Monday, November 29, 2010
Simon Reception
In case you've nothing better to do this afternoon, the SIU School of Law and the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute hostg a reception for Lt. Governor elect (a post some Illinois politicians proposed eliminating earlier this year) Sheila Simon this afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Lesar Law building's formal lounge.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Parking Enforcement
Looks like the police will step up enforcement of disabled parking in Carbondale, at least for the foreseeable future. Lord knows, I often see vehicles parked in disabled spaces, especially at Kroger,with the person showing no sign of any disability.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
More Fight Photos
Here're a couple of more photos of last Saturday morning's fight. The stabbing victim is on the ground behind the crow of people on the right side of the bottom picture. Police do not appear to have arrived at the time the photo was taken
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Saturday Morning Fight Photos
Here are a couple of photos I received taken during the fight in the Verizon/Frontier parking lot last Saturday morning. The photo on the right shows particpants in the fight on the low hill between the parking lot and the alley running behind the building where the party was. The picture on the shows the crowd in the parking lot with the Frontier building wall in the background. From what I have been told, the stabbing victim is lying at the base of the wall, obscured by the crowd.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
More Police Activity
Police arrested Max Supple for criminal trespass on S. Rawlings last Tuesday. Underage consumption of alcohol and disorderly conduct too. If you're going to comit a crime, go for the gusto.
Update on Murder and Fight
The Carbondale Police have posted an update on the investigation into the fight and murder last Saturday morning on S. University.
And the Candidates Are....
5 for mayor and 16 for city council. I see Lance Jack broke down and decided to run for his old seat. If he wins, I wonder if he will put Fat Patties into a blind trust like Jim Budslick did with Stix when he won a city council seat several years ago:
Five (5) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Carbondale Mayor and sixteen (16) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Carbondale City Council Member. As a result, there will be primary elections for both Mayor and City Council Member on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. The petition filing period ended today at 5:00 p.m..
Listed below are the five candidates who have filed Mayor . An "L" next to the name of the first three candidates (who are listed alphabetically) indicates that those candidates will be involved in the Lottery for Ballot Placement to be held on November 23rd. The remaining two candidates will be listed in fourth and fifth positions, respectively, on the Primary Election ballot:
L - Joel Fritzler, 123 South Violet Lane
L - Sam Goldman, 504 Lexington Court
L - George Maroney, 37 Pinewood Drive
4 - Brent Ritzel, 2511 South Illinois Avenue Unit 71
5 - Steven N. Haynes, 605 East Burke Street
Listed below are the sixteen candidates who have filed for City Council Member. An "L" next to the name of the first four candidates (who are listed alphabetically) indicates that those candidates will also be involved in the Lottery for Ballot Placement. The remaining twelve candidates will be listed in fifth through sixteenth positions, respectively, on the Primary Election ballot:
L - Jane Adams, 606 West Elm Street
L - Lee M. Fronabarger, 1140 Morningside Drive
L - John Holt, 406 South Oakland Avenue
L - Donald Monty, 418 South Giant City Road
5 - Hugh Richard Williams, 611 East Park Street #117
6 - Jerrold Hennrich, 610 West Sycamore Street
7 - Jessica Bradshaw, 404 North Smith Street
8 - Janet Elizabeth Donoghue, 505 North Springer Street
9 - Earl Czajkowski, 805 West Main Street Apt. 1
10 - Craig Anz, 1216 West Sycamore
11 - Tom Grant, 5370 Springer Ridge Road
12 - Candle Wester-Mittan, 804 South Valley Road
13 - Michael C. Riley, 920 Kira Court
14 - Montana Goodman, 412 East College Street
15 - Lance D. Jack, 1026 North Bridge Street
16 - R. Rick Jackson, 314 East Jackson Street
The Primary Election will narrow the field to four (4) candidates for Mayor and twelve (12) candidates for City Council Member to advance to the April 5th General Election. Ballot placement for the General Election is determined by the number of votes received in the Primary Election, with the highest vote-getter placed first on the ballot, the second highest vote-getter placed second on the ballot, etc..
The lottery for ballot placement will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23rd. All candidates and the public are invited to attend.
