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 Wilkerson replied that the current ordinance is outdated.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.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
I HATE NEGATIVE ADS. HOW ABOUT YOU?
I don't know about you but I am sick of all of these negative political TV ads. The "Tribune" ran an editorial the other day stating they did not know who started the negative ads between Shane Gibson and Ed Clere. Really. Everyone knows which party sent the negative mailings again this year just as in previous years. I have heard many people discuss their dislike of such ads but everyone agrees that they work.
I have a novel thought. Let's not vote for the party which starts throwing rocks at the other candidates.
I have a novel thought. Let's not vote for the party which starts throwing rocks at the other candidates.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
JIM FRIEBERGER ON THE LOIT TAX
Floyd County Council candidate, Jim Frieberger answered my inquiry about the LOIT tax. With his permission I am posting his email.
"After having talked to numerous voters in my District, an overwhelming majority do not want a new tax passed at this time. So I have committed, as my opponent, not to vote in favor of the LOIT Tax if it resurfaced. In articles I have read, close to 50% of the people are being affected by the current economic downturn right now. Either them or their spouses being unemployed, having their hours reduced, taking a pay cut, or at the least, having a pay freeze, which doesn't allow them to keep up with current inflation levels. A majority of the people are cutting back during this downturn and feel that the Government should do so as well. They feel that the Council and County Government need to stay within their budget for now and unfortunately, make the tough decisions necessary to continue staying within their budget until the economy improves."
"I am hoping with my financial background and experience, I will be better equipped than my opponent to look a the currenct office budgets and try to find the best way to support the offices or programs that are essential to the county. One thing I would like to try to look into is the County Council itself being offered full Healthcare benefits for them and their family. I don't think this is reasonable for a position that is only a part-time job. This is the type of item I would like to dig into and see if there are some savings I can find for the county. We also have some tremendous inefficiencies in the County Sheriff Department due mainly to the overcrowding and ineffective lay-out of the jail. We are spending too much money on Deputies to guard prisoners when looking at typical guard to prisoner ratio's for the state, but we are being forced into for safety issues as well as keeping down our liability risk issues. We really need to push for building a new jail and using those funds that would be saved on Deputy salaries to be used for other public safety purposes."
He also added:
"I was disappointed with the Courier Journal article because it only covered about one fourth of our interview. It dropped all of my issues about the economy and me against voting in favor of a new LOIT Tax but that's what led into my support of pushing for a new jail because it is the greatest opportunity for cost savings for the county that can be used for other safety issues or projects. I think the editor didn't have enough space since he was covering three races instead of one as in his other articles (which I feel was a disservice to all of the candidates) and that he was trying to differentiate Dana Fendley and myself as much as he could."
Mr. Frieberger asked how I stood on this issue. If I have not made it clear before I will say again that I am also against the LOIT Tax. I know the city and county are in financial trouble but we must look for ways to cut expenses at this time. We taxpayers are in a financial bind ourselves and we don't need additional cuts to our net pay.
"After having talked to numerous voters in my District, an overwhelming majority do not want a new tax passed at this time. So I have committed, as my opponent, not to vote in favor of the LOIT Tax if it resurfaced. In articles I have read, close to 50% of the people are being affected by the current economic downturn right now. Either them or their spouses being unemployed, having their hours reduced, taking a pay cut, or at the least, having a pay freeze, which doesn't allow them to keep up with current inflation levels. A majority of the people are cutting back during this downturn and feel that the Government should do so as well. They feel that the Council and County Government need to stay within their budget for now and unfortunately, make the tough decisions necessary to continue staying within their budget until the economy improves."
"I am hoping with my financial background and experience, I will be better equipped than my opponent to look a the currenct office budgets and try to find the best way to support the offices or programs that are essential to the county. One thing I would like to try to look into is the County Council itself being offered full Healthcare benefits for them and their family. I don't think this is reasonable for a position that is only a part-time job. This is the type of item I would like to dig into and see if there are some savings I can find for the county. We also have some tremendous inefficiencies in the County Sheriff Department due mainly to the overcrowding and ineffective lay-out of the jail. We are spending too much money on Deputies to guard prisoners when looking at typical guard to prisoner ratio's for the state, but we are being forced into for safety issues as well as keeping down our liability risk issues. We really need to push for building a new jail and using those funds that would be saved on Deputy salaries to be used for other public safety purposes."
He also added:
"I was disappointed with the Courier Journal article because it only covered about one fourth of our interview. It dropped all of my issues about the economy and me against voting in favor of a new LOIT Tax but that's what led into my support of pushing for a new jail because it is the greatest opportunity for cost savings for the county that can be used for other safety issues or projects. I think the editor didn't have enough space since he was covering three races instead of one as in his other articles (which I feel was a disservice to all of the candidates) and that he was trying to differentiate Dana Fendley and myself as much as he could."
