France: 'Autistic Tories castrated Britain in Europe'
Minister says Cameron pledge to reclaim EU powers is 'pathetic' and will leave UK isolated
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Best headline of the day, so far.
Britglish practiced by native speakers ...
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Help?
Does anyone have access to electronic information about the forthcoming pledge gala (November 19) at the Grand, to be staged by the Friends of the New Albany Fire Museum?
I've searched the Web in every possible combination of terms and can find nothing except the Tribune news story from September 15. There's a Facebook page that denies entry unless I'm approved as a member (say what?), and there's a poster in the Bank Street Brewhouse. I'd really like to publicize this as part of the Brewhouse's grand opening week and drive traffic that way, but in the absence of easily accessible information, this is not altogether easy.
What's more, there doesn't seem to be a Grand web site any longer -- just a blog of some sort with no blanks filled in. Whassup there?
I appreciate any help you can provide for this quest, which shouldn't be this damned hard.
I've searched the Web in every possible combination of terms and can find nothing except the Tribune news story from September 15. There's a Facebook page that denies entry unless I'm approved as a member (say what?), and there's a poster in the Bank Street Brewhouse. I'd really like to publicize this as part of the Brewhouse's grand opening week and drive traffic that way, but in the absence of easily accessible information, this is not altogether easy.
What's more, there doesn't seem to be a Grand web site any longer -- just a blog of some sort with no blanks filled in. Whassup there?
I appreciate any help you can provide for this quest, which shouldn't be this damned hard.
C-J: "New Albany again rebuffed in battle against adult bookstore."
Thanks to P for the link to the C-J, which I don't always see. He wrote:
"Did you see this? What a sad waste of our resources to have fought such a losing battle. Hope ROCK chipped in for our losing attorney fees."
Right on, brother, but I suspect Reclaim Our Culture Kentuckiana is too busy wielding Tony Dungy as a fundraiser for the ongoing anti-Theatair X theocrat'sdesigner jihad to bother much with Cleopatra's, or whatever it's called now.
Note that the most interesting part of the article excerpted below is the comments section.
"Did you see this? What a sad waste of our resources to have fought such a losing battle. Hope ROCK chipped in for our losing attorney fees."
Right on, brother, but I suspect Reclaim Our Culture Kentuckiana is too busy wielding Tony Dungy as a fundraiser for the ongoing anti-Theatair X theocrat's
Note that the most interesting part of the article excerpted below is the comments section.
New Albany again rebuffed in battle against adult bookstore, by Harold J. Adams (Courier-Journal).
The City of New Albany must decide whether to keep fighting following another loss in its long-running battle to shut down an adult bookstore.
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last week denied the city’s request that the full court reconsider a September ruling by a three-judge panel blocking the city from closing New Albany DVD.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Open thread: Is there support for a food co-op in New Albany?
Food co-ops are member-owned, self-managed associations dedicated to serving the needs of local farmers and consumers by providing healthy food choices at a fair value. Food co-ops aim to promote community well-being, economic prosperity, and self-reliance. They provide a local option for affordable, nutritious, locally-grown food and goods year round and help guaranty that local food dollars stay within the community.I didn't take notes, but I will note with approval that among Andy's opening comments was a description of the food co-op as a corrective to "predatory capitalism." Surprisingly, no one left the room. That's refreshing.
Do we have what it takes to pursue a Lost River-style co-op in New Albany? Is this the right market for it? What's the next step?
Thanks go to Andy Terrell, the sponsors, host and concessionaire:
Carnegie Center for Art and History
Develop New Albany
New Albany Urban Enterprise Association
Dueling Grounds Cafe at Destinations Booksellers
Charlestown to NA: Here's how it's done, amateurs.
How many times have I heard a member of New Albany's city council confide privately that yes, it was a mistake to select Dan Coffey as president -- but geez, what can we do about it now?
Birdseye could not be reached for comment, but Charlestown provides this answer, as reported in the Evening News.
And, as always, his council comrades sit there, silently, enabling and abetting the dysfunction that makes New Albany a laughingstock.
Is it January yet, and it that enough time to find a spine somewhere -- anywhere -- in this illustrious group?
Birdseye could not be reached for comment, but Charlestown provides this answer, as reported in the Evening News.
Goodlett removed as Charlestown City Council president; Roberts, Aaron say Goodlett abused power; ousted president says it’s because he doesn’t always agree with mayor, by Braden Lammers (News and Tribune).It's that simple, folks, unless you're a New Albanian. As Coffey remained ensconced in the president's chair last night, while hectoring and debating speakers and interjecting his opinions throughout, we were reminded yet again the extent to which he is temperamentally unsuited for the position of president, and how he actively damages the city of New Albany through willful and persistent misuse of it.
“Things that you have been doing since you’ve become president have been unbecoming of the president,” (Councilman Dan) Roberts said ...
... Councilman Jeff Aaron also accused (Mark) Goodlett of abusing his power.
“That president is nothing but a title ... and my personal opinion, you’re abusing that,” he said.
And, as always, his council comrades sit there, silently, enabling and abetting the dysfunction that makes New Albany a laughingstock.
Is it January yet, and it that enough time to find a spine somewhere -- anywhere -- in this illustrious group?
Winter Hours begin at Bank Street Brewhouse today.
During the winter months, BSB will be opening at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Weekend hours and schedules remain the same as before. We're also working on winterizing the Taxpayer Memorial Patio, and next week there'll be a full list of festivities for the delayed Grand Opening, with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday. More on that tomorrow.
Here is the BSB winter plan of operation for 2009/10, effective today, and note that we're still closed on Mondays.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
BSB hours: 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
From 2:00 p.m., “Brotzeit” (cheese plate, charcuterie, snacks, frites, mussels, etc.) It’s a Bavarian term that denotes appetizers for the times when the kitchen isn’t preparing full meals.
