I'm really pleased about last nights Vote of Support for Mariemont City Schools. I made a motion that said Village and Schools are inextricably linked, so it's appropriate to take on this topic. I made a motion and on the vote, it was 5-0 in the affirmative.
I think it's a great show of confidence for our great schools.
Cortney
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
MPF meeting to discuss my "Vision"
I met with MPF Leaders yesterday to share my vision for the Village. We talked about a lot, but here are some of my themes
Vision: We are the premier example of a Planned Community/New Urbanism in the US. Within this:
-Sustainability-aware of our environnmental impact and working to reduce it
-Health and Well Being-encourage and celebrate pedestrians and cyclists
-Architecture/History-celebrate and protect our unique journey through today
We also talked about the Historic District. I would say the District today is no longer an asset, rather a neutral. No question there are beautiful homes and streets. But in total, we are at a crossroads. Over the next 4 years, it will become a negative without aggressive corrective action. The MPF folks I met with mentioned a non profit 3CDC type development group that could buy, improve and sell properties. Without profit (or even break even) requirements, the tough decisions aren't quite as tough. For example, take a 6 family and make it a 4 family with modern amenities and more room, allowing for higher rents. Then sell it. Use proceeds to buy another! Council could use a portion of the Perm Improvement Fund to invest in this group. Further, Council could focus disprportionate investment in beautification.
I look fwd to MPF's Vision Plan and hope to use it as a roadmap for Council.
Cortney
Vision: We are the premier example of a Planned Community/New Urbanism in the US. Within this:
-Sustainability-aware of our environnmental impact and working to reduce it
-Health and Well Being-encourage and celebrate pedestrians and cyclists
-Architecture/History-celebrate and protect our unique journey through today
We also talked about the Historic District. I would say the District today is no longer an asset, rather a neutral. No question there are beautiful homes and streets. But in total, we are at a crossroads. Over the next 4 years, it will become a negative without aggressive corrective action. The MPF folks I met with mentioned a non profit 3CDC type development group that could buy, improve and sell properties. Without profit (or even break even) requirements, the tough decisions aren't quite as tough. For example, take a 6 family and make it a 4 family with modern amenities and more room, allowing for higher rents. Then sell it. Use proceeds to buy another! Council could use a portion of the Perm Improvement Fund to invest in this group. Further, Council could focus disprportionate investment in beautification.
I look fwd to MPF's Vision Plan and hope to use it as a roadmap for Council.
Cortney
Tree research
With the great loss of many of our huge Ash trees this week, we need to aggressively begin replanting. And not just a 1:1 for those lost. This is a time to review what we do vs what is sufficient to continue to provide our great tree canopy. For instance, we are Tree City, but we are NOT Sterling level Tree City. We ought to be a national model for tree planting. Only Cincinnati and Montgomery are at this level.
http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/sterling.cfm
I've reached out to a couple folks in the community to learn more about previous work done (Nolen's original work, early 1950's plan). I'll be bringing up this important topic during Committee.
Cortney
http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/sterling.cfm
I've reached out to a couple folks in the community to learn more about previous work done (Nolen's original work, early 1950's plan). I'll be bringing up this important topic during Committee.
Cortney
Monday, March 29, 2010
working on resolution of support for School Levy
I have a resolution I'd like voted on by Council. Draft below. This issue is vital to the Village. The Schools really help define the Village. They are in need of a major upgrade, and while I don't like additional taxes, it's critical we support the Schools.
Procedurally, I'm being told the Mayor requests this go through Committee of the Whole first. I'm not sure about proper procedure, so I've reached out to Dennis W to get scheduled. Obviously time is of the essence, so I hope to get the prework done asap. Goal is a vote before election day.
