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| City Council Meeting Transcript August 6, 5:30 PM |
| Scot Welch's Comments |
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BY MR. WELCH: Thank you for letting me speak tonight. In the
next few days, TV, magazines, books, radios and newspapers are going to
report what you decide nationally. Let's show the nation a city that works
with its citizens. Let's show them that this government can be
proactive and helpful, that this can be a win-win situation for
everyone. All you have to do is amend the ordinance to state that
accessory buildings, treehouses and playhouses are not allowed in the front
yard. It is that simple. It will clear the confusion. It is not
a legal stretch either. I have studied several ordinances. Other
cities have done this exact thing. They clearly list what they
consider accessory use.
On the other hand, it is a legal stretch to call a treehouse an accessory building when treehouse is not defined in the ordinance and when Mary was granted permission to build it and when two inspectors approved the property. Under the city's very broad and loose interpretation, even flower beds and rocking chairs can be called an accessory use and banned. On the CBS Early Show this morning, it was hinted that doghouses may be next. It would not be difficult to amend this ordinance. You amended it March of this year. You know how to do it. Thank goodness that this treehouse happens to be something that the community avidly supports. It makes your decision that much easier. Let's wake in the morning to news that shows happy children and a grateful neighborhood. Let's finally create positive news for our city and state. You can tell the press that you have taken steps to prevent confusion in the future. Mary and I will be free to devote more time to our family. Public opinion will refocus on the issues facing this city. This government can turn its attention to our schools and people. The already overburdened courts will be freed of one more case that can be solved by simple, responsible government action. Your timing would be perfect because our country is in desperate need for some good news about children right now. Our children deserve good news. Please show reluctance to drag another hardworking, law-abiding, taxpaying family to court. Please do not continue to threaten a family of four children with arrest, fines and jail time. It only looks ridiculous in this situation. This treehouse is not hurting anyone. It adds character to our city, and it can provide a positive civic lesson well into the future. This treehouse is a landmark. Just read the news. Do not ignore the hundreds of letters, phone calls, petitions and personal visits in support of this treehouse. Do not forget the people who voted you into your jobs. If you will not listen to the passionate pleas of the people on this issue, how can we trust you to represent the people on much larger issues? Vote to keep the treehouse and amend the ordinance to clear all confusion. It's a win-win decision. You have a unique opportunity tonight to be heroes. Take it, turn public opinion in your favor. Amend the ordinance, vote to keep the treehouse. It is that simple. Thank you. BY MAYOR AULTMAN: Thank you. (Clapping by audience.) |
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