Kitchen hours: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m., featuring some of Josh Lehman’s and Andrew Gunn’s traditional menu favorites as well as new “Chefs’ Choice” fixed price menus -- three courses for $16 (not including sales tax and service), only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Friday and Saturday
BSB hours: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
From 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., our customary lunch menu. From 2:00 p.m., afternoon “Brotzeit” snacks.
Kitchen hours: 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. for traditional menu favorites and nightly “Chefs’ Choice” specials.
Sunday
BSB Hours: 12:00 Noon – 8:00 p.m.
12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m., NABC’s Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar, featuring craft-distilled Hangar One Vodka and your choice of herbs, spices, garnishes and hot sauces in what might be termed “brunch in a glass.”
Kitchen hours: Noon – 7:00 p.m., with “Brotzeit” and “Chefs’ Choice” menu selections.
Here is the BSB winter plan of operation for 2009/10, effective today, and note that we're still closed on Mondays.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
BSB hours: 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
From 2:00 p.m., “Brotzeit” (cheese plate, charcuterie, snacks, frites, mussels, etc.) It’s a Bavarian term that denotes appetizers for the times when the kitchen isn’t preparing full meals.
Kitchen hours: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m., featuring some of Josh Lehman’s and Andrew Gunn’s traditional menu favorites as well as new “Chefs’ Choice” fixed price menus -- three courses for $16 (not including sales tax and service), only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Friday and Saturday
BSB hours: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
From 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., our customary lunch menu. From 2:00 p.m., afternoon “Brotzeit” snacks.
Kitchen hours: 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. for traditional menu favorites and nightly “Chefs’ Choice” specials.
Sunday
BSB Hours: 12:00 Noon – 8:00 p.m.
12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m., NABC’s Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar, featuring craft-distilled Hangar One Vodka and your choice of herbs, spices, garnishes and hot sauces in what might be termed “brunch in a glass.”
Kitchen hours: Noon – 7:00 p.m., with “Brotzeit” and “Chefs’ Choice” menu selections.
Either the 1st or 3rd, and maybe both.
I know it sounds obscene, but click on the image for enlargement.Monday, November 02, 2009
Part Five: Masterplan theatrics mercifully over, now appropriations and stuff.
R-09-26 Additional Appropriation Resolution ... Gahan
Passes. Unanimous.
R-09-27 A Resolution to Assist the Street Department with The Refurbishing of the Salt Plows and Trucks in Preparation of the Winter Months ... Benedetti
Passes. unanimous.
A-09-16 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Police Pension Fund ... Zurschmiede 1 & 2
Gahan ensures that he understands the location of cuts. There is a discussion of general funds vs other sources of money. Garry says that fire and pension funds will be supported by the state, starting this year, already started doing so. Price doesn't understand why fuds with budgets can't fund themselves. Garry says that appropriations are being put back in to be used for fire, police and parks.
Roll call.
1st and 2nd: Only Price against, all the rest in favor.
A-09-17 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Fire Pension Fund ... Zurschmiede 1 & 2
Same discussion as before. Same results.
Roll call.
1st and 2nd: Only Price against, all the rest in favor.
A-09-18 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Parks And Recreation Department ... Benedetti 1&2
Same discussion as previous two. Same results.
Roll call. 1st and 2nd: Only Price against, all the rest in favor.
A-09-19 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the E.D.I.T Fund ... Messer 1 & 2
Gahan: "This is the big one." Wants to know category numbers. Garry explains that it takes care of cuts in the general fund ... Gahan wants her to break it down by category.
1st: Against, Price, KZ
2nd: Against, Price, KZ
Passes 7-2
Z-09-11 Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of New Albany, Indiana, Title XV, Chapter 156 ... Price 1 & 2
John Kraft: Request to rezone property, plan commission unanimously in favor. Adjacent to Target. R-2 to C-2 general business. Not a specific use at this time. Wants to market it as commercial. A house that sits off the road by Target. Neighbors tend to be in favor. Other property moves will have to occur before it can have a formal proposal.
Unanimous, twice.
MISCELLANOUS ITEMS:
Bob Caesar would like this to be brought back next meeting from the suspended ranks:
A-09-11 Ordinance Appropriating Funds for One Time Cost Of Living Recognition Payment and Setting Amount Of Payments ... Caesar 3
Adjournment.
Passes. Unanimous.
R-09-27 A Resolution to Assist the Street Department with The Refurbishing of the Salt Plows and Trucks in Preparation of the Winter Months ... Benedetti
Passes. unanimous.
A-09-16 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Police Pension Fund ... Zurschmiede 1 & 2
Gahan ensures that he understands the location of cuts. There is a discussion of general funds vs other sources of money. Garry says that fire and pension funds will be supported by the state, starting this year, already started doing so. Price doesn't understand why fuds with budgets can't fund themselves. Garry says that appropriations are being put back in to be used for fire, police and parks.
Roll call.
1st and 2nd: Only Price against, all the rest in favor.
A-09-17 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Fire Pension Fund ... Zurschmiede 1 & 2
Same discussion as before. Same results.
Roll call.
1st and 2nd: Only Price against, all the rest in favor.
A-09-18 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Parks And Recreation Department ... Benedetti 1&2
Same discussion as previous two. Same results.
Roll call. 1st and 2nd: Only Price against, all the rest in favor.
A-09-19 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the E.D.I.T Fund ... Messer 1 & 2
Gahan: "This is the big one." Wants to know category numbers. Garry explains that it takes care of cuts in the general fund ... Gahan wants her to break it down by category.
