Test

Ask Van Fossen!
 

Alderman Hamerlink:

I the last committee meeting you made a statement that the old NEo hadn't been working for the past 8 years, where do you get this information?

What exactly was not working and where did you get the information? Did you have any doing with the NEO prior to becomimng and alderman?

Thank you,

A solo resident
 

I must apologize for my delay in my response. For the past eight years Davenport City Councils have been changing and playing with the NEO program in an effort to make it better. Through each change we have told the people of Davenport that each fix will be the last and the program will be better for changing. My concern is that we design a program which will last for many years in the future and be fair to everyone involved.
 

Alderman Hamerlinck:

I still have the question of what didn't work with the program. Was it the inspectors, was it the leadership, or was it the was way the program was set up? I'm sorry to ask, but I was unaware of any public discussion of why, other than a few discruntled landlords not getting there way. Are these landlords your source of information?

Do you plan to support the fire department's plan to increase inspectors, go after problem landlords and preditor lenders?

Thank you.

Another solo resident
 

Shawn,

You did the right thing with supporting the Fire Department. Way to come around, now support them in their fight to rid this city of bad properties.

2nd Ward Resident
 

Are you going to answer the question about how you came to the decision about the old NEO or continue to ignore it!
 

I apologize for not checking this post earlier to answer questions.

I have to believe and support the claim that the Fire Department was going to be unable to handle the caseload which would be expected of them this summer.

I believe the interest of comments posted here and of questions asked of me through emails, is whether or not the 2004 decision of the Council to establish inspection cycles will be followed as approved or ignored.

We know that roughly 85% of properties are handled and maintained properly. Our goal should be to clean up the 15% of properties which cause 95% of the problems and avoid punishing those properties which are taken care of.

The true test for this Council this summer is how well we follow through with enforcing the very policy we approved. This responsibility falls on my shoulders as well.

I reviewed at our last Ward Meeting my original decision to move NEO because of efficiency problems and an effort to save personal in the Fire Department due to the recommended 46 cent reduction in the operating levy. If anyone would like to revisit this original discussion I welcome you to give me a call.

Again, I apologize for the delay. If you have any other questions, feel free to send them to me.