Friday, September 23, 2005
Also at the Last Council Meeting
Fire Chief Bill Bert was given an award and acknowledgement of his thirty years of service to the City of Monroe.
He gave a very classy speech. He thanked God, his family, his co-workers - the firefighters - and he acknowledged all of us, the taxpayers who made it possible for him to make a living serving us.
He spoke with grace and humility. Those are qualities we can admire in a leader. Too bad he is in the minority in that chamber.
He gave a very classy speech. He thanked God, his family, his co-workers - the firefighters - and he acknowledged all of us, the taxpayers who made it possible for him to make a living serving us.
He spoke with grace and humility. Those are qualities we can admire in a leader. Too bad he is in the minority in that chamber.
Comments:
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What about Guyor's impassioned campaign speech about how she agonizes about decisions? Also, what dedication, coming to a meeting on your wedding anniversary!
As far as the living wage - maybe council finally gets it. Why pay a janitor more than the market price? The whole living wage ordinance was silly and misguided liberalism at its finest.
I can cite many businesses that are passing on the “tax incentives” from cities and states around the United States to move their plants to China and other workers paradises. I recently discussed with one company how they are hiring people with college degrees to work on their assembly line, and they are happy to get the work. In contrast, we want to pay a living wage above market prices to unqualified labor, in many cases.
Why do they have college degrees you ask? Because the government lets them go to school as long as they wish, cost free, if they prove by passing a test they are intelligent enough to do so. The rest of the people are qualified as ditch diggers and other forms of menial labor. In today’s “politically correct” society that would be demeaning, but in China it makes good sense. You may be offended by these facts, but we need to understand the rules of the game when we decide to penalize ourselves with a stupid law.
That is just one more thing for the next council and Mayor to fix!
As far as the living wage - maybe council finally gets it. Why pay a janitor more than the market price? The whole living wage ordinance was silly and misguided liberalism at its finest.
I can cite many businesses that are passing on the “tax incentives” from cities and states around the United States to move their plants to China and other workers paradises. I recently discussed with one company how they are hiring people with college degrees to work on their assembly line, and they are happy to get the work. In contrast, we want to pay a living wage above market prices to unqualified labor, in many cases.
Why do they have college degrees you ask? Because the government lets them go to school as long as they wish, cost free, if they prove by passing a test they are intelligent enough to do so. The rest of the people are qualified as ditch diggers and other forms of menial labor. In today’s “politically correct” society that would be demeaning, but in China it makes good sense. You may be offended by these facts, but we need to understand the rules of the game when we decide to penalize ourselves with a stupid law.
That is just one more thing for the next council and Mayor to fix!
I have watched it twice and was unable to see where he thanked the Mayor for the plaque or the council at all. A Classy speech that appeared to thought out based on whom really deserved the credit and not based on who will be voting for you. It showed a humilty and respect that I was not aware of in the Fire Chief. Fortunately I have had very little dealings with the Fire Dept in Monroe.
You are right agent 76, I don't know how a person like that can survive in the land of ego that currently runs amuck over there.
You are right agent 76, I don't know how a person like that can survive in the land of ego that currently runs amuck over there.
Dear Citizen 76, Roundabout, and MonroeSherlock,
I can not agree more that Chief Bert is an outstanding public servant responsible for the protecting the lives and property of each of us. Likewise, our City Engineer, Police Chief, Fire Marshall and others charged with delivering essential safe water, sewer treatment and public services service in a high tradition of service to the public.
The Developer Services department seems to not be working out correctly. Perhaps Planning and building code enforcement should be split. I cannot say enough good concerning our inspectors and blight enforcers. However the developer service concept is leading us to more sub standard property.
Gary Dahl proved he could build a decent home on a lot at 530 Riverview without the silly split and encroaching on a drain right-of-way with two sub standard lots and housing units. This was not a problem for Planner Ben and much of the ZBA, but Dorothy Edwards and several of us on the ZBA were able to say no and assure correct procedures were followed by denying Gary’s request.
It appears that Dr. Nixon may have made Sue Wetzel an offer she could not refuse. If this is how the community collage is run, we citizens need to look at any policies that they have and just who is on the board making them, it needs a clean broom job. Let those who want honesty and integrity in government put this on our list of things to do.
John Iacoangeli’s idea of establishing historic districts is reasonable. The problem many of us have is that we do not want some little twit form city hall telling us what color to paint our house. Can anyone tell me just why Jeff Green had to be appointed directly to a city job when serving on city council? I think this occurred during Al Cappuccilli’s administration. Can anyone tell me just what Jeff Green does for us citizens and taxpayers?