1st: Against, Price, KZ
2nd: Against, Price, KZ
Passes 7-2
Z-09-11 Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of New Albany, Indiana, Title XV, Chapter 156 ... Price 1 & 2
John Kraft: Request to rezone property, plan commission unanimously in favor. Adjacent to Target. R-2 to C-2 general business. Not a specific use at this time. Wants to market it as commercial. A house that sits off the road by Target. Neighbors tend to be in favor. Other property moves will have to occur before it can have a formal proposal.
Unanimous, twice.
MISCELLANOUS ITEMS:
Bob Caesar would like this to be brought back next meeting from the suspended ranks:
A-09-11 Ordinance Appropriating Funds for One Time Cost Of Living Recognition Payment and Setting Amount Of Payments ... Caesar 3
Adjournment.
Part Four: Ordinances, resolutions, and all that Coffeyite grandstanding.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: READING
Price to introduce R-09-24, and actually does it. Seconded. Wow.
R-09-24 Resolution of the Common Council of the City of New Albany Amending the “New Albany-Fringe Area Comprehensive Plan 2020”
Scott Wood and Larry Timperman come forward to explain the plan.
Wood: Some areas deserve greater scrutiny, including downtown. Scott rationally and patiently explains the history of plans and zoning.
Timperman: Overall concept was explained at a public meeting advertised extensively and loudly (JB, Atlanta daydreaming). He explains the focus on the downtown. How use of areas can tie into the river heritage. Example, Greenway. Connecting Main Street back over the levee to the river. Another need is concentrationthat will require parking. Design elements have been coming in during information gathering ("a number of public meetings" giggle). Explains color coding of the chart, emphasizing reinforcing the downtown fabric already there.
Coffey pounces and asks how much money is being asked for. PARKING GARAGE!! PARKING GARAGE!!
Wood: No blank checks, just a blueprint. Cuts off the Wizard.
Benedetti: A vision.
Price: Please address Mr. Bledsoe's concerns.
Wood: The fact of the matter is that several private property owners have asked for assurances so they can develop. The plan helps with this.
Price: What about that historic thing?
Wood: Historic Preservation is not about zoning.
Timperman: The other point is that infill needs to be appropriate, and that cheap knockoffs of history are not desirable. Nowadays, the national standard is not to duplicate old things.
Wood: There is a falseness about that ... we're good builders today, too. We can design and build good buildings and come up with things that work.
Timperman and Wood explain design principles that neither Bledsoe nor Price WANT to understand. Whether they do or not is another matter. This misunderstanding is intentional, and it is political in nature.
Wood: Passionately defends green buildings and explains why it's a good idea, and not necessariyl one that applies only to deep pockets.Louisville kept hammering at their plan until it is now a model that can work here.
Zurschmiede: Just a recommendation, eh? Nothing to hold anyone to it?
Nope.
Timperman: Green could be using basic energy efficient concepts like bulbs and windows.
John Gonder: What about light rail?
Timperman: 10 to 15 years!
A light rail discussion ensues, and then Mose Putney comes forward. I believe it is bad strategy for Mose to speak about specifics, including the dreaded parking garage bogey man, when all we have here is a resolution of unspecific intent. At the same time, the Bobo project makes no sense without it.
Putney: Mentions a two-way Pearl Street
Noooooo ... not that, Mose. The natives will revolt.
Putney: Uses the phrase, "slow travel urban drop-off plaza." He calls it a "conceptual idea."
Eyes mist over. Them's big words, don't ya know. Someone needs a tall boy, and now -- but it isn't me. It is impressive of Mose to speak this language to these people. Some of them understand it. Price visibly yawns.
Coffey: Will this group ask for any money for any of this?
Putney: Meanders into the trap Coffey set, although he tries not to, and mentions public/private partnership to, yes, build a parking garage.
Robert's Rules of Order out the window.
Coffey: "Does any kind of development occur that doesn't ask for handouts?"
Coffey says thatLouisville spent a "billion dollars" on 4th Street and it still doesn't pay. Putney counters with the history of urban redevelopment failure, and how no one thought about Europe. The urban movement the last 10-15 years puts us into a place to fix it. This is a new kind of developer. Sustainable, green, renewable.
All of this plays into Coffey's grandstand.
Coffey wants developers to come ask to pay to come into New Albany. Coffey goes ballistic. Putney and Coffey argue.
Price: Is there any other developer, was there other ideas?
Wood: This one came to us?
Price: Anyone else have any ideas?
Wood? Sure. Others took themselves out of it (one of whom Coffey chased out of a meeting three years ago). These guys have the financial wherewithal. The language about the VFW has been removed. There has been a grant applied for, to put toward such projects (water resources).
Jack Messer: $$$?
Putney: $40 million.
Gonder: "New Albany is scaled right for something like this?"
Putney: Umm, yes. InLouisville, something could be built far away from the core. Here, there's a center. There could be some monumental buildings here. These becomes icons, things that enhance what didn;t get trashed during misplaced urban renewal.
Coffey's thinking: One of them people. One of them people.
Benedetti: Call for a vote.
Only one vote. Resolution. Roll call.
Against: Coffey (citing underhandedness)
Abstain: Price ("don't like to tell me kids they're going to Disneyland before I know I can afford it")
7-2, yes.
Price to introduce R-09-24, and actually does it. Seconded. Wow.
R-09-24 Resolution of the Common Council of the City of New Albany Amending the “New Albany-Fringe Area Comprehensive Plan 2020”
Scott Wood and Larry Timperman come forward to explain the plan.
Wood: Some areas deserve greater scrutiny, including downtown. Scott rationally and patiently explains the history of plans and zoning.
