Alderman go at each other during Aurora council meeting

When Fifth Ward Alderman John "Whitey" Peters began Tuesday's Aurora City Council with a prayer and giving thanks for freedom of speech, he could have hardly imagined the verbal smackdown between alderman that ended the meeting.

Sparks began flying as aldermen discussed the approval of spending no more than $590,000 for a radio tower and cellular tenants equipment room at Fire Station #8, 3770 McCoy Drive.

According to city staff, completion of the tower in a timely manner is critical to the overall completion of the citywide radio system project.

The process expedited, the city's finance committee approved the maximum of $590,000 at their May 26 meeting without seeing any building specs, aside from an 8 inch by 11 inch architect sketch. The purchase then was discussed at the June 2 special committee meeting.

Fourth Ward Alderman Rick Lawrence took exception Tuesday night to the item and building design not coming before the buildings, grounds and infrastructure committee chaired by Peters.

Below is a transcript of the outburst:

Lawrence: "We didn't get this in committee so that's why I'm asking questions now."

Ninth Ward alderman Leroy Keith: "Sure we did. We had it in committee just last week, Alderman Lawrence.

Lawrence: "I'm sorry. This is a building. You'd think it would come through BGI but it didn't so I'm asking the questions now."

Alderman at Large Bob O'Connor: "I offer our apologies Mr. Lawrence on behalf of the finance committee that we didn't ask the right question. We'll straighten out the issue of what items need to go in what direction."

Lawrence: "If it just doesn't matter, then lets just approve it."

O'Connor: "Don't even portray it that way Mr. Lawrence. It does matter."

Keith: "This could have been handled over the week with these folks (city staff and tower architects who were at the podium) instead of right here tonight. You do this in public, Alderman Lawrence, on purpose. All the time. All the time."

Lawrence: Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Under new business (on the agenda) all of a sudden a tower shows up. That didn't come before us last week did it?"

Keith: "Yes. What they talked about last week was the building structure. If you'd have paid attention last week you would have known that."

Lawrence: "Did you know the tower wasn't included?"

Keith: "Yes I did."

Lawrence: "Oh well, you're a genius."

Keith: "No I just pay attention and ask questions when I need to ask them."

Lawrence: "Oh say 'yes' again. Just keep saying 'yes.'

O'Connor: "Mr. Lawrence. Please. Mr. Lawrence, please. Unless you have a question that's legitimate from any member of this council, in regard to this particular issue, lets call the role."

Lawrence was the only alderman voting against constructing the tower.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Audio</h2> <ul class="audio"> <li><a href="/audio/aurpickedit.mp3">Hear the squabble </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>