Why are we pouring EDIT money down the sewers?
At NA Shadow Council: Triskadekaphobia: We're For It
One local blogger coined the appelation of "Open Air Museum of Superstition and Ignorance" for our fair city. It couldn't be more appropriate, then, that Friday the 13th approaches, a day when triskadekaphobia (fear of the number 13) reaches its pinnacle.
For once, the progressive movement in New Albany needs to cultivate, foster, and nurture a fear of the number 13. But unlike the forces of regress, we aren't trying to grow an unreasoned fear.
For 13 is how many times more expensive it is to the taxpayers of this city to use edit funds to subsidize sewer rates. It takes more than $13 in EDIT money to knock $1 off the sewer rate. That's right.
Go to NA Shadow Council to finish reading.
Showing posts with label NA Shadow Council blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NA Shadow Council blog. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
On smelling (and not fining) rats.
Shadow considers the Thursday council meeting, and touches on a point near and dear to the senior editor’s professional heart. Here’s an extended excerpt.
When the Mayor's Away... from the NA Shadow Council blog.
The most intriguing legislative action of the evening was the unanimous rubber-stamping of a Floyd County ordinance raising the annual restaurant permit fee. Even the smallest food service establishment (something like the breakfast bar at the Hampton Inn) would now be required to pay $125 each year to remain in business. Inspections that result in violations and that require repeat visits could cause those small establishments to be "fined" half of that again.
Consulting the 2002 economic census data, New Albany has about 140 establishments that you would ordinarily consider to be subject to health department food regulation. Restaurants, bars, convenience stores, groceries, bars, bakeries, confectionaries and ice cream shops that you and I would all want to be inspected. Then, of course, the Health Department has to guard us against food poisoning at fall's Harvest Homecoming! and similar temporary vending opportunities.
Like you, I suspect, I wondered why in the world the city council would even be addressing an ordinance regulating food services when it is a Floyd County Health Department function. A cursory investigation indicates that within the incorporated limits of New Albany, the city has exclusive and dominant jurisdiction unless it explicitly delegates it to the county. I can't verify that, but I have no reason to doubt that.
The city council rapidly ratified the county's new ordinance - unanimously and without debate. The Pride of the 3rd District indicated his wish that restaurant inspection fees be used to fund city mosquito abatement efforts. The health department majordomo replied that he wanted the city to pay for same. D4 added his two cents, making it clear that he wasn't going to be happy if the county health department didn't do something in his home district, and soon.
Shadow5's question is this: What in tarnation do restaurant permit fees have to do with skeeter abatement?
But more seriously, how does the health department justify imposing a minimum $125 annual fee for restaurant inspections. Fees should have a rational basis to the cost of the service rendered, a service rendered primarily to the public, but also to the dining establishments.
What I can't figure out is the rationality of this fee increase. Combined with a recent sales tax increase that is decimating our local economy, not to mention a property tax "relief" program that dumps the cost of government onto businesses at a ratio of three to one, it seems clear that Indiana, Floyd County, and New Albany are bound and determined to drive business away, making New Albany nothing more than a bedroom for a vital and growing Louisville.
My personal response to this measure was aptly summarized by my colleague, Bluegill, in a comment appending the preceding:
Given the ease with which inspection fees were unanimously doubled, what excuse is left for not passing a rental property inspection ordinance immediately?
Eating with rats is bad but living with them is OK?
Is it just me, or are we now seeing the initial surge of enthusiasm for progressive action in the area of code enforcement begin to take the sadly inevitable turn toward slumlord appeasement that any long-term city residents regards as residing in the gene pool? After all, it’s a habit of such long standing that skeptics will yet again point to the tainted water fountains in the city county building as the likely source of liquid-borne contagion, producing degenerative spinelessness in successive generations of public officials and political “leaders.”