Monday, November 22, 2010
New Businesses
The exit of businesses from the 200 block of West Main didn't leave those storefronts empty for long. Less than a month after Two Doves Photography and Workforce moved out, LilyWhite Fashions has moved into the Two Doves location and La Unica Bakery is remodeling the Workforce location. Now if something besides late night private parties resulting in fights would move into the Spotlight Bar and Grill location.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
City Council Meeting
City Council meets this Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Civic Center. Aside from swearing in Mike Neill to serve out the remainder of Lance Jack's term, the most interesting thing looks like a proposal to turn ownership of the Eurma Hayes Center over to a newly formed Eurma C.Hayes Center Corporation.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Fight
The C'dale Police report a large fight in the 100 block of S. University about 1:30 this morning, resulting in one death and on treatment for serious injuries at Memorial Hospital.
Not sure if it's connected or not but I walked through the area about midnight and heard 2 or 3 cars in the alley behind the Frontier/Verizon building and City Hall parking lot playing extremely loud music, audible a block away. I only noticed it because this area is typically pretty quiet at that hour of the night.
Not sure if it's connected or not but I walked through the area about midnight and heard 2 or 3 cars in the alley behind the Frontier/Verizon building and City Hall parking lot playing extremely loud music, audible a block away. I only noticed it because this area is typically pretty quiet at that hour of the night.
Cheng Changes
As the Carbondale Observer points out, Chancellor Cheng has demonstrated a political tin ear regarding furloughs at the university. Apparently, it takes a few days for the message to sink in as I heard on WSIU this morning she will take 6 days furlough along with President Poshard.
If your ship has sprung a leak and you're the captain, everyone expects you to do what your crew does. A leader goes above and beyond. So far, facing this crisis, her leadership has been a bit lacking.
If your ship has sprung a leak and you're the captain, everyone expects you to do what your crew does. A leader goes above and beyond. So far, facing this crisis, her leadership has been a bit lacking.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Election Update
Two more city council candidates have thrown their hats into the ring, as of 5 p.m. today. Not familiar with Earl Czajkowski, but Craig Anz teaches architecture at SIUC and has worked closely in recent months with Carbondale Main Street, doing extensive designwork on the new Harbaugh's Cafe facade and working to develop one for China Express next door.
UPDATED CANDIDATE FILINGS FOR CARBONDALE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
Five (5) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Mayor of Carbondale and ten (10) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Carbondale City Council Member.
Since five (5) candidates have now filed for Mayor, a Primary Election for Mayor will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2011.
Listed alphabetically below are the three Mayoral candidates that will be involved in the Lottery for Ballot Placement to be held on November 23rd as well as the two additional Mayoral candidates who will be listed in fourth and fifth positions, respectively, on the Primary Election ballot:
L - Joel Fritzler, 123 South Violet Lane
L - Sam Goldman, 504 Lexington Court
L - George Maroney, 37 Pinewood Drive
4 - Brent Ritzel, 2511 South Illinois Avenue Unit 71
5 - Steven N. Haynes, 605 East Burke Street
The Primary Election will narrow the field to four (4) candidates for Mayor, with the four candidates appearing on the April 5th General Election ballot. Ballot placement for the General Election is determined by the number of votes received in the Primary Election, with the highest vote-getter placed first on the ballot, the second highest vote-getter placed second on the ballot, etc..
Listed alphabetically below are the City Council Candidates who will be involved in the Lottery for Ballot Placement to be held on November 23rd as well as the one additional candidate who has submitted nominating petitions for City Council member and will be listed in fifth position on the ballot.
L - Jane Adams, 606 West Elm Street
L - Lee M. Fronabarger, 1140 Morningside Drive
L - John Holt, 406 South Oakland Avenue
L - Donald Monty, 418 South Giant City Road
5 - Hugh Richard Williams, 611 East Park Street #117
6 - Jerrold Hennrich, 610 West Sycamore Street
7 - Jessica Bradshaw, 404 North Smith Street
8 - Janet Elizabeth Donoghue, 505 North Springer Street
9 - Earl Czajkowski, 805 West Main Street Apt. 1
10 - Craig Anz, 1216 West Sycamore
Sustainabily Commission
Sat in on the Sustainability Commission's meeting last night, which didn't accomplish anything, aside from electing a new chairman. There was an interesting presentation about sustainable energy programs offered by the Egyptian Energy Cooperative Association and an update on the cleanup- at the Koppers' site in the northeast part of town (still going on) but no action taken on the proposed chicken ordinance, reusable shopping bags or styrofoam reduction.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
LilyWhite
According to today's DE, the LilyWhite fashion store opens at 211 West Main this Monday. The store features handmade fashions and crafts, with a Christian focus.
