If the council and public received a complete accounts payable and receivable statement each month? Currently, the council receives a limited register of checks written and signed. But, it does not include all of the outgoing payments, only the ones the city administrator wants people to see. And there is no accounts receivable. No summary of water payments coming in and no mention of any other payments received to city hall. There is no sign of any balances being performed. We already know they don't balance the books with any regularity. (And if any of the councilors ever did a business search on who we are writing checks for, they would find out that several checks a month are written to businesses all owned by the same corporation.)

If the council and staff came dressed to the council meetings, which they say is a business meeting, dressed for business? Many times, councilors have shown up in sweatpants and jeans. The public comes better dressed than the staff and councilors. Many studies have been done to show that when people dress professionally, they act more professionally, and we all know they could all stand to act more professionally.

If all public records were scanned and stored, so if there was a mold issue (which there is) or a catastrophic event (which good management would plan for), the city would not lose all the records and history?

If the city took the forward steps to bring themselves into this century by taking an older, offline computer and set it up so that people could come in and review those same public documents? That way, no one would have to take up staff time to get access to what they need. And the computer wouldn't even have to be part of the network. The city could maintain a library of documents on DVD. This way, people could see documents immediately. Thus preventing anyone from saying that the city is taking advantage of the timeframe of document response to cover anything up.

If the person in charge of maintaining public records (the assistant to the city administrator) was actually trained on public records retention so they didn't continue to destroy records they didn't know they were supposed to keep?

If everyone got services equitably? Say, people who have sewage pumps in their neighborhood didn't have to deal with the leakage? Or everyone got street cleaning? Or everyone's street lights worked?

If, when citizens volunteered their time to work on a city project, to help lower the cost of of the project, the city administrator actually allowed it, instead of banning all assistance? (Examples - scanning documents, help deconstruct the community center, assist with refurbishing Christmas lights, apply for grants; there's more, just ask.)

If the city administrator had to have her leave approved, so people who manage her would know when she was to be gone?

If the person signing the checks could actually see the bills? And people would know that someone else saw the bills because there would be an area on the bill they signed off on.

If the person who the checks were made out to were not one of the people signing the check?

If the city administrator had a valid contract with some of the following: an expiration date, a fine for intimidating councilors, a citizen review that carried weight in their evaluation, a PTO amount that was more in line with the amount of time employed, etc?

If the city administrator was insurable for a surety bond in the amount of the current year's budget (as provided by the job description)? At the very least, a surety bond in the amount of 10% of the annual budget to cover potential loss?

If the councilors actually weighed what their constituents say during council meetings, and allowed their constituents to weigh in before a vote is taken?

If the city wasn't so afraid of a forensic audit? I mean, what's to hide? In fact, that was the question all along. No one would have started looking for anything until Diane said that no one could have it.

If the city would account for all gasoline purchased and consumed? Diane had an issue with giving gas to employees in Brownsville for the personal vehicles. So, this is an important issue.

If regular inspections were done of city property and the inspections recorded accurate information? Currently, that is not occurring. Inspections log items as being okay, even when a fire marshal's report advised the city was in violation of code.

If the city administrator was not responsible for authorizing payment of her own expense report?

If there was a per diem allowed for out of town travel? That way, the hotel costs would be in line with the city mission statement?

If the city followed their own mission statement?

If the payments received at city hall were deposited regularly? Sometimes, it takes 20 - 30 days for a check written to the city to clear the bank.

If a citizen were allowed to file a complaint against the city administrator? Could be helpful to start documenting issues with aggressive behavior like her sticking her hand in someone's face to threaten them. But, council has advised they will not be accepting complaints. And Diane continues to intimidate all at her will.

If the city had a contract on file for everyone that provides the city services? On that note, proof of a license and insurance would be good, as well.

If citizens could get answers to budget item questions? Why do we have budget line items in the Building Fund for janitorial, attorney’s fees, miscellaneous contracts of $30,000.00? Isn’t this a savings account? What are the janitor’s cleaning? What is the attorney advising on? There are quite a few budget items that have been asked about. But, Diane refuses to answer.

If the Planning Commission actually planned what the city should become, instead of making every decision knee jerk based on Diane's opinion of what Lafayette should look like? Since she doesn't live here, and doesn't have any pride in her job, it's all a big power joke to her. That's why she laughs at people who have good ideas. Because she knows as long as she is in charge, and she is in charge, nothing will ever be any different than what it already is.

We will continue to add and amend as more information comes up. If anyone knows of any improvements, please let us know.