Speaking for my own food service interest, rest assured that we’ll pay. We always do. However, will someone please tell me why rental properties in this city are not regulated and inspected as businesses, in the same fashion as mine, and furthermore, why the ongoing absence of discernable cojones toward such matters is a state of affairs to be further tolerated?
When the Mayor's Away... from the NA Shadow Council blog.
The most intriguing legislative action of the evening was the unanimous rubber-stamping of a Floyd County ordinance raising the annual restaurant permit fee. Even the smallest food service establishment (something like the breakfast bar at the Hampton Inn) would now be required to pay $125 each year to remain in business. Inspections that result in violations and that require repeat visits could cause those small establishments to be "fined" half of that again.
Consulting the 2002 economic census data, New Albany has about 140 establishments that you would ordinarily consider to be subject to health department food regulation. Restaurants, bars, convenience stores, groceries, bars, bakeries, confectionaries and ice cream shops that you and I would all want to be inspected. Then, of course, the Health Department has to guard us against food poisoning at fall's Harvest Homecoming! and similar temporary vending opportunities.
Like you, I suspect, I wondered why in the world the city council would even be addressing an ordinance regulating food services when it is a Floyd County Health Department function. A cursory investigation indicates that within the incorporated limits of New Albany, the city has exclusive and dominant jurisdiction unless it explicitly delegates it to the county. I can't verify that, but I have no reason to doubt that.
The city council rapidly ratified the county's new ordinance - unanimously and without debate. The Pride of the 3rd District indicated his wish that restaurant inspection fees be used to fund city mosquito abatement efforts. The health department majordomo replied that he wanted the city to pay for same. D4 added his two cents, making it clear that he wasn't going to be happy if the county health department didn't do something in his home district, and soon.
Shadow5's question is this: What in tarnation do restaurant permit fees have to do with skeeter abatement?
But more seriously, how does the health department justify imposing a minimum $125 annual fee for restaurant inspections. Fees should have a rational basis to the cost of the service rendered, a service rendered primarily to the public, but also to the dining establishments.
What I can't figure out is the rationality of this fee increase. Combined with a recent sales tax increase that is decimating our local economy, not to mention a property tax "relief" program that dumps the cost of government onto businesses at a ratio of three to one, it seems clear that Indiana, Floyd County, and New Albany are bound and determined to drive business away, making New Albany nothing more than a bedroom for a vital and growing Louisville.
My personal response to this measure was aptly summarized by my colleague, Bluegill, in a comment appending the preceding:
Given the ease with which inspection fees were unanimously doubled, what excuse is left for not passing a rental property inspection ordinance immediately?
Eating with rats is bad but living with them is OK?
Is it just me, or are we now seeing the initial surge of enthusiasm for progressive action in the area of code enforcement begin to take the sadly inevitable turn toward slumlord appeasement that any long-term city residents regards as residing in the gene pool? After all, it’s a habit of such long standing that skeptics will yet again point to the tainted water fountains in the city county building as the likely source of liquid-borne contagion, producing degenerative spinelessness in successive generations of public officials and political “leaders.”
Speaking for my own food service interest, rest assured that we’ll pay. We always do. However, will someone please tell me why rental properties in this city are not regulated and inspected as businesses, in the same fashion as mine, and furthermore, why the ongoing absence of discernable cojones toward such matters is a state of affairs to be further tolerated?
Friday, March 21, 2008
Not quite weekend update
Mayor England delivered his State of the City address at last night's council meeting.
The Tribune provides the full text: 2008 State of the City Address - New Albany
Shadow5 provides additional coverage of the meeting and some commentary:
A Bright Night Follows a Rare Sunny Day
Friend and ranking NAC spiritual adviser John Manzo provides a more in-depth look at pastor Jeremiah Wright from a perspective of personal knowledge rather than relying on a three minute segment of a thirty-year career:
Different is not Deficient
Me? I'm content to leave all of the above open for discussion while I prepare to go see the first Louisville screenings of Sundance Film Festival selection FLOW, co-produced by Louisville locals Gill and Augusta Holland among others.
