As you know, our neighbors in Henryville and Marysville have lost everything. Valla Ann Marcus is collecting canned goods, blankets, etc. and will have these items delivered. If you can help please take your donated items to the Admiral Bicknell In, 600 E. Main St, or call 981-8000 if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Shirley
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
ANGENDA FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3/5/12
I was asked to post the agenda for council meetings in advance. I will also be posting the results of Monday's meeting. This will probably be posted on Tuesday since we are having a work session following the regular meeting.
R-12-04 Resolution Concerning Procurement of Electronic Devices for City Council Use (Zurschmeide)
This was discussed at an earlier work session. The council members receive so much information and documentation in paper form that it may be more cost efficient to supply the members with a small device such as a tablet PC, small laptop or iPad. CM Zurschmeide would be assigned to gather the information to see which device is most cost effective, should this resolution pass.
G-11-13 Ordinance Allowing the Appropriation of $8,000 for the Purpose of Paying for a 2011 State Board of Accounts Audit Assistance Proposal (Coffey 1 & 2)
Our State Board of Accounts has found numerous errors in 2011 as in the past. The proposal is to hire the London Witte Group LLC to assist in solving our audit problems. This is to help the city be in compliance with the State Board of Accounts on several issues bank account reconciliation, financial transactions, records entries and fund reporting.
A-12-03 Appropriation for Spring St. Hill Road Repairs (Caesar 1 & 2)
The low bid for this project was $540,000. The city has been asked to help fund the repairs in addition to requesting disaster relief from FEMA.
There will be a work session Monday 3/5 to discuss Spring St. Hill
I am presenting this agenda without any editorial comments. This is mainly because I have just received the packet and have not had time to study it. Also, I prefer to wait until the meeting and listen to all comments from the citizens and from city officials before making a final decision.
R-12-04 Resolution Concerning Procurement of Electronic Devices for City Council Use (Zurschmeide)
This was discussed at an earlier work session. The council members receive so much information and documentation in paper form that it may be more cost efficient to supply the members with a small device such as a tablet PC, small laptop or iPad. CM Zurschmeide would be assigned to gather the information to see which device is most cost effective, should this resolution pass.
G-11-13 Ordinance Allowing the Appropriation of $8,000 for the Purpose of Paying for a 2011 State Board of Accounts Audit Assistance Proposal (Coffey 1 & 2)
Our State Board of Accounts has found numerous errors in 2011 as in the past. The proposal is to hire the London Witte Group LLC to assist in solving our audit problems. This is to help the city be in compliance with the State Board of Accounts on several issues bank account reconciliation, financial transactions, records entries and fund reporting.
A-12-03 Appropriation for Spring St. Hill Road Repairs (Caesar 1 & 2)
The low bid for this project was $540,000. The city has been asked to help fund the repairs in addition to requesting disaster relief from FEMA.
There will be a work session Monday 3/5 to discuss Spring St. Hill
I am presenting this agenda without any editorial comments. This is mainly because I have just received the packet and have not had time to study it. Also, I prefer to wait until the meeting and listen to all comments from the citizens and from city officials before making a final decision.
Friday, February 17, 2012
PRAYER AT THE COUNCIL MEETINGS
This has been as issue for the last couple of City Council meetings, since Council President Diane Benedetti changed the beginning of the program from an invocation from a minister present to a moment of silent reflection.
Personally, I was not offended because I frequently pray silently through the day. But I did receive several phone calls and messages from people who were offended by this change. Some said that the meetings have began with prayer for over thirty years and saw no reason to change. Others were afraid that the council members were giving in to a minority of citizens who profess no faith or religion. The reason Mrs. Benedetti made the change was that the school children pray silently or not at all and they should have consistantcy.
I have been doing a lot of praying myself, searching for an answer and it was sent to me this morning. Last Sunday I read the Second Reading during services at my church. It was from 1 Corinthians 10:31 11:1,
Paul writes, "Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
Personally, I was not offended because I frequently pray silently through the day. But I did receive several phone calls and messages from people who were offended by this change. Some said that the meetings have began with prayer for over thirty years and saw no reason to change. Others were afraid that the council members were giving in to a minority of citizens who profess no faith or religion. The reason Mrs. Benedetti made the change was that the school children pray silently or not at all and they should have consistantcy.
