I read in today's "Tribune" that the developers are discovering problems with the Mid-town aka. S. Ellen Jones neighborhood's outdated sewer lines. It seems that the sewer department used to allow two homes to be hooked up to the same line back in the 1920's and 30's. Since there are probably several more of these "Y" connections in the area this needs to be addressed.
Apparently Jon-Paul Inc. did not add the cost of sewer lines in their original bid for the project. Hopefully this cost will me minimal so the project does not go far over budget.
Another problem is the cost of sewer hookups which run $1650 each. This is one case where I think the City Council should waive the connection fee. This is not a new development of expensive homes. These homes will be sold to lower income residents and costs need to be kept as low as possible. New Albany was fortunate to have this grant and we should do everything we can to keep the project going and sell these homes as quickly and economically as possible.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A THANKSGIVING WISH
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.
Please remember the many people serving in the military who are sacrificing during this special day.
Please remember the many people serving in the military who are sacrificing during this special day.
And we who have a place to live, eat, and sleep need to remember those who don't.
We all have much to be thankful for. May God Bless everyone and may He hold each of you in the palm of His holy hands.
Shirley
Thursday, November 18, 2010
COUNCIL MEETING 11/18/10:SAD DAY FOR NEW ALBANY
Thursday's city council meeting began on a high note with the Mayor encouraging everyone to participate in the Holiday Fest on Saturday after Thanksgiving. He went on to say that it is good to see New Albany having parking problems.
He discussed combining the city and county 911 operators, this will have to be done by 2014 anyway.
He also suggested a meeting with the City and County Councils in addition to the Commissioners. Additionally, CM Benedetti asked for a cost analysis of the budget.
In regard to the Ordinance to disband the Historic Preservation Commission, he suggested forming a mediation committee of council members from each district, the council president, the building commissioner and 2 members of HPC.
The next speaker was Chief Bailey who said there are plans for forums on crime prevention planned for next year and the citizens police academy will be offered again.
There were several citizens speaking against G-10-21 the Ordinance Dissolving the Historic Preservation Commission... and one person speaking in favor.
The discussion between the council members was quite heated but eventually CM Gonder called for a vote: The first and second readings had the same result, 7 nays, 1 aye ( CM Price), and 1 abstain, (CM Coffey)
The other ordinances were handled swiftly and quietly: G-10-12 (Ord. to transfer $200,000 from the Cumulative Capital Improvement Fund to the General Fund passed 9-0
Z-10-05 The new medical building on the corner of Daisy Lane and Green Valley Rd. passed 5-4 after CM Messer changed his vote from abstain to aye.
I had commented on other blogs, etc. about the behaviour of some of the council members last night. I know everyone jokes about the city council meetings being a 3 ring circus, but last night I was truly ashamed of our council. The room was filled to capacity and it was a sad sight for all of us to see.
He discussed combining the city and county 911 operators, this will have to be done by 2014 anyway.
He also suggested a meeting with the City and County Councils in addition to the Commissioners. Additionally, CM Benedetti asked for a cost analysis of the budget.
In regard to the Ordinance to disband the Historic Preservation Commission, he suggested forming a mediation committee of council members from each district, the council president, the building commissioner and 2 members of HPC.
The next speaker was Chief Bailey who said there are plans for forums on crime prevention planned for next year and the citizens police academy will be offered again.
There were several citizens speaking against G-10-21 the Ordinance Dissolving the Historic Preservation Commission... and one person speaking in favor.
The discussion between the council members was quite heated but eventually CM Gonder called for a vote: The first and second readings had the same result, 7 nays, 1 aye ( CM Price), and 1 abstain, (CM Coffey)
The other ordinances were handled swiftly and quietly: G-10-12 (Ord. to transfer $200,000 from the Cumulative Capital Improvement Fund to the General Fund passed 9-0
Z-10-05 The new medical building on the corner of Daisy Lane and Green Valley Rd. passed 5-4 after CM Messer changed his vote from abstain to aye.
I had commented on other blogs, etc. about the behaviour of some of the council members last night. I know everyone jokes about the city council meetings being a 3 ring circus, but last night I was truly ashamed of our council. The room was filled to capacity and it was a sad sight for all of us to see.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
LET'S SAVE OUR HISTORY
I have been very concerned about the Ordinance to dissolve the Historic Preservation Commission. Not that I am directly involved, living in an apartment complex not located in a historic district. But if we live in an historic home or not, all citizens of New Albany are involved.
There have been several historic buildings destroyed in the 1950's and 1960's, and several near misses.