With an unflinching focus on politics, pollution and human rights, FLOW: For Love of Water ensures that the precarious relationship between humanity and water can no longer be ignored. While specifics of locality and issue may differ, the message is the same; water, and our future as a species, is quickly drying up. Armed with a thirst for survival, people around the world are fighting for their birthright; unless we instigate change, we face a world in which only those that can pay for their water will survive. FLOW: For Love of Water, is a catalyst for people everywhere: the time has come to turn the tide and we can't wait any longer.
Opens today for a week at the Baxter
Daily Showtimes 1:10, 3:15, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40
Q&A sessions will be held following screenings on the first two days. Director Irena Salina, who was tear gassed and had a death threat against her while filming, will participate on Friday while Gill and Augusta will be present on both Friday and Saturday.
The Tribune provides the full text: 2008 State of the City Address - New Albany
Shadow5 provides additional coverage of the meeting and some commentary:
A Bright Night Follows a Rare Sunny Day
Friend and ranking NAC spiritual adviser John Manzo provides a more in-depth look at pastor Jeremiah Wright from a perspective of personal knowledge rather than relying on a three minute segment of a thirty-year career:
Different is not Deficient
Me? I'm content to leave all of the above open for discussion while I prepare to go see the first Louisville screenings of Sundance Film Festival selection FLOW, co-produced by Louisville locals Gill and Augusta Holland among others.
With an unflinching focus on politics, pollution and human rights, FLOW: For Love of Water ensures that the precarious relationship between humanity and water can no longer be ignored. While specifics of locality and issue may differ, the message is the same; water, and our future as a species, is quickly drying up. Armed with a thirst for survival, people around the world are fighting for their birthright; unless we instigate change, we face a world in which only those that can pay for their water will survive. FLOW: For Love of Water, is a catalyst for people everywhere: the time has come to turn the tide and we can't wait any longer.
Opens today for a week at the Baxter
Daily Showtimes 1:10, 3:15, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40
Q&A sessions will be held following screenings on the first two days. Director Irena Salina, who was tear gassed and had a death threat against her while filming, will participate on Friday while Gill and Augusta will be present on both Friday and Saturday.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
"News Flash ... No one likes to pay taxes."
There are nine members of New Albany’s city council, and I find it both instructive and refreshing that one, John Gonder, grasps the utility of the Internet as a means of disseminating information and maintains his own blog.
What is even more amazing than an elected official who writes is that as a member of a local Democratic party which refuses to take a position on anything, CM Gonder actually states opinions as a basis for discussion and – gasp – perhaps even consensus.
There’s bound to be an ordinance against that, seeing as it happens so very seldom hereabouts.
Accordingly, here’s an excerpt from his most recent post, Twitch and Shout.
Another twitch-inducer is the orgiastic pursuit of property tax avoidance by certain elements of our community.
News Flash....No one likes to pay taxes.
But...
No one likes to live in a city saddled with rising costs and shrinking services
No one wants to give up essential services like police and fire
No one wants to live in a city where the first question is often the last question as well ,"how much does it cost?"
No one wants the future of their children circumscribed by the fearfulness and penury of our day
No one should enjoy the harvest of savings in our day, while salting the fields of their day.
The anti-taxers seem unable to grasp the concept of the Civic Compact which states that we will provide a City that meets not only our needs and broadens our horizons but builds the infrastructure to pass that on to future generations.
It is only by happenstance that we live now. We are like pebbles dropped into a river. The anti taxers don't seem to care if the stream dries up after they hit the surface. The only way we can truly value the now is to build for the future, which we won't see. That is the only way we have what we have today. We owe no less to the future. Some see running the city as a business, some see it as tending our small corner of civilization.
A fine statement of principle from a leader who’ll now be pilloried by the community’s opinion regurgitation devices. I can read it now: "You’re toast, Gonder. Signed, anonymous."
