I really like this format for relaying the events of the City Council meetings. Much easier to read.

Sandra — Thanks for the feedback. I know we have a lot of folks who read the live blog when I'm there in person, but I'll look into a way that we can better accomplish both.

Sean

It... was a freaking fence.

Clearly what needs to happen is the City Hall employee who gave "permission" for this wall to be erected needs to be fired - TODAY. If the person has enough stature within the administration to be able to issue opinions for the City, then their error should have repercussions. To be a person with authority and not know the process does not bode well for future actions. Best to eliminate the employee right this minute and not expose the taxpayers to their incompetence any further.

Andrew, You need to have the background information and know what actually occurred and not just bits and pieces of hearsay to make a decision like that.
I believe in this case the brick wall that the city employee told the property owner that no permit was required for, was to replace the siding on the front wall of the residence with brick. The brick wall with entrance columns that was built next to the side walk was supposed to be simply some type of retaining structure to eliminate the slope of the front yard which would not have required a license agreement. Once the brick structure was erected on city property then there was the requirement as all others have been to obtain a license agreement approved by the city council. It always helps to know the whole story.

For the record - the only party I have any personal or professional relationship with regarding this fense issue is Mary Martin and it has always been positive. I have enjoyed food and drink and conversation with her on many social occasions. All positive experiences. Every day in our store we send business to her business, even going so far a to provide the customer a written rack card we produced at our own expense that includes her business name and address. We also provide our customerss a map and we had write on that nap her business location as a business friendly gesture. As for my relationship with mr Fiocchi -his wife has been kind enough to bring her out of town visitors into our store to shop. I have never had the oportunity to be in a social situation with then, never enjoyed shacks, a drink or a meal. I have never entered their property beyond the public sidewalk. I was grateful when mr Fiocchi offered his float to include our Bahoukas banners (went well with his antique car) as well as la cuchinas banners (to support mr Fiocchi's itailian heritage). Mr Fiocchi reminds me very much of my husband George with his feisty manner and his very tender unfairness button.

If I were Mr. Fiocchi I'd remove the fence planks carefully, remove the posts, and re-apply for the permit when the political winds shift away from the current regime. The prevailing council members had no problems with the fence; their problems were with Mr. Fiocchi's criticism of neighbor Mary Martin's previous activities. It's so simple to understand when you realize that good judgment and good citizenry have nothing to do with it, it's all politics. Save the fence--for another day.

Too bad the audio was missing from the HCN broadcast for the first hour and then rebroadcast with the sound a little after only to cut off while Councilmember Wagner was trying to make her point. Hopefully the meeting will be rebroadcast without the glitches.

This is so silly! I am proud to have been raised in a beautiful town where people treated one another with respect and cared for their neighbors and friends like family. This entire ordeal certainly is not indicitive of the community that I grew up in.

I'm grateful to Mr. Fiocchi for tilling the land for the community garden; it is one of the best projects ever to be brought to fruition, and it was spearheaded by Barbara Wagner and the HdG Green Team.
The bottom line in the fence issue is that policy is written for a reason, and should be followed in every instance with fairness and consistency. If the fence was approved for a certain number of feet, then that length is what should have been built. If the brick wall on Market St. was built differently than was originally presented for approval, then it should be amended or removed. However, from what I understand, that homeowner was told he didn't need prior approval. That's a flaw in policy execution for sure. The Fence Wars of 2012 are ridiculous, but I think they are happening for the sole purpose of making the City become ever more diligent in writing and following policies, without playing favoritism to anyone, even if they have funded the mayor's campaigns or own businesses in town. Mr. Fiocchi, like me, is a relative newcomer to town, but we pay taxes and promote the City just like native HdG citizens. Let's hope this issue is about flawed policy execution and not about favoritism, but in either case, improvement is necessary.

In case you missed the meeting or the fabulous showing on HCN. I can't wait for the Awards Ceremony at the next City Council meeting. There will be many more awards that we have not seen before. City Award for Best Actor, City Award for Best Actress, City Award for Best Supporting Actor, City Award for Best Supporting Actress, City Award for Best Sound Editing, City Award for Best Story. The best part is you don't need a Tux to attend the show.

Shawn, I know this is off topic, but I just wanted to thank you so very very much for providing water for our community garden. It just amazes me how wonderful you and your crew have been, and how quickly the empty barrels get filled. I had no idea how terrific this project could be, and your efforts are a huge part of its success. Please thank everyone who has been involved in helping us; not a day goes by that we plot-adopters don't thank the fire department and your involvement. God bless you all.

I've shut off comments on this article because the conversation has gone off-topic.

Thanks,
Sean

Comments from user Hans-Adam III, Prince of Liechtenstein have been deleted or violation of Patch's terms of use.

Sean