Daily (more or less) commentary on news and events in Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, with occasional excursions to other locales.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Counterfeit Bills
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Planning Commission
A. PC 11-09, 7:00 p.m. NeuroRestorative requests a Special Use Permit for a Group Home I, not in compliance with administrative occupancy permit requirements related to spacing and/or licensing in subsection 15-2J-2C, in the RR, Rural Residential, District at 24 Chippewa Drive.
B. PC 11-10, Lisa Thomas & Jessica Lagona request to rezone from R-1-15,
Low Density Residential, to R-2, Medium Density Residential, for property located at 1211 West Sycamore.
5. Old Business
Comprehensive Plan Implementation
6. New Business
A. Planning Commission Meetings Calendar for 2011
Seasonal Closures 2
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
New City Clerk
Monday, December 27, 2010
David Derge
During his 2 year tenure, Derge reduced the number of top administrators at SIUC from 21 to 6 and, in what he announced as a move to help the university balance its budget, eliminated 104 teaching positions. Critics changed that the 104 dismissed had all gone public with criticisms of Derge and his administration. The controversy led the Board of Trustees to remove him in 1974.
Seasonal Closures
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Marion Revealed & County Guardian
Saturday, December 25, 2010
McAndrew Stadium Usage
Given the current economy and the difficulties SIUC is having securing funding to keep faculty and staff employed, was the new stadium the best use of the limited funds available?
Friday, December 24, 2010
Neighborhood Alliance Meeting
In case you're free on the 5th or 22nd:
Carbondale’s Housing and Neighborhood Action Group is gearing up for the 7th annual Neighborhood Alliance Meeting, to be held Saturday morning, January 22, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church in Carbondale. The meeting gathers together neighbors and community groups to report from a neighborhood perspective and to learn about current efforts to strengthen neighborhoods. The Action Group will finalize plans at their next meeting, on Wednesday, January 5 at 5 pm in City Hall. All meetings are open to the public.
Group member Mary O’Hara says, "Participants consistently report that the highlight for them is the opportunity to hear about community groups and projects from the people who organize them. There are so many good things going on in Carbondale, from FoodWorks to the Splash Park at Attucks Park, this is a chance to celebrate the people who work to build our community."
For more information, contact Mary O’Hara at 713-0820 or Sarah Heyer at 549-5302 x 386 or e-mail
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
SIUC Reductions
The Non-Tenure Track Faculty Association says nine people received layoff notices -- another 76 were told their hours will be cut.
The NTT is one of the unions still in contract negotiations with the university. Members have not agreed to any unpaid closure days.
The university calls Friday's announcement "proposed layoffs." But the union says employees received official notifications by certified letter -- and that it could be against the law.
No matter how you slice it, this doesn't put the university in a good light. Hitting people with layoffs without warning and a week before Christmas, or even using them as a threat, the way the SI article positions it, does nothing to foster any better relations between faculty and administration.
New Tax
Holiday Recycling
s Christmas approaches the City of Carbondale would like to remind residents about holiday refuse recycling schedules. Holiday wrapping paper and cardboard boxes can be recycled within the green bins or taken to one of the City's three drop off locations. Foil coated wrapping paper and plastic or Styrofoam packing material can be disposed as refuse. Boxes should be bundled or flattened or placed in a larger box and set next to the green recycle bin if it becomes full. Extra recyclable material may also be taken to a City of Carbondale drop off location.
Christmas Tree recycling will begin January 3, 2011. Pine rope, wreaths, garland and flocked trees must be discarded with the regular refuse.
Refuse and Recycling routes will run on the normal scheduled pick-up days during the holiday season. Trash, recycling and Christmas trees should be placed at the curb by 8:00 AM on the normal collection day.
Residents who need a recycling bin or have any questions, may contact the Maintenance and Environmental Services Office at 457-3275 during regular office hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday thru Friday or visit the City's recycling website at www.CarbondaleRecycles.com.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Comings and Goings
On the other hand, the Open sign is on at La Unica Bakery in the 200 block of West Main Street.
Monday, December 20, 2010
City Council Meeting
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The More Things Change..
Many long established businesses have moved from the square to the new outlying shopping areas and many of the early (downtown) buildings have been demolished. The population increased hardly