Cortney
-------------------------
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE MARIEMONT CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMBINED BOND ISSUE AND OPERATING LEVY ON THE
MAY 2010 BALLOT AND TO DECLARE EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, Mariemont Schools have consistently ranked among the best schools in the State of Ohio; and
WHEREAS, our award-winning schools are one of the main reasons our property values remain among the highest in Hamilton County; and
WHEREAS, it is a combination of those strong property values and our highly rated schools that the Village of Mariemont has been named as one of the top communities in State and in our Nation; and
WHEREAS, the Mariemont City School District needs the additional funds from the Bond Issue and the Operating Levy to continue to provide our children with excellent education in facilities that provide an environment that encourages learning and offers the tools our schools and our students need to continue to succeed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL
OF THE VILLAGE OF MARIEMONT, HAMILTON COUNTY,
OHIO, TWO-THIRDS OF THE MEMBERS ELECTED
THERETO CONCURRING:
SECTION I. This Council hereby supports the Mariemont City School District combined Bond Issue and Operating Levy and encourages residents in the Village of Mariemont to do the same.
SECTION II. That this Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare of the Village. The reason for the emergency is to make our support known prior to the May ballot.
Procedurally, I'm being told the Mayor requests this go through Committee of the Whole first. I'm not sure about proper procedure, so I've reached out to Dennis W to get scheduled. Obviously time is of the essence, so I hope to get the prework done asap. Goal is a vote before election day.
Cortney
-------------------------
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE MARIEMONT CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMBINED BOND ISSUE AND OPERATING LEVY ON THE
MAY 2010 BALLOT AND TO DECLARE EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, Mariemont Schools have consistently ranked among the best schools in the State of Ohio; and
WHEREAS, our award-winning schools are one of the main reasons our property values remain among the highest in Hamilton County; and
WHEREAS, it is a combination of those strong property values and our highly rated schools that the Village of Mariemont has been named as one of the top communities in State and in our Nation; and
WHEREAS, the Mariemont City School District needs the additional funds from the Bond Issue and the Operating Levy to continue to provide our children with excellent education in facilities that provide an environment that encourages learning and offers the tools our schools and our students need to continue to succeed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL
OF THE VILLAGE OF MARIEMONT, HAMILTON COUNTY,
OHIO, TWO-THIRDS OF THE MEMBERS ELECTED
THERETO CONCURRING:
SECTION I. This Council hereby supports the Mariemont City School District combined Bond Issue and Operating Levy and encourages residents in the Village of Mariemont to do the same.
SECTION II. That this Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare of the Village. The reason for the emergency is to make our support known prior to the May ballot.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Council Meeting recap 3/22
I attended Council on Monday 3/22. Many topics discussed and lots of healthy back and forth.
Turn Signal at Library. I pointed out that our light request was rejected. We need a light, as I believe strongly that a turn lane only is MORE dangerous that today (staring at an opposing car blocks line of sight). We should complete an audit of who WOULD turn there vs who actually turns there to show the State of real need. I'll send a note to MHS Principal to get his ideas on how to fairly measure.
Mowing. I made two procedural mistakes, and I'm sorry about this. I signed the Committee Report, even though I was opposed. I should have gotten additional verbage saying I was on record as a "no" and then signed that. 2nd: I incorrectly voted for the acceptance of Committee Report. When I changed my vote to No, a majority then oppposed, sending it back to Committee.
Tree Program. This item was removed from the Committee Reports section of the Agenda, however I've gotten feedback from a Citizen saying there is more work to do. More to come on this.
Cortney
Turn Signal at Library. I pointed out that our light request was rejected. We need a light, as I believe strongly that a turn lane only is MORE dangerous that today (staring at an opposing car blocks line of sight). We should complete an audit of who WOULD turn there vs who actually turns there to show the State of real need. I'll send a note to MHS Principal to get his ideas on how to fairly measure.
Mowing. I made two procedural mistakes, and I'm sorry about this. I signed the Committee Report, even though I was opposed. I should have gotten additional verbage saying I was on record as a "no" and then signed that. 2nd: I incorrectly voted for the acceptance of Committee Report. When I changed my vote to No, a majority then oppposed, sending it back to Committee.
Tree Program. This item was removed from the Committee Reports section of the Agenda, however I've gotten feedback from a Citizen saying there is more work to do. More to come on this.
Cortney
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Pub works committee mtg 3/25
I attended the pubic works mtg thurs to re-discuss mowing.
As prework, I talked to grass cor's madeira schools account. Grass cor met expectations. I also spoke w steve v. Of lawnscapers. This too was a productive conversation. I was especially interested in his cost savings opptys like tot lot mulch and delaying ash removal. He shared delaying irrigating til june during the meeting. I will followup on all w john s.
