IS IT TRUE? May 11, 2011

IS IT TRUE that it has been 144 hours this morning since the City County Observer offered a $500 bounty on anyone that Jonathan Weaver would come forward to back up his on camera assertions of being ELECTION SIGN THIEVES?…that Mr. Weaver has not yet accepted our challenge nor has he come forward to claim the bounty?…that he has exactly 24 hours to accept our challenge or it will no longer be available?…that we do not understand why Mr. Weaver has not come forward?…that a candidate for office is expected to be both honest and charitable?…that IF Mr. Weaver was honest in his allegations of theft that the City County Observer has given him the perfect opportunity to be charitable as a result of his honesty?…that we are waiting?

IS IT TRUE that gasoline price schizophrenia is back and this time it is legion?…that last week was one of those weeks that really made people think things were at least headed in the right direction?…that last week Bin Ladin was shot, oil prices stabilized and as recent as Friday when gas in Evansville was still under $4.00 per gallon that all of the news agencies were reporting that BY SUMMER gas would drop another 50 cents per gallon?…that yesterday it jumped up by roughly 25 cents?…that the reason given is because the floods that have plagued the Ohio River basin and the upper Mississippi finally made it to Memphis and traders woke up and realized that the refineries and storage tanks of Louisiana were only a couple of days down river?…that high water in Louisiana that may disrupt transportation of oil based products must be as good of an excuse as any for futures traders to drive the price up?

IS IT TRUE that when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans that price gouging on basic items was made highly illegal and punishable by incarceration?…that the floods of 2011 on a national basis will do more economic damage than Hurricane Katrina?…that manipulating gas markets by 25 cents per gallon on the expectation that floods will hit Louisiana is absolutely nothing but price gouging?…that it has been known for weeks that the flood waters would be making their way down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico?…that this little 25 cent per gallon gouge is testament to market manipulation, mass ignorance, lack of planning or ALL THREE?…that if you have a full tank you should drive less and avoid filling up until this passes?…that this like most other acts of manipulation shall pass?

IS IT TRUE we wonder if state law gives the City of Evansville Water and Sewer Department authority that allows them to force you to give them your Social Security number when you sign up to get your water turned on? …when the City of Evansville forces you give them your personal Social Security number should this be considered a violation of your right to privacy issue?

IS IT TRUE “CCO MOLE # 3” is hearing that 5th Ward City Councilman John Friend is openly encouraging some anti-Rick Davis Democratic party workers and candidates to rally around the Democratic standard bearer for Mayor of Evansville? …that Mr. Friend seems to understand the motto of the State of Kentucky–“UNITED WE STAND OR DIVIDED WE FALL”?…that if the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party does not get over its SORE LOSER SYNDROME due to the repudiation of the so called “machine” by Evansville voters in last week’s primary that the Democratic Party here may be in for a real slap in the face come November?

IS IT TRUE that it is pretty darn stupid to bite the hand that feeds you?…that it is simply brain dead to bite your own hand when it is the one that feeds you?…that when emotion takes over the decision making process that human beings in general have a pretty poor track record of making good judgment?…that emotion has run the Vanderburgh County Democratic Central Committee’s decision making process since at least last year’s Fall Festival?…that the hand that feeds it is down to the nub by now and it shows?…that every day that this adrenaline crazed family feud continues that there are happy Republicans on the sidelines thinking about a Fall 2011 victory party?

THIS IS FOR THE BEERGUY

IS IT TRUE? Part 2 May 10, 2011

IS IT TRUE that it has been 120 hours this morning since the City County Observer offered a $500 bounty on anyone that Jonathan Weaver would come forward to back up his on camera assertions of being ELECTION SIGN THIEVES?…that Mr. Weaver has not yet accepted our challenge nor has he come forward to claim the bounty?…that he has exactly 48 hours to accept our challenge or it will no longer be available?…that we do not understand why Mr. Weaver has not come forward?…that a candidate for office is expected to be both honest and charitable?…that IF Mr. Weaver was honest in his allegations of theft that the City County Observer has given him the perfect opportunity to be charitable as a result of his honesty?…that we are waiting?

IS IT TRUE one our “CCO Moles” went to turn on water at a rental home he owns?…that only one person was available to serve a large volume of customers (8 to 10) standing in line? …that after about 25 minutes of standing in line our “Mole” encountered one rude employee of the City of Evansville Water and Sewer Department?…if this person worked in the private sector and treated customers the way she treated a “CCO MOLE” yesterday she would have been fired on the spot?…that we are extremely thankful that starting in January 2012 that the new administration shall have the opportunity to select a new entity to run the Water and Sewer Department business functions?

IS IT TRUE that the 9 Breaking Thrills at Theme Parks located in America posted by Browse Bing Travel cites that the World’s Longest Water Coaster is called the WILDEBEAST located at Holiday World and Splashing Safari in Santa Claus, Ind.

IS IT TRUE that we are hearing that it is time for newly elected Prosecutor of Vanderburgh County , Nick Herman should consider establishing a white collar Division within his office? …that this new entity could not only rid white collar crimes in the private and but also in the public sectors alike?

IS IT TRUE that one should follow the responses posted by JOEBIDEN in the CITY COUNTY OBSERVER in its daily “IS IT TRUE” posts?…that JOEBIDEN is close to finding out who the real “CCO Mole # 3” is? …that he is almost ready to discover who “CCO MOLE # 3” is but isn’t there yet?…that “CCO MOLE # 3” is saying that JOEBIDEN is one of 7 final candidates capable of replacing him in this coming November when he retires?

IS IT TRUE that not only does a “vetting” process need to be established for big projects involving the use of public money but that the Evansville community needs to familiarize itself with the word?…that on four occasions yesterday members of the Evansville media and even elected officials have been overheard talking about “venting” the hotel developer?…that “vetting” is a process where the capability and financial capacity of a person or a company undergo an in depth examination and are either approved or not approved by a financially astute committee?…that “venting” is typically used to describe talking through a particular aggravation that one may have with some person or situation?…that there was plenty of “VENTING” going on in Evansville on cell phones last night over the lack of “VETTING” that has been done by the powers that be with respect to the Downtown Convention Hotel?…that most everyone understands that so far a PULSE and GOOD INTENTIONS are the criteria for vetting developers and they are finally starting to vent about how low the bar is set?…that we hope that we will no longer hear the word VENT used for VET on the 10 o’clock news or anywhere else in Evansville?…that confusion like this is why we are sometimes talked down to by the powers that be and thought to be buffoons by certain outsiders?

Hunt Construction Contract

IS IT TRUE? May 10, 2011

IS IT TRUE that last night’s meeting of the Evansville City Council took an unexpected turn when Evansville Arena project manager John Kish stood at the lectern and basically talked down to the City Council and particularly to Councilmen John Friend and Dan McGinn?…that the posture, the carefully chosen words, and the demeanor all projected a “how dare you question me” attitude?…that when all was said and done that last night’s Friend-Quisition is a perfect example of the NEED for transparency and timely disclosure in public works projects?

IS IT TRUE that the long awaited contract between the Evansville Redevelopment Commission and Hunt Construction magically appeared at about 4 PM yesterday afternoon?…that this contract was dated October 16, 2009 and should have been released to the public and made easily accessible by posting it in a “CONTRACTS” page on the Evansville Arena website?…that even though it is a 97 page monstrosity that all of the discrepancies asked about by Councilman Friend were answered?…that John Kish then admonished the City Council not to always believe what they read in the papers and particularly in the 10/20/2009 article in the Evansville Courier and Press reference by Councilman Friend in his letter to Mr. Kish?…that the maximum allowable under the contract is $7,172,000 including fees, reimbursable expenses, and a performance bonus?…that maximum amount is exactly what Mr. Kish has in his most recent budget for Hunt Construction?

IS IT TRUE that a similar situation explained away the questions that Councilman Friend had asked about the deal between the Evansville Redevelopment Commission and Populous?…that Mr. Kish said that his 10% benchmark quoted in the Courier was just a guideline and not a real number?…that Populous is “doing other things” and the cost will actually be $11.3 Million instead of the $9.5 Million?…that when provided with the actual contracts in a timely manner that Evansville people, media, moles, and concerned citizens are fully capable of reading the documents and adding the numbers?…that if Mr. Kish had been TRANSPARENT and that a clearinghouse for contracts was available in a timely manner that these two BIG TICKET apparent discrepancies would have never been brought up last night?…that if Mr. Kish would have followed the Obama Administration’s stimulus example of timely disclosure through a dedicated website that he would not have been called before the Friend-Quisition last night?

IS IT TRUE that Mr. Kish responded to the question that originated from the City County Observer regarding cell phone service in the Arena?…that Mr. Kish said that the City of Louisville did not have to pay for the $2M oversight at YUM Center and that the City of Evansville will not have to pay for the cellular solution in the Arena?…that Kish said all of this will be private money?…that we will not forget what was said regarding this FREE SOLUTION?

IS IT TRUE the Mr. Kish addressed the hotel situation asserting that the NOT YET RELEASED contract between Woodruff Hospitality LLC and the ERC remains the governing document of the much needed Convention Hotel?…that two milestones are coming up in the next 7 weeks with regard to financial performance?…that another media source quoted Mr. Kish as stating that the agreement can be extended if Woodruff Hospitality has not secured financing by those deadlines?…that Councilman Friend asked about “vetting” of Woodruff Hospitality and about the posting of bonds?…that Mr. Kish’s trite response was “what kind of bonds?” and then to look rapidly back and forth from Councilmen Friend and McGinn sending the message of “are you two happy now?”?…that there were no bonds of any type required but that a “SERIES OF ESCROWS” are part of the NOT YET RELEASED contract?…that whatever “vetting” has been done is not working and that some effective way of qualifying the Hotel Developer needs to be established?…that if Hunt Construction had not qualified and vetted material suppliers and the Arena could not be completed because vetting was not done that heads would be rolling?…that Councilman Friend needs to be granted the authority to vet the general partners of Woodruff Hospitality and to see the list of limited partners along with the amounts of their investments?…that he offered to sign a non-disclosure agreement to be allowed to do so?

IS IT TRUE that Mr. Kish and the City Administration would be well served to spend some of their “other” budget on a MINISTER OF TRANSPARENCY to avoid future Friend-Quisition types of situations?…that being open and honest and supplying signed public documents is EXPECTED for large capital projects and that thus far the Evansville Arena project has not lived up to that expectation?

IS IT TRUE that it is now abundantly clear that the expenses created by the Arena project that are outside of the four walls of the Arena will not be paid for or accounted for as part of the Arena project?…that we are heading for an end game where the Arena as Mr. Kish insists will be on budget but that an accumulation of unbudgeted items that are into the people of Evansville’s pocket because of the Arena will have to magically be paid for by some other budget?…that this reminds us of a teenager who buys a $3,000 car then rigs it out with a $3,000 stereo only to continue to claim that his car only cost $3,000?…that the right hand knows exactly what the left hand is doing because the right hand shoved these responsibilities into the left hand?…that the poor left hand is facing what is called “UNFUNDED MANDATES” in government circles?

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

RECOGNITION OF SCHOOLS

READING AND AMENDMENT OF MINUTES

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

CONSENT AGENDA
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES OR RESOLUTIONS
ORDINANCE G-2011-9 PUBLIC WORKS MOSBY
An Ordinance to vacate certain public ways or public places within the City of Evansville, Indiana, commonly known as an alley adjacent to 1275 and 1301 E. Morgan

ORDINANCE F-2011-2 FINANCE FRIEND

An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville authorizing transfers of appropriations, additional appropriations and repeal and re-appropriation of funds for various city funds

ORDINANCE F-2011-3 FINANCE FRIEND
An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville authorizing
re-appropriations, additional appropriations, repeals and transfers of funds within a city department.

ORDINANCE R-2011-3 TO APC R-1 TO R-2
An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, more commonly known as 3624 Pollack Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714
Petitioner: Paul K. Neville II
Owners: Melba Elvira Neville
Representative: Paul K. Neville II
District: Missy Mosby, Ward 2

CONSENT AGENDA
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
ORDINANCE G-2011-7 A.S.D. ROBINSON
An Ordinance amending the zoning code by adding additional use groups listing permitted uses in the Air District and establishing signage requirements for these uses

ORDINANCE G-2011-8 A.S.D. ROBINSON
An Ordinance amending the zoning code by establishing an arts overlay zone in the Haynies’ Corner area allowing certain businesses to be operated from homes in the area as accessory uses to residential use including live/work units

RESOLUTION C-2011-12 FINANCE FRIEND
A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Confirming the Declaration of an Economic Revitalization Area for property Tax Phase-In for the Acquisition and Installation of New Information Technology and Business Equipment (SS&C Technologies, Inc.)

RESOLUTION C-2011-14 FINANCE FRIEND
A Preliminary Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville declaring an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for Redevelopment/
Rehabilitation of Real Property and New Information Technology Equipment (Windstream Corporation)

REGULAR AGENDA
THIRD READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
ORDINANCE G-2011-7 A.S.D. ROBINSON
An Ordinance amending the zoning code by adding additional use groups listing permitted uses in the Air District and establishing signage requirements for these uses

ORDINANCE G-2011-8 A.S.D. ROBINSON
An Ordinance amending the zoning code by establishing an arts overlay zone in the Haynies’ Corner area allowing certain businesses to be operated from homes in the area as accessory uses to residential use including live/work units

RESOLUTION C-2011-12 FINANCE FRIEND
A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Confirming the Declaration of an Economic Revitalization Area for property Tax Phase-In for the Acquisition and Installation of New Information Technology and Business Equipment (SS&C Technologies, Inc.)

RESOLUTION C-2011-14 FINANCE FRIEND
A Preliminary Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville declaring an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for Redevelopment/
Rehabilitation of Real Property and New Information Technology Equipment (Windstream Corporation)

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
There will not be a City Council Meeting on Monday, May 16, 2011. The next City Council meeting will be Monday, May 23, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. Committee Meetings will begin at 5:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

Questions Regarding Arena Spending to be Addressed

WNIN will be broadcasting tonights Evansville City Council meeting at either 5:00 or 5:30 tonight. WNIN is on WOW on Channel 12 and Insight on Channel 11.

For those who wish to attend the meeting it will be on the 3rd floor of the Civic Center.

HOTEL CLASS

A hotel’s star rating is an indicator of the general quality of a particular hotel, and is wholly dependent on the data available to us. The descriptions below indicate what you should be able to expect from a hotel in each of the star classes. These descriptions provide general data, based on the many sources of information that go into our star rating. Circumstances such as ongoing renovations, overbooking, and specific guest needs can affect the quality of your stay. (Be sure to let the hotel know any special requests or requirements you have at check-in.) Star ratings do not necessarily reflect all the amenities or services that might be available at a hotel, and some amenities and features may not be available in every room or at every property with a particular star rating. The features and amenities described here are often not available at holiday rentals, apartments, inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and other speciality hotels.

Economy: 1 Star
A one-star establishment is expected to offer clean, no-frills accommodation with minimal on-site facilities for the budget traveller for whom cost is the primary concern. Guestrooms generally are small, functionally decorated, and may not have a private bathroom, in-room telephone, or amenities. On-site dining is usually not available. Public access and guest reception may not be available at all hours.

Value: 2 Stars
These limited-service establishments are expected to offer clean, basic accommodation. These properties may offer some business services but generally lack meeting rooms, baggage assistance, and full fitness and recreation facilities. On-site dining is usually limited to coffee or Continental breakfast service. Guestrooms generally offer private bathroom, telephone, TV, and limited amenities.

Quality: 3 Stars
Three-star establishments place a greater emphasis on style, comfort, and personalised service. They generally feature on-site dining room service, a pool and/or fitness centre, a gift shop, and may provide baggage assistance. Conference rooms for meetings and extended services for business travellers are usually offered. Guestrooms offer more extensive amenities and more careful attention to decor and comfort.

Superior: 4 Stars
These upscale establishments usually offer a fine-dining restaurant, lounge, and room service with extended hours. Service features usually include baggage assistance, concierge service, and valet parking. A conference centre with up-to-date technology and full business services are usually offered. Public spaces and guestrooms are thoughtfully designed and constructed with high-quality materials. Guestrooms generally offer stylish furnishings, high-quality bedding and bath products, and a wide array of amenities.

Exceptional: 5 Stars
The finest hotels in the world. A five-star hotel is characterised by luxury appointments, superlative service, and the highest standards of comfort. Five-star hotels offer originality in architecture and interior design, high-grade materials in construction and décor, and such special touches as fresh flowers and plants in abundance. These properties also maintain a high staff-to-guest ratio, gourmet dining, and 24-hour room service. Guestrooms offer ample space, the finest furnishings and decor, premium bedding, and luxury bath products. Room amenities generally include high-speed Internet access and CD and/or DVD players. Five-star resorts may offer additional recreation facilities such as tennis courts and golf-course access. On-site spa services, a top-notch fitness centre, and a pool are generally available, as well.

Source: SerfResort

IS IT TRUE? Part 2 May 9, 2011

IS IT TRUE that Rick Davis’s nomination for Mayor of Evansville has caught the attention of some State and 8th District Democratic leaders?…that we hear they are extremely interested in sitting down and talking with Mr. Davis in the very near future?…that if Mr. Davis allows the State and 8th District power brokers to bring him into their political camp it shall yield negative political dividends and diminish his chances to become Evansville’s next Mayor? … that Mr. Davis is better off to put his future in the hands of the good people of Evansville and not in the hands of out of the area power brokers?…that the people of Evansville handed the Democratic nomination to Mr. Davis over unions, Mayor Weinzapfel’s political machine, the City of Evansville Legal Counsel, David Jones, City Vendors, Consultants, Indianapolis Big Money Fatcats, select members of the Vanderburgh Central Committee and appointed Department heads that run the daily activities of Evansville?

IS IT TRUE 6th Ward candidate for City Council Al Lindsey pulled the biggest political upset in the primary?…that his political volunteers did an outstanding job in forging his victory? …that one of the major driving forces behind Mr. Lindsey major upset victory was the new 6th Ward political boss, Trustee of Perry Township Rick Riney?

IS IT TRUE after the May 3, 2011 City of Evansville primary we have four political (4) lame ducks serving on the Evansville City Council?

IS IT TRUE that we wonder why the Mayor of Evansville didn’t call a news conference to announce that the Downtown Convention Hotel deal’s alleged financial challenges?…it would had been hard for him to call a press conference last week because it is legend that he was on a job seeking junket (bring manufacturing businesses to region) somewhere in Germany?…that we wonder how many of these trips he has taken since he been Mayor of Evansville (last 7 years)?… that we wonder how many jobs have these job recruiting trips produce for the people of this region over the last 7 years?…that it is a good thing that Evansville only has two sister city relationships because we just can’t afford a farewell tour for a lame duck Mayor to say goodbye to other elected officials?

IS IT TRUE that the most recent Arena Project Summary still has exactly ZERO dollars budgeted to install sufficient antennas in the new ultra modern Evansville Arena so that the cell phones of 10,000 spectators can work?…that the planners of Yum Center in Louisville made this same fatal mistake?…that installing over $2 Million in cellular antennas, routers, etc, was the first egg that Yum Center got on its face?…that this lesson from Louisville is a free lesson that Evansville is not learning?…that costs scale with seats so Evansville can expect a $1 Million change order SOMEDAY to upgrade the Arena to handle the cell phone volume that WILL be needed to satisfy the attendees?…that it would be cheaper and easier to do it now but then someone would have to own up to this oversight?…that expecting a timely cellular signal is right in line with having a modern arena?…that here is your third hint Arena managers?…that phoning, texting, and taking pictures to send to your friends is part of the modern day experience of an arena based event?…that we wonder if there will be PHONE BOOTHS in the Arena instead?

IS IT TRUE? May 9, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer had enough ABSOLUTE UNIQUE VISITORS last week to win any seat on the Evansville City Council?…that at our present growth rate we will have enough ABSOLUTE UNIQUE VISITORS in any given week to put a candidate in the Office of the Mayor of Evansville by mid-summer?…that for the Ward based City Council seats that the CCO has enough ABSOLUTE UNIQUE VISITORS in a single day to win the election?

IS IT TRUE that tonight’s meeting of the Evansville City Council is shaping up to be one tent revival type “Coming to Jesus” event for Mr. John Kish?…that two single BIG TICKET discrepancies are coming before the FRIEND-QUISITION of at least two astutely aware members of the Evansville City Council?…that these two BIG TICKET discrepancies are with respect to the previously published deals with the Hunt Construction Group and Populous?…that the total of just these two discrepancies are at $3.68 Million and counting?…that we wonder just how many other discrepancies that are lurking in the trivial contracts of lesser amounts?…that every discrepancy should be accounted for and reconciled and that those that are not formally approved by either the Evansville Redevelopment Commission or the Evansville City Council should not be paid?

IS IT TRUE that this meeting of the Evansville City Council will forever be known as the beginning of the “FRIEND-QUISITION” in the evolving tale of the Evansville Arena and its associated costly activities?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer has gotten our hands on a letter that was sent by City Councilman John Friend to Mr. Kish that was dated May 5th, 2011 that asks questions about 8 specific topics that are worthy of scrutiny?…that the topics of Councilman Friend’s letter are Parking, Executive Inn Costs, Professional Fees (legal), Professional Fees (other), Insurance, Populous, Hunt Construction, and the Hotel Incentive package?…that this letter is available online at the following link:

Councilman Friend’s Letter to John Kish

IS IT TRUE that it has been 96 hours this morning since the City County Observer offered a $500 bounty on anyone that Jonathan Weaver would come forward to back up his on camera assertions of being ELECTION SIGN THIEVES?…that Mr. Weaver has not yet accepted our challenge nor has he come forward to claim the bounty?…that he has exactly 72 hours to accept our challenge or it will no longer be available?…that we do not understand why Mr. Weaver has not come forward?…that a candidate for office is expected to be both honest and charitable?…that IF Mr. Weaver was honest in his allegations of theft that the City County Observer has given him the perfect opportunity to be charitable as a result of his honesty?…that we are STILL waiting?

FRIEND-QUISITION Starts at tonight’s City Council Meeting

In response to recent questions raised by aware citizens City Councilman John Friend has sent a letter to Evansville Arena project manager John Kish asking for clarification with respect to millions of dollars of discrepancies that exist between Mr. Kish’s most recent Evansville Arena Summary and previously published line item totals. Councilman Friend is also inquiring about the exclusion of certain costs from the Evansville Arena budget that seem to be attributable to the Arena.

Councilman Friend’s Letter to John Kish