City Council: We're Not Retreating

It might've sounded innocent enough, Jeff Berding's proposal to send all council members on a "professionally facilitated planning session" with the mayor and city manager. But apparently some didn't think so.



The idea, which Berding pushed for a vote on Wednesday even after Mayor Mark Mallory urged sending the idea through a committee for more discussion. So when the vote happened, the idea failed, 5-4. Those in favor: Berding, Chris Bortz, Laketa Cole and Leslie Ghiz.



Berding said he just didn't want it "indefinitely hanging out there. I'd like it resolved one way or another."



Roxanne Qualls said she didn't disagree that having a plan might be helpful, she just thought it should be an effort led by the mayor.



Cecil Thomas said: "I believe we charge our city manager to have a plan." He also said that council's committee structure is designed for hashing out plans.