There is a new website on the New Albany scene. It features cities and towns in the U.S.
Our City Clerk, Marcey Wisman, was notified about this website and she added information about our fair city. She has even included a video and listings of upcoming events.
The address of the website is: www.americantowns.com/in/newalbany
Great work Marcey.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The Tribune reported today that the mayor vetoed the resolution to challenge the Sewer Board and Stormwater contracts with EMC.
I mentioned Monday night at the council meeting that I was confused because certain council members were opposed to the bid process and signed contracts with EMC. As you readers know, the Sewer Board still had six months left with it's previous contract.
With all of this intrigue, I feel like I'm living in a soap opera.
Why are Mr. Kochert and Mr. Zurschmeide so adamant that we continue to do business with EMC?
Why did the mayor veto the resolution? Yes, he is the president of the Sewer Board but he was not part of the contract negotiations as far as I know. Is this just a power struggle? He was quoted in the Tribune as saying, "We don't believe they have the authority to make us bid service contracts". He was speaking of the council, of course.
Is this just a case of "You can't tell me what to do!" "You're not the boss of me!" If that is the case all I can say is gentlemen, please act like adults.
I mentioned Monday night at the council meeting that I was confused because certain council members were opposed to the bid process and signed contracts with EMC. As you readers know, the Sewer Board still had six months left with it's previous contract.
With all of this intrigue, I feel like I'm living in a soap opera.
Why are Mr. Kochert and Mr. Zurschmeide so adamant that we continue to do business with EMC?
Why did the mayor veto the resolution? Yes, he is the president of the Sewer Board but he was not part of the contract negotiations as far as I know. Is this just a power struggle? He was quoted in the Tribune as saying, "We don't believe they have the authority to make us bid service contracts". He was speaking of the council, of course.
Is this just a case of "You can't tell me what to do!" "You're not the boss of me!" If that is the case all I can say is gentlemen, please act like adults.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
EMC CONTRACTS
Friday, August 3, I was one of the few people who attended the committee meeting regarding the new contracts with EMC.
The committee was chaired by Councilman Gahan and included Councilmen Coffey and Schmidt.
Several questions were asked among the three members which do make one wonder. Here are a few samples:
Why was the Sewer Board contract signed with EMC when there is still six months remaining on the present contract?
Why did the current Sewer Board members sign this contract before the election? (Especially with the knowledge that three of the current council members will not be returning.)
If the contract with EMC was for management only, why are they using the city's trucks?
How could the Stormwater Board operate for 18 months without a budget?
Why did they also sign a contract with EMC?
I want to urge everyone to attend the council meeting tomorrow night and see if we can find answers to these questions.
Remember these people are elected officials and are accountable to US the citizens of New Albany.
See you tomorrow night.
The committee was chaired by Councilman Gahan and included Councilmen Coffey and Schmidt.
Several questions were asked among the three members which do make one wonder. Here are a few samples:
Why was the Sewer Board contract signed with EMC when there is still six months remaining on the present contract?
Why did the current Sewer Board members sign this contract before the election? (Especially with the knowledge that three of the current council members will not be returning.)
If the contract with EMC was for management only, why are they using the city's trucks?
How could the Stormwater Board operate for 18 months without a budget?
Why did they also sign a contract with EMC?
I want to urge everyone to attend the council meeting tomorrow night and see if we can find answers to these questions.
Remember these people are elected officials and are accountable to US the citizens of New Albany.
See you tomorrow night.
Monday, July 23, 2007
FUNDRAISER AT THE SPEAKEASY
Officer Dannie Price will host a fundraiser this Thursday night at the Speakeasy from 6:00 to 10:00PM. This fundraiser will benefit the families of officers Denzinger and White. What a great idea!
Brad Tharp, owner of the Speakeasy will donate his net profits from the event also.
Checker Cab will even donate rides for the patrons so no one has to worry about finding a designated driver.
I know there are a lot of things wrong in New Albany, but when I read about things like this it makes me glad to be a citizen of New Albany.
Thank you Office Price, thank you Mr. Tharp and thank you Checker Cab employees. And thank you Chris Morris and the Tribune for reporting this great story.
Brad Tharp, owner of the Speakeasy will donate his net profits from the event also.
Checker Cab will even donate rides for the patrons so no one has to worry about finding a designated driver.
I know there are a lot of things wrong in New Albany, but when I read about things like this it makes me glad to be a citizen of New Albany.
