"HEAR MY TRAIN A COMIN' jimi hendrix

Thursdays, Town Hall Meeting had one of the best turnouts in recent memory. Of course the main reason was for the city to explain how this train station property can become an historical district. It also gave the train station people a view of what the group future plans for the station were what they had accomplished and what they would like to accomplish.

Much ground was covered as well as an education into the historical value of this property.

Mr. Art Shamakian brought up the most interesting thought of the night. With people staying overnight at the Manor they ask where and what is there exactly  to see in Painesville? I guess Art hadn't given that much thought to that idea, to busy resurrection a building from the past. Things like the train station attract outside people and money.

If you think about it Painesville presently is in flux. We built five new schools, a new library, but at the same time lost much of our history dating as far back to the 60's. I guess the best way to judge a community is not only how it moves forward but what it believes is important to save from our past. I guess I finally realized all the changes taken place around here in just my short life. The hospital I was born in is gone. The elementary school, junior high as well as the building I went to high school in. The name stayed but the building is gone. Some of the places that were part of my everyday life have vanished. I can understand it being like the circle of life but there are things of value  the are important and represent the culture of our city. Someone once claimed to me that the train depot on Railroad Street was like the Ellis Island of Painesville. How many Painesville families arrived in this city by train? What an opportunity for future generations to walk where ancestors  once walked.

Painesville has had a rich and proud railroad history at one time three major railroads dissected  Painesville The New York Central (CSX) Nickel Plate Road (NS) the location of that  station was on the north side of the tracks on South State street next to D'Abates. As  well as the Baltimore and Ohio that at the time was the Lake Branch running from New Castle Pa. to Fairport Harbor to the coal docks. At the time this was the railroads last bastion for the steam locomotive with the EM-1's the largest steam engines east of the Mississippi calling Painesville home. The present school bus parking lot was where the former freight station and  three stall engine house stood. The line was abandoned  in the 80's and is that Lake Metro Park calls the rails to trails Greenway Corridor that heads south out of Painesville.

visit the Museum website;

www.painesvillerailroadmuseum.org

"PIPELINE' ventures

Some everyday Painesville people have to explain this Keystone XL pipeline debate for me.

First presently we have thousands of miles of pipelines presently running beneath us. So what's the deal with this one?

Tar Sand Oil? From Canada will  travel through the middle of our country to a refinery in Huston, Texas.

The oil is not intended for U.S. consumption but will be sold offshore.

The oil pipeline will travel through  Ogallala (Nebraska) aquifer basically through the center of "America's Breadbasket" if that aquifer is polluted what becomes of our breadbasket?

Little history now. Back in the 70's when the United States proposed the Alaskan pipeline the pipeline would go down through Canadian Provinces to reach the lower 48. Canada opposed this do to   the fear of the possible ecological damage this pipeline would cause Canada. so the pipeline ended at Prudhoe Bay.

Now get a map and look where this oil is coming from. We are told the best reason for the pipeline are temporary jobs. Fine I can agree with that. But Canada doesn't want pipeline jobs? Now the rub at last count there are 18 major refineries in Canada I guess they just don't want to refine this stuff? No the truth be told Canada doesn't want this pipeline going east or west through it's country plain and simple. But with the American form of government you grease a few palms sell the people on the job opportunities and like magic you get a pipeline.

Back in 2006 President George W. Bush signed executive order 13406 limiting the use of eminent domain for public use. How does this pipeline benefit the people of the United States if as far as I can tell it benefits tar sand oil owners in Canada and a refinery owner in Texas.

A question to my Tea Party friends, if a Canadian oil company can take your private property who exactly can't?

God Bless America the best damn government money can buy!

"WISHING AND HOPING" dusty sprinfield

"and planning"

Andy Flock's Town Hall Meeting this Thursday January 29, 2015 at 7:00 PM at Elm Street Elementary School has to guests planned for the meeting New City Planner Lynn White to discuss the train station historical district and City Engineer Leanne Exum to discuss street projects.

Andy also will take questions to bring back to council and the administration on resident questions about the city utility bills. The best
I've been asked is why there is even a Power Cost Adjustment? Why are the two parts of the electric bill separated?

Andy also will explain the $21.00 assessment on your property tax bill for Tier Two County Storm Water Fund.

The surprise in the community of no knowledge of this is pretty much a reflection on the administration as well as this blog. not informing residents on the operation of the city. Or maybe it's just the apathy reflected in this community?