I again supported grass cor because of lowest cost (cheapest) and john s endorsement (best). There is risk in this - gc is an unknown. But I will lean fwd to save 8 percent.
I was surprised by the vote - 3-0 for gc. It will now go back to council for ratification. If it doesn't both companies offered to mow until ratification for their per cut cost.
Oustanding to dos: tips for next contract (earlier, split,etc), and confirming option b is our choice (per cut).
As an aside, this was a hard decision. Upsetting
The apple cart is stressful, but I beleve we made the lowest and best choice.
Cortney
Cortney Scheeser
Senior Analyst, Global Home Care & PGP
Phone: 513-983-0463
Mobile: 479-221-1752
Email, IM: scheeser.cm@pg.com
Please consider the Environment before printing this email
As prework, I talked to grass cor's madeira schools account. Grass cor met expectations. I also spoke w steve v. Of lawnscapers. This too was a productive conversation. I was especially interested in his cost savings opptys like tot lot mulch and delaying ash removal. He shared delaying irrigating til june during the meeting. I will followup on all w john s.
I again supported grass cor because of lowest cost (cheapest) and john s endorsement (best). There is risk in this - gc is an unknown. But I will lean fwd to save 8 percent.
I was surprised by the vote - 3-0 for gc. It will now go back to council for ratification. If it doesn't both companies offered to mow until ratification for their per cut cost.
Oustanding to dos: tips for next contract (earlier, split,etc), and confirming option b is our choice (per cut).
As an aside, this was a hard decision. Upsetting
The apple cart is stressful, but I beleve we made the lowest and best choice.
Cortney
Cortney Scheeser
Senior Analyst, Global Home Care & PGP
Phone: 513-983-0463
Mobile: 479-221-1752
Email, IM: scheeser.cm@pg.com
Please consider the Environment before printing this email
Friday, March 26, 2010
Mowing Bids learning - for next time (2012)
I've learned a lot during this process (outsourced grass cutting). Our contract and the process have room for improvement, and we can execute differently next time. Here are some thoughts.
Dennis W. shared with me his ideas, and they cover very nicely.
-------------------------------------------
1 Begin bidding process during the first week of January
2 Examine the possible benefits of a split contract
3 Have the maintenance superintendent prepare a performance report on existing contractor that would include:
overview of performance
problems and resolutions
extra work performed
suggestions for improvement
4 Put in place a six-month probationary period starting at the beginning of the grass cutting season
5 Have the maintenance superintendent prepare a pre-qualification report on all grass cutting bidders that would include:
brief company history
names of principals
references
background check by Mariemont Police Chief
brief summary of facilities and equipment
litigation history
quality assurance procedure
documentation of employees
-------------------------------------------
Next steps:
-Have Sue and John compile feedback throughout the season. Data is the key for renewal after year 1 and in year 2. Start 4/1/2010
-Have John recommend a map spelling out where a split contact could best happen (probably 2 areas). Reco by late 2011.
-Committee to recreated contract based on agreed to enhancements. Meet late 2011.
Cortney
Dennis W. shared with me his ideas, and they cover very nicely.
-------------------------------------------
1 Begin bidding process during the first week of January
2 Examine the possible benefits of a split contract
3 Have the maintenance superintendent prepare a performance report on existing contractor that would include:
overview of performance
problems and resolutions
extra work performed
suggestions for improvement
4 Put in place a six-month probationary period starting at the beginning of the grass cutting season
5 Have the maintenance superintendent prepare a pre-qualification report on all grass cutting bidders that would include:
brief company history
names of principals
references
background check by Mariemont Police Chief
brief summary of facilities and equipment
litigation history
quality assurance procedure
documentation of employees
-------------------------------------------
Next steps:
-Have Sue and John compile feedback throughout the season. Data is the key for renewal after year 1 and in year 2. Start 4/1/2010
-Have John recommend a map spelling out where a split contact could best happen (probably 2 areas). Reco by late 2011.
-Committee to recreated contract based on agreed to enhancements. Meet late 2011.
Cortney
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