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Meeting Minutes Archive: May, 2007
June 13, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Stanczyk, Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Rapp, Mr. DiBlasi, Mr. Jordan, Mrs. Chaplin
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Sweetland and see attached list (Attachment 1)
Chairman Rhinehart called the meeting to order at 10:40 a.m.
A motion was made by Mrs. Rapp, seconded by Mr. Jordan to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
1. PLANNING: Ms. Linda DeFichy, Administrator - Community Development
a. Authorizing the Onondaga County Executive to file the 2007 Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant, Home Grant, American Dream Downpayment Initiative and Emergency Shelter Grant Programs ($4,512,840)
Ms. DeFichy distributed the 2007 Community Development Budget (on file with Clerk). Ms. DeFichy said this is their annual submission to HUD which consists of four different grants, the Community Development Block Grant, the Home Grant, American Dream Downpayment grant and the Emergency Shelter grant. The County will receive $2.2 million and the Town of Clay will receive just under $300,000, Town of Clay is meshed with their funding and they administer it. Housing Rehab has not been funded out of the CD grant this year because they have a $3 million in a Lead Grant.
Mr. DiBlasi asked why the Town of Clay had separate funding. Ms. DeFichy explained that it is a function of population; any town over 50,000 gets their own grant.
Ms. DeFichy pointed out the following:
Capital Projects funded under the Community Development Grant in the different towns and villages are geared to benefit low-income people. They have a couple contingent projects if any of the top twenty-three fall apart. Mr. Rhinehart asked how many projects showed interest; Ms. DeFichy replied just under fifty. Included in the handout is a description of each of the Capital Projects in detail.
Mr. Stanczyk asked about Housing Rehab. Ms. DeFicy said they are doing a great deal of housing rehab using Lead Grant money, balances from other years from CD funding, and State funding, used to do around 150 per year and are now up to 200. For the most part housing rehab is associated with lead. Mr. Stanczyk asked if they are doing the same number of elderly as in past. Ms. DeFichy said they; have had to shift emphasis to families with children under six, they are allowed to fund if there are grandchildren in the house. They did thirty homes last year, there is a significant waiting list for elderly and families without children under six. Mr. Stanczyk said he doesn't want the rehab associated with lead to detract from the low income elderly; one of key components of a neighborhood collapsing is elderly not being able to afford to take care of their homes, they fall into disrepair and dilapidated houses are bought by an absentee landlords. Mr. Stanczyk said they have to find a way to do the elderly and lead, no reason to have a backlog. Ms. DeFichy said it is a staffing problem, they do not have enough Community Development funds to maintain the staff they have, need the money from the Lead Grant to make up the difference.
Mr. Rhinehart asked if the monies for the Community Development Block Grant could be interchanged. Ms. DeFichy said all four grants have to benefit low-income people. Ms. DeFichy said the elderly could participate in their Neighborhood Rehab. Mr. Stanczyk asked about the waiting list; Ms. DeFichy said about a couple of years.
Mr. Meyer referred to Page 2 - 2007 CDBG Capital Projects, asked how they select the phasing and asked for elaboration on the match. Ms. DeFichy said they require a 25% match to make sure there is local commitment, have a steering committee made up of fifteen members. They are not able to fund the projects at the level they need all at once so it is phased; their limit is $100,000 per year.
Mr. DiBlasi asked about the community tree project. Mr. O'Connor said it is based on a plan done after the Labor Day storm, they try also to get neighborhood associations to be a part of the process, try to focus on across the county, not just within the city.
A motion was made by Mrs. Rapp, seconded by Mr. Meyer to approve this item. A vote was taken and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
2. HOTEL: Mr. Edward Kochian
Mr. Kochian reviewed the handout entitled Westin at the Oncenter, Implementation Agreements June 2007 (Attachment2).
Mr. Rhinehart mention Mr. Ned Flint from First Albany Bank present at the meeting and asked what his role would be. Mr. Flint said he is working with the Industrial Development Agency putting together the financing plan, would be the underwriter on the bond issue for the IDA.
Mr. DiBlasi asked for confirmation that the County receives 11% of the Destiny fees and the City receives 89%; Mr. Mareane said that was correct.
Mr. Meyer asked about the start date; Mr. Kochian said they are still taking about fall 2007 with an 18-month period for completion. Mr. Meyer asked for elaboration on the pedestrian connection. Mr. Kochian said there is a connection to the garage that needs to look good, be safe, wide enough for people carrying luggage to the garage or the existing sky bridge to the Oncenter and there needs to be a vertical element right when you come into the Oncenter. The intent is to have this available when the hotel is opened. Mr. Meyer asked if the developer has waived the steam plant connections forever; Mr. Kochian replied yes. Mr. Meyer asked if there is any cost to the 15 ft. strip of land mentioned on Page 16. Mr. McAuliffe said in conversations with the city it was suggested that it was needed for the hotel and would be nice if transferred for free. The full request for the abandonment, which is a specific procedure on the City Charter, a letter was sent by the County Executive to the Planning Commission, Planning Commission would have to have a public hearing and then a formal recommendation to the Common Council. Mr. Meyer asked if the number on the room tax and sales tax are solid numbers, how much is new money. Mr. Mareane said they believe they will be restoring about $20 million a year in convention activity; much of it will be new money. Projections of room tax and sales tax Comes right out of the proforma of the hotel plan; expected room revenue estimate is conservative, proforma assumed a lower room rate and occupancy level.
Mr. Stanczyk asked what the anticipated reimbursed payment is for the $15 million grant money from the State. Mr. Mareane said that first $10 million by 2009, last $5 million by January 2010. Mr. Stanczyk requested a page that breaks down the Debt Service. Mr. Stanczyk asked what the anticipated interest rate for the bonding is; Mr. Flint First Albany Bank, said 6% taxable interest rate, in line with where market interest rates are today. Should be in the market early fall; right now it is 5.7%. Regarding the County Infrastructure Investment, Mr. Stanczyk asked why the commitment didn't shrink to $5 million instead of $7.3 million after the developer decided against the Steam Plant connection. Mr. Kochian said the pedestrian connection was yet to be designed. Mr. Mareane said at that time, there was a concern that connections to the Oncenter were inadequate, current plan is to create a much easier connection from the hotel to the garage, are kicking the money into an enhanced pedestrian connection instead of a second connection. Mr. Kochian said it is a huge public investment, there is not economic activity that happens in United States without some form of public pride initiative, that is what this is, we will get this money back as a community just as we will with the OCIDA bonds and grant anticipation notes. Mr. Stanczyk asked why the generated revenues by the hotel is listed when the pilot revenues are just paying off their debt. Mr. Mareane said the intent of the page was to show that there is a capacity within the project to pay for its costs, how much revenue will be generated.
Mr. DiBlasi referred to Page 18, column 3 (debt Service), asked with the $15 million from the State does the Pilot get paid off early. Mr. Kochian referred to Page 11, third bullet, and said the excess Pilot revenues would be shared annually, the benefit of the $15 million from the State is that by reducing the debt, there would be excess Pilot revenue that could be shared early.
Mr. Sweetland said he wanted to remind everyone that when we this agreement was passed in the legislature, we voiced a very strong concern about the connection, we agreed to an estimate of what it was going to cost, this legislature will approve and be involved with what those connections are, wants to make sure this Legislature is involved with how this gets done and ultimately approve to money to do it; most important, how convention goers come in, how they get across the street and where meetings are.
Mr. McAuliffe displayed drawings of what the hotel will look like.
a. Amending Bond Resolution No. 308-2004 for pedestrian connections and land acquisition
Mr. Kochian said we were originally going to spend $1 million on a connection, now making a commitment to spend $3.1 million, $4.2 million for land - total $7.3 million; if land costs more than $4.2 million, they will come back to the Legislature.
Mr. DiBlasi made a motion to consider all four resolutions in one vote; it was not seconded.
Mr. Rhinehart said this resolution authorizes the County to bond up to $3.5 mil instead of $2.25. Mr. Mareane said there was a bond resolution passed in 2001 for first installment on the land (condemnation price) was authorized appropriated and spent. A second bond was authorized in 2004 for $3.5 million, but wasn't appropriated. Mr. Mareane said by action on this resolution, instead of spending $1 million on a pedway, $2.5 million on the Steam Plant connection, $3.5 million will be spent in combination of land and pedestrian connections; it doesn't affect the authorization, it affects the use of that authorization, also recognizes the new source of money the Destiny fees account, have already put $800 thousand into a project account to do this.
A motion was made by Mrs. Rapp, seconed by Mr. Meyer to approve this item. A vote was taken; Ayes: 6 (Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Rapp, Mr. DiBlasi, Mr. Jordan, Mrs. Chaplin), Noes: 1 (Mr. Stanczyk); MOTION CARRIED.
b. Amending Resolution No. 306-2004, as amended, to authorize the County Executive to enter into an Amended Agreement for the development of the Onondaga County Convention Center Hotel
Mr. Herkala said the development agreement has been changed to Westin; Westin has entered into an operating agreement for a fifteen year period with the developer, they will bring their expertise directly into play, agreement has been changed from possible two pedways to one, have substituted the County Reserve Agreement for the Sublease. They will be putting an amended agreement on file. Mr. Herkala said there are changes to number of rooms (still an excess of 350, may be as many as 364), change in meeting space to 17,000 sq. ft. and change to the project schedule due to being put on hold because of the State financing. No greater County or OCIDA contribution to the project than was initially anticipated. Mr. Stanczyk requested a summary sheet of the changes.