I have given a lot of thought about Mr. Fodor's message of Strategic Planning and as just as a resident who sits out in the audience and has the perfect opportunity to listen and view council as they communicate amongst themselves it become obvious to notice by interruption,  voice tone, facial expressions, as well a body language this isn't a friendly bunch. I believe classes aren't needed just a positive understanding and an attitude to like one another. To one up each other  seems to be the norm. At the last meeting Law Director Gurley made a statement explaining procedure, at the same time councilman DeLeone  also an attorney piped in. In respect to the  councilman your job is to legislate and the law director is doing his job.

Is this Council-President Paul Hachs responsibility? I'm not sure, but it reflects poorly on his leadership ability and it shouldn't.He is as able as anyone, the infighting on council must stop. I dread to think what goes on in an executive session.
At the last executive session it appeared to the public they either didn't agree on what was discussed or who was doing what?

I guess ALL council people should respect and try to be friendly to each other.

"SOLITARY MAN" neil diamond

Another item that arose at Mondays council meeting was that during the meeting councilman Flock asked for an electrical director to give a presentation on how Painesville arrives at our Power Factor (PF) or our Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) now to the city administration's credit as well as the electric department they are more than willing to honor this request. Now comes the rub. For a presentation on anything to be given at least FOUR council members must join together for the request.

Guess what, only councilman Flock who has requested the presentation was alone. With no other council people willing to call for a presentation. This is your city elected official's at work.

Maybe dropping a call or an Email to one of the other six might persuade others to make the request.

I wonder how this request would be viewed under councilman Fodor Strategic Planning? In my view it seems council should learn to walk before they run.

I guess I could understand like not wanting to send formal letters to state officials but why would anyone oppose themselves or the whole community not wanting to understand the process of our utility billing system?

When I asked at the council meeting why an electric fund had grown from $100,000 to over $3,700,000 in six years I received seven blank looks? Odd they voted on the budget and no one noticed or asked?

"PAINESVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 01/20/15

Very interesting and confusing council meeting? It was announced that there would be an executive session before the meeting dealing with the JEDD appointment? Yet when council-president made the announcement of who would represent the city there seemed to be some confusion? Let's just say Rita McMahon is out and council person Katie Jenkins and assistant city manager will represent Painesville on the JEDD board....I think.

Legislation went pretty much as expected, one very interesting Resolution was authorizing Bids for Raw Intake Waterline and Crib Structure. What do you think that will cost? Try $9,000,000.00 plus the city is in the process of securing an interest free loan from the state.  This project includes  a 36 inch pipe under the lake and a new water intake  (crib)  4,500 hundred feet into Lake Erie. Our present crib is 1,500 feet out into the lake and water department  has had problems with it in the past with ice problems as well as a problem with a possible  algae bloom. I guess my only issue with this was how little discussion and time it took for council to spend 9 million dollars.

Lynn White did a presentation on the possibility of the train station and Silvestro's Depot becoming an historic district.  Representative of the train museum gave council a view of what they want for the future of the station. As a side note it was mentioned that a reenactment of Lincolns funeral train will possible stop in Painesville this year as it did in 1865. This sandstone structure is presently the only one of this design left in the country. I believe this structure is worth saving councilman Flock will act as a liaison between the council and representatives of the museum. Mrs. White should be commended on the research she did on this project. 

In the visitors time a city employee/ resident question the reasoning behind how we do street repair   maintenance. Seems to be a issue here, you could cut the tension in the room with a knife. Just my take.

I question the Electric Fund Balances fund 734 as late as 2007 it carried a reserve of $100,000.00 today that fund balance is $3,739,817.21 just questioned the reason why?

Councilman Flock read a letter from a resident in Bowling Green, Ohio about the adverse affect PSEC has on the community. Bowling Green University is even looking into securing a different electric power supplier. Can't wait tell that train reaches the station in Painesville.

Councilman Fodor is high on Strategic Planning can't blame him anyone sitting in on a council meeting can pretty much see seven people heading in seven different directions and with seven different ideas. Sorry Paul I think there looking for your leadership.

Again it appears the Fire Department Truck Tower 2319 is still not in service? Starting to think those farm boys in Boardman Twp. took a few city fire chiefs for a ride?

I viewed a News-Herald reporter in the audience you would think that 9 million dollar water project would have received a mention in todays paper. Out of sight out of mind.

