"POWER TO THE PEOPLE" john lennon

A million workers working for nothing
You better give them what their really owed

The continuing saga of Painesville Power

We at one time or another we have heard about the PJM auction?
Well at this years auction gas-fired power plants added over 5,000 megawatts of new power. Plus also added were hundreds of megawatts of new solar and wind in the biding process.
One megawatt of power is enough to supply between 800 to a 1000 homes)

So where does this leave coal as well as Painesville's Energy contracts?

In the end the auction showed that PJM will have more than enough power, with a 22% reserve for the future. And that it will be less expensive.
For MOST customers that will mean lower prices. But what about Painesville residents? Well he have our 30/40 contract with Prairie State, also another contact with AMP-OHIO for power until 2020 at $69.00 megawatt. Lets not forget the Ohio River hydro power our now most expensive source. Don't expect rate cut's for Painesville residents in the near future?

Coal we are now being told coal  and nuclear will be competitive again. That's great competitive by 2019? We were told coal would be competitive in 2012? I guess the best plan is to push the coal date out every few years?

So before all this what was the plan? First Energy went before the Ohio PUCO for a rate increase to protect customers from what's ahead in 2019, by saving their coal plants from extinction. This would have added to the cost  the average residential customer an increase of up to $100 dollars a year more for the next eight years.
Saved by the Bell? The federal authorities object to a key part of the agreement. So it's back to square one for the energy companies as well as the PUCO.

I guess it's hard to claim price volatility with a reserve margin of 22%?

So in the end it's simply Painesville is on the inside looking out , and within a short time Painesville Power will soon be Painesville Premium Power. For no other reason than taking poor premium advice.

PJM*?  Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland an electrical internal connection for 12 states and D.C to balance power through those states



By now everyone has heard about the Gorilla being shot to death when a four year old child fell  into his area.
The outcry of people who are sympatric  to this gorilla amazes me. Maybe we have all watched to many Disney movies? This was a wild animal that let's face it was in a cage for a reason. People want the parent's charged? Any parent can speak on how quickly four year olds can disappear. The zoo's claimed the gorilla was in a secure and contained area? So secure a four year old beat the security. Look I'm the first to agree this was an event that shouldn't happen but what if the child were dead today? Take a deep breathe people it could have ended worse. A friend railed againt the mother and the 'execution' of the gorilla. I questioned if this child had fallen into a  Anaconda pit should the snake have been killed? Absolutely! I guess it's time for Disney to make a fun and friendly Anaconda movie? The Boa already has a bad rap over the Jungle Boy movie. 

"MEMORIAL DAY 2016

The start of summer travel, picnics all things summer!

Really?

When I was a young lad Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day, It didn't become an official American holiday until 1971.

On May 5,1868 General John A. Logan a leader for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a national day of remembrance. Later the date chosen was May 30th. The purpose was to strewing flowers decorating on comrades who died in defense of their country. Soon  every city and village in the land took up the practice.

On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, over 5,000 participants decorate the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.
By 1890 all the states had made Decoration Day an official state holiday.

On this date we honor the over 1,100,000 servicemen and women who have died in service to this country.  Where as  Veteran's  Day is to honor all service people.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all  Americans to pause wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those that have died in service to this nation.

"It's a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day" Moment of remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada.

Enjoy your weekend but never ever  forget it's true meaning!



This weekend in the 100 running of the Indianapolis 500.  Back in the day I remember A.J. Foyt from Texas, Mario Andretti from Pennsylvania, Unser Brothers from Colorado. Rick Mears, Rodger Ward .  Watched the British invasion of Hill and Clark.
Now  Castroneves, Takuma Sato, Gabby Chaves to name a few we are now an international race with competitors from all over the world.
Later the same day NASCAR will have the World 600 their longest race. There again to me it lost it's identity when it went for just being a southern old'' boy race to the corporate sport it has become.  I miss the Pettys. Yarbrough, Pearson, Lorenzen, Allison , Fireball Roberts and Junior Johnson. Wonder what they think of today's NASCAR?

"REASON TO BELIEVE" rod stewart

If I listen long enough to you
I'd find a way to believe it's all true

Over five month's to go before we elect the next president of the United States. And presently my tea leaves point that it will be Donald Trump. No matter what he say's or who he insult's the majority of American's could careless! I love Republican leader's claiming "I'll vote for him, but I won't endorse him." What exactly does that mean? Why the silence from our own congressman? It's over.

Now to my fellow Democrat's look could you have put two easier candidate's to beat?
Hillary might know her stuff but come on let's talk baggage? The latest out of the State Department suggests no one gave her permission to use a private server along with mixing personal as well as secret information on the same server. Look I don't believe half of what the right accuses her of but this shows a general absence of respect for the office. Yes Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell did pretty much the same but their not running for president.

I guess both Party's  are willing to sell their souls for a victory?

Now Bernie? This man must live in a dream world, the opposite dream world Donald lives in.
Both promise things I just can't believe either can deliver on. Now first 'Free' college great idea but do they realize in the future who will be paying for all this 'free' college?
Donald promises to remove 12 million illegals where will that money come from not even knowing the amount?

My fear, YES I realize American's are angry and many feel shafted by  the 'System'.

But what happens If all these angry Americans finally realize there's will be no Wall, no deportation, no coal jobs, no jobs coming back from wherever?
Maybe a trade war that causes more Americans into the unemployment lines and the dollar losing all it's esteem? Can we say depression? We complain about a surcharge of $8.00 on our water bills, how about $3,000 on a vehicle, $400 on an air conditioner. What about that next IPhone, or flat screen.