A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mr. Meyer to approve this item. A vote was taken and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
c. Authorizing a Reserve Agreement and Pilot Mortgage Agreement with respect to the Oncenter Hotel
Mr. western said for an $11,340,000 issue of bonds, Debt Service is $1,462.100, if there is a failure to get the Pilot payment, if at the end of any given year if the Debt Service reserve pays the bond holders, we the County, under the Reserve Agreement, would have to make a contribution to bring the debt service reserve up to normal, bonds are not marketable without this. Mr. Kochian said the Pilot Mortgage issue has to be brought into the equation; additional security brought about by the Pilot Mortgage is critical to why we would even consider doing this project, unlike typical Pilots, you have a first instance claim on getting your money back, developer put in $10 million of their own money, borrowed $30 to $40 million financial institution is unlikely in the scenario where there is a pilot mortgage to allow that property wipe out their debt, they are likely to pay that pilot mortgage. Mr. Kochian said there is a way for us to recover the pilot payment through the pilot mortgage; in the interim, there is the issue of the Reserve Agreement; if developer doesn't don't pay timely, debt service is called on to make sure the debt gets paid; if it has been depleted, that's when the call comes to the Legislature and Executive, It is vital for the county to stand behind it in the appropriation process in part because the project itself finances it; in the meantime, have the process going on with the Pilot Mortgage to fully recover the pilot money.
Mr. Stanczyk asked if they do not make a pilot payment, why wouldn't we foreclose, put in a claim to take the property. Mr. Western said he expects we would. Mr. Stanczyk said it is dysfunctional to talk about foreclosing on the property and yet put in money to pay off to prevent us from foreclosing, it makes no sense. Mr. Herkala said there are two agreements - the Pilot Mortgage and the County Reserve Agreement. Reserve Agreement substitutes in whole for the Sublease that was already approved by this legislature when we did the original hotel deal. Purpose of that Sublease and this agreement are identical, sublease payments that were going to be made from OCIDA to the County were the equivalent of any Debt Service shortfall; this Reserve Agreement requires us to replenish the Debt Service reserve funding. Mr. Stanczyk asked why we would want to do that. Mr. Kochian said it is a bond issue in part, do not want to be in default of the Debt Service, want to make the reserve fund whole and then recover through the mortgage process, not seeing this as a high risk proposition. Mr. Kochian said If there is a default in title payments, we have the rights under the Pilot Mortgage to commence a collection action against the developer, commence a foreclosure action, to bid at that foreclosure action, offer up our equity interests to offset the cost to buy the property if we want, to reach a negotiated settlement with the lender who is most likely going to step in on behalf of the developer who has an even larger interest in the property with a larger debt in the beginning years. Pilot mortgage lets us step in and protect our rights, Reserve Agreement says we have to make the same type of payment that we already agreed to do under the Sublease, just changing the structure.
Mr. Meyer asked if the lot the hotel would be sitting on pledged as security. Mr. Kochian said it is part of what they are using to get the State Aid. Mr. Herkala said the developer is allowed to go out with a ground lease and get what is called a leasehold mortgage on the structure he is going to build, subject to the ground lease.
Mr. Rhinehart asked if the developer is making a personal guarantee. Mr. Herkala said he is not aware of that.
A motion was made by Mr. Rhinehart, seconded by Mrs. Rapp to approve this item. A vote was taken; Ayes: 6 (Meyer, Rapp, DiBlasi, Jordan, Chaplin; Noes: 1 (Stanczyk); MOTION CARRIED.
d. A Local Law repealing Local Law No. 3-2005 regarding the sublease of property from the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency with respect to the Oncenter Hotel
Mr. Herkala said this is to repeal the sublease local law. Since proposal is to enter into a Reserve Agreement, we don't need a sublease local law anymore.
A motion was made by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. Jordan to approve this item. A vote was taken and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Kochian said they would be back at some point concerning the 15 ft. strip of land after the City passes it.
3. Convention & Visitors Bureau Direction Plan - Mr. David Holder
Mr. Holder gave a presentation on the 2007-2010 Syracuse CVB Strategic Direction (Attachment 3)
The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Johanna H. Robb
Deputy Clerk
* * *
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Corbett, Mr. Kilmartin, Mrs. Winslow, Mrs. Chaplin
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Holmquist (due to serving on Grand Jury), Mr. Kinne
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Meyer and see attached list (Attachment 1)
Chairman DiBlasi called the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Corbett, seconded by Mrs. Chaplin to waive the reading of the minutes and a motion was made by Mr. Corbett, seconded by Mr. Kilmartin to approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
1. OCPL: Ms. Kate McCaffrey, Deputy Director
a. Amending the 2007 County Budget to accept state construction funds for the Onondaga County Public Library and authorizing the County Executive to enter into contracts to implement this resolution ($6,167)
Asking to accept State construction funds for improvements to the Central Library - $2,000 to improve accessibility to the STAR room (designed to provide computer access through special technologies for use by people with disabilities) and $4,138 to provide supplemental air conditioning to the computer lab on the fourth floor.
A motion was made by Mr. Corbett, seconded by Mrs. Chaplin to approve this item. A vote was taken and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
b. Amending the 2007 County Budget to accept state construction funds for the Onondaga County Public Library and authorizing the County Executive to enter into contracts to implement this resolution ($60,586)
Asking to accept State construction funds to improve accessibility at two branches - an ADA accessible ramp at entrance to Betts Branch and an ADA compliant restroom, also an ADA compliant restroom at Soule Branch. Mrs. Winslow requested to be a co-sponsor of this resolution.
Mr. DiBlasi asked if this is a requirement by law or is it voluntary; Ms. Mc Caffrey replied that it is being done voluntarily, the right thing to do. Ms. Chaplin asked if there are other libraries that will need improvements; Ms. Jensen replied "yes", will be coming to the Legislature in June with other projects once the State approves additional construction funds. In response to Mr. Kilmartin, Ms. Jensen said they did get estimates from contractors in order to apply to the State for the funds.
A motion was made by Mr. Corbett, seconded by Mrs. Winslow to approve this item. A vote was taken and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
c. Amending the 2007 County Budget to accept Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds for the Onondaga County Public Library and authorizing the County Executive to enter into contracts to implement this resolution ($15,000)
Funding will allow OCPL to create an intranet so that they can share documents; it is compatible with Polaris, will allow all libraries to get customized reports at their desktop; funding will allow them to hire a trainer, pay for the software and consultant to do installation. In answer to Mr. Corbett, Ms. McCaffrey said it would be for all branches and member libraries.
A motion was made by Mrs. Chaplin, seconded by Mr. Corbett to approve this item. A vote was taken and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
d. Transfer of funds from Professional Services Account 408 to Furniture & Equipment Account 215 ($21,800)
e. Transfer of funds from Supplies Account 300 to Furniture & Equipment Account 215 ($45,400)
Funds to cover the cost of installing security cameras in the Central Library, funding is included in OCPL's 2008 Adopted Budget.
A motion was made by Mr. Corbett, seconded by Mr. Kilmartin to approve items 1d. and e. A vote was taken and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
f. Confirming OCPL Board of Trustees appointments (Virginia Biesiada, Anita Lombardi)
Ms. Shepard Scott said that both Ms. Biesiada and Ms. Lombardi are graduates of the LGS Program and have expressed interest in education and literacy; Ms. Lombardi is tri-lingual and Ms. Biesiada's professional background is in human resources.
A motion was made by Mr. Corbett, seconded by Mr. Kilmartin to approve this item. A vote was taken and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
2. OCC: Dr. Debbie Sydow, President
Item 2.b was considered first.
b. Calling for a public hearing on the Tentative 2007 - 2008 Budget of the Onondaga Community College
A motion was made by Mr. Corbett, seconded by Mrs. Chaplin to approve this item. A vote was taken and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
a. Strategic Plan - Dr. Sydow
Dr. Sydow presented a Power Point reviewing highlights of the past six years under the first strategic plan developed in 2001 and projecting forward regarding priority goals established for the institution for the next five years (Attachment 2). Dr. Sydow said they have gathered input for the past 18 months from the community at large, through online surveys, concerning priorities of the community and college to better serve the needs of our local community. Dr. Sydow said the college has been working for a number of years with extraordinary growth and remarkable transformation.
A handout was provided giving more detail concerning the goals and objectives for the next five years (on file with Clerk).
Mr. Kilmartin referred to the master plan for the next five years, asked about any concepts or details concerning a community recreation center or the athletic fields. Dr Morrow said over the past few years as they have focused more attention on their athletic programs as a way to deal with both recruitment and retention, they realized early on that one of the key areas was the facility and practicing off campus. A master plan for athletics was completed about eighteen months ago; they are currently looking at other community college athletic facilities and also partnership opportunities for a field house. Dr. Morrow noted that Jamestown Community College in Erie County is sharing space with the YMCA and it seems to be working well. Dr. Morrow said it would be a comprehensive facility with indoor tennis court, covered fields, lockers, and classrooms; more and more institutions are seeing the benefit of this type of facility for the enrollment management part of the equation. Dr. Morrow said it makes sense to have this facility available for public use when the sports teams are not practicing, they are already a community friendly campus, and this would take them to another level.
