Commission Plows through Hefty Agenda - Passes ATV Ordinance

IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, October 26, 2010 - A Regular Meeting of the Ironwood City Commission was held following a 5:20 PM Public Hearing yesterday evening.

 A. Regular Meeting Called to Order - Mayor Pro-Tem Rick Semo called the meeting to order immediately following the Public Hearing.

B. Recording of the Roll - All Commissioners except Mayor Bob Burchell were present for the meeting - Kim Corcoran; Gemma Lamb; Rick Semo and Will Lucius. Mayor Burchell was excused. City Staff in attendance included City Clerk Karen Gullan; City Manager Scott Erickson; City Attorney Dennis Cossi; Finance Director Julie Frederickson; Assessor/Building Inspector Dennis Hewitt; IPSD Officer Andrew DiGorgio; IPSD Director Bob Erspamer; DPW Superintendent Bob Richards; and Community Development Director Merritt Bussiere. On hand to address the Commission were Steve Thomas, President of the Ironwood Area Schools Board of Education; Brian Pisani, Mountain Bike enthusiast and promoter of the construction of a Pump Track in Ironwood; and Geneva Smiles, Director of the SISU SkiFest. Daily Globe Reporter Margaret Levra and yours truly were on hand to report the meeting.

C. Approval of the Consent Agenda* - All items with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the City Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of those items unless a Commission member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the General Order of Business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. *1) Approval of Minutes – October 11th Regular City Commission Meeting. *2) Review and Place on File. a) Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency Meeting Minutes of Sept. 16th. b) Ironwood Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of Sept. 1st. c) Downtown Ironwood Development Authority Meeting Minutes of Sept. 23rd & October 7th. d) Park & Recreation Committee Minutes of Oct. 4th. *3) Approval of Traffic Control Order #93 no parking on either side of Lake Street from Margaret Street to US2 - Before a vote was taken on the Consent Agenda Commissioner Corcoran asked for a clarification of "Traffic Control Order #93." Scott Erickson explained that the new bike lanes from Margaret Street to US2 do not allow for parking. Erickson said that there were sporadic parking spaces along that stretch, but now the area would no longer accommodate parking. A vote was taken to approve the Consent Agenda and all four of the Commissioners in attendance voted to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

D. Receive and Place on File from the Finance Director - 1. Statement of Revenue & Expenditures. 2. Monthly Cash Reports - Finance Director Julie Frederickson briefly highlighted the Statement of Revenue & Expenditures and the Monthly Cash Reports. She also told the Commissioners that the City Audit was currently being held. The Commissioners were then given a chance to question postings to the document. There were no questions. The Commission voted unanimously to receive and place on file the Statement of Revenue & Expenditures and the Monthly Cash Reports as presented.

E. Approval of the Agenda - Rick Semo announced that there were two additions to the Agenda: (W1) Consider authorization to submit the MDOT Enhancement Grant Application for Downtown Streetscape Improvements and (W2) Consider award the cold-mix asphalt bid to Northwoods Paving in the amount of $52.10/ton. Semo asked if there were any comments on the amended agenda. There were not. A vote was taken to approve the Agenda as modified. The Commission unanimously unanimously voted to approve the Agenda as modified.

F. Citizens wishing to address the Commission on Items on the Agenda. (Three Minute Limit) - No audience members expressed a desire to address the Commission on Agenda items. 

G. AUDIENCE: Steve Thomas, Ironwood Area Schools Board of Education. (RE: Request to make Pabst Street a one-way street) - President of the Ironwood Area Schools Board of Education, Steve Thomas, explained that "for safety purposes" the Board would like to see Pabst Street be converted to a one-way street between Curry Street and (he believed it to be) Hibbert Street. He explained that the west side of the building has been improved and the Board feels that it would be safer, especially with the addition of 3rd through 5th graders to the building, to unload students there.

Thomas said parents picking up their students and traveling both ways was hazardous. He said, according to the bus drivers, it sometimes gets a "kinda hairy" because kids don't look when the cross the road and "they come flying behind the bus" to get over to their family car. Thomas said in addition that buses often have difficulty turning when parents park there to pick up their kids.

Commissioner Semo asked if there were congestion problems near the school. Thomas told the Commission that he was unsure due to the fact that construction was still ongoing on the L.L. Wright building. He said the Board has expressed concern that there would be increased traffic due to the additional of 3rd through 5th grade students to the school. He said no study was ever taken, but he Board felt the change would be a safer alternative.

