The overlooked part concerning new experiences in life is you must prepare for them. At least if you wish to succeed. Such is the case with becoming a new council member.
My new experience in life was attending the council member academy sponsored by The League of California Cities. It had been a very long time since I had attended any type of an academy. The last time was 1974 when I attended the San Mateo County Police Academy and I recall the trepidation I felt when I was sent there.
It’s similar to the experience you encounter on your first day at grammar school. It’s something altogether new and different that’s needed to be learned. At least if you expect to prosper and excel as you embark on a new path in life. Your natural concern is how well you’ll perform in class since you don’t wish to look bad.
Fortunately I held my own and succeeded not to embarrass our fair City. I might add our Mayor, Linda Koelling did very well as did my fellow Council Member Pam Frisella. We learned many things. It was more of a learning experience for me since our Mayor already has had two years of experience in office.
I learned the fundamentals of conduct at a council meeting and all about the Brown Act. This is the law passed by the Legislature that requires public access to meetings and requires the elected officials to let the public speak. It’s a good law.
In essence it means three or more members of any city council cannot meet and discuss city business without inviting the public. Incidentally, I also learned our state legislature exempted themselves from any adherence to the Brown Act.
I received informative lessons at to what my role is as your elected public servant. I learned about land use planning, understanding municipal finance, striking a balance between one’s personal and public life and most importantly legal issues. All in all it was a supreme learning experience and well worth the expended time and effort.
At the conclusion of class I had to promise not to come back with my new wealth of information and tell City Staff and fellow Members of Council on what we need to do. So in the end I am now a little bit wiser and a little better prepared to serve our community.
On a different note, I was asked by a community member to look into the issue of whether or not our refuse disposal service, Allied Waste, will pick up trash cans stored in our side yards. It came about as a concern by a fellow community member who would come home late on garbage day and find his light weight Rubbermaid trash can down the block as the result of our sometimes fierce afternoon winds. Well the answer is yes.
Allied Waste will pick up your refuse at your side yard. I spoke with Stacy Wagner who is the Customer Services Manager at Allied Waste who told me the following, “Customers can call us at 650.592.2411 and let us know that they would like side yard service going forward.
I would suggest that you include the info I shared about being consistent as to where the container is placed (at the curb versus in the yard) so that customers receive consistent service from us.” What Stacey means is you need to let Allied Waste know you want the trash cans picked up at your side yard so the collectors know.
I plan on beginning my Sunday meeting with members of the community in February and I’ll let you know the exact date in my next Council Corner. If you have any questions or remarks you wish heard until them please feel free to call me at 650-286-3504 or e-mail me at jkiramis@fostercity.org.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you.
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