Mr. Kilmartin asked about the OCC Foundation; Dr. Morrow confirmed that they presently have $6 million. Dr. Morrow said the foundation is charged with supporting the college; the purpose of the foundation is to support the college in a number of ways - scholarships, capital projects, facility improvements. Dr. Morrow added that the current foundation board is very focused on endowment and endowment for scholarships; they don't ever want a student to not complete college because of finances.
Mr. DiBlasi said this past fall they were up 18% in enrollment and expect to be well ahead of those numbers next year; asked what percentage they need to maintain to meet the 1011 goals and how does that impact the need for Onondaga County support. Mr. Emm said regarding the County's sponsorship in terms of dollars, it costs money to have students, no way to get around that; in terms of growth, would have to be about a 2.5% to 3% increase annually, and that will be met.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Johanna H. Robb
Deputy Clerk
* * *
REVISED pg. 3 - 5/18/07
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMITTEE MINUTES - May 8, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Rhinehart, Mr. Farrell, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Kraft, Mrs. Chaplin, *Mrs. Winslow
ALSO PRESENT: see attached list
Chairman Corbett called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Farrell, seconded by Mr. Rhinehart, to waive the reading of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
1. LAKE IMPROVEMENT: Mr. Randy Ott, Commissioner
a. ACJ Update
Mr. Farrell expressed concern regarding receiving only 2 bids. He said that anything that can be done to encourage local companies to bid this work is a benefit to the taxpayers. He requested that a discussion be on the agenda next month on how to encourage people to bid these jobs. He asked if the job could be re-bid. Chairman Corbett stated that there has to be a compelling reason to re-bid. Mr. Ott said that it could subject the county to a legal challenge from the company.
*Mrs. Winslow arrived at the meeting.
Mr. Jordan asked if solicitation of bids is limited to local companies. Mr. Ott said that they are put out locally and regionally. They are advertised, notices of advertisements are faxed to contractors that are known to be capable of doing the job; put in the Builders Exchange and in the Dodge Report. He recently made a presentation to the ABC and provided an overview of all the projects that are on the books throughout the year. Mr. Jordan questioned how many companies are capable of doing the job locally; Mr. Ott estimated 5 or 6. Mr. Albanese said that the Dodge Report is national; presentations have not only been made to ABC, but also to the Builders Trades Council with the PLA, which lays out projects, current status, projected schedules, etc. to encourage their contractors to have more participation. To go back out and re-bid, is a roll of the dice. Further, in looking at the schedule, companies look at where they will best suited along with all the other work in Onondaga County. He feels that they are already very aggressive.
Mr. Kraft asked if the County is finding itself in a position where the capacity of the market place is utilized. Mr. Ott said he doesn't think so, as are getting contractors to bid. Mr. Kraft asked how many bids are usually received on job; Mr. Ott said typically between 2 - 12; it depends on the job. Mr. Kraft asked if getting 2 bids is a compelling reason to take a second look at this. He feels that opportunities should be pursued. Mr. Ott said that right now the engineer has not determined any technical problems with the bids. Mr. Farrell said he is asking that this be looked at and determine if there is a way to do a better job, sometimes it needs a little extra effort. Mr. Albanese said it is standard operating procedure, for this type of instance; to have post-bid review meeting to take a strong look at the case. Mr. Kraft asked that after that is done, a memo be sent to the committee with the determination.
Mrs. Chaplin asked if the company working on the Midland phase bid on this project. Mr. Ott said that they did not. Chairman Corbett said there are many reasons why a company wouldn't bid the next project. They may feel that they want to bid the next phase of Midland and wouldn't have to move all of their equipment, as there would be transportation costs involved. Sometimes bonding is an issue-if a company has a lot of money out in construction bonds, they may have to take a breather before going on to the next job. Mr. Clare added that some of the contractors looked at the plans, but had never done a PLA before and backed off because of it.
Chairman Corbett asked about cost and process for companies to get bidding documents. Mr. Clare said that they can take out a set of plans for $75. If unsuccessful, they can return the plans and get their money back. They can also review the plans at WEP or CDM for no charge. The Dodge Report also has a set of plans.
Mr. Farrell said he would like to understand how the PLA affects this bid. Mr. Ott said he would provide a report.
Mr. Kraft discussed the long-term number of .02. Chairman Corbett said that we are currently on line and targeting the number. Mr. Kraft said that he is worried about it; supposed to meet that goal and are subject to fines if not met; the number is in the ACJ. Mr. Ott said that there are a number of things that need to be done: TMDL, how well doing in Onondaga Lake, need to look at phosphorous Phase III pilot work, need to look at modeling. All of this has to be looked at before they position themselves with the state. There is technology that could meet that number, whether it is financially obtainable is another question. Chairman Corbett said that the more that is done to obtain it now, and show that everything possible has been tried, then the better it will be when the 2009 date is reached.
a. A local law amending Local Law No. 16-1992 and Local law No. 8-2004 authorizing the lease of county property for the operation of a sludge management facility
An extension of lease for 6 months to allow the department to complete negotiations with a contractor for a new 10-year biosolids agreement.
A motion was made by Mr. Rhinehart, seconded by Mr. Farrell to approve this item.
Mr. Rhinehart asked if the sludge is shipped to Weedsport. Mr. Ott said that currently the Enviro Soil process is being done, a class A project, sold to farmers in central New York. Distributed directly out of Metro to the contractor who has a farm and storage facility in Weedsport. It is taken off the belt presses to distribute.
Mr. Ott reviewed a chronology on biosolids management (attachment #1).
Mr. Rhinehart asked if haulers are required to use interstates. Mr. Ott said that they have had conversation with contractors to use highways. Mr. Rhinehart asked about any issues with trucks. Mr. Ott said that there was an issue in the Pulaski Street area, which was discussed and corrected. Mr. Albanese added that what is leaving the plant is a pathogen-killed lime product.
Mr. Kraft requested that a list of the annual costs be provided from the beginning of this process for the next Ways and Means Committee meeting.
Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
b. Intermunicipal Agreement--Information Update: Mr. James Albanese, Co. Administrator, Physical Svcs.
Mr. Albanese said that the City Council put this issue on the table for 2 weeks. It is our understanding that they are in a relaxed position with this now, are hoping that they will pass it in 2 weeks. No vote will be asked from the body until the city has voted on this issue. He provided a red-lined version of the intermunicipal agreement (on file), which shows changes that have taken place that the county feels are fair an do not have significant impact. He reviewed the following pages:
There were other proposals put on the table that were rejected.
Chairman Corbett said that the Council has reviewed this; they have laid it on the table; it will be taken up in 2 weeks. The timeframe will allow it to go to Ways and Means for an actual vote in May and then it will be taken to the floor in June.
Mr. Rhinehart referred to the portion of the taking/cooperation for properties--asked if the Law Department is comfortable, as there has been a lot of litigation between the City and County. Mr. Rivizzigno said that they were part of the long discussions with the City and are comfortable. Regarding the property, they have reviewed it and are 99.9% sure that everything that is needed is included. Mr. Albanese said that, however, if the need arises during the life of the construction portion of the project, the County has the uncontested right to take that property at the appraised value by Pomeroy and Associates.
Mr. Rhinehart asked if the City agrees, that after the agreement is signed, that the properties that the County needs to use to contribute towards this project will be given. Mr. Albanese referenced his last comment. The answer to the whole legality question "does the county have the right to condemn city property" -- we are leaving that question to another day somewhere in the future. Mr. Rhinehart asked if the City would still want the County to pay for that property. Mr. Albanese said "yes".
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
DEBORAH L. MATURO, Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature
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FISCAL WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE MINUTES - May 9, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Kraft, Mrs. Rapp, Mr. Stanczyk, Mr. Warner, *Mr. Stanczyk, **Mr. Ryan
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Corbett
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Mareane, Mr. Seitz, Mr. Squires, Mrs. Stanczyk, Mr. Hanlon, Mr. Mariani
Chairman Meyer called the meeting to order at 9:33 a.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Rhinehart, seconded by Mr. Meyer to waive the reading and approve the proceeding of the previous committee meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
MANAGEMENT & BUDGET: Mr. Joe Mareane, Chief Fiscal Officer
2007 1st Quarter Update
Mr. Mareane distributed the 2007 First Quarter Report (attachment #1). There is a $3.1 million forecast projected for year-end, based on trends that they are seeing now.
*Mr. Stanczyk left the meeting
Prior Years Taxes - estimated $6.3 million this year; approx. $300,000 shortfall
Mr. Kraft asked how the $8.3 million in prior year taxes compares to other places. Mr. Mareane said they expect to collect $97.7% of taxes levied in towns; 93.3% of tax levied in City. Collecting almost all of it in the towns, and are up in the city. He did not have comparisons to other counties.
Mr. Farrell asked if this is all on a cash basis. Mr. Seitz said that this is money from current year property tax levy that will not be collected until future years, so negative revenue is put in the budget. Mr. Farrell asked if all revenue is on a cash basis; Mr. Seitz said sales tax is on modified accrual. Mr. Squires said that some sales tax isn't received until after the fact. When an accrual is booked at year-end, it is known what it is going to be. Mr. Farrell said that it is reliable because the source is from the State; it is a timing issue. Mr. Squires agreed.
Mr. Warner asked how much sales tax was given up on gas sales tax exemption; Mr. Mareane estimated $2 million. Mr. Meyer said that it is a soft projection. Mr. Mareane said it presumes many things. Mr. Farrell asked if it is categorically broken down; Mr. Mareane said it takes the State at least a year to generate those reports. Mr. Warner said as gas prices goes up, the county loses. The estimate was based on an average annual price of $2.86/gallon.
