Thursday, July 17, 2008

July 17 City Council Fireworks

Following the invocation by Councilman Eugene Lowe, Thursday night's city council meeting devolved into a chaotic assembly of citizens, shills and developers with an iron-fisted Mayor Don Hudson struggling to retain control of the proceedings.

First up were the consent items but there was no open items report from the City's crack accounting/audit firm. No action was taken on consent items.

The second order of business was a presentation by the Weir Brothers on another planned industrial development on the North-East "corner" of I-45 and Mars Road. More distribution/warehouse development is planned, with the claimed addition of 300 local jobs to the area. This was an information only item, no action required.

The third item on the agenda, a public hearing of the planned Xebec development of 95-plus acres just West of the railroad tracks at Belt Line Road. Breaching statutory conduct, Hudson suspended any semblance of Roberts Rules of Order and effectively dictated terms to the less-than-enthusiastic citizens and more-than-glowing recommendations of nonresident property owners who were obviously bought in by the developer. It seemed that the three minutes granted to citizen-speakers was to include rebuttal time by both the council and the developers present. One local business owner yielded her three minutes (and the floor) to another speaker only to be silenced by Hudson. Speakers not using their full three minutes were not allowed to speak again or yield their time.

When the public hearing was closed the next item, voting on the report from the P&Z Commission, was delayed so Marlena Hagen could be present for the vote (ED NOTE: Last week the P&Z Commission voted AGAINST the proposal).

The next two items, approving the Mayor to sign a tax abatement for US Industrial REIT II and approving electrical work on the fire department were quickly and efficiently dispatched.

Then it was scheduled to vote on an ordinance (08-0717) of undetermined purpose and scope without explanation but purporting to relate to passing the liquor option election. The ordinance was not read or explained to any degree, but Councilman Leal questioned the legality of the election at the request of several citizens. And a small but vocal group raised objections based on fraudulent and forged signatures, irregularities in the processing of the petition for a place on the ballot. In the end, Councilman Dean Rolison moved to accept the ordinance, the motion died for lack of a second. Councilwoman Tiny Lange moved to table consideration of the ordinance until next council meeting and the Attorney Generals office could comment on the potential fraud. That motion died without a second after Hudson effectively quashed it by stating that there was no guarantee the Texas Attorney Generals office could or would comment by the next meeting. Then Lange asked Rolison to make the motion to accept the ordinance again (ED: what parliamentary procedure is that?) so she could second it. The motion passed.

Before adjourning into executive (closed) session, an item to cancel the uniform contract with Cinta and get bids for replacing city workers uniforms was passed.

Upon returning from executive session . The council then called the question regarding the P&Z Commission recommendation on the Xebec development proposal, which died for lack of a motion. (ED NOTE: it appears this was on advice of counsel).

The council swiftly approved arbitration proceedings with former City Administrator Thom Lauer regarding his termination. Hudson then adjourned the meeting, but was interrupted regarding item K, termination of Ernest Terry. Hudson stated no action was required although the agenda item was never addressed before adjournment.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

This was a most interesting session in that we got a really good example of what democracy and parlimentary procedure is NOT. A high school civics class would be totally in the dark. I know I was. Not to mention, the City Secretary who was excluded for the Executive Session as she was not "needed." So what is next for Wilmer? Will Mayor Don instigate his own miltary police as in SS troups? Is the Texas town of Wilmer now under a dictatorship? Stay tuned for the next Wilmer City Council meeting!

Editor Publisher said...

We don't see any SS troups, but it does seem that Wilmer PD's ranks are being purposefully thinned of those not "in line" with the city's political power mongers.

Anonymous said...

How bout the two guys from outta town in favor of that warehouse project? One guy already made a big profit from selling his land. Wonder if they investors in the developers company?

Anonymous said...

Or maybe they are being systematically dismissed now that the statute of limitations prevents them from being a threat?

Anonymous said...

