Here is our Committee Report for Mowing in 2012.
Cortney
-------------
Public Works and Services met on Jan 16, 2012 to discuss Mowing Bids. The committee makes the following recommendation: accept 4 Seasons bid of $43,338 for 2012, a savings of approx $5000 vs 2011.
Cortney Scheeser
Denise McCarthy
Jeff Andrews
(text may be modified as necessary to meet formatting/style standards)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Public Works Minutes 1/16/2012
Meeting came to order 7PM on Monday Jan 16. Attending were Jeff Andrews, Denise McCarthy, John Schirpenberg, and representatives from bidding companies.
Cortney asked for a recap of the bids. John called them very good bids, all close. 6 returned, one new comer. 4 Seasons is new and lowest at $43K. all 6 are capable and have met requirements.
$49,500 in 2010, 0% increase in 2011. 2011 same. Eventually $48100K w lower acreage in 2011 (Dale Park elimination).
John's recap of Grasscorp: ups and downs as to be expected. Bagging concerns (Wooster Island) in 2011. Used sometimes, other times did not. Bagged for safety more than aesthetics. Very good working w Village, Bills on time. Extra work performed outside contract. They have done "nice job for us".
Jeff asked about accumulated incidents that would prohibit them from doing the job in 2012. None. Cortney asked if Leasing guys vs traditional employees an issue. Non issue.
Jeff asked about the companies without $ values. John said bids not returned. Cortney asked if the bidders present wanted to speak.
Four Seasons - 3 yrs in business, parent business since 1940. Maintenance, hardscape, pesticide, fertilizer, treework. Have heavy construction equipment. Parent company doing Mariemont Schools work now. 25-30 employees seasonally. American equip. Employees ok to work in the US. Bid job aggressively. Same crew each week. HQ on Fields Ertel near 71. Mariemont not biggest job, but would be only municipality. Lots of HOA/POA work.
Swisher - not the lowest bid, however only based out of Mariemont, paying Corp tax here. Mariemont should support local businesses. Comparable quality work vs other vendors.
Lawnscapers - not the lowest, we will follow the contract. Misses in 2011: stick edging not done, bagging not done. Owner lives in Mariemont, hire local college kids. Low bid makes sense to look there first. 18 employees peak season.
Blue Sky - multiple bids. All very capable, experienced. Not lowest bidder. Any extra money has disappeared - concerned about $ vs service. No fat left. Not much room to lower further.
Cortney said a lot like 2010. Successful incumbent, faced with newer to business Vendor. I supported lowest and best. Similar today. Some issues with Grass Corp. Some exceed, some misses. Lowest and Best on the page is 4 Seasons.
Denise similar place, supports, Cortney's leaning. Financial environment requires it.
Jeff asked about 2010 difference: $4K-$5K lowest vs 2nd. Same timing as Deficit roadmap, employee austerity There is value in continuity. Local vendor is preferred. What is cutoff? Asked John - is there more work for a new vendor.
John - 1 sq mile, not a huge concern of helping their learning curve.
Cortney said Alex at Grasscorp made admirable effort. Some nagging misses, "wasn't perfect". No overt loyalty for a good job vs a "wow" job. If Alex low bidder I would support continuing with Grasscorp. 10% revenue goes away before the contract ends due to state Cuts. Savings wherever I can find it. $2000 savings is a good steward of our finances.
Cortney asked about oversight. Is there a need for the Committee to meet quarterly for instance throughout the year? Village resident input, John quick learning curve? Stay closer to this? Should we take a more hands on role?
Jeff asked about learning curve. John said not a lot of time w Grasscorp. Hours, not days.
Cortney asked if we had alignment? Jeff has concerns but financial situation is significant. However, so is local levels of service.
Cortney asked about getting out if poor service? John said Bid Bonds aren't kept, they're returned. Never has been an issue. 4 Seasons offered 30 day cancellation because they are confident in their work.
Denise asked why we don't keep the bonds. John said wasn't worth Council's trouble - setup escrow required. Don't do with Garbage either.
Jeff asked 4 seasons which is most difficult part. High level of service is unique. No unlike Condo Association. Offer all customers 30 day cancellation clause. Issues will arise, oppty is how to deal with it.
