"NO REPLY AT ALL" genesis

Talk to me, you never talk to me
Ooh, it seems that I can speak
I can here my voice shoutin' out.

But there's no reply at all.


Correction... there were two.
Council person DiNallo sent  a reply in which didn't address my concerns.
 in
Assistant City Manager Doug Lewis e-mailed me that the 'process was followed.

Today I sent an e-mail to:

The Ohio Ethics Commission

RE: Conditional use permit for 256 N. State St.

=========================================================================

On Monday, October 31, 2016 11:19 AM, angelo cimaglio

=========================================================================

To whom it may concern;

My name is Angelo A. Cimaglio I am a resident of Painesville, Lake County, Ohio 44077

I have questions concerning the handling of a issue that came up at a recent City of Painesville Planning Commission Meeting held September 13, 2016 at Painesville City Hall.

At issue was a  Conditional use permit  at a building presently owned by the Lake County Land Bank - Western Reserve Land Conservancy. The Land Bank is presently offering this building for free to HOLA of Lake County. Now at the city Planning Commission Meeting the request was made that this building be used as a 'Business Incubator' commercial kitchen. Something this office building was never used for. The building is land locked and at the meeting no answers to where will garbage be stored, deliveries and pick-up made, hour of operation (24 hours a day.

My issue arose when during the meeting  the City Planning Commission was represented by Assistant City Law Director James Lyons. Who it turns out is also legal council for the Lake County Land Bank.

Attorney Lyons assisted members of the Planning Commission in what actions they could or couldn't take. Yet never mentioning to the Planning Commission or those in attendance that  he is also legal counsel for the Land Bank.

The Painesville Planning Commission comprised of five city residents, at this meeting only three were in attendance questioning even if there was enough for a quorum?

The issue passed 3-0 with many lingering questions. Even to the point that Attorney Lyons five minutes after the vote questioned some stipulations.

Myself I viewed this as another fiasco in Painesville government operations. At the next  Painesville City Council Meeting  September 17, 2016 I requested a public hearing allowed in the bylaws of our city charter. Myself and others contacted council members but this fell on deaf ears.

Could this be due to council asking our law department that there was no need no need for a Public Hearing ?

Many strange decisions have been made around Painesville, along with a very high  number of executive sessions that could be for many reasons.  Such as recently our city manager resigned to pursue other opportunities. Only to be gifted $171,000 by our city council?

What relief am I looking for?

A public hearing on this conditional use permit is all I ask for.

Please forward to me at this email address what recourse if any I have.

Thank-You for your time

Angelo A. Cimaglio

 

 

 

So we will see where this takes us.... or doesn't !

'WHO ARE YOU" the who

Who are you ?
Who, who, who, who ?

Well we know who you ain't! back to that later.

Some of you have told me you have contacted your city council members about the HOLA Building? Seems you all receive the same response, well I don't think I can get four member's to vote yes on this? So tomorrow this request just dies.

They have had at least two council meetings when it could have been brought up and voted in front of the public. They chose not to. Again no guts!. This is what you have elected to represent your city.
I guess they can't be bothered? So a town with numerous community kitchens scattered in Church's around town now will have I guess a quasi- business incubator,/ catering/ God knows what else.

Now speaking  about a  quasi-government body/agency not run by the government? The Lake County Land Bank.
Look at their member's on the internet.

John M. Rodgers, Esq. Executive. Who I guess makes $60,000+ as a sideline as well as representing this area in Columbus. When he's not mooching' a meal out at Bob Evans. ( Yes John I have watched you)

Two county commissioner's who I know don't live in Painesville.
 Painesville Township Trustee, self explanatory.
Fairport Harbor Mayor ditto.
Municipal Director but not Painesville's
Treasurer but not Painesville's
Five other selected Director's also not from Painesville.

Low and Behold a Painesville Connection!

James M. Lyons, legal counselor  for the Land Bank

now wait for it....

Painesville Planning Commission Assistant City Law Director and  legal counselor for Planning ?

Not to disparage Mr. Lyons but it seems like a slight conflict of interest? At the Planning Commission Meeting he never made mention of this. Odd.