Timperman: Overall concept was explained at a public meeting advertised extensively and loudly (JB, Atlanta daydreaming). He explains the focus on the downtown. How use of areas can tie into the river heritage. Example, Greenway. Connecting Main Street back over the levee to the river. Another need is concentrationthat will require parking. Design elements have been coming in during information gathering ("a number of public meetings" giggle). Explains color coding of the chart, emphasizing reinforcing the downtown fabric already there.
Coffey pounces and asks how much money is being asked for. PARKING GARAGE!! PARKING GARAGE!!
Wood: No blank checks, just a blueprint. Cuts off the Wizard.
Benedetti: A vision.
Price: Please address Mr. Bledsoe's concerns.
Wood: The fact of the matter is that several private property owners have asked for assurances so they can develop. The plan helps with this.
Price: What about that historic thing?
Wood: Historic Preservation is not about zoning.
Timperman: The other point is that infill needs to be appropriate, and that cheap knockoffs of history are not desirable. Nowadays, the national standard is not to duplicate old things.
Wood: There is a falseness about that ... we're good builders today, too. We can design and build good buildings and come up with things that work.
Timperman and Wood explain design principles that neither Bledsoe nor Price WANT to understand. Whether they do or not is another matter. This misunderstanding is intentional, and it is political in nature.
Wood: Passionately defends green buildings and explains why it's a good idea, and not necessariyl one that applies only to deep pockets.
Zurschmiede: Just a recommendation, eh? Nothing to hold anyone to it?
Nope.
Timperman: Green could be using basic energy efficient concepts like bulbs and windows.
John Gonder: What about light rail?
Timperman: 10 to 15 years!
A light rail discussion ensues, and then Mose Putney comes forward. I believe it is bad strategy for Mose to speak about specifics, including the dreaded parking garage bogey man, when all we have here is a resolution of unspecific intent. At the same time, the Bobo project makes no sense without it.
Putney: Mentions a two-way Pearl Street
Noooooo ... not that, Mose. The natives will revolt.
Putney: Uses the phrase, "slow travel urban drop-off plaza." He calls it a "conceptual idea."
Eyes mist over. Them's big words, don't ya know. Someone needs a tall boy, and now -- but it isn't me. It is impressive of Mose to speak this language to these people. Some of them understand it. Price visibly yawns.
Coffey: Will this group ask for any money for any of this?
Putney: Meanders into the trap Coffey set, although he tries not to, and mentions public/private partnership to, yes, build a parking garage.
Robert's Rules of Order out the window.
Coffey: "Does any kind of development occur that doesn't ask for handouts?"
Coffey says that
All of this plays into Coffey's grandstand.
Coffey wants developers to come ask to pay to come into New Albany. Coffey goes ballistic. Putney and Coffey argue.
Price: Is there any other developer, was there other ideas?
Wood: This one came to us?
Price: Anyone else have any ideas?
Wood? Sure. Others took themselves out of it (one of whom Coffey chased out of a meeting three years ago). These guys have the financial wherewithal. The language about the VFW has been removed. There has been a grant applied for, to put toward such projects (water resources).
Jack Messer: $$$?
Putney: $40 million.
Gonder: "New Albany is scaled right for something like this?"
Putney: Umm, yes. In
Coffey's thinking: One of them people. One of them people.
Benedetti: Call for a vote.
Only one vote. Resolution. Roll call.
Against: Coffey (citing underhandedness)
Abstain: Price ("don't like to tell me kids they're going to Disneyland before I know I can afford it")
7-2, yes.
Part Three: Live blogging, as communications by city officials confuses Li'l Stevie, but what's new?
COMMUNICATIONS – CITY OFFICIALS:
Steve Price questions overpayments to contractors (Kay Garry answers), and also something about sewer bids (not through Garry's office) ... Price says, it's not really directed at you (so why ask it) ... here goes ... avalanche time. What about the Tabernacle (Zurschmiede: "Not her, either.")
Price: "Carl, you're the assistant mayor, whatever ... once again we're written up ... it looks like there's no management."
Price: "Who's calling the shots ... I've been here six years" (pronounces Garner as Gardner -- he's been here six years, but can't pronounce people's names right).
Malysz: The England administration intends to address some of these. And, the statute doesn't speak to buying a building at sheriff's sale.
Coffey: "Circumvent" the process.
Malysz: "There is no process."
Anyone seen Robert's Rules of Order lately?
Malysz: We made money off the hurricane.
Coffey: "So you knew the storm was going to hit?"
Price begins questioning individual department head claims and says that he has no computer but still keeps records. Thinks that it is important in context of threats to shut the firehouses and lay off people.
Coffey: "I've never seen anyhting like this."
Coffey finally thinks to return the discussion to something relevant.
Diane Benedetti: Some flooding tort claims are being turned down. She'd like to ask Shane Gibson, but he has left the room.
Kevin Zurschmiede: Regarding another audit of records, the state says what they have before them tonight is complete, and what's more, it would be illegal to commission another one because that would be copying information that's already been done. State says: Tough shit; no politics; our audit is as good as anyone else's; faggitaboutit.
Coffey: "This (document) will tell you it's not a complete audit."
Coffey alleges that business paople just went to Indy today and were told that by golly, the city is mishandling tax monies!!
Is any audit a complete audit? The wildest of wild goose chases will remain a leitmotif of council obstructionism for years to come. I wonder if Erika scripted Coffey's off-the-Robert's comments here?
Coffey: "Citizens are very upset -- the question posed to me today, will the council do something?"
Of course, like the pumpkin patch and hambers, he doesn't say their names.