It is obvious that the Mayor, and because of his convincing, unconscience ability to lie should be Hitler, and with a blink will unleashed family and underlingings to do nasty things to those that cross him, he has his own set of laws and ordinances. The most disgraceful thing that I observe is the immorality of certain other council members. One member left vacation bible school to attend an illegal exec session, participate, vote, and then argue in open public that allow liquor sales, although illegally passed, should be allowed, a Baptist once abused by an alcholic man!Surely you did not go back into God's house, he knows the truth and your heart!Where is your soul,we know there's no mind there?Are these people just litenents under Hitler, or are they dirty as well? Not one item has came up under this new council to truly benefit the citizens of Wilmer. Proper planning is not done,codes are as dictated, no procedures, citizens have to explain the Texas Law to the council and then it is not followed. There is proof, that the mayor has lied about his residence to different government agencies prior to the election,not only is that fraud, it's punishable by prison and loss of lively hood. Who will bail your granddaughter out then? You have allowed this city and the city records, to become such a joke,blaming others,although that is YOUR job, one must ask the question WHY? And this has been going on for all of your administration. If a council person votes on an item that is illegal and fraudulent,each of those councilpeople are committing a crime. There is no "I didn't know". Because you are an elected official, it is your job to know. City council meetings, state government sessions, and even the federal assemblies are all conducted by Robert's Rules of Order.In Wilmer,we use Wilmer Law, and the Justice department will not be too happy upon their investigtion,which is definitly coming. People have voted on items they have an personal interest gain in. Statutes are not followed. And the Mayor LEGALLY lives in PALMER, out of county. Remember a little thing called IRS, must be turned in on April 15th, that was during the election campaigne,while he ws swearing he lived in Wilmer. Think on that one! That is falsifying federal documents! Taking money and not reporting it, at least 2 members of the council have done so. Not only is there proof,their actions have shown that they have been faithful to the sin. BETTER RUN! What is the vision of Wilmer? What is the future of Wilmer. Is it the same as Pleasnt Grove? Simpson Struart Rd and old 45,now know as 310? That was once a thriving area where people lived, unafraid, until the Dallas City Council turned it into an industrial area,just like we are heading.And the landowners went away broken hearted and received nothing for thier real estate. Just like what will happen to the folks on Summers, Little, Goode and Beltline if this council has it's way. We allknow about the drug mafia, the illegal environmental issues, and the illegal grocery/liquor sales in our backyard. Our children are shipped to how many shools in Dallas? And yes, that too, is a result of incompetent leadership in this city by the people we have elected.Is ignorance really a blessing? Abe Lincoln said,"Give a person power, and you see their real character" it is so true! Now I am not one to critize and not suggest a solution. To the people, stand up, become involved, know what is TRULY happening, not gossip, and demand what is yours! Demand that your streets are clean and safe! That means making calls to your councilmembers and mayor, (his home number is (972-845-2041,call at bedtime and see if he is not comfortable in bed in his new home) Do a reverse lookup, it's Neck Road, Palmer, TX. To the politicians, Don - RESIGN,RUN TO PALMER,GET UNDER MOMMA's SKIRT,and PRAY! Your past is catching up. To the other members on the council, and you know who you are, get your legal affairs in order, get educated, info the public of your conflicts of interest,stop giving our city away to developers of warehouses @ 50% tax abatements that will not truly give the city benefits,and issue a moratorium (that means a hold), on new warehouses until a comprehensive study,that's one that looks at the entire area, is done. Understand and get help, via grants, not pocket donations, from the regional, state and federal agencies out there to help cities such are Wilmer. Although, WE KNOW MEMBERS OF THE COUNCILS ARE LIARS, CROOKS, AND HAVE LET EVERYONE KNOW "WILMER IS FOR SALE", IT IS NOT! Children are trying to grow up here and hopefully they will be contributing to this County's future in a good way, but you are not being good examples. What is most important? Intergrity and honestly or a fat pocket? We all know, aren't you ashamed? We are! Wilmer is the perfect bedroom community for professionals to live rather than drive 2 hours to get home,but the politicians have kept that from happening and will continue, as they build they new homes away from Wilmer. They will not live with the destruction as it plays out. The resources in this area are far more valuble, tax wise and long term than most people know because it has been hidden. Stop it! Resign! Maybe, move out of the country! The Revolution has begun!

Anonymous said...

To the Midalothian/Mansfield guy-we have fought to try and keep our town environmentally clean, hard and for many years. If we had of known you were coming, we would have baked you a cake, one decorated with the children dying from rotten air and nasty dirty, parents and old people with coffins from the environmental deaths. Maybe a few bloody noses to drubbly red decoration. Sure you have more income, the industries there have to pay more so that they can continue their genocide. Do you call your mayor Hitler as well? Or are you seeing these actions as medical experiments? Who paid your gas to come to Wilmer and make a fool of yourself? We all know what's happen there! Shame on you!

Editor Publisher said...

To comment on Anonymous' posting of 7/19/2008 @ 3:35PM
DISCLAIMER
Please note that blog comments are the views of our readers and Wilmer Public Citizen bears no liability for their content.

Anonymous said...

