Village Of Valleyview

SPEAKERS AT THE APRIL COUNCIL MEETING VOICE THEIR OPINIONS

Apr 08, 2002

Laura Hunt, former Valleyview Clerk/Treasurer, spoke to Council indicating throughout the Council meeting Council passed Ordinances for expenditures and not resolutions. Ms. Hunt also mentioned Ms. White?’s comments about ?“the computer fund?” not collecting interest. Ms. Hunt stated there is no separate ?“computer fund?” and that it is not required to separate the computer fund from the general fund, and that the general fund is an interest bearing account.

Debbie Cain asked about rumored Required Drug testing for elected officials and employees of the Village. Ms. Graves responded that ?“they?” are looking at all employees and elected officials be tested for drugs. Ms. Cain added that it was rumored to have the drug testing used hair samples, and that would be very expensive.

Polly Russolillo asked if the Mayor, Ms. Graves, had been sworn in, Ms. Graves stated yes she had. Ms. Russolillo continued by stating to Ms. Graves that in the past Ms. Graves has criticized the pervious Mayor that his pay was too high, Ms. Russollio asked Ms. Graves if she planned to take a pay cut now that she was in office as Mayor. Ms. Russolillo added if not is you going to do everything the last Mayor did for his pay, i.e. mow lawns, fix equipment, help with fixing Village property, etc. Because in the past Ms. Graves has shown little interest in physically working too help the Village, i.e. Community fix-up day that Ms. Graves did not attended. Ms. Graves responded by saying we have discussed that matter, and we cannot change the Mayor?’s pay during a term. Ms. Russolillo stated the Council could lower pay but not raise it during a term. Ms. Graves did not respond.

Doug MacLean asked the Mayor Graves about a letter he requested from the Solicitor stating if there is no conflict of interest on the part of the Mayor and her Councilperson husband Robert Graves, for them to vigorously pursuit to collect back taxes from residents, if themselves (Graves) were behind in property taxes of over $ 9,000.00 Ms. Graves responded by saying ?“we have already covered that?”.

John Hellwege, asked if there could be a conflict of interest with the new Solicitor being that two Council members and the Mayor owe a personal debt to the new Solicitor, Mr. Rodgers. Mr. Hellwege added that at the March meeting Ms. Graves said she would bring resumes of other Solicitor the Council interviewed for the position of Solicitors. When Ms. Graves was asked by Mr. Hellwege ?“do you have the resumes?” Ms. Graves responded ?“ No, they are being looked for?”. Mr. Hellwege; ?“you don?’t have them do you??” Ms. Graves did not comment.

Ann Marks, asked about the new ?“Rules of Council?” and reminded Council residents want to be heard.

Ms. Butcher stated she didn?’t like to hear about Graves?’ back property taxes. She added she does not see police coverage during the day, but the police officer ?“John?” was doing a good job.