Mr. Mareane clarified that this is all general fund, does not include WEP, Water Board or Van Duyn. Mr. Seitz said the entire county payroll is $170 -$180 million. Mr. Ryan asked if any is reimbursed from the state and federal governments. Mr. Seitz said that it is and gave examples of Mental Health, DSS, Aging & Youth, Health. Looking at all funds: about 35- 40% is received back; in general fund approximately 30% comes back.
Mr. Rhinehart asked about the retirement number with GASP45; Mr. Mareane explained it will have to be recognized and reported in 2007 as a long-term liability; there is no requirement to put cash behind it. A meeting will be held soon; the consultants will come in and provide an explanation.
Mr. Farrell was concerned about the ratio of salaries to employee benefits. Mr. Mareane will look into it further.
Mr. Kraft suggested that a message be put in The Communicator, about the vast share that the county contributed to health insurance benefits.
Mr. Kraft asked if a letter can be sent to the state delegation regarding this. Mr. Mareane said that it has been done, as well as to the governor.
Mr. Mareane stated that the report goes on the county intranet.
Mr. Kraft referred to page 6 of the handout. Mr. Mareane explained that in 1995/96 welfare reform hit, propelled a lot off of the welfare rolls. It was expected that there would be a baseline level and that is how it would be. Since 2004, there was an unexpected drop in caseloads to what is believed to be a record low level. Also there was concern that when the federal rules changed for welfare, that when people lost their benefits which included federal aid, then there would be a simple transfer effect to the Safety Net Program, which the county would have to pay half of. There has been some of that, but not to the degree that he expected. Mr. Kraft said that the combined total has gone from nearly 12,000 cases to 4,000. Family Assistance has gone from 8,000 to near 2,000.
Mr. Warner said that at the same time the Medicaid caseloads have gone up, even though public assistance has dropped. Mr. Mareane said that the program itself has expanded significantly; Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus programs have exploded the numbers. The rules of Medicaid have been made more generous over time. Mr. Mareane said that it will go up again, because the Governor is talking about making sure that people without insurance get it, which will likely be with the Medicaid program.
Mr. Farrell asked if a based line can be looked at, so that it we can see what the numbers would be if the program had not expanded, to understand what the difference is. He would like it to show per capita income to other areas of the state and nation over an extended period of time. Mr. Mareane said he can explore that.
Mr. Mareane said that he will be coming back in the next couple of months to address how to approach the Medicaid cap in the future. The cap it a misnomer, it is really a control on how much Medicaid is going to grow. Will still have $2.7 - $3 million growth in Medicaid local dollars. This year there has to be a decision made that we continue as we are, a cap rise by 3% every year or swap part of sales tax and get out of Medicaid entirely. Mr. Seitz has been running numbers and the State is providing guidance on how to make those calculations to make sure it has integrity to it.
Mr. Warner said that the results of the Salient program should be received before a decision is made. Mr. Meyer said it is more the recipient side, also have to look at how much the program will be expanded.
**Mr. Ryan left the meeting.
Mr. Kraft said that a story should be printed in the newspaper about the reduction in caseloads, the change in social services, the fact that what is left are the people that are financially distressed. He said that we have no control on the Medicaid side, the eligibility is determined by a checklist that isn't ours. He asked what else can be done. Mr. Mareane said that we are doing exactly what is left to do; to make sure no one is gaining the system; which is what the Salient system is for. A layer if intelligence is being added to the system, efforts are underway. There is an ongoing effort to look at data from Salient right now; their efforts have been productive. Chairman Meyer said that also the attitude of the workers is that they are finding this a valuable tool and are enthused by it. Mr. Kraft said that the message needs to get out about this also.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DEBORAH L. MATURO, Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature
* * *
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Lesniak, Mr. Kraft, Mr. Jordan, *Mr. Kinne, Mr. Laguzza
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Holmquist (due to serving on Grand Jury)
ALSO PRESENT: see attached list (Attachment 1)
Chairman Farrell called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Laguzza, seconded by Mr. Lesniak to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
1. TRANSPORTATION: Mr. Mark Lynch, Commissioner; Mr. Marty Murphy, Senior Deputy County Attorney; Mr. John Leo, Assistant Commissioner
a. A local law authorizing the lease of county property located in the Town of Camillus to the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency
b. A local law authorizing the lease of county property located in Jamesville to the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency
Mr. Murphy said the two local laws involve leasing County property to OCRRA for composting purposes; property in the Town of Camillus is an old County highway facility (about ten acres off of Airport Road), OCRRA is planning to tear down a dilapidated building and improve another, a significant amount of money would be put into the property; property in Jamesville is a four acre site across Rt. 91 from the DOT Highway Garage; both would be fifteen year leases. Mr. Farrell noted that they are 15-year leases with three 5-year renewals built in. Mr. Laguzza asked what the arrangement is right now regarding leases; Mr. Murphy said it is a revocable permit.
Mr. Kraft asked if they would be paying rent; Mr. Murphy said the rent would be a total of $5,000 per year for both properties. Mr. Kraft expressed concern about tying the property up for thirty years. Mr. Coburn said they viewed this as a mutually beneficial arrangement - OCRRA is providing compost service to the residence of the community; if yard waste material doesn't find a home, it finds its way into catch basins and road ditches, maintaining them is costly and time consuming. OCRRA is proposing to take cooking grease from around the community and turn it into bio grease to operate their equipment at the Camillus site, very helpful in terms of promoting and advancing the acceptance of alternative fuels that burn cleaner, would be another way to keep grease out of the sewers. In answer to Mr. Kraft, Mr. Coburn said any extensions to the fifteen-year leases would be by mutual agreement, does not think the site is viewed a particularly marketable.
Mr. Bulsiewicz said these sites are set up for the consumers to use as cheap as possible; they are putting a significant investment into removing structures with asbestos. Mr. Rhoads said they are pretty much hitting their limit regarding tonnage they are allowed to process. They plan to be a greater service to municipalities, will be making about $600,000 in improvements over the next several years, starting to max out what they are allowed to do without getting a permit from DEC; to get a permit, they need some sort of legal lease or property right to be there.
Mr. Jordan noted that the local laws make no reference to improvements being made at OCRRA's expense. Mr. Murphy said the lease would contain language that OCRRA will remove the buildings and make improvements at OCRRA's expense. Mr. Jordan recommended that they add language to the local law (Camillus) saying that OCRRA agrees to remove, at its cost, severely deteriorated existing structures and properly dispose of debris from removal and that the anticipated improvements to be made to the property will similarly be made at OCRRA's full expense. Mr. Rhoads noted that at the end of the lease, any improvements they have made would be the County's; there are no back charges.
In answer to Mr. Lesniak, Mr. Rhoads said they have a close working relationship with the County, have a special rate for municipalities that was just reduced this year in hopes of bringing this back to the general public.
*Mr. Kinne arrived at the meeting.
Chairman Farrell asked for a motion to approve this with the caveat that the law department would add language to the local law clarifying that any costs associated with remediation and improvements included within the subsequent lease agreement will be born by OCRRA.
A motion was made by Mr. Kraft, seconded by Mr. Lesniak to approve this item 1.a. Ayes: 5 (Mr. Farrell, Mr. Lesniak, Mr. Kraft, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Laguzza); Noes: 0; Abstained: 1 (Mr. Kinne); MOTION CARRIED.
A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Kraft to approve item 1.b. Ayes: 5 (Mr. Farrell, Mr. Lesniak, Mr. Kraft, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Laguzza); Noes: 0; Abstained: 1 (Mr. Kinne); MOTION CARRIED.
c. Create Inventory Control Supervisor, Grade 8 @ $34,577 - $38,232 effective June 9, 2007
Abolish Storekeeper, Grade 7 @ $31,794 - $35,139 effective upon the successful completion of the incumbent's probationary period
Mr. Leo said the major part of DOT's inventory is stored in their Jamesville facility were they currently have a Grade 7 Storekeeper who supervises two Grade 4 Stock Clerks, a Grade 4 Driver/Messenger and a Grade 2 Stock Attendant; two other facilities have a Grade 2 Stock Attendant. Requesting to create an Inventory Control Supervisor stationed at Jamesville to be in charge of the entire inventory system, individual will be responsible for:
Will save them money, determine what discrepancies exist when they do the perpetual inventory and year-end inventory, will not expend cash on inventory not be used in a short period of time, will determine if parts are no longer used and turn back into the supplier for credit. Approved by Personnel this, Grade 7 Storekeeper would be working out of title if given these kinds of responsibilities, appropriate title - Inventory Control Supervisor, Grade 8, individual is currently making $35,139, new salary $35,762.
Mr. Kinne asked why this has taken so long. Mr. Lynch said the system has been working well, feels it could work better with controls put into place. In the past there were issues with the outlying stockrooms not agreeing with the computer, weren't reconciled as quickly as they should have been. Mr. Kinne asked about the computer system to handle this and how one person could take on the additional responsibilities; Mr. Lynch said after some additional work, Fleetmax could do it; there are six other people working with the individual.
Mr. Jordan applauded their efforts to streamline the process and increase efficiency; asked if anyone is overseeing the outlying three facilities now; Mr. Lynch said they are overseen by the Section Foreman. Mr. Jordan asked if they anticipate a cost savings when they institute this. In answer to Mr. Jordan regarding anticipated cost savings, Mr. Leo said they don't have a figure, if they have strong control over inventory; the chance of loss will be less.
