Speak Out Loud NA

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Sewer Talks Solved Nothing

Don't forget tonight's Special Council Session called for 6PM to vote on the Sewer Rate increase proposal.

It sure wasn't a surprise at last Wednesday's special Public Hearing meeting when the portion of the proceedings that got out of hand and brought down the gavel (haphazardly wielded by CM Blevins), turned out to be the Public Officials speaking time. They went at each other with a ferociousness that revealed all the frustrations and mistrusts that are perculating just under the surface of this administration's relationship with members of the sitting City Council.
Apparently, the quickly scrambled meetings that were questionably assembled prior to the Public Hearing, as well as the assortment of private meetings that obviously occurred between certain folks to strike deals for votes, were not enough to bring a consensus for the specially called Council meeting voting opportunity immediately following the Public Hearing.
Unceremoniously, after all the hoopla and all 8,9,10,15, or however many (let's just say: too many) sets of numbers that were miraculously made available to Council when the Sewer Board can't get their own financials to be able to pay submitted claims, everything was tabled. But, only until the next Special Meeting, called for on Wednesday, August 30th, to have the second and third reading of a resolution to get millions of dollars back into the sewer fund by any means possible.
Currently, the Council Members are reviewing 3 options presented just prior to the Public Hearing, and they have asked for additional options from Fifer and Umbaugh that would reduce the rate increase to zero.
Many Council Members favor using TIF funds as well, which are available. The jail bond reserve fund of $3.3 million that is being refunded to the city is also available for use, but some want to use a significant portion to "bail out" the Street Department that is now losing an additional $300K per year in the last 2 years, due mostly to the decision to privatize Sanitation services.
I must agree with CM Coffey when he suggested that before we throw good money at a bad situation, we find out exactly WHY the Street Department is suddenly losing so much money. In my opinion, it seems just too convenient for it not to be related to 'creative financing'.
The Street Department is on its way to privatization no matter how much money we throw at it. The sooner CM's Blevins and Crump realize this, the better off we'll be.
I also applaud CM Price's stand that it's foolosh to borrow money to get out of debt. It simply creates new debt. His comments refer to a $2 million SRF Loan for sewer works that is showing up as recieved by New Albany this month. However was this money is NOT showing up in the financial scenarios handed to Council? After speaking with CM Price, he explained that this $2 million "Loan" is only a possibility that is being considered by the administration to solve the funds shortfall crisis, and the money has NOT been received by the City.
Also, CM Schmidt prepared and presented a very do-able plan for solving all these problems, and we hope the other Council Members give those numbers serious consideration when debating their stance on where all this needed money will be coming from, and what is fair and best for the citizens of New Albany.
Easily the most outrageous and insulting statement of the evening, made by the administration "Suits", was the warning they continued to issue to Council about, "...using too much available EDIT funds will result in having nothing left for any other projects for the next 15-17 years."!!!
Well, I for one would like to know just what numbers they have REALLY plugged in for use on the Scribner FIASCO for the next 17 years. After all, the adopted resolution allows for use of up to $400K in EDIT funds (we'll try to post the resolution in full or link), and we all know costs are continuing to rise on the construction due to financing difficulties (?!) by the YMCA (ha!).
Then, there is another little matter that no one is talking about, and that would be the brilliant suggestion that the YMCA obtain their needed financing through the Redevelopment Commission by getting a loan of (you guessed it) EDIT funds, based on classifying them as an "Industrial" development. GIMME A BREAK!!!
Correction: The YMCA financing assistance proposed by the Redevelopment Commission does not include any use of EDIT funds. This was a misunderstanding on my part.
No EDIT funds available for other projects would be a direct result of the determination of this administration to protect getting the Scribner Place done, costs be damned! Too many people are counting on the financial windfalls to be made.
Still, they will use scare tactics to deter the Council from using sufficient EDIT dollars to offset the millions of dollars owed BACK to the sewer fund from monies that have been mis-spent under this administration and others.
They have approached this $5 million September Bond payment as though it has popped up unexpectedly and now demands swift, strategic manuvering of other available funds, including rate increases, to cover costs that were supposed to have already been covered according to documents we've reviewed from the current and previous Councils Resolutions.
Keeping up with inflationary cost increases is another matter altogether, and they know it. Using that argument as a justification for this 11th hour push for 3 consecutive rate increases is only a smoke screen for what's really behind it all.
Finally, I want to personally thank everyone who stood up in front of that Council and spoke out loud about the way this situation of "missing money", or as the administration would have it: "shortage of funds", in the Sewage Utility is being presented and dealt with. Everyone is calling for nothing less than honesty, accountability, and capability in our City government.
The BEST solution heard Wednesday night was the suggestion that the current Sewer Board be dissolved, and the Council take over all matters of the Sewer Utility until such time as the current problems are resolved, or until the next incoming administration can demonstrate the ability to effectively manage the resources and operations of a seperate Sewer Board.
After all, if we are now in a position of considering hiring a "Sewer Manager", then what does that say about the capabilities of those who are currently running things?

