"WHAT MAKES A GOOD MAN?" heavy's

Last Sunday the Reverend Jerry Kalb gave his last sermon at Painesville Methodist Church on the square. The Kalb family came to Painesville in 1989 and have no idea what a lasting impression they have left on this community.

Speaking out loud Sunday he questioned if today was Christmas ?  He possesses and great sense of humor along with many other things.

Reverend Kalb has been there for everyone, his church was the most welcoming I have ever known. My daughter was a member until moving away a few years ago. She even came back for his last sermon Sunday.

Reverend Kalb also donated his time also to the Painesville School Board.

As a practicing Catholic I could not believe how warm and welcoming his church was. I enjoyed the children's minute when the little ones spoke with him. His sermons were to the point.

A lasting impression of his congregation was when Reverend Kalb Baptist my Grandson Austin. The following weeks many in the congregation  came to check on him at services. Never asking "how's the baby" but "how's Austin this week?"

Yes the Reverend and his family have been a fixture around Painesville for quite some time. I even remember my father telling be what fine young men his sons were in football.

I am hoping he will still be around town . His wisdom makes him invaluable.

"MONEY FOR NOTHING" dire straits

I give our Painesville leadership kudos when it comes to running and generating revenue for our city nothing beats our electrical company. Someone must have been taken notes at those AMP-OHIO meeting?

A resident explained another new money stream for our beloved city.  Seems this resident wanted power turned on to a property they owned when the city's electric showed up to reconnect the power they found a meter that was broken . Rusted, old but not damaged by the property owner. So the power was not restored. The owner was told the city would provide the parts to be replaced, but the homeowner had to hire a licensed contractor, who need a permit to repair the meter and then they would come out to inspect the work? Now the power company owns the wires owns the pole as well as the meters and yet YOU are responsible for the meter? This is not the way First Energy operates they don't want outside contractor screwing around with their meters.

I have always been told if its on the outside of your house it was the power companies responsibility.

What responsibility would I have to the meter/ I understand if by neglect I damaged it I would be responsible but normal wear and tear?

Maybe someone could chime in and offer a reasonable explanation?


Oh, when one door OPENS another one CLOSES?

Seems accorded to Fridays Headline in the News- Herald 06/25/15  our County Auditor  Edward Zupanic doesn't want to be in the rubbish  collection fee business.

According to the Ohio Attorney Generals office, The Auditor does not have express power to certify.

Somehow all along I believed this practice was outside normal law. Well Council now you must find another way to get Waste MisManagement to hand over $48,000 to your coffers.

RUMORS

A Dollar Tree Store is planning to move into the old CVS building at E. Washington and S. St. Clair St.

N. State St. between E. Erie (RT20) and Chester St. will be resurfaced this summer.

"THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN" the band

 Sorry Joan only covered the song.

Lately with the tragedy in Charleston , South Carolina much has been made of the battle flag of the Confederate States. So many of us see it as a time in American history of our biggest original sin. Slavery. I guess *I for one can't get past reading the Bill of Right without wondering , I guess these Negros weren't considered  humans by many of our founding fathers?

Some in the south claim the flag is part of their heritage? Well their right. It was also a part of the Negros heritage as well and that said it belongs in a museum not on Federal, State or Local government property.

The Civil War was called the  war to free slaves.
Other's correct us and tell us No, it was a war over state's rights? Yes I guess you could call it that the 13 states of the Confederacy wanted to keep slavery and opposed states that didn't.
Lately I've even heard it as the war against northern aggression?

Most southerners I have come into contact with appear the most Patriotic Americans around. They honor and respect Old Glory. It's time that the south moves from the 19th century to the 21st century. Even as late as the Spanish-American War or leaders in Washington didn't know how Union troops  moving south would be treated.

I believe we should respect Black Americans views that the Stars and Bars reflects a terrible time in the lives of most of their ancestors. In the same way a Jewish person might view a flag with a swastika on it.

Times ,hearts and minds change. When I was in high school the Willoughby South High School had a mascot in a gray uniform waving a confederate flag. (Yes I know it was a long time ago. A time when beavers were well just beavers.)

I have no objection to a property owner flying the flag on their personal property or automobile, it is a free country. Only the it is no longer be sanctioned by any government entity. Its passed time when we a truly one United States.

Please agree or disagree let us know what you think.

"ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL" pink floyd

More good news from the people that brought us Prairie State Energy Campus. Those wonderful people at Peabody Energy.

Peabody Energy posted a $787 million dollar loss in 2014. This along with their stock price closing at $2.62 Friday not a very healthy financial picture is it?

Well how would all this come to the steps of the good people of Painesville?

It seems according to Reuters News Agency it reveals America's largest coal company, Peabody Energy, doesn't have sufficient funds or insurance to clean up and reclaim its own mines.

If federal coal regulators don't act. Painesville as well as other Prairie State participants could be on the hook for the Lively Grove Mine clean up. Remember that "Take or Pay" contract.

Do you understand now why Peabody diversified itself of 95% of Prairie State?

Now in the past when the coal companies were prosperous Peabody qualified for a policy of "self-bonding" in which coal companies are allowed to forgo private clean up insurance if they possess sufficient financial resources.

Well they don't, but they believe they should still qualify for the program.

Wonder if Peabody has to buy insurance what that will add to our electric costs?

As I have mentioned before. The gift that just keeps on giving!

"LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCA" ricky martin

Well the CAVS season came to a close last night. We had a pretty good run and without a doubt Cleveland has the best basketball player on the planet. That said now the what "IFS". What if Love and Irving had stayed healthy? What if the CAVS had made that last second shot in the first game of the Finals?

I was told being a Cleveland sports fan is like eating soup with a fork. You get a taste but never get to finish the bowl.

I guess the proudest thing about Cleveland fans are they don't stop believing.'

"BUILD ME UP BABY" temptations

"Another Night of Monday Night Council Meeting" Andy only 10 left!

Well it was an normal council meeting  One Ordinance dealt with Compensation over union contracts and the rest were left on 1st or 2nd reading? Plus those five tabled legislations. Maybe Councilman DeLeone will get the answers to his questions as a Christmas present?

Now on Ordinance 3,4,5, All dealt with changing R1 frontage and lot size to be the same as R2 (multi-family) which for some unexplained reason is a smaller frontage and lot size then R1. No one expressed the reason for the change but my best guess is that there was fear the owner of the property  Windmill Estates would build multi-family housing. So the  Planning Commission in all their wisdom decides to change what a R1 designation just happens to be? Not only for Windmill Estates but for all of Painesville. When Painesville annexed the land the property was designated as R2 so... Instead of changing what is a R1 why not designate that area east of Heisley Park as R1? Haven't we learned anything? Anyone who might knows what's going on please chime in.

I don't believe the builder has any intention of building multi-family but only wanting to stuff as many homes into an area as they possibly can. I figure about 22% more housing and with that I wonder if they also will build as close to the CSX tracks as the developer at Heisley Park? (Hey Mr. Congressman what can we do with these choo-choo's?) Build me up baby! just to let me down, and throw in a row boat! Just think with the Planning Commissions ruling All homes in Windmill Estates could come standard with life preservers?

Now I only have one question if we all remember that property many years ago was part of the Mentor Marsh and those homes will be built on what was a lake. With gas brine  wells as well as gas storage on the property in the past. The question if you build those densely crowed homes where will the surface water go? Heisley Creek? Blackbrook Creek? Sump pumps running 24/7? How will this development affect Heisley Park residents. Mentor as well as Painesville Township residents as well?

Maybe it's time our council as well as the administration tells developers, builders what they can and can't do in Painesville , they do it to us all the time.  That includes not being able to change city ordinances and codes? Would it kill you to pretend you were Mentor or Concord for just a short time?

IN OTHER NEWS! Mr. McHugh from the electric department explained how with peak shaving and the plant being on 24 hour standby Painesville will enrich itself maybe 3.2 million dollars! Wow! but in your excitement don't expect your share of the 3.2 million in the form of a check in the mail.... It's all just on paper. adjustments and the sorts you know.

So my thinking is we keep staff at the plant to run the plant for two weeks a year and maybe firing it up for six hours usage maybe a few times a summer. More on the environmental impact of our electric plant coming soon. Ever wonder what the price of the clean-up on the site will cost?

"GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD" elton john

So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics
To set you on your feet again.

It was a cold March night when Andy invited me over to his house to watch March Madness.
As we settled down his wife Marge entered the room and sat down. Andy looked at me and told me under no circumstances would he seek another election as Ward I councilman. See we had this conversation almost four years ago and I was able to talk him out of his decision four years ago. But it was explained to me no way this time.