Cortney said 3 areas to watch out for: island bagging, stick edging, fall leaf. Challenge 4 seasons to have watchful eye. 4Seasons: drive back is long so want to do job right 1st time. callbacks are inefficient.
Jeff asked if timing, equip similar for residents? John said yes
4 seasons: uniforms, new john deere equip.
Committtee agreed lowest and best is 4 seasons.
Ongoing oversight. Cortney would like ongoing touchpoint. Jeff suggested no meeting needed, ongoing communication, quarterly, 1/monthly during season. Cortney said he likes John's ongoing log of issues and asked if John would share. John agreed. Denise suggested monthly. John agreed. Cortney said overcommunicating is good, both ways.. Meetings unnecessary, monthly emails would be ideal.
Denise asked if foreman - 4seasons said yes.
Meeting adjourned 7:40PM
Cortney Scheeser
Cortney
Cortney asked for a recap of the bids. John called them very good bids, all close. 6 returned, one new comer. 4 Seasons is new and lowest at $43K. all 6 are capable and have met requirements.
$49,500 in 2010, 0% increase in 2011. 2011 same. Eventually $48100K w lower acreage in 2011 (Dale Park elimination).
John's recap of Grasscorp: ups and downs as to be expected. Bagging concerns (Wooster Island) in 2011. Used sometimes, other times did not. Bagged for safety more than aesthetics. Very good working w Village, Bills on time. Extra work performed outside contract. They have done "nice job for us".
Jeff asked about accumulated incidents that would prohibit them from doing the job in 2012. None. Cortney asked if Leasing guys vs traditional employees an issue. Non issue.
Jeff asked about the companies without $ values. John said bids not returned. Cortney asked if the bidders present wanted to speak.
Four Seasons - 3 yrs in business, parent business since 1940. Maintenance, hardscape, pesticide, fertilizer, treework. Have heavy construction equipment. Parent company doing Mariemont Schools work now. 25-30 employees seasonally. American equip. Employees ok to work in the US. Bid job aggressively. Same crew each week. HQ on Fields Ertel near 71. Mariemont not biggest job, but would be only municipality. Lots of HOA/POA work.
Swisher - not the lowest bid, however only based out of Mariemont, paying Corp tax here. Mariemont should support local businesses. Comparable quality work vs other vendors.
Lawnscapers - not the lowest, we will follow the contract. Misses in 2011: stick edging not done, bagging not done. Owner lives in Mariemont, hire local college kids. Low bid makes sense to look there first. 18 employees peak season.
Blue Sky - multiple bids. All very capable, experienced. Not lowest bidder. Any extra money has disappeared - concerned about $ vs service. No fat left. Not much room to lower further.
Cortney said a lot like 2010. Successful incumbent, faced with newer to business Vendor. I supported lowest and best. Similar today. Some issues with Grass Corp. Some exceed, some misses. Lowest and Best on the page is 4 Seasons.
Denise similar place, supports, Cortney's leaning. Financial environment requires it.
Jeff asked about 2010 difference: $4K-$5K lowest vs 2nd. Same timing as Deficit roadmap, employee austerity There is value in continuity. Local vendor is preferred. What is cutoff? Asked John - is there more work for a new vendor.
John - 1 sq mile, not a huge concern of helping their learning curve.
Cortney said Alex at Grasscorp made admirable effort. Some nagging misses, "wasn't perfect". No overt loyalty for a good job vs a "wow" job. If Alex low bidder I would support continuing with Grasscorp. 10% revenue goes away before the contract ends due to state Cuts. Savings wherever I can find it. $2000 savings is a good steward of our finances.
Cortney asked about oversight. Is there a need for the Committee to meet quarterly for instance throughout the year? Village resident input, John quick learning curve? Stay closer to this? Should we take a more hands on role?
Jeff asked about learning curve. John said not a lot of time w Grasscorp. Hours, not days.
Cortney asked if we had alignment? Jeff has concerns but financial situation is significant. However, so is local levels of service.
Cortney asked about getting out if poor service? John said Bid Bonds aren't kept, they're returned. Never has been an issue. 4 Seasons offered 30 day cancellation because they are confident in their work.