Sustainability Commission
The C'dale Sustainability Commission meets tonight at 6 in room 103 at the Civic Center. Looks like on the agenda are a discussion about the Kopper's wood treating site, chickens and goats in the city limits, promoting reusable bags, styrofoam reduction strategies and electing a new chairperson.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Updated Declared Candidacies
As of 4 p.m. yesterday:
Five (5) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Mayor of Carbondale and eight (8) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Carbondale City Council Member.
Five (5) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Mayor of Carbondale and eight (8) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Carbondale City Council Member.
Since five (5) candidates have now filed for Mayor, a Primary Election for Mayor will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2011.
Listed alphabetically below are the three Mayoral candidates that will be involved in the Lottery for Ballot Placement to be held on November 23rd as well as the two additional Mayoral candidates who will be listed in fourth and fifth positions, respectively, on the Primary Election ballot:
L - Joel Fritzler, 123 South Violet Lane
L - Sam Goldman, 504 Lexington Court
L - George Maroney, 37 Pinewood Drive
4 - Brent Ritzel, 2511 South Illinois Avenue Unit 71
5 - Steven N. Haynes, 605 East Burke Street
The Primary Election will narrow the field to four (4) candidates for Mayor, with the four candidates appearing on the April 5th General Election ballot. Ballot placement for the General Election is determined by the number of votes received in the Primary Election, with the highest vote-getter placed first on the ballot, the second highest vote-getter placed second on the ballot, etc..
Listed alphabetically below are the City Council Candidates who will be involved in the Lottery for Ballot Placement to be held on November 23rd as well as the one additional candidate who has submitted nominating petitions for City Council member and will be listed in fifth position on the ballot.
L - Jane Adams, 606 West Elm Street
L - Lee M. Fronabarger, 1140 Morningside Drive
L - John Holt, 406 South Oakland Avenue
L - Donald Monty, 418 South Giant City Road
5 - Hugh Richard Williams, 611 East Park Street #117
6 - Jerrold Hennrich, 610 West Sycamore Street
7 - Jessica Bradshaw, 404 North Smith Street
8 - Janet Elizabeth Donoghue
At this time, a Primary Election for City Council Member is not necessary. However, if thirteen (13) or more candidates file for City Council Member, a Primary Election will also be required for Council Member to narrow the field to twelve (12) candidates. Again, ballot placement for the candidates advancing to the General Election will be determined by the number of votes received in the Primary.
The period for filing nominating petitions for Mayor and/or City Council extends through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22nd. Nomination packets remain available for pick up in the City Clerk's Office, Room 165 of Carbondale City Hall, 200 South Illinois Avenue.
Jane Adams' Candidacy
Received the following email/press release from Jane Adams regarding her reasoning for running for city council:
Jane Adams threw her hat in the ring for City Council Monday,
November 15. She seeks a Council seat because, she says, "I want to
make a difference for Carbondale through promoting renewal,
reinvestment, and revitalization of the City”.
If elected, Adams says she will promote policies and programs that
encourage reinvestment in Carbondale's neighborhoods and business
districts.
Adams served on the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, which was
recently adopted by the City. The Plan, Adams said, "provides a basis
for guiding our development in the coming decades."
"We need to position ourselves so that, as the economy comes back, we
can take advantage of opportunities for sustainable development,"
Adams said. "This will require a close look at our zoning and building
codes, our tax structure, and our infrastructure."
"In these tough times, we must revisit our tax structure," Adams said.
"There may be tools available to spread the tax burden more equitably.
And there may be ways to tighten our belt without sacrificing the
City's core mission."
Adams and her husband have restored several older homes in the Arbor
District. "New houses aren't built with the quality of materials in
these older homes," Adams observed. "We find old-growth, dimensional
lumber, high quality plaster and other details that cannot be
economically replicated in today's construction.
"And these homes are close to the major employers - Memorial Hospital
and the University - as well as to Downtown. With gasoline costs going
up, more and more people want to live in walkable, bikeable
neighborhoods with their workplace nearby.
“Housing”, notes Adams, “is easily the third largest industry in
Carbondale after the university and the medical center. It employs
hundreds of independent workmen and professionals. We learned in the
Carbondale Comprehensive Plan Committee that the number one concern in
Carbondale was housing. I plan to focus like a laser on that issue”.
Adams notes the wealth of talent, expertise, and entrepreneurial
energy associated with SIUC and the thriving Wine Trail. "Carbondale
is the gateway to the Shawnee Hills," she states. "We have some
wonderful synergies developing with the Farmers' Market, the
Neighborhood Coop, B&Bs, restaurants, and other businesses that are
developing based on sustainable local food production and tourism."
Returning to her core message, Adams argues that, to realize this
potential, the City must function as a place that workers and
entrepreneurs want to live in. "Many of our neighborhoods are
blighted, or just about to tip," Adams observes. "It is time to
reinvest in and revitalize the City. We must improve the environment
for local small businesses as well”.
“One must also acknowledge the great advantages we have in
Carbondale”, stated Adams. “We have a tolerant and diverse
community that welcomes everyone. We have major employers with good
wages and benefits. And we live in a beautiful natural environment.”
Jane Adams was born and raised on a farm in Jackson County, graduating
from University High School and SIUC. She taught in the Anthropology
Department for 23 years, retiring in May of this year. She
participated in desegregating Carbondale's restaurants in the early
1960s and volunteered for the 1964 Freedom Summer in Mississippi. She
has been active in promoting sustainable agriculture since working
with farmers during the Farm Crisis of the mid-1980s and is the past
president of the ACLU. Adams has written and lectured widely on the
history of Southern Illinois farming.
Jane Adams threw her hat in the ring for City Council Monday,
November 15. She seeks a Council seat because, she says, "I want to
make a difference for Carbondale through promoting renewal,
reinvestment, and revitalization of the City”.
If elected, Adams says she will promote policies and programs that
encourage reinvestment in Carbondale's neighborhoods and business
districts.
Adams served on the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, which was
recently adopted by the City. The Plan, Adams said, "provides a basis
for guiding our development in the coming decades."
"We need to position ourselves so that, as the economy comes back, we
can take advantage of opportunities for sustainable development,"
Adams said. "This will require a close look at our zoning and building
codes, our tax structure, and our infrastructure."
"In these tough times, we must revisit our tax structure," Adams said.
"There may be tools available to spread the tax burden more equitably.
And there may be ways to tighten our belt without sacrificing the
City's core mission."
Adams and her husband have restored several older homes in the Arbor
District. "New houses aren't built with the quality of materials in
these older homes," Adams observed. "We find old-growth, dimensional
lumber, high quality plaster and other details that cannot be
economically replicated in today's construction.
"And these homes are close to the major employers - Memorial Hospital
and the University - as well as to Downtown. With gasoline costs going
up, more and more people want to live in walkable, bikeable
neighborhoods with their workplace nearby.
“Housing”, notes Adams, “is easily the third largest industry in
Carbondale after the university and the medical center. It employs
hundreds of independent workmen and professionals. We learned in the
Carbondale Comprehensive Plan Committee that the number one concern in
Carbondale was housing. I plan to focus like a laser on that issue”.
Adams notes the wealth of talent, expertise, and entrepreneurial
energy associated with SIUC and the thriving Wine Trail. "Carbondale
is the gateway to the Shawnee Hills," she states. "We have some
wonderful synergies developing with the Farmers' Market, the
Neighborhood Coop, B&Bs, restaurants, and other businesses that are
developing based on sustainable local food production and tourism."
Returning to her core message, Adams argues that, to realize this
potential, the City must function as a place that workers and
entrepreneurs want to live in. "Many of our neighborhoods are
blighted, or just about to tip," Adams observes. "It is time to
reinvest in and revitalize the City. We must improve the environment
for local small businesses as well”.
“One must also acknowledge the great advantages we have in
Carbondale”, stated Adams. “We have a tolerant and diverse
community that welcomes everyone. We have major employers with good
wages and benefits. And we live in a beautiful natural environment.”
Jane Adams was born and raised on a farm in Jackson County, graduating
from University High School and SIUC. She taught in the Anthropology
Department for 23 years, retiring in May of this year. She
participated in desegregating Carbondale's restaurants in the early
1960s and volunteered for the 1964 Freedom Summer in Mississippi. She
has been active in promoting sustainable agriculture since working
with farmers during the Farm Crisis of the mid-1980s and is the past
president of the ACLU. Adams has written and lectured widely on the
history of Southern Illinois farming.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Five for Mayor
Just checked with the city clerk and Steven Haynes announced his candidacy yesterday but has not yet filed the nominating petitions. Brent Ritzel filed his petitions at 4:45 yesterday, making him the 4th official candidate.