Andy has served as a city councilman for twenty years and he feels that's more then enough. Andy might never have been the most  efficient councilperson but he was the most honest. Never did he use his position as a stepping stone or personal gains. His only purpose was the welfare of the residents of Painesville. In his ward or another. Never wanting a higher government position he was more than happy to serve the people of Painesville.

I believe two things had the most reason for his decision; Streetscape, as well as the rest of council not wanting or willing to get to the bottom of AMP-OHIO electric deals. He knew in his heart spending 1.3 million on the downtown project was a waste of money and that  in those electric deals were so  far from estimates it was to the point of fraud. That he seemed the only one who cared.

Andy never said as much but he was working with a very dysfunctional council and at the same time believing in the new city manager.

As we sat I asked him if there was a project he believed he could accomplish between now and the end of the year? Yes, as being in Ward I his goal was to make the Railroad Station an Historical area.
Seems that has happened and many new people are getting involved. Also he was ready for a fight after watching the blowback that happened with Steele Mansion.

So for sure we will have a new councilperson in Ward I next year I have already been supportive of Renee Aston. I hope you take the time to listen to her vision and thoughts of Painesville.

Again Andy thanks for you honesty and service you will be missed. Enjoy your family and everything in life.

"SIGNED,SEALED AND DELIVERIED" steve wonder

Here is the Letter Sent by Painesville City.


NOTICE OF CODE VIOLATION

5/12/2015


Karen D. Lawson
402 Bank St.
Painesville, OH 44077

Location of Violation:    15B0080000300
                                        402 Bank St.
                                        Painesville, Ohio

Regular/Certified Mall:

Dear Sir/Madam:

The City has received a complaint of rank vegetation on the property at the above-noted address, owned by you. Subsequent inspection by a City official revealed that this property is n violation of the 1983 City of Painesville Code, Section 917.021 (1) which does not permit high grass/weeds to grow on... "All land within seventy-five feet of any public Right-of-Way " (streets/sidewalk), or of another residential property."

The City extends the title holder seven (7) days within which to cut the over growth and trim around all trees,fences, sidewalks, and any structures on the property to bring the property into compliance with Code.

Should you fail to accomplish the required mowing/cutting within seven (7) days. Section917.04 allows the City to mow/remove the excess vegetation at your expense and bill you for this work, plus $75.00  for re-inspection and any other associated costs incurred by the contractor performing the work on the City's behalf. If the invoice for service is not paid within 30 days of same, the entire amount will be certified to the Lake County Auditor for placement on the relative property tax duplicate, including a 3% processing fee assessed by the Auditor.

Code Section 917.04also states "..One notification per calendar year will be deemed notice for all subsequent violations during the same calendar year..." This is the only notice of  this violation that will served during Y2015. If the property is again found to be not in compliance with Section 917.02, the City will take action per Section 917.04 to have the property brought into compliance, the cost for which the titleholder will be held responsible.

Sincerely,

Michael Dobrzeniecki, Housing Inspector
Community Development Department


Here is the Letter sent to the City by Judge Karen D. Lawson.

Judge  Karen Lawson
402 Bank Street
Painesville, Ohio 44077

May 15, 2015

Mr. Dobrzeniecki,

I am in receipt of your letter dated May 12, 2015. Perhaps you have the wrong  address. I have a service that cuts my grass each and every week. My grass was cut May 5, 2015 and again on May 12,2015. Rank vegetation could not have grown in one week. Maybe the city should wait 7 days before writing such an offensive letter. I have lived at the same address for the past 28 years. I have maintained my home perfectly. I have made many improvements. I have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars in maintenance and improvements. The city should be so lucky to have homeowners as myself. I am extremely offended by your letter. There are  many, many, houses in our city that need attention. Perhaps my tax dollars for your  time should be spent taking care of those dwellings. Since I am not and was not  in violation of the code, I do not and will not accept your statement, " This is the only notice of this violation that will be served during Y2015. If the property is again found to be not in  compliance with to be in compliance with Section 917.02, the City will take action ..."

My property has never had "rank" vegetation. Pursuant to the Ohio public records law. I  am hereby making demand, in writing, to know who made a complaint to the City. I also demand an apology. Finally, I cannot wait until my house sells so I can move to a city where the residents are treated with dignity. Perhaps the taxpayers of the City of Painesville would be better served if we took your salary and paved a road.

