We had a long and not very productive meeting last night and I will give a brief outline. My report will not be nearly as detailed as Mr. Baylor's.
There is a new format for the agenda. The public officials now speak before the general public. Mr. Carl Malysz spoke first in the Mayor's place:
He had a note from the Mayor which asked that two of the agenda items be tabled. A-09-22 the $2,000,000 for the police and fire depts. from EDIT and G-10-02, the full time attorney for the council. Mr. Ceasar was the sponsor and he complied with the Mayor's wishes.
Mr. Malysz went on to address the comments made at the 2/17 town hall meeting. He said that since Jan. 08 there have been 5 overflows from the sewer system due to the weather. He added that EPA thinks more needs to be done to address this. He also said that even when the Mayor is on vacation they talk daily, sometimes even more.
Chief Juliot (Fire Dept.) was next: he had good news concerning a grant received from Sen. Lugar in the amount of $700,000 to be used to upgrade the communication equipment. This must be shared with other Southern Indiana counties but our share amounts to approx. $180,000.
Mr. Price asked for a public hearing before a vote is to be taken on the sewer rate increase. Mr. Messer said the ordinance needs to be read and a vote taken before Mr. Skomph (from CroweHorwath) can share the details of his meeting with the bondholders and SRL (State Revolving Loans). After the first reading and the first vote, 7 nay no aye, he (Mr. Skomph) shared that the increase was down to 36% now and 19% in 2012. He stressed that immediate action needed to be taken and that he had never seen the government so amiable to an agreement. A meeting was scheduled for March 11 @ 6:00 for the people to express their opinions.
Next were the communications from the public. And of course many people spoke. I will not go into detail but most expressed the same financial problems as those speaking at the town hall meeting. A couple firefighters asked that A-09-22 be passed, not just to save their jobs but for public safety as well.
Finally two resolutions were passed 7-0, R-10-15 a Resolution having to do with L & D Mail Masters, and R-10-06 the Resolution requesting a Forensic Audit. This is being paid for by the Police and Fire Unions.
The fun ended around 9:45. Many people were in small groups in the hall having discussions.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
TOWN HALL MEETING 2/17/10 FIRST OF A SERIES
I arrived at the Town Hall meeting about 25 min. late. Mr. Coffey had already done his presentation and he had just opened the meeting for public comments.
And comment they did! Many people expressed great concern over a 70% sewer rate increase. One lady said she would have to close her business after 30 years and move to Jeffersonville. A young woman said she just purchased a home and had to work three jobs just to make ends meet. And there were many similar stories.
There was a lot of interesting information given: in the years 2008 and 2009 there was only $69,738.06 collected in sewer liens, per Vicki Denhart. This seems like a small amount considering the huge amount that is owed. Personally I think the city should go after the business owners who owe thousands instead of just the property owner who may owe much less. But every dollar helps.
Mr. Coffey also asked everyone present to attend the council meeting tomorrow night (2/18) and speak in favor of the forensic audit resolution. There should be a long list of public speakers.
It was also mentioned that the previous audits are available on the indiana.gov website, look under "State Board of Accounts", then "audits" then "Floyd County" and then "New Albany". It may take a minute but it should be worth while.
Pat Harrison said that she had spoken with Rep. Ed Clere this evening and he said that he has found a way to reduce the increase to 35%. She said he did not elaborate so there were no further details. That helps but it's still a big increase.
There is another meeting scheduled for April 6, 2010. I don't know the topic but it is sure to be a lively discussion.
And comment they did! Many people expressed great concern over a 70% sewer rate increase. One lady said she would have to close her business after 30 years and move to Jeffersonville. A young woman said she just purchased a home and had to work three jobs just to make ends meet. And there were many similar stories.
There was a lot of interesting information given: in the years 2008 and 2009 there was only $69,738.06 collected in sewer liens, per Vicki Denhart. This seems like a small amount considering the huge amount that is owed. Personally I think the city should go after the business owners who owe thousands instead of just the property owner who may owe much less. But every dollar helps.
Mr. Coffey also asked everyone present to attend the council meeting tomorrow night (2/18) and speak in favor of the forensic audit resolution. There should be a long list of public speakers.