58 Comments:

  • Approximately how much revenue does NA receive from EDIT each year?

    By Blogger Iamhoosier, at 8:45 AM, August 28, 2006  

  • The vote will be close. It will be a 4-4 with Blevins as the swing vote. Once again, he will feel the pressure. The problem I see is why would anyone want to restructure this to give the sewer dept millions of dollars that the council will not have any power on how it is spent. Also there are over one million dollars in uncollected bills. Collecting them would cover the reate increase. But restructuring will give these people millions to play with and more importantly to them, money to cover up past mistakes (crimes).

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:33 AM, August 28, 2006  

  • A BIG FAT COMMISSION CHECK!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:37 PM, August 28, 2006  

  • The YMCA is NOT getting a loan of EDIT funds. They are getting Industrial Revenue Bonds for which they are responsible but which gives them more favorable financing terms.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:56 PM, August 28, 2006  

  • iamhoosier -- The County Auditor can tell you to the dime how much EDIT, TAX DRAW, CADGIT, RIVERBOAT (Casino), all of those amounts she cuts the checks. Hope that helps.

    Don't see that sewer board being restructured either and Council having no control.

    After reading the newspaper article today, we literally could not separate Scribner from the YMCA. We do not want our tax dollars propping up and being used by a non-profit. I ask you, who's money are they borrowing - leprechauns at the end of a rainbow? We agree it may not be EDIT, but answer the question as to where that money comes from?
    Thanks.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:46 PM, August 28, 2006  

  • I am confused.

    Why is everything the Mayor's fault? As I understand it, he doesn't even get a vote in the council meetings.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:10 PM, August 29, 2006  

  • Special Council Meeting -- Tonight -- 6:00 PM -- NO PUBLIC SPEAKING ALLOWED. All three (3) Ordinances, with Amendments. Seabrook and Kochert introducing (who else)?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:26 PM, August 29, 2006  

  • Whoops, I've made a mistake about the YMCA loan deal being proposed to/by the Redevelopment Commission.
    I will correct the main posting as soon as possible.
    Please forgive the mistake.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 4:13 PM, August 29, 2006  

  • A ridiculous idea is to dissolve the sewer board and let the city council take over. The city council, thanks to a certain group, is one of the most dysfunctional body bodies in politics.

    Equally ridiculous is FOS's comment on sewer boards past and present. It is shameful to see a citizen of this city use a phrase like "every damn one of them" when referring to people who attempt to serve the public.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:13 PM, August 29, 2006  

  • AT LEAST FOS HAD THE GUTS TO PRINT THE TRUTH. MORE THAN I CAN SAY ABOUT THE OTHER BLOGS!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:15 PM, August 29, 2006  

  • 7:13pm anonymous

    Don't you really mean screw the public?
    Instead of serve the public.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:41 PM, August 29, 2006  

  • Donnie Blevins flat lied again. States to several councilman that he will vote against sewer raise. And what does he do? Guess Tony Torran sitting there made him alittle nervous. Or was it because his job was on the line? How Many more deals are you going to cut Mr. Blevins?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:05 AM, August 30, 2006  

  • good job Donnie Blevins you did what was best for the city and resisted the lunacy of the Coffey Price, Schmidt obstructionists, give em hell Donnie!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:22 AM, August 30, 2006  

  • Well don, I guess you will be off the truck when the mayor gets back from his cruise. But think about the 10k you are going to lose when you are not reelected.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:56 AM, August 30, 2006  

  • I just want to thank Council Men: Blevins, Seabrook, Kochert, Messer and Council Woman Crump for their votes last night. After having the whole story explained to me, I understand they did what needed to be done years ago and should continue.

    One question I have. In an earlier post, someone here said:

    "but some want to use a significant portion to "bail out" the Street Department that is now losing an additional $300K per year in the last 2 years, due mostly to the decision to privatize Sanitation services."

