City Council agendas can be cryptic, which is why bloggers take the time to review the packet that contains background material. For example, the only new ordinance on the March 3 agenda reads like this:
MC 2014 -07 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9; LICENSES, PERMITS AND REGULATED ACTIVI TIES, ARTICLE 17, SCHEDULE OF LICENSES AND PERMIT FEES OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY 1971.
Turns out it's only an increase in block party permits from $10 to $25. By percentage, it is a lot, but of all the license and permit fees, this change is not major.
Here's another example:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DETERMINATION OF A SPECIAL NEEDS PROJECT FOR
THE PLAINFIELD AREA YMCA. –CITY ADMINISTRATOR.
Looking in the packet, one sees that it refers to the YMCA's intention to build 30 apartments for youth aging out of foster care on its campus at 518 Watchung Avenue. Though many more steps are involved before the project can start, municipal approval is one element in seeking other endorsements and funding,.
Monday's agenda is rather crowded with discussion items and things will get worse if the council has to shift to another double meeting on March 10 due to inclement weather. But this item, even at such a preliminary stage, deserves a bit more exposure than the agenda caption affords. It will be interesting to see whether it is treated as perfunctory or whether the public gets a glimmer of the scope of the proposed project.
There is no doubt of the need for the type of project proposed. The transition to independence is difficult enough for young people in any case, but for those aging out of foster care it can be nearly impossible without support. As described in the packet, the Plainfield YMCA project would include intensive supportive services in addition to safe housing while the residents develop the skills to live independently.
To learn more about the concerns for youth aging out of foster care, click here.
Residents who try to follow the actions of the governing body at meetings or on PCTV will not be fully informed unless important agenda items are explained. The background material is available in a binder at each public meeting, but only one person at a time can review it. Council members receive the entire packet and are expected to review it so they know what they are voting on at regular meetings. Questions are supposed to be answered at agenda-fixing sessions such as the one scheduled for Monday.
The public may also speak on resolutions and ordinances up for consideration at agenda-fixing sessions. Bloggers who check the packet, such as Dr. Harold Yood, help enlighten the viewing public with their comments and questions on agenda items.
--Bernice
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