Parks Agitprank: What do you mean it wasn't "political"? Irv Stumler was there, for chrissakes.

Here's the plan: "The current Parks Department model entered into beginning in 1994 has contributed to a blatant and ongoing inequality in funding by Floyd County to Agreement."

Here's what happened on Friday:

... In front of the City-County Building, a group that included local business leaders, attorneys and elected officials gathered to make a final push to the New Albany City Council to strike down a proposal to split the joint parks department.

Toward the end of the press conference, NA-FC Parks Board Chairman Scott Klink was interrupted while addressing the media by Councilman Dan Coffey, who voted for the split on first and second readings last month and is the sponsor of the measure to divide the department.

Here's what Mayor Gahan had to say:

Gahan released a statement on the press conference Friday, as he called it “an obvious political stunt.”

“Election day jitters have forced county officials to make promises that are in complete contradiction to both their recent actions and public statements,” Gahan said. “My plan is the best way to improve parks and recreation here in New Albany, and I encourage everyone to visit our website to read it.”

Here's what CM Kevin Zurschmiede had to say:

"I think the county has put forth a lot of effort to equalize their funding."

Here's what I have to say:

Kevin, my dear man, exactly why was it that the county HAD to out forth effort to equalize funding if that's what it was SUPPOSED to do in the first place? 

It's copperhead season again, folks.

Alas, 2011 managed to be a respectable, non-threatening year for almost three whole days.

Now comes the harsh reminder that your holiday officially has ended. The city council meets tonight, and it will perform the usual year's opening housekeeping tasks, including the selection of officers.

Agenda here

I'm just wondering who's going to be appointed to the CESEARS BOARD -- and, by extension, if someone can answer this question: What is a CESEARS BOARD?

But seriously: Council aficionados know that in a municipal election year, the caterwauling and screeching -- the grandstanding, posturing and coiled copperhead preening -- reach fever pitch. There'll be no more entertaining spectacles at such a bargain basement price, and man, I really hate to miss the show tonight, although it is my intention to reschedule future Monday obligations so that attendance can be fully celebrated, and flasks consumed.

Can someone take pictures of the first ejection of the year?

The circus comes to town, and wouldn't you know it: I can't attend.

Well, there go two days I'll never get back. The good news is that SB 75 sailed through its House committee and now goes to the full House next week for 2nd and 3rd readings before returning to the Senate. Thus far, it is largely unencumbered with amendments. More on that later.

Regrettably, I'm teaching my IUS "Here's to Beer" class this evening, and although I would love to crash Cappuccino's library self-aggrandizement seminar, otherwise known as a "town hall" meeting on sewers, it's simply impossible. Too bad, because the trognonymous voices already are dumping their tea leaves:

It's time to rumble citizens of New Albany. And a warning to Mr. Baylor, don't think you will be a majority at this meeting because were sick of you and you will be way out numbered.

That's, er, courageous of you, anonymous. Now, go have another Bud Light.

I'm told that the Bookseller will be there tonight, and will provide updates via this Facebook note page.

Earlier this afternoon, Daniel (trib_daniel) Suddeath provided these teaser tweets:

Little birdie: Major news coming on sewer rates, city may be able to phase rate increase over few years with initial 35-40 percent hike ... Special sewer meeting called for 4 p.m. tomorrow. Will let you know when I confirm details.

When I get home later, I'll try to collate information. Have fun, campers.