BUDGET DISCUSSION:
Next week hearings ... Coffey makes threats about balanced budgets no matter what! Jeff Gahan asks some questions. Coffey talks about approving and changing budgets, blames a variety of factors. Pat McLaughlin asks a question of Garry. Gahan wants to make decisions about 2009, then move to 2010. Very little of this makes sense to me.
Coffey: "We can't cut on 2009 ... have to appropriate, and cut on 2010."
COMMUNICATIONS – MAYOR
Glad Halloween is over ... "maybe the witch hunt will stop."
Talked to Charlie Pride, who said the audit's done. Police and fire are not properly funded -- underfunded. Mayor defends his people, and says he's glad that business people talk to Coffey. Downtown good, three businesses in the industrial park.
Mayor is angry at accusations. Leaves are being collected. City Hall talking to garbage people about replacing lids.
Budget ... police and fire are underfunded. Funded through general fund property taxes), and with the caps in places, the option of LOIT is offered (as recently passed in Clark County). In 2010, we'll be a million and a half short. I'm asking to fund the impending shortfall, and work with the county council to see that LOIT passes as in Clark. Not asking to cut or lose, but to lobby for LOIT -- "there's no other way out."
We've always had a shortfall -- lack of taxes, which is different than overspending.
Semantics?
For eight years, alays a shortfall. General fund is supposed to pay for operations, EDIT for economic development. Employees only pay LOIT.
"Sit there behind a table and throw anger at people ... bring it on."
Advocates for LOIT. Directs at Steve: "If you don't have a job, you don't pay LOIT tax."
Mayor rejects Price's mention of struggling people -- what's Price gonna do? What's his position?
Price: "My position is I'm not votin' for it," and waves the audit that he feels is incomplete.
Mayor: It didn't get this way in a year and a half.
"I want you to work with us, and we're here to work with you."
EDIT for 2010. After that, barring EDIT forever, then LOIT is a must. Mayor believes that the county officials will come to their senses and pass it.
"The city's gotta be run."
"Personalities we can take care of outside the room."
Price: "Some people want streamlined government ... warned y'all about bonuses ... I warned everyone about raises ... this council voted, I voted no."
Price: "It's not personal ... it's a philosophy."
Mayor: "Will you let me finish?" Pride says, better equipment needed. He takes that as a compliment. Urges Coffey to speak with Charlie Pride.
Price: Stormwater fees raised ... liens not recorded ... raised rates ... delinquent ... whatever it is, it's still money ... just my opinion."
Price is acting like a baby, but whatever; it isn;t personal, just a philosophy of infancy.
Coffey: Everyone pays EDIT tax ... I don't mind using it to shore up ...
More to come.
Steve Price questions overpayments to contractors (Kay Garry answers), and also something about sewer bids (not through Garry's office) ... Price says, it's not really directed at you (so why ask it) ... here goes ... avalanche time. What about the Tabernacle (Zurschmiede: "Not her, either.")
Price: "Carl, you're the assistant mayor, whatever ... once again we're written up ... it looks like there's no management."
Price: "Who's calling the shots ... I've been here six years" (pronounces Garner as Gardner -- he's been here six years, but can't pronounce people's names right).
Malysz: The England administration intends to address some of these. And, the statute doesn't speak to buying a building at sheriff's sale.
Coffey: "Circumvent" the process.
Malysz: "There is no process."
Anyone seen Robert's Rules of Order lately?
Malysz: We made money off the hurricane.
Coffey: "So you knew the storm was going to hit?"
Price begins questioning individual department head claims and says that he has no computer but still keeps records. Thinks that it is important in context of threats to shut the firehouses and lay off people.
Coffey: "I've never seen anyhting like this."
Coffey finally thinks to return the discussion to something relevant.
Diane Benedetti: Some flooding tort claims are being turned down. She'd like to ask Shane Gibson, but he has left the room.
Kevin Zurschmiede: Regarding another audit of records, the state says what they have before them tonight is complete, and what's more, it would be illegal to commission another one because that would be copying information that's already been done. State says: Tough shit; no politics; our audit is as good as anyone else's; faggitaboutit.
Coffey: "This (document) will tell you it's not a complete audit."
Coffey alleges that business paople just went to Indy today and were told that by golly, the city is mishandling tax monies!!
Is any audit a complete audit? The wildest of wild goose chases will remain a leitmotif of council obstructionism for years to come. I wonder if Erika scripted Coffey's off-the-Robert's comments here?
Coffey: "Citizens are very upset -- the question posed to me today, will the council do something?"
Of course, like the pumpkin patch and hambers, he doesn't say their names.
BUDGET DISCUSSION:
Next week hearings ... Coffey makes threats about balanced budgets no matter what! Jeff Gahan asks some questions. Coffey talks about approving and changing budgets, blames a variety of factors. Pat McLaughlin asks a question of Garry. Gahan wants to make decisions about 2009, then move to 2010. Very little of this makes sense to me.
Coffey: "We can't cut on 2009 ... have to appropriate, and cut on 2010."
COMMUNICATIONS – MAYOR
Glad Halloween is over ... "maybe the witch hunt will stop."
Talked to Charlie Pride, who said the audit's done. Police and fire are not properly funded -- underfunded. Mayor defends his people, and says he's glad that business people talk to Coffey. Downtown good, three businesses in the industrial park.
Mayor is angry at accusations. Leaves are being collected. City Hall talking to garbage people about replacing lids.
Budget ... police and fire are underfunded. Funded through general fund property taxes), and with the caps in places, the option of LOIT is offered (as recently passed in Clark County). In 2010, we'll be a million and a half short. I'm asking to fund the impending shortfall, and work with the county council to see that LOIT passes as in Clark. Not asking to cut or lose, but to lobby for LOIT -- "there's no other way out."