Mr. Laguzza asked what their variance is between inventory and what the books say they have; Mr. Lynch said he didn't know. Mr. Laguzza asked what percentage of the inventory is at Jamesville, said he would be curious to know the breakdown at each site; Mr. Lynch replied 75% at Jamesville. Mr. Laguzza asked if they found obsolete parts when they did the inventory two weeks ago. Mr. Lynch said they weeded out anything they thought shouldn't be in inventory first, will be sold at auction. Mr. Leo noted that they have been audited by the Comptrollers office on a number of occasions, have been told they are not doing a bad job, but some areas to be improved were mentioned. Mr. Laguzza asked if they have looked at inventory-on-demand practices. Mr. Lynch said they go to manufacturers on an as needed basis for the expensive parts; the daily use items are stocked. Mr. Laguzza expressed concern regarding whether the person they want to put into this position is qualified, doesn't want to put somebody in a position that after a baseline is established, he will fail; noted that they don't seem real happy with Fleetmax, wants to make sure it is done right. Mr. Farrell suggested that Mr. Laguzza meet with DOT to discuss this issue. Mr. Farrell said DOT has identified an issue and is moving in the right direction, suggested that Budget be a part of the meeting also.
In response to Mr. Lesniak, Mr. Lynch said there is a test for this position, no one on the list right now. Mr. Lesniak noted that it is not necessarily going to be this individual once the test comes out; Mr. Lynch agreed. Mr. Lesniak asked if this individual would be authorizing the purchasing, Mr. Lynch said section foremen, maintenance supervisors and the engineering department would work with him to decide what items should be flagged.
Mr. Kinne said he thinks they are starting this individual out in the whole because of their system and lack of controls, would like to see a report in sixty days to make sure everyone is comfortable with this. Mr. Lynch suggested coming back in sixty days with this gentleman to give a presentation on what they have done and where we are going.
Mr. Lesniak expressed concern that the bargaining unit could grieve the individual working out of title. Mr. Leo said it is his understanding that they can't grieve the out-of-title unless the individual says he wants to grieve.
Mr. Farrell encouraged committee members to reach out directly to Mr. Lynch and Mr. Leo with specific questions or requests for information. Mr. Farrell requested that the members of the committee receive the above-mentioned report in advance of the committee meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Lesniak, seconded by Mr. Jordan to approve this item. Ayes: 5 (Mr. Farrell, Mr. Lesniak, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Kinne, Mr. Laguzza); Noes: 1 (Mr. Kraft).
a. PULLED
b. A local law establishing a beach season rental fee for the Point Shelter at Jamesville Beach
Mr. Geraci said this is a rental facility that they have had for years that was not included on last year's Local Law regarding pricing for rental facilities.
A motion was made by Mr. Kraft, seconded by Mr. Kinne to approve this item.
In response to Mr. Jordan's concern about taxpayers paying for the use of the facility, Mr. Geraci said it is a good program that has been going on for well over thirty years, what they are really paying for is the right to reserve and use a facility on a particular day - picnic reservation program brings in about $90,000 a year.
A vote was taken on this item and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
c. Discussion: A local law amending Local Law 3-1996 to establish a value up to $10,000 for gifts, contributions and donations from friends groups
Mr. Geraci noted that the various Friends organizations have done great things for the County. With current County law, the limit is $1,500 for donations; anything over that amount has to be brought to the Legislature for approval. Working with the Law and Budget departments it was suggested to raise the limit to a more manageable number. This law would establish a value up to $10,000, have had subsequent conversations that maybe they aught to tie it to the bid limit. Proposing to give the latitude to accept gifts up to $10,000 without bringing it to the Legislature for approval, they would bring it to the Legislature for review after the fact.
Mr. Kraft said in the past he and others were concerned about the relationships with the Friends groups, gives them great credit for monies they have raised, yet there were monies that would be zoo income in spite of them. Mr. Geraci said they have worked closely with the Friends organizations and the Budget Department to put consolidated budgets together that will be available during the budget process will show the friends money coming in, county money coming in and where it is being spent. Regarding Mr. Kraft's question about the laws of the State concerning revenues coming to the County, Mr. Mack said both Budget and Parks departments have addressed the issues. Mr. Kraft said that generally if there is revenue produced by the operations of the zoo and not by the extraneous efforts of the Friends Group, the County is not suppose to spend money unless it is appropriated by the Legislature. Mr. Mack said those revenues are pursuant to agreements with the friends groups and are properly accounted for; those revenues are spent on County items for County purposes.
Mr. Lesniak asked if the Friends could go out and buy an item for a small amount without approval. Ms. Hann said that if it is less than $1,500 it needs approval from Budget, if over, it comes to the Legislature by resolution. Mr. Farrell clarified that Friends can spend any amount of money provided it is not described as a donation to the County. Regarding tying this to the bid limit of $10,000, Mr. Lesniak asked if the Friends have to abide by County bid procedures; Mr. Geraci replied "no", if under $10,000, the Friends shop the same way as Onondaga County to get the best prices, over $10,000 is a little bit more formal, and we have that formal process in place in the county, tie it to the bid limit. Mr. Lesniak asked if they would have the option of splitting a project, for example $5,000 for air conditioning and $10,00 for renovation for a $15,000 project. Mr. Doyle said they wouldn't split things up to get under that $10,000. Ms. Agostini said they have four representatives from the County on their infrastructure committee and three representatives from the Friends organization; it has always been a partnership. Mr. Farrell asked if the Friend's are bound by the same laws as the County for purchasing. Mr. Geraci replied "no"; they are an independent, private organization.
Mr. Laguzza said he would like to see the local law inclusive for all Friends groups in County government, whatever we decide to do, have some continuity. In answer to Mr. Laguzza, Mr. Geraci said Friends groups are required to give us their audits every year as part of their agreements.
Mr. Kinne asked if the Friends went out and purchased a microscope for $1,500, who owns it. Mr. Geraci replied that it belongs to Onondaga County if accepted as a donation; if it is something they buy as part of their business, it belongs to the Friends. Mr. Kinne said there aught to be some formality put in place so that project can't be split up to stay under the $10,000. Mr. Mack said the County has entered into a series of Memorandums of Understanding that form the foundation to regularize the way we do business with the friends and they do business on our behalf.
Mr. Kraft said the government provides the checks and balances by coming to the Legislature; to operate this from the Executive side without Legislative supervision is wrong.
Mr. Jordan asked if it slows the process down by having to come to the Legislature for over $1,500. Mr. Geraci said things are happening on a regular basis, the timeframe to come to the Legislature is at a minimum sixty days, sometimes ninety, to get on committee. Mr. Farrell asked if it is happening on a regular basis, how come it hasn't been coming to the committee. Mr. Geraci said they didn't know that they had to bring it to the Legislature.
Mr. Lesniak requested a list of all Friends groups connected with Onondaga County government; Mr. Squires will provide this to the committee.
Mr. Farrell said the discussion would continue at the June committee meeting.
d. Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept improvements to the bear exhibit without condition ($13,500)
To be used for a wall at the Bear Exhibit as part of the enclosure.
e. Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept improvements to the ocelot exhibit without condition ($31,000)
To be used for renovations needed for housing of ocelots.
f. Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept up to $60,000 from the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo
To be used to improve the air conditioning in the new Conservation/Education wing. Mr. Lesniak asked about the rental of the banquet room. Mr. Geraci said it was part of the understanding they had with the Friends when they built the wing, we give them the latitude to rent it and revenue goes directly to the Friends.
Mr. Jordan asked when the Friends fundraise, is it for specific exhibits. Ms. Agostini said they raised $31,000 this year for the Ocelot Exhibit, restricted funds for that only. The Bear Exhibit wall would come from a restricted grant they applied for. Mr. Jordan asked if there are any strings attached to the contributions. Ms. Agostini replied "no", Mr. Doyle and she are two parts of the whole; they are pleased to fundraise for the zoo. Mr. Farrell noted that this is a great partnership.
A motion was made by Mr. Kinne, seconded by Mr. Lesniak to approve items 2.d, e and f. A vote was taken and passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
g. Discussion: Status of Friends Agreements - no discussion
h. Discussion: Plans for each park - no discussion
i. Discussion: Interagency Marketing - no discussion
j. Special Events Account Report - no discussion
Chairman Farrell announced that the following three items will be on next months agenda: Special Events Report, the plan for logging and how to fund that and a report on the collapse of a structure in Onondaga Lake Park that has already been dealt with successfully.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Johanna H. Robb
Deputy Clerk
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I come from a neighborhood in Baltimore where there hasn't been much hope for its condition for more than a decade. The area is Lexington Terrace, also known as Poe Homes, and now the Poppleton neighborhood. Regardless of the name, the neighborhood is still poverty stricken. But this will not be for much longer. The drug game has ruled the area for many decades and it has trickled down from the adults to the youth. There are apartments around there that are infested with rodents and the houses that some people have been living in for many decades have not been renovated in any way. Most likely, the houses are in squalid condition. For awhile, no one seemed to care about the development of this neighborhood, or so I thought.
Even though this area and the surrounding areas were seemingly helpless, the businesses continued to boom. No matter what you needed, there was always some place to go. I remember in the early 2000's word started spreading about the University of Maryland and how they wanted to buy the property in the area. Being as young as I was, I didn't take heed because I didn't feel like it would happen or that it would affect me directly. The residents would speculate about how we would all be forced to move out of the neighborhood and into the surrounding counties. I didn't believe that such a thing could happen. How can you force someone to leave their home? Later in life I would come to the realization that force can come as peacefully as a housing voucher for a nice sized home in a county full of trees and deer in your backyard.