IPSD Director Bob Erspamer told the Commission that he would like to address the Commission regarding the matter. City staff was working to produce a map of the area on their new HDTV display. When it was ready, Erspamer discussed the situation.

Erspamer explained that he tried several times to contact Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Thomas tried several times to return his calls -- "phone tag." He explained that he was able to discuss the matter with Dan Siirala, the head bus driver for the School District, Superintendent Tim Kolesar, and several City officials. He said the main issue he saw with changing the street to one-way was that the traffic would be routed through the school parking lot. Hill Street runs through the lot. Erspamer said that he doesn't ever remember the street being a functional roadway, but technically it is still a street.

Erspamer told the Commission that the City would need to start maintaining Hill Street if Pabst were to become one-way. He said the size of the school parking lot would need to be reduced because part of the existing lot is situation on Hill Street. He said opening the street would also make it difficult for the school to clear the parking lot of snow since snow is currently plowed onto the area of Hill Street. Erspamer told the Commission that the residents in the area would also be affected. He said he was one of those residents. He said during school events street residents would need to turn up on the street -- adding to the traffic congestion problems.

Erspamer said that another option was discussed by Siirala, Kolesar and himself. The option involves the installation of a "DO NOT ENTER" sign that would not allow traffic to travel south on Hibbert Street. Sending out notices to the parents asking that they pick up their kids on Park Street was also an option.

Erspamer ended his address by saying that he wasn't 100% against the idea of a one-way street, but he preferred working with the residents, parents and school to resolve the matter in other ways.

Steve Thomas told Erspamer that he disagreed with the "DO NOT ENTER" sign solution because people never read. He said people wouldn't obey the signs. He cited the no parking areas along the High School that are regularly ignored when events and games are taking place at the school. Erspamer argued that they would likewise ignore "ONE-WAY STREET" sign. Thomas said if law enforcement regularly patrolled the one-way street, people would eventually learn that they cannot go the wrong way.

As another option, Erspamer suggested a road be built in front of the school to allow for kids boarding and unloading the buses. Thomas told Erspamer that people wouldn't allow play equipment in the front of the school  and he truly doubted they would ever allow a road to be built.

In closing, Thomas stated that his major concern is safety, and he said that the Board would be in agreement to any plan that addressed safety as a focus.

Commissioner Semo suggested that the City Manager examine the situation and bring back a recommendation for the Commission in the very near future.

H. AUDIENCE: Brian Pisani, 401 W. Midland Ave. (RE: Presentation on a Bicycle Pump Track) - Brian Pisani of Ironwood addressed the Commission regarding the possibility of locating a Bicycle Pump Track where the current Compost Site is located in the "Caves" area. Pisani suggested that a pump track could be added to the proposed Miners Memorial Heritage Park and trails.

Pisani began his address by describing what a pump track actually is. A pump track, according to Pisani, is a continuous loop that can be ridden on a bike without pedalling. Tracks can consist of a series of "rollers" and "bank corners" that allow riders to gain momentum. Basic tracks are oval in shape with a series of rollers and bank corners. More elaborate and advanced trails can be constructed in various shapes with various roller and bank combinations as well as other options.

Pisani explained that the rollers would be constructed out of dirt. He said a pump track is a good fit for a community that is looking towards outdoor silent sports such as cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, etc.   He said the track would keep locals interested as well as being a good draw for outsiders. Pisani said that pump tracks can be used by any age group. He explained that it is good exercise for all skill levels.

Pisani said pump tracks are easy to build; easy to maintain; and they are a simple way to keep and attract interest in the sport for all ages and skill levels.

Kim Corcoran asked if there was a minimum size requirement for a pump track. Pisani indicated that a track can be as small as 300'x300', but the larger the track, the more options the track can offer to users. Will Lucius asked if any particular area has been selected for the proposed track. Pisani told Lucius that his group has been eyeing up the compost site property, but "nothing is etched in stone." Corcoran asked if he had considered locating the track near the skate-park. He said he hadn't considered that site, but was more than willing to explore that possibility.

Rick Semo suggested another alternative location -- near the Little League field. Pisani agreed, and said they were open to any ideas and any locations. He explained that the plan was in the very early stages.

Will Lucius asked what kind of crowds would gather to the pump track location. Pisani said if it is advertised and people knew it was there, it would gather a significant number of people. He said advertising it as part of the MMHP would bring in out-of-town riders, but locals would use a pump track regularly.