It was also mentioned that the previous audits are available on the indiana.gov website, look under "State Board of Accounts", then "audits" then "Floyd County" and then "New Albany". It may take a minute but it should be worth while.
Pat Harrison said that she had spoken with Rep. Ed Clere this evening and he said that he has found a way to reduce the increase to 35%. She said he did not elaborate so there were no further details. That helps but it's still a big increase.
There is another meeting scheduled for April 6, 2010. I don't know the topic but it is sure to be a lively discussion.
Friday, February 12, 2010
UPCOMING EVENTS
The candidates will be highly visible this weekend.
Chuck Frieberger is hosting a "Meet and Greet" at the Hobart VFW Post on Grantline Rd. Saturday from 1-4. He is running for State Senator to replace Connie Sipes.
Patty Walker is having a Valentine breakfast at Applebee's on Grantline Rd. this Sunday from 8:00 to 10:00. Warm up with hot pancakes and coffee and it's just $5.00, can't beat a deal like that. Patty is running for re-election to the Township Advisory Board.
Have a great weekend everyone and stay warm and safe.
Shirley
Chuck Frieberger is hosting a "Meet and Greet" at the Hobart VFW Post on Grantline Rd. Saturday from 1-4. He is running for State Senator to replace Connie Sipes.
Patty Walker is having a Valentine breakfast at Applebee's on Grantline Rd. this Sunday from 8:00 to 10:00. Warm up with hot pancakes and coffee and it's just $5.00, can't beat a deal like that. Patty is running for re-election to the Township Advisory Board.
Have a great weekend everyone and stay warm and safe.
Shirley
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
BUDGET WOES
I have read the "Tribune" article from February 8th about the 20 firefighters who could lose their jobs. It was very well written, thank you Daniel, but I am still confused.
If the city has 4 Million Dollars a year in unencumbered EDIT funds this year and presumably in previous years, why are we in such trouble?
We don't have the money to fix our sewers, potholes, sidewalks, etc. but we have all of these unencumbered funds?
As Denzil Washington said in the movie "Philadelphia", "Please explain this to me as if I were a five year old".
If the city has 4 Million Dollars a year in unencumbered EDIT funds this year and presumably in previous years, why are we in such trouble?
We don't have the money to fix our sewers, potholes, sidewalks, etc. but we have all of these unencumbered funds?
As Denzil Washington said in the movie "Philadelphia", "Please explain this to me as if I were a five year old".
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
IS NA REALLY THAT UGLY?
I don't know about you, but I am getting a little tired of hearing about how "dirty" and "ugly"New Albany is. Neighborhood groups have had cleanups and several people have "adopted" a corner to keep them cleaned up. Are just a few people trying to clean things up and the rest going back and making a mess?
Mr. Lopp has said that he has wanted a Cracker Barrel located near the I-64 exit for 16 years. I had heard rumors about this for the past few years but never knew why it didn't materialize. Has he informed the Mayor's office and our Code Enforcement Officer? Has he made a public plea to the residents? Has he considered hiring a crew to make this area more attractive?
He also complained about the condition of East Spring St. where people arrive from Clarksville. I wonder if the East Spring Neighborhood Association is aware of this?
I think we have done a lot to make our city more attractive in the last few years. And yes, a large retail chain store would probably bring more traffic to downtown. I hate the thought of these hard working small business owners going under for lack of customers. I don't see the need for a chain restaurant in our downtown though. It seems that it would take business away from our locally owned restaurants.
Obviously I don't have the answers but I would love to know what we can do to keep our city on the path we have started and to become the great city I know we can be.
Mr. Lopp has said that he has wanted a Cracker Barrel located near the I-64 exit for 16 years. I had heard rumors about this for the past few years but never knew why it didn't materialize. Has he informed the Mayor's office and our Code Enforcement Officer? Has he made a public plea to the residents? Has he considered hiring a crew to make this area more attractive?
He also complained about the condition of East Spring St. where people arrive from Clarksville. I wonder if the East Spring Neighborhood Association is aware of this?
I think we have done a lot to make our city more attractive in the last few years. And yes, a large retail chain store would probably bring more traffic to downtown. I hate the thought of these hard working small business owners going under for lack of customers. I don't see the need for a chain restaurant in our downtown though. It seems that it would take business away from our locally owned restaurants.
