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."
Friday, February 17, 2012
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
Saturday, December 24, 2011
IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Please remember what Christmas is all about and have a happy and peaceful holiday.
Please remember what Christmas is all about and have a happy and peaceful holiday.
Friday, December 16, 2011
CITY COUNCIL MEETING 12/15/11 GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK
Last night was the last of the regularly scheduled City Council meetings for 2011 and the last meeting for this term. There will be a special meeting 12/28/11 for the third reading of the Ordinance to refinance the bond for Christian Academy. The city is only allowed to issue $10,000,000 in bonds per year and this needs to be passed in 2011.
Other agenda items included CM Coffey's G-11-16, the third reading on the Abandoned Vehicle Ordinance which passed 9-0.
And finally CM Price's G-11-17 third reading on the Noise Regulation Ordinance it also passed 9-0.
Mr. Ed Wilkinson gave a report on the Sewer Dept. There have been many improvements to our sewers in the last year and we are in much better shape financially. There has been another $200,000 + collected from delinquent bills, this is in addition to the previously reported $750,000. Great job Ed!
This meeting was also short and sweet, or maybe bittersweet. Mr. Gahan thanked the council for their service this last year. Mr. Messer thanked the council for their help in the last eight years and expressed how much he appreciated his time in office. Mr. Price had a different goodbye message. He thanked the council for "putting up with him" for the past eight years. This, of course, brought laughter to an otherwise solemn moment.
Prior to the council meeting, the Police Dept. had a meeting at Scribner Jr. High School concerning artificial marijuana and cocaine. This is a very serious subject and was well presented by Chief Bailey. Unfortunately it was poorly attended. The Chief thought this was because the seminar was not well advertised. I don't know what happened but I hope they have another presentation because this is very valuable information for all the parents and family members in New Albany.
I don't know what 2012 will bring. There will be a lot of changes, I just hope and pray that New Albany will continue to grow and prosper.
Merry Christmas everyone, and Happy Holidays.
Shirley
Other agenda items included CM Coffey's G-11-16, the third reading on the Abandoned Vehicle Ordinance which passed 9-0.
And finally CM Price's G-11-17 third reading on the Noise Regulation Ordinance it also passed 9-0.
Mr. Ed Wilkinson gave a report on the Sewer Dept. There have been many improvements to our sewers in the last year and we are in much better shape financially. There has been another $200,000 + collected from delinquent bills, this is in addition to the previously reported $750,000. Great job Ed!
This meeting was also short and sweet, or maybe bittersweet. Mr. Gahan thanked the council for their service this last year. Mr. Messer thanked the council for their help in the last eight years and expressed how much he appreciated his time in office. Mr. Price had a different goodbye message. He thanked the council for "putting up with him" for the past eight years. This, of course, brought laughter to an otherwise solemn moment.
Prior to the council meeting, the Police Dept. had a meeting at Scribner Jr. High School concerning artificial marijuana and cocaine. This is a very serious subject and was well presented by Chief Bailey. Unfortunately it was poorly attended. The Chief thought this was because the seminar was not well advertised. I don't know what happened but I hope they have another presentation because this is very valuable information for all the parents and family members in New Albany.
I don't know what 2012 will bring. There will be a lot of changes, I just hope and pray that New Albany will continue to grow and prosper.
Merry Christmas everyone, and Happy Holidays.
Shirley
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