My fear is not the election but what the election might, as well as could cause.

I guess if so many of you care about trade, why are there so many foreign vehicles being purchased by Americans? You think there better? I rented a Nissan last week and I wouldn't hit a dog in the A## with it! I asked Hertz for an American car, before you ask. Nothing more confusing for me  then seeing a Trump sticker on a Mitsubishi ?

Will all you good Americans pay the tariffs Trump seems to want to impose?

Do you really think this will "Make America Great Again" Myself I never believed we never lost that position.

My biggest problem is that Trump doesn't seem to think ahead. First like chess you have to be thinking three four moves ahead not just your first move.

To Black Americans from day one of a Trump presidency, the dismantling of Obama will start, in a few years he will be seen as the worst of the worst. So much for his legacy!

Can Trump work with our legislature? foreign friends as well as enemies ?  Could his bluster lead us into a war? Will his tax proposal drive us further in debt? You want a HUGE military well we will have to pay for it. No more borrowing. Plus China 's not to crazy about him. Will he surround himself with capable people? Will he take their advise? Or as he usually does insult the Republican governor in a state he visits? Contrary to many this was a warning shot to any Republican who would oppose him.

Now he has decided against self-funding all this new funding comes with a cost. That came out of his mouth!

Best I look forward he doesn't start another war, or his arrogance leads us to a depression.
Maybe I'll have a bone spur in one of my feet, don't know which one yet? Seems to keep you out of harms way.

No, not moving to Canada, but I am preparing myself. All of you should do the same.


Still I look to find a reason to believe.

"ONLY YOU KNOW AND I KNOW" dave mason

You know you can't go on getting your own way
'Cause if you do, it's gonna get you some day

Found this story in 05/20/2016 Tribune- Gazette

Solicitor explains executive sessions
By Marian McMahon


North Perry  Solicitor Joe Gurley stated a councilmember had asked him to address the issue of executive sessions at the May 5 meeting.
"For the public's information, just to reiterate what we're limited to, when the Village Council goes into executive session it is restricted as to what can be discussed according to provisions in 122.22 of the Ohio Revised Code" he said.
The topics which can be discussed, briefly, are: to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official; to consider the purchase of property for public purposes, or the sale of property at competitive bidding, if premature disclosure of information would give an unfair competitive or bargaining advantage to a person, to conference with an attorney concerning pending or imminent court action; preparing for, conducting, or reviewing  negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employee's, to discuss matters required to be kept confidential by federal law or regulations or state statutes; to discuss details relative to the security arrangements  and emergency response protocols; or to consider confidential information related to marketing plans, specific business strategy, production techniques, trade secrets, or personal financial statements of an applicant for economic development assistance.
"The protocol for (entering executive session)is to basically announce the purpose prior to going into executive session and adjourning from an open meeting into executive session," Gurley said.

"There can be no voting during executive session. There can be an exchange of information. There can be an exchange of ideas."


That's all folks ! I can only hope Law Director Gurley has had the same conversation with our own council?


More evolving! Sayonara to "Self Funding My Campaign"

"LAND OF CONFUSION" genesis

Superman where are you now
When everything's gone wrong somehow


First off Councilman DeLeone is no Superman. That said he should be given credit for going to other community council meetings to see how their meetings are run.

Seems councilman DeLeone is interested in council procedures. Well so am I. maybe we view it from different sight lines?

No clapping or booing? Look I have yet to hear booing, and face it clapping for the most part is spontaneous and we clap a lot at council meetings for many good reasons. Will all clapping be stopped?

NEXT;

When addressing council in visitors time ... one subject period. You can't complement the city and then address them on another issue. One subject! Myself what difference what anyone talks about in those three minutes? This will cut down on awkward time for council members. Most would you rather address them with a phone call as to your concerns so as to keeping the situation out of the public eye.
It seems a well run government organization would want more input from citizens. More input rather than less. The Chaplin for the American Legion at the last council meeting was speaking on the issue of the Painesville Senior Center. Sorry times up! clerk of council Tara Grimm announced. (another new procedure?) In the past if you were complementing the city they might let you go on for a half hour, along with the Council-President being the timekeeper. Now by cutting this conversation off we learned very little what the American Legion proposed for the Senior Center. Is this the way to run a meeting? Of course someone could be elected to council such as a director or member of the American Legion or Senior Center who then can speak as long as they wish. Ala!  Councilman Fodor speaking on the DPO! See how it's all geared to who you are?

Seems on these issues councilman DeLeone  has a solution to a problem that doesn't exist!

Now from the other side of the front table. You want to talk about procedure? I have in the past witnessed council people on their cell phones texting, carrying on conversations amongst themselves, nodding off with their eyes closed and there tongue out. As others around me giggled. Constant interruption of each other, those microphones are there for a reason people. As well as viewing a council that seems at times to be out of control with leadership not halting the proceedings.

I seem to remember a time when a certain council member looked up at the camera and wished his wife a Happy Birthday! Professional?

I guess my point is it's not the residents that make you people look  clueless to what your own member's are doing... It's YOURSELVES!

Here's a thought how about being a little less cavalier about excusing member's from council  meetings? Look if it isn't an illness or another family crisis maybe it shouldn't be excused? You have only one meeting in July and August as to say take a vacation. Remember you signed up for the job. As well as taking your paycheck.

Hears a hint Mike, go to a Painesville School Board Meeting all of you could learn a lot about procedures. Fault them over issues but they do run as well as control a meeting if only one or one hundred people are in the room.



