Officer Dale Wyatt placed on adminstration leave

The Hawk Eye published information about Officer Dale Wyatt's administration paid leave for attempting to disrupt and steal someone's cell phone from recording.  A video surfaced of the incident that prompted the Burlington Police Department to conduct an investigation.

http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/Cell-phone-slap-111814

Burlington City Council voted 4-1 against gun ordiance; mayor having a meltdown; The Hawk Eye and KBUR sits silent on the issue

On Monday night, the Burlington City Council voted down the gun ordinance that was written up by Burlington Police Chief Doug Beaird.

The only person who voted favor of the ordinance was councilman Bob Fleming.

Before the vote was called for, Mayor Shane McCampbell stated that he was in favor of the ordinance during the meeting.  He made multiple statements in previous meetings as well as television and phone interviews/broadcasts.

http://wqad.com/2014/07/07/burlington-considering-toy-gun-regulations/
http://www.iowagunowners.org/legislation/iowa/item/81-burlington-ia-city-council-stopped-by-gun-owners-for-now

Mayor McCampbell denies that toy guns were to be part of the ordinance despite the wording that was made for the ordinance reading.  He became very animated and angry during portions of the meeting due to the overwhelming emails, phone calls, and Facebook posts being made about him, the council, and the police chief.  That includes about the mayor doing something unprofessional.

An editorial in The Hawk Eye discussed about the illegal misconduct each of the council members have been doing for violating the Iowa open meetings laws.  They are believed to have been committing walking quorums.  Its currently being looked into.

http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/Alison-072114
http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/OMA-censure-resolution-072214

When someone spoke about Facebook-related content, Mayor McCampbell increased his anger and frustration towards the person(s) involved and stating that they are running their mouths.  He even goes further into saying the person who posted something on Facebook isn't from Burlington and that he incites in a threatening message about dealing with him one on one. 

He insists that its nothing more than propaganda and spreading of misinformation.  Doug Beaird also agrees.

Here is the entire session of the ordinance discussion during Monday night's meeting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVg1cPvSK4c

The resolution for the voting as well as the numerous comments being made within the 40 minutes worth of discussion in relation to the ordinance was not covered by The Hawk Eye as well as KBUR.  The only time the ordinance was mentioned was in The Hawk Eye.  There was only a small blurb indicating that the ordinance was discussed at the meeting.

http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/Censure-vote-WEB-072114
http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/Council-precede-072114
http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/OMA-censure-resolution-072214

The resolution in regards of the ordinance may not be finished.  It may be quietly being rewritten by the Burlington Police Chief.  It may be likely the ordinance will return to a vote on an updated version.

City of Burlington's 3% Franchise Fee voting results are....

NO!  A solid 82% voted no for both gas and electric.

http://www.kbur.com/2013/08/06/august-6th-special-election-results/

City council budget logic

I find it funny that even though the other programs were reduced from their funding or planned to be eliminated, the numerous of other programs are still creating more debt.  Will these other programs make the cut?  I highly doubt it.

Rec Plex hasn't been as much of a popular place as when it was first opened.  With the costs of keeping it up with low turnout rates, it continues to drive up the debt.

As for the Flint Hills Golf Course, it may be similar to the Rec Plex's issue only they are limited to warmer seasons and only one specific activity: golf.  Not only that, their prices for seasonal and individual plays are outrageous.

As for the Vision Iowa Improvement, that ties together for projects such as The Burlington Public Library, Burlington Bees Community Field, Burlington Memorial Auditorium, Flint River Trail (big joke), Des Moines County Heritage Center, and Big Hollow Nature Center.  While most of these are good to bring tourism, its costing taxpayers plenty of money that isn't generating enough revenue.  While there were talks about cutting a small bit of funding for the library and reducing the number of employees working at the auditorium, there is still a great deal of debt that wouldn't be addressed like it should have been addressed decades ago.

Don't get me started with the 3% franchise fee.