We've always had a shortfall -- lack of taxes, which is different than overspending.
Semantics?
For eight years, alays a shortfall. General fund is supposed to pay for operations, EDIT for economic development. Employees only pay LOIT.
"Sit there behind a table and throw anger at people ... bring it on."
Advocates for LOIT. Directs at Steve: "If you don't have a job, you don't pay LOIT tax."
Mayor rejects Price's mention of struggling people -- what's Price gonna do? What's his position?
Price: "My position is I'm not votin' for it," and waves the audit that he feels is incomplete.
Mayor: It didn't get this way in a year and a half.
"I want you to work with us, and we're here to work with you."
EDIT for 2010. After that, barring EDIT forever, then LOIT is a must. Mayor believes that the county officials will come to their senses and pass it.
"The city's gotta be run."
"Personalities we can take care of outside the room."
Price: "Some people want streamlined government ... warned y'all about bonuses ... I warned everyone about raises ... this council voted, I voted no."
Price: "It's not personal ... it's a philosophy."
Mayor: "Will you let me finish?" Pride says, better equipment needed. He takes that as a compliment. Urges Coffey to speak with Charlie Pride.
Price: Stormwater fees raised ... liens not recorded ... raised rates ... delinquent ... whatever it is, it's still money ... just my opinion."
Price is acting like a baby, but whatever; it isn;t personal, just a philosophy of infancy.
Coffey: Everyone pays EDIT tax ... I don't mind using it to shore up ...
More to come.
Part Two: Live council blogging until the plug gets pulled -- prayers and public speakers.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER:
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Dan Coffey preps us for the Lord's Prayer. Whatever happened to the Brambleberry "fer all" voice of doom?
ROLL CALL:
They're all here. Is Steve Price ever really here? Be that as it may, so is a sizeable contingent of preservationists nd Master Plan backers.
Motion to move up the CF1 Forms.
APPROVAL OF CF-1 FORMS: McDonald Marble & Stone, Compliance with Statement Of Benefits Referencing R-01-10 (RE) & R-03-40 (RE)
Approved.
APPROVAL OR CORRECTION OF THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:
New Albany Common Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 5, 2009
New Albany Common Council Public Hearing October 5, 2009
New Albany Common Council Budget Hearing October 5, 2008
New Albany Common Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2009
Requisite motions to accept and voting in favor.
COMMUNICATIONS – PUBLIC:
1. Maury Goldberg - R-09-24, which is the Master Plan and Phase Two of Scribner Place. He extols the growth in downtown. Many places to go: "You name it." Need things other than restaurants. Pass the resolution tonight. As a private citizen, urges the council not to table it -- hand it off to someone who will introduce it (aimed at Li'l Stevie).
2. Greg Sekula (Historic Landmarks) - Echoes the preceding. Master Plan is a critical tool. A link. The document is flexible, a blueprint/map. Things may not happen as shown, but direction is provided.
Coffey goes out of his way to indicate boredom.
3. Larry Timperman - will wait until the resolution is introduced.
4. Mose Putney - On behalf of Jack Bobo, he is working on the fairly well documented project for the waterfront. He will return.
5. Jameson Bledsoe - Master Plan. Since coming down and listening to certain things, he needs to go through them one by one. Why is this other level of planning needed? It's in the Historical Preservation District ... the reason why I ask is that I invest in the city, and ... here it comes ... for certain developers, this plan could pick one person over another, limiting involvement by other groups. Plan says that people met privately behind the scenes, no chance for citizens to voice their concerns ... remember that time we saw him confabbing with Coffey on the streetcorner? Hmm ... If he wanted to build a building according to historical design, well, this is discouraged! It says that such is discouraged! And, there's the modern green movement, and smalld eveloper couldn't build green, compared to a large developer with large capital reserves, these are concerns I have -- my only option is to come here and speak.
More to come.
CALL TO ORDER:
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Dan Coffey preps us for the Lord's Prayer. Whatever happened to the Brambleberry "fer all" voice of doom?
ROLL CALL:
They're all here. Is Steve Price ever really here? Be that as it may, so is a sizeable contingent of preservationists nd Master Plan backers.
Motion to move up the CF1 Forms.
APPROVAL OF CF-1 FORMS: McDonald Marble & Stone, Compliance with Statement Of Benefits Referencing R-01-10 (RE) & R-03-40 (RE)
Approved.
APPROVAL OR CORRECTION OF THE FOLLOWING MINUTES:
New Albany Common Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 5, 2009
New Albany Common Council Public Hearing October 5, 2009
New Albany Common Council Budget Hearing October 5, 2008
New Albany Common Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 15, 2009
Requisite motions to accept and voting in favor.
COMMUNICATIONS – PUBLIC:
1. Maury Goldberg - R-09-24, which is the Master Plan and Phase Two of Scribner Place. He extols the growth in downtown. Many places to go: "You name it." Need things other than restaurants. Pass the resolution tonight. As a private citizen, urges the council not to table it -- hand it off to someone who will introduce it (aimed at Li'l Stevie).
2. Greg Sekula (Historic Landmarks) - Echoes the preceding. Master Plan is a critical tool. A link. The document is flexible, a blueprint/map. Things may not happen as shown, but direction is provided.
Coffey goes out of his way to indicate boredom.
3. Larry Timperman - will wait until the resolution is introduced.
4. Mose Putney - On behalf of Jack Bobo, he is working on the fairly well documented project for the waterfront. He will return.
