Minutes 10-22-2007.pdf - Watertown, NY

Councilman Clough remarked that he agrees with Councilman Smith. CouncilmanClough addressed Mrs. Hoffman stating that she is spending all of her time on this projectand downtown business owners are asking where she is. He stated that these businessowners need moral support for this City.Mr. Mix commented that the JB Wise lot is in the middle of downtown and this projectincludes the lot.Councilman Clough responded that business owners downtown are saying that the City isnot taking care of their needs. He remarked that while he is not critisizing Mrs.Hoffman’s performance, the fact remains that she is the Downtown DevelopmentSpecialist and the businesses say that they never see her downtown.Mrs. Corriveau responded that personnel matters can be discussed in executive session,but not in open session.Councilman Clough remarked that it is the Council’s duty to discuss it in open sessionwhen there are complaints.Mrs. Corriveau responded that no business owners had called her.Mayor Graham remarked that it seems that there is a contradiction when you have aDowntown Development Specialist and she is associated with a lot of other things. Heremarked that calling someone the Downtown Development Specialist sort of impliesthat she would be working on downtown projects.Councilman Bradley commented that he understands where Councilman Clough iscoming from. He remarked that he has spoken with Mrs. Corriveau about this problemseveral times. He stated that Mrs. Hoffman needs to have a schedule to visit with thedowntown businesses.Commenting on the trail project, Mayor Graham remarked that it is meandering and hedoesn’t know how much use it will get.Mrs. Corriveau advised Council that she spoke at a Corps of Engineers event and talkedabout the trails. People wanted to know how to get there. She explained that Ft. Drumtrails are not all in nature settings. Parts are located behind buildings and on paved roads.Mayor Graham remarked that his concern is when we get to Sewall’s Island since there isno end in sight to this blight. He asked when the City would use the grant money to cleanup the mess.Mrs. Corriveau explained that the process of discussing with DEC what type of testingwill be done on Sewall’s Isaland. Then the plan will be put together to do the cleanup.2