Obviously I don't have the answers but I would love to know what we can do to keep our city on the path we have started and to become the great city I know we can be.
Friday, January 22, 2010
COUNCIL MEETING 1/21/10
The agenda has changed since the last council meeting. Now the Mayor and city officials speak before the general public.
Mayor England began by thanking Mr. Coffey and Ms. Benedetti for their service as President and VP during 2009. He then congratulated Mr. Gonder and Mr. McLaughlin on their elections as President and VP for 2010.
He then got down to business discussing the possible closing of a fire station and/or laying off personnel. He asked the council to schedule a work session for Febuary 5, a Saturday, to discuss the $2,000,000 appropriation for the fire and police depts. before they have a final vote.
He then advised that the State of the City address will take place in March. There will be a press release also. Additionally there will be a press release concerning the 6.7 million for the SEJ rehab. The city plans to tear down 40 dilapidated homes and use 10 lots already owned and build 50 homes. The plan is to sell them for $120,000 to $130,000 to single families. They cannot be purchased for investment ie. rental property.
During the city official discussion Mr. Price said that the 5.2million borrowed from the Sewer Utility needs to be paid back before the sewer rates are raised. Mrs. Garry advised him that the loan was paid back in 2004. He also questioned the Mayor's comment that the police and fire dept. are underfunded, he said a union representative told him they had received a better contract than they had requested. A representative from the fire dept. said they received a raise of about $6.80 per month more than they requested and the police received the same.
During the comments from the public several people asked for help from last year's flood. Some people said the city had made promises which were not kept. Mr. Caesar said the Stormwater Board will meet next Thursday 1/28 at 10:00 to reveal the preliminary master plan to address this problem. Attny Shane Gibson spoke before the vote was taken on the $400,000 appropriation and asked that their be an amendment to give at least $200,000 to the Stormwater Board to dredge creeks and fix the culverts and other "micro projects". The amendment was passed 9-0. The final vote on the appropriation was 8-1 with Mr. Price voting against.
As of yet, the council does not yet have a full time attorney. The ordinance was tabled until a committee could meet and work out the details.
At this time it was 9:30 and I had to leave since I work early in the morning. If anyone stayed until the end please give us the details of the rest of the meeting.
Mayor England began by thanking Mr. Coffey and Ms. Benedetti for their service as President and VP during 2009. He then congratulated Mr. Gonder and Mr. McLaughlin on their elections as President and VP for 2010.
He then got down to business discussing the possible closing of a fire station and/or laying off personnel. He asked the council to schedule a work session for Febuary 5, a Saturday, to discuss the $2,000,000 appropriation for the fire and police depts. before they have a final vote.
He then advised that the State of the City address will take place in March. There will be a press release also. Additionally there will be a press release concerning the 6.7 million for the SEJ rehab. The city plans to tear down 40 dilapidated homes and use 10 lots already owned and build 50 homes. The plan is to sell them for $120,000 to $130,000 to single families. They cannot be purchased for investment ie. rental property.
During the city official discussion Mr. Price said that the 5.2million borrowed from the Sewer Utility needs to be paid back before the sewer rates are raised. Mrs. Garry advised him that the loan was paid back in 2004. He also questioned the Mayor's comment that the police and fire dept. are underfunded, he said a union representative told him they had received a better contract than they had requested. A representative from the fire dept. said they received a raise of about $6.80 per month more than they requested and the police received the same.
During the comments from the public several people asked for help from last year's flood. Some people said the city had made promises which were not kept. Mr. Caesar said the Stormwater Board will meet next Thursday 1/28 at 10:00 to reveal the preliminary master plan to address this problem. Attny Shane Gibson spoke before the vote was taken on the $400,000 appropriation and asked that their be an amendment to give at least $200,000 to the Stormwater Board to dredge creeks and fix the culverts and other "micro projects". The amendment was passed 9-0. The final vote on the appropriation was 8-1 with Mr. Price voting against.
As of yet, the council does not yet have a full time attorney. The ordinance was tabled until a committee could meet and work out the details.
At this time it was 9:30 and I had to leave since I work early in the morning. If anyone stayed until the end please give us the details of the rest of the meeting.
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