    So, if you believe this, someone could make an arguement that Sanitation was helping support the Street Department. Isn't that the arguement we're really dealing with here. The Sewer Utility was supporting Sanitation basically milking Sanitation dry FOR YEARS, going back to previous administrations, until the utility said "Enough is enough". Why then is it fair for Sanitation to support the Street Department? I assume by the persons earlier post, they thought it was OK for Sanitation to support the Street Department.

    Still Confused Taxpayer (But seeing a little clearer now)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:24 AM, August 30, 2006  

  • I am happy to see Baylor posting in support of his freinds from his vacation destination.

    Only in Baylor's world would people say "thank you" for increasing the sewer bill.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:57 AM, August 30, 2006  

  • anonymous at 10:57 pull your head out of you-know-where and try reading. Roger didn't post that, and umm we already pay EDIT Funds (its just another name for taxes) so we would be paying in increase anyway.

    Do you know what inflation means? I bet you do when you go to your boss at wal-mart and ask for a raise for "cost of living".

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:25 AM, August 30, 2006  

  • stenson,

    You only wish you knew what Freedom Of Speech knows!
    I would suggest if the date and time bothers you than don't read it.

    The gang of FOS "rocks on"

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:33 PM, August 30, 2006  

  • You did mean rocks in their heads, didn't you?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:49 PM, August 30, 2006  

  • DO WE SENSE SOME JEALOUSY HERE.AT LEAST THEY GOT THE GUTS TO PRINT THE TRUTH.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:19 PM, August 30, 2006  

  • It's a damn shame that certain CM's seem to have no grasp of the real situation at hand.
    Any CM that could vote for this increase is saying they don't care how or if funds are misused. They will just give them more.
    Wait until the full story comes out about the audit of the sewer books, then we'll see how they feel about being pushed into this vote.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:52 PM, August 30, 2006  

  • Blevins will lose his city job and he will not get re-elected. You got the kiss of death by James!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:12 PM, August 30, 2006  

  • Hey, Prof. Erik,

    Since no responses are allowed at your blog, I can only reach you here.

    When are you coming back to teach?

    Sincerely,
    Your Students at Whatsmatta U.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:33 AM, August 31, 2006  

  • That is not the point. The point is that they have already spent 65 million in the past two years and have not fixed the problem. The epa investigator said that for 44 million they should have been able to fix everything above and below ground. They also have 563,000 in uncollected bills and another 100,000 in bills not sent out. ANd you think it is ok to give them another 9 million to cover their mistakes?? And with no council oversight on how the money is spent? That is how we got to this point.The sewer board should be restructured with no council members and the council should have oversight over any expenditure over 50k dollars. Also there was no million dollar savings. The state just took it off the front end and put it on the back end and the state was willing to do this at any time--NOT JUST BY SEPT.1ST. The problem is we have two council members on the board and two more that either can't or do not read the material.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:02 AM, August 31, 2006  

  • rocky&bullwinkle,

    Go back to your own blog. Roger needs you to keep the BS going while he cycles through Europe

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:13 AM, August 31, 2006  

  • Anon 11:02

    Thank you for putting everything in perspective. I know utility rates go up as a matter of course but I too am angry about all of the money appropriated to the sewer utility and nothing to show for it.

    It seems that some people either don't get it or refuse to see what is in front of their faces.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:38 AM, August 31, 2006  

  • Natasha, You find moose while I blow up sewers. That surely will cause chaos (and sewer rate increase) for capitalist pigs.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:50 PM, August 31, 2006  

  • By now, you all know that I can be a bit confused at times.

    Something that has me confused after the vote the othernight.

    Is Councilman Gahan still a member of Garners Goons or is he now a member of the Gang of Four (Five)?

    Thank you,
    Confused Taxpayer

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:20 AM, September 01, 2006  

  • He has always butted heads with garner and has been a real pain for the mayor, it is just that most people do not know it. He does not speak out much at meetings because the presidents chair, as many believe is to run the meeting, if you look back through the years you will find that the chair seems to cut down on comments from that person. Although when coffey is elected president it probably will not.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:56 AM, September 01, 2006  

  • "And Jimmy we know who paid for your last vacation you took to Florida."

    Um, no we don't know. Please tell.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:44 AM, September 01, 2006  

  • hahahaha did you say coffey elected as president?

    Oh good lord, if that happens me and "my family" will be outta here!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:27 PM, September 01, 2006  

  • Another thing taxpayers should be aware of is this action did not "save" us $1 million dollars; it simply tacked it on to the end. Mr. Fifer (and this is on tape) said not using as much EDIT money would enable the extra EDIT money to go back into the "Rainday Fund".