Denise asked why we don't keep the bonds. John said wasn't worth Council's trouble - setup escrow required. Don't do with Garbage either.
Jeff asked 4 seasons which is most difficult part. High level of service is unique. No unlike Condo Association. Offer all customers 30 day cancellation clause. Issues will arise, oppty is how to deal with it.
Cortney said 3 areas to watch out for: island bagging, stick edging, fall leaf. Challenge 4 seasons to have watchful eye. 4Seasons: drive back is long so want to do job right 1st time. callbacks are inefficient.
Jeff asked if timing, equip similar for residents? John said yes
4 seasons: uniforms, new john deere equip.
Committtee agreed lowest and best is 4 seasons.
Ongoing oversight. Cortney would like ongoing touchpoint. Jeff suggested no meeting needed, ongoing communication, quarterly, 1/monthly during season. Cortney said he likes John's ongoing log of issues and asked if John would share. John agreed. Denise suggested monthly. John agreed. Cortney said overcommunicating is good, both ways.. Meetings unnecessary, monthly emails would be ideal.
Denise asked if foreman - 4seasons said yes.
Meeting adjourned 7:40PM
Cortney Scheeser
Cortney
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Council 12/27
I attended Council on 12/27, and here's what I saw.
Pool Board expansion. I think changing this setup does not benefit the Village. The Board themselves told the Mayor in Nov/Dec that they thought 7 was right. We have a good number @7, and there is no data, no rationale for this change. I support diversity, for sure, and I challenge the Mayor to manage that with his appointments.
Scott McIntosh being left off the Board. Scott did a nice job in his short tenure, and I think he should be allowed to continue. Considering all his work on the Board this year, this action feels partisan. As Andy Black shared with me last year, volunteers are hard to come by and you take them when you can get them. Let's keep Scott.
Jeff Andrews action to override the decision. I support leaving the Board at 7, and I support Scott M. So it's a no brainer that I would try to preserve both. And with a 5-0 vote, it's not a minority position. Well done, fellow Council members.
Parks Board expansion is also concerning. With the information provided, I don't support a change. I understand the need for more sleeves-rolled-up-work vs Pool Board, but there is nothing wrong with deputizing volunteers as needed. There are many would-be volunteers that are unaware of opptys to serve. To that end, why don't we drive awareness when boards have vacancies, when volunteers are needed. It's unfair to the handful of folks who volunteer for nearly everything. Let's open this up to all!
South 80 Trail. I don't support implementation before Council & Public review (Denise brought up this point and I share some of these concerns), but a staked layout is appropriate as a next step. I look fwd to this pre-step.
Jeff Travers resignation. I'm a fan of Jeff and I'm sorry to see him go, but I understand the difficulty of 2 full time jobs simultaneously. Good luck Jeff. Related, I've been a fan of Tim Feichtner for a while. I know he'll do a good job. Of interest - we only have 1 full time firefighter (+ Rick the Chief) on the fire side. It's an interesting model and worth trying. The savings are nice if it works.
I voted in the affirmative on everything as all votes were procedural except for the spending ordinance. This is common late in the year and it seemed reasonable. Also of note was the mowing ordinance, which again is reasonable and only lets us advertise for bids.
Cortney
ICRCTV.COM
Pool Board expansion. I think changing this setup does not benefit the Village. The Board themselves told the Mayor in Nov/Dec that they thought 7 was right. We have a good number @7, and there is no data, no rationale for this change. I support diversity, for sure, and I challenge the Mayor to manage that with his appointments.
Scott McIntosh being left off the Board. Scott did a nice job in his short tenure, and I think he should be allowed to continue. Considering all his work on the Board this year, this action feels partisan. As Andy Black shared with me last year, volunteers are hard to come by and you take them when you can get them. Let's keep Scott.
Jeff Andrews action to override the decision. I support leaving the Board at 7, and I support Scott M. So it's a no brainer that I would try to preserve both. And with a 5-0 vote, it's not a minority position. Well done, fellow Council members.