The way most families in this world achieve a living wage is how it traditionally is done—everyone in the family works. In dealing with engineers from the P. R China they are quick to point out that they manufacture very efficiently—we market very well—just look at Wall Mart. They make—we market! They point out that Taiwan is a good province that went astray in 1949 but is falling in line again. Gee, it will be good to see IKO open again—do they pay a living wage?
David Alkire Smith the Elder
I can not agree more that Chief Bert is an outstanding public servant responsible for the protecting the lives and property of each of us. Likewise, our City Engineer, Police Chief, Fire Marshall and others charged with delivering essential safe water, sewer treatment and public services service in a high tradition of service to the public.
The Developer Services department seems to not be working out correctly. Perhaps Planning and building code enforcement should be split. I cannot say enough good concerning our inspectors and blight enforcers. However the developer service concept is leading us to more sub standard property.
Gary Dahl proved he could build a decent home on a lot at 530 Riverview without the silly split and encroaching on a drain right-of-way with two sub standard lots and housing units. This was not a problem for Planner Ben and much of the ZBA, but Dorothy Edwards and several of us on the ZBA were able to say no and assure correct procedures were followed by denying Gary’s request.
It appears that Dr. Nixon may have made Sue Wetzel an offer she could not refuse. If this is how the community collage is run, we citizens need to look at any policies that they have and just who is on the board making them, it needs a clean broom job. Let those who want honesty and integrity in government put this on our list of things to do.
John Iacoangeli’s idea of establishing historic districts is reasonable. The problem many of us have is that we do not want some little twit form city hall telling us what color to paint our house. Can anyone tell me just why Jeff Green had to be appointed directly to a city job when serving on city council? I think this occurred during Al Cappuccilli’s administration. Can anyone tell me just what Jeff Green does for us citizens and taxpayers?
The way most families in this world achieve a living wage is how it traditionally is done—everyone in the family works. In dealing with engineers from the P. R China they are quick to point out that they manufacture very efficiently—we market very well—just look at Wall Mart. They make—we market! They point out that Taiwan is a good province that went astray in 1949 but is falling in line again. Gee, it will be good to see IKO open again—do they pay a living wage?
David Alkire Smith the Elder
Damn.
IKO getting their DEQ permit approved and possibly re-opening will energize Compora's base again.
After all - she is the defender of the common man and imbecile in this town.
Two more years of one councilperson not being able to comprehend procedures and discussions is ahead of us?
I hear from the Monroe Evening News there is some evil plot afoot in the City. Something about a Purple Gang or Gang of Five wanting to take us back into the Stone Age?
Is there any truth to that? Sounds insidious. We better make sure this doesn’t happen!
IKO getting their DEQ permit approved and possibly re-opening will energize Compora's base again.
After all - she is the defender of the common man and imbecile in this town.
Two more years of one councilperson not being able to comprehend procedures and discussions is ahead of us?
I hear from the Monroe Evening News there is some evil plot afoot in the City. Something about a Purple Gang or Gang of Five wanting to take us back into the Stone Age?
Is there any truth to that? Sounds insidious. We better make sure this doesn’t happen!
My Dear Roundabout,
It would seem that case law would be on the side of IKO. For example, Spur Industries, Inc. v. Del E. Webb Development Co. 494 P.2d 701 (Ariz. 1972) points out that: In the so-called “coming to the nuisance” cases, the courts have held that the residential landowner may not have relief if he knowingly came into a neighborhood reserved for industrial or agricultural endeavors and has been damaged thereby.
However the “coming to the nuisance” may be on the part of IKO because Compora appears to barely have walking around sense and is, it this writer’s opinion unfit for public office of any kind. No one including Compora is useless. If nothing else they can serve as a bad example—a reason for the electorate of Monroe to be much more careful in whom they elect this fall.
The Monroe Evening News is wise in not making headlines out of the fuss in the city because they obviously wish their circulation to appeal to news that occurs in larger population areas such as Dundee and Bedford Township. The News will come up with a barn burner headline if essentially nothing at all is happening in the world. An example is HELICOPTER DRAWS HOSTILITY where this writer had questioned the hospital failing to develop more infrastructure of Stewart Road three months before the article.