This was the worst City Council Meeting I have attended since my husband and I started coming on CC Meeting nights. Here are my problems:
1. No regularly scheduled Public Forum so concerns can be addressed to the Council and Mayor. Time is set aside in all City Council meetings and at all Commissioner Court Meetings.
2. From the United States Senate/House of Represemtatives down the the smallest incorporated Township a person has the right and privilege to yield his/her time to another speaker.
3. The City Council was run like a private business meeting and not run well.
4. Where are the Black citizens of Wilmer? Do they care enough to be heard or not? Why don't they come? It is their city too. I wonder about things like this.
I am signing this.
5. The Companies requesting special privileges, zoning, favors, etc. should have the guts and means to provide literature to every individual at the City Council. They do have the funds to provide handouts don't they? If not, then may be you all need to be more careful about what you pass.
6. By the way, one says, " I move that so and so." One then says, "I second the motion." A question is called. A discussion follows. Then the approval is call for once all discussion ceases.
In the minutes, one may them record and motion was made and seconded.

One cannot MAKE a Motion. One can only say, "I move that...."
7. I was apalled at the lack of parlimentary proceedure.

Like I told my boss (and we are on good terms) when I found out about executive privilege on the County email, "I won't talk behind your back. If I am going to call you or any one else an SOB you can damn well bet I'll say it to you face first."

Don Hudson and City Council I am ashamed of the way you behaved and censored this and the other City Council Meetings.

We are a Republic and susposed to be a democatic republic...I din not see that at the meeting.

Mary Phinney
A Citizen of the Wilmer Community.

Anonymous said...

To the last citizen, Hudson and others made sure that you will not be heard. He even had the citizens request moved to the bottom of the agenda and when that did not work he refused to let anyone speak. If you were one of the lucky ones that finally was able to be heard, it was allowed for each council member to bash the citizen and be yelled at by Hudson or any one else. So because it is so hard to get on the agenda, most don't.

Anonymous said...

To the last citizen, Hudson and others made sure that you will not be heard. He even had the citizens request moved to the bottom of the agenda and when that did not work he refused to let anyone speak. If you were one of the lucky ones that finally was able to be heard, it was allowed for each council member to bash the citizen and be yelled at by Hudson or any one else. So because it is so hard to get on the agenda, most don't.

Anonymous said...

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you can learn something...YOU HAVE RIGHTS. YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IGNORANCE. YOU HAVE TO DEAL AND LIVE WITH STUPIDITY.

http://law.justia.com/texas/codes/lg.html

TITLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

TITLE 2. ORGANIZATION OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 5. TYPES OF MUNICIPALITIES IN GENERAL
CHAPTER 6. TYPE A GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITY
CHAPTER 7. TYPE B GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITY
CHAPTER 8. TYPE C GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITY
CHAPTER 9. HOME-RULE MUNICIPALITY
CHAPTER 21. GENERAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING GOVERNING BODY OF MUNICIPALITY
CHAPTER 22. ALDERMANIC FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN TYPE A GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITY
CHAPTER 23. ALDERMANIC FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN TYPE B GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITY
CHAPTER 24. COMMISSION FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITY
CHAPTER 25. CITY MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITY
CHAPTER 26. FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN HOME-RULE MUNICIPALITY
CHAPTER 41. MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES
CHAPTER 42. EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF MUNICIPALITIES
CHAPTER 43. MUNICIPAL ANNEXATION
CHAPTER 51. GENERAL POWERS OF MUNICIPALITIES
CHAPTER 52. ADOPTION OF MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
CHAPTER 53. CODE OF MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
CHAPTER 54. ENFORCEMENT OF MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES
CHAPTER 61. CONSOLIDATION OF MUNICIPALITIES
CHAPTER 62. ABOLITION OF MUNICIPALITIES

Anonymous said...

Citizens of Wilmer you have no voice. You are going to wake up someday without a government. At least show up at City Council Meetings...make it STANDING ROOM ONLY. There is strenghth in numbers. It should be your decision as to if this is a town or an industrial district. It can be both.

Growth is good if there is a residential population supporting and surrounding it. If you lose the areas on both sides of Beltline east of I-45, where can residential development occur? Apparently, the annexing of this area for single family homes is deliberately being delayed so that it can be used for some kind of wrecking yard or old auto storeage.

Don't let the city disolve into oblivion. At least, stand up and say I want a City here or "Let's vote to unincorporate and let this become an Industrial District.

Anonymous said...

I know this will not get posted, but I am going to say it anyway. You people are a joke thinking that you can do better. You know when the election is why didn't you run? You seem to think that you can do so much better. Stop complaining and do something. All I have read is a bunch of crybabies bull. You are all suppose to be adults but yet you act like babies. I think that Hudson has done alot of good things for the city.

Anonymous said...

I'll bet everyone that has written a comment here HAS voted with the exception of those who live in the Community's ETJ and are affected by the City but legally...LEGALLY cannot vote and legally ...LEGALLY cannot run for office.