The question of where the MAC holds its meetings is a very old one. In my early days as a citizen noise activist (1970) I wrote a letter to the MAC asking why they did not hold their meetings at the MAC headquarters, 6040 28th Avenue South. My reasoning was that it would be easier for citizens to attend meetings, they wouldn't have to pay for parking, etc.
The response was that the MAC could meet anywhere they wanted to provided they give sufficient notice of where it would be. HOWEVER, the MAC had met for some time at the terminal building and they wanted to continue to do so. I brought up the question again when I was appointed to the MAC in 1982 and pointed out people felt intimidated by the terminal location and that the staff members who attend meetings would not have to spend time going from the headquarters building to the terminal. But the other Commissioners said they felt it was better to hold meetings in the terminal building so they could assess the conditions; i.e., cleanliness, activity, concessions, etc. There were a few that also said they liked the idea of having lunch in the Garden Court (restaurant that used to be in the terminal) before the meetings. I still believe the MAC should meet at a place that is welcoming to the public and certainly the present arrangement is not. About the only thing that has changed since 1970 is the fact that now the MAC does validate parking tickets. I guess I should be happy with some small progress. Jan Del Calzo Lynnhurst Former MAC Commissioner _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
