Thread: Clarksville Council doesn't discuss any hot topics

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Council doesn't discuss any hot topics
By ERIC SNYDER
The Leaf-Chronicle

A pre-election City Council — facing several high-profile issues at its executive session Monday — discussed none of them.

On tap for the council was:

Second reading of a city ethics policy that would require council members to disclose personal interests in items that come before the council.

Second reading of an ordinance prescribing rules for the distancing of driveways, a years' old effort.

A proposed ordinance prohibiting the city from contracting with anyone that hires illegal aliens, the second immigration-related bill to come before the council in as many months.

A resolution approving the bylaws, charter and appointees to a sports authority to oversee the potential development of a Multi-Purpose Events Center.

Six council members and Clarksville Mayor Don Trotter are in contested races on the Nov. 7 ballot. Four councilmembers and Trotter are up for re-election, Ward 11 Councilman Morrell Boyd is running against Trotter, and Ward 2 City Councilman Ken Takasaki is running for state representative.

The council will vote on the issues Thursday.

Of nonzoning related ordinances, there was only one question — Takasaki wondered if the names of the appointments to the Clarksville-Montgomery County Sports Authority were in the council members' packets.

Trotter's nominations to the 11-member authority are Connie Silk, Jeannie Beauchamp, Tracy Jackson, Larry Rocconi and Randy Clouser.

Trotter and County Mayor Carolyn Bowers co-nominated former County Mayor Doug Weiland.

Those six appointments are subject to the council's approval Thursday.

Bowers' other nominations are Carolyn Pierce, Milan Lewis, Steve Stroman, Don Jenkins and Billy Atkins.

They are subject to the commission's approval next week.

Takasaki, sponsor of the ordinance prohibiting the city from contracting with anyone who knowingly employs illegal aliens, took the council's silence as a good sign.

"I think the City Council had the opportunity to ask any questions they'd have liked to ask me," Takasaki said. "Apparently the ordinance was clear, and (I'm) looking forward to unanimous approval (Thursday)."

Takasaki's ordinance is similar to a state law signed by Gov. Phil Bredesen in June that applies to state contractors.

The council tabled last month an ordinance from Ward 4 Councilman Wallace Redd that would have levied a $1,000 fine on anyone who employed or rented to illegal aliens.

Ward 6 Councilman Marc Harris, who made the motion to table Redd's ordinance, said last week he'd move to untable it. Monday, however, he said there would be no further discussion on the matter.

"There's no reason to bring it back up," Harris said. "I'm just going to leave it alone."

Trotter adjourned Monday's meeting cautiously. "A 45-minute executive session meeting?" he asked. "Something is wrong."

Eric Snyder covers city government and the courts. He can be reached by phone at 245-0262 or by e-mail at ericsnyder@theleafchronicle.com.

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Illegals ordinance advances
Second vote is necessary to make measure city law
By ERIC SNYDER
The Leaf-Chronicle
October 6, 2006

The City Council unanimously approved first reading Thursday of an ordinance prohibiting the city from contracting with anyone who knowingly employs illegal immigrants.

Violation of the ordinance would prohibit the person or firm from contracting with the city or bidding on any city projects for one year.

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The ordinance, proposed by Ward 2 Councilman Ken Takasaki, is the second illegal immigration ordinance to go before the council in as many months.

In October, the council tabled an ordinance from Ward 4 Councilman Wallace Redd which would have fined landlords or employers who sheltered or employed illegal immigrants.

The ordinance voted on Thursday does not outline punishment for illegal immigrants, only the companies which are found to be employing them.

"The fact that it stops short of that is what keeps me from having any concerns of its legality," City Attorney David Haines told council members.

In response to the council's questions, Haines expanded on the repercussions of the ordinance, some of them apparently surprising Takasaki.

Answering a question from Ward 11 Councilman Morrell Boyd, Haines said contractors found in violation of the ordinance will be allowed to continue work on that particular project.

Takasaki said he would entertain an amendment to void existing contracts as violations were confirmed, but none were offered.

The one-year ban on providing work or new bids only applies to subsequent projects, Haines said.

Also, companies that are found to have prior violations with federal Immigration and Naturalization Services shall be prohibited from ever contracting with the city because of that past conduct.

Ward 7 Councilman Mary Nell Wooten asked, "And that's a bad thing?"

Takasaki has said enforcement of the ordinance, which requires contractors to attest in writing they will employ no illegal immigrants, will be done on a "good faith basis."

In a prepared statement to the council, Takasaki said anyone concerned that a contractor may be employing illegal immigrants should "call the INS customer service center."

Eric Snyder covers city government and the courts. He can be reached by telephone at 245-0262, or by e-mail at ericsnyder@theleafchronicle.com.

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City Council takes first step on illegal alien ordinance
By ERIC SNYDER
The Leaf-Chronicle

October 5, 2006

The City Council tonight unanimously approved first-reading of an ordinance prohibiting Clarksville from contracting with anyone who knowingly employs illegal aliens.

Anyone found in violation of the ordinance will be restricting from doing work for the city or bidding on any of its projects for one year.

City Attorney David Haines said his interpretation of the ordinance also prohibited companies with documented Immigration and Naturalization Services violations from ever being awarded a city contract.

Thursday's was the second consecutive council meeting featuring an illegal immigration ordinance.

In September, the council tabled an ordinance proposed by Ward 4 Councilman Wallace Redd which would have levied fines against landlords or businesses who hired or sheltered illegal immigrants.

The ordinance voted on Thursday, sponsored by Ward 2 Councilman Ken Takasaki, must pass a second vote.

In other action, the council also approved an ethics policy for all city employees by a 10-2 vote.

For more on this story, see Friday's edition of The Leaf-Chronicle.

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Illegals ordinance advances
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