"DOWN BY THE STATION" four preps

Just a reminder,

Monday evening January 19, 2015 between 5:00 to 8:00 PM a pasta fundraiser will be held at the Stadium Grill 8330 Tyler Blvd. Mentor, Ohio for our Painesville Railroad Station.

Also TMC (Turner Classic Movies) at 2:00 PM Monday will have the Painesville hometown movie "One Potato two Potato, so set that  DVR and maybe Tuesday we can discuss what we viewed in the movie. Example many make the mistake that in the opening with the children playing one potato two the scene was filmed at Huntington School. No the scene was shot in Grand River at their elementary school  Merrick Hutchison ( also gone now)

Painesville Council Meeting will be held Tuesday January 20 due to Martin Luther King Day.

Have many of you have already been aware Harvey High Football Team has hired a new head coach  who will replace Mike Tucci. Brian Craemer an assistant under coach Tucci has been handed the reins. God Luck to Coach Craemer and the rest of the Red Raider's this coming season.

Again Thanks to the Ohio State Buckeye Football Team, you made football fun again.

12 gauge, who would have thought?

The Nike tribute said it all.

They called you Lucky

They called you undeserving

They called your conference weak,  and your team untested

They called the other teams a dynasty, The favorite, Unbeatable

They called your ranking disputable and surprising

They called you a fourth seed, if that

They called you underdogs

But now they call you something else

"CHAMPIONS"   

"WALLS COME CRUMBLIN' DOWN" john mellencamp

Sorry but not these walls.

Tuesday evening we had our first POC meeting at Steele Mansion. To say it was an inspiring meeting would be an understatement.

What Art , Carol Shamakian and family have accomplished is truly unbelievable.

As someone who had seen the Mansion inside even before it was purchased by the Shamakians
it well words can't describe.

When Mrs. Shamakian shared her vision with me over four years ago I now realize I wasn't even in the same dream let alone vision.

Little things impress me the most. In a dining room is a walnut table 4'6" by 14' 6" all from the same piece of wood. Can't even imagine the size of that tree.

Sleeping rooms with themes, A railroad room with a stove from an early caboose (wonder how man young people even remember them? Also the room has other railroad paraphernalia.

Let's just say the Mansion is a work in progress, no a work in love rising from the ashes.

Thank-you again for sharing your facility as well as your dream.

POC Meeting

Question whether a private citizen should sit on the JEDD board as a representative Painesville. Most felt that position should be held by a city administrator or an elected city official someone who could be held accountable.

Traffic lights, more than a few claimed presently many traffic signals around town seem to be out of sync. especially Main and State, Chestnut and Mentor Ave. with a host of others. City officials claim there isn't a problem? Probably not they don't live here. We are asking the city managers to look into this further. Along with who's responsibility are the traffic lights?

Looking for Grant money, Corporate sponsor to revitalize the train station. The question came up does Painesville even have a qualified Grant writer?

Yes we are repairing streets but is there a maintenance policy in place for streets, sewers, and water lines? Is there even a maintenance log?

Utility rates, Sewer, water, electricity? Who overseer's this for the resident's. City utilities should never cost more than what an outside vendor private or public would cost us.

Future Painesville Senior Center?

Please join us next month.

"GO BUCKEYES"

Tonight most TV's will be on ESPN to watch the first final National Football Playoff Championship Game.

I guess it wouldn't be a stretch to predict who I'm rooting for in the game between the "Buck's and Duck's" Oregon Ducks and the other team named the Beavers? Go figure.

Reason #1 for wanting the win? It's Ohio State do you need more?

Reason #2 to finally shut-up ESPN commentator Mark May (what is that mans problem?)

Reason #3 A game without the SECond.  No Bama. LSU. Auburn.

Why are you so sure of a victory?

Memory serves me here. A Heisman winner in 2007 (from OSU) Troy Smith, seems to have fallen to a Florida team that just happened to be coached by some gut named Urban Meyers, remember? So throw out this Heisman talk. The team plays the game.

Jerry World the stadium the game will be played in. will be a big distraction to most 19,20, year olds. Coach Meyer's will have addressed this issue better.

Oregon has NEVER beaten an  Ohio State football team (8-0), will this be the edge coach Meyer's will use?

Win or lose always a Buckeye fan.

"DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'" journey

Again?