The British press does a nice job with their headlines. The attack on the USS COLE in the port of Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 12, 2000 was reported as headlines in the British press as follows. Yank Man of War Holed by Rubber Dinghy.
David Alkire Smith the Elder
It would seem that case law would be on the side of IKO. For example, Spur Industries, Inc. v. Del E. Webb Development Co. 494 P.2d 701 (Ariz. 1972) points out that: In the so-called “coming to the nuisance” cases, the courts have held that the residential landowner may not have relief if he knowingly came into a neighborhood reserved for industrial or agricultural endeavors and has been damaged thereby.
However the “coming to the nuisance” may be on the part of IKO because Compora appears to barely have walking around sense and is, it this writer’s opinion unfit for public office of any kind. No one including Compora is useless. If nothing else they can serve as a bad example—a reason for the electorate of Monroe to be much more careful in whom they elect this fall.
The Monroe Evening News is wise in not making headlines out of the fuss in the city because they obviously wish their circulation to appeal to news that occurs in larger population areas such as Dundee and Bedford Township. The News will come up with a barn burner headline if essentially nothing at all is happening in the world. An example is HELICOPTER DRAWS HOSTILITY where this writer had questioned the hospital failing to develop more infrastructure of Stewart Road three months before the article.
The British press does a nice job with their headlines. The attack on the USS COLE in the port of Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 12, 2000 was reported as headlines in the British press as follows. Yank Man of War Holed by Rubber Dinghy.
David Alkire Smith the Elder
I see the city manager had an "informational" meeting on IKO last night for the concerned residents.
I thought it was city policy to stay out of the IKO issues.
Surely the ZBA will count the higher stack requirement as a hardship considering IKO has to deal with Compora and her friends?
I thought it was city policy to stay out of the IKO issues.
Surely the ZBA will count the higher stack requirement as a hardship considering IKO has to deal with Compora and her friends?
My Dear Roundabout,
I was of the impression that the state had all manner of informational meetings. Representative Kerhl has imposed his silly personage using any Jackass Party means to delay the opening of a legal industry.
The county claims to be short of funds for road patrol yet the can afford to have untrained rented cops to man a metal detector at the court house. Monday someone came in with an ordinary 50 pound commercial bag of ANFO clearly labeled as such. The bag was not tampered with and no detonation means present. Rather that someone taking this safe to handle ANFO to a quarry that could use it for rock fragmentation, considerable expense was put on the city fire and police departments awating the State Bomb Squad to remove the bgd for disposal. Thus the City Council meeting was moved to another location without proper notice. If there indeed was a danger, downtown including the Jail should have been evacuated in accordance with the procedure of the falsely perceived risk. Whoever generates this crap ought to join Jesse Jackson in the rent a riot and expand it to rent a crisis service.
Now a legitimate request is being made to seek a variance for a stack height to carry out a legitimate business activity and meet a state requirement. Such variances go before the ZBA, a citizen’s group on which I serve.
Our training is to grant requests on showing of a true hardship and no negative impacts on the community. Let me see, I was the lone no vote on the Hospital placing higher than permitted light poles in their commercial district on the showing of no hardship whatsoever other than being open 24-7. The documentation required a scanning and magnification to even read wart they submitted. The site map was not up to date nor did it reflect what they whished to do. There was no data on the light pattern of the proposed lamps. There was no showing that a closer spacing of lawful lamps would be a hardship of any kind.
Further, there was no engineering data to show that the lights proposed would not shine into surrounding residences. The only data readable with the aid of high magnification was the light intensity on the ground. It seemed to reflect poor engineering that the documents could be read under high magnification and half the documents were printed in a mixture of writing right side up and upside down.
The hospital’s claimed hardship was that they were open 24 7 as I presume IKO will be and that they were surrounded by residential homes, which IKO is not. The Hospital made a statement that they alone had determined no negative impacts. One hospital board member servers on the ZBA and voted finding no conflict of interest.
Let me be very clear that I am not anti Hospital, although the citizens chose the mercy site to expand because of no labor union there Vs a labor union at Memorial. Let me see—our finest citizens deemed that not paying housekeeping persons a living wage with hospitalization benefits seems to have been a good reason to move to a land locked site.
Height variances have been granted for downtown structures including MB&T downtown as well as for cell towers and never denied in an industrial district. My take on this is that the ZBA will grant the variance for IKO for the same reason that the variance has been granted for past applicants.