Thank you Office Price, thank you Mr. Tharp and thank you Checker Cab employees. And thank you Chris Morris and the Tribune for reporting this great story.
Monday, July 16, 2007
SO MANY HOMES, SO FEW PEOPLE
According to Saturday's Tribune three developers are looking to expand NewAlbany.
Gary McCartin wants two restaurants, a bank and a coffee shop on Charlestown Rd. near Kohls. I'm sure the people who live in this area would appreciate another bank and restaurants. But he also wants to build an apartment complex with 180 apartments. This area will be called Lafayette Square.
On the other end of town, Riverman LLC wants to build what looks like a small town on Hwy. 111 and Two Mile Lane. They want 200 apartments, 68 homes and 92,000 feet of commercial space.
And not too far from there Brent Schroeder plans to build seven small industrial sites near Eagles Lane. I guess he wants to build businesses for the people in "Two Lane Town" to have a place to work.
Now don't get me wrong, I am all for development but I must wonder where will the people come from to live in these homes? Seriously, we are talking 380 apartments and 68 single homes! The real estate market in New Albany has been rather flat lately. I'm not a realtor but I can see the "for sale" signs all over town in front of the same homes for weeks and even months on end.
Personally, I would rather see the old buildings downtown converted to living space. This would create very cool apartments or lofts and rehab the old buildings at the same time. Maybe if we had something different we could attract more buyers.
But then again, maybe I don't know what I am talking about. Naaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh I may not be a developer but I'm not blind.
Please, Mr. McCartin, Mr. Schroeder and Riverman LLC group, consider investing your dollars in the areas of New Albany which desperately need your help before taking a chance on the "fringe areas".
Gary McCartin wants two restaurants, a bank and a coffee shop on Charlestown Rd. near Kohls. I'm sure the people who live in this area would appreciate another bank and restaurants. But he also wants to build an apartment complex with 180 apartments. This area will be called Lafayette Square.
On the other end of town, Riverman LLC wants to build what looks like a small town on Hwy. 111 and Two Mile Lane. They want 200 apartments, 68 homes and 92,000 feet of commercial space.
And not too far from there Brent Schroeder plans to build seven small industrial sites near Eagles Lane. I guess he wants to build businesses for the people in "Two Lane Town" to have a place to work.
Now don't get me wrong, I am all for development but I must wonder where will the people come from to live in these homes? Seriously, we are talking 380 apartments and 68 single homes! The real estate market in New Albany has been rather flat lately. I'm not a realtor but I can see the "for sale" signs all over town in front of the same homes for weeks and even months on end.
Personally, I would rather see the old buildings downtown converted to living space. This would create very cool apartments or lofts and rehab the old buildings at the same time. Maybe if we had something different we could attract more buyers.
But then again, maybe I don't know what I am talking about. Naaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh I may not be a developer but I'm not blind.
Please, Mr. McCartin, Mr. Schroeder and Riverman LLC group, consider investing your dollars in the areas of New Albany which desperately need your help before taking a chance on the "fringe areas".
Friday, July 13, 2007
NEW FIRE TRUCK
The Tribune published an article yesterday concerning the need for a new fire truck. One of the arial trucks is broken down with engine trouble and the repair cost would be more than the truck is worth. I know that feeling, having been told that about a few cars we have owned.
The city has been presented with three options. Two trucks which reach 75 feet and cost from $622,000 to $690,000, and one truck which reaches 105 feet and costs $685,000. The 75 ft. trucks would not be available for a year and the 105ft. truck will be available in three months.
To me this is a no brainer. I can't even imagine what the council would have to debate.
Mrs. Garry said the city has $200,000 for a down payment and can make payments of $100,000 per year. At this rate the truck will be paid off in 72 months or less. Some cars are financed for a longer term than that.
I urge the council to approve the purchase of the 105ft truck at the next scheduled meeting.
The city has been presented with three options. Two trucks which reach 75 feet and cost from $622,000 to $690,000, and one truck which reaches 105 feet and costs $685,000. The 75 ft. trucks would not be available for a year and the 105ft. truck will be available in three months.
To me this is a no brainer. I can't even imagine what the council would have to debate.
Mrs. Garry said the city has $200,000 for a down payment and can make payments of $100,000 per year. At this rate the truck will be paid off in 72 months or less. Some cars are financed for a longer term than that.