This Friday morning after retrieving my New-Herald from the snow. My eyes came across another feel good downtown Painesville streetscape story. This time it was a color photo of two young ladies getting a pedicure on Main Street. Now Pedicures,  before Postcards of Painesville and throw some popcorn in for good measure. This will all save Downtown Painesville's future? I like Cathy Bieterman, but how does she manage to keep a straight face? I couldn't.

Let's talk about the five districts of downtown. The EMPTY Harvey district. The EMPTY hospital district.. The EMPTY hotel district. The EMPTY Grand River district. Well that not fair that empty was planned. With the helping hand of Mother Nature. If it wasn't for the Shamakian family we would have another empty spot on Mentor Ave.

The most important district? $1,300,000.00 that was spent there and I'll go out on a limb here .. pure waste .

Those businesses on Main St. have benefited the most over the past from all this streetscape crap.

Still not completed? Landscaping? Don't forget to repair the street curbs taken out by the snow plows this winter. AND one more magical question... who will paint the former Dollar Bank Building? Maybe Grant money?  Maybe General Fund money? Great I got a house you can paint for me. Come over I will cut your fingernails after your done.

Wonder if those young ladies went shoe shopping downtown after there pedicures? Never mind.

The Test.

Find someone who hasn't been around awhile and take them downtown and ask them, "Well what do you think?" Answer,... about what?  Streetscape! Really haven't noticed any change, but the hotel's gone. Hey we're upscale now. Upscale of what?

Then take them to eat at one of Painesville's newest restaurants. They ask why is the garbage dumpster out in front next to the sidewalk? Well someone at City Hall agreed that was the best place for it. Can't wait until a hot summer day when Fasson workers are waiting for the light at Richmond and get a whiff of that aroma! That along with customers first impression and whiff. Ang can we just go to the Depot to eat? O.K. I get your drift... I mean whiff. Maybe all Painesville residents should leave their Waste Management tote at the corner of their front yards next to the sidewalk? We know someone under the "Golden Dome" would approve of the placement .

Pessimist?  Maybe. You might be  right but just once I'd love to pick up the paper and see 100 new jobs coming to Painesville. Now that's a front page story!

"I GOTTA KNOW" elvis presley

Seriously I have to know, so I'm asking you.

The events internationally over the past couple of months has me wondering, are we in a Religious War and we just don't know or realize it?

ISIS indiscriminately killing Christian as well as other sects in Iraq?

The attack on the Canadian Parliament

Taliban killing student in Pakistan, I know they were also Muslims.

Some lone wolf killing people in a coffee shop in Australia.

Now 12 people killed in Paris in the name of Allah?

Least we forget 9/11.

Yet I am constantly told Islam is a peaceful religion? Only about 5% are radicalized? By my math that's a healthy 50 million people that hate us infidels.

At the same time no one  in the Muslim leadership condemns these acts of war.

I guess what I'm asking is it time to start dealing with these attacks as lone wolves, or unconnected cells differently along with the whole religion?

Maybe it's time to mount the horses and let the bugler let them know we are joining the fight?

Look please don't try to get me to believe this is about a cartoon, 100's of million Muslim believe what took place in France yesterday was a just response?

Am I a minority with this belief and just looking in  the wrong direction?

Please chime in.

JE SUIS CHARLIE

"WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN" carpenters

Some interesting news to share with you.

The January Painesville Oversight Committee meeting will be held January 13, 2015 at 6:30 PM at

Steele Mansion. I want to personally thank Carol and Art Shamakian for inviting us there for our meeting.

If you are interested in attending. The POC looks forward to seeing you there.


*************************************************************************************

Also of interest.

The Painesville Railroad Museum will be holding a Pasta Dinner Fundraiser Monday January 19, 2015 . from 5:00 to 8:00 PM

The event will take place at ;

Stadium Grill
8330 Tyler Blvd.
Mentor, Ohio 44060

Contact Lenny Kessler at (440) 478-6661

Email prrm@att.net

This wil give us all an opportunity as to what goal's the Museum has for the Painesville Station.

PAINESVILLE COUNCIL MEETING 01/05/15

Well it went off as planned. but first let's talk about the Executive Session. The reason given in the city's agenda  it was for JEDD appointment. I guess we don't have to be a genius to  figure who that appointment that was about, do we? Well Painesville's representative on the JEDD should be a presently employed city administrator, or one of our elected representatives.  Not someone who retired, please just retire. I don't know if a person was put into that position, But everyone in the meeting should be reminded of the present Waste Management contract O.K.