"What would be the estimated cost of something like this?" Kim Corcoran asked. Pisani said the City could help with a Bobcat or a similar piece of equipment, but the cost would be minimal. He said a lot of dirt and elbow grease (in the form of volunteer labor) would be needed to build the course. City Manager Scott Erickson said, "One thing we've got plenty of, is dirt!"

Lucius asked what was needed to get the project going and what Pisani was looking for. Pisani said the space; help from the City with promotion; and assistance with dirt moving equipment if possible. Pisani said that the job could be done by hand once the dirt is delivered, but having a Bobcat would make it much easier and it would make the volunteer efforts much more efficient.

Gemma Lamb asked if there would be issues with drainage. Pisani said the track would need to be engineered to provide proper drainage.

Rick Semo said he was in support of the plan. Gemma Lamb made a motion to send the idea back to Parks and Recreation to further advance the project with the Commission's support. The Commission unanimously voted to approve Lamb's motion.

I. AUDIENCE: Donna Scorse, Ironwood Chamber of Commerce. RE: (Introduction of new Director) - Donna Scorse, the new Director of the Chamber of Commerce introduced herself to the Commission. Scorse told the Commission that the Chamber was in a "very active mode" at present. She said the Chamber Board has looked at their mission statement and adjusted their focus. She said they have re-designed the manner with which the Chamber wishes to function. She said the Chamber has examined the role they wish to play in the community.

According to Scorse, the Chamber has been working very diligently to bring added value to its members and they are actively working to increase their membership. She said membership costs may be adjusted as well. The Chamber is currently working with many different agencies and entities. She said their current projects include the Jack Frost Parade. She said the Chamber would like to convert the Parade into more of a Festival Weekend rather than just a parade.

Scorse told the Commission that the Chamber recently met with the Ironwood Business Merchants Association and collectively they will be launching a "shop local" campaign for the holidays.

Scorse said the Chamber will be offering a series of workshops for local businesses -- managers and business owners. Workshops are planned for January, March and June at this time. Business After Five will start back up again beginning November 18th, sponsored by the Maplewood Steakhouse. Scorse indicated that the Ironwood Chamber is networking with the Hurley Chamber with the Business After Five meetings.

In closing Scorse told the Commission that her door is always open and she looks forward to working with the Commission as well as other agencies and other government entities.

J. AUDIENCE: Geneva Smiles, SISU Director. (RE: SISU Race Update) - Geneva Smiles indicated that the SISU Ski Race is moving along nicely in its second year. She said the registrations for the race continue to mount. The 2011 race will take place on January 14th and 15th - a week later than last year.  The reason for the change was to avoid conflict with the Iron County Pursuit Race.

This year there will be a free kids event at the ABR Trails on Friday afternoon. Smiles said the new event might entice families to arrive earlier to enjoy and explore our area. She told the Commission that the Expo will take place on Friday evening.

According to Smiles, the race route has been adjusted this year to better accommodate downtown businesses. She said the route has been shortened a bit and will end up in front of Ben Franklins. Suffolk Street will not be snowed in this year -- it will remain open. Snowing of streets will take place on Friday night -- after business hours as to avoid loss of business to downtown businesses. Snow will be removed immediately following the race on Saturday. She indicated that the roads would be snowed in for about 24 hours.

The River Valley Bank has generously agreed to allow race participates and spectators use of their lobby for warming up and the use of their restrooms.

Eric Fitting has volunteered to be the SISU's new business liaison.  He will be working diligently to insure a positive impact on local businesses through better communication.

"We're not trying to take away business from the Downtown," Smiles said, "We're trying to bring it to the Downtown." She told the Commission that the SISU Race Committee has been working with the Business Merchants Association and the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority as well.

She said new and better signage would be placed throughout the race route. She said streets affected by the race will be better signed and detours will be clearly marked. Detour routes will be advertised in the paper and other media. Carpets will be placed where ever the race route requires crossing a city street.

The SISU is still seeking sponsorship, but to date, there has been very good participation in the sponsorship program. Smiles told the Commission that the awards ceremony would take place in the Historic Ironwood Theatre on Saturday night following the race. The Gogebic County Transit Authority will be providing shuttle transportation.

The Taste 'n Tour that was held last year will be limited to 200 participates this year. According to Smiles, the event was a huge success last year. She said the number of participating restaurants may increase or the layout may change for this year's race.