NA Shadow Council approaches the anti-tax gurgle from a similar angle. Here’s an excerpt from Combating the Lies:
The loons have it bass ackwards. Investment is what will lower taxes. The ideologues who want to cap property taxes are only trying to shift the burden onto businesses and consumers. The landlords behind all this are asking the legislature to give them a 33.3% tax abatement, preferring their businesses over others. An added penny on the sales tax will put Indiana retailers at a further disadvantage competitively and will drive businesses with options to neighboring states or put them out of business altogether.
As someone with a business that will be paying more property tax than the city’s bountiful crop of slumlords, that’s a powerful statement, indeed, and yet the first reaction of so many in the community continues to be “drown government” and "stop investing in the economy."
But no more today. I must prepare for the next round of white death.
Council meets tonight; here's the agenda, and the Tribune's preview, which helpfully quotes the 3rd district's albatross, Steve Price, as mouthing his tiresome "no" to progress litany. I shan't be there, because I'm pouring beer for the Jeffersonville Main Street chili fundraiser at Kye's (5:30 - 8:30 pm) -- assuming it's a go.
Note also that New Albany's England postpones State of the City address (Tribune).
What is even more amazing than an elected official who writes is that as a member of a local Democratic party which refuses to take a position on anything, CM Gonder actually states opinions as a basis for discussion and – gasp – perhaps even consensus.
There’s bound to be an ordinance against that, seeing as it happens so very seldom hereabouts.
Accordingly, here’s an excerpt from his most recent post, Twitch and Shout.
Another twitch-inducer is the orgiastic pursuit of property tax avoidance by certain elements of our community.
News Flash....No one likes to pay taxes.
But...
No one likes to live in a city saddled with rising costs and shrinking services
No one wants to give up essential services like police and fire
No one wants to live in a city where the first question is often the last question as well ,"how much does it cost?"
No one wants the future of their children circumscribed by the fearfulness and penury of our day
No one should enjoy the harvest of savings in our day, while salting the fields of their day.
The anti-taxers seem unable to grasp the concept of the Civic Compact which states that we will provide a City that meets not only our needs and broadens our horizons but builds the infrastructure to pass that on to future generations.
It is only by happenstance that we live now. We are like pebbles dropped into a river. The anti taxers don't seem to care if the stream dries up after they hit the surface. The only way we can truly value the now is to build for the future, which we won't see. That is the only way we have what we have today. We owe no less to the future. Some see running the city as a business, some see it as tending our small corner of civilization.
A fine statement of principle from a leader who’ll now be pilloried by the community’s opinion regurgitation devices. I can read it now: "You’re toast, Gonder. Signed, anonymous."
NA Shadow Council approaches the anti-tax gurgle from a similar angle. Here’s an excerpt from Combating the Lies:
The loons have it bass ackwards. Investment is what will lower taxes. The ideologues who want to cap property taxes are only trying to shift the burden onto businesses and consumers. The landlords behind all this are asking the legislature to give them a 33.3% tax abatement, preferring their businesses over others. An added penny on the sales tax will put Indiana retailers at a further disadvantage competitively and will drive businesses with options to neighboring states or put them out of business altogether.
As someone with a business that will be paying more property tax than the city’s bountiful crop of slumlords, that’s a powerful statement, indeed, and yet the first reaction of so many in the community continues to be “drown government” and "stop investing in the economy."
But no more today. I must prepare for the next round of white death.
Council meets tonight; here's the agenda, and the Tribune's preview, which helpfully quotes the 3rd district's albatross, Steve Price, as mouthing his tiresome "no" to progress litany. I shan't be there, because I'm pouring beer for the Jeffersonville Main Street chili fundraiser at Kye's (5:30 - 8:30 pm) -- assuming it's a go.
Note also that New Albany's England postpones State of the City address (Tribune).