Fast forward to 2010 and my neighborhood began to look like the ones I'd driven pass on the bus. It was full of vacant houses, vacant space, and not a lot of hope. Our favorite corner stores were closing down and being demolished. A lot of businesses were paid to go elsewhere, because who's not going to take thousands of dollars to flourish even further? It started looking like a ghost-town, and as the businesses moved out, it seemed as if more drugs and crime moved in. There were no more corner stores or hideouts to shield the obvious issues within the neighborhood. Now, we are being forced to face these problems every day and it's a wound that won't heal. Or will it?
It's 2017 now. Two years ago Baltimore was in an uproar and shortly after that the City began to change in so many ways. Crime has been at its peak, the art scene has been flourishing, and gentrification is happening all around us. It's May and I see that what I heard in the late 90's and early 2000's is finally happening. Johns Hopkins was probably the first to completely change a neighborhood that was once for the people and now all you see are college students and doctors in the area of the hospital and school. The University of Maryland basically has done the same thing. Slowly but surely, new establishments started emerging in the "Poppleton" area such as a morgue (a morgue in the hood, how delightful), more patient treatment centers, and it is not stopping there.
Between Saratoga, Lexington, and Fayette street there once stood houses and stores. Fast forward to 2017 and there is an apartment complex in the process of being built to fill the spaces where my favorite stores and houses of friends once stood. It's so eerie to me how much authenticity is being taken away from a neighborhood that I lived in and hung out in without any worries. Yes, this neighborhood will be appealing once remodeling and rebuilding is finished, but what about the people currently living in it?
Well, goodbye Poe Homes first of all. I've always wondered why they surrounded the Edgar Allan Poe House with public housing. You had white people walking this neighborhood scared to death because they were mistaken for high-paying drug customers. Why? I never could make sense of it. I was informed that the Poe Homes will be no more eventually and the people who occupy the residences will be given housing vouchers to move elsewhere. Where to? I am not sure, but I assume it will be far away from the "medicine" town they are building. That is where I worry. It's good to make the neighborhood look better, but to do it and not have it be in the favor of the residents is pretty fucked up. There are people who have lived their full lives around here and for them to see the come up and not be involved is a slap in the face.
Did we fight hard enough for our neighborhood?
In my opinion, no. I'm guilty myself. They have probably been holding town halls for years and not enough people have attended. I guess they may have given up on it when the crime rate went through the roof. My neighborhood isn't the only hub for renovation, the majority of the downtown Baltimore area is being revamped. You saw the homeless get forced out and you will see many black people in places like Owings Mills as Baltimore becomes a college and medicine town. The public transportation is even changing to the point where if you don't drive you won't even be able to get to the city easily or to the county.
The memories I hold from this neighborhood will only be that as everything that contributed to it will be demolished. I know a lot of residents are probably glad to be getting away from here, but I wonder if they understand what this means? We were finally given the pacifier of eviction from a neighborhood that we stopped taking pride in a long time ago.
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21 thoughts on "[Current Events/ Opinion] My Torn Relationship With Gentrification [Written by Shae McCoy]"
This article reads like a timeline of events where the author is bling to the eventual outcome. Talk of change, abandoned homes, crime rises, developer swoops in on blighted neighborhood. Many blacks dislike gentrification but I don't understand why. Just bc you lived somewhere the majority of your life doesn't mean you should or have to perish there. I see blocks in east Bmore where there is literally 1 lived in home amongst a block of vacants. Why does that person stay there???? How???? I'd move in a heartbeat. It can't be safe or healthy. I say, let developers develop, but yes, GET INVOLVED. Our people love to complain AFTER the fact and act as though, I didn't know this was happening.
Anyway, I work for MTA and I'm particularly insulted by your small comment about it being harder to travel. That is very untrue. Different doesn't equal difficult.
And by the way, another complain after the fact event. We have been meeting with community associations and having meetings around the city where anywhere between 5 to 20 people show up, and these are usually transit enthusiasts. We've reacted to the comments we did receive, but at this point…the point is, while it won't be perfect. Its a step forward in the right direction. MTA didn't ask to make this change. Hogan dropped it in our lap and I, myself worked extremely hard to make this work alongside contractors that are prime examples of "gentrifiers". People who aren't from Baltimore but are young transit analysts who follow trends.
I hope you, with what you do, can help re-ignite our peoples fire and desire to affect change and not just have change thrown into our face whilst we act like we don't see it coming until it smacks us in our faces.
Great article, tho. It inspired this reply lol
Peat, if you don't understand why blacks dislike gentrification then you are blind or clueless. This phenomenon is happening all over the US, not just in Baltimore, and it was by design. Majority black neighborhoods were intentionally neglected and allowed to deteriorate, then when the property values diminished, the developers swooped in to build new homes, condos and apartments that the residents cannot afford. It has created an affordable housing crisis around the nation and little has been done to help the people disaffected. You can try to sugar coat the truth, but this is about money, power and greed. Period. #BLMGirl
On one hand, yes, it is great that the neighborhood is being redeveloped, but why should I be forced from the place I know and love? Why not redevelop and give current residents vouchers to live in the newly developed homes rather than pushing them out completely? Because we don't fit into their "newly developed" criteria, so they push us out without a second thought of including us just for the cycle to repeat. We wouldn't even be able to live peacefully in one of these neighborhoods without them looking at us sideways, constantly judging and thinking we're up to no good. That's the problem.
Also, please tell me what buses run throughout the counties? You do have the subway in Owings Mills, but once you get off the subway, the buses are only going to take you but so far. I am a city resident and once worked in Ellicott City, not even deep into Ellicott City, but right beyond Route 40, and if I wasn't driving or had a ride, I would not have been able to get to work. Though buses do run in the county, they don't go too far beyond the city/county borders. The deeper you get into the county, there is no public transportation, none that runs to and from the city at least.
True story Great Article ~Poe Homes Finest
T Michelle. Why do we, blacks, allow our neighborhoods to deteriorate. Why do we always depend on the gov't to take care of us. Why can't we afford a $1500 rent? Why are we always regulated to low rent housing? All of this we can affect ourselves, yet we sit and do nothing but complain. This is why I don't see an issue with gentrification. I see no issue with demolishing vacant homes and building something better. Blacks have to at some point accept responsibility for taking advantage of education, raising our children better, and controlling our own lives. We fxck up our own neighborhoods, not the other way around.
I gave you validation until you asked why we can't afford 1500 rent when the real question is why is rent 1500? Why do people put astronomical prices on a basic need such as shelter? Easy. For profit. The point is, gentrification has always been for the pursuit of money. The bigger picture is and always will be, in this perpetually supply/demand, materialistic culture, is that the ones who could do better value money over people. I have yet to see gentrification be for the greater good of all simply because it's the right thing to do. Do you get the picture now?
Ok. I am not originally from Maryland and moved here 25yrs ago. Long and short of it for me is the citizenship of Baltimore for 60yrs have taken the crumbs that fall from the table of one political party as they keep telling you that they are for you. Well, just about every major city that you see this happening is not controlled by the Democratic party and they are the ones pushing these changes. So we have blindly pledged our votes to a party and plan to do so. They have done very little in the way of crime, education, employment, infrastructure, or even opportunity. But they will gladly bend over backwards for the gay and lesbian community providing them with everything that they ask for. Where I'm from the blacks and businesses were moved out and now is a complete safe haven for the LGBT community. They own the houses, businesses, and sit on the boards that make decisions. We have to take ownership in the part that we play in this matter as well. We complain about the police and law but we don't encourage our youth and young adults to become officers and lawyers to protect our community. We leave that job to outsiders. So some of this is very much self inflicted as well.
Solid post bro. Gentrification is a word that has different meanings for different people. In a nutshell I guess it would mean economically sound folk moving into a neighborhood that is starving for investment and its residents are either poor or working class. Eventually the cost of housing and other notables increase to the point it drives out its current residents.
However, in 'real' terms gentrification is the process that coordinates resources – both private and public – that allow Whites to target and ultimately dominate a community economically and culturally. This does not happen by magic.The gentrification that we mainly see today is rooted in race and money. Case in point, whatever apts/housing is developed there are Blacks that can afford it and populate it. However, this gentrified area's marketing will be targeted to White folk. That said, real estate developers have always been at the center of segregation and steering one populace to a given area while blocking another populace. The same entities that worked together to maintain legal segregation and second class neighborhoods for Blacks, are working together today under the nicer term, gentrification.
The idea that Black folk just complain is utter nonsense. Whatever the problem there is a Black person/org right now that has a solution and the only question is, who will finance it. The banks, civic groups and gov all work together to provide the resources and gatekeeping services that allow White investment and domination. There are any number of Blacks with money, ideas and know how to develop our communities. The story that is not told are the road blocks from private and public entities – or shall I say enemies – that has stalled our progress.

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See Also
Photoshop Album can keep track of any caption you might add to any photo in your catalog. The presence of such a caption on an image doesn't alter its file in any way—the caption simply helps to describe the image or the events surrounding the image in a more thorough way. Usually, you enter a caption by typing it in as text; but if your feelings about a photo are best expressed from your own voice, you can record an audio caption using your computer's microphone, and have Photoshop Album associate that audio track with an image. In 59 Record an Audio Caption, you learn how to produce the audio caption yourself; here, you'll see how to play a caption after it's been recorded.