Look there is no delivery door, storage space for refuse A delivery door a door to take out food to say catering trucks or whatever. Can I say poor planning?

It was reported on this blog. they have received the USDA Grant for a commercial kitchen. O.K. this building just became public knowledge what three months ago? Begging the question how long has this been in the works? And who knew what when?

And some of you are surprised on what happens around here!

It will all be over Friday or it all starts Friday?

" ON THE ROAD AGAIN" willie nelson

A Napoleon Bonaparte Mask

Think it's easy find a song with Napoleon in it!

So by now if your reading the blog. you know we are about to have a new city manager who's last position was city manager in Napoleon, Ohio.

Many comments on being on the AMP-OHIO Board and in that position how did she handle the higher electric prices in that city?

Memorandum

To: Napoleon Light and Power Customers
From: Monica Irelan, City Manager
RE: Higher utility rates

My staff and I are being asked "why is my Electric Bill so high?"
Hopefully this explanation will help.

1) Higher usage
If you take a look at KWH used, you will probably see a significant increase in the electricity being used. This is mostly due to air conditioning and/or fans being used to cool your homes. If you look at the bottom right hand corner  of your bill, there is a chart that shows your history of usage.

2) Higher Capacity Charge
The city pays a capacity charge based on our peak load contribution (PLC). A PLC is the electric demand we use during the five 1-hour intervals of the year when the demand on the electric grid is at its highest. A couple of years ago, we had a terrible winter known as the Polar Vortex. During this event, there was a shortage of fuel which impacted the production of electricity . Due to this, the cost of capacity has gone up. We are currently seeing the impacts of that.

3) Higher Power Supply Costs
The City of Napoleon has a very diverse electric power supply portfolio. This diversity protects the customers from extreme increases and unknowns of the market. The City participates in clean coal, natural gas, wind, solar, and hydroelectric generation projects.
WE are also on the market.
Several years ago, the City chose to participate in two new Hydroelectric Projects. These projects will be nearly free energy when the capital costs are paid off. Until then, the power is more expensive.

The hydroelectric projects are coming online at the same time our usage is higher and the cost of capacity is higher. The compounded effect of these items is contributing to our higher electric bills.

How has the City been protecting the customer on these items?

1) Higher usage
The city offers an energy efficient program called 'Efficiency Smart' which provides rebates, incentives and technical expertise to help customers lower electric consumption and reduce bills. For more information on the program visit the website
www.efficiencysmart.com

2) Higher Capacity Charge
The Mayor and I have visited our representation in Washington DC to lobby against these complicated and unnecessary increases in capacity. Our representation at AMP Partners concentrates on this as a lobbying effort. AMP staff has also joined committees in order to help educate and influence capacity  decisions at PJM.
The city tried to lower our capacity charge through peak demand curtailing, having an energy efficiency program, and have on-site generation. The City will continue to fight for more equitable capacity charges.
3) High Power Supply
The City did put a rate levelization plan in place to help levelize the rate increased tied to the hydroelectric project. We are using this plan and making decisions on a monthly basis to try and limit rate hike.

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

Well there you have it.
To her credit not just the weather was blamed. But also the Hydro Plants. Which brings up a question an AMP-OHIO Board member must know, for how long in months and years will we be paying $143.00 MWH.?
Also she at least took the time to address the residents.
She does see a problem, something not shared by many around here.
I don't believe she in anyway had anything to do with Prairie State, Hydro projects or the rest of AMP-OHIO's failures. These deals were determined 9/10 years ago.
Knowing she has a plant to curtail 'peak demand' by 'peak shavings' is a plus.
I also wonder why AMP-OHIO didn't again use levelization on the Hydro projects?


So let's see what she's got.

just wondering, but did AMP-OHIO have any part in this marriage?

"************* SPECIAL********

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING FOR  MONDAY  OCTOBER 24, 2016

5:00 P.M.