Trump claim that he will give up his gun "when they peel my cold dead tiny finger's from around it!"

OR 2000 Trump;

I generally oppose gun control, but I support the ban on assault weapons and support a slightly longer waiting period to purchase a gun.

OR 2012

On the Sandy Hook Shooting:  "Obama Spoke for me and every American"

Now these statements can all be categorized as a candidate evolving, so what will it be next year?

"YOU GOT A FRIEND" james taylor

You just callout my name
And you know wherever I am

Well back to Painesville!

At last Monday night council meeting two item grabbed my attention what I will tell you neither of the two will change over these posts.

First Councilman Fodor at a May meeting suggested a resolution to increase the city funding for the Downtown Painesville Organization from $22,000 a year to $28,000 a year . Big deal, $6,000 but don't they always tell us these requests take place at budget meeting at the end of the year? Now in the scheme of things $6,000 ain't that much money but when you add all these little amounts up it comes to a healthy amount of money. An extra $1,200 per month to the Senior Center to help cover rent is another example. Now if you been following this blog. for any amount of time I believe this whole DPO is a sham.  So as to you knowing my bias.

Councilman Fodor is a director on the DPO I found it offensive that he would ask for an increase in funding considering his position. Now a council person might listen to his request and think, well Jim's a friend, co-member of this council would I really want to oppose him and make an enemy over $6,000? I considered even asking councilman Fodor to abstain in the vote of this request, but so what 6/0  7/0 makes little difference. This is how the game is played.

See I do believe that the DPO needs the money but that kind of money is spent after the IMPORTANT issues of our city get resolved. A decent Community Center for example to serve all Painesville residents. All this spending while the parking garage falls into disrepair. Recreational items like a pool or waterpark. Don't laugh many communities have all these items. I laugh council doesn't even have it's own chamber to hold meetings using a courtroom. Were are in the process of losing council meetings on channel 12 over old equipment? A Fire Chief that is sent out to procure 20 year-old fire equipment. All this and more and in less then 10 years DPO receives over $200,000, plus Grant and General fund money to the tune of 1.3 MILLION dollars. For Main St. Streetscape. There was never a ribbon cutting no one wanted to be associated with this folly! And what have you got to show for all this spending?

Now go to a homeowner on State St. and ask them how all this DPO money has benefitted them? Go to Chestnut St. ask a resident there? A Jefferson St. resident? Ask a Heisley Park resident? If they even know there is a downtown district? No, to much has been spent already and truthfully if they didn't spend all this money people would still go to Joughin Hardware, Model Bakery Nemeth's Lounge T&T Bakery and the rest nothing would change people shop there for good reason's since 2007 how much more revenue has DPO generated in new businesses? Councilman Fodor tells us the city income tax revenues have increased? Like to see those numbers.

No Painesville has so many other ways to make a better Painesville for EVERYONE!  We have spent enough on those two blocks of downtown where so much has been spent to accomplish so little for so few.


I would like the merchant's from Downtown Painesville to make the request for additional funding themselves to council and explain the end results they expect. Car Shows and Bathtub Races are great I just don't believe it is up to resident's to fund them.

Tomorrow the other issue.


Really, people get their news from Facebook?

NRA supports & endorses Donald Trump. Well their not big into background checks! That explains that.

"MONEY (THAT'S WHAT I WANT) barrett strong

MIA UNTIL MAY 24, 2016
**************************************************************************

The best things in life are free
But you can give them to the birds and bees


MONEY,MONEY, MONEY!

That pretty much sums up last nights council meeting.

First off our city manager wasn't happy with the actions of Waste Management and their fliers.  He explained to WM representative Vince Crawford  that that's not the way we do business in Painesville. The bids were opened and WM came in second. Plus the fact we are under no obligation for you to do a "do over." I guess in the scheme of things $96,000 doesn't buy you much?

Here are the four bids over the seven year contract costs;

REPUBLIC    $6,965,491.00

WM                 $7,052,267.00

RUMPE           $8,052, 088..00

KIMBLE         $10,033,550.00

Finance Director Andy Unetic  compiled these numbers.

He also mentioned all the paperwork has been sent to Columbus and we should be on Ohio Checkbook shortly.

This also reflected that Painesville has only 58 bag user's not the 350 as I was told. That said we haven't forgot about you 58.

Sorry some complained about the procedure as well as the bidding process. Me?  I just realized that resident's will receive a 23% discount on their bills. Great job! Take your ball and go home.

Commander  Charles Stennis from American Legion Post #336 spoke of the need for Painesville Recreation Department and Painesville Senior Center merging? It seems there is a need as well as increased funding. I see no  opposition to the Painesville Senior's putting on a small levy so as to make them function properly.  This way resident's have an opportunity to vote Yes or No. I do question the merger between the Recreation Department and Senior Center as to who in the end is in charged?

Next  The one I oppose for many reasons, in the past since 2007/08 the City of Painesville has supported the Downtown Painesville Organization to the tune of over $200,000 and now councilman Jim Fodor wants at the next meeting to have a resolution drawn up as to increase funding another $6000. Now as most of you know Mr. Fodor is heavily involved with DPO and with this position should he be making this request? Look I know it's only another $6,000 but truthfully what has the first $200,000 accomplished? Bath Tub Races? A Friday Car Show? how much revenue have these brought into the city? How many businesses have located in Downtown Painesville since 2008? And flourished? . Although Dollar Tree seems very successful? Never mind  the cost of Downtown Streetscape was quite a gift. It's time for these people to fly on their own.. This Money Pit Downtown can only be described as where so much, has done so little, for so few. God forbid if this group had to ask the voter's for money, say a levy? I expect this to pass on first reading at the next council meeting. That's how we roll in the City of Paine!