Friday, February 01, 2008
Traffic redirect: New postings at NA Shadow Council.
Can't think of anything to say today? Not Shadow5, who closed January with three postings at NA Shadow Council.
Me? I'm holed up with my dog-eared copy of "The Wit and Wisdom of Larry McAllister" -- both squares.
----
First Monday Preview
In his second stint (and third year) as council president, we hear that Mr. Gahan intends to lock in the council agendas five business days prior to the meetings. That might make it easier for members and watchdogs to prepare. It might just make it easier for members.
It does create a situation where evolving issues will be shut out from discussion. One such issue where the city council could lend its influence has arisen. We are waiting to find out if this new, unannounced parliamentary procedure will be used to stifle debate or invigorate it. The convenience of members shouldn't be the paramount consideration. But then, as seen below, some members just need more time to avoid confusion. But will they use the extra time or simply wait until the gavel falls to begin their consideration.
In any event, you don't have to wait until Monday to study up. The Feb. 4 agenda is posted now, accompaniedonline by the exhibits included in members' packets.
----
Defending Diane
Over the past two weeks we've heard a number of complaints about Diane McCartin-Benedetti's rocky start as the rookie council member representing the old 5th District. Around here we call her "D5" to differentiate her (and to avoid the temptation to coin a new label).
Today, we'd like to take a few moments to look on the bright side of her month-old term of office and offer a lawyer's defense of her performance so far.
---
The Kochert Legacy Begins to Crumble
And now work begins on the other Larry's legacy...
A long-awaited and much-appreciated move by the new sewer board (created without the input of Diane McCartin-Benedetti, council member for D5) earns the top spot in Friday's editions of The Tribune.
Many have advocated for the city to use its financial and regulatory muscle to encourage preferred development. One of the most immediate ways for the city to do so is to impose or waive various fees.
The city-owned sewer enterprise moved Tuesday to waive the sewer tap-in fees for two Community Housing developments, signaling that they "get" the whole idea of progressive community development.
Me? I'm holed up with my dog-eared copy of "The Wit and Wisdom of Larry McAllister" -- both squares.
----
First Monday Preview
In his second stint (and third year) as council president, we hear that Mr. Gahan intends to lock in the council agendas five business days prior to the meetings. That might make it easier for members and watchdogs to prepare. It might just make it easier for members.
It does create a situation where evolving issues will be shut out from discussion. One such issue where the city council could lend its influence has arisen. We are waiting to find out if this new, unannounced parliamentary procedure will be used to stifle debate or invigorate it. The convenience of members shouldn't be the paramount consideration. But then, as seen below, some members just need more time to avoid confusion. But will they use the extra time or simply wait until the gavel falls to begin their consideration.
In any event, you don't have to wait until Monday to study up. The Feb. 4 agenda is posted now, accompanied
----
Defending Diane
Over the past two weeks we've heard a number of complaints about Diane McCartin-Benedetti's rocky start as the rookie council member representing the old 5th District. Around here we call her "D5" to differentiate her (and to avoid the temptation to coin a new label).
Today, we'd like to take a few moments to look on the bright side of her month-old term of office and offer a lawyer's defense of her performance so far.
---
The Kochert Legacy Begins to Crumble
And now work begins on the other Larry's legacy...
A long-awaited and much-appreciated move by the new sewer board (created without the input of Diane McCartin-Benedetti, council member for D5) earns the top spot in Friday's editions of The Tribune.
Many have advocated for the city to use its financial and regulatory muscle to encourage preferred development. One of the most immediate ways for the city to do so is to impose or waive various fees.
The city-owned sewer enterprise moved Tuesday to waive the sewer tap-in fees for two Community Housing developments, signaling that they "get" the whole idea of progressive community development.
Friday, January 18, 2008
More Thursday council coverage.
NA Shadow Council's Hot Bites!, billed as "tiny nuggets of observation from Thursday's New Albany City Council meeting," is a must read.