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Fyshwick is Canberra's oldest industrial suburb, the place on the edge of the map where the basic goods and services any city needs can be kept out of sight. It's a colourful, messy, exuberant, sometimes sleazy yet fascinating jumble of a place, full of odd surprises and unexpected flashes of humour – a visual feast and endless challenge for the photographer.
It is also changing fast, as time and redevelopment have their way with colourful buildings and quirky signs that always made me smile. When a rainbow painted facade was demolished before I got around to photographing it, I began a personal project to record favourite aspects of the old, familiar Fyshwick before more could disappear. For sixteen months I stalked mellow, late afternoon light around Fyshwick, marvelling as it revealed, concealed and transformed familiar scenes for my camera.


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Bow ties for men are quite easily the most underappreciated accessory that men have to use in their daily fashion statements. Every time they put on that suit they reach for a tie — and what type of tie says a lot about them and how they see themselves. The truth is that a great tie can make or break a look and can truly take it to the next level! Here at Necktie Emporium we have an amazing variety for every type of tie you may want!
Colored and Patterned Ties
It is ok to have fun with your tie selection. Your work clothes are most likely drab and boring- the same old same old every single day. Spice things up and add your own touch to your look every time you head to the office. Colored ties are easy to add to just about any suite or formal attire and patterned ties can be a fun yet professional way to keep things fun and interesting.
Clip-on Ties
For the busy guy on the go who has neither the time nor the interest in traditional tie tying, the clip-on tie is the way to go. Get the look of a regular tie without the time and with a lot more comfort throughout the day. They come in just as many wonderful colors and patterns and styles and you are sure to find what you are looking for here at Necktie Emporium.
Bow Ties
Bow ties are cool and they are coming back in style thanks to many prominent appearances on TV shows and in photo shoots of many popular celebrities. The bow tie is easy to wear and combines casual comfort with formal elegance like no other accessory can in the man's wardrobe.
So no matter what your tie needs may be you can find the perfect one to make everything come together. For the very best in men's bow ties, neck ties, kids ties and every in between, there are many options available to you right here at Necktie Emporium — so check them out today!


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The Esthetics program at Tennessee Academy of Cosmetology is fun, rewarding, and a great way to start a new, lucrative career in a short amount of time. The Esthetics field is in high demand nationwide and in less than 6 months you can graduate and start your exciting new career almost anywhere. Today there are more opportunities for Tennessee Academy of Cosmetology Esthetics graduates than ever before, including: private practice doctor offices, spa facilities, wellness centers, hotels, resorts, dermatologist offices, and so much more. No matter which path you choose with the Esthetics training from Tennessee Academy of Cosmetology, your possibilities are endless.
The Esthetics program is structured to provide students with the latest information on skin care, including how to perform the most in-demand procedures and services. Our school is equipped with multiple 8 in 1 facial machines which include high frequency, galvanic, vacuum, and steamer options. Students also get to practice using diamond-dermabrasion machines which give the student hands-on training with some modern electronic therapy treatments that are found in prestigious spas, salons and medical offices around the country.
Students enrolled in the Esthetics program will receive lecture and training from knowledgeable and skilled instructors that have industry related experience that they can share with the students on a daily basis. Throughout the course, students will learn a wide range of services that they can take with them into their new career.
Topics of instruction and techniques include:
Manual Facials
Anatomy and Physiology of Body and Skin
Sanitation principles and technique
Preventative Skin Care
Body Treatments
Product Selection
Hot Stone Treatments
Machine Facials
Facial Waxing
Body Waxing
Brazilian Waxing
Back treatments
Chemical Peels
Acne Treatment
Makeup Application
Paraffin Wax Treatments
Applying Various Masks and Moisturizers
Diamond-Derm Abrasions
Body Wraps
Body Waxing
Body Wraps
And More!!
The approach to training used by the school is based on sound educational methods and teaching fundamentals that are time-tested and proven to have the most effective results. This type of training program stresses a firm theoretical knowledge of Esthetics as well as conscientiously applied practical skills with emphasis on development of a truly professional personality. Coupled with the material found in the highly respected Milady text, Esthetics students at Tennessee Academy of Cosmetology have all the tools necessary to not only excel when they take the State Board examinations, but to also excel at their new career in whatever Esthetics or skin care related field they choose.
If you love the thought of helping others look and feel better about themselves and love the idea of having a unique, exciting, and lucrative career working in the Esthetics and skin care field, then your time is now to start your career move. Don't wait any longer! Spas are hiring estheticians now and skin care professionals are in high demand nationwide. Take the next step and you can be on your way to your new career in less than six months!!
Esthetics Student Kit
The esthetics kit that students receive is a very impressive, all inclusive kit that will give the student all the tools and materials needed to get a great education and prepare them well for their state board exams as well as prepare them for their new career in the esthetics field. It is a very large kit with a lot of exciting products and equipment.
Financial aid assistance available to those who qualify
We have a full financial aid office to help you in the application process to apply for grants and/or student loans. We are authorized to offer the Pell Grant, the Guaranteed Student Loan, and Veteran's Assistance to those who qualify. Applications are available through the financial aid office or from the admissions representative.
- Full Time: Tuesday thru Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Part Time: Tuesday thru Friday: 9 AM to 2 PM
Start Immediately !!
New classes start every 2 weeks! The industry is growing each and every day, and every day there are salons calling us looking for qualified cosmetologists. The sooner you start classes, the sooner you can finish and start your career in the exciting and lucrative field of cosmetology. We can't wait for you to become a part of what we are all about: top-notch education intertwined with a fun and exciting learning environment!
Esthetics Course Student Disclosures
- 750 Clock Hours
- Full Time: 25 Weeks
- Part Time: 37.5 Weeks
- Median Loan Debt: $4,597
- SOC Code: 39-5094.00
- Tuition: $7,875
- Registration Fee: $100
- Classroom Fee: $300
- Kit: $1,100 (tax included)
- Total Cost: $9,375
Annual Outcome Rates For Each Location
- Highway 64 : Graduation Rate: 65.4%
- Highway 64: Licensure Rate: 100%
- Highway 64: Placement Rate: 79.3%
- Winchester Rd: Graduation Rate: 74.4%
- Winchester Rd: Licensure Rate: 93.8%
- Winchester Rd: Placement Rate: 85.9%


text: Bonnie Heck Biography Bonnie Heck Broker Associate. I am a State Licensed Building Inspector, Plans Examiner, Code Enforcement Officer and Realtor. I have over 28 years experience dealing with homes in Barefoot Bay and Snug Harbor, Micco, Roseland and Sebastian. I use various internet resources to market my listings. You can call me on my cell phone, text me, or email me anytime. I look out for my customers and retain them as friends after the sale. Honest and experienced in building and selling. I am here to help you find your home in paradise.


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I found it at Target just before my trip, and although it was categorized as intimate apparel, I envisioned it on an evening stroll down the beach. I probably wore this piece more than any other item I brought because of how easy it is. It's definitely a throw-on and go kind of dress, which is ideal for going to the beach, pool or even to grab a quick drink. What more could ask of a palm print dress that costs around $20?
A note about my bag. . . I got it on Poshmark for $30 (apparently it's Missoni) and added the tassels myself. Two fell off on the trip, but they're so easy to add and remove that I figure I can change up the colors or remove them all for a simpler look. What do you think?


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Hotel Summary
Summary Page
Rooms & Prices
Rooms From £75.00
Customer Reviews
View Our Customer Reviews
Local Attractions
Local Attractions near Us
Welcome to No.32 Hotel
Address: 32 Coates Gardens , Edinburgh, EH12 5LE
Hotel Description
Just 300 metres from Haymarket Rail Station, the No.32 Hotel is a 15-minute walk from Princes Street's shops and beautiful gardens. The hotels rooms are stylish and contemporary and all feature a private en suite modern tiled bathroom. A cooked and continental breakfast is served in the dining room, which features a high-ceiling, a cast iron fireplace and stylish mismatched furniture. The hotel also offers the unique No.32 Bar, which is made from slate and offers carefully selected wines and whisky. Set at the top of the cobbled Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle is just over 1-mile from the hotel. Edinburgh International Conference Centre is 10 minutes' walk away. George Street's designer shops, bars and restaurants are less than a 20-minute walk away.
Our Facilities
Rooms & Online Bookings - No.32 Hotel
Hotel Reviews - No.32 Hotel
Be the first to Write a Review!
Attractions - No.32 Hotel
Heart of Midlothian Football Club - Football Club
Distance 0.63 miles (1 km)
Georgian House - Edinburgh - Historical Houses
Distance 0.69 miles (1.1 km)
Edinburgh Castle - Castle
Distance 0.92 miles (1.47 km)
Gladstones Land - Edinburgh - Historical Houses
Distance 1.17 miles (1.87 km)
Museum of Scotland - Museum
Distance 1.3 miles (2.09 km)


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Whether you work for a bank or a wirehouse, you're probably seeing many of your fellow advisors going gray. You may even have a few — or more than a few — grays of your own.
The changing hair color shouldn't surprise you. The average advisor today is 55 years old, according to Tiburon Strategic Partners, a strategy consulting and market research firm in Tiburon, Calif. Bank advisors are slightly younger. They're 52. Tiburon estimates that more than one-third of all advisors — 36% — are over 55. Only 13% are under 35.
