Minutes 06/16/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 16, 2022 May 18, June 15, July 20, October 19, and Dec. 16 meetings of the Economic Development Authority. Any of these is problematic. However, it is interesting that she attended the meeting on Nov. 16 when the resolution was passed to sell a 30- acre site assessed by the City at $3.5 million for $156,570. How does such a transaction take place in a cash-strapped city where land is a premium without any Council update. Council should have been informed This pattern of selectively ignoring Council made me realize a change of City Manager was needed. A. ARPA FUNDS At the September 28, 2021, Council meeting the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were discussed. The handling of the ARPA Direct Payment Issue caused a concern as well. Council made it clear that we recognized that Citizens were struggling and needed assistance and we had the money to assist. Initially the direct payments were conditioned upon a work program which Council never intended and then it was restructured to provide direct payments to Low income and A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited Income Restrained Employed) persons. Furthermore, the City Manager was specifically told during a Council meeting to not make payments on a “first come first serve basis.” Out of respect for our senior citizens, the distribution of the COVID gift cards should have done with more dignity and respect; instead of, standing in lines and requiring emergency assistance. Matter of fact, I was not even aware as a Council member that the distribution would occur in this manner. If Ms. Jones had shared this plan with Council, it could have been vetted by Council members exposing possible concerns with the process and aligning with the previous directive of not using a “first come first serve” approach. When I asked Ms. Jones about this matter, she stated to me that the turnout was unexpected. I was surprised by her response when the flyers that were distributed mentioned that the gift cards would be distributed while supplies lasts indicating a limited supply which would cause persons to be concerned about the availability. B. SCHOOL ATHLETIC FACILITIES FUNDING Last year during our school board and City Council liaison meeting, it was clear to the City Council Liaisons, School Board Liaisons, the Superintendent, and his staff, that the Athletic field renovations were to be part of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) particularly the I.C. Norcom field and complex renovations. The CIP for this year did not include the Athletic Field renovations until I requested that it be included in the CIP. I was troubled that the City Manager had initially not included the expansion even though the City Council expressed its desire to fund these projects. C. MINORITY CONTRACTING I was concerned during our joint meeting of PRHA and EDA that there was no input on the part of the City Manager in regards to inquiry or discussion on the issue of minority contracting with PRHA nor EDA, even though, City Council had passed Ordinance 2-168 empowering the City Manager to establish a program for the purpose of implementing enhancement or remedial measures. In conclusion, many have stated that the City Manager was “blindsided” by the termination. However, the City Manager was aware of my loss of confidence last year and non-support by other Council members. When I met with Ms. Jones her major concern was receiving additional severance pay and benefits which I thought was a reasonable request. Therefore, my decision came with much thought and critical assessment contrary to narratives based on misinformation, emotions, and fabrication. I have served as an elected official from 2002-14 on the Portsmouth City School Board and 2015-18; 2021- present. During my tenure, I have always represented issues of social justice and equity. Being born and raised in Portsmouth, I understand the disparities that exist in this City because of the failure to implement fair policies; therefore, my stance is