Clerk of council Tara Grimm mentioned some possible new rules , No clapping or Booing? Haven't ever heard a boo at a council meeting, maybe there should have been?? As well as visitors given three minutes in those three minutes the person is limited to one issue or subject?  In other words if you go up and commend the city for the shape the cementers are in , well it's one and done. Democracy's Great, Uh! Someone asked where I believed this came from?  Councilman Mike DeLeone has been harping about council procedures? Maybe this is one of those procedures?

Fire Chief Mark Mlachak gave an interesting account on since the first of the year Painesville EMS has responded to 86 Heroin calls where paramedics had to provide  Narcan . It seems the rise in Heroin use is mostly due to people no longer getting or affording prescription  pain medication as Heroin is inexpensive alternative. The chief explained that this isn't just a Painesville problem but is country-wide. You can also get Narcan without a prescription if you see a need for it in a loved one or neighbor.



The four most expensive words in the English language are, 'This time it's different.'

Sir John Templeton

"FINAL COUNTDOWN" europe

We're leaving together
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
Who can tell?

Seems everyone wants to be Anonymous?

Painesville refuse Bag User's were met yesterday with a mailed envelope with no return address and the content's also didn't mention who sent it?  It's not that hard to figure out only the city and Waste Management  has those names.

The content;

City of Painesville Residents
Bag prices are going up to $21.25 with Republic Services July 1,2016

                                            OR

Going down to $11.25 with Waste Management

Roll of 5 will go up in cost t0 $21.25       WM roll will go down to $11.25
   (Picture Republic Bag)                                 (Picture WM Bag)

Call your City Council rep or Attend the Council meeting  MONDAY MAY 16th 7:30 and  let your voice be heard that you cannot afford a roll of bags at $21.25
***********************************************************************

Yeah like $18.75 was such a great deal? How will this company explain these lower costs? We can't screw you any longer?

Just a thought, but should the city subsidize elderly bag users? Painesville government is getting all their refuse picked up for free?  Even the THREE businesses operated by Painesville. Come on kick in, you do to just about everyone else!

ON ANOTHER POSITION ABOUT THIS NEW CONTRACT;


When the bid wording was written-up by the city for those who wanted to bid and placed on this site, there was a section regarding recycling that stated a personal option to everyone  in the city to decide a Yes to being a part of the program or a No to not participate in this program.

As Republic Services is now (July 1) going to be our carrier, I want to know the status of the Yes & No as stated above. There are many that do not want to recycle and feel that they should not be paying for the recycle tote service  when we do not provide any recycling waste(s). Recycling and yard waste should be treated as "ala carte" on the quarterly invoice for those who choose to participate. The unlimited category should contain a section that pertains to furniture, bedding, appliances, large yard tools, and many other items that are not normal weekly trash. There should be an "ala carte" pricing for this pick-up and only when this service is set-up by a call (in advance) to Republic Services.
Long-time Painesville resident
***************************************************************************

Now I realize Painesville has an ordinance that all resident's must participate in the city's refuse collecting contract. I guess my question is where in that ordinance does it state resident's must recycle and the cost passed on to them?

This is John Miller I have replaced John Baron as TERM'S>> spokesperson!
Rest assured that as his spokesperson I have inside knowledge of all his thoughts and services he provides to all you readers here on the blog.!  Please any questions about TERM>> please email me for a concise answer for all of your concerns. TERM>> is a great guy and is a HUGE success!

"CAN'T GET NO SATISFACTION" rolling stones

Before we get to this latest post let me explain a situation where Painesville might have dodged another bullet  today. At  approximately 9:45 AM this morning a westbound Norfolk Southern stacktrain was crossing over the Chestnut St. crossing.One of those two mile long trains. On the Northside of the tracks two Painesville Fire Department fire engines were waiting for the train to finish blocking the street. A pumper as well as the Tower engine. As it waited I wondered where they were going? Didn't have to wait long they were responding to a call from Chestnut St. Elementary. I am happy to tell you both trucks were on the way back to the station by 10:00 AM.  Many will claim no harm no foul. That's this time. Can you imagine the blood pressure of those firefighter's as they waited for that train to pass? Whomever chose to build those two new schools south of the railroad tracks we can only hope our luck doesn't ever run out!  Just realized today is Friday the 13th.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

About some useless information
Supposed to drive my imagination


I guess TERM>> just can never be satisfied? I look at the new refuse contract and I see  only two things, an average of saving of about $50.00 a year and at the end of the contract in seven years still being cheaper than what we are presently paying.

Many of you have relayed your dissatisfaction with this new contract? No community involvement for one. As well as hearing from resident's that there is nothing in the refuse ordinance that forces them to pay for recycling? It should be an option not forced upon them.

Yard waste every two weeks seems to  also be a big issue to some?

Also to our many elderly resident's the bag price structure seems to be out of whack? Could it be due to the extra paperwork evolved?

Looking back over Waste Management as well as Republics bids. If you include the bag charge structure  and if there are 350 resident's that  use the bag service. It appears the Waste Management bid is better OVERALL for our community?

Did WM pull a fast one? Many times in a bidding process you will take a product or service that is rarely used and give it an unbelievable price? Such as the bag service? WM as well as the City know how man bags are purchased every year.