    The sewer utility audit should in and of itself be enough to send someone away for awhile. If our business did things this administration has done, our butts would be in jail.

    Misued credit cards; negative fund balances; "ghost" employees (got to admit, that one really gets us).

    Now, the big question of the day facing New Albany, after forcing the Council to jump through hurdles and ten to 15 sets of numbers (which are still wrong) to make their decision, they have to figure our "who" is going to pay to "fax" over 130 pages of these 3 ordinances to the Mayor on his cruise ship in the Carribean (not the Mediterrean, as has been reported). Let's see, that's at least $3.00, maybe $5.00 a page. 130 pages. Faxed there and back. EDIT, here comes another hit (don't you as taxpayers love paying for this management).

    GROSS MISMANAGEMENT, GROSS NEGLIGENCE IN DUTIES, VIOLATIONS OF EVERY OFFICE OATH TAKEN BY EVERY DAMN ONE OF THEM, except for the ones who are recognizing what is going on.

    Yes, Gahan now understands. Crump and Messer just didn't care what the public thought. All of Crump's people called her and told her they wanted a rate increase.

    Messer said our system is "old", and yet the EPA hasn't even signed off on the "new" $40 million dollar project.

    It's sick and we as taxpayers need to do something about it. We urge all of you to get a copy of the latest 2005 AUDIT from your local CITY CLERK and cut through to about page 30.

    Try and have a great Labor Day Weekend and remember the Mayor while he's sailing around the Carribean and we're trying to get the rate increases to him via fax and more of our dollars.

    Rainday Fund. Ha. Ha. Ha.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:16 PM, September 01, 2006  

  • are you all forgetting that the mayor only makes about $60,000/year?

    Maybe that's why we can't find very many qualified people to run this damn city. So quit acting like he's run off with all the city's money and who gives a crap what he does with his paycheck.

    You don't want people telling you how to spend your "paycheck" so quit trying to tell him.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:50 PM, September 01, 2006  

  • anon 12:27 That is right. Believe me gahan did not want to be pres. but he knew it was him or coffey.He and Blevins want it bad, so deals are made to get votes for president later. Just as a deal was made with two councilmen to get the yes votes the other night, a third was probably pressured by their boss (they are not one of the city employees). As pres there is twice as much work and they way the system works you are muzzled a little bit on what you can say at meetings.
    btw--he was always against the rate increase. He thought it was fair to vote for it the first time to see if they could come up with something and to answer certain questions. They didn't and wouldn't

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:56 PM, September 01, 2006  

  • Please forward to the intellecutal heavyweight over at FOS: Mark Seabrook probably wants to run for a commissioner's seat so that he won't have to deal with the morons and idiots who stink up the assembly room on council meeting nights. That's just a guess though.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:09 PM, September 01, 2006  

  • Ha. Ha. Ha. No one insinuated taxpayers were paying for his cruise. There goes that selective reading comprehension, again.

    Maybe Momma...but that's another story in and of itself.

    Watch those EDIT dollars, that's all we can say!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:52 PM, September 01, 2006  

  • In the infamous words of Judge Smails:

    "Well, we're waiting."

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:34 PM, September 01, 2006  

  • Wonder if the mayor signed the deal today? Today the $5 million payment is due. Cry me a river Jimmy we all know who paid for yur florida trip! I personally will go to u-haul and pay for your moving boxes!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:26 PM, September 01, 2006  

  • If Mark is smart he'd get off that sewer board before they all go to jail.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:32 PM, September 01, 2006  

  • "democrats against progress" said:

    "we all know who paid for yur florida trip"

    No WE all don't. Spill the beans democrat. We want to know!!!!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:49 AM, September 02, 2006  

  • Why should any of us pay our sewer bills. When other's are not made to pay a sewer bill. What's wrong with this picture?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:59 PM, September 03, 2006  

  • Sewer bill squad. What have you been doing Ms. Welch for the last 1 1/2 years? Now you want to try and collect delinquent sewer bills?

    Could it be the fact that Ms. Bolovschak has exposed you and Atty. Fifer and Mayor Garner for not doing your jobs?

    Could it be the fact that Valla Ann has proved you can not go back but three years under Indiana code to collect delinquent sewer bills?

    Why does this Adminstration continue to lie to the taxpayers of New Albany?

    Thank you Valla Ann for exposing these lazy bastards for not doing there job!

    You got my vote

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:22 PM, September 03, 2006  

  • Your action Valla Ann always generate true inspirations to all of us.