I urge the council to approve the purchase of the 105ft truck at the next scheduled meeting.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
I am going to play Andy Rooney for a minute and spout off about things that are on my mind. They are stated below in no particular order.
At Monday's City Council meeting Councilman Gahan questioned the Sewer Board's renewing the EMC contract without considering other bids. According to the Tribune, Steve Tolliver of Aqua Utility Services tried to present his company's proposals but was ignored.
I agree with Mr. Gahan, Mr. Price and Mr. Coffey. The Sewer Board should have considered other options before signing another contract with EMC. How do we know we got the best deal? I don't think a few people should decide on their own what is best for New Albany.
Chris, the editor of New Albany Eyesores Blog had a great idea. He wants to name a walking path along the river or part of the sportspark on Budd Rd. after Officer Frank Denzinger. He got the "run around" from City Hall but the idea is certainly worth considering.
Speaking of great ideas, Thornton's will be selling Tribute T shirts featuring the names of officers Denzinger and White. They are selling for a very reasonable $10.00 each with most of the proceeds going to the Denzinger and White families.
Today's Tribune featured an article concerning farmers and the stormwater fees. It seems the farmers will be assessed a fee for every square foot of impervious surfaces such as roofs and pavements. The farmers are crying foul, and rightfully so. Why should a small business owner such as a farmer be charged along the same lines as big box stores? I believe the Commissioners will be able to work out a deal that makes sense.
Mayoral Candidate England wants to build a new firehouse in the West End of New Albany. All I can say is that it's about time. We West End residents were robbed of our fire station when the waste treatment plant was expanded. Thank you, Mr. England for believing that our neighborhood is worth saving in case of a fire.
On another note, I could kick myself for not being more involved and attending the meeting when the location of the solid waste plant was chosen.
Scooter Libby may have to serve some time before his sentence can be suspended. George Bush thinks a few months in a low level security facility is too harsh for a person who puts some one's life in danger by revealing her name, but 10 years plus in prison is not too severe for border patrol agents who were trying to arrest a drug smuggler. Bush must be the most out of touch person in the entire universe.
And finally, Libertarian Thomas Keister is running against Steve Price and Brenda Scharlow in the 3rd District Council race. I read his blog but did not understand what he was trying to say. Maybe it's me. At any rate I don't think Steve Price needs to worry about being re-elected.
At Monday's City Council meeting Councilman Gahan questioned the Sewer Board's renewing the EMC contract without considering other bids. According to the Tribune, Steve Tolliver of Aqua Utility Services tried to present his company's proposals but was ignored.
I agree with Mr. Gahan, Mr. Price and Mr. Coffey. The Sewer Board should have considered other options before signing another contract with EMC. How do we know we got the best deal? I don't think a few people should decide on their own what is best for New Albany.
Chris, the editor of New Albany Eyesores Blog had a great idea. He wants to name a walking path along the river or part of the sportspark on Budd Rd. after Officer Frank Denzinger. He got the "run around" from City Hall but the idea is certainly worth considering.
Speaking of great ideas, Thornton's will be selling Tribute T shirts featuring the names of officers Denzinger and White. They are selling for a very reasonable $10.00 each with most of the proceeds going to the Denzinger and White families.
Today's Tribune featured an article concerning farmers and the stormwater fees. It seems the farmers will be assessed a fee for every square foot of impervious surfaces such as roofs and pavements. The farmers are crying foul, and rightfully so. Why should a small business owner such as a farmer be charged along the same lines as big box stores? I believe the Commissioners will be able to work out a deal that makes sense.
Mayoral Candidate England wants to build a new firehouse in the West End of New Albany. All I can say is that it's about time. We West End residents were robbed of our fire station when the waste treatment plant was expanded. Thank you, Mr. England for believing that our neighborhood is worth saving in case of a fire.
On another note, I could kick myself for not being more involved and attending the meeting when the location of the solid waste plant was chosen.
Scooter Libby may have to serve some time before his sentence can be suspended. George Bush thinks a few months in a low level security facility is too harsh for a person who puts some one's life in danger by revealing her name, but 10 years plus in prison is not too severe for border patrol agents who were trying to arrest a drug smuggler. Bush must be the most out of touch person in the entire universe.
And finally, Libertarian Thomas Keister is running against Steve Price and Brenda Scharlow in the 3rd District Council race. I read his blog but did not understand what he was trying to say. Maybe it's me. At any rate I don't think Steve Price needs to worry about being re-elected.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