Courtroom #1

CITY OF PAINESVILLE TO ANNOUNCE NEW CITY MANAGER

FOR PURPOSE TO APPROVE ITEMS OF LEGISLATION TO FOLLOW

RESOLUTION -  Resolution Hiring Monica S. Irelan as City Manager and Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Enter into an Agreement on Behalf of the City Council Which Establishes the Terms of Employment, and Declaring an Emergency

WELCOME MONIICA

  

Today at 5:10 PM

-->

 

 

 

 

 

Experience

City Manager

City of Napoleon

April 2014 – Present (2 years 7 months)napoleon, ohio

• Chief Executive Officer and Chief Administrative Office of the City
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the City
• Formulate, arrange and execute contracts on behalf of the City
• Facilitate employee relations and Bargaining Unit negotiations
• Manage 100 full time, 63 part time, and approximately 35 seasonal employees
• Create, present and implement a $50 million budget
• Oversee the design and financing of a $16 million water treatment rehabilitation project
• Leading the City in a Strategic Planning Process in 2016
• Leading the City in Strategic Infrastructure Improvement Plan
• Serve on the Board of Directors of American Municipal Power
• Represent the City on the Henry County Senior Center Board
• Represent the City on the Board of Directors of Family and Children First Council of Henry County 

Assistant City Manager

City of Grosse Pointe Farms

October 2012 – October 2013 (1 year 1 month)90 Kerby Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

• Assisted the City Manager in the day-to-day operation of the organization
• Managed Refuse and Recycling Program
• Managed the Wastewater and Water Treatment Capital Plans
• Managed Infrastructure Improvement Plans for roads, sidewalks, and lighting
• Managed Human Resources including creating a new personnel management system, employee handbook, workers compensation program, and safety training program
• Represented the City on the Downtown Business Association Board
• Represented the City on the Clinton River Watershed Committee
• Designed and managed website, social media, and residential newsletter (www.grossepointefarms.org)

 

Assistant to the City Manager, Coordinator of Continuous Improvement, Pension Administrator

City of Troy

February 2011 – September 2012 (1 year 8 months)500 West Big Beaver, Troy, MI

• Preparation of annual and three-year budget
• Implemented restructuring program saving the city $22 million
• Successfully administered the $180 million employee retirement system with a 1.1% Actuarial Gain
• Collaborated with the Economic and Community Development Director, Planning Director, and Community Development Coordinator to create an ecosystem for businesses to grow within

 

Executive Director

City of Imlay City

December 2009 – February 2011 (1 year 3 months)150 North Main Street, Imlay City, MI

• Created and Managed a successful Downtown Development program including infrastructure improvements, downtown events, and small business training programs
• Spearheaded and collaborated with the city, county, Chamber of Commerce, local library, and local business owners to create the award winning SEED group
• Administered and accounted for all the tax increment financing funds for the DDA
• Managed the day-to-day operations of the Downtown Development Authority
• Organized and implement business retention calls
• Prepared and implemented of business recruitment plan
• Managed promotional activates and community events
• Applied for and administered grant programs

Volunteer Experience & Causes

Board of Directors

Henry County Senior Citizen

April 2014Social Services

Board of Directors

American Municipal Power, Inc.

November 2015Social Services

Board of Directors

Henry County Family and Children First Council

April 2014Social Services

Causes Monica cares about:

·         Animal Welfare

·         Arts and Culture

·         Children

·         Civil Rights and Social Action

·         Education

·         Human Rights

·         Disaster and Humanitarian Relief

·         Politics

Certifications

Certificate- Legal Studies

UDMercy, License n/a

Starting May 2006

Cum Laude

UDMercy

May 2006

My BA was awarded on May 13, 2006 with institutional honors of cum laude.

Early Career Leadership Award

International City/County Managers Association

May 2016

Early Career Leadership Award in Memory of William H. Hansell Jr: Recognizes an outstanding early-career local government professional who has demonstrated leadership, competency and commitment to local government as a profession.

"CLOSER TO MY HOME" grand funk railroad

Everyone listen to me
And return me my ship

Can you hear me
Or am I all alone?

A little history here,

Presently by the number of executive sessions our council is presently taking I guess they are on a curious hunt to find this city a city manager?

First council has not hired as far as I know a headhunter to do a search for this new CM as well as council looking for someone local.