The ZBA granted a high permanent masonry fence in a residential neighbor because the appellant claimed that they had a child that did not wish to be looked upon. No provision to remove the fence was made as part of the stipulations at such time as the child was able to be looked upon. The fence is highly decorative and has wide openings so I assume that the child is invisible.
Another citizen who had erected a fence without a permit to abate a claimed intrusive problem was denied his appeal. Not let me see. These matters are to be appealed to circuit court if a claim of unfairness is made by the ZBA. I think, unless a showing of negetive impacts on the neighborhood by a stack higher than allowed is not made the City could be in trouble defending the way our good old boy system works.
Serving on the ZBA is to be taken seriously. It is no place for a person who is swayed by the political wind that surrounds our last paper mill. If a taller stack is to abate a problem, then that claim must be supported by data and we on the ZBA must listen to all testimony and decide upon merit, not the number of persons for or in opposition to an appeal. I f brought before the ZBA I will for or against based on facts and a showing of hardship as required by law.
David Alkire Smith the Elder
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I was of the impression that the state had all manner of informational meetings. Representative Kerhl has imposed his silly personage using any Jackass Party means to delay the opening of a legal industry.
The county claims to be short of funds for road patrol yet the can afford to have untrained rented cops to man a metal detector at the court house. Monday someone came in with an ordinary 50 pound commercial bag of ANFO clearly labeled as such. The bag was not tampered with and no detonation means present. Rather that someone taking this safe to handle ANFO to a quarry that could use it for rock fragmentation, considerable expense was put on the city fire and police departments awating the State Bomb Squad to remove the bgd for disposal. Thus the City Council meeting was moved to another location without proper notice. If there indeed was a danger, downtown including the Jail should have been evacuated in accordance with the procedure of the falsely perceived risk. Whoever generates this crap ought to join Jesse Jackson in the rent a riot and expand it to rent a crisis service.
Now a legitimate request is being made to seek a variance for a stack height to carry out a legitimate business activity and meet a state requirement. Such variances go before the ZBA, a citizen’s group on which I serve.
Our training is to grant requests on showing of a true hardship and no negative impacts on the community. Let me see, I was the lone no vote on the Hospital placing higher than permitted light poles in their commercial district on the showing of no hardship whatsoever other than being open 24-7. The documentation required a scanning and magnification to even read wart they submitted. The site map was not up to date nor did it reflect what they whished to do. There was no data on the light pattern of the proposed lamps. There was no showing that a closer spacing of lawful lamps would be a hardship of any kind.
Further, there was no engineering data to show that the lights proposed would not shine into surrounding residences. The only data readable with the aid of high magnification was the light intensity on the ground. It seemed to reflect poor engineering that the documents could be read under high magnification and half the documents were printed in a mixture of writing right side up and upside down.
The hospital’s claimed hardship was that they were open 24 7 as I presume IKO will be and that they were surrounded by residential homes, which IKO is not. The Hospital made a statement that they alone had determined no negative impacts. One hospital board member servers on the ZBA and voted finding no conflict of interest.
Let me be very clear that I am not anti Hospital, although the citizens chose the mercy site to expand because of no labor union there Vs a labor union at Memorial. Let me see—our finest citizens deemed that not paying housekeeping persons a living wage with hospitalization benefits seems to have been a good reason to move to a land locked site.
Height variances have been granted for downtown structures including MB&T downtown as well as for cell towers and never denied in an industrial district. My take on this is that the ZBA will grant the variance for IKO for the same reason that the variance has been granted for past applicants.
The ZBA granted a high permanent masonry fence in a residential neighbor because the appellant claimed that they had a child that did not wish to be looked upon. No provision to remove the fence was made as part of the stipulations at such time as the child was able to be looked upon. The fence is highly decorative and has wide openings so I assume that the child is invisible.
Another citizen who had erected a fence without a permit to abate a claimed intrusive problem was denied his appeal. Not let me see. These matters are to be appealed to circuit court if a claim of unfairness is made by the ZBA. I think, unless a showing of negetive impacts on the neighborhood by a stack higher than allowed is not made the City could be in trouble defending the way our good old boy system works.
Serving on the ZBA is to be taken seriously. It is no place for a person who is swayed by the political wind that surrounds our last paper mill. If a taller stack is to abate a problem, then that claim must be supported by data and we on the ZBA must listen to all testimony and decide upon merit, not the number of persons for or in opposition to an appeal. I f brought before the ZBA I will for or against based on facts and a showing of hardship as required by law.
David Alkire Smith the Elder
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