I guess my concern is I'm happy to see a reduction in my cost, but that 80 year-old resident should somehow reap a benefit also.

This plus the fact can anything be done at this late of a date?


Imperfections are not Inadequacies; They are Reminders that We're all in this together

Brene Brown

COUNCIL MEETING 05/16/16

EXECUTIVE SESSION;  Immediately following the Council meeting to discuss personnel.

LEGISLATION;  NONE      Really None!

This seems very odd ? Three websites in Painesville have posted bids and now no mention from the Administration or Council? What wait and wait and then pass it as  emergency legislation?

Don't expect any answer's pertaining to the Cemetery issue. It's presently in litigation.

The city's constant issue with a Grant writer? Maybe we could have a Lake Erie Student serve a intern to help the city?

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Sidewalk Replacement Program
2. Channel 12 Broadcasting  of Council Meetings
3. Council Procedures

NEW BUSINESS ;  Downtown Painesville Organization- Jim Fodor & Christine Shoop

PRESINTATION;  Fire Department- Chief Mark Mlachak

That's all folks!


Everyone has seen the video of  a Paul Ryan look-a-like pushing an old woman off a cliff'.

The new one shows look-a-likes of Donald Trump and Paul Ryan with Ryan pushing Trump off the cliff.

Stange election? The guy who screamed for over a year to see someone's birth certificate now see's no reason to show the public his tax returns? I guess what goes around really comes around!

"MORE MORE MORE" bananarama

More, more, more
How do you like it ,how do you like it



WM

This is for unlimited, recycling, yard waste and fall leaf collection combined.

Amounts shown for all 7 years of this contract.

1- 17.99
2- 18.44
3- 18.90
4- 19.37
5- 19.86
6- 20.35
7- 20.86

REPUBLIC

1-17.29
2-17.81
3-18.35
4-18.89
5-19.48
6-20.14
7-20.84

WM BAG

1-2.25
2-2.31
3-2.36
4-2.42
5-2.48
6-2.55
7-2.61

REPUBLIC BAG

1-4.25
2-4.35
3-4.50
4-4.65
5-4.80
6-4.95
7-5.10

Quite a difference  in Low volume bag service.

I guess what amazes me is in seven years we are still cheaper than we are today?

Also without recycling WM is cheaper by the month. (example)  $17.38 WM-
                                                                                                             
$18.13 REPUBLIC

No one claimed this would be easy.


"99 percent of all statistics only tell 49 percent of the story"

RON DELEGGE


"Price ain't merely about numbers. It's a satisfying sacrifice"

TOBA BETA

"BROWN EYED GIRL" van morrison

Down in the Hollow
Playin' a new game


Painesville on the verge of going Brown from Green ?

Waste Management VS. Republic Disposal


Let's compare;

Waste Management current prices

Current Rates

Waste and Optional Recycling service per month       $   22.61
Waste service only per month                                     $    18.15  (was this service even made available to residents?)
Low Volume per bag                                                   $    3.90


Year 1 Bid price

Waste and Optional Recycling service                         $   17.99
Waste service only per month                                      $.  14.99
Low Volume per bag                                                    $    2.25 *



Republic

Year 1 Bid price

Waste and optional Recycling service per month          $    17.29
Waste service only per month                                        $    15.04
Low Volume                                                                   $     4.25*

These numbers are very interesting ,don't you think? Due to the higher pounds of garbage as well as the number of delinquent accounts in Painesville the prices go down?

Recycling was an option?  will it be an option? Many have told me they liked recycling but didn't want to be charged. Right now there is little money to be made in recycling. an example is Aluminum is near $40.00 a ton down from a high of close to $80.00. Little or no market for plastic or glass. Along with paper bins located all over the city.

Low volume bag user's will see a price increase of  a $1.40 a month (1 bag a week) Republic might be doing this so all resident's use bins?

Now how council will vote? I have no idea. But I believe Republic has made a fair and honest bid. Plus I guess you have to judge the actions of Waste Management over the years?  I can tell you their driver's are good employee's but some of the stuff that has gone on around here should and could have bee avoided. Such as the $96,000 issue. Along with many resident issues?
It does seem we have been overcharged for services in the last contract, doesn't it? Should there be a price to pay?

Now some will tell me WM is the cheapest?
I will agree that they are the only bidder that offered lower bid prices for all level of cost to resident's.

I see nothing here about leaves or yard waste?

Please council assuredly have this on the agenda this coming Monday. Let your views be know here as well as to your council people.

Right now I am collecting data on all seven years of the contract as well as yard waste I should have all the numbers by Thursday.

So far the seven-year average for WM               $19.39
                                                         REPUBLIC   $18.97

This is for waste and recycling.



What's called a difficult decision is a difficult decision because either way you go there are penalties.

Elia Kazan

"DREAM POLICE" cheap trick

CORRECTION; IT SEEMS SENOR PAINESVILLE PUT ME ON THE RIGHT TRACK. PRETTY RELIABLE SOURCE CLAIMS REPUBLIC DISPOSAL HAS WON THE REFUSE CONTRACT FOR PAINESVILLE.  IT DOES SEEM BAG CUSTOMERS  (AROUND 350) OF YOU WILL EXPERIENCE STICKER SHOCK AT THE NEW BAG PRICES. AGAIN THANK-YOU SENOR.

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

You know that talk is cheap
And those rumors ain't nice

The old saying "there's never one around when you need one"


Dropped into our local school board meeting last evening learned a lot of new stuff.

Jaylin Shepp one of our Writer's of the Week gave a research paper "The Clever Fox" it can be viewed online at the PCLS site she is a 5th grader at Chestnut.