An aging workforce has many career implications for advisors of all ages, so I thought it would be a fitting topic for my first post on Movin' On Up, a new blog about career issues facing advisors.
First, let's look at the implications from the perspective of the bank. A graying advisor workforce puts banks in a difficult situation, especially if large swaths of advisors start retiring all at once. Banks are at risk of losing the clients their silver-haired advisors worked so hard for so long to serve.
"Clients may not get the service they're used to and leave," says Todd Colbeck, president of Colbeck Coaching Group.
It's a problem for banks, but an opportunity for bank advisors, young and old, if they think ahead. Enterprising bank advisors planning to retire can buddy up with younger advisors and put them in place as potential successors. Both senior and junior advisors will win from teaming up.
Junior advisors will have a chance to work with clients they otherwise would not have been able to gain on their own. Market-weary clients today want advisors with experience and a track record, even recommendations. Teaming up with senior advisors is a good way for beginning or aspiring advisors to get started in a business that many say is much harder to break into than it was 20 years ago, when there were fewer regulations and no "do not call lists."
The senior advisors will gain an extra set of hands to help manage client accounts. But more importantly, by having people in place to take over when they retire, they will increase both the value of their books of business as well as their ability to negotiate a payout for all the business they generate for their banks. The danger for advisors is that they "don't get compensated for what they've built," says Colbeck.
Banks have different rules for how they compensate their advisors. Some might offer a bonus, for example, based on the size of the advisor's book, says Colbeck. Some banks, however, do not compensate advisors at all. For the banks that do reward their retiring advisors, it makes sense for senior advisors to team up with younger ones.
Many banks are already setting up these teams, says Sophie Schmitt, an analyst at Aite Group, a research and advisory company. Best practice firms, she says, are taking the transitioning of business to a new generation of advisors very seriously. In addition to pairing senior advisors with junior ones, they're putting in place sun-setting programs to reward advisors for their books of business.
In follow-up posts, I'll be writing about related topics stemming from the issue an aging workforce, including how advisors can manage their practices to maximize the value of their books. In the meantime, send me your thoughts about this post and topics you would like to see covered. I'd love to hear from you!
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Research Project
Grant-in-Aid for General Scientific Research (B)
The intergrated light coupling scheme from laser diode arrays to single-mode fiber arrays shown is one of important technologies in constructing practical fiber networks. Hemispherical end fibers for this use have desirable features, such as simple, stable, and the potential for attaining high coupling efficiency.For the purpose, a reasonable working distance (an air gap between diodes and fibers) longer than -100 mum is required not to make contact between them during an automatic as sembling process. Conventional lensed fibers, however, need very short (less than 10 mum) working distances. We proposed a new lensed-fiber configuration which enables a long working distance with a high coupling losses.The new configuration consists of a coreless fiber chip spliced onto an expanded core fiber. In contrast to the conventional one, we can make use of the cladding as a part of the lens. The working distance could been increased to roughly the size of the cladding diameter. Analyzes developped in the research and experiments show that a large core diameter rather than high NA (namely, expanded core fiber) is preferable to attain a high coupling efficiency. The fabrication process is as follows. A coreless fiber tip with 125-mum diameter and 980-mum length was spliced onto the expanded core fiber whose modal field diameter at the wavelength 1.49mum is expanded to 45 mm from the original size, 10mum. The other side of the tip was melted into a hemispherical profile with the radius R=75 mum by use of an arc-discharge fiber splicer.The minimum coupling loss obtained was 4.3 dB at the working distance 160 mum. The long working-distance operation with a long working distance has been published. We have successfully performed the research.
Published : 1993-04-01
Modified : 2016-04-21
Terms of Use


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At Bury Dragons Diving Club, we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at 0753 0867 034 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
How old do I have to be to learn to dive?
Maturity is more important than physical age for children, but generally around 6 years is a good time to start.
Do I need special skills before I start diving?
You will need to be able to swim at least 50 metres comfortably. This is because some of our training takes place in a pool with bubbles, to soften landings when learning new dives, but these create a very strong current in the pool. You will also need to feel comfortable in deep water as you will not touch the bottom of the pool when you jump or dive in.
I think I can dive quite well already, but want to learn harder dives. Do I have to start with beginners?
If you have diving experience already, please speak to Janet. She will need to know where you learnt to dive, what dives you can do, and what you want to achieve. You will probably be asked to come for an assessment. If you taught yourself to dive, we will start you off in the beginner classes to get the basics, like posture, shape and jumping technique correct. You will be moved up as soon as you have achieved Awards 1 and 2.
I have competed in trampolining and/or gymnastics, and think I will be able to pick up diving easily - do I have to start from the beginning?
You will have many skills that will transfer to diving, but there will be some major differences. You should start in the beginner class, but will probably be moved up quite quickly.
How much does it cost?
Currently everyone in the club squads pays £40 as an annual fee. This covers the cost of affiliation to the ASA, the National Governing body, and also the GBDF who run competitions suitable for our Novice divers, those between ASA Skills and Age Group standard, and over 16s. It also covers affiliation for coaches and officials of the club and their insurance premiums, as these all work without payment in the club for the benefit of all divers. The fee also helps towards coaches expenses when going to competition with the divers, and to help those on very low income, or higher level divers who need to stay away for several nights for their competitions. Alongside this fee, a monthy fee is paid according to the number of training sessions accessed. This fee is currently between £35 and £55, with a reduction for second and subsequent siblings.
Lessons divers pay £10 toward their registration to the Governing Body. Fees need to be paid annually, but if a diver moves into the squads, their annual fee will be reduced by £10 for that year.
What equipment do I need?
For pool sessions you will need well fitting swimwear. Girls should wear 1 piece swimsuits; Boys should ideally wear trunks, but may wear shorts as long as the have a drawstring at the waist, and do not come below the knees or otherwise restrict movement. If you get cold easily, you may like to have a shammy or microfibre towel to dry yourself between dives.
For dry sessions, non-restricting shorts and a T-shirt should be worn.
At competitions, you will need a Club T-shirt and shorts to go over your swimwear, for parades and presentations.


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There are more than 1,000 Kentico Points in 80+ countries. Discover IT have now become a Top 10 UK Partner.
The Kentico Partner Program is based on a Point System – every partner within Kentico collects points from either Kentico license sales or various partner activities (i.e. partner surveys, case studies, reference websites and much more).
Our recent activities which helped move us into the UK top 10 include:


text: FFSJ consists of two main programs: File Splitter and File Joiner. File Splitter enables you to split a large file into small chunks, while File Joiner allows you to join these split parts together so that the original file is restored. File extension __A is just a part of a splitted file. The next file extensions are __B, __C and so on.


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Website: http://www.floridabywater.com/north-east-florida/new-smyna-beach/day-trips/389-disappearing-island-at-ponce-inlet
Location: New Smyrna Beach,
Members: 6
Latest Activity: Aug 13, 2012
This group does not have any discussions yet.
about 7 days, this is because the machine shop they use is backed up.
Chris...how long will it take them to fix it?
Got the results today, warped head gasket, small amount of water leaking into # 3 cylinder. Rest of motor looks good, having valves and injectors done also, you know how these jetboats suck up every thing, must have gotten too hot. It is being fixed now. I need a jar for donations :) Gotta be ready for my Keys trip
Thanks Chris, Great information. I'm sorry about your boat. I felt bad because someone backed in to my taillight. It doesn't seem that bad now :) I sent you an e-mail with a mechanic's information.
well we made it to the inlet, first time I have been down this year so I decided to do a survey to see how the winter moved the sand arond, WOW the back side canal that use to acomadate large boats backed in is now about 12 ft wide at Low tide, I was on the island at low tide, it is missing a lot of sand, looks like the persistant east winds have pushed alot of it West. Be careful if you have not been down to the inlet yet as the sand that was there last year is not there this year, Governers Cut is not navigable at low tide, unless you go around the back of the island in governers cut, that is still deep.
And the sad news of the day, when I got home I check the oil in my boat, Rt. engine had water in it, blown head gasket or oil cooler gasket. Changed the oil 7 times to get most of the water out. a Giant expensive Bummer!!!! looking for good Yamaha mechanic
It is going to be a great weekend. Don't forget to wear something green.
Think I will head down and listen to some music at the inlet (down the hatch) should be crowded with bikers and have a good band.
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About photographer Barney Brewster
My enthusiasm for photography goes back to my student days, with my special interest in moonlight and night photography beginning a few years later, in 1978.
For me the attraction of photography was in making something lasting from ephemeral moments. Those moments could be mere fractions of a second or extended exposures of many minutes at night. What I found exciting about long exposures was their possibilities for creative effects, quite the opposite of the camera's usual literalness. However long exposures are demanding, requiring slow, patient work and considerable investment in time – not to mention some denial of personal comfort, and at times even of personal safety.
While still a student I had my first solo exhibition – in a converted public toilet of picturesque construction (then called the Taj Mahal, now known as the Welsh Dragon). In the early 1980s I was sole photographer for four conservation calendars and travelled the country widely; later I was a partner in a small publishing house, Nikau Press. However my main career has been in the rare book trade.
In September 2012 I published my first photo book, Night Visions, followed by 36 Views of Mt Taranaki in 2015 (edition of 50 copies). My second book of long exposure photography, Perfect Evenings, was released in October 2017.