"Stack," corrected Mayor Brian Stack, who was appointed mayor just two weeks ago after Mayor Rudy Garcia resigned from office.
"What?" said Licameli.
"It's Stack, Mayor Stack," said Stack once again.
"Oh I am so sorry, mayor," said Licameli realizing his mistake. "It had to happen once."
The new mayor wasn't the only thing different about last Tuesday's meeting. At the previous meeting, residents had had to get to City Hall, 3701 Palisade Ave., at least a half an hour early just to find a seat. However, the latest meeting held very few residents.
"I would have liked to see more participation from the people," said Stack.
Getting a new park
Renovations to the park on 11th and West streets have been on the agenda for the past two meetings, and were on the agenda again for the third time on Nov. 14. However, this time, instead of tabling the issue, a vote was taken and passed to begin renovations.
"The park project has been on hold waiting for the certification of funds," said Commissioner of Parks and Public Property Michael Leggiero, adding that the park will be financed using a Federal Community Development Block Grant. "We would like the park to be ready for spring."
This park was dedicated to Police Officer Nicholas Guirado after he was killed in the line of duty in 1974. A new plaque and dedication service will be held in honor of Guirado when the park is completed.
Since it was last dedicated, the park has taken an unfortunate turn.
"[The park] is depressing to look at," said Leggiero, about the bare space that is in the location now with only a few park benches. "We have to show a commitment. Our actions have to speak a lot louder than our words."
Plans for the new park include a central passive area with picnic tables and park benches, a spray pool, and a jungle gym for kids to play on.
"[The park] is going to have an area for people of all ages," said Leggiero. "[We're] trying to maintain existing parks and provide safe and sanitary places for our children to play."
"In a city that is landlocked like ours is, it is nice if we could give back to the neighborhood some open space," said Stack.
Leggiero plans to also renovate the park on 17th and West streets as well as Ellsworth Park on 22nd Street.
"We need to highlight things within the community," said Leggiero. "That gives people hope, lets them know that their city is still alive."
A plaque now hangs in City Hall in memory of Guirado. The plaque was placed there on the 25th Anniversary of his death.
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