I attended Council on 8/8 and here's what I saw:
I was 1 min late according to the clock in the Admin Building, so I abstained from the 1st vote (Didn't know what we were voting on). I'm very sorry to have been late.
3M leaving Mariemont. I am very frustrated to hear about this after it was official, and by a Resident no less. This decision, even if not change-able, should have been communicated months ago. And we should have been working on plans to fill in this Real estate and Income tax hole (one example). Could we have offered them incentive to stay? (another example) I understand the Mayor knew of this months ago, yet he infomed no-one. This is yet another example of failed communication. This year alone, Council has been surprised by 1)West Street No Parking, 2)E Center Street No Parking, and now 3)3M leaving. Council MUST be brought into the discussion. 1-off singular actions are not Democratic, and are not in the spirit of Representative Government. I would prefer a seat at the table for ALL decisions. Further, it's not fair for one person to have to brunt the responsibility for running the Village. It's a Council + a Mayor for a reason.
New I74. Many believe that Eastern Corridor will slowly morph into I74, from I71 eastward out past Clermont County, ultimately to the East Coast. I believe this to be a likely end state if we allow a limited access highway to be built along Red Bank Road, aka Phase 1. While the Eastern Corridor will ease Wooster Pike Traffic (a very good thing for the quality of life in the Village), its subtle consequence is an INTERSTATE running <1/2 mile from Miami Bluff and surrounding streets, arguably the most affluent portion of the Village. It would be about 1/4 mile from Village property. This will spoil the view, the air quality, the quiet, and it will ultimately impact property values (I'm not an expert-this is personal experience/study/opinion at this point). This needs to be taken VERY seriously. Mariemont needs to go on record and declare its opinion (whichever it is). I personally believe a pedestrian-sensitive slow-speed phase 1 will impede the likelihood of a big highway running along the Little Miami. And this is in the best interest of the Village.
I voted in the affirmate on everything except for the Minutes Abstain. I also support the deer signage test along Wooster/West Street as it was a simple, free (Stat paid for them) solution to test.
After Council, I had a very productive 45min conversation with Rick Hines re last meetings comments. I very much appreciated his willingness to chat and "clear the air". I like and respect Rick and was glad to have had the chance to work through our differences.
Cortney
ICRCTV.COM
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Idea for new Belltower event
I shared an idea with Council today re a Halloween soundtrack provided by the Belltower Carrillon, and here is the text of my memo:
I would appreciate any feedback on this idea.
Cortney
-----------------
Hi All,
Had an idea coming out of the great July 4 Fireworks event. That event comes together so nicely in part due to the soundtrack provided by the Carrillon. It made me think - what other events could be enhanced? & Halloween came to mind. What if we played Halloween-themed music during Trick or Treat? I think it would be really fun and add a new layer of richness. So I followed up with Richard Gegner, one of our Carrillonneurs, and he shared a couple things:
-he likes the idea and would be willing to perform for free
-he needs both Emery Memorial ok which he thinks is no issue + Council's ok
-he shared a Halloween program was done 10 years ago but was discontinued due to complaints about the music
While it may have been an issue in the past, 10 years has passed, and I think it's still a worthy idea. I would like to make this happen and will be happy to own this. If no one is opposed, I'll reach out to Richard and share we're ok to proceed. If anyone has a question/concern, let's either chat 1:1 or at Council tomorrow. I'll assume we're ok to proceed unless I hear otherwise.
Holler w questions.
I would appreciate any feedback on this idea.
Cortney
-----------------
Hi All,
Had an idea coming out of the great July 4 Fireworks event. That event comes together so nicely in part due to the soundtrack provided by the Carrillon. It made me think - what other events could be enhanced? & Halloween came to mind. What if we played Halloween-themed music during Trick or Treat? I think it would be really fun and add a new layer of richness. So I followed up with Richard Gegner, one of our Carrillonneurs, and he shared a couple things:
-he likes the idea and would be willing to perform for free
-he needs both Emery Memorial ok which he thinks is no issue + Council's ok
-he shared a Halloween program was done 10 years ago but was discontinued due to complaints about the music
While it may have been an issue in the past, 10 years has passed, and I think it's still a worthy idea. I would like to make this happen and will be happy to own this. If no one is opposed, I'll reach out to Richard and share we're ok to proceed. If anyone has a question/concern, let's either chat 1:1 or at Council tomorrow. I'll assume we're ok to proceed unless I hear otherwise.