Mr. Frieberger asked how I stood on this issue. If I have not made it clear before I will say again that I am also against the LOIT Tax. I know the city and county are in financial trouble but we must look for ways to cut expenses at this time. We taxpayers are in a financial bind ourselves and we don't need additional cuts to our net pay.
Monday, October 4, 2010
COUNCIL MEETING 10/3/10 YES, IT WAS A LONG ONE
We had another marathon city council meeting again tonight.
The first topic of discussion was the newly released audit from the State. Since some of the members had only received their copy today, Mr. Coffey asked for a meeting on a Saturday to go over the budget. The date and time decided on were 10/16/10 at 10:00AM. I do not know if this will be a closed meeting or if we the public are allowed to attend.
Mr. Zurschmeide asked Mrs. Garry when the decrease would take effect on the sewer bills. She said it will be on the November statements since sewer bills run a month behind water bills.
Mrs. Benedetti asked why there has been no paving since the council appropriated the 1 million. Mr. Rosenbarger said the milling person is working on a large project in Louisville but will get to us next week.
Next were the comments from the public. Several business owners spoke about how 1SI had helped them get started. Most prominently was John Van Cleave from T G Missouri. They plan a large expansion costing 3 million dollars, they will also hire 30 more employees. More on that later.
Agenda items:
A-10-10 Ordinance for Appropriation and Tax Rates (this is the budget)
Mr. Caesar thinks the next year will be better for the budget since the only wage increase is the 1% longevity for the police and fire depts. The budget is based on the current insurance plan, if the employees accept the new plan there will be more savings. He also cannot understand why the city and the county each have a 911 system.
The vote was 3 yays Ceasar, Messer, Gonder, and 6 nays.
The second reading was the same.
A-10-11 An Ordinance to Fix the Non-Reverting Budgets for the Year 2011
The first and second votes were 1 yay Gonder, and 8 nays.
The council will have their meeting before voting on the third reading.
Then the real fun started:
A-10-08 Ordinance For The Appropriation of EDIT Funds
This was 1SI's request for $70,000. Mrs. Benedetti asked for an amendment which would reduce the amount to $30,000. The amendment passed.
Mr. Gahan brought up the recent political endorsements made by 1SI. He asked how endorsements made our city more attractive to new businesses, which is what he thought was the job of 1SI.
Mr. Dalby went to the podium to answer questions. He said the endorsements were made by a separate committee. He said the businesses wanted a voice and this is how it is expressed. Mr. Price questioned Mr. Dalby and 1SI's position on bridge tolls. Mr. Dalby said he did not want tolls either, he just wants the bridges built ASAP however that can be accomplished. Mr. Dalby went on to say that 1SI helped create 1,600 jobs and expanded the tax base by 80 million. He added that 90% of their funding is from private donors and the public funding can only be used for economic development.
The Ordinance passed 5 yays Coffey, Caesar, Benedetti, Messer, Zurschmeide and 4 nays.
Mrs. Benedetti tabled the next resolutions. Regarding the reserved parking places for residents, she wants to change from street signs to stickers for the cars.
Regarding T G Missouri, she tabled the tax abatement and the request for $150,000 matching funds for a new HVAC system until they can be amended. The council wants to put a time limit on the non-reverting fund for businesses to purchase equipment, make sure they purchase energy efficient equipment and use only local contractors.
When I left Chief Juliot was at the podium explaining to the council the request for matching funds to purchase radios, software, etc. Guess you'll have to read Daniel's report in the "Tribune" for that one.
The first topic of discussion was the newly released audit from the State. Since some of the members had only received their copy today, Mr. Coffey asked for a meeting on a Saturday to go over the budget. The date and time decided on were 10/16/10 at 10:00AM. I do not know if this will be a closed meeting or if we the public are allowed to attend.
Mr. Zurschmeide asked Mrs. Garry when the decrease would take effect on the sewer bills. She said it will be on the November statements since sewer bills run a month behind water bills.
Mrs. Benedetti asked why there has been no paving since the council appropriated the 1 million. Mr. Rosenbarger said the milling person is working on a large project in Louisville but will get to us next week.
Next were the comments from the public. Several business owners spoke about how 1SI had helped them get started. Most prominently was John Van Cleave from T G Missouri. They plan a large expansion costing 3 million dollars, they will also hire 30 more employees. More on that later.
Agenda items:
A-10-10 Ordinance for Appropriation and Tax Rates (this is the budget)
Mr. Caesar thinks the next year will be better for the budget since the only wage increase is the 1% longevity for the police and fire depts. The budget is based on the current insurance plan, if the employees accept the new plan there will be more savings. He also cannot understand why the city and the county each have a 911 system.
The vote was 3 yays Ceasar, Messer, Gonder, and 6 nays.
The second reading was the same.
A-10-11 An Ordinance to Fix the Non-Reverting Budgets for the Year 2011
The first and second votes were 1 yay Gonder, and 8 nays.
The council will have their meeting before voting on the third reading.
