Somehow, someway, our Council and Administration made it through yesterday’s snow drifts to re-open City Hall and complete a meeting. A quick and tidy meeting begets a quick and messy blog. Let’s take a look… 1. Senior Center Councilor Gitschier kicked things off seeking a point of personal privilege to discuss recent heating woes at…

Government was happening last night. The cold dark days of January have been replaced by the cold, slightly less dark days of February and the Council seems to be coming out of it’s winter slumber. The agenda was packed with things to chew on, so I’ll have to skip around to the tastiest morsels: 1….

1. January is a Pit of Despair Thankfully we have playoff football, Bruins hockey, and council meetings to see us through. As to those council meetings, we had an absurdly long agenda to work our way through last night. As you may be aware, there’s been some talk in the local news sphere (here, here…

1. New Year, New Term Welcome back friends. Last night kicked off a new council term. We saw the debut of Mayor Dan Rourke, the addition of Councilor John Descoteaux, and the return of Councilor Chau to the House of Commons. In addition, Councilor Robinson appeared in-person for the first time in what feels like…

I’ve been begging that right-wing nut Scrooge, Ebenezer Panos to throw another lump of coal on the fire while I type, but it’s of no use. However, just because I’m made to suffer, it doesn’t mean you should too. Please enjoy the mellow, seasonal jazz of the Vince Guaraldi Trio while you read the last…

It’s nothing but panic and despair this morning. A talented writer would welcome the challenge of turning a bland meeting into something compelling. Unfortunately, I am not that writer. Instead, how about if we just crowbar in some It’s a Wonderful Life GIFs to help usher in some holiday spirit, and fill some space? In…

1. Present, but Not There, and Not Welcome We are now a couple of weeks removed from news that Councilor Robinson was charged with two counts of assault and battery on a household or family member in connection with allegedly assaulting a female victim. Since that time, there has been some speculation as to how Councilor Robinson and…

1. Ten Present Not much to recap to be honest. The most compelling item on last night’s agenda was the Roll Call. Specifically, Councilor Robinson was not present. Obviously, the big news in the city this week is that Councilor Robinson was charged with two counts of assault and battery on a household or family…

1. A New Meeting Format Feels like forever since I wrote one of these. The Council gave itself Halloween off (to hand out candy) and Election Night off (to hold signs and drink Bud Lights). Prior to that, way back on October 17, the council voted to amend Council Rules in the hopes of updating…

1. One Issue Meeting Council chambers were filled to capacity last night, and I think we all know why. Dear reader, I’m happy to report that the Kiwanis Club’s Annual Monsterbash and Halloween Stroll is happening Saturday, October 28 from 12 PM – 3 PM. [Unless Belvidere decides otherwise]. 2. Profiles In Courage At long-last,…