Parks Board expansion is also concerning. With the information provided, I don't support a change. I understand the need for more sleeves-rolled-up-work vs Pool Board, but there is nothing wrong with deputizing volunteers as needed. There are many would-be volunteers that are unaware of opptys to serve. To that end, why don't we drive awareness when boards have vacancies, when volunteers are needed. It's unfair to the handful of folks who volunteer for nearly everything. Let's open this up to all!
South 80 Trail. I don't support implementation before Council & Public review (Denise brought up this point and I share some of these concerns), but a staked layout is appropriate as a next step. I look fwd to this pre-step.
Jeff Travers resignation. I'm a fan of Jeff and I'm sorry to see him go, but I understand the difficulty of 2 full time jobs simultaneously. Good luck Jeff. Related, I've been a fan of Tim Feichtner for a while. I know he'll do a good job. Of interest - we only have 1 full time firefighter (+ Rick the Chief) on the fire side. It's an interesting model and worth trying. The savings are nice if it works.
I voted in the affirmative on everything as all votes were procedural except for the spending ordinance. This is common late in the year and it seemed reasonable. Also of note was the mowing ordinance, which again is reasonable and only lets us advertise for bids.
Cortney
ICRCTV.COM
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Comm of Whole 12/5
I attended the COW meeting on 12/5 and here's what I saw
Darlene's request to retire and come back part time after a cooling off period. i think this is good for Village finances and doesn't risk double dipping (still legal in Ohio). Further I think service will be maintained overall. It also allows us to trim slightly the number of full time employees. I think step 1 of creating the job in the salary ordinance is reasonable and I support it.
Cortney
Darlene's request to retire and come back part time after a cooling off period. i think this is good for Village finances and doesn't risk double dipping (still legal in Ohio). Further I think service will be maintained overall. It also allows us to trim slightly the number of full time employees. I think step 1 of creating the job in the salary ordinance is reasonable and I support it.
Cortney
Council 11/14
2/2 failed postings. Again sorry for the delay. Remarks exactly as originally submitted on 12/6
Cortney
-------------
I attended Council on 11/14 and here’s what I saw.
Stop Sign overusage. I think we’ve been too aggressive with placemnt of signs. For my part I’ve always supported, but I need to rethink this going fwd. Stopsigns are cheap and effective, but they’re ugly and pollute the landscape visually. And while I’m not a lawyer, I think our use of them is flirting with inappropriate since they do control speed.
Overnight Parking. I think our enforcement ought to evolve to a paid sticker program. If you want to park on the street, there’s a fee associated. We ought to explore an annual fee that neutralizes the costs to manage the program. Maybe not “profit”, but at least cover expenses.
State resolution opposing centralization of income tax offices. I dislike emergency legislation and am not sure it was necessary. I may have voted differently thinking back. However I think outsourcing the office to a lower efficiency provider is not a smart decision. So I supported the resolution.
New member of ARB. I am glad for Village volunteers, and I am sure Paul Allen will do great. However, I am concerned on how the vacancy was created. The Mayor sent a note to Frank Raeon, 10 years on ARB saying his time on ARB was done. This is terribly concerning for 4 reasons: 1)Frank has more relevant experience in his little finger than all of us on Council COMBINED. 2)we should cherish and celebrate volunteerism when it happens – this is not how you treat volunteers. 3)council should have received a copy of the termination letter in the packet. This was done under the radar. 4)Dissent is necessary, patriotic even. Frank disagreeing with the Mayor is the cause for this, and I think it’s terribly small, petty, and vindictive. Council should be informed. I am frustrated by this – Council, our residents and our volunteers deserve better.
I voted in the affirmative on all votes, as all but the Tax office were procedural in nature.
Cortney
Icrctv.com
Cortney
-------------
I attended Council on 11/14 and here’s what I saw.
Stop Sign overusage. I think we’ve been too aggressive with placemnt of signs. For my part I’ve always supported, but I need to rethink this going fwd. Stopsigns are cheap and effective, but they’re ugly and pollute the landscape visually. And while I’m not a lawyer, I think our use of them is flirting with inappropriate since they do control speed.
Overnight Parking. I think our enforcement ought to evolve to a paid sticker program. If you want to park on the street, there’s a fee associated. We ought to explore an annual fee that neutralizes the costs to manage the program. Maybe not “profit”, but at least cover expenses.
State resolution opposing centralization of income tax offices. I dislike emergency legislation and am not sure it was necessary. I may have voted differently thinking back. However I think outsourcing the office to a lower efficiency provider is not a smart decision. So I supported the resolution.
New member of ARB. I am glad for Village volunteers, and I am sure Paul Allen will do great. However, I am concerned on how the vacancy was created. The Mayor sent a note to Frank Raeon, 10 years on ARB saying his time on ARB was done. This is terribly concerning for 4 reasons: 1)Frank has more relevant experience in his little finger than all of us on Council COMBINED. 2)we should cherish and celebrate volunteerism when it happens – this is not how you treat volunteers. 3)council should have received a copy of the termination letter in the packet. This was done under the radar. 4)Dissent is necessary, patriotic even. Frank disagreeing with the Mayor is the cause for this, and I think it’s terribly small, petty, and vindictive. Council should be informed. I am frustrated by this – Council, our residents and our volunteers deserve better.
I voted in the affirmative on all votes, as all but the Tax office were procedural in nature.
Cortney
Icrctv.com
Council 11/28
pls excuse my delay in posting this. I tried unsuccessfully on 12/6, assuming it went online. Here is a direct Copy/Paste from my remarks on 12/6
Cortney
-----
I missed Council on 11/28 due to a family vacation. However, I read through the minutes, and here’s my take on the Dale Park potential acquisition for a Community Center idea. I was asked by a NKU student for my opinion and here’s what I shared. How did the idea of a community center first come up? IDEA HAS BEEN MENTIONED CASUALLY FOR A FEW YEARS. IDEA BROUGHT UP BY OUR MAYOR IN NOVEMBER.
What are the steps that need to go about to get a community center? FOR ME, IT'S PURELY A COST/EXPENSE EXERCISE (UP FRONT THEN ONGOING), THEN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RESIDENTS TO CONFIRM INTEREST AND DETAILS AND WILLINGNESS TO FUND (TAXES). WE AREN'T STAFFED TO WRITE GRANT PROPOSALS, BUT IF POSSIBLE THIS WOULD HELP WITH THE FINANCIALS.
What are the positives and what are the negatives of having one? SAVES AND REPURPOSES AN HISTORIC BUILDING WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO ME AND OUR HISTORIC VILLAGE, PROVIDES ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR MEETINGS/ACTIVITIES. KEEPS RESIDENTS IN THE VILLAGE VS HAVING THEIR EVENTS OUTSIDE OF THE VILLAGE.
WE HAD A COMMUNITY CENTER AT ONE TIME, AND IT'S NOW A CHURCH. NOT SURE WE NEED GIVEN THE CHURCH'S SPACE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. SCHOOLS ALSO OPEN UP FOR THE PUBLIC.
COST OF MAINTAINING AN HISTORIC BUILDING IS HIGH, AND WE CAN'T BALANCE OUR BUDGET TODAY PRE THIS PROJECT, PRE THE STATE BUDGET CUTS (UP TO 15% OF OUR REVENUE GONE IN 2 YEARS). I AM CONCERNED THIS IS COST PROHIBITIVE GIVEN OUR SHRINKING REVENUE
Why will the school have to give up a part of the building to the city for the center? SCHOOL HAS ANNOUNCED IT WILL CLOSE AND VACATE THE SCHOOL IN 2012. WE WILL HAVE A LARGE VACANT BUILDING IN 2012 AND NEED A PLAN FOR IT....
What are your feelings about the center and the complications that come along with it? I THINK IT'S AN INTERESTING IDEA WORTH DISCUSSION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. BUT I FEEL THE BURDEN ON THE TAXPAYERS WILL BE GREAT, AND PROBABLY BE TOO GREAT FOR US TO MOVE FORWARD.
Cortney
ICRCTV.com
Cortney
-----
I missed Council on 11/28 due to a family vacation. However, I read through the minutes, and here’s my take on the Dale Park potential acquisition for a Community Center idea. I was asked by a NKU student for my opinion and here’s what I shared. How did the idea of a community center first come up? IDEA HAS BEEN MENTIONED CASUALLY FOR A FEW YEARS. IDEA BROUGHT UP BY OUR MAYOR IN NOVEMBER.
