite past time however I think they have done a huge job.
Credit where credit is due.
Thank you, Council.
Guest

In reference to council and not the previous poster; sometimes its not what you say but how you say it.

To be fair many of the people that council discredits during meetings have also done some very wonderful things for this city.  If you read carefuly these post talk of councils behavior not thier work performance.
Guest

ah grasshopper...

And sometimes it's not what you say, but what you do.
So, at the end of the day do you care if the carpenter cusses and spits but builds your house well or do you demoralize the carpenter so he doesn't care if he does his job well?
Ah grasshopper...
yes, many people make our village roll, and yes, we need to learn to value being nice to each other.
Here's another platitude:
Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. We all live in glass houses.
Here's another one:
Teach by example or as Gandhi used to say, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Master Kan

Quote:
I seek not to know the answers, but to understand the questions.

David Carradine, Kung Fu the TV show.
Now go see if you can snatch the pebble, oh wise one.
Not my Kind of Change

So, Guest of Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:03 pm, I’m confused.  Since council is 'DOING', are you condoning what they 'say' during public meetings?

Goodner did more good than harm, in a vulgar rude kind of way, but I can't say that I liked her style.  I have to glean from your post that council’s harsh words toward citizens, mayor and staff justifies the outcome.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world."  Council is indeed strongly supporting the literal interpretation of the words of our governing documents.  Intent be damned!
Guest of Thu Apr 09 8:03

Since you asked...

Quote:
So, Guest of Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:03 pm, I’m confused.  Since council is 'DOING', are you condoning what they 'say' during public meetings?


No I don't condone intimidation or humiliation in any form. I don't find people who employ "power over" tactics useful in group process at all.
The only way to have any real impact on it however is to ignore it and rob them of that power.

You can ask the person to stop, and I have. But if that person doesn't want to stop or can't stop then short of becoming angry and seeking retaliation by engaging in power over behavior myself, there is nothing I can do to constructively change the situation,  except to not throw fuel on the fire.

To be drawn into the conflict is to act in the same hurtful, destructive manner as the aggressor and that really hurts everyone. People choose sides, and the aggression spreads like a bad rash.

In fact, these people try to cause conflict so people will choose sides. That is how they develop their "loyal followers".

If I retaliate and back them down, they still win because the game is still power over instead of cooperation and collaboration.

In Amish culture, such a person is shunned, they are treated as if they no longer belong to the group and they are given no attention.

If they want to be a part of the group again they must change their ways or continue in isolation.

So, not wanting to add to the problem I would rather focus on constructive things and intentionally ignore the rest.

There is a big difference between intentionally ignoring something and condoning it.

It's not my job to make someone else behave kindly to their neighbors. It is my job to try to be kind.

If I control the only person I can control, which, of course, is me.

If I don't allow myself to be drawn into the conflict perhaps others will do the same.

If the offensive words can no longer hurt, intimidate or humiliate, the aggressor loses his power and his influence unless he changes.

For me, this is the way it will be because this is not about winning or losing in some political game. It isn't about winning or losing at all. This is where I live.

To do anything else steals the energy I have to participate constructively in my community. It is a distraction.

When November comes I will see who has gained my confidence and earned my respect.

For now there are many very good people here and much we can do together and that is what I condone.
Master Kan

Ooooooom.  Ooooooooom.  Be at peace with the Universe grasshopper, show no aggression.  Be satisfied with the knowledge that you are the baddest a** on the block.  It is the Shaolin way.  That is why Tibet is now Chinese.  Oooooom.   Ooooooom.
Guest

Thanks for the clarification, like I said, I was confused.  I somehow (obviously mistakenly) took your post to say that council should lead by example and not cuss and spit.  And as our ‘leaders’ they need to be the change they want to see in the city.  It is true that council got stuck with a new charter, but there is some disagreement on how to use it.  I also thought (again mistakenly) that the intent of the charter meant something.  My misunderstandings leave me disappointed that councils ‘attempts’, as stated by a previous poster, to navigate the new charter has shown very little emphasis on implementing anything other than procedural elements.  I thought part of the new charter was about a new vision for the future of the city, a change in the way we conduct business.  Council has indeed changed the why we do business and it is a kind of change that doesn’t suit me too well.

But now that I better understand your first post, I extend my thanks for Gandhi’s advice.  Good words to live by.
Can Kan

Your last post

"Master" Kan,

To quote Dylan (Bob, that is)
Beware the man who "wallows in the rat-race mire and cares not to come up any higher, but rather, drags you down in the hole that he's in."

It's fine for you to provide your pithy and lofty barbs as you toss ridicule at a thoughtful post, but methinks you are large in head and small in spirit. I hope you have a Good Friday, a Holy Saturday, and manage to rise, refreshed and transformed, this Sunday. And I hope you can reread the posts you ridicule and get a little more of the meaning and spirit of them, rather than just tossing out your mean spirit, without submitting anything positive. "Master", can you give us some wisdom and insight? Or do you just need someone to "Snatch the rock from my head, Grasshopper"?

Inner peace and redemption to you, Oh Mighty Kan!
Master Po

Grasshopper, What do you see?  Ah yes, words on paper.  Can you decern their meaning?  Master Can Kan has said, "And I hope you can reread the posts you ridicule and get a little more of the meaning and spirit of them".  That paper, Grasshopper, has a name.  It is called the Charter, if it has a name it also must have meaning, spirit and intention.  You ask how I can see such things?  I ask, how you cannot?  Yet, Grasshopper, you say it is I who am blind?
?

No offense

But I have no idea what you are talking about.
Master Po

Then you have learned the way Grasshopper, you are ready to sit on Council.
Master Kan

Master Po
Grasshopper has snatched the stone.  Does he yet know how to use the stone?  Will he serve without compensation?  Does he walk the path of his voice?  Is he rooted in the grass?  We shall see.

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