New Albany is a state of mind … but whose? Since 2004, we’ve been observing the contemporary scene in this slowly awakening old river town. If it’s true that a pre-digital stopped clock is right twice a day, when will New Albany learn to tell time?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Open Thread: City council meeting of Thursday, November 19.
See what you miss when I'm busy and can't attend?
But if you were there, regroup from the inevitable IQ loss and let us know what happened.
Recaps available over coffee Friday. In ways, less dramatic than expected, but filled with unexpected moments.
Some highlights:
Messrs. Caesar and Messer demanded obeisance to Roberts Rules and throttled the council president during discussion of repealing the eligibility of council members to participate in the city health insurance pool. A first.
Iamhoosier came out publicly against families.
The New Albanian's partners were again (temporarily) overlooked when praise was being handed out.
The council president again solicited a stand-in to speak off agenda during communications from the public, agenda items.
Councilman 3D joined battle with a frequent nemesis who objected to his serially diminishing declaration of just how many people live in New Albany. Mr. Price, this time, said the city consists of 35,000 people. His administrative aide, Ms. Denhart, corrected him, saying it was only 34,000. When I gently chided him about the way his population number drops, meeting by meeting, Price declared that "this is a democracy" and that I was entitled to my opinion and he was entitled to his. I, incredulous, asked "The population of New Albany is a matter of opinion?"
Oh, the budget is balanced for 2009. And the city announced about $10 million in federal stimulus grants received this week.
And much, much more. Most of the knife-fighting took place under the table and out in the hallway. All in all, it was quite civilized.
It appears that the council members are likely to vote for the person they least like and respect to be president next year. As punishment.
Our federal stimulus good fortune did not end with just the $6.7M for SEJ. Today we learned we're receiving additional grants. The Mayor went over it very quickly but I recall about $700K new money for the Greenway and about $1.5M for road improvements. There must have been another in there because the Mayor did say it was just shy of $10M total.
Last night at the end of the meeting, a chill went up & down my spine. There was this shiny headed man up at the podium speaking. This man had his facts wrong on not one, but two different subjects. Could there really be an Erik to go along Erika?
Evidently, some anonymous idiot owes me an apology. Will it be forthcoming? Fat chance. Even when their own people tell them that they are wrong, the cowards can't admit it.
It's official. Stan resigned as council attorney.
ReplyDeleteSince they did such a good job getting grants without a grant writer they voted against hiring one.
ReplyDeleteRecaps available over coffee Friday. In ways, less dramatic than expected, but filled with unexpected moments.
ReplyDeleteSome highlights:
Messrs. Caesar and Messer demanded obeisance to Roberts Rules and throttled the council president during discussion of repealing the eligibility of council members to participate in the city health insurance pool. A first.
Iamhoosier came out publicly against families.
The New Albanian's partners were again (temporarily) overlooked when praise was being handed out.
The council president again solicited a stand-in to speak off agenda during communications from the public, agenda items.
Councilman 3D joined battle with a frequent nemesis who objected to his serially diminishing declaration of just how many people live in New Albany. Mr. Price, this time, said the city consists of 35,000 people. His administrative aide, Ms. Denhart, corrected him, saying it was only 34,000. When I gently chided him about the way his population number drops, meeting by meeting, Price declared that "this is a democracy" and that I was entitled to my opinion and he was entitled to his. I, incredulous, asked "The population of New Albany is a matter of opinion?"
Oh, the budget is balanced for 2009. And the city announced about $10 million in federal stimulus grants received this week.
And much, much more. Most of the knife-fighting took place under the table and out in the hallway. All in all, it was quite civilized.
It appears that the council members are likely to vote for the person they least like and respect to be president next year. As punishment.
Just to follow up on The Bookseller's post.
ReplyDeleteOur federal stimulus good fortune did not end with just the $6.7M for SEJ. Today we learned we're receiving additional grants. The Mayor went over it very quickly but I recall about $700K new money for the Greenway and about $1.5M for road improvements. There must have been another in there because the Mayor did say it was just shy of $10M total.
I kick puppies, too.
ReplyDeleteIamhoosier came out publicly against families.
ReplyDeleteIamhoosier said...
I kick puppies, too.
Wow, I think my wife, my dogs and I will steer clear of Iamhoosier whilst walking. VBG.
You don't want to know what I do to Republicans!!
ReplyDeleteOh snap, I am going to have to watch my back now.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know IAH ever walked. He used to bike, but that was during the first Dubya administration.
ReplyDeleteOh, go suck on a coors. I'm busy planning my next ambush!!
ReplyDeleteHey Book,
ReplyDeleteIf I come read, can I tell any children present that there is no Santa Claus?
Last night at the end of the meeting, a chill went up & down my spine. There was this shiny headed man up at the podium speaking. This man had his facts wrong on not one, but two different subjects. Could there really be an Erik to go along Erika?
ReplyDeleteA census taker once tried to test Steve. He ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti. ..
ReplyDeleteMatt,
ReplyDeleteYou and Bluegill share some of the same attibutes, you both can say a lot in very few words.
Evidently, some anonymous idiot owes me an apology. Will it be forthcoming? Fat chance. Even when their own people tell them that they are wrong, the cowards can't admit it.
ReplyDelete