Superintendent Sheperd   and Coach Coffee presented Certificates Honoring Heritage Athlete's

Also Harvey wrestler Logan Smith for being CVC 126 pound Champion.

Trans-gender student issues came up, something people of my age group never had to deal  with or even discussed . Not only bathroom issues but what about overnight field trips?  There was a time school only concerns were reading, writing and arithmetic's it's become a very complicated world.

Substitute teacher issues were discussed. Seem in the last school year the system had a need for 2,711 substitute teacher days, 1,534 were sick days. the others were personnel days. at times even the Superintendent  has even been called into classroom duties?  Teachers are scheduled for less than 190 days a year and with that a they seem to be a  very sickly bunch? As far as the personnel days that should  be done by seniority with a cap on how many out on a certain day? This entitlement grants (3) days of paid personal leave each year. One (1) of the three (3) days shall be unrestricted. As someone who worked his whole life in the private sector I will not comment on this subject.

Resolution Recognizing The Responsibly Of The Painesville City Schools To Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH)  I don't know? What I do know is if the  overall number's don't go up within the school district the housing market in Painesville will suffer further. I don't believe many of you realize how the two are so closely  connected.

Central YMCA has assured the board that additional funding was found for PCLS summer program and will again be available this year. Seems like the Y is going to be an awful busy place this summer?

Rumors? I questioned the Board about the administration going outside the Painesville Police Department for an SRO officer at Heritage Middle School? Seems after meeting with our city administration the school administration put out feelers if the Lake County Sherriff Department or Lake Metroparks were interested?  As a resident I'm not quite buying this? And I questioned them "is there something we don't know that you could share with us?" No it seems the main obstacle is that that City of Painesville not the school system has to write the grant for funding this officer and that the city administration doesn't have a grant writer. The school treasurer would be willing to help the city with the grant writing. Also the claim was made that presently Painesville Police do not have the staffing to put an officer at Heritage? To council lady Jenkins do you understand now why I kept bring this up at city council meetings?

The school board also want's to incorporate along with an SRO officer to also be a DARE officer on the subject of ever increasing drug use in our community. Just me, but get that DARE officer into the elementary schools this world is changing fast! A board member also wanted to make sure an SRO officer liked children? That question is like asking a K9 officer if they like dogs isn't it? Going into this field pretty much makes that issue clear.

I explained I didn't have much faith in this. Because first we have PPD at Harvey and say a Park Ranger at Heritage if the police need to be called who do you call? Well of course Painesville Police Department?  This along with my statement These are Painesville schools, with Painesville students that should be protected by Painesville Police. Along with keeping our money in our city.

How did a simple request get this complicated? I suggest Mr. Sheperd, Mr. Haffa, Mr. Carson and Police Chief Powalie sit down and work this out before the next school year starts. There are not many successful operations in our city and schools as the SRO officer Ponder at Harvey, please build on this  success.

A friend passed a book on to me it is an autobiography Junior Sines Scared as Hell. The story starts in the hills of West Virginia to serving with the 82 Airborne coming to Cleveland and moving to Painesville where he married his wife Betty settling in Perry and having a very successful gas and oil business. It was co-written by a Painesville resident Michael Urban. Just a good read how a man came from nothing to something. His most proud achievement was not the company he built but that he succeeded without hurting or exploiting his fellow man. Interesting read.
Copyright 1979
Vantage Press

" I'LL BE DOGGONE " marvin gaye

Now did  you hear what I say?
Well now what I say

First let me make things perfectly clear. I love animals all animals, truth be told if I had to kill one to feed myself I guess I would be a vegan . Family pet's are apart of the social fabric of our lives. We enjoy them as much as they enjoy us. One thing is a pet is  never judgmental. God put man on this earth his Dominion and to take care of the animals as well as the planet.

So why? Well it seems Washington St. and St. Clair St. has become the hot corner in the City of Painesville. Parking garage issues. as well as 23-year old Michael Sutton tossing a three month old puppy out of a six floor window at Washington Square Tower. A very hideous act that turned my stomach when I first heard about it.

Mr. Sutton will appear in Court Monday for his trial, thinking back the acting Judge Erik L. Waltetr wouldn't let him plead "Guilty last week? Claiming Sutton is not in the right state of mind.
He is being charged with a first-degree misdemeanor cruelty to companion animal charge .

We need to make an example here?
So at 7:30 AM a Rally by Nitro Ohio Army ( sounds like a friendly bunch) Will have there Rally and attend Suttons court appearance.

Mike Smeck head of Nitro that seeks felony provisions for animal cruelty. Something I can agree with. But then this statement:
Smeck said "I know Sutton is sick, but that's no excuse."

Anyone following this knows Sutton is sick. I guess my question to Mike Smeck what do you believe his sentence should be?  Thank God is wasn't a small child he threw out that window! Before  Mr. Sutton is released into society he must be fully capable  to function normally. Is a Felony conviction going to do him or us any good?

I guess there's not much we can do for that three moth old puppy "Nox" but just maybe we can repair a damaged human being?

I guess the other thing that constantly bother's me is all kinds of groups wanting to use our city as a place to express their causes? Animal Rights, Illegal Rights, Anti-Illegal Rights, the KKK what's draws everyone here? I have been told our Veterans Park is a great back-drop? Maybe so . But does Mr. Smeck's group not believe the resident's of Painesville can't deal with this on their own?

Best love message I've ever heard... " I BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT"...because I've BEEN LOVING MY MOTHER SINCE I OPENED MY EYES....

