I do live in College Station, and that has been my expectation too. Because all our city council members are at large, there isn't one specific one that I think of as my voice on the council, but theoretically I (and other College Station residents) could go to any or all of our city council members to express our concerns about something (like this sewer issue).Roxie146 said:This is sort of interesting - the tail wagging the dog sort of thing.threecatcorner said:
Have you seen this? https://wtaw.com/opponents-college-station-sewer-trunk-line-through-south-bryan-neighborhoods-appear-last-weeks-bryan-college-station-city-council-meetings/
Yancy (I think he was the most recently elected member of CS city council, or maybe there are 2 that new) asked why it's not on a city council agenda through May 24 and city manager said it will appear on an agenda once city staff feels they have something to present to council.
CS City Council members aren't allowed to put stuff on the agenda?
I think in Bryan if Council wants to discuss something it takes 2 or 3 ( - not sure of the number) to get an item on the agenda for discussion.
It does not take the city manager to decide what is relevant and what is not. And why does there have to be something to be "voted" on. Can the College Station council not discuss an issue and direct staff.
Who is working for whom?
I would certainly hate to think that the Council in College Station is only there to rubber stamp what staff decides.
If I were to be allowed to vote in College Station my expectation would be that my Council member (all of them since they are at large) is my voice on managing the city. The Council is elected by the people where as the city manager is only a hired hand and should be working at the direction of the council - the Council does not work for him.
But then I don't live in College Station.
I certainly thought they could get something put on an agenda although I am not familiar with the exact procedures.
I don't remember ever voting for city manager, so I think you are correct that he is someone the city hired, so I'm guessing that means when he says "city staff", he's including himself in that group as the head of the staff.
It is very weird to me if he's actually deciding what they discuss rather than possibly just putting stuff on the agenda (maybe deciding the order of items) that city council asks him to include.