Karen Lawson

This letter was sent to the city manager, law director and all seven council people.

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

Let me understand this now council spent 40 minutes in discussion of this?  First off the resident should have stopped at the first paragraph, From that point forward I viewed it as "unprofessional and offensive"

Now the City's letter I did not find offensive, it was stating facts and if you sweeten it out people might not take it serious.
In finishing I hope the resident sells her home, finds a place where she is treated with more dignity and Mr. Dobrzeniecki keeps  doing his job.

All this to do over this? Look if I can overlook Judge Lawson's statement we can also look over Councilman Flocks. These are both good people and are so much better then what is here.

"MANIC MONDAY" bangles

"What is it about Monday's around this town?"

Attended the Painesville School Board Meeting last night at Harvey. First of all to ask a question about last months meeting and guess what I heard about?

Let's say Judge Karen Lawson seems to be having a "situation" between the city administration and now the city school administration.  This time I'm 100% behind her.

On May 27, 2015 the school Superintendent sent a letter to the judge that as of May 28, 2015 the Painesville City School District will no longer have teachers at the Juvenile Detention Center.

"Now the Rub"

The way the Painesville School Board found out about this decision was from a letter sent to them by way of Judge Lawson? There was no discussion between the school board and the administration on the change. No negotiations between the administration and the Juvenile Court system . As well as the County.

As one member of the board mentioned this action was "unprofessional" and I agreed. The administration broke no laws or contracts only that Painesville City Schools have had a non-contract agreement for over thirty years.

I am sure this was done for economical reasons and I understand that. Other school districts are to compensate Painesville Schools for the education of outside students.

This whole situation reminds me of Lebron James leaving Cleveland five years ago. Understood why he left, just not  the way that it was done.

In picking a new superintendent a few years ago people expressed their desire for more not less transparency, seems the last few months have proved we have received less.

The school board should explain that when decisions like this are made they should be informed by the administration not from a letter or a news release.

My questioned I asked was why does the administration need a position of curriculum advisor for teachers? All along I thought that was a Principal? How much overlapping of responsibility do we presently have in our administration. I guess my thinking is this position worth the price of two frontline teachers, as well as most having Master Degrees need an advisor?

Getting the school grades and image job #1. Not creating another position on Jefferson St.

Oh, and congratulations to Harvey's Tennis Team  17-5.

"Coming Soon the infamous Letter"

"COME MONDAY" jimmy buffit

All in all I'd say Painesville had a pretty good week. Some expected things as well as some unexpected.

I will get to Monday later, let's start with Tuesday. The Open House at Steele Manson  what can you say? It's like a Phoenix rising in the middle of our town.

General Paine is back on his perch where he should be.

First Friday appears to have been a success, along with a wonderful car show. Thanks to the people that make it all possible.

The Lincoln Funeral Train, seemed pretty organized to me and I believe will  it exceeded my 2,500 estimate by a lot.

Saturday also included Painesville AMVETS a remembrance of D-Day along with a Wall that included all Ohioans who died in Viet Nam. Who we all should be proud of those veterans. They did what they were ordered to do.

A little something this week for everybody.

Drove past the electricity plant and what do by ears hear?  The cooling towers. Seems we will be producing power for the next two weeks.

And finally I never realized how happy I could be driving down E. Erie St. sure it's a work in progress but wow what an improvement!

Now Monday seems to have been the down day, all over a stupid letter from a resident. Councilman Flock seems to be the target of ire for many of you? Although I wish we could all see the letter certain people I believe don't want us to see it. When I asked councilman Flock if he was mentioned in the letter his response was NO. Thinking back now I remember him saying he didn't like people being threatened? So who was threatened? The city manager, law director, department head or any employee and by who and why? As a resident of the city I believe we should know the answer to this question as well if it was true, or did councilman Flock misunderstand the letter?
Thanks again to councilwoman Lori DiNallo  for another mystery.

"BEAUTIFUL" christina aguilera

"Well by the sheer number of cars yesterday Steele Mansions grand Opening was a success"

Well this post for the most part is yours, what did you think?

A few years ago when Carol and Art Shamakian and Family hatched this plan of a  "Golden Egg"
of a restoration of the Steele Mansion there were many skeptics. If you viewed the mansion at the time of their purchase you might understand why.

They have done a magnificent job on this project of love.