Holler w questions.
retraction from blog posting in late July
I came across some data this weekend, and I need to clarify my financial comments on 7/25. Originally I said: "We have deficit spent each of the last 4-5 years (across all accounts)." Truth is a bit different. Raw data:
2006 ending General Fund balance: $1,870,000
2007 $1,665,000
2008 $1,268,000
2009 $1,010,000
2010 $1,027,000
2011 $ 838,000* June 2011 estimate per Tony Borgderding, Clerk
2012 $ 683,000*
2013 $ 233,000*
2014 $ -230,000*
2015 $ -707,000*
Here's what I should have said: "Between 2006 and 2010, our General Fund balance declined 4 of 5 years, losing $638,000 or 38% of its value in that time. Our Clerk projects Default in the General Fund in approx 3 years. In the one year of positive increase in the amount of $17,000 (2009 to 2010), we experienced an unexpected windfall from the Inheritance Tax, a revenue source which will disappear completely in 2013."
I'm sorry I didn't get it right originally, however it's still very concerning, and I stand by the spirit of by comments of the past month. We must act boldly and act now to close this gap. And Tax increases, as suggested by the Mayor, are premature. We should not advance this idea until we show due dilligence first. Hopefully, with creative ideas and tough choices, we can avoid a tax increase completely.
Cortney
2006 ending General Fund balance: $1,870,000
2007 $1,665,000
2008 $1,268,000
2009 $1,010,000
2010 $1,027,000
2011 $ 838,000* June 2011 estimate per Tony Borgderding, Clerk
2012 $ 683,000*
2013 $ 233,000*
2014 $ -230,000*
2015 $ -707,000*
Here's what I should have said: "Between 2006 and 2010, our General Fund balance declined 4 of 5 years, losing $638,000 or 38% of its value in that time. Our Clerk projects Default in the General Fund in approx 3 years. In the one year of positive increase in the amount of $17,000 (2009 to 2010), we experienced an unexpected windfall from the Inheritance Tax, a revenue source which will disappear completely in 2013."
I'm sorry I didn't get it right originally, however it's still very concerning, and I stand by the spirit of by comments of the past month. We must act boldly and act now to close this gap. And Tax increases, as suggested by the Mayor, are premature. We should not advance this idea until we show due dilligence first. Hopefully, with creative ideas and tough choices, we can avoid a tax increase completely.
Cortney
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
transcript of email reply re criticism of my views
Here's a partial transcript of my email re criticism of my views expressed in Council on 7/25. I've made it anonymous. 2 topics
-ideas on budget cutting
-the value I place on trees
Cortney
------------------
Wanted to reply more specifically to your comments last night. Note: I'm copying the same distribution list as last week since your concerns seems to be shared by many. Here are 2 points worth clarifying (I’ll watch the video and will respond back if there are others I’m neglecting): I do not support layoffs. I do support uncomfortable belt tightening. I do support managing headcount via attrition and packages. Within the Perm Improvement budget I believe trees deserve disproportionate investment to correct years of under investment.
1)Shared Services are an example of the “What” we might entertain. I made no mention of the “How” they could be implemented (mainly because it’s just a raw idea at this point- strongly suggested by the Governor). Shared services do not need to involve layoffs. We don’t need layoffs, and I would not support them. If the S.S. Idea was viewed as right for the Village by all of Council and reduced headcount was deemed right (again by all of Council), I would support delivering it via Attrition or Financial Separation Packages. What if we paid 1/3 of a year’s salary to someone to not work for the Village anymore? Long term ROI is fantastic, and it respects the Employee.
