Fee Waivers, Seasonal Wage Changes on Agenda

Given that some of the most vocal citizens lately are those concerned with Recreation, items on tomorrow's agenda are sure to cause comment.

There are two resolutions to waive 2015 fees, one for use of fields by the Asociacion Deportiva Hispana Men's Adult Soccer League and another for the Plainfield Soccer Club. Both clubs made written requests.

There is also a lengthy ordinance with new salary ranges for various seasonal, hourly and temporary workers, including lifeguards, playground staff, recreation leaders and swimming pool night watchmen. The minimum is based on the new state minimum wage and the maximums vary.

As previously reported, former Recreation staff members have challenged innovations in new programs and policies under Recreation Superintendent Roni Taylor. Some speakers seem to want to turn back the clock to the days of her predecessor, Dave Wynn, while other rhetoric has to do with which sports are are more "American" than others. Both subjects become rather tedious for the rest of the audience after an hour or so, especially when the same arguments are offered at meeting after meeting and the combatants have already had plenty of face time with officials seeking to resolve the issues.

Among other items of interest, the $4 million road repair bond ordinance that failed at a special meeting for lack or a quorum is on the agenda for first reading.

Another one is a resolution for a $181,153 lien on the North Avenue property where a building was demolished in 2010. This one will require some research in order to tell the story concisely. Developer Frank Cretella is interested in acquiring the property, but it is unclear to me how the lien will play into any deal the city strikes, because of the timing. Maybe by May 11 I will be able to have a coherent report.

For those who have an ear out for the sound of other shoes dropping, the mayor is appointing Inez Durham to the Plainfield Public Library board replacing Dan Damon, who resigned.

Be aware that the council meets at 7:30 p.m. in Municipal Court. The PMUA meeting is 6 p.m. at 127 Roosevelt Avenue and at least one blog commenter is asking PMUA workers to show up en masse to tell the commissioners they want to get paid Thursday. Sudden changes in top personnel have some workers worried that there won't be anybody to sign their paychecks.

--Bernice