    Thanks

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:37 AM, September 04, 2006  

  • When there is no vision, and when you cannot enforce the people rebel. Glad you have a vision for New Albany Ms. Bolovschak.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:47 AM, September 04, 2006  

  • Nearly one week ago I wrote:

    "I am confused.

    Why is everything the Mayor's fault? As I understand it, he doesn't even get a vote in the council meetings"

    I have yet to see an answer. Does anyone have a legitimate answer?

    Thank you.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:48 AM, September 04, 2006  

  • Why is evertying the Mayor' fault?

    Because he IS the mayor and therefore responsible. The buck stops with him. In case anyone becomes outraged, he blamed every city problem on Regina Overton when he was campaigning and continues to do so. His favorite line is "It's not my fault."

    As to him "only" making 60K a year. Think about all of the perks. The one that comes to mind for me is the Dodge Durango. No car payment, no insurance payment, no tags or taxes, and problably free gas. How much do think that adds up to per year?

    Who knows what other perks he receives?

    And again, he knew what the salary was when he decided to run for mayor. Don't cry for him New Albany.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:03 AM, September 04, 2006  

  • anonymous,

    If Mayor Garner was smart he would step down. I personally think he is the worse mayor New Albany has ever had.
    It's time for a change.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:10 PM, September 04, 2006  

  • 9:22 anonymous,

    You just said it all.She's got my support.

    Thanks Valla Ann

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:39 PM, September 04, 2006  

  • She is nothing but smoke and mirrors herself.
    She is to big of a coward to run.
    Garner's the man.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:16 PM, September 04, 2006  

  • Okay, maybe he says that, maybe he doesn't. I don't know. I guess I don't have access to the mayor's quotes like you do. But let's assume that he says it is not his fault.

    But why, for example, is the sewer rate increase his fault. He is only the messenger, i.e., he tells the people, the sewer department is running at a deficit, and rates need to be increased. Then the council votes to increase rates. Please explain to me why the bashers who are so willing to blame the mayor for their increased sewer bills have a valid beef against the mayor.

    I don't blame Bobby Petrino or Rick Petino for increasing the ticket prices of U of L games.

    "Because he IS the mayor and therefore responsible." What, he is responsible for everything?

    I am sorry, I just don't get it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:48 AM, September 05, 2006  

  • Okay, maybe he says that, maybe he doesn't. I don't know. I guess I don't have access to the mayor's quotes like you do.

    But why, for example, is the sewer rate increase his fault. He is only the messenger, i.e., he tells the pepole, the sewer dept. is running at a deficit, and rates need to be increased. Then the council votes to increase rates. Please explain to me why the bashers willing to blame the mayor for their increased sewer bills.

    I don't blame Bobby Petrino for increasing the ticket prices of U of L football games.

    "Because he IS the mayor and therefore responsible." What, he is responsible for everything?

    I am sorry, I just don't get it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:00 AM, September 05, 2006  

  • Sorry for the double post. As you can see I am new at this.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:01 AM, September 05, 2006  

  • because if they had collected the unpaid bills, over a million documented now, the rate increase part of the ordinance would not have been necessary.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:54 AM, September 05, 2006  

  • The SRF people should really take a look at our latest 2005 Audit. The Mayor is and was the Sewer Board President during the time period of simply 2005.

    If you really read the promises and the covenants we swore to to the State, you may have reason to take pause. Breathtaking, to say the least.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:35 PM, September 05, 2006  

  • Valle Ann took the mayor to task because of the three year rule in Ind. law 36-9-25-11.

    I think Valle Ann is wrong. Local law 51.115 states:

    "51.115 (K) Sanitary district not created. It is the specific finding and intent of this Common Council that, notwithstanding the provisions of Ordinance No. G-96-105, the city be determined as not having created, either previously or presently, a sanitary district under the control of a board of sanitary commissioners pursuant to the provisions of IC 36-9-25 et seq." [emphasis added]

    As I read the ordinance, 36-9-25-11 does not even apply to New Albany and the sewer board.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:43 PM, September 05, 2006  

  • 5:43 anonymous

    you are mistaken in quoting the law. But then you would not give Valla Ann any credit if your life depended on it.

    She has done more for this City than most. At least she's fighting for all of us. And truly she gives a damn about the taxpayers.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:16 PM, September 05, 2006  

  • You are mistaken in saying that I am mistaken.

    So there.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:36 AM, September 06, 2006  

  • I'm mistaken, you're mistaken, we're all MISTAKEN!!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:36 AM, September 06, 2006  

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