However, because I won’t go down a Layoff path, there are financial consequences (savings has to come from somewhere). I think employees would value no layoffs over data plans on cell phones, 2 sided B&W only copying, no Council packets, no OT, more fuel efficient vehicles, lower thermostats, and other sacrifices. Again, I’m at step 0, I have done no research, I have made no contact with employees. This is a raw idea only at this point. Further, this is not inconsistent with what I’ve written previously about Budget matters: http://scheeser..blogspot.com/2010/02/finance-committee-efforts.html
2)Trees are Number 1. I did say this, however you failed to mention it was in the context of investment within in Permanent Improvements. Recall February’s Committee of the Whole meeting was to set the Perm Improvement Budget for 2011. Within Perm Improvement, there are many priorities (General Fund priorities like salaries, uniforms, & gasoline are exceptions). I value trees as #1, worthy of the biggest % increases each year. The aging canopy is a frightening situation as confirmed this Spring by our professional Arborist. Our history (not really an investment choice right now) and Trees make Mariemont distinct and special, and these areas deserve disproportionate investment.
Going forward my plan is to continue to blog (however I will try and preface better & provide more context), to continue to press for efficiencies, to continue to be transparent, to continue to be an honest and forthcoming elected official. I will continue to be a supporter of the Employees. I will continue to collect & publish any and all ideas that may benefit the Village. I will continue to to fight for bigger budgets for Tree planting.
-ideas on budget cutting
-the value I place on trees
Cortney
------------------
Wanted to reply more specifically to your comments last night. Note: I'm copying the same distribution list as last week since your concerns seems to be shared by many. Here are 2 points worth clarifying (I’ll watch the video and will respond back if there are others I’m neglecting): I do not support layoffs. I do support uncomfortable belt tightening. I do support managing headcount via attrition and packages. Within the Perm Improvement budget I believe trees deserve disproportionate investment to correct years of under investment.
1)Shared Services are an example of the “What” we might entertain. I made no mention of the “How” they could be implemented (mainly because it’s just a raw idea at this point- strongly suggested by the Governor). Shared services do not need to involve layoffs. We don’t need layoffs, and I would not support them. If the S.S. Idea was viewed as right for the Village by all of Council and reduced headcount was deemed right (again by all of Council), I would support delivering it via Attrition or Financial Separation Packages. What if we paid 1/3 of a year’s salary to someone to not work for the Village anymore? Long term ROI is fantastic, and it respects the Employee.
However, because I won’t go down a Layoff path, there are financial consequences (savings has to come from somewhere). I think employees would value no layoffs over data plans on cell phones, 2 sided B&W only copying, no Council packets, no OT, more fuel efficient vehicles, lower thermostats, and other sacrifices. Again, I’m at step 0, I have done no research, I have made no contact with employees. This is a raw idea only at this point. Further, this is not inconsistent with what I’ve written previously about Budget matters: http://scheeser..blogspot.com/2010/02/finance-committee-efforts.html
2)Trees are Number 1. I did say this, however you failed to mention it was in the context of investment within in Permanent Improvements. Recall February’s Committee of the Whole meeting was to set the Perm Improvement Budget for 2011. Within Perm Improvement, there are many priorities (General Fund priorities like salaries, uniforms, & gasoline are exceptions). I value trees as #1, worthy of the biggest % increases each year. The aging canopy is a frightening situation as confirmed this Spring by our professional Arborist. Our history (not really an investment choice right now) and Trees make Mariemont distinct and special, and these areas deserve disproportionate investment.
Going forward my plan is to continue to blog (however I will try and preface better & provide more context), to continue to press for efficiencies, to continue to be transparent, to continue to be an honest and forthcoming elected official. I will continue to be a supporter of the Employees. I will continue to collect & publish any and all ideas that may benefit the Village. I will continue to to fight for bigger budgets for Tree planting.