When I was taking a tour of the Culbertson Mansion the tour guide told us that the home was almost torn down at one time. Can you imagine? Tearing down the Culbertson Mansion? And more recently, the Cardinal Ritter Home was saved from the wrecking ball.
I am not a member of the Historic Preservation Commission and I don't know all of the issues but I was told by a former member that their approval rate is 83 out of 84. I know there are a couple of citizens who have had problems but hopefully a compromise can be met.
As far as CM Price, the author of the Ordinance, I have known him for about seven years, and have always known him to be an honorable person. Even when we disagree, our disagreements are friendly and civil.
It appears that the meeting room in the City County Building will be crowded this Thursday. So if you plan to attend the meeting, get there early.
There have been several historic buildings destroyed in the 1950's and 1960's, and several near misses.
When I was taking a tour of the Culbertson Mansion the tour guide told us that the home was almost torn down at one time. Can you imagine? Tearing down the Culbertson Mansion? And more recently, the Cardinal Ritter Home was saved from the wrecking ball.
I am not a member of the Historic Preservation Commission and I don't know all of the issues but I was told by a former member that their approval rate is 83 out of 84. I know there are a couple of citizens who have had problems but hopefully a compromise can be met.
As far as CM Price, the author of the Ordinance, I have known him for about seven years, and have always known him to be an honorable person. Even when we disagree, our disagreements are friendly and civil.
It appears that the meeting room in the City County Building will be crowded this Thursday. So if you plan to attend the meeting, get there early.
Friday, November 12, 2010
"I HAVE NO PLANS TO RESIGN"
Those were the words John Wilcox used when I asked him about all of the rumors about he and the rest of the Central Committee.
I had asked other members previously but had not had the chance to ask John until last night. I was not able to speak to Sam Locke but John said Sam had not expressed any desire to quit either. John went on to say that next year's election should run more smoothly since only local candidates will be running and national issues will not play a big part. He added that people tend to get more involved with local elections.
We discussed how difficult it is to find people willing to help with campaigns. I must admit that I am guilty in that respect also. There is much more that I could have done had I taken the time. But I cannot fault the Central Committee. Those people worked their buns off this year.
Being a member of the Central Committee is an unpaid and (I'm sure) a thankless job. No matter to which party a person belongs.
I had asked other members previously but had not had the chance to ask John until last night. I was not able to speak to Sam Locke but John said Sam had not expressed any desire to quit either. John went on to say that next year's election should run more smoothly since only local candidates will be running and national issues will not play a big part. He added that people tend to get more involved with local elections.
We discussed how difficult it is to find people willing to help with campaigns. I must admit that I am guilty in that respect also. There is much more that I could have done had I taken the time. But I cannot fault the Central Committee. Those people worked their buns off this year.
Being a member of the Central Committee is an unpaid and (I'm sure) a thankless job. No matter to which party a person belongs.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
THERE IS NO CRABBY ROAD IN INDIANA
There was an editorial cartoon in today's "Tribune" which really made me mad. It was a "take off" of the Beatles' Abbey Road album. It showed four donkey's dressed as John, Paul, George and Ringo with the caption reading "Crabby Road". They were headed toward a sign which read "leaving DC" and the donkeys had @#%$& type symbols over their heads.
Each of our Indiana Democrat candidates posted statements on Facebook and sent emails thanking their supporters. They all said they had done their best and appreciated what everyone had done for them. This is what is known as class.
I know this is just a silly cartoon but the author, Jerry Holbert, obviously felt that this was the general mood of our candidates. I don't know where Mr. Holbert lives, this may have been written thousands of miles away but our local newspaper agreed with him. This is just plain wrong.
Each of our Indiana Democrat candidates posted statements on Facebook and sent emails thanking their supporters. They all said they had done their best and appreciated what everyone had done for them. This is what is known as class.
I know this is just a silly cartoon but the author, Jerry Holbert, obviously felt that this was the general mood of our candidates. I don't know where Mr. Holbert lives, this may have been written thousands of miles away but our local newspaper agreed with him. This is just plain wrong.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
CITY COUNCIL MEETING 11/1/10
Last night's City Council meeting ran rather briskly compared to previous meetings.
Carl Malysz spoke first asking the Council to table R10-29 & R10-30 until after the Planning Commission has their meeting on 11/18.
CM Ceasar asked which streets are scheduled to be paved out of the appropriated million dollars. (I have been wondering that myself. Daisy Lane is still a mess between Green Valley and the top of the hill and now they are milling Coyle Dr.?)