Well we re-borrowed that 2.8 million dollar note (loan)

It was decided that our sanitary sewer rates will go up 3% yearly for the next 10 years and every year council will decide if they need or don't need a raise the following year.. Average increase for all Painesville residents will be $.53 a month most will have a sewer charge of $18.13 Councilmen DeLeone, Fodor, Flock and Hach voted for the increase.  Fitzgerald, Jenkins and DiNallo voted No. Fine... But no reason was given by any of the three for their No vote? I don't think they were against an increase rather they seemed to like the 5% 5% 5% 5% and 4%  increase with no increases in the last five years. Or another formula was 0%, 8%,7%, 7%. 6.5%. with no increases in the last four years. I quit questioning the logic for some votes taken on council.

I figure if you give them the money out front by the seventh year they will need more money. This voted on formula keeps councils finger on the purse strings.

Mr. Fodor brought up strategic planning for council? I already thought we had a plan?

"SONG OF THE SEWER" art carney

Well Monday night opens another year for our Painesville City Council.

Just a few items on board but one important one.

We will have an issuance of $2,880,000 in notes (loans) we seem to do this every year. I view it as paying off your MASTERCHARGE account by using your VISA account and switching back and forth every year.

We will honor local residents Tom and Libby Hill as citizens of the year for their dedication to Painesville.

Business of the Year will be OUR PET"S located in Fairport Harbor

Non-profit of the year Lake County Kidney Foundation.

Congratulations to all.

Also a discussion on "Strategic Planning" will be brought up in new business.

So what's with the Sewers?

Well we are going to decide if to raise our Sewer rates how and by how much.

I have included Lake County sewer rates as to give you the opportunity to compare your present rates to our new rate structure.

The main difference is that the county rates are one set amount  for residents in a month (Quarter) whereas the city is based on water consumption. Is it just my imagination when the city does it one way everyone else does it another? Like you can't compare apples to oranges.
When the city raised funds for water department infrastructure  we used a flat $8.00 across the board increase. Sewer rates we are going back to percentages. Something to ask why.

Now back to apples and oranges.

Lake County sewer rates are invoiced four times a year $73.92 per quarter. $295.68 a year.

which comes to  $18.48 a month.

Now Painesville's figure let's say floats (no pun) due to the number of days and the amount of water used during a billing cycle. Some bills represent 28 days of service and some 32 days.

Now the only way I can figure that you can figure out your billing amount is take $.83 times the number of days in  your bills cycle. .83X30= 24.90

When you use Painesville's system the water you use to water your lawn, flowers or wash your car contributes to increase in your sanitary sewer bill. What if you fill a pool? It should be mentioned that if you live alone and use very little water your bill could be smaller although I believe there is a minimum amount.

This is not to say we don't need to raise our sanitary sewer rates but to find out if Painesville three utility companies are still the best value for our money.

These are questions that council members should have been asking during the first two readings of this ordinance. Will they just go through the motions and vote yes?

After the latest fiasco with Waste Management contract it's time council does  it's job.

"TEACHER TEACHER" 38 special

 Sorry late night last night.

Let's say grandchildren happy I chose OSU gear instead of Browns stuff for Christmas.

As most of you I have been an advocate for our Painesville teachers.

Tuesday December 30, 2014 they threw me a curve as this packet came in the mail.
with this attached note.

Dear Parents,

The third grade students will be traveling down a new path when we get back from winter break. Both classes will begin multiplication in January!

The children are very excited. However, to ensure that we start with prepared children, we are asking that you practice at home over break.

Begin on the first page of the packet and continue through till the end. It gets progressively harder, but any progress you make will make fluency in multiplication that much easier for your child.

Again we are asking that you practice multiplication facts with your child nightly --20 minutes or so-- for the duration of break. Any help that you can give us, AND your child, will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again,

Third Grade Teachers

No problem but why didn't you send this packet home on the last day before Christmas, sorry I meant Winter Break? I don't believe your intention was this packet to arrive at the students home on December 30th?

I will do my best to help my granddaughter with this assignment. But I do wonder if you want me to teach her the way I was taught?

A memorized graph and flash card up to 12x12?  Carry numbers over? since you give me little explanation on the present "new math" could I be doing more harm than good? 

I'm all in for packets but could I or someone else do more to confuse than help?

Found flashcards at Target in their dollar bins, if interested.