Council meeting 7/25
I attendend Council on 7/25 and here's what I saw:
Marielders funding. We provide approx $60K of the $173 operating budget via a pass through Recreation levy. In terms of stewardhip, when it's gone it's gone, we're not liable for anything financially. ME provides a great service, and I look to them to manage the budget vs Council playing an active role
Trash Fee exceptions. I agree with my the Pub Works Committee's reco to allow for exceptions only for registered condo associations, and only via waiver. This gives council good visibility and authority to police.
Comments directed at me from a recent blog posting. I was pretty severely criticized for my brainstormed list of cost cutting ideas. Without having full history, I think our economic outlook for the next 3 years has NEVER been bleaker. We have deficit spent each of the last 4-5 years (across all accounts). We live in a tax-averse age, moreso than previously. We have a huge school levy (of which I supported) on the books. Expecting Residents to overwhelmingly support a levy is unrealistic, especially before we do the due dilligence to look for opportunities to save. And this is the backdrop for my comments on 7/11.
The Private sector is a fantastic model for how we could operate. Differences exist for sure, but rampant, relentless cost cutting in the Private Sector while maintaining good service is expected and done year after year.
Part of the difficulty in this issue is misconception that something posted here is a done-deal, fully baked. Quite the contrary, it's the 1st step after popping into my head. It's a collection of random ideas that may or may not make sense to investigate. Capturing them is the point. Acting on them is not. In total, I'm proud of my 240+ postings over the past 2 years, and while I'm sorry that I haven't gotten each of them right, they have been honest, candid, and timely. I'm one guy with an opinion (and to be fair, a seat at the table). I would rather have discomfort and angst at step 0 than the alternative: no communication, back door dealings, and a terrible program rammed down throats at the last minute.
I'll do better at context and positioning. As I said, "I'm a work in progress"
Comments directed at me from comments in February about Trees being the #1 issue in the Village. In terms of investment from Permanent Improvements, I believe money can not be better spent.
I will go into additional detail on both of these in a separate posting.
I voted in the affirmative on everything. All were procedural in nature.
Cortney
ICRCTV.COM
Marielders funding. We provide approx $60K of the $173 operating budget via a pass through Recreation levy. In terms of stewardhip, when it's gone it's gone, we're not liable for anything financially. ME provides a great service, and I look to them to manage the budget vs Council playing an active role
Trash Fee exceptions. I agree with my the Pub Works Committee's reco to allow for exceptions only for registered condo associations, and only via waiver. This gives council good visibility and authority to police.
Comments directed at me from a recent blog posting. I was pretty severely criticized for my brainstormed list of cost cutting ideas. Without having full history, I think our economic outlook for the next 3 years has NEVER been bleaker. We have deficit spent each of the last 4-5 years (across all accounts). We live in a tax-averse age, moreso than previously. We have a huge school levy (of which I supported) on the books. Expecting Residents to overwhelmingly support a levy is unrealistic, especially before we do the due dilligence to look for opportunities to save. And this is the backdrop for my comments on 7/11.
The Private sector is a fantastic model for how we could operate. Differences exist for sure, but rampant, relentless cost cutting in the Private Sector while maintaining good service is expected and done year after year.
Part of the difficulty in this issue is misconception that something posted here is a done-deal, fully baked. Quite the contrary, it's the 1st step after popping into my head. It's a collection of random ideas that may or may not make sense to investigate. Capturing them is the point. Acting on them is not. In total, I'm proud of my 240+ postings over the past 2 years, and while I'm sorry that I haven't gotten each of them right, they have been honest, candid, and timely. I'm one guy with an opinion (and to be fair, a seat at the table). I would rather have discomfort and angst at step 0 than the alternative: no communication, back door dealings, and a terrible program rammed down throats at the last minute.
I'll do better at context and positioning. As I said, "I'm a work in progress"
Comments directed at me from comments in February about Trees being the #1 issue in the Village. In terms of investment from Permanent Improvements, I believe money can not be better spent.
I will go into additional detail on both of these in a separate posting.
I voted in the affirmative on everything. All were procedural in nature.