Then the real fun started:
A-10-08 Ordinance For The Appropriation of EDIT Funds
This was 1SI's request for $70,000. Mrs. Benedetti asked for an amendment which would reduce the amount to $30,000. The amendment passed.
Mr. Gahan brought up the recent political endorsements made by 1SI. He asked how endorsements made our city more attractive to new businesses, which is what he thought was the job of 1SI.
Mr. Dalby went to the podium to answer questions. He said the endorsements were made by a separate committee. He said the businesses wanted a voice and this is how it is expressed. Mr. Price questioned Mr. Dalby and 1SI's position on bridge tolls. Mr. Dalby said he did not want tolls either, he just wants the bridges built ASAP however that can be accomplished. Mr. Dalby went on to say that 1SI helped create 1,600 jobs and expanded the tax base by 80 million. He added that 90% of their funding is from private donors and the public funding can only be used for economic development.
The Ordinance passed 5 yays Coffey, Caesar, Benedetti, Messer, Zurschmeide and 4 nays.
Mrs. Benedetti tabled the next resolutions. Regarding the reserved parking places for residents, she wants to change from street signs to stickers for the cars.
Regarding T G Missouri, she tabled the tax abatement and the request for $150,000 matching funds for a new HVAC system until they can be amended. The council wants to put a time limit on the non-reverting fund for businesses to purchase equipment, make sure they purchase energy efficient equipment and use only local contractors.
When I left Chief Juliot was at the podium explaining to the council the request for matching funds to purchase radios, software, etc. Guess you'll have to read Daniel's report in the "Tribune" for that one.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
NO ANNEXATION, BLANK AGENDA
Tonight the City Council had scheduled a special meeting regarding the annexation of the Charlestown Rd. area. As the "Tribune" stated, the Mayor asked for the ordinance to be tabled for an indefinite period of time. The paper said he wanted to postpone the ordinance until an effective date of 2013, but Mr. England said he wanted a postponement until 2014. I don't know which date he actually meant. I guess we'll just have to go with what the "Tribune" said.
The Council did table the ordinance after a lengthy discussion. Mr. Price was concerned about the budget for the police department. After the annexation, there will be a need for additional officers. This will play havoc with our budget. He is also concerned about the number of people losing their homes due to the economy. He said New Albany may eventually be a city of tents. He also took exception to the Mayor's comment about how the Council "trashes" the police department and accuses them of overspending. Mr. England and Officer Haub, President of the FOP, agreed that the police are not given the budgeted amount needed. Things got a little heated after the meeting.
The other item on the agenda concerned the salaries for the non-bargaining employees. The ordinance was amended to state that no promotions or salary increases were allowed and no new hires. This passed 6-1, Mr. Price voted no, and Mr. Caesar and Mr. Messer were absent.
The Council did table the ordinance after a lengthy discussion. Mr. Price was concerned about the budget for the police department. After the annexation, there will be a need for additional officers. This will play havoc with our budget. He is also concerned about the number of people losing their homes due to the economy. He said New Albany may eventually be a city of tents. He also took exception to the Mayor's comment about how the Council "trashes" the police department and accuses them of overspending. Mr. England and Officer Haub, President of the FOP, agreed that the police are not given the budgeted amount needed. Things got a little heated after the meeting.
The other item on the agenda concerned the salaries for the non-bargaining employees. The ordinance was amended to state that no promotions or salary increases were allowed and no new hires. This passed 6-1, Mr. Price voted no, and Mr. Caesar and Mr. Messer were absent.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
PIES AND POLITICS
I just came from a get together with some of the Democrat candidates, both local and statewide.
It was a fun time for everyone, good fellowship and great desserts.
Several of the candidates were there and gave a short talk, and talked with each of us individually.
It was a fun time for everyone, good fellowship and great desserts.
Several of the candidates were there and gave a short talk, and talked with each of us individually.
- Sam Locke, a very busy man, is having a bowling fundraiser next Wednesday 9/29 at Hoosier Lanes, 7:00.
- Shane Gibson has been going door to door and has a couple of commercials showing on local TV stations.
- Jim Frieberger and Dan Voyles have been campaigning in their districts for the County Council.
- Patty Walker is having a hat show/fundraiser at the Division St. School, this Saturday 9/25.
- Chuck Frieberger was not present but his campaign manager was. I asked where Chuck stood on the tolls for the bridges and his answer was a resounding NO TOLLS. Chuck sensibly believes that it is unfair to ask Kentuckiana residents to pay for bridges when the funds are already in place, besides who can afford to pay $6.00 a day just to go to work?
- Vop Osili, candidate for Secretary of State will be at Schad & Schad Law Firm offices tomorrow 5:30 to 7:30 for a meet and greet.
Stacy Deck, VP of the Floyd County Central Committee, believes that we have a great slate of candidates and I agree.
We need to support these people with our votes and donations &/or volunteering if possible. But most importantly our votes.
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