CM Coffey asked Atty Lorch about the research on the TIF districts, if there are leftover funds and how they can be used. He will send his report in the form of a memo. He also wants annexation to be put back on the agenda for the next meeting.
CM Gahan suggested that the unused TIF funds be used for pavement and some of the pavement funds can be moved to public service.
CM McLaughlin asked Mr. Ed Wilkerson (sewer board) about the summer watering program. Mr. Wilkerson replied that the current ordinance is outdated. The Sewer Board is in the process of writing a new ordinance and will be completed in January.
Next were the comments from the public: Maurice King took issue with the changes in the way the Sewer Board plans to change the watering program. He said that people seldom refill their in-ground swimming pools, they add chemicals as necessary. And if they do refill their pools it is done in May rather than June. He wants the watering program to remain from May through September. He also noted that watering one's lawn or garden does not affect sewers in any way.
He went on to say that a $5.00 increase in sewer bills would add over $700,000 to the sewer department's income.
CM Coffey thinks that it is unethical for the same people to sit on the Sewer and the Strormwater Boards.
Next the Resolutions were introduced:
Z-10-05 Plans to build a one story doctors office building on the corner of Daisy Lane (north) and Green Valley Rd. Paul Collings from the Green Triangle Group brought a visual of the proposed building. He said that the drainage problem will be taken care of underground and the present creek will remain with a small bridge for crossing. This received a 9-0 favorable rating from the Planning Commission. CM Benedetti wants to look into the drainage solution before voting to approve.
Votes on first reading 7-2 with CM's Benedetti and Gonder voting no. The second reading produced the same results.
G-10-17 (Ordinance regarding the Historic Preservation Commission) tabled until next meeting.
G-10-20 Synthetic marijuana passed 9-0 on third reading.
R-10-29 and R-10-30 both regarding incentives for companies to install new HVAC systems in two industrial areas. Both failed with a 0-9 vote.
R-10-38 The Budget. tabled until the next meeting because he Council wants to do final tweaking. I told CM Price that I was glad that they take home police car policy will be amended. He said that was one of several money saving measures. I'm proud of our council for taking responsibility with our tax dollars.
Carl Malysz spoke first asking the Council to table R10-29 & R10-30 until after the Planning Commission has their meeting on 11/18.
CM Ceasar asked which streets are scheduled to be paved out of the appropriated million dollars. (I have been wondering that myself. Daisy Lane is still a mess between Green Valley and the top of the hill and now they are milling Coyle Dr.?)
CM Coffey asked Atty Lorch about the research on the TIF districts, if there are leftover funds and how they can be used. He will send his report in the form of a memo. He also wants annexation to be put back on the agenda for the next meeting.
CM Gahan suggested that the unused TIF funds be used for pavement and some of the pavement funds can be moved to public service.
CM McLaughlin asked Mr. Ed Wilkerson (sewer board) about the summer watering program. Mr. Wilkerson replied that the current ordinance is outdated. The Sewer Board is in the process of writing a new ordinance and will be completed in January.
Next were the comments from the public: Maurice King took issue with the changes in the way the Sewer Board plans to change the watering program. He said that people seldom refill their in-ground swimming pools, they add chemicals as necessary. And if they do refill their pools it is done in May rather than June. He wants the watering program to remain from May through September. He also noted that watering one's lawn or garden does not affect sewers in any way.
He went on to say that a $5.00 increase in sewer bills would add over $700,000 to the sewer department's income.
CM Coffey thinks that it is unethical for the same people to sit on the Sewer and the Strormwater Boards.
Next the Resolutions were introduced:
Z-10-05 Plans to build a one story doctors office building on the corner of Daisy Lane (north) and Green Valley Rd. Paul Collings from the Green Triangle Group brought a visual of the proposed building. He said that the drainage problem will be taken care of underground and the present creek will remain with a small bridge for crossing. This received a 9-0 favorable rating from the Planning Commission. CM Benedetti wants to look into the drainage solution before voting to approve.
Votes on first reading 7-2 with CM's Benedetti and Gonder voting no. The second reading produced the same results.
G-10-17 (Ordinance regarding the Historic Preservation Commission) tabled until next meeting.
G-10-20 Synthetic marijuana passed 9-0 on third reading.
R-10-29 and R-10-30 both regarding incentives for companies to install new HVAC systems in two industrial areas. Both failed with a 0-9 vote.
R-10-38 The Budget. tabled until the next meeting because he Council wants to do final tweaking. I told CM Price that I was glad that they take home police car policy will be amended. He said that was one of several money saving measures. I'm proud of our council for taking responsibility with our tax dollars.
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