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 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 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

*How Wasteful the Older Generation Was … *
Author: Unknown

In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bag because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. The woman apologized to him and explained, “We didn’t have the green thing back in my day.” The clerk responded, “That’s our problem today. The former generation did not care enough to save our environment.” He was right, that generation didn’t have the green thing in its day. Back then, they returned their milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But they didn’t have the green thing back in that customer’s day.

In her day, they walked up stairs, because they didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. They walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go two blocks. But she was right.

They didn’t have the green thing in her day.

Back then, they washed the baby’s diapers because they didn’t have the throw-away kind. They dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts – wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.

But that old lady is right, they didn’t have the green thing back in her day.

Back then, they had one TV, or radio, in the house – not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a hankerchief, not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, they blended and stirred by hand because they didn’t have electric machines to do everything for you. When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, they didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power. They exercised by working so they didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she’s right, they didn’t have the green thing back then.

They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time they had a drink of water. They refilled their writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and they replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But they didn’t have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or rode the school bus instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. They had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And they didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn’t it sad the current generation laments how wasteful the old folks were just because they didn’t have the green thing back then?

found on FaceBook….circulating the web, but we couldn’t locate who wrote it! If you know, please let me know so we can properly attribute it!

Tired of driving around trying to find a place to park? Well, there’s an app for that. Parking in Motion is a free iPhone app that takes the stress out of parking by enabling users to find, reserve and pay for parking all through a few clicks on their phone.

The PIM app has a directory of 16,000 (and counting) garages and lots in over 300 cities and major airports in the US, plus top cities in Canada and Europe. In addition to loading the parking facility locations, which can be searched and mapped out instantly on your iphone through GPS to find the nearest one to you, the PIM database pulls up other useful information to help you on the spot.

Also available are rates, for price comparisons, hours of operation and driving directions, including arrows on the map indicating the parking facility’s exact entrance, which is extremely helpful since they can be difficult to find. If the parking garage shows up in green on the map you can also pull up a form to reserve and pay for a spot before you arrive.

A feature being developed is real time information t on which lots and garages are full, using data collected from garage operators directly. Also in the works is street parking intelligence. Meter locations, parking rules and restrictions are some of the features that will be gathered from meters and municipalities and augmented by users to uncover streets most likely to have open spots. These features are in beta now in some cities including Santa Monica, CA.

CNET spoke with Sam, Friedman, PIM co-founder, who describes an even further evolved future via PIM for street parking:

“Five years from now, you’ll be able to get in your car, find parking on the street, and pay for it from within your car. And then if you’re in a meeting and it’s running over, you’ll be able to re-up your meter from the conference table.”

The PIM iPhone app is available for free download from iTunes now. Give it a try to save on frustration and gas.

Source: CNET

Also See: New York Times article on San Francisco’s adoption of iPhone App for parking finder

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/technology/08parking.html?_r=1&hp

IS IT TRUE that a drive by of the corner of Walnut Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Downtown Evansville begs some questions with respect to the whole demolition procedure surrounding the old Executive Inn and parking garage?…that the parking garage is now a pile of rubble as it should be?…that the pigeon and mold filled remains of the south wing of the Executive Inn is still eerily standing with no demolition equipment in place?…that this may not be an accident?…that as long as the old Executive Inn is not demolished the possibility that our sparkling new 4-Star (as per Mayor Weinzapfel and Browning in 2007) Convention Hotel may just morph back into a freshly painted Pigeon House aka the refurbishment of the Executive South Tower?…that back when there were four companies bidding on the hotel proposal that one of the ideas floated by the Kunkel Group was to refurbish the old Executive Inn?

IS IT TRUE that getting a loan to move forward with a $32 Million construction project will not be any easier for the Kunkel Group that it was for Woodruff Hospitality?…that the same lending criteria and valuations will still guide banking decisions?…that lowering the price of the project to a number between $15 Million and $20 Million with an $8 Million City of Evansville incentive will make this scenario a 50% down loan package?…that a single change order approved by the Evansville Redevelopment Commission that makes the requirement a 2-Star non branded hotel could seal a deal like this?…that a refurbished Executive Inn and a surface parking lot where the old parking garage was may just be wedged between a $127.5 Million Evansville Arena and a somewhat opulent Centre?…that in most cities it is nearly impossible to place a trailer in between two mansions?…that the City County Observer supported the Hyatt Place proposal and truly hopes that it finds its way to fruition?…that we also expect that the delayed demolition, the fact that the Executive Inn still stands, and the deafening silence of the powers that be on this subject are no coincidence?

IS IT TRUE that we are hearing that Vanderburgh County Councilman Mike Goebel, 5th Ward City Councilman John Friend, 4th Ward City Councilwoman Connie Robinson, and Dr. Dan Adams at-large City Councilman are busy working their political magic on behalf of the standard bearer that they support to become the next Mayor of Evansville, Rick Davis?

IS IT TRUE that we are also hearing that recently defeated candidate for the 6th Ward City Council nomination and sitting President of the Evansville City Council, B. J. Watts and other prominent members of Westside Democratic Royalty, are turning bright Republican red in the shadows as they prepare to support the efforts to defeat Al Lindsey in the general election?…that common perceived enemies make for some strange and unprecedented friendships?…that we wonder if these newly converted Republican supporters will extend their Republican support east of Pigeon Creek to support Brent Grafton in the 5th Ward and E. Lon Walters in the 2nd Ward general election for Evansville City Council?

IS IT TRUE that the decision makers in the Republican party have decided to pump a great deal of money into the 2nd Ward City Council race? …that they feel that Republican Lon Walters has a good chance of beating incumbent 2nd Ward City Councilwoman Missy Mosby because of her devoted service to now lame duck Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel? … that we are hearing that the figure they have committed to raise for Mr. Walters is somewhere around $50,000?…that conventional wisdom is if Mr. Walters win the 2nd ward City Council seat the Republicans will control the Evansville City Council by a 5 to 4 margin? …Mr. Walters will make the proposed closing of neighborhood fire stations located in 2nd Ward, flooding problems, the Downtown Hotel fiasco, and bad conditions of our city parks into campaign issues that Ms. Mosby will be forced to defend in the upcoming General elections?