Council chamber of bland apotheoses (VFW retromix): Or, Live blogging returns, Volume 1.

So far, so good ... live blogging is back.

THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CIVIL CITY OF NEW ALBANY, INDIANA, WILL HOLD A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IN THE THIRD FLOOR ASSEMBLY ROOM OF THE CITY/COUNTY BUILDING ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2009 AT 7:30 P.M.

First up:

A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD AT 7:15 TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:

R-09-23
Resolution Confirming the Establishment of an Economic Revitalization Area for Matt Chalfant d/b/a Chalfant Industries, Inc. by the Common Council of the City of New Albany

A-09-12
Ordinance For Appropriations and Tax Rates

Almost no discussion for either of these. Chalfant's deal has been working through the pipeline, etc., comes up for approval tonight.

Council president Dan Coffey takes the opportunity to stage whisper his contempt for the sort of thinking that would posit a parking garage as part of the downtown development plan being thrown out for sledgehammering tonight.

Here's our conclusion, one gleaned from watching the council break down into little discussion groups as meeting time draws near: Tonight, the council intends to drive a stake through the heart of Georgetown forever. Bankruptcy, anyone? It's okay, really; my mom's on septic.

AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER:

PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

ROLL CALL:

All present except the attorney.

APPROVAL OR CORRECTION OF THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:

Moved and approved: New Albany Common Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2009

COMMUNICATIONS – PUBLIC:

Here are the AGENDA ITEMS. Coffey asks that comment be limited to five minutes.

1. Jack Fine (?) says he is representing the VFW Post on East 5th Street, and he's conveying the uncertainty of the Post as to designs on VFW property as illustrated in the master plan (R-09-24). Thinks it's a shame that no one called to include them. On page 9 of the council's handbook, he sees a reference to removal of a surface parking lot and relocation of a tank and replacement with something approximating brownstones.

Coffey: Did anyone (from city hall or the administration) contact you about this?

Nope - first we've heard of it. We believe that betterment is great, but don't talk about taking our property.

What's hilarious about this is that this very council, now outraged at such a usurpation, would have to allocate money for anything to ever happen to the VFW or its property. They wouldn't, but tonight's sentiment already looks to be anti-master plan grandstanding.

CM Gonder: Explains things rationally.

Lawyer: Would the resolution be binding? Like any resolution, it would be a foot hold and must be opposed unless someone notifies them. Says he got a phone call from a council person two hours ago about this.

Scott Wood also seeks to be rational. The lawyer then says: We're against it, whatever it is.

2. Shirley Baird - supports the cost of living rises that come back up tonight.

3. Ron Granger - (master plan) Wants council to consider handicapped spots on the VFW lot that isn't going to be taken anytime soon.

Bob Caesar apologizes and reassures the VFW that Barack Obama will not take their parking lot and tank away. Funny how after numerous public notices and publicty about the master plan, the VFW comes swooping in like Stukas at the last minute at the behest of a council person. Gee.

4. Billy Stewart - Lays out the defense for Georgetown, rebuts percentage of use cited by some, and explains the reason for wholesale versus retail sewer rates. Very earnestly speaks. Says it will take them some more time. All they're asking for is an extension, and they'll pay $25,000 right now for these. And, there's more: NA doesn't have to give back the money Georgetown has paid but not used for sewer improvements.

Coffey approves a question by Diane Benedetti: Questions Stewart's numbers, he does the math. "Still millions of dollars," in short, I believe she's trying to help him with his case.

Stewart: "No free ride ... we're paying for our ride."

(to be continued)