The predominant mode of civility and reasoned discourse, with predictable lapses from the Wizard of Westendia, signaled good weather ahead. If the climate holds, there is a downside - council meetings will be far less entertaining. The greatest show in town may have moved over to Larry McAllister's County Council. The circus may have changed nights! Now, if McAllister can just declare which party he belongs to...
For more on the council's Thursday meeting:
NA Confidential's Thursday evening rundown: Where'd the city council go? Glimmers of civility and sanity peek through the Coffeyesque politics of bile and animus.
Nuts and bolts from the Courier's Dick Kaukas: New Albany OKs salary request.
From the Tribune's Chris Morris: New Albany mayor, team get raises.
Maury Goldberg at New Albany Today: Progress At Last!
The predominant mode of civility and reasoned discourse, with predictable lapses from the Wizard of Westendia, signaled good weather ahead. If the climate holds, there is a downside - council meetings will be far less entertaining. The greatest show in town may have moved over to Larry McAllister's County Council. The circus may have changed nights! Now, if McAllister can just declare which party he belongs to...
For more on the council's Thursday meeting:
NA Confidential's Thursday evening rundown: Where'd the city council go? Glimmers of civility and sanity peek through the Coffeyesque politics of bile and animus.
Nuts and bolts from the Courier's Dick Kaukas: New Albany OKs salary request.
From the Tribune's Chris Morris: New Albany mayor, team get raises.
Maury Goldberg at New Albany Today: Progress At Last!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
NA Shadow Council on lawlessness, modern policing and a change in civic direction.
If you’ve not done so already, jump over to the NA Shadow Council blog and read the most recent postings. The excerpts I’m quoting here are very brief, and there’s far more to consider.
----
A Proposition: Manage the Crisis Instead of Surrendering to Inertia
... and Job One is to attack the culture of lawlessness. For a couple of years we've concentrated on civil regulation. We've called for a regime of enforcement of basic common standards, of economic equity, of increased property values.
I am now convinced that the most important component for revitalizing New Albany is a commitment to modern policing, a commitment to dramatically reducing crime in our neighborhoods, a dedication to making New Albany a city of lawfulness instead of an anarchic shell that residents long to flee or that residents consider as the best they can afford.
And accomplishing that revitalization will require an investment in our police force, a recalibration of our enforcement policies, and a dramatic increase in the force structure.
----
A Tough One
Last Thursday I was privileged to attend what turned out to be a tremendously enlightening forum on the future of our city. In particular, the forum addressed the current state of law enforcement in New Albany and some potential solutions to the accelerating decline in public safety that we face ...
... Our lack of seriousness about making New Albany safe and law-abiding has put out the welcome mat to lawbreakers.
I think it's fair to say that in much the way that New Albany has figuratively put out a sign welcoming sprawl and another sign welcoming slumlords, it has invested in neon signage that says "Welcom Crimnals." Typo intended.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Election Day reporting at NA Shadow Council.
(These updates are well under way; go to NA Shadow Council to read them)
From Randy Smith:
I'll be hooking up with shadow5 for through-the-day reporting on election irregularities, anecdotes, and vote totals by precinct. We'll be feeding data newest to oldest. If you'd like to link to NA Shadow Council, people can e-mail me or shadow5 or call the store (number below) with reports today.
Randy Smith
Flood Crest Press/Destinations Booksellers
604 E. Spring St.
New Albany, IN 47150
812.944.5116
From Randy Smith:
I'll be hooking up with shadow5 for through-the-day reporting on election irregularities, anecdotes, and vote totals by precinct. We'll be feeding data newest to oldest. If you'd like to link to NA Shadow Council, people can e-mail me or shadow5 or call the store (number below) with reports today.
Randy Smith
Flood Crest Press/Destinations Booksellers
604 E. Spring St.
New Albany, IN 47150
812.944.5116
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