What are the steps that need to go about to get a community center? FOR ME, IT'S PURELY A COST/EXPENSE EXERCISE (UP FRONT THEN ONGOING), THEN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RESIDENTS TO CONFIRM INTEREST AND DETAILS AND WILLINGNESS TO FUND (TAXES). WE AREN'T STAFFED TO WRITE GRANT PROPOSALS, BUT IF POSSIBLE THIS WOULD HELP WITH THE FINANCIALS.
What are the positives and what are the negatives of having one? SAVES AND REPURPOSES AN HISTORIC BUILDING WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO ME AND OUR HISTORIC VILLAGE, PROVIDES ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR MEETINGS/ACTIVITIES. KEEPS RESIDENTS IN THE VILLAGE VS HAVING THEIR EVENTS OUTSIDE OF THE VILLAGE.
WE HAD A COMMUNITY CENTER AT ONE TIME, AND IT'S NOW A CHURCH. NOT SURE WE NEED GIVEN THE CHURCH'S SPACE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. SCHOOLS ALSO OPEN UP FOR THE PUBLIC.
COST OF MAINTAINING AN HISTORIC BUILDING IS HIGH, AND WE CAN'T BALANCE OUR BUDGET TODAY PRE THIS PROJECT, PRE THE STATE BUDGET CUTS (UP TO 15% OF OUR REVENUE GONE IN 2 YEARS). I AM CONCERNED THIS IS COST PROHIBITIVE GIVEN OUR SHRINKING REVENUE
Why will the school have to give up a part of the building to the city for the center? SCHOOL HAS ANNOUNCED IT WILL CLOSE AND VACATE THE SCHOOL IN 2012. WE WILL HAVE A LARGE VACANT BUILDING IN 2012 AND NEED A PLAN FOR IT....
What are your feelings about the center and the complications that come along with it? I THINK IT'S AN INTERESTING IDEA WORTH DISCUSSION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. BUT I FEEL THE BURDEN ON THE TAXPAYERS WILL BE GREAT, AND PROBABLY BE TOO GREAT FOR US TO MOVE FORWARD.
Cortney
ICRCTV.com
Council 12/12
I attended Council on 12/12 and here's what I saw.
Armed Robbery in the Village. This is very concerning, and unfortunately the Police can't be everywhere. My ask of the citizens - report criminal activity immediately. in this case, it wasn't reported for 1+ hours, and it hurts the Police's chances of finding the bad guys.
Darlene's move to part time. I appreciate Darlene's creative solution to our ongoing budget problems. And this appears to avoid the worry of a double dip scenario. I am supportive of this setup and I think we should take this oppty to keep 1.5 full time equivalents in the tax office vs 2.0 today.
Appointments - lots of volunteering is a great thing for the Village. It's pretty easy to support these instances.
Frank Raeon termination on Arch Review Board. I believe Council should be informed when a volunteer is let go. Volunteers are hard to come by and we should be made aware.
I voted in the affirmative on all votes as they were procedural in nature. Darlene's part time role within the salary ordinance was the exception, however I think part time is a reasonable request and good for the Village.
Cortney
ICRCTV.COM
Armed Robbery in the Village. This is very concerning, and unfortunately the Police can't be everywhere. My ask of the citizens - report criminal activity immediately. in this case, it wasn't reported for 1+ hours, and it hurts the Police's chances of finding the bad guys.
Darlene's move to part time. I appreciate Darlene's creative solution to our ongoing budget problems. And this appears to avoid the worry of a double dip scenario. I am supportive of this setup and I think we should take this oppty to keep 1.5 full time equivalents in the tax office vs 2.0 today.
Appointments - lots of volunteering is a great thing for the Village. It's pretty easy to support these instances.
Frank Raeon termination on Arch Review Board. I believe Council should be informed when a volunteer is let go. Volunteers are hard to come by and we should be made aware.
I voted in the affirmative on all votes as they were procedural in nature. Darlene's part time role within the salary ordinance was the exception, however I think part time is a reasonable request and good for the Village.
Cortney
ICRCTV.COM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
