SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Springfield City Council had a Committee of the Whole meeting for the first time after two aldermen did not sign the civility pledge. This has left the question of how the pledge will be enforced.
Aldermen Shawn Gregory and Roy Williams are the only two aldermen who did not sign the civility pledge.
All other aldermen including Mayor Misty Buscher signed, but she said it is their job as elected officials to be civil to one another regardless of whether they are in the horseshoe or citizens addressing the council.
Alderman Brad Carlson, Ward 7, told News Channel 20 last week it may be a game of self-policing since there is no judge or jury to decide what is civil and what is not.
Buscher said the council is able to use the gavel whenever things start to become uncivil during the meetings, but regardless she will continue to push the message of civility.
“My plan is to read the civility pledge before every council meeting when I am in charge of the city council meetings to remind everyone we need to be civil to one another–whether they signed the pledge or not,” she said.
Another big talking point at Tuesday’s meeting was ordinances involving fly dumping around the city.
A major concern was about how the city police department uses cameras in areas where people fly dump to help Public Works catch those who are doing it, however there has been an issue of people removing those cameras before fly dumping.
“We will continue license plate readers in high areas where fly dumping takes place, and then one of the things I do want to talk to my corporate council on is possibly using drones in specific areas,” Buscher said.
Buscher added that she wants to work with interns at the University of Illinois Springfield to help with the new technology they are looking to enforce.
Aldermen Ralph Hanauer, Ward 10, and alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase, Ward 5, also suggested at the meeting raising the fine amount since they feel like a $100 fine is not enough.