Cortney
ICRCTV.COM
Monday, July 11, 2011
Council, Comm of Whole - 2012 Budget 6/27
I attended Council and Commitee of the Whole on 6/27 and here's what I saw.
Budget (discussed during COW). We will lose 10%-15% of our General Fund revenue starting in 2012 due to Ohio's approved budget. We are in trouble, and we need to revisit decisions like shared services (fire, police, building dpt, administrative, tax). We should look at outourced payroll. We should force all Village employees and officials to make their own copies and type their own docs. We should elminate cell phones for all but Dpt heads, and in those cases, offer no more than texting. We should discontinue car allowances. We should stop answering the phone and take all calls via voice mail. We should consolidate all data and phone plans to 1 vendor. We should cancel many phone charges we incur today. We shoudl standardize our IT platform. We should stop mailing invoives to residents, unless we charge an additional processing fee. We should invest in energy efficient windows in the admin building. We should invest in LED lighting in the street lamps. These last two come from perm improvements, where we're not suffering as badly. We've got to act NOW, and act boldly. Business as usual is officially dead.
Fireworks. Glad to see we'll pay for 100% of fireworks from private donations. A great event, for sure, but we don't have the resources to pay.
Work Hours. I think setting hours each day with no holiday exclusions is reasonable.
Health Care premium increase. I am uncomfortable with the huge increase in premiums vs last year, however we saved significant $$$ last year and this seems to unravel the savings only. Further, there are concessions by employees which is also a help. I am disappointed but still believe Center For Local Gov'ts Pool is the best option.
Public Housing. Again, I think we are missing out on a potentially lucrative financial situation in exchange for cooperating with the County. We have low income residents, let's not kid ourselves (Section 8 is available to ANY qualifying landlord). And this is a good thing! I think decentralized low income residents are a far superior setup vs concentration a la Over the Rhine in the 1970s-2000s. We should consider participation.
Calender of Events. I like Denice's idea very much and think this rigor can reduce our instances of emergency legislation.
I voted in the affirmative on all votes. Of note: approving health care of which i voted yes per the above.
Cortney
ICRCTV.COM
Budget (discussed during COW). We will lose 10%-15% of our General Fund revenue starting in 2012 due to Ohio's approved budget. We are in trouble, and we need to revisit decisions like shared services (fire, police, building dpt, administrative, tax). We should look at outourced payroll. We should force all Village employees and officials to make their own copies and type their own docs. We should elminate cell phones for all but Dpt heads, and in those cases, offer no more than texting. We should discontinue car allowances. We should stop answering the phone and take all calls via voice mail. We should consolidate all data and phone plans to 1 vendor. We should cancel many phone charges we incur today. We shoudl standardize our IT platform. We should stop mailing invoives to residents, unless we charge an additional processing fee. We should invest in energy efficient windows in the admin building. We should invest in LED lighting in the street lamps. These last two come from perm improvements, where we're not suffering as badly. We've got to act NOW, and act boldly. Business as usual is officially dead.
Fireworks. Glad to see we'll pay for 100% of fireworks from private donations. A great event, for sure, but we don't have the resources to pay.
Work Hours. I think setting hours each day with no holiday exclusions is reasonable.
Health Care premium increase. I am uncomfortable with the huge increase in premiums vs last year, however we saved significant $$$ last year and this seems to unravel the savings only. Further, there are concessions by employees which is also a help. I am disappointed but still believe Center For Local Gov'ts Pool is the best option.
Public Housing. Again, I think we are missing out on a potentially lucrative financial situation in exchange for cooperating with the County. We have low income residents, let's not kid ourselves (Section 8 is available to ANY qualifying landlord). And this is a good thing! I think decentralized low income residents are a far superior setup vs concentration a la Over the Rhine in the 1970s-2000s. We should consider participation.
Calender of Events. I like Denice's idea very much and think this rigor can reduce our instances of emergency legislation.
I voted in the affirmative on all votes. Of note: approving health care of which i voted yes per the above.
Cortney
ICRCTV.COM
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