See anyone from pretty much outside of Painesville it may take that person a year or two to understand the workings of the city as well as its personnel?

Plus many of you have been clamoring for a mayor?

Well let be throw this hat in the ring.  Randy Bruback city director who presently runs the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Randy is presently a resident of the city of Painesville and well known by all.
In all the times I have been privy of listening to conversations never a negative word by anyone associated with the city.

Maybe we just over engineer all these city manager issues? What is the purpose of all this? If it's to run this city right well it appears the last two had limited success. A person who knows the community, the people in it as well as the people that work for it has a head start to solving issues.

I have watched Mr. Bruback interact with council, other department heads , employee's as well as residents. Seems to have great repose with all.

Experience? Well how has that worked out for us? Electric Contracts, Service Garage, Water lines? Seems it doesn't really matter does it? Estimates?

Now I have never discussed this with Mr. Bruback only one time when he was acting city manager as Doug Lewis was out of town. I don't even know if he wants or would even take the job?

My point is sometimes around here take a simple solution and try to make it complicated. That said everyone including me should have an open mind as to who should be our next city manager. I'm open to all suggestions.

"HERE WE GO AGAIN" isley brothers

And everything is going wrong
Oh, nobody knows the way you feel...

Before we go any further, I have to ask who were the people that viewed the building contract to that service garage, and when did it become apparent to those in charge that they needed another $600,000?
I can only imagine the finger pointing.

Every once in a while someone asking an innocent question that  has a tendency to open ones eyes. Like having an epiphany.

Years ago as council considered the contract with AMP-OHIO former councilman Andy Flock questioned "what happens if the plant isn't built?" To that the answer was howls from many, administration, other's on council AMP officials and some in the audience. Well as we have learned it wasn't built and Painesville  was left holding the bag for 2.1 million dollars. Not so funny now is it?
Remembering back that was the innocent question that got me questioning.

Now as I sat in the Planning Commission Meeting I listen closely and had interior as well as exterior drawings in hand.
Very innocently a former city councilman who once lived near 265 N. State St. asked where will the garbage dumpster and used grease be stored? With a simple answer "We can deal with that easily". Really? No outside dumpster but will be stored inside until collection? Maybe in a storage room with fresh products? That special moment was there again as I had felt 10 years earlier, they hadn't considered it or they hoped one else would? It'd a safe assumption that no one from the administration and the planning commission had either. But there it was now what? I looked at my interior drawing I don't think the architect considered it either. Yes the obvious was there, financing  parking but little matters like rubbish and delivery's seem to be lacking? So this maybe not as well thought out as we were told. Wonder what else hasn't been thought out?

24/7 operation of this "incubator" was never really explained sufficiently. The why and how many at 3:00 AM in the morning for that matter was clearly not explained. Even will HOLA have staff on site at three in the morning.

Again on the drawing I see no delivery door, and where is that second emergency exit?


Deep in the halls at city hall a decision was made that this project didn't warrant more then the minimal from our city government, especially council!

With the famous Painesville thought "WHAT COULD GO WRONG?"

HOLA has received support letters from Geneva, Chardon, Hawken * School even the Perry Public Library. Yes a few even from Painesville itself. I need to find out what a Mexican Popsicle is?

So it was decided to run this by Planning and not even get the 'Rubber Stamper Council" involved. We do want to be invited to the ribbon cutting! Or don't want to be viewed as Anti -Hispanic?

Public Hearing? Why ask to get the public involved.

A public hearing should be held and do all of us a favor leave the kids at home! Yes even the Three Amigo's!

But that will be left up to 7 people who seem to find time for Executive Sessions, but questions from resident's not so much. 8 days left to ask for a public hearing PCCRS'er can't wait to reach zero.


Have heard today that Republic Services has sent out around  500 SI (service interruption)  letter's to Painesville residents in October.  Maybe you can get a Grant for pick-up?

"ESTIMATED PROPHET" grateful dead

My times coming, voices saying they tell me where to go.


Skipped the agenda for this weeks council meeting?  Doesn't seem to increase the number who show up.

So let's go straight to the recap.

Yes more and more on the size of driveways in Entitlement Hts. (Heisley Park)

Yes of course let the State of Ohio check our bridges.

What!

As most of you know by now for some reason we do a poor job on "Estimates" around here.
First electricity that is estimated to cost $46.10 MWH. somehow ends up costing $119 MWH.
another 'clean' Hydro project estimated at $68.00MWH. comes in at $143.00 MWH. and the reason for increased electric bills is the weather!

A new water line out into Lake Erie to cost 9 million ends up at 15 million, but still no finance charge!

Afraid to ask what the final bill for the parking garage was? Rest assured no one on council will ask.

The latest? Our new service garage to be built on city property at the Storr St. facility with a cost of $900,000. Well I guess we 'estimated' wrong we need another $600,000 to complete the building. (change orders) And while we are at it can we have another $89,000 to install an overhead crane inside? General fund as well as electric fund money .

Not even a whimper from council, why not it's a garage they have been building them forever! Yet no one questions anything around here. One thing you can never expect to hear is "Ahead of schedule and under budget". This is so sad. Why even have a council?

You didn't really elect a council you elected seven rubber stamps.

Yes and I asked for a public hearing on the " HOLA Building" I expect no estimate on that either!

These meetings would be funny if they just weren't so damn expensive.


Tip of the day:

Another news crew in town questioning the price of electricity around here!



T

"GUANTANAMERA" jose feliano

First the bad news;

It was reported in todays News-Herald 10/14/16 that Spectrum Brands will be closing their Painesville facility on Lexington Ave. early next year. Better known as the STP building more than 70 employee's will be left without employment and Painesville income tax takes a hit.

I'm a sincere man
I'm  from where growing palm


Now lets talk about the Painesville Planning Commission Meeting held last night.

Over 100 attended this meeting (if you count all the 2 and 3 year-olds) The fire department had to limit the people in the courtroom. WE even had three Little Amigo's dressed in black with sombrero's?

First Mobilite permit was tabled until November. (the 75 foot utility pole people.)



REFUSAL # 2295 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST

Applicant :  Veronica Dalberg on behalf of HOLA Ohio LLC

Well we were treated with a presentation by the firm doing the architectural features of the building along with Ms. Dalberg vision of the future of the building. commercial kitchen, business incubator, catering, retail and office. All sounded great. I was granted to ask questions.
First; Do you have title to the building?  No we are in negotiations with the land bank.
Second; Have they promised to refurnish the building? New roof has been discussed.
Third; Have you applied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a $400,000 grant for a commercial kitchen? Yes
Fourth; Have you applied for another grant for new heating and air-conditioning? Yes, there is over 1 million dollars to be invested in this building. (Other people's money)
Fifth; How much is HOLA investing? A lot (no figure given but Architectural firm is owed $60,000)
Sixth; Have you secured parking at St. Mary's from the Catholic Diocese for parking rights? We will secure that in writing .

When I asked does it appear you are putting the cart before the horse? The Architectural representatives said these questions have nothing to do with the reason we are here today?

A nearby resident questioned where will you store garbage? Since building is landlocked it will have to be stored inside. ( no provision on exterior or interior design is shown for this)

After my questions a lady associated with HOLA stood and told be "you don't have to worry about financing, I will cover all costs occurred." Great I hope the people your asking for financing hear that.

Another Hispanic mother said it was important to instil her Mexican culture in her children. This center is needed to promote this. That is commendable. My problem is pay for it yourself don't ask my culture to finance yours. Trust me America is the land of the free not free handouts.

The planning commission put 8/10 stipulations on the building no more than 150 capacity of people on weekends as well as between 48-85 during the week. Most other stipulations made sense. One concerns me, being a business incubator the facility will be open 24 hours a day. I see a problem with this. That building is in a highly residential area do you want people coming and going at all hours? Who, how many?

This passed 3-0 (Mrs. Hada and Mr. Wainwight absent)

 It become effective in 15 days if  4 members of city council don't request a public hearing on this matter.

In other actions;

The owner La Hispana would like to move his business across the street to the old Tony's Subway Inn. That passed.

Today marks the Grand Opening of  "Starfish and Coffee" in the former Your Vine or Mine location.
The Coffee Shop will open with limited hours starting Friday at 4 PM. Hours will expand as the owner's get their feet wet. This business owned and operated by Austin and Bethany Homrighaus.
So why was Austin there? Well it seems Austin is a licensed in Acupuncture and would like to use a room in the back of the building to provide this service. The member's looked at me? "Oh why not this is Painesville. I might even spring for Mr. Lewis first treatment."
Seriously being a college town this business is a necessity. Also this type of business has been lacking in the city. All without a Grant.

"OH WHAT A NIGHT" four seasons

JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER 10/13/16 THURSDAY AT 7:30 PAINESVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING



Oh what a night hypnotizin' mesmerizing me


Well let's start my night off in Courtroom #1 at city hall for council's work session on PCA. This meeting turned into a big disappointment. First the power point presentation didn't quite work and it was down hill from there.
A couple of interesting comment's were made . First Painesville does not have anything to do with the PUCO Mr. McHugh mentioned that council was Painesville's PUCO.
The reason for the high electric bills was 'consumption' I learned how hot it was going back 15 years.
Even NEW homes in Painesville might not be efficient due to the builder not having the right size air-conditioner and heating unit for the house.
I guess the PCA is so high because Painesville hasn't raised there base rates since 1991 putting all increase in into the PCA?
Also it appears we have no clue what our electric department net profit is? We know the gross profit but not what we net after everything is paid for. Yes in this business net profit could change from month to month. As former city manager mentioned to me once "some month's we make money, some we don't".
Council asked many question's receiving vague answers. No one wanted to commit I guess.
PJM was blamed for a 190% increase in transmission costs.
And to finish the presentation will be put on the city website. Why I have no idea since no one seems to know the answers?
Mr. McHugh stated the PCA is evaluated once a year? Odd My PCA has gone up monthly.

AMP-OHIO contract's were never mentioned as the reason for increased electrical costs? Again carrying the water or better yet the electricity.
This along with the then administration buying enough power from outside sources to make the plant obsolete.

No questions from the audience were allowed? So I never got to ask what it cost's Painesville Power to produce a MWh. of power.

All and all they believe the administration is doing a wonderful job with out electric department.

Had enough, sorry until they get serious I'm out of here. Call  your council people for your answer's.

So what's doing on the other side of town?

Oh the October BOE meeting at Harvey.

First off two administrator's did their best power point presentation on the positives of our system receiving  4F and 1B in our state  report card.
Look I could have used these two when I brought my report card home to Dad! Never have I heard 4F so elegantly presented!
To be truthful we are making positive steps just not at the rate we need to be. It don't come easy.

Finance Director mentioned that by next  year we have to renew a levy of 6.06  I believe.

During the non-agenda time Painesville resident  Sandy Miller politely question some of what she has witnessed in the district.
First off like many she questioned Me. Shepherds last June commencement speech that lasted all of 40 seconds. You remember the "ain't got time for that" one. She then questioned the board about him receiving a raise. (I'm thinking there's no place for  me  to hide in this room). Followed by who approved his trip to Germany? Not one BOE spoke up. Being the start of the school year he should be here in Painesville not in Germany!
Not wanting here to feel alone I spoke if he wants to take a trip he should have gone to Arizona, New Mexico maybe Texas to learn how others have learned about high Hispanic student population in there districts were empowering students. By this time Mr. Shepherd had not said a word but he was red as a tomato! I was then informed  by Mr. Tackett explained our low report card was NOT due to the high Hispanic population in our district. Well sorry that's been the story line for quite a while. I just watched a power point presentation with a red line that represented when the school district immigrant population exploded and graduation and test scores declined? Only one member of the board spoke positive of Mr. Shepherd's trip to Germany Ms. Remington said it was an honor that he was chosen to make the trip. Great what did he bring back for us and how does that trip help home values in Painesville?
Thanks Sandy for telling like it is.

Now as we left the building Mr. Shepherd came out behind us as Sandy said good night he immediately when into a tirade all the way to his car about how offended he was with her comments. ( guessing must have been the raise) First I thought he was just being funny but soon realized he was still red-faced and serious claiming he will never do any volunteering for this community again on and on all the way to his vehicle. I mentioned to Sandy "he can't talk to you that way!" although thinking back he spent more time on that conversation than his commencement speech! Sandy has  sent an email to all BOE members of the incident.

To the employees of the district I feel sorry for you if your boss is this childish and unprofessional .You have my sympathy.

All in another day in the Ville'

"ELECTRIC SLIDE' hit crew

*******************SPECIAL***************************

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016

COURTROOM #1

FOR PURPOSE OF A WORK SESSION

TO PROVIDE OVERVIEW OF ELECTRIC & DISCUSS PCA

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC



It's Electric!

You can't see it
It's electric
You gotta'  feel it
It's electric!

And many of us are starting to feel it!


A couple of weeks ago Newsnet 5 did a story on electric costs in Painesville. Seems some resident's were surprised by the outrageous increases in their electric bill.
We were even told that although Painesville operates it's own power plant it has contracted to purchase electric power from different sources.

The most recent power contracts Painesville has entered into are huge failures. All recommended by AMP-OHIO as well as the administration in 2007. Three come to mind Meigs County not even one watt but a cost of 2.1 million dollars. Prairie State Energy Campus over a billion dollars in overruns and one of the highest electric prices in the country. AMP Hydro CSW. How anyone can develop a Hydro plant and end up being the most expensive power is beyond me. And don't buy Mr. McHugh answer about mortgages he's full of it. Why not one on council questioned him is beyond me!

So how does this affect our electric costs?
Many have told me it means little to them that we are paying $140 MWh.,So?
What's a MWh.?
A megawatt is a unit for measuring power that is equivalent to one million watts is equivalent to the energy produced by 10 automobile  engine. per hour per 24 hours. so 10 MWh. is the equivalent of 100 automobile engines.

Now I asked the city for the invoice from AMP-OHIO. They recently sent me August's invoice.
For August;

$1,359,512.45

Plus as you might remember  the city operated the plant on some days in August. I am waiting to here from the city on that amount also. (I will add it to the post)  Close to 30 souls also work there.

According to Mr. McHughs Painesville Power produced 3,507 MWh. of power in August.
(information received 10/10/16)

This was all set into motion almost 10 years ago. It has nothing to do with anything (PUCO) just simply a very poor judgment by our leaders t that time. Who were led by the nose by AMP-OHIO who I guess put their trust where they shouldn't have. What has AMP-OHIO lost financially? Nothing
They still send us an itemized bill monthly.

So how bad are some of these deals? First thankfully Painesville only receives  a sixth of their daily power from AMP Hydro. What if it was our only source? I use the 1,250 kilowatt for a Painesville resident's bill . the electric bill to your house would be astronomical. As it is for the 5MWh. we purchase about 1/7 of our needs we paid $212,086.59  then from PSEC for approximately less then a third of our needs we paid $371,753.37.

Let's not even get into Congestive or Transmission cost those alone add more to our bill's.

So let's power up the plant and produce! Why? You are presently obligated to purchase this power (50) years.  So why run plant production as well as the power contract's

And our council as well as administrations answer? I guess it's 'pay the man!'

Is this how you want your city run? Are they looking out for you? Hell are they looking out for the future of Painesville?

WHY NOT!  it can't be that complicated.


"Oh. what a tangled web we weave. When we first practice to deceive"  Felicia Hermans

"MONEY MONEY MONEY" abba

AS MOST OF YOU KNOW BY NOW THE IDIOT'S DRIVING AROUND PAINESVILLE AND FAIRPORT SHOOTING OUT WINDOWS HAVE BEEN CAPTURED. 2 ADULTS, 2 JUVENILE'S. DAMAGED ESTIMATED OVER $20,000.

I work all night, I work all day
To pay the bills I have to pay
Ain't it sad



A Painesville resident (Ray Sternot) and I have conversed on the refuse contract many times. I guess Ray couldn't understand the high delinquency accounts in our city. "Who doesn't pay their garbage bill!" Well... many I guess.

That said, after all my bitchin' and complaining the administration went out and secured  us a very fair refuse contract. Is it perfect? No, but it's a whole lot cheaper for the majority than what we had. Now the dilemma... how many delinquent  accounts do we currently have, and what should/will the city do?

Ray asked the administration what their policy as well as Republic Services is..... here is their response :

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

Subject: Process for Collecting Delinquent Accounts

 

Dear Ray:

 

Per your request, below is the process that Republic Services and the City of Painesville uses to collect on delinquent accounts.  We will working with Republic Services to mail letters to delinquent accounts over the next week.  Please see attached.  

 

Sincerely,

CITY OF PAINESVILLE

 

Douglas L. Lewis

 

 

The process is as follows:  The account goes on SI in our system. The Resident also gets a letter telling them the account has been put on Service Interruption and that a $35.00 service interruption fee was assessed on their account.  If the resident calls in to make payment arrangements, our Collections team works on that with them and then they come off of SI.  Any broken arrangements, they go back on SI immediately upon that date of the broken arrangement.  Our drivers will have a manual list of residents that they are not to pick up on a daily basis per route so we are sure that they are not being serviced.  When the container is not picked up, a sticker will be placed on the container that explains the interruption in service was due to non-payment.  30 days following that approx. Oct 19^th or 20^th a Final Demand letter will be sent to anyone who still has not paid at that time letting them know that we are closing their acct and will be sending them to a 3^rd party collection company and then the acct will be closed and bins will be removed.  At that time in advance of the close I can again send you over a list of residents.  I have reviewed the letter the City of Painesville will be sending and other than the obvious name change, our hours would be 8am to 5pm M-F and Sat from 8am to noon and our customer service number is 800-968-7789.  Thanks.

 

 

Kelly Griffith 

Office Manager

Cleveland Division

8123 Jones Rd. Cleveland, Oh 44105 .    

 

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So I guess that if you read Section 955.03 of the City of Painesville Code of Ordinances this will be the result?

 

Dear Doug,

 

Got it now!  Looks like it is a misdemeanor (which I assume will mean a resident is ultimately going to be subject to a fine).  And, I assume all services will be interrupted until arrangements made (power, water by the city and trash by the vendor).  I hope I’m understanding it correctly.  I want to be sure as I will post this information on NextDoor Heisley Park.  There will always be someone willing to test the situation without really understanding the penalty/risks involved. 

 

Ray

 

Failure to comply with Section 955.03 is a minor misdemeanor and services will be interrupted until arrangements are made.

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

 

So why go through all this? Ignoring it won't help. Putting the bin next to your neighbors won't (Driver's know how many bins they paid for.)  Along with you can't expect people who pay their bills to have an added cost because someone doesn't.

 

All Services  something to think about.

COUNCIL MEETING 10/03/16

Fall is upon us!


The first two Resolution on the agene I assume will pass. The six acres at Horvath Lagoons and the access lot in Liberty Greens. Council has a tendency to follow shiny object's as well as the  magic word 'FREE' . Only one question if Painesville would say "no thanks" what then?
Great another worthless piece of property!

Let's get that 'switchgear project rolling. What's 1.4 million dollars among friends?
Want to bet this won't last 96 years? Like the one we are replaced?

Ordinances 1137.03, 1137.07, 1137.12 Best guess is in in response to Heisley Park resident's having to go before the Zoning Board over a variance wanting to widen their driveway's. Change the ordinance and you no longer have to deal with Zoning. On the other hand you still must get a building permit as well as I wonder how this change will be abused there,as well as other parts of the city?

Oh, The State of Ohio wants to renew the program to inspect our bridges. Again free!

NEW BUSINESS

Council Procedures  (You have to show up?)

Council Legal Services Budget (Oh yeah we have to pay that attorney that got rid of Carson for us!)

Everbridge Notification System  (Haven't a clue)


EXECUTIVE SESSION 

There will be an Executive Session immediately following the meeting to discuss personnel issues.