Unknown

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY1

" IT DON'T MATTER TO ME" bread

Lotta people have an ego hang up
'Cause the want to be the only one

As reported in today's edition of the News-Herald 05/07/16  Headstone design will be approved. It came down to a simple re-application? Something tells me that petition with 3,500 signatures  might have contributed to that vote with it also?

My best guess is somewhere along the chain of command two years ago someone in the city forgot to dot  an I or cross a T ? As I have mentioned numerous times this city hasn't the stomach. Were there rules in place? Were they approved? As someone mentioned they, meaning Painesville folded like a chair. Now I understand the concept of Executive Session but also the vote must be done in a public forum. Seems we missed that part. Was it an unanimous decision? Paper didn't say. More to be swept under the rug so to speak. Other communities look at Painesville and question why some of what goes on around here is allowed. I will ask for a vote on this be made public, not because I oppose the decision but I do oppose the procedure. (sunshine law) They will have to make their votes public.
I hope this will aid in the closure for this family, in that it took the city two years to challenge the design of the headstone?
To those opposed remember who and why you are going there for.

The city claim that the parking garage will cost less then $700,000! to bring down I will believe it when I see the contract. They will show us the contract won't they. People have mentioned to me that maybe with the large number of city employees the city might be involved?

As I have watched the goings on with Downtown Streetscape as well as the High Point Centre one thing has remained constant. The city needs  a parking garage. If it was not Mr. Volpe from City Architecture or Mr. Zarenbe and his High Point Centre plans both  insisted on the parking garage. How soon we forget.
I find it very odd the Downtown Painesville Organization silence on this? Don't want to bite the hand that feeds you maybe?

I find it remarkable that $700,000 could not make that garage whole again. The city would could hire people to give their assessments but let's be truthful unless it's an independent source the outcome will be what the city wishes the outcome to be .It's gotta go!

Painesville is a very unique place to live. It seems the resident's try to sell you on it's historical values and every time you turn around their tearing or wanting to tear something down? Seems the #1 business in Painesville is to demolish everything it can? Oh well, we can in the future look at photographs and say "I remember when" Thank-God for camera's as well as the ability to not put something in it's place.


A photograph never grows old, you and I change, people change. All through the months and years but a photograph always remains the same.

Albert Einstein

Thankfully for Painesville!

" I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE" marvin gaye

   TODAY AT 5:00 PM
EMERGENCY SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION ONLY
They normally don't do this?

SEEMS THE HEADSTONE ISSUE IS HEATING UP? I GUESS COUNCIL HAS TO MAKE AN EXECUTIVE DECISION ON WHAT DIRECTION THE CITY SHOULD TAKE. ATTORNEYS ARE EXPENSIVE AND WITH THAT THE EASIEST AS WELL AT CHEAPEST WAY OUT.

AS MENTIONED THE CITY WILL TAKE THE CHEAPEST AND EASIST WAY TO END THIS.  THE MONUMENT STAYS AS IS.


I bet your wondering how I knew
'Bout  your plan to make me blue

A shade of blue is what I am and fading fast!


By now most of you know about my distain for the completed Painesville City Streetscape Project.

Well someone close to the subject has told me that there was an offer made on the former Dollar Bank Building on the corner of Main street and St. Clair street. Lately it has fallen in disrepair. Along with a very low purchase price and a buyer willing to invest money into office space the project has hit the skids. Why? Well the administrator's of our fair city have past this vacant property ordinance and presently this building owes $12,000. Neither buyer or seller wishes to enrich the city coffer's at their expense. So the city now loses out on utility sales as well as income taxes paid by employee's employed at the site. All for this simple money grab? Sorta short sighted?

Ohio makes this ordinances legal by the Ohio Supreme Court agreeing a Home Rule City is looking out for the health and safety of the community? So don't expect this to go away soon.

I thought is was important to share this with Painesville resident's who will go Downtown to the Bath Tub Races and who might wonder why all these building especially the Dollar Bank Building are empty.

Council people doubt me? call Economic Development and get the story from them. First question to ask is that $12,000 correct and go from there!


The strength of the wolf is the pack
The strength of the pack is the wolf

"CEMETERIES OF LONDON " coldplay

Save the night time for your weeping


Sometimes it appears Painesville can't even get out it's own way?

Seems like everyday brings a new issue to the surface.

If killing a puppy isn't bad enough now we are going to fight over the dead at Riverside Cemetery?

Without getting into names let's just cut to the chase. A 60 year-old Viet Nam vet passed away two years ago and had his picture and dates engraved on his headstone. The city including our law director approved the headstone? Learned something new today. Our law director gets involved with headstones? Well according to the city the monument company at the request of the family had his 'colors' engraved on the back of the headstone, without approval from the city. As you might expect surrounding grave site visitors find the drawing of a skull and more, unsettling so close to their love ones. To mention here the grave site is not that close or near the family grave I have seen it and well thought "each to his own". That being said the cemetery has rules to be followed and I am more concerned with people just by passing the rules to get their way. Any veteran can get a plaque from the U.S. military to honor dead servicemen name rank as well as theater. That is what is on the back of most Veterans headstones.

Now I see everyone's side in this the dead man's family, people with loved ones buried near this grave site as well as Painesville's position.

The city has given the monument company 60 days to remove the inscription on the back of the headstone, or the city will do this  and charge the monument company.

How will it end? Probably in court along with everyone from the ACLU to church groups chiming in.