Now you tell us what you think?

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

Lincoln Funeral Train is presently at the Painesville Station

"GREEN GREEN GRASS OF HOME" elvis presley

"Painesville the city of high grass and fake red brick sidewalks"

Quickly lets get to the Monday  Night Meeting.

First council had a proclamation for Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

We also recognized Officer Thompson and Officer Tycast for saving a residents life using CPR.

Legislation 1.2.3. left on first reading all having to do with the R2 to R1 frontage.

Resolution Adopting the Tax Budget for 2016. Passed.

Tony Torre questioned the high grass around city as well as First Energy property.

Mr. Shamakian invited Painesville residents to the open house tomorrow.

The Vice-President of the Railroad Museum made a quick presentation. I asked him after the meeting what size crowd they were expecting . Answer 3,500 to 5,000 plus for the two day event.

I questioned why the contractor ordinance were tabled and why? Councilman DeLeone answered he asked for some information from the city and hadn't received it yet. First Reading on this legislation was April 6,2015.

Councilman Flock asked if Mr. Gerken CEO of AMP-OHIO could come to a council meeting to explain his remarksabout Prairie State.

The City Engineer explained how the selection and funds were acquired to fix our streets this year.
over  2 million in Federal, State and Local funds.

Now for the part that makes coming to these meeting worthwhile. Grass Mowing Violations.

Council Lady Mrs. DiNallo brought up a point that the city had sent out 200 letters of mowing violations and one resident was very upset with the one she received. Law Director Gurley questioned who the resident that complained was? Well it seems Juvenile Judge Karen Lawson disputed her letter. All I can say about the Judge she has done a wonderful job with the Juvenile Court System in Lake County. I believes she wants a letter of apology from the city? Now I drive by the Judges house at least three times a week and I have never seen high grass? But the house is surrounded by hedges. The city manager personally visited with here and yet Council Lady DiNallo wants what? All city council people received the a letter from the Judge and paraphrasing here Councilman Flock was upset because the Judge claimed she ""can't wait to move out of the city to a city where residents were treated with dignity. Councilman Flock was very offended with the letter and said he would never apologize. Along with the statement he would help her box up her stuff. Something tells me this ain't over.

Now what process does the city have to send these letters out? Do they take a picture of the property in question? Do they explain in the letter what recourse you can take if you disagree with the letter? These are a couple of things that should be done. In finishing I do not expect a letter of apology.

Seems as if we discussed something like this with Waste Management Billing WM claims an address owes $195.00 in pass due payments and the city just puts a lien on your property? Do you even get a hearing do you even know?

To finish on a somewhat good note I was shopping at Marc's today when an elderly man collapsed into a pop display. I immediately called 911 and checked on the man. I could see he was breathing and I did not see blood. One minute later firefighter Mahoney from the Painesville City  Fire Department arrived at the scene. He was shopping in the store at the time. He knew exactly what to do until EMS from the township arrived at the scene. People always say there's never a cop around when you need one, but thanks today there was a firefighter.

I was also informed the flower watering on Sunday are due to Pam Morse of Morse Moving & Furniture store and she pays her employees to do the watering.

"HUSH" deep purple

Yes I know Billy Joe Royal was first , but I like this version  more NaNaNaNa


Seems Last Thursday the Planning and Zoning Commission held a what joint special meeting on  May 28, 2015 Odd seems very few were informed. Wonder why ?  Something about changing R-2 to R-1? What's the difference when a developer comes along wanting to make a change, just do it. Those ordinances are only written on paper anyway?  Then in four or five years we worry about flooding issues.

Monday nights agenda stated Monday June 2, 2015 Well I guess its Monday or Tuesday? has new items on the agenda. My question what happened to all the items that were tabled. Why were they tabled.

If history serves me correctly then maybe we will just skip over them again? Why the presentation of the ordinances made sense so why no vote?

We will find out about the 60 foot frontage tonight at the meeting tonight also.

It seems today the whole agenda changed? First we were going to give the city manager authority to get bids for the 10 million dollar water line, now that's gone along with correcting the date of the council meeting?

In new business Grass Mowing Violations take center stage. Can't wait for this!

Leanne Exum  City Engineer will make a presentation.

It has been made official that Council-President Paul Hach Jr. will not be allowed near the steam engine this coming weekend. We don't need a repeat of what occurred at the Bath Tub Races? Hope he's all better.