5. Jameson Bledsoe - Master Plan. Since coming down and listening to certain things, he needs to go through them one by one. Why is this other level of planning needed? It's in the Historical Preservation District ... the reason why I ask is that I invest in the city, and ... here it comes ... for certain developers, this plan could pick one person over another, limiting involvement by other groups. Plan says that people met privately behind the scenes, no chance for citizens to voice their concerns ... remember that time we saw him confabbing with Coffey on the streetcorner? Hmm ... If he wanted to build a building according to historical design, well, this is discouraged! It says that such is discouraged! And, there's the modern green movement, and smalld eveloper couldn't build green, compared to a large developer with large capital reserves, these are concerns I have -- my only option is to come here and speak.
More to come.
Part One: Live council blogging returns, for now.
This could be entertaining. Nuts and bolts begin with a public hearing, which started late because the executive session ran over.
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, NOVEMBER 2, 2009 AT 7:30 P.M.
A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD AT 7:15 TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
A-09-16 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Police Pension Fund
A-09-17 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Fire Pension Fund
A-09-18 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Parks
And Recreation Department
A-09-19 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the E.D.I.T
Fund
The only speaker was Maury Goldberg, who cautioned against EDIT commitments to balance the budget.
I'll be back with the main event.
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, NOVEMBER 2, 2009 AT 7:30 P.M.
A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD AT 7:15 TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
A-09-16 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Police Pension Fund
A-09-17 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Fire Pension Fund
A-09-18 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the Parks
And Recreation Department
A-09-19 Additional Appropriation Ordinance for the E.D.I.T
Fund
The only speaker was Maury Goldberg, who cautioned against EDIT commitments to balance the budget.
I'll be back with the main event.
Waistline alert: Fresh bread at Dueling Grounds.
This just in from Dueling Grounds Cafe.
Bread Loaves Fresh Today - Buy a loaf for dinner. Just $3.49
Our ovens are in full service, so we can now offer you fresh bread by the loaf. Right now, we have cheesy potato bread loaves and onion walnut bread in both regular and min-loaves. The regular loaf is $3.49 and the mini-loaf is just $2.49.
While supplies last. Up till now, we've sold every loaf, so we've ramped up capacity. Come in today.
You can always find our daily featured menu for soups and panini at our Web site, under the "About Us" tab, or use this handy link to take you right to the page: Dueling Grounds.
Dueling Grounds Cafe at Destinations Booksellers is now in full operation. Our espresso-based drinks are drawing raves and you simply won't believe how good the panini and soups taste. We're open from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays we stay open until midnight, though we open later on Saturday (7 a.m.). Sunday hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Damn Yankees.
Baseball's a given for me, and long ago, I became an American League fan for purely contrarian reasons. My friends all cheered for senior cirucit teams, mostly the Cincinnati Reds, and a few for the St. Louis Cardinals (the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves didn't come along to claim allegiance until cable television).
That wasn't good enough for me, so I chose a team in the other league,as far away as possible, and primarily because the Oakland A's wore green and gold, they won out over the Angels.
That was around 1969 or 1970, and I've supported the A's ever since.
Since Oakland seldom appears in the World Series, I usually root for the American League representative and call it good. That is, until this year. It looks as though the New York Yankees will defeat the Philadelphia Phillies and take the title back to my favorite league, but I feel absolutely no joy in it, and hope the Phils can muster a Red Sox-style comeback against the machine, however unlikely.
Considering the voluminous money and sheer corporate immensity of it all, backing the Yankees is like favoring Bud Light (in former times, US Steel was the preferred analogy), and I can no longer perform the mental gymnastics necessary to rationalize it.
Here's to Cliff Lee. Perhaps we'll see a Game Six. Damn Yankees.
That wasn't good enough for me, so I chose a team in the other league,as far away as possible, and primarily because the Oakland A's wore green and gold, they won out over the Angels.
That was around 1969 or 1970, and I've supported the A's ever since.
Since Oakland seldom appears in the World Series, I usually root for the American League representative and call it good. That is, until this year. It looks as though the New York Yankees will defeat the Philadelphia Phillies and take the title back to my favorite league, but I feel absolutely no joy in it, and hope the Phils can muster a Red Sox-style comeback against the machine, however unlikely.
Considering the voluminous money and sheer corporate immensity of it all, backing the Yankees is like favoring Bud Light (in former times, US Steel was the preferred analogy), and I can no longer perform the mental gymnastics necessary to rationalize it.
Here's to Cliff Lee. Perhaps we'll see a Game Six. Damn Yankees.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Monday evening draws near: It's showtime!
The Tribune's Daniel Suddeath previews tomorrow night's episode of America's Favorite Grandstands and surveys the topic most likely to be the subject of our most famous ward heeler's frequent, non-Robert's Rules caterwauls.CM Coffey provides a memorable quote in Suddeath's Sunday article: State audit raises questions about New Albany’s bookkeeping.
But Coffey said he would against spending more money on employees or computers until there’s more accountability.
“I’m tired of spending taxpayers’ money on things that don’t work,” he said.
Finally we agree on something. I, too, resent spending my tax dollars on things that don't work. How much council pay does Coffey draw from the taxpayers ... and for what?
Never mind. We'll soon begin the process of redressing that particular bit of overpayment via the Pants Down Progressive Political Action Committee (PDPPAC).
Meanwhile, here's the agenda.
Yippee.
NASH: Will justice ever be served in Camm case?
Readers already know that I enjoy my fellow Tribune columnist Matt Nash's work, so if you will, permit me to commend him for Friday's contribution: NASH: Will justice ever be served in Camm case?
Everything about the Camm case is a tragic, festering wound in this community's collective psyche, and it takes guts for Matt to offer a thoughtful reconsideration even if it's probably futile at this late date, with battle lines drawn and minds made up.
Good work, Matt. I believe that's why we're writing, isn't it?