I have been doing a lot of praying myself, searching for an answer and it was sent to me this morning. Last Sunday I read the Second Reading during services at my church. It was from 1 Corinthians 10:31 11:1,
Paul writes, "Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
MONDAY COUNCIL MEETING 2/6/12 (Housing Problems)
There were only 2 items on the agenda at last night's city council meeting but there was plenty to discuss. The main issue was R-12-03 which passed 6-3, and yes I was one of the six voting in favor of this resolution.
It is not that I am opposed to safe and affordable housing for our elderly or that I am opposed to the Reitz building being renovated. The problem I saw was that it appeared that the company would not be able to proceed without the tax credits. Additionally, I could not see how this company could make a profit with the numbers we were given. The cost of renovation was around 12 million, and each unit costing $167,000. With the rental income being generated at an average of $500.00 a month or so, how will this generate a profit? It just did not seem that the Sterling Group had done the profit amount of research.
The other proposed housing development, the Summit Springs, was not even discussed at the meeting. I do not believe this development is necessary, especially considering the proposed location.
There is sure to be more to come, especially concerning the Reitz building which is in a prime location and would make a beautiful building for loft style apartments.
It is not that I am opposed to safe and affordable housing for our elderly or that I am opposed to the Reitz building being renovated. The problem I saw was that it appeared that the company would not be able to proceed without the tax credits. Additionally, I could not see how this company could make a profit with the numbers we were given. The cost of renovation was around 12 million, and each unit costing $167,000. With the rental income being generated at an average of $500.00 a month or so, how will this generate a profit? It just did not seem that the Sterling Group had done the profit amount of research.
The other proposed housing development, the Summit Springs, was not even discussed at the meeting. I do not believe this development is necessary, especially considering the proposed location.
There is sure to be more to come, especially concerning the Reitz building which is in a prime location and would make a beautiful building for loft style apartments.
Friday, January 20, 2012
COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012
We had another light agenda at last night's meeting. The meeting was preceded by a work session which involved a presentation from Jack Bobo and Mainland Properties.
The Riverview Project has been broken down into three phases. The first will be retail, and include the parking garage, the second will be rental apartments, and finally condos. This was changed because of the economy and the banks' reluctance to finance large projects at this time, especially condos. Mainland has seen interest from several local banks, so that is good news. The design has changed also, two new archtecutal firms have been hired, Studio A and QK4, both from Louisville. There is less plaza space and the buildings are closer in design to the existing downtown buildings. They are hoping to break ground in the next couple of months.
The only agenda item in the regular meeting was an Ordinance to increase the number members of the Bicentennial Commission from five to nine. With the Bicentennial so close, CM Zurschmeide said the members expressed a need for more members. There was a unaminous vote on the first two readings. CM Caesar suggested that David Barksdale be added to the Commission.
On another topic there will be a meeting Monday at 6:30 at Slate Run School for a discussion on the Master Plan for our sewer and stormwater projects. CM Coffey will again be the moderator and requests as much public input as possible. Please try to attend.
The Riverview Project has been broken down into three phases. The first will be retail, and include the parking garage, the second will be rental apartments, and finally condos. This was changed because of the economy and the banks' reluctance to finance large projects at this time, especially condos. Mainland has seen interest from several local banks, so that is good news. The design has changed also, two new archtecutal firms have been hired, Studio A and QK4, both from Louisville. There is less plaza space and the buildings are closer in design to the existing downtown buildings. They are hoping to break ground in the next couple of months.
The only agenda item in the regular meeting was an Ordinance to increase the number members of the Bicentennial Commission from five to nine. With the Bicentennial so close, CM Zurschmeide said the members expressed a need for more members. There was a unaminous vote on the first two readings. CM Caesar suggested that David Barksdale be added to the Commission.
On another topic there will be a meeting Monday at 6:30 at Slate Run School for a discussion on the Master Plan for our sewer and stormwater projects. CM Coffey will again be the moderator and requests as much public input as possible. Please try to attend.
Friday, January 6, 2012
OFF AND RUNNING
We had a light agenda at last night's council meeting. The only Resolution was concerning a tax abatement for Jones Popcorn. They need to purchase equipment for a new line and expect to hire 15 more people.
The "real" work will begin at our next regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 19.
I also want to congratulate our new Council President, Diane Benedetti and VP, Kevin Zurschmeide. We have a good group of council members and we have pledged to work together and help make New Albany a better place to live and work.
The "real" work will begin at our next regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 19.
I also want to congratulate our new Council President, Diane Benedetti and VP, Kevin Zurschmeide. We have a good group of council members and we have pledged to work together and help make New Albany a better place to live and work.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
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