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Revised Park Board Agenda

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BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS

REGULAR MEETING

KEVIN WINTERNHEIMER CHAMBERS

ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

12:00 NOON

Revised AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. MINUTESJuly 15, 2015

3. CONSENT AGENDA

a.   Request Re:  Approve and Execute Independent Skating Professional Agreement with

Nathan Moon for Swonder Ice Arena. – Crook

4.         OLD BUSINESS

a.   Request Re:  Approve and Execute Change Order #2 for Asia Sewer Project at Mesker Park

Zoo & Botanic Garden. – Beck

b.   Request Re:  Presentation of Parks Master Plan. – Johnson

c.   Request Re:  Permission to Develop a RFP for Solar Lighting on the Greenway. – Johnson

5.         NEW BUSINESS

a.   Request Re:  Permission to Purchase a Zamboni Ice Resurfacer for Swonder Ice Arena. –

Nadeau

b.   Request Re:  Approve Budget Transfers and CIP Reprioritizations. – Johnson

c.   Request Re:  Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comments.

6.        REPORTS

a.   Denise Johnson, Executive Director

7.        ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS

 

8.        ADJOURN

Mayoral Canididate Gail Riecken Speech About City Finances

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Thank you everyone for joining me this morning.

In 2014 & 2015, Mayor Winnecke stood in front of the Evansville Rotary Club, and declared the State of the City to be strong.  However, it has become clear to me that the State of our City’s finances is anything but strong.

Today, I want you to understand why we should all be concerned about our city finances.

The starting balance of years 2013 going forward of the General Fund is plummeting.

In 2013 & 2014, the Mayor spent more money than he took in, and he isn’t paying all our bills.  His administration are playing a shell game, moving funds from one city account to another at the right moment to show a positive balance.

The Mayor’s Controller admitted this in a City Council meeting on April 13th.  He stated it was the administration’s “plan to have a positive balance”.   The pre-mature transfer of $2.5 million from the Water & Sewer Utility to the General Fund is but one example of shell game tactics.

These shell game tactics have resulted in the city using today’s money to pay yesterday’s debts.

So instead of fixing the leaky roof, we are paying for car repairs done 6 months ago.

Following this trend, where do we end up in 2016?

We must change the way we do business, and not let wasteful spending hold us back.

The current administration has become all flash and no substance. Instead of looking at our dwindling General Fund Balance and trying to fix the problem, the Administration simply attempts to cover up the fact that a problem exists.  We can do better.

The residents of Evansville need to hold their elected officials accountable.  The Mayor and his administration keep spending our money on irresponsible and foolish measures, which has cost the city millions of dollars.  

These measures show a lack of leadership.  It is a lack of leadership that has placed us in the financial situation we find our city in today.

It was a lack of leadership in the Mayor’s Department of Metropolitan Development that caused the city to drastically overpay to the tune of $535,000 for the old CVS Building on Columbia & North Main.

It was a lack of leadership on the Mayor himself that lead to $200,000 in our tax dollars being thrown away to Earth Care Energy.  It was a lack of leadership that has led to the city spending at least $1.6 million on multiple failed attempts to build a Convention Hotel.

The Mayor needs to be held responsible for the fact that the city’s funds are being mismanaged.  The buck stops with him.

We as a city are on the brink of financial peril.  We must admit that we have a spending problem, and begin the work to fix the problem.  We need a leader who is willing to admit these issues that we face.  For if we cannot admit our problems, we cannot begin to solve them.

We must ensure the financial future of our city.  I will work tirelessly as your next mayor to ensure this, not for ourselves, but for my children and grandchildren.  My two daughters,  Julia Belle and Katie, and my 3, soon to be 4 grandchildren, deserve the best Evansville we can give them.  It is our duty to leave our children and grandchildren a city better than it was left for us.

Our moment is now.  Our mission is clear.  And our opportunity is in front of us

Thank you.

Gail Riecken Candidate for the Mayor of Evansville

 

Please take time and vote in today’s “Readers Poll”. Don’t miss reading today’s Feature articles because they are always an interesting read. New addition to the CCO is the Cause of Death reports generated by the Vanderburgh County Health Department.
Copyright 2015 City County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.

 

Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday.

Lori Ann Ball Theft, Level 6 felony

Miranda Star Effinger Unlawful possession of a syringe, Level 6 felony

Robbie E. Tyler Domestic battery, Level 6 felony

For further information on the cases listed above, or any pending case, please contact Whitney Riggs at 812.435.5688 or via email at wriggs@vanderburghgov.org.

Under Indiana law, all criminal defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.

http://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/recent-booking-records.aspx

EPD Activity Report

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SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ. 
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.

Arrests Made in Shane Breedlove Homocide

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SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ. 
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.
Arrests were made early this morning by Evanaville detectives and S.W.A.T. in reference to the July 19th homicide of Shane M. Breedlove. Further information and details will be released later today at a press conference. Time and location of the press conference will be released later this morning.

Daily Off Topic Forum August 4, 2015

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Remaining Vigilant Of Severe Weather

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May and June might be the peak tornado months in Indiana, but this summer, our severe weather threat has come from something other than tornadoes. After record breaking months of rain, destructive floods have caused widespread damage. Although recently, many Hoosiers have been able to breathe a sigh of relief, as summer continues and eventually turns into fall, our threat however is far from over. These dangerous weather patterns can happen at any time, day or night, and being prepared is the greatest defense we have.

Floods are actually the most common natural disaster in the U.S. While some take weeks to develop, others occur with very little notice. Before a flood occurs, one of the first things you should check – if you have one – is your home’s sump pump. Ensuring that the sump pump is working and has a battery-operated backup system can help prevent flooding in the lowest level of your home. Clearing debris from gutters and downspouts will also provide an extra layer of protection.

In addition, it is important to develop a family emergency plan and put together a disaster preparedness kit. These steps are a key part of preparing for any natural or manmade disaster – not just storms or flooding. The cornerstone of any safety plan is that it includes all the members in your family and ensures that everyone is on the same page about what they should do, where they should meet and who they should call in the event of an emergency.

This is important not only for households, but also schools, businesses and other places around the community. Last year, when Boonville High School was hit by a strong storm, they put their emergency plan into action, and the several hundred students who were there participating in after school activities were able to assemble in the designated safe areas without any injuries.

Making a disaster kit is another simple but very effective way to help keep you and your family safe. These kits should be stored in a waterproof, easy to carry container, bearing in mind that it could take up to three days to receive emergency assistance. Knowing that, your kit should include one gallon of water per person per day, a three day supply of non-perishable food items, first aid supplies, such as a thermometer, antibiotic ointment and Band-Aids, as well as other items, like a can opener, utensils and matches.

Finally, one thing that I have always stressed is the value of a weather radio. My wife Karen and I have relied on one for years, particularly at night when the worst tornadoes often occur. Weather radios can be used, even when the power is out, to receive warnings 24 hours a day, seven days a week; but don’t forget to keep extra batteries in your disaster kit!

A little bit of planning and preparation can help minimize the number of weather-related deaths and injuries and can help Hoosiers get back on their feet more quickly when disaster inevitably strikes. Chances are, you may have already adopted some of these safety tips, but part of being prepared is also sharing this message with others.

Do you know which neighbors have small children or other special needs family members who might need extra help during a natural disaster? I hope that you will consider those around you and share these tips – and even some of your own – with friends, neighbors and loved ones. We may not be able to control Mother Nature, but we can control our preparedness. To review these tips and more, please visit in.gov/dhs/3163.htm.

Governor Pence Issues Statement on Carbon Dioxide Regulations

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Pence: “If the final rule is not significantly improved…Indiana will not comply”

***State Will Challenge Legality of Rule***

 

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issuing its final regulations limiting carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants.  Known as the Clean Power Plan, the regulations impose a carbon dioxide emissions reduction requirement on each state.

 

“When it comes to energy policy, this Administration continues to place its environmental agenda ahead of the interests of Hoosier ratepayers, jobs and the economy. Here in Indiana, homeowners and businesses rely on coal-burning power plants for low-cost, reliable energy. Yet little to no consideration was given to states like ours throughout the development of the EPA’s final rule and that is simply not acceptable.

 

“Throughout this process, Indiana has called time and again for these ill-conceived rules to be withdrawn, and I informed the Administration that unless the final rule was demonstrably and significantly improved, Indiana would not comply. In the days ahead, my Administration will carefully review the final rule to determine if the Obama Administration was listening.

 

“If the final rule is not significantly improved, then Hoosiers can be assured that on behalf of families, businesses and other ratepayers, Indiana will not comply.

 

“Indiana will also continue to vigorously challenge the legality of this rule in the federal courts. Far too much is at stake for jobs and the economy in Indiana for us to do anything less.”
On June 24, 2015, Governor Pence sent President Obama a letter informing the President that Indiana would not comply with the Clean Power Plan unless the final rule was “demonstrably and significantly improved” from the proposed rule.  Governor Pence had previously written to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy on December 1, 2014 describing the proposed rules as “ill-conceived and poorly constructed.”  In both letters, Governor Pence called for the withdrawal of the rules.

 

Evansville Water Will Temporarily Change Disinfection

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Evansville, IN. – Beginning August 12 and continuing until September 9, the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility will temporarily change the disinfectant used in the water treatment process.  EWSU will be using free chlorine rather than chloramines during this time period.

What is Chloramine?

Chloramine is a disinfectant used in drinking water to remove bacteria and viruses that can make you sick.  It is made up of chlorine and ammonia.  EWSU has used chloramines as the disinfectant in its water treatment process since 1999.

What is Free Chlorine?

Free chlorine is a slightly stronger disinfectant than chloramines, and may be used to remove more resistant bacteria and viruses that may be found in the water distribution system.

Why would the Evansville Water & Sewer Utility Convert from Chloramines to Free Chlorine?

This brief, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice to keep water mains clean and free of potentially harmful bacteria throughout the year.

State drinking water guidelines recommend that utilities using chloramines periodically switch to free chlorine for a period of time.  The temporary use of chlorine will ensure that a high level of disinfection is maintained throughout the network of water mains and pipes that deliver your drinking water.

Free chlorine is a more aggressive disinfectant than chloramines, and this temporary change in the water treatment process denies bacteria the ability to form resistance to the usual disinfection treatment process.

Switching to free chlorine is a proactive step to ensure that we maintain optimal levels of disinfection in the water distribution system.

As always, the drinking water will be regularly monitored to ensure that the water delivered meets, or is better than, federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Why Does EWSU Use Chloramines Most of the Year?

While chlorine is an effective disinfectant, using chlorine alone creates byproducts, which are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  We can drastically and cost-effectively reduce byproduct levels through the use of chloramines.

Chloramine is a better long-term choice because it produces lower levels of disinfectant byproducts like trihalomethanes, improves the smell and odor of water (compared to chlorine), and lasts longer in the distribution system to prevent bacterial growth.

Will I Notice a Difference in My Water?

Possibly, some customers may notice a slight change in the taste or smell of their tap water. Free chlorine may have a bit of a chemical odor or smell slightly like water in a swimming pool. Each individual customer has his or her own sensitivity level to the taste and/or odor of free chlorine.  Many detect no change at all.  The mild chlorine taste and smell is normal and poses no health risk.

Are Free Chlorine and Chloraminated Water Safe?

Yes, both forms of chlorine are effective and safe for people and animals for drinking, cooking and bathing, as well as watering the garden, and for all other common uses.  However, precautions must be taken to remove or neutralize chloramines and free chlorine during the kidney dialysis process, in the preparation of water for fish tanks and ponds, and for businesses requiring highly processed water.  A de-chlorination procedure optimized for chloramine removal will work equally well with free chlorine.

People and businesses that normally take special precautions to remove chloramines from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine.

Most customers will not need to take any precautions as the water remains safe to drink and is treated according to both state and federal standards.

  • Kidney Dialysis Just like chloramines, free chlorine must be removed from water used in kidney dialysis machines.  EWSU has contacted representatives from the medical community to inform them of this temporary conversion.  We advise customers who are dialysis patients to call their physicians or dialysis centers if there are any questions.
  • Fish Owners Like chloramines, free chlorine is toxic to fish.  Fish owners need to remove chlorine, ammonia and chloramines from the water before use with tropical fish. Local pet stores carry water conditioners that remove chloramines and free chlorine.  If customers have questions, we recommend contacting their pet store for information and detailed instructions.

EWSU is committed to providing high-quality water and related services that meet all regulatory drinking water standards in a manner that prevents pollution, enhances the environment, and promotes sustainability.  If you need further information regarding this change, please contact the Utility at (812) 428-0568.   

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