Just maybe if the family had made it's intention's known and the city refused they could have had the burial at a more accommodating cemetery?  Also let's hope the city is on the level about the monument company not asking for this request. As well as families understanding we all don't think the same way as well as beliving they are all in a better place?

Then again if the goal is to move up the # on that worse city, we are kinda on track.


Ignoring the facts, does not change the facts.

" INDIANA WANTS ME " r. dean taylor

 And it's so cold and lonely here without you
Out there, the law is is coming , I've been so tired of running


Today my hat goes off to the voter's of Indiana. They have finally put a nail in the coffin of this GOP primary.
I wondered  if they really voted their conscience or thought it best to end this now!

The ending didn't come without a Hell of a climax though, Vice -President nominee  tripping off of a stage, debating Trump supporters who's minds he  will never change. And the final coup de gras, the front runner  making the claim that Cruz's father had something to do with the Kennedy assassination something he read in the National Enquirer. Ladies' and gentlemen he reads the National Enquirer! Really can things get weirder? And the strawberry on top? Cruz accidentally punching his wife in the face twice at his concession speech!  And all along I believed I was in the Party of the screw-offs and goof's?

Bernie's out there trying to make a point and thinking back now he may wish he ran as a third party. He claims the Democrats haven't treated him fairly? Well you should have joined the Party years ago Bernie.

On another thought is Conservatism dead?  Because I can guarantee you Trump isn't one. He's not a free trader, he's not for smaller government he is to the left of Hillary Clinton on the military and truthfully the mainstream GOP loves cheap labor. Will they abandon their principals and get on the Trump train?  Or will the Cruz, Rubio, Bush, McCain, Graham George Will, Charles Krauthammer rely on their principals?  Or do principals even  matter anymore? The only real reason to not board the train might be when the derailment comes you can say I told you so.

Viewing Trump's speech last night it appeared that the 1%er's were front and center, his true constituency. See any Carrier workers? Coal miner's? Who now he will accept big donations from his hated Establishment with all the promises that go with them.. Cruz had one thing right, Yes Trump's lying to you!

It will be interesting how this will all end. If Trump backs up from his deportation and or the wall it's curtain time.

To be honestly truthful I am truly scared if that man is the leader of the free world. Hopefully I'm not alone.


Facial expressions during the past week told a story. First Governor Chris Christy's wife eye movement when Trump suggested he had the women's vote.

And yesterday when on Fox & Friends when host's Brian Kilmeade and Ashley  Earhart just stared into the camera as Trump made his spiel about Cruz's father.  Breathtaking!

"RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS " carpenters

Talkin' to myself and feeling old
Sometimes I'd like to quit
Nothin' to do but frown

You know I've been attending council meetings for over ten years, you think by this time along with knowing the players and a general  lay of the land. No new surprises. Sometimes something just comes up and bite's you in the .... Last night was one of those nights.

As mentioned the only thing on the agenda as far as legislation was the transfer of that 2.1 million dollars about Amending Appropriations.

Finance Director Andy Unitec went up to the podium and mentioned two numbers $160,000 for the parking garage and $225,000 for our new Service Garage. For a total of $385,000. Now get this, to come out of "Painesville's Rainy Day Fund?" Over ten years and I had never heard anyone, anytime mention a Rainy Day Fund. Then the best part, a promise that this fund would be replenished by the end of the year?

Then I asked when given the chance . I see $385,000 but your transfer mentioned 1.2 million? Mr. Unetic answered $625,000 for demolishing the parking garage and $900,000 for the new service garage. So it was never explained but does that mean the demolition of the garage cost will be $785.000 ? Along with the Service Garage costing  $1,125,000 ? Doesn't really matter council passed it no questions asked.If he mentioned where this money came from I didn't hear him. (you know you can't interrupt.) I think the City's estimate for the demolition of the garage is way to low, but great if they can get that building removed and a new ground parking lot built for that amount.

It was also reported that the final estimated cost of the new waterline and crib out into Lake Erie will cost $13,075,000 and change. Slightly more then the estimated ten million.

During the visitor time, I questioned the administration's policy with concerns to resident's calling in violations in their neighborhood. If after making a complaint would they be subject to an inspection? I was told by the City Manager no such policy exists .... But they wouldn't be doing their jobs if they didn't inspect the neighborhood if they were in the area? What made me curious of this was recently two people notified me from different parts of the city and claimed that they were told by an inspector "That's the way we play the game" or "That's how the game is played" Seems odd two people that don't know each other would both hear almost the same thing? Anonymous calls are also handled the same way.

Congratulation's again to Tara Grimm for receiving CMC award. I had no idea at the last meeting how important this Certification was.

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

Also for a minute here let me mention on the This is Painesville Facebook site. A story appears that Painesville is the sixth worse city in the Cleveland area. Of course many resident's chimed in for and against the ranking. Let me add here those rankings mean little, wasted energy. It's what everyday people in Painesville do to make this a better place to live. Many do. In other words Talk is Cheap. We, including myself spend to much time talking about our great past, and little or none on this town's future.


This is getting harder to watch daily, First Carly Fiorina somehow falls off the stage and Ted never lends a hand. Next Ted debates a bunch of Trump supporter's (you know this won't end well) and asks "one question every American should ask" and a voice in the crowd answers, Are you a Canadian?" Today Donald Trump goes on FOXNEWS and report's on a story from of all places the National Enquirer that Ted Cruz's father was friends with Lee Harvey Oswald? Also a photograph appeared of Mike Tyson shaking hands with Drumpf ,anyone else notice how much bigger Tyson's Hands are!