Ritzel not Haynes
Heard on the news this morning that Steven Haynes had filed a petition for the maoyoral slot. However, according to the official press release, it's actually Brent Ritzel
Four (4) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Mayor of Carbondale and five (5) candidates have filed their nominating petitions for Carbondale City Council Member.
At 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning, three candidates filed their nominating petitions for Mayor. Since these three candidates all filed at the same time, a lottery for ballot placement will be held on Tuesday, November 23, at 3:30 p.m. in the City Clerk's Office. Only these three candidates will be involved in the lottery to determine the order in which these names will appear on the ballot. Candidates who subsequently file for Mayor will appear on the ballot in the order in which their nominating petitions are received. Listed alphabetically below are the three candidates who have filed for Mayor and will be involved in the Lottery as well as the one new candidate who will be listed in fourth position on the ballot:
L - Joel Fritzler, 123 South Violet Lane
L - Sam Goldman, 504 Lexington Court
L - George Maroney, 37 Pinewood Drive
4 - Brent Ritzel, 2511 South Illinois Avenue Unit 71 (filed Monday at 4:45 p.m.)
Also at 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning, four candidates filed their nominating petitions for City Council Member. These four candidates will also be placed in a lottery for ballot placement on November 23rd. Listed alphabetically below are the City Council Candidates who will be involved in the Lottery as well as one additional candidate who has submitted nominating petitions for City Council member and will be listed in fifth position on the ballot.
L - Jane Adams, 606 West Elm Street
L - Lee M. Fronabarger, 1140 Morningside Drive
L - John Holt, 406 South Oakland Avenue
L - Donald Monty, 418 South Giant City Road
5 - Hugh Richard Williams, 611 East Park Street #117
If five (5) or more candidates file for Mayor, a Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. The Primary Election will narrow the field to four (4) candidates for Mayor, with the four candidates appearing on the April 5th General Election ballot. Ballot placement for the General Election is determined by the number of votes received in the Primary Election, with the highest vote-getter placed first on the ballot, the second highest vote-getter placed second on the ballot, etc..
If thirteen (13) or more candidates file for City Council member, a Primary Election will also be held for Council Member to narrow the field to twelve (12) candidates. Again, ballot placement for the candidates advancing to the General Election will be determined by the number of votes received in the Primary.
The period for filing nominating petitions for Mayor and/or City Council extends through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22nd. Nomination packets remain available for pick up in the City Clerk's Office, Room 165 of Carbondale City Hall, 200 South Illinois Avenue.
Monday, November 15, 2010
And They're Off
First filings for mayor and city council today. Reason for doing it now? First filers get first placement on the ballot so since these folks filed at the same time, a lottery determines placement:
At 8:00 a.m. this morning, three (3) candidates filed their nominating petitions for Mayor of Carbondale and four (4) candidates filed their nominating petitions for Carbondale City Council Member.
Alphabetically, the candidates who have filed their nominating petitions for Mayor are:
Joel Fritzler, 123 South Violet Lane
Sam Goldman, 504 Lexington Court
George Maroney, 37 Pinewood Drive
Since these candidates all filed at the same time, a lottery for ballot placement will be held on Tuesday, November 23, at 3:30 p.m. in the City Clerk's Office. Only these three candidates will be involved in the lottery to determine the order in which these names will appear on the ballot. Candidates who subsequently file for Mayor will appear on the ballot in the order in which their nominating petitions are received.
Alphabetically, the four candidates who filed their nominating petitions for City Council Member are:
Jane Adams, 606 West Elm Street
Lee M. Fronabarger, 1140 Morningside Drive
John Holt, 406 South Oakland Avenue
Donald Monty, 418 South Giant City Road
Since these Council candidates all filed at the same time, these candidates will also be included in a lottery for ballot placement on November 23rd. Candidates who subsequently file for City Council will appear on the ballot in the order in which their petitions are received.
If five (5) or more candidates file for Mayor, a primary election will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. The primary election will narrow the field to four (4) candidates for Mayor, with the four candidates appearing on the April 5th General Election ballot. Ballot placement for the General Election is determined by the number of votes received in the primary election, with the highest vote-getter placed first on the ballot, the second highest vote-getter placed second on the ballot, etc..
If thirteen (13) or more candidates file for City Council member, a primary election will also be held for Council Member to narrow the field to twelve (12) candidates. Again, ballot placement for the candidates advancing to the General Election will be determined by the number of votes received in the primary.
The period for filing nominating petitions for Mayor and/or City Council extends through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22nd. Nomination packets remain available for pick up in the City Clerk's Office, Room 165 of Carbondale City Hall, 200 South Illinois Avenue.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Booby's to Bike Surgeon
Looks like there's not much chance of Booby's reopening, at least not at its location across from the train depot. Signs in the window announced liquidation sales of restaurant equiptment and furniture last Thursday and Friday and the Bike Surgeon sign has moved over to replace the Booby's sign. No indication as to whether Bike Surgeon is moving or expanding, though.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Dome Open House
In case you're looking for something to do this afternoon:
We are hosting another Fuller Dome Home OPEN HOUSE from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm this Saturday, November 13th at 407 S. Forest Ave. in Carbondale, Illinois.
Get a chance to check out the historic dome’s interior, and get more information about our plans to launch restoration of the dome in April 2011.
Let your friends know, if you have any questions, call us at 618-549-DOME [3663].
Friday, November 12, 2010
FY2012 Budget
An update to the budget got handed out at Tuesday's city council meeting and it's pretty much been overlooked in the discussion on rezoning and Mike Neil's appointment. It's not good news either.
Police pensions will increase 29.6% or 302,729; fire dept. pensions up 26.3% or $168,953 and workman's compensation will increase 10% as will the cost for health insurance. This is over and above the pension increases for Fy2011 that prompted the sales tax increase last June. According to the accompanying letter, city staff will look at the increases and make recommendations at a later date.
Police pensions will increase 29.6% or 302,729; fire dept. pensions up 26.3% or $168,953 and workman's compensation will increase 10% as will the cost for health insurance. This is over and above the pension increases for Fy2011 that prompted the sales tax increase last June. According to the accompanying letter, city staff will look at the increases and make recommendations at a later date.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
City Council Meeting
Got to last night's council meeting about 9:45 just as people streamed out of the building. While not the largest attendance in recent years, I heard estimates of 90+ people in the audience. The agenda item drawing all the attention was the proposal to rezone the area around the intersection of old and new Highway 51 from rural residential to commercial. Proposal opponents wore a green lapen ribbon to signify their desire of maintaining a "green belt" around Carbondale and following the recently approved Comprehensive Plan.
Councilwoman Corene McDaniel introduced the resolution to rezone the property and, after what must have been a lot of discussion, the council voted it down, 4-2 with McDaniel and Mayor Cole voting in favor and Fritzler, Pohlman, Haynes and Wissmann opposed. Afterwards, several of the supporters commented that Haynes and Wissmann had been the targets of lots of lobbying by those opposing the rezoning.
Once almost everyone left, the council went into closed session to select a replacement for Lance Jack, leaving me, Jack, reporters from the Carbondale Times and Daily Egyptian (the reporter from the Southern apparently decided it wasn't important enough news to hang around for) and Asst. City Manger Kevin Baity sitting in the otherwise empty room. While waiting, we got insights into Jack and Baity's musical tastes, saw the plaque Jack received for his service on city council, and Jack offered to pose for both happy (if he got reappointed to council) and sad (if he didn't) photos for the accompanying articles. Council returned at 10:20 to announce that they chose Mike Neill to fill out Jack's term of office.
Councilwoman Corene McDaniel introduced the resolution to rezone the property and, after what must have been a lot of discussion, the council voted it down, 4-2 with McDaniel and Mayor Cole voting in favor and Fritzler, Pohlman, Haynes and Wissmann opposed. Afterwards, several of the supporters commented that Haynes and Wissmann had been the targets of lots of lobbying by those opposing the rezoning.
Once almost everyone left, the council went into closed session to select a replacement for Lance Jack, leaving me, Jack, reporters from the Carbondale Times and Daily Egyptian (the reporter from the Southern apparently decided it wasn't important enough news to hang around for) and Asst. City Manger Kevin Baity sitting in the otherwise empty room. While waiting, we got insights into Jack and Baity's musical tastes, saw the plaque Jack received for his service on city council, and Jack offered to pose for both happy (if he got reappointed to council) and sad (if he didn't) photos for the accompanying articles. Council returned at 10:20 to announce that they chose Mike Neill to fill out Jack's term of office.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Michael G. Neill Appointed
At 10:20, council got out of the closed session to determine who would fill the remainder of Lance Jack's term in office. I don't know how the vote went in closed session but they voted unanimously in open session for Michael G. Neill, currently Trust Officer for TrustBank. According to the press release handed out by the city, Neill previously served on the Carbondale Park District Board from 1987-1995 and on city council from 1995-2003.
A total of eleven letters of interest were received by the city to fill the vacancy, eight arrived before the deadline for consideration. The council considered those submitted by Arnold Ross, Sr., Michael Neill (well, yeah), Henry Dews, Steven Miller, Brad Hagy, Craig Anz (who is circulating a petition seeking a spot on the ballot for city council), Jerrold Ross Hennrich (also seeking a spot on the council) and Mike Riley.
The city received letters from, but did not consider due to missing the deadline, Pawel Sawicki, Lance Jack (planning to run for the seat he gave up), Janet Elizabeth Donoghue and Brent Ritzel (circulating a petition to get on the ballot for mayor).
A total of eleven letters of interest were received by the city to fill the vacancy, eight arrived before the deadline for consideration. The council considered those submitted by Arnold Ross, Sr., Michael Neill (well, yeah), Henry Dews, Steven Miller, Brad Hagy, Craig Anz (who is circulating a petition seeking a spot on the ballot for city council), Jerrold Ross Hennrich (also seeking a spot on the council) and Mike Riley.
The city received letters from, but did not consider due to missing the deadline, Pawel Sawicki, Lance Jack (planning to run for the seat he gave up), Janet Elizabeth Donoghue and Brent Ritzel (circulating a petition to get on the ballot for mayor).
Library Survey
The Carbondale Public Library is constructing their 5 year plan and is looking for your input:
Please consider taking the Carbondale Public Library survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/libraryplan
We are working on our Five Year Plan and would love to have your input. Please feel free to pass this invitation along to others, and please excuse any cross-postings.
Survey respondents have the option of entering a prize drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Thai Taste, or $10 off library fines
Streetsweepers
There's a lot less streetsweeping in C'dale as part of the overall budget tightening process. I happened to see a couple of them around town last week, which moved me to enquire about the reasons for the cutback in street cleaning.
Carbondale streetsweepers used to make daily runs throughout the community 6 days a week, 52 weeks a years, more or less. Now, we're down to twice a year, in the fall, to get leaves off the street and clean them up before winter and then once in May, to clean up the town before graduation.
The reason for the reduction: a savings of $200,000 per year for the city. The two full time employees each earned about $50,000 and it cost another $100,000 or so for the sweepers themselves. Now, the city pulls employees from other jobs for the twice a year cleaning and the sweepers stay idle the rest of the time, unless someone calls the city about a area that really needs sweeping, such as a street section littered with broken glass.
Carbondale streetsweepers used to make daily runs throughout the community 6 days a week, 52 weeks a years, more or less. Now, we're down to twice a year, in the fall, to get leaves off the street and clean them up before winter and then once in May, to clean up the town before graduation.
The reason for the reduction: a savings of $200,000 per year for the city. The two full time employees each earned about $50,000 and it cost another $100,000 or so for the sweepers themselves. Now, the city pulls employees from other jobs for the twice a year cleaning and the sweepers stay idle the rest of the time, unless someone calls the city about a area that really needs sweeping, such as a street section littered with broken glass.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Rezoning
The proposal to rezone the area around the intersection of Old and New Hwy 51 from Rural Residential to Secondary Business has attracted quite a bit of opposition. Despite the fact that 6 people spoke in opposition to it and a petition with 70 signatures on it came before the Planning Commission last July, the Commission voted 4 to 1 in favor of the rezoning. City Council votes on the rezoning this Tuesday.
City staff recommends city council not approve the rezoning as it runs counter to the just approved Comprehensive Plan, saying:
City staff recommends city council not approve the rezoning as it runs counter to the just approved Comprehensive Plan, saying:
The 2010 Comprehensive Plan designates the future land use of this area as agriculture. This is in attempt to conserve natural areas and protect them, and low density residential areas, from the encroachment of incompatible uses as well as direct future development to locations with existing infrastructure. Taking this into consideration as well as the fact that the zoning change is not necessary to maintain the operation of the dentist office, staff recommended denial of the zoning request.
Unpaid Days Off at SIUC
Looks like Chancellor Cheng is going after hourly workers first in order to cut expenses, negotiating with 4 of the campus unions to take 4 unpaid days off through the school year. I read a comment by Cheng saying they had looked at cutting upper level administrative salaries to help balance the budget but that idea was dismissed. Figures.
The university has a better chance of faculty and unions to accept unpaid days off if upper administration takes cuts first, showing that "we're all in this together." If Chancellor Cheng had announced that top salaried members of the administration were taking a one year pay cut, she'd show they were serious about taming the budget and would have a better chance of getting lower level faculty and staff to go along willingly. As it is, since the first major budget balancing moves she's announced come at the expense of faculty and staff, she will likely get her was but with a lot more grumbling and dissatisfaction.
The university has a better chance of faculty and unions to accept unpaid days off if upper administration takes cuts first, showing that "we're all in this together." If Chancellor Cheng had announced that top salaried members of the administration were taking a one year pay cut, she'd show they were serious about taming the budget and would have a better chance of getting lower level faculty and staff to go along willingly. As it is, since the first major budget balancing moves she's announced come at the expense of faculty and staff, she will likely get her was but with a lot more grumbling and dissatisfaction.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
LCC and City Council
Liquor Control Commission and City Council meet this Tuesday Nov. 9, the LCC at 7 and City Council at 7:30. BTW, City Hall will close all Day Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Dome Open House
From a forwarded email:
Hey Friends -
We are hosting another Fuller Dome Home OPEN HOUSE from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm this Friday, November 5th at 407 S. Forest Ave. in Carbondale, Illinois.
Get a chance to check out the historic dome’s interior, and get more information about our plans to launch restoration of the dome in April 2011.
Let your friends know, if you have any questions, call us at 618-549-DOME [3663].
Cheers -
Brent Ritzel
President, Fuller Dome Home Non-Profit
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Voting
Stopped off at my local polling place and was rather surprised, given the reports that say to expect a low turnout. There were more people waiting to vote than at any time I remember in recent history and I overheard one of the polling place workers say they were surprised at the number of people who had already cast a ballot that morning.
Police Want Feedback
Carbondale PD is undergoing on-site assesment Nov. 16 & 17 so if you have any comments to make about the department, now's the time to get them in:
The City of Carbondale Police Department is scheduled for an on-site assessment on November 16th and 17th, 2010 as part of a program to achieve accreditation by verifying the Department meets model professional standards developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council.
The City of Carbondale Police Department is scheduled for an on-site assessment on November 16th and 17th, 2010 as part of a program to achieve accreditation by verifying the Department meets model professional standards developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council.
Administered by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP) requires agencies to comply with standards in four basic areas: administration, operations, personnel and training.
As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by sending an email directly to the assessors at ILEAP@ci.carbondale.il.us between now and November 19, 2010.
Agency employees and the public are also invited to offer comments by calling (618) 457-3200 x460 on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. All relevant comments will be taken by the Assessment Team. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agencies ability to comply with ILEAP's standards. A copy of the standards is available at the City of Carbondale Police Department during business hours, or by contacting Accreditation Manager Lt. Heather Reno at (618) 457-3200 extension #448.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Halloween 2
Got curious so checked with a couple of councilpeople to see if, given the complaints from bar owners and managers about how much they lose Halloween weekend, if any of them had ever approached the council with a proposal to re-open the Strip over Halloween.
say the bar owners present a proposal whereby they foot the bill for crowd control and clean up. I know that I have little interest in seeing the limited amount of tax dollars the city has available spent on an increased police presence in downtown for those there days, and based on what I remember from past Halloweens, that police presence would be significant.
Point is probably moot though, since it appears concerned parities have approached the council only twice in the past 10 or so years an dneither person had anything close to a formal plan, it was more of a, "hey would you consider reopening the Strip bars over Halloween" question. Without a formal proposal, I don't see anything changing in the next couple of years.
say the bar owners present a proposal whereby they foot the bill for crowd control and clean up. I know that I have little interest in seeing the limited amount of tax dollars the city has available spent on an increased police presence in downtown for those there days, and based on what I remember from past Halloweens, that police presence would be significant.
Point is probably moot though, since it appears concerned parities have approached the council only twice in the past 10 or so years an dneither person had anything close to a formal plan, it was more of a, "hey would you consider reopening the Strip bars over Halloween" question. Without a formal proposal, I don't see anything changing in the next couple of years.
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