Everything about the Camm case is a tragic, festering wound in this community's collective psyche, and it takes guts for Matt to offer a thoughtful reconsideration even if it's probably futile at this late date, with battle lines drawn and minds made up.
Good work, Matt. I believe that's why we're writing, isn't it?
Was I in downtown New Albany last night, and did I do all that?
Times may be changing in New Albany, but days like yesterday still strike me as somewhat surreal when viewed from the sobriety of a morning after.
Perhaps some day this will change -- not the sobering up, but the surrealism.
The Confidentials began with late afternoon, craft-roasted coffee at Dueling Grounds, browsing the Destinations Booksellers racks as we sipped, and then adjourning to the Bank Street Brewhouse for frites and a beer each.
Next stop was Wick’s on State for dinner with the Bluegills. Upon entering, I heard a familiar voice: Hugh E. Bir, covering Conway Twitty’s “Tight Fitting Jeans” from a stool in the crowded barroom. Mike Wyckliffe didn’t wait for me to ask, and within minutes, I was behind the bar, changing the tap handles as Elector replaced Amber Bock on tap.
This led to progressive pints to accompany our pizza and salad, and sated, the four of us proceeded to Horseshoe for the local leg of The Who singer Roger Daltrey’s “Use It or Lose It” tour in the Showroom. To my considerable surprise, the Horseshoe’s main barroom had BBC Bourbon Barrel Stout on tap, and it proved a worthy libation for sipping as I caught up with Mo, arguably the area’s biggest fan of The Who, after a chance meeting with him along the concourse.
This isn’t intended as a concert review. At the same time, Daltrey was spry and in as good a voice as one might imagine at the age of 65. The set list was predictably filled with Who songs, but to Daltrey’s credit, some of these are seldom played live by anyone, including the group itself. A version of “Going Mobile” was sung by Daltrey’s band mate, Simon Townshend (yes, the younger brother of Peter), and will stand as my top concert moment of the year so far.
When it was over, we returned home to reset clocks and contemplate the evening’s central theme: Most of it took place within New Albany, and all of it within 10 miles of home, without crossing the river toLouisville.
Let’s all pat ourselves on the back … and return to work, because the trick now is to keep the momentum going.
Perhaps some day this will change -- not the sobering up, but the surrealism.
The Confidentials began with late afternoon, craft-roasted coffee at Dueling Grounds, browsing the Destinations Booksellers racks as we sipped, and then adjourning to the Bank Street Brewhouse for frites and a beer each.
Next stop was Wick’s on State for dinner with the Bluegills. Upon entering, I heard a familiar voice: Hugh E. Bir, covering Conway Twitty’s “Tight Fitting Jeans” from a stool in the crowded barroom. Mike Wyckliffe didn’t wait for me to ask, and within minutes, I was behind the bar, changing the tap handles as Elector replaced Amber Bock on tap.
This led to progressive pints to accompany our pizza and salad, and sated, the four of us proceeded to Horseshoe for the local leg of The Who singer Roger Daltrey’s “Use It or Lose It” tour in the Showroom. To my considerable surprise, the Horseshoe’s main barroom had BBC Bourbon Barrel Stout on tap, and it proved a worthy libation for sipping as I caught up with Mo, arguably the area’s biggest fan of The Who, after a chance meeting with him along the concourse.
This isn’t intended as a concert review. At the same time, Daltrey was spry and in as good a voice as one might imagine at the age of 65. The set list was predictably filled with Who songs, but to Daltrey’s credit, some of these are seldom played live by anyone, including the group itself. A version of “Going Mobile” was sung by Daltrey’s band mate, Simon Townshend (yes, the younger brother of Peter), and will stand as my top concert moment of the year so far.
When it was over, we returned home to reset clocks and contemplate the evening’s central theme: Most of it took place within New Albany, and all of it within 10 miles of home, without crossing the river to
Let’s all pat ourselves on the back … and return to work, because the trick now is to keep the momentum going.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Shane Gibson will seek the Democratic nomination for Indiana House District 72.
After weeks of Internet chatter, the Tribune reports that we have a race in the 72nd:
Given Clere's razor-thin margin last time out, state Democrats likely view this one as winnable, and will fund Gibson accordingly. How actively did the state pparty apparatus encourage a younger, more bankable candidate in this race?
There will be numerous deeper issues of political ideology to be addressed when the campaign comes into full swing, and my guess is they'll not be discussed either by Gibson or Clere, leaving it to NAC. Can't say I mind that at all.
This one's going to be entertaining, don't you think?
New Albany city attorney seeking state seat in 2010; Shane Gibson looking to defeat Ed Clere in District 72 tilt, by Daniel Suddeath.Assuming Gibson wins the primary in May, we'll undoubtedly be offered novel general election strategy by the Democrats, who for years emphasized long-time seatholder Boll Cochran as indispensable owing to his experience. Clere wiped that slate clean in 2008, and has been energetically claiming Federal monies (Georgetown sewer plant) and mediating New Albany's budgetary chats with the state. Now, Clere is looking experienced, and Gibson's party must make a positive of his political inexperience.
Floyd County native Shane Gibson announced his candidacy for the District 72 State Representative seat Thursday. Gibson, who is the city attorney for New Albany and a Democrat, is seeking the office held by Republican Ed Clere.
The District 72 seat will be up for election in November 2010.
Given Clere's razor-thin margin last time out, state Democrats likely view this one as winnable, and will fund Gibson accordingly. How actively did the state pparty apparatus encourage a younger, more bankable candidate in this race?
There will be numerous deeper issues of political ideology to be addressed when the campaign comes into full swing, and my guess is they'll not be discussed either by Gibson or Clere, leaving it to NAC. Can't say I mind that at all.
This one's going to be entertaining, don't you think?
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