(EVANSVILLE, IN) – September 22, 2010 – The City of Evansville has been made aware that the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) distributed a news release on September 21, 2010, regarding ongoing contract negotiations between the City and the FOP. The following statements from Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel are in response to statements and allegations made by the FOP in said release:
“Contract talks between the City and the FOP are continuing and ideas continue to be exchanged.
It is highly disconcerting and unfortunate that the FOP has broken a long-standing tradition of
conducting contract negotiations with the City in private.â€
“The FOP’s primary focus in these contract talks has been to shift their financial responsibility
for retiree medical costs to the City and thereby to the taxpayers. Contrary to the suggestion in
the FOP’s news release, the City has offered wage increases as a part of our multi-year proposal
to the FOP. The current starting salary for an Evansville Police Department (EPD) officer is
among the highest in the state. The proposed change by the City to decrease officers’ starting
salaries would help offset the shift of the financial responsibility of the retiree medical costs as
demanded by the FOP.â€
“While the FOP has never previously shown any interest in taking the lead with regard to
enhancing the EPD’s ability to recruit minorities, we welcome any positive change in the FOP’s
position regarding minority hiring.â€
The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation has set deadlines by which all students must show proof of Indiana State Law required immunizations for school attendance, or approved waivers. While most elementary schools in the EVSC have nearly 100% compliance, middle and high schools have not fared as well.
New immunization requirements were announced last spring for all students in 6th-12th grades in the State of Indiana. At that time, the EVSC in conjunction with the Vanderburgh County Health Department, offered free immunization clinics in most of the schools; sent home information regarding the new requirements; sent out Connect-ED family notification messages to parents regarding the requirements; as well as information about upcoming summer clinics. Letters and phone messages have been sent out by schools this fall, as well.
Still, a large number of students do not have up-to-date records that have been turned in to their school nurses.
The EVSC has set the dates below by which students need to have their immunization documents turned in to the school nurse or they may not attend school until in compliance. Connect-ED messages will be sent to students beginning in October, who show any deficits in current immunization reports.
Deadlines for compliance are:
All Middle Schools: October 18
Bosse High School: October 25 Central High School: Nov. 1 Reitz High School: Nov. 8 North High School: Nov. 15 Harrison High School: Nov. 22
The Vanderburgh County Health Department has arranged for special extended free clinic times on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 5 (Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 9, Nov. 16) from 1-7 p.m. at their offices, 420 Mulberry Street. This will be offered in addition to their free walk-in clinics Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children must be accompanied by or have written permission from a parent / legal guardian and must bring a complete shot record showing all immunizations received since birth, which can be received from the child’s health care provider and the school nurse. For more information, go to http://www.vanderburghgov.org/Index.aspx?page=2287
City of Evansville SealBuilding Commission – Police Department –
Code Enforcement – Ron Beane Fire Department – Chief Keith Jarboe
Emergency Management –
~ Pledge of Allegiance ~
.
Business with representatives:
Motion by President Bagbey, 2nd by Ms. Huff and so ordered to approve the following items:
Brent Jackson, Presidents Neighborhood Association, appeared requesting the ally be closed from the 1000 block – 1400 block of S. Harlan on the odd side of the street for cleaning and cutting vegetation. He also request 4 dumpster permits.
Motion by Ms. Huff, 2nd by Ms. Manis and so ordered to deny the request to change the parking signs:
Alberta Matlock, City Clerk, checked the parking situation in the 200 block of SE 4th several different days at different times and did not find a problem. She did not find any reason to change the current parking signs. Mr. Marshall did not attend the meeting.
Departmental Reports:
A. Building Commission ~ Ben Miller
~ No business ~
B. Emergency Management ~ Sherman Greer
~ No business ~
C. Police Department – Chief Brad Hill
D. Fire Department ~ Chief Keith Jarboe
Motion by President Bagbey, 2nd Ms. Huff and so ordered to approve the following preventative maintenance program:
1. Requests approval of bi-annual preventative maintenance program for exercise equipment from Gilles Fitness in the amount of $3,000.00.
Motion by Ms. Huff, 2nd by Ms. Manis and so ordered to approve the following two requests:
2. Approve price quote for pavement sealing and striping from Pavement Sealing Company, Inc. in the amount of $4,058.00.
3. Requests permission to seek bids on new fire apparatus.
Motion by Ms. Huff, 2nd by President Bagbey and so ordered to approve the opening and awarding of the bids for demolition of the following properties:
E. Code Enforcement ~ Ron Beane
Emergency raze at 509 Covert Ave due to safety problems.
Location Velpen Stradtner Powers
16-18 West Delaware St House/Duplex $14,000.00 $ 7,979.00 $ 8,173.00
211-213 West Michigan St. House/Duplex/Garage $ 9,800.00 $10,390.00 $ 9,329.00
312 West Louisiana St. House $ 4,670.00 $ 4,898.00 $ 3,873.00
1118 West Florida St. House $ 6,000.00 $ 6,335.00 $ 6,750.00
1120 West Louisiana St. House $ 7,800.00 $ 5,625.00 $ 8,000.00
1134 Henning Ave. House $ 5,200.00 $ 6,090.00 $ 5,743.00
1216 Harriet St. House $ 4,800.00 $ 5,465.00 $ 4,378.00
1326 W. Columbia St. House/Shed $ 7,800.00 $ 6,150.00 $ 7,930.00
1404-1406 W. Eichel Ave. House/Duplex $ 8,000.00 $ 7,485.00 $ 7,986.00
4406 Kensington Ave. Garage $ 6,800.00 No Bid $ 1,648.00
506 E. Gum St. House $ 4,200.00 $ 5,475.00 $ 4,770.00
620 Adams Ave. House $11,500.00 $15,090.00 $11,286.00
915 E. Blackford Ave. House/Garage $16,500.00 $ 9,675.00 $ 8,360.00
1039 E. Gum St. House $ 4,200.00 $ 5,625.00 $ 4,730.00
1204 S. Governor St. House/Shed $ 4,400.00 $ 6,075.00 $ 6,135.00
1206 S. Governor St. House $ 5,500.00 $ 5,990.00 $ 5,873.00
1214 S. Governor St. House/Garage $ 6,800.00 $ 8,390.00 $10,900.00
1211 S. Bedford Ave. House $ 7,000.00 $ 6,135.00 $ 8,365.00
1220 S. Grand Ave. House/Garage $ 5,220.00 $ 5,375.00 $ 6,675.00
1242 E. Sycamore St. House $ 4,200.00 $ 5,745.00 $ 5,280.00
1415 S. Elliott St. House/Deck $ 6,900.00 $ 7,385.00 $ 7,987.00
1. 16-18 West Delaware St.-House to Stradtner for $7,979.00
2. 211-213 West Michigan St.-House/Duplex/Garage to Powers for $9,329.00
3. 312 West Louisiana St.-House to Powers for $3,873.00
4. 1118 West Florida St.-House to Velpen for $6,000.00
5. 1120 West Louisiana St-House to Stradtner for $5,625.00
6. 1134 Henning Ave-House to Velpen for $5,200.00
7. 1216 Harriet St-House to Powers for $4,378.00
8. 1326 West Columbia-House and Shed to Stradtner for $6,150.00
9. 1404-1406 West Eichel Ave.-House and Duplex for $7,485.00
10. 4406 Kensington Ave-Garage to Powers for $1,648.00
11. 506 East Gum St-House to Velpen for $4,200.00
12. 602 Adams Ave-House to Powers for $11,286.00
13. 915 East Blackford Ave-House and Garage to Powers for $8,360.00
14. 1039 East Gum St-House to Velpen for $4,200.00
15. 1204 South Governor-House and Shed to Velpen for $,400.00
16. 1206 South Governor-House to Velpen for $5,500.00
17. 1214 South Governor-House and Garage to Velpen for $6,800.00
18. 1211 South Bedford Ave-House to Stradtner for $6,135.00
19. 1220 South Grand Ave-House and Garage to Velpen for $5,220.00
20. 1242 East Sycamore St-House to Velpen for $4,200.00
21. 1415 S. Elliott St-House and Deck to Velpen for $6,900.00
Consent Section:
Motion by Ms. Huff, 2nd by Ms. Manis and so ordered to approve the following MPO Recommendations:
1. Randy Cain requested a review of the intersection of Martin Lane and Newburgh Road for the installation of a 3-way Stop control. Recommendation: Based on the traffic data collected and the accident data available, no change in right-of-way control is warranted at this time.
2. Ron Reisinger requested review of the intersections of Harlan Avenue with Madison Avenue or Monroe Avenue for the installation of an all-way stop control to deter speeding. Recommendation: No change in right-of-way control is warranted at this time. Coordinate with law enforcement for monitoring and enforcement of the current statutory speed limit. The Safety Board had some questions as to what time of the day the study was conducted. Laura Lamb, Transportation Planner, advised the traffic count devices were in place at the intersection on August 10th and picked up 48 hours later on August 12th.
3. Jim Cruse, Traffic Engineering Department, requested review of the intersections in the Diamond Villa subdivision for appropriate right-of-way control signs and any other warranted traffic improvements. Recommendation: It is recommended that Stop signs be installed according to the layout attached.
The following item was tabled. Ms. Carr will be invited to the next meeting to discuss the crosswalk.
1. Donna Carr, Weekday Christian Education, requested a crosswalk be painted on Weinbach in front of Voegel School. They have a mobile unit that is going to be permanently setup at Kwik Copy across from the school on Weinbach. The crosswalk would allow the children that attend classes in the mobile unit a safe way to cross the street. The Safety Board wanted School Safety Officer Pete Dossett’s input. Officer Dossett is not opposed to it. He went on to say “By putting a crosswalk in, it will create a safe and direct pathway to the mobile unitâ€.
Motion by Ms. Huff, 2nd by Ms. Manis and so ordered to approve the following signs:
2. The City Engineering Department has obtained approval from the Board of Public Works to accept the Crown Point subdivision off of Oak Hill Road for city maintenance. This subdivision does not fall under the new developer sign ordinance. The City Engineering Department is asking approval to install city signage in the subdivision.
Motion by Ms. Manis, 2nd by Ms. Huff and so ordered to approve the following road closings:
1. Greg Utley is requesting EB lane Old Post Road From Berry Lane to 1st Avenue be closed
Saturday, September 25th from 3:00 p.m. until Midnight for the North Band Invitational *BARRICADES REQUESTED*
2. Patricia Weinzapfel, by Ed Ziemer, is requesting approval to close Main Street Between 1st Street and Riverside on Friday, October 8th, from 4:30 p.m. until Midnight for “Rockin for Robin†for the Robin Evernham Foundation to benefit cancer research. *BARRICADES REQUESTED*
Motion by Ms. Huff, 2nd by Ms. Manis and so ordered to approve 1 parking permit for Peyronnin Construction Company.
1. Sandy Wright, Peyronnin Construction Company, is requesting 2 parking permits for the Arena Project. Peyronnin has already been granted 1 parking permit. The limit for parking permits is 2 per job site.
Motion by President Bagbey, 2nd Ms. Huff and so ordered to approve the following requests for Taxi Cab Driver Permits:
1. William D. Kensell
2. Timothy P. Rank
Motion by Ms. Huff, 2nd Ms. Manis and so ordered to approve the request to revoke the following Taxi Cab Driver Permit:
1. Frank Goff
Motion by Ms. Huff, 2nd Ms. Manis and so ordered to approve the following requests for Parade – Walk – Run Permits:
1. Debbie Hebbeler, Executive Director, Tri-State Multiple Sclerosis Association requests approval for a parade permit on Sunday, November 7th starting at 1:30 p.m. The parade is ½ mile long. It includes 1 vehicle (Comaier Wheelchair Van). Starting at Romain Discount Used Car lot, over the Expressway ramp to Fielding Road to front of Harrison High School to Cullen Avenue over the Expressway Ramp back to Romain Car Lot. (Around Harrison High School). This was continued from the September 8th meeting due to proof of insurance. Proof of insurance has been received.
2. Rev. Philip Hoy, Vanderburgh County CROP Hunger Walk, requests approval for a Run/Walk permit on Saturday, November 6th starting at 10:00 a.m. The walk is 2.2 miles long. It begins at East Side Christian Church, corner of Weinbach and Bayard Park Drive. Walk goes E on Bayard Park Dr, left on Alvord Blvd, left on Mulberry St, right on Frederick St, cross U of E Campus, S on Rotherwood, left on SE Blvd, E on Blackford Ave, left on Alvord Blvd, left on Bayard Park Dr back to East Side Christian Church.
3. Gwen Godsey, Principal, Reitz Memorial High School requests approval for 2 parade permits on Friday, October 1st, First permit requested is from 6:30 a.m. and will end by 6:45 a.m. the purpose is for the Senior Homecoming Float to travel from 711 College Hwy. to the school located at 1500 Lincoln Ave. The Second permit is request on Friday, October 1st starting at 6:15 p.m. and ending at 6:45 p.m. to transport the homecoming court to the Enlow Stadium. Start at Lincoln and Benninghoff, E on Lincoln, N on College Hwy., E on Powell.
4. Kristin Hood, SWICA Wellness Coordinator, requests approval for Run/Walk permit on Saturday, October 30th starting at 9:00 a.m. for 9th Annual Ray/Ray Memorial 5K. Race starts at SWIRCA, N on Baker, W on Morgan, N on Read, E on Richardt, S on Heidelbach, W on Herndon, through Garvin Park, S on Main, W on Morgan, S on Baker, return to SWIRCA.
5. Stanley Gilham, Youth Director Salem UMC, requests approval for Run/Walk permit on Sunday, October 3rd starting at 2:30 p.m. for 5K Run for charity (youth missions program). Race starts at Salem Church, 6311 Kratzville Rd, to Kratz Ave, right on Kratz, left on First Ave, to Kratzville Rd, right on Laubscher Rd. Turn around at the dead end of Laubscher back to Kratzville. Turn around at Kratzville and Wimberg Rd. Back to Salem UMC. (3.1 miles).
6. Penny Eades, Isis Temple, Daughters of the Nile, requests approval for Run/Walk permit on Sunday, October 17th at 4:00 p.m. to benefit the Daughters of the Nile. Route will begin on Riverside Drive, continue W on Riverside Dr, make U-turn onto Riverside Dr heading E, another U-turn up the exit of the boat ramp. Take the Greenway path to Sunset Park. Exit Sunset Park and return w on Greenway, w on sidewalk of riverfront, U-turn onto Riverside Dr. near Main St. and continue back down Riverside to Walnut, left on Walnut end in front of Hadi Shrine Building. *BARRICADES REQUESTED*
7. Harold Matthews, Chief of Security, University of Evansville requests approval for Parade permit on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. for homecoming. The parade will start at Carson Center, E on Walnut, S on Weinbach, W on Lincoln, N on Rotherwood. *BARRICADES REQUESTED*
The following handicap parking requests were tabled until the requestor can attend a Safety Board Meeting and provide further information:
1. James R Connelly and Karen Connelly are requesting approval for two handicap parking spaces at 223 S. New York. Attached is a response from Supervisor, Jim Cruse, with the Traffic Engineering Department who went out to inspect the site. 223 S. New York Ave. has some parking in the rear but this is a 4 unit apartment building. I was informed by their son that that one of their vehicles is parked in the rear and does not run. He seemed surprised that both had applied for a handicap parking space. I believe we should allow for one “Handicap†parking space in the front of the home for both to share if they meet the additional criteria.
2. Wanda J. Turnage requests approval for handicap space 401 E. Virginia Street. Paperwork is in order.
Motion by Ms. Huff, 2nd by Ms. Manis and so ordered to approve the following:
1. Approve claims.
2. Acknowledge receipt of Towing report for September 1-15, 2010
3. Approve the minutes of Wednesday September 8, 2010
Dr. Cornel West(EVANSVILLE, IN) – September 24, 2010 – The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission Annual Dinner and Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards was held on Friday September 24, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at The Centre.
The featured keynote speaker, Dr. Cornel West, is one of America’s most provocative public intellectuals. A champion for racial justice since childhood, Dr. West’s writing, speaking and teachings weave together the traditions of the black Baptist Church, progressive politics and jazz. The New York Times has praised his “ferocious moral vision.â€
Currently the Class of 1943 Professor at Princeton University, West burst onto the national scene in 1993 with his bestselling book, Race Matters, a searing analysis of racism in American democracy. Dr. West graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and has a Ph. D. from Princeton. He offers weekly commentary on The Tavis Smiley Show, was an influential force in the development of the storyline for the Matrix movie trilogy, and has released two CDs highlighting his belief that growing divisions in our society foster despair and distrust.
His new book, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud, A Memoir, is a compelling exploration of his heart behind the human mind; and like its author, it is brilliant, unapologetic, full of passion, yet cool. This poignant memoir traces West’s transformation from a schoolyard Robin Hood into a progressive cultural icon.
In addition to the rousing keynote presentation by Dr. West, Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel presented the following 2010 Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards at this evening’s event:
• Workforce Diversity Award – Old National Bank
Awarded to a business or organization that has been successful in achieving a diverse workforce.
• Development (Willie Effie Thomas Award) – Sylvia Weinzapfel, Executive Director, YWCA
Awarded to an individual who has successfully implemented diversity education and communication in an organization, business or the community.
• Community Relations (Sue Woodson Award) – Rev. Adrian M. Brooks, I
Awarded to an individual, business or organization that has achieved exceptional success in developing diversity activities which encourage and support success in the area of community relations.
• Leadership Award – Youth Build, George Flowers, Executive Director
Awarded to a business or organization that has developed supportive diversity strategies throughout a business, organization or community.
• Sadelle Berger Award – Jamil Wali (Posthumous)
This top award honors the tireless work of an individual, organization or business that promotes fairness, inclusion and respect for all in the community, and has made a significant impact.
Settlement one of the largest Indiana Department of Labor has obtained for illegally terminated worker
INDIANAPOLIS – After being sued by the State for illegally terminating a whistleblower, the Michigan City Sanitary District has agreed to pay the ex-employee a $215,000 settlement, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller and Labor Commissioner Lori Torres announced today.
The settlement, approved by the defendants today, is believed to be the largest amount an employer has paid for violating whistleblower-protection laws under state statute in the recent history of the Indiana Department of Labor, which administers the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA). And according to the OSHA Region V office in Chicago, such a $215,000 settlement amount also would be substantial by the standards of the U.S. Department of Labor for what is termed an 11(c) OSHA violation.
“Worker safety issues should not be ignored, nor should anyone face the loss of their job for seeking to correct unsafe working conditions. No one is above the law, and that includes local government entities. If they engage in illegal workplace retaliation against employees, they will face swift enforcement of the law by the State of Indiana,†Zoeller said.
“This settlement sends a strong message to Hoosier workers that IOSHA will protect those who step forward to expose unsafe or unhealthy conditions in the workplace,” said Torres, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor. “This agency places the highest priority on protecting Hoosier workers as evidenced by increased IOSHA inspections, citations, and employer participation in our voluntary safety programs in 2010.”
In this case, the worker, Ron Meer, was employed by the Michigan City Sanitary District but was wrongfully terminated from his position in April after he made three complaints about unsafe working conditions at the MCSD treatment facility and about retaliation he received for previously expressing safety concerns.
Meer then lodged a grievance against his ex-employer with the Indiana Department of Labor, which enforces state occupational safety and health laws. The department investigated and found Meer’s complaint had merit.
The attorney general, representing the commissioner of the Department of Labor, filed a lawsuit June 29 in LaPorte Circuit Court against the municipal government of Michigan City and its Sanitary District. Under Indiana Code 22-8-1.1-38.1, the labor commissioner can bring a lawsuit against an employer for illegally terminating a worker for reporting workplace safety and health violations. The lawsuit sought compensatory and punitive damages for Meer for his lost wages and benefits.
The defendants denied the claims; but rather than take the case to trial they agreed to settle all claims in favor of the State. Terms of their settlement are as follows:
The Michigan City Sanitary District will pay Meer, the former employee, a total $215,000 in damages, half now and half in January 2011.
The Sanitary District will provide a neutral job reference for Meer, who agrees to not seek re-hiring by the District.
The Sanitary District agrees to injunctive relief, including posting a standard notice advising its employees of their rights.
Zoeller drew a connection between his enforcement of Indiana’s workplace-safety statutes and his separate effort to encourage whistleblowers to come forward and report Medicaid fraud by healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies under the False Claims Act.
“Although the two statutes are intended to stop different categories of unlawful acts, they both underscore the important role of whistleblowers. Attempts to silence these courageous individuals through workplace retaliation will be strongly resisted by the State of Indiana,†Zoeller said. “The $215,000 settlement will send a powerful message to other employers about the necessity of following the law.â€
The Meer settlement is greater than many other settlements of its type. Between July 1, 2008, and July 1, 2010, the Indiana Department of Labor – which investigates one type of whistleblower activity — has obtained settlements in 36 similar cases where defendants agreed to pay a combined total of $64,000.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Region V office in Chicago, the Region V Whistleblower Program – which investigates 17 types of whistleblower activity — has recovered approximately $3.5 million in damage awards for approximately 800 complainants in the past two years through the OSHA 11(c) investigative process. Compared to those previous settlements, the $215,000 settlement to Meer therefore would be a substantial one, the OSHA office reported.
IS IT TRUE that Mole #3 (the Nostradamus of local politics) is going out on a limb once again to predict that the extremely popular Vanderburgh County Treasurer Rick Davis will announce right after the Westside Nut Club Fall Festival that he shall be a candidate for Mayor of Evansville in the Democratic Primary.
IS IT TRUE a group of Hoosiers in Washington DC along with former presidential aide Harold Ickes are hosting a September 27, 2010 fundraising reception in Washington DC for the mayoral campaign coffers of Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel (D)? …..the tickets range from $250.00 for individuals and $1,500 for political action committees?
IS IT TRUE that a Evansville City Council member has formally filed a PUBLIC ACCESS REQUEST yesterday with the State of Indiana in order for him to get information concerning amount of money that the city has paid for legal and paralegal fees during 2010? …that this information is vital to each and every member of the Evansville City Council to make an informed decision with respect to the 2011 budget?….that we have never heard of one elected official having to resort to public access laws to get budget information from a Mayor elected to serve the same city?
IS IT TRUE we still predict that 2010 Budget vote for the City of Evansville will either be 7-2 or 6-3 for approval?
IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer political poll between Patty Avery and Jim Tomes was extremely interesting? ….Mrs. Avery collected 133 votes to Mr. Tomes 117? ….this vote suggests that Mrs. Avery collected her Lion’s Share of votes from our independent readership? ….this vote strongly suggest that Mr. Tomes needs to work harder on attraction more of independent voters?
IS IT TRUE that a candidate for Vanderburgh County Commission make a hole in one at her political fund raiser golf outing yesterday? ….that her hole in one was on the 13th hole? ….legend has it if you make a hole in one on hole #13 you shall be granted one wish that shall come true? ….we can only guess what she wished for?
IS IT TRUE that most of the entertainment offerings, with the exception of the Carnival rides will be free, said Vernon Stevens the Hadi Shriners’ Treasurer and the Coordinator of ShrinersFest 2011?
IS IT TRUE that we wonder if Evansville GAGE lost $300,000, $400,000, $500,000 or more than $600,000 on the 2009 Freedom Fest? ….the soon to be released 2009 financial audit of GAGE (done by local accounting firm) could provide us with the answer to this most important question?
IS IT TRUE that as of September 22, 2010 636 persons requested voting by mail applications? ….35 are overseas and 70 are in the military? …..so far 499 have been approved to vote by mail?
IS IT TRUE that 9 conventions and 9,985 room nights have been lost since the closing of the Executive Inn per information written in the ECVB “lost business report”? ….that no reference to the numbers of room nights booked in any of it’s 2010 minutes approved by the Board of Directors of the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau?…that these losses substantiates Candidate for County Commissioner Marsha Abell claim that the closure of the Executive Inn has economically hurt The Centre?
IS IT TRUE that to the surprise of many local politicians that the campaign for Prosecutor between the incumbent Stan Levco and Nick Herrmann is turning out to be a real dogfight?
IS IT TRUE that the races for United States Senator and the House of Representatives are academic? … that the real contests of interest are at the local and state levels?
ARENA PLAZA ART
Application Deadline: October 15, 2010
In November 2011, Evansville, Indiana will celebrate the grand opening of a new 11,000-seat, multi-purpose arena. The focal point for a downtown revitalization, the new arena is designed to become the premium sports and entertainment venue in the area. The open-air plaza adjoining the entrance to the new arena has been identified as the location for a major piece of public art. The New Evansville Arena Project, in cooperation with the Evansville Public Art Commission and the Evansville Arena Advisory Committee, intends to award a commission to an artist or artist team to design, plan, create, fabricate, transport and install a work of public art on this open-air plaza adjoining the entrance to the new Evansville arena. The commission is open to all artists or artist teams authorized to work in the United States. Accordingly, the Arena Project requests that any interested party submit a proposal for consideration for this commission in accordance with this request.
Description of the Desired Work
This competition seeks an aesthetically pleasing, imaginative, innovative, site-specific piece of art that has a purpose and a belonging, a sculptural piece that will have a positive impact on the location. The winning design must make a strong visual statement, must convey a sense of progress, and must be inviting, intriguing and thought provoking without being imposing.
The winning sculpture will be a focal point not only for the new arena but also for the entire city. As a destination point for residents and visitors of all ages, it will become a visual identity for the City of Evansville. As part of the City’s collection of public art, the City will have complete ownership of the work.
The selected design must be appropriate to all the varied activities that will take place in the arena and the surrounding area. A single focus will not serve all audiences. The winning design will support the arena and not compete or detract from its architectural prominence. To encourage the greatest range of artistic creativity and possibilities, proposals may employ any medium. However, the successful sculpture will be durable, easily cleaned, low-maintenance, and suitable in form, material and content for a mixed-ages audience that will include young children.
By: Joe J. Wallace, Hadannah Business Solutions and assisted by CCO Staff
I like many others who have been following the saga of the Robert’s Stadium Ball Fields Project now known as “The Parkâ€, left last week’s meeting with many questions regarding the financial projections that were presented. In particular, my curiosity lies around the assumptions of just where the figure of 100,000 out of town visitors came from and just how many tournaments are needed to attract a crowd like that. The other question that has drawn my curiosity is in how it came to be that “The Park†needs a budget that is exactly equal to the credit limit of the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau. That curiosity led me to the offices of the ECVB where the City-County Observer had already filed for access to the minutes via the Freedom of Information Act.
I would like to thank the staff members of the ECVB for their hospitality and cooperation. My associate and I were treated as though we may be bringing the next big convention to town. We were provided a conference room to work in, water, and quick access to the documents that we had requested. At the end of the day we asked for copies of a number of documents and were provided them for a nominal fee. These people are very good hosts.
What the Minutes Contained:
The Park or Destination Evansville as it was then was first alluded to in 2004 but started being referenced in the minutes of the Board of Directors in March of 2009. Former Executive Director, Marilee Fowler conducted all Board of Directors meetings according to Sunshine Laws and invited members of the local media to all meetings. Many meetings were attended by multiple members of the media so the allegations that this project was done behind closed doors are simply not true. The local media was there and could have easily reported on the activities that were taken pertaining to this proposal. The Park only seems like a secret because the local media outlets chose not to report on it.
Through October of 2010, a total of $1.6 Million has been authorized to be spent on The Park and $765,000 has been either spent or committed. Most of that spending has been on addressing the environmental concerns regarding Wesselman Park and on adding details to the concept. The Tourism Capital Development Fund for 2011 is budgeted to be $1,511,633 derived from adding 2.5% to the projected 2010 funds. That is the $1.5M that David Dunn was referencing at last week’s meeting as being available to service the bonds that are proposed to be sold to finance the construction of The Park. It was interesting to note that all previous budgeting had been done using three year trailing averages but that for 2011 the method was converted to a projection of growth from a projection of revenue.
One of the questions that I had was just how solid was the $1.5M annual revenue figure. Having reviewed the minutes I would call that figure a best case scenario that is subject to contraction due to the economy and due to the loss of TCD funds because the Executive Inn is mothballed. So just how much will the Executive Inn issue reduce that funding? We learned through examining the “Lost Business Report†that 9,985 room nights have been lost in the nine months the Executive Inn closed because conventions chose to go elsewhere. This finding substantiates and quantifies the public claim of Candidate for County Commissioner Marsha Abell’s that The Centre has suffered financially due to the premature closure of the Executive Inn. Mrs. Abell’s opponent Troy Tornatta disputed that claim in a recent debate.
The direct impact to the TCD funds during that period based on a $70 rate is $24,463 which annualizes to $32,617. Those same lost conventions also lead to a loss of operating revenue for the ECVB of $41,937, and lost sales tax revenue of $64,235 from room rental losses alone. That total is $139,789 of losses in tax just from the loss of room nights. As conventions have multipliers for food, recreation, and entertainment, it is probable that the losses in taxes collected due to the “Executive Inn Debacle†will be between $300,000 and $500,000 for 2010 alone. That does not include lost rent revenue by The Centre. When one starts to connect the dots, the true costs of letting the Executive Inn swing in the breeze with no project manager really comes into focus.
A preference to put The Park at the Robert’s Stadium site was first recorded in July of 2009. It is referenced later that a number of other sites were considered. To the credit of the Board of Directors, it was acknowledged in that same meeting by Joe Vezzoso that “some conventions will probably never come back to Evansville if we can only deliver 250 rooms adjacent to The Centreâ€.
The Board meetings of 2010 started out with very few references to The Park. In the March 29, 2010 meeting the attendance jumped to 37 from previous meetings that drew less than 20 attendees. The attendance was most likely due to the public departure of Executive Director Marilee Fowler and the interest in any forthcoming details regarding her decision to seek her fortune elsewhere.
A statement was entered into the minutes that specified that the 7 board members were not paid and that 2 are appointed by the Vanderburgh County Council, 2 by the Evansville City Council, and 3 are appointed by the Mayor of Evansville. It is of interest that every member of the Board of Directors of the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau is a political appointee.
Future Opportunities Lost:
In the March 29, 2010 meeting, a list of the projects that have received money from the TDC funds was recorded. There are 16 such projects that have received a total of $8,785,969.45 including the African American Museum, the Evansville Museum, the Goebel Soccer Complex, and the LST. What dawned on me was that I knew some details about many of the recipient projects and know that the TDC funds were not paying for the full project but were being leveraged to make bigger projects happen. The Evansville Museum project is leveraged by more than 10 to 1. At that rate the $8.7M may well have been instrumental in cementing between $50M and $100M worth of projects to go forward in Evansville. It seems to us that this money has been leveraged effectively and reflects good stewardship and good public policy.
If the decision to max the ECVB’s credit card to a level of $18M to build The Park is made, the opportunity to leverage other projects will be off of the table for the foreseeable future. Many of the 16 projects that have received these TDC funds would never have happened if the ECVB had bonded the cash stream from the innkeeper’s tax several years ago to build baseball fields.
Defining The Park:
The Board meetings of April, June, and July have been dominated by efforts to further the design and definition of The Park. This effort has been led by David Dunn and the media has been buzzing around each meeting. In April, Mr. Dunn revealed that The Park’s preferred location next to Wesselman Park was contingent upon the destruction of Robert’s Stadium being part of the project. It is not recorded as to who or why that was made a contingency but it does seem like this contingency was imposed for the sole purpose of saving the City of Evansville the $1.25M expense of tearing down Robert’s Stadium and to assure that the demolition occurs as fast as possible. The possibility of having an 8-Plex of ball fields and keeping Robert’s Stadium is not mentioned anywhere. The aerial photographs and renderings suggest the possibility that The Park could have included both the 8 ball fields and a well maintained Robert’s Stadium at a lower cost. It was in the April meeting that the 8-Plex was approved, that it was authorized to begin discussion with the City of Evansville Parks Department, and that the Destination Evansville Committee was unanimously granted the authority to develop The Park at a cost not to exceed $18 Million. In every public meeting and every Board of Director’s meeting since then it seems as though Mr. Dunn is focused to carry on with his mandate.
All in all, I would have to conclude that the ECVB has been open and focused from day one. The fact that local media chose not to report this news does not make this group guilty of any back room deals. The staff was pleasant and we believe that prospective conventioneers will be in good hands at the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Downtown Evansville will be represented very well by this crew as soon as a Convention Hotel is in place for them to market. Footnote: My analysis of exactly how other places attract visitors and how much they pay for sports complexes will be published tomorrow.
Tom DonohueI’m looking forward to my visit with Southwest Indiana business leaders on Tuesday, October 12. Local businesses are looking for ways to expand and create jobs in a difficult economic environment, but our leaders in Washington, D.C., aren’t making it easy for them. The unknown impacts of health care and financial regulatory reform, the growing footprint of the federal government, and the potential for major tax increases in 2011 are keeping businesses from investing and hiring. Lack of clear vision and execution on trade, infrastructure, and energy policy is also holding our country back from a robust and sustained economic recovery.
Now more than ever, the nation’s business community must rally around a renewed effort to protect and advance our free enterprise system and pursue an agenda in Washington that will create the 20 million new jobs our economy will require over the next decade. I’m pleased to be the guest of a strong supporter in this effort, The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana, and share the stage with a proven leader and free market champion, Governor Mitch Daniels.
Sincerely,
Tom Donohue
U.S. Chamber President and CEO
Please plan to join us at The Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Dinner on Tuesday, October 12 at The Centre in Downtown Evansville. For more information or to reserve a seat, please click here or contact Carly Griffin, events manager, at 812.425.8147 or via e-mail at cgriffin@ccswin.com.
(EVANSVILLE, IN) – September 24, 2010 – The City of Evansville, by and through the Board of Directors of the Evansville Local Public Improvement Bond Bank (Bond Bank), today voted to bid on tax anticipation warrants expected to be offered for sale by Knight Township next Thursday, September 30.
“One of the best things about Evansville is how we come together to help out friends, neighbors and even complete strangers in times of need,†said Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “By committing to bid on these tax warrants, the City of Evansville is lending a hand not merely to another government entity, but to the hard working families of Knight Township who depend on the support and services the Township provides.â€
Before the bids come due next Thursday, the Bond Bank will complete its analysis of Knight Township’s cash flow needs to determine what is needed for Knight Township to operate through the end of the year, being sure to not expose the Bond Bank to any risk.
The Bond Bank will not loan more than 80% of the tax levy or the maximum cash flow deficit needed, as required by law. The Bond Bank also intends to work with the Vanderburgh County Auditor to ensure that the Bond Bank is paid once the tax warrants are issued.
The Bond Bank will work closely with Knight Township officials and provide assistance and/or recommendations regarding its budget. In addition, the Bond Bank intends to require Knight Township to submit monthly reports, including a cash flow summary, to the Bond Bank for review. Jenny Collins, Evansville City Controller, serves as Executive Director of the Bond Bank and will spearhead oversight efforts.
(EVANSVILLE, IN) – September 22, 2010 – The City of Evansville has been made aware that the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) distributed a news release on September 21, 2010, regarding ongoing contract negotiations between the City and the FOP. The following statements from Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel are in response to statements and allegations made by the FOP in said release:
