Politics & Government
City Manager To Park Panel: "I'm Sorry"
Phil Vince apologizes for suggesting that the Park, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission cut its meetings to every other month to save money.
It isn’t often a city manager says a public “mea culpa” for suggesting ways to save money in tough economic times, but Wednesday Martinez City Manager Phil Vince made a public apology to the Park, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission for his suggestion that the panel cut its meetings to six a year, from the present 12.
Vince made the suggestion to two PRMCC members last month during a discussion on ways the city is trying to save money. , particularly in light of the city-wide parks renovation project funded through Measure H, now underway. A number of people were in the audience at Wednesday’s joint City Council/PRMCC meeting ready to lobby the council to keep the meetings monthly.
The meeting Wednesday began with Vince’s apology.
Find out what's happening in Martinezfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“My approach was hurtful and seemed offensive,” he said. “We work in the narrow world of budgets. If I offended anyone, I apologize. I’m trying to figure out how to juggle operations and budget constraints with a lack of resources. Some of that involves shuffling people.”
Vince said that he will provide rotating staff for the panel’s meetings, and Assistant City Manager Alan Shear will serve as the primary point person.
Find out what's happening in Martinezfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
That idea was not universally embraced, either.
“I’m concerned that the rotation of staff diminishes the continuity of our work,” said PRMCC commissioner Don Pollatta. “Our staff person tracks the things we discuss. If we have a rotating person, things might fall through the cracks.”
“You need a point person to coordinate those issues,” agreed Mayor Rob Schroder. “That’s what the city manager intends to do.”
He added that the council had not been made aware of the idea to reduce PRMCC meetings prior to Wednesday’s meeting.
“The council realizes how important this commission is to the city,” said councilwoman Lara DeLaney. “Of course the PRMCC is vital to our efforts here in the city.”
Councilman Mark Ross suggested that the council take turns visiting the PRMCC meetings on a regular basis, to keep the lines of communication open.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