K. Department Supervisor Updates. 1. Bob Richards, Dept. of Public Works Superintendent - Before turning the floor over to Mr. Richards, Scott Erickson explained that Department Supervisor Updates would become a regular (either monthly or every couple of months) part of meetings in the future. He said it was a good opportunity for the Supervisiors to let the Commission know what they are working on and what projects are scheduled for the future.

Bob Richards introducted himself to the audience indicating that he's been on the job for just two weeks. He explained that the DPW has begun replacing bad or non-reflective stop signs throughout the City. He said the Department was also working to clean up trees that had fallen in the recent past. He said the Department had fallen behind in this duty but were quickly catching up. Street-sweeping has been ongoing in preparation for the winter. Crews have been working on snow removal equipment as well. Park and Recreation workers are getting area parks and the Cemetery ready for winter. Waterlines are being closed and drained.

Richards indicated that the utilities crews have been very busy. There was a recent air-lock at one of the pump stations, but Richards believes the problem has been resolved. Richards said that the recent air-lock has really open his eyes for needed changes in the City's water system. Crews have been busy locating water lines; adjusting service boxes; customer concerns; and caring for the everyday situations that arise.

In the past two weeks, the crews have repaired four service leaks; four main breaks; checked out many sewers; and replaced two large culverts (at Commerce and King Streets). The main lift station on Kennedy Street had two line breaks that have been repaired as well.

2. Merritt Bussiere, Community Development Director - According to Bussiere, the Parks and Recreation Survey was currently being distributed by are ROTC high school students. He said a random sample of 700 surveys were given to the cadets and they devised their own system of distribution and collection.

"They may get a bit of weather tomorrow," Bussiere told the Commission, "But that builds character!"

He said distribution was taking place on Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, and collection was taking place on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:30.

Bussiere explained that three members of the DIDA; Donna Scorse; Scott Erickson and himself toured Ashland to gain some insight on their downtown and they wasy their City conducts business. He said three central issues came to mind when it comes to the City of Ashland: (1) Positive Energy, Information and Communication;  (2) the City and the Chamber staff were on the same page on issues and initiatives; and (3) their Comprehensive Plan is relatively new, but it serves as a shared vision that all entities are following to work together.

Bussiere said he was already working with Donna Scorse to start a working relationship with the Chamber in terms of development.

Bussiere briefly discussed the work of Jane Bowman, the demolition and rehabilation programs and the Facade Grant programs that she administers. He said she wasn't just a secretary -- she is a program administrator for the City. Bussiere said he took a little time examining what Jane does, and he came to the conclusion that she's all about community quality of life and that she does a really good job.

Rick Semo asked when the survey results would be compiled. Bussiere said the timeline was to have them ready by mid-December. He said the survery would be part of the Parks and Recreation 5-year plan. The plan will be formally submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Bussiere indicated that the information would be widely shared with the media and others.

 OLD BUSINESS

L. Consider adopting Ordinance No. 478, Book 4 an Ordinance providing for the amendment to the “Code of Ordinances”, City of Ironwood, Michigan, Chapter 30 Traffic and Motor Vehicle, Article II Uniform Traffic Code, by Adding a New Division 11. All Terrain Vehicles use on City Streets for the purpose of purchasing retail goods and services in conjunction with the legal operation of an ATV, may, by the most direct route available, utilize the public alleys and streets located in the City of Ironwood - Corcoran said the issue has been heavily discussed in the past, and she made a motion to adopt the Ordinance as presented. Will Lucius seconded Corcoran's motion. Rick Semo told the Commission that enforcement was necessary for Ordinance to work. He called it a quality of life issue that people were very passionate about. There was no other discussion and a roll call vote was taken. The Ordinance was adopted by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Lamb voting not to adopt.

M. Discuss and Consider Resolution #10-048 approving designated ATV Map, Speed Limit, and time of use in the City of Ironwood - Semo indicated that the Resolution set the speed limit at 25 mph while the Ordinance that was just approved set the limit at 15 mph. Lucius pointed out that the Resolution could, in fact, adjust the set speed limits. Corcoran again stated that the issue have been very closely examined. She recommended that the Commission vote on the Resolution as presented. She therefore made a motion to adopt the Resolution.  Semo said he'd prefer to see a 15 mph speed limit for safety and liablity reasons. He said safety and noise were two issues that would be addressed by reducing the speed from 25 to 15 mph. Lucius told the Commission that two different vehicles traveling at two different speeds could be more hazardous than having everybody driving at the same rate of speed. Lamb pointed out that Trail #2 is posted at 15 mph and through the Depot Park at 5 mph. She said that the limits there are not being followed. The Commission conducted a roll call vote on the issue. The result of the vote was deadlocked. Two Commissioners favored the Resolution as written (Corcoran & Lucius), two opposed it (Semo & Lamb). The Resolution failed.

Commissioner Lucius told the Commission that he would vote to pass the Resolution with a 15 mph limit in order to allow ATVs to finish out their season. He said the speed limit could be addressed at a later time and a new Resolution could be passed if it was the Commission's desire. Both Semo and Lamb said they also have issues with the time of use allowing ATVs on City streets after 1:00 AM. Corcoran indicated that most ATVs have headlights and the noise generated from ATVs wasn't much different than that of an automobile. Lamb asked if there was a City-wide curfew. Bob Erspamer told Lamb that a 10:00 PM curfew existed for children 15 years of age or younger and that a midnight curfew was in effect for those over the age of 16. It was pointed out by City Attorney Dennis Cossi that the curfew was only to control loitering.

Lucius made a motion to adopt the Resolution with a 15 mph speed limit. Corcoran supported the motion. A roll call vote was taken. The Resolution passed by a vote of 3-1. Commissioner Lamb voted not to adopt the Resolution.

NEW BUSINESS

N. Discuss and consider support of the 2011 SISU Cross Country Ski Race - Scott Erickson explained that there will be some City involvement as there would be with any large event in the City. The Commission unanimously voted to support the Race. 

O. Consider awarding quote for repair to the Memorial Building Mechanical Room Walls and Stairs and raised chimney cap with screen to Angelo Lupino in the amount of $7,420 - The Commission unanimously voted to award the repairs quote as presented.

P. Consider authorizing advertisement for bids for a small fleet vehicle for Department of Public Works - The Commission unanimously voted to authorize advertisement for bids.

Q. Consider approving Sewer Cleaning and Televising of Norrie Location to Visu- Sewer of Pewaukee, WI in the amount of $7,875 - The Commission voted unanimously to approve the bid as presented.

R. Consider approving Sewer Cleaning and Televising of North Hemlock Street to Visu-Sewer of Pewaukee, WI in the amount of $9,450 - The Commission unanimously voted to approve the bid as presented.

S. Consider approval of Rural Development Pay Package in the amount of $2,981.50 for the City of Ironwood Utility Project – Phase II (Water Portion) and authorize Mayor to sign all applicable documents - Approved unanimously by the Commission.

T. Consider approval of Rural Development Pay Package in the amount of $1,812.50 for the City of Ironwood Utility Project – Phase II (Sewer Portion) and authorize Mayor to sign all applicable documents - Approved unanimously by the Commission.

U. Consider approval of Rural Development Pay Package in the amount of $365,307.12 for the City of Ironwood Aurora Utility Project – Phase I (Water Portion) and authorize Mayor to sign all applicable documents  - Approved unanimously by the Commission.

V. Consider approval of Rural Development Pay Package in the amount of $79,469.52 for the City of Ironwood Aurora Utility Project – Phase I (Sewer Portion) and authorize Mayor to sign all applicable documents - Approved unanimously by the Commission.

W. Consider approval of Snowmobile Trail Permit with the Gogebic Range Trail Authority for Trail #2 within the City of Ironwood -  Scott Erickson explained that the permit in question is the standard property owner permit that the GRTA requires to allow easement and use of their property.  Erickson told the Commission that the City has never been asked to such a permit, however the GRTA asked that they sign it now. Erickson told the Commission that neither party is bound to any kind of obligation, and the permit can be lifted at any time. Gemma Lamb asked what the speed limit for the trail is. Ross Kolesar told the Commission that there was no active speed limit. Lamb requested that the dates of operation be added to the document. She was told that it could be added.  Attorney Cossi recommended that no date be added since the permit can be removed at any time. He said if there are no problems with the trail as it stands, there would be no need to re-address it. The Commission voted 3-1 to approve the Trail Permit as presented. Gemma Lamb voted against approval of the Permit.

W1. Consider authorization to submit the MDOT Enhancement Grant Application for Downtown Streetscape Improvements - The Commission unanimously authorized submission of the MDOT Enhancement Grant Application for Downtown Streetscape.

W2. Consider award the cold-mix asphalt bid to Northwoods Paving in the amount of $52.10/ton loaded price - Erickson said the City was looking to puchase 200 tons. The Commission voted unanimously to award the bid as presented.

X. Manager’s Report - City Manager Scott Erickson gave his verbal report following a brief presentation by City Attorney Dennis Cossi.

Cossi told the Commission that he was in the process of researching a question that was posed to him involving staggered terms for the City Commission. Cossi said he has been playing "phone tag" with an attorney that was an expert on the issue. He said he would update the Commission as soon as he has the information requested.

• A project update was given to the Commission regarding the Water/Sewer Project in the Aurora Location. The Commission was told that things were wrapping up for the winter. The streets would be graveled. Plow drivers will be consulted to make sure that the streets were suitable for plowing. There will be a neighbor meeting on Thursday to discuss any issues or problems before Oberstar leaves the area. Notices were sent to local media and would be supplied to residents as well.
• Deer hunt is moving along. 25 does have been harvested. The first buck since the program began was taken by Dave Martin.
• Audit has begun. The audit lasts up to three weeks. The audit takes place in the Women's Club Room.
• MDOT meeting is scheduled this week in Houghton. City Staff will attend.
• US2 overlay is finished and a nice job was done.
• City Clerk's office will be open from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Saturday to accept absentee ballots.
• Nine buildings need to be demolished in the NSP district.

Y. Other Matters (Five Minute Limit) - Lucius complimented the cooperative effort done by law enforcement with the incident at Watersmeet.

Z. Citizens wishing to address the Commission on Items not on the Agenda (Five Minute Limit) - Bernie Finco disagreed that the overlay on US2 was a "nice job." He said there is a big crack in the road by McDonalds. The crack is about thirty feet between Norb's and McDonalds, according to Finco. Erickson told Finco that City Staff would bring it to MDOT's attention.

"Does anyone smell barbecue?" this reporter asked. "Because I'm roasting over here!" It was over eighty degrees in the Commission Chambers. "I don't know if you have some kind of contract with Xcel Energy, but I don't know! I'm getting grill marks," as a media reporter I am forced to sit in the back of the room right on top of the radiator. "I don't mind a tan, but this is ridiculous!"

Semo quipped that it was part of a plan to keep the meetings short.

"If anyone has a fork, you can stick it in me, because I'm done." I continued.

I went on to say that I was done with several things, and I was serious about what I was about to say.  

"I've tried to fairly and accurately report the news. I get progressively farther and farther from the meetings. Now I'm stuck in this 'grill space' over here and I feel like a short order cook. Maybe you might want me in the Mens room from now on and I'm willing to move if you'd like me to do that. But, I've asked for press releases when they come out -- I know there was a boil advisory I don't know if it was ever released to anybody, but that's information I think the public needs to know. And my medium - the medium that I work with - being on the computer and the Internet is instant. If I get something like that I put it up immediately, and I feel I've done an excellent job of that."

"If anyone wants to see the backs of their heads, I have plenty of photos, because that's the only view I get from back here.   My medium depends on visual imagery." I pointed out that the Globe is given preference -- in a better location to capture photos, and they rarely feature pictures with the Commission articles.  "I don't think they could tell the truth if their lives depended on it either."

"You have an Internet blog that does nothing but insult this entire Commission and the City, and preference is shown to these people. So, I've pretty much had it. I'm not going to report anymore. I do have a new general manager of the Chronicle, and I will be stepping down. But, I don't see any purpose to this. I've experienced discrimination in my life and this is clearly discrimination and I don't think it's fair. That's all I have to say."

Commission Semo told this reporter that I do have a point and the Commission needs to address the issue to insure that all media is treated fairly.

"Am I media? Are they media? I'm stuck," I said as I reached for the MEDIA ONLY SIGN posted next to my "desk," "You might as well say 'Coloreds Only' over here. I'm stuck in this little taped off cell here. You have a man who claims to be media sitting up in the front, and he's got full view of everything. He can take video, audio, anything he wants. What's with that? I thought I was at a meeting  where we were declared as the official internet media. Is this how you treat your official media? The Daily Globe has suddenly stepped so much farther ahead, when they haven't exactly done you any favors."

"This particular reporter," I said referring to Ms. Levra, "Doesn't know how to tell the truth. I know there'll be another expose' on me because I have the nerve to mention anything bad about the Globe. I know there's going to be a nice big write-up about my 'fraudulent' Deaf Services of America. And they'll probably look into my tax records. Whatever you want to do -- that's fine. But, if you don't want fair and accurate reporting that's up to you. But I'm not going to play this game anymore."

AA. Adjournment - No other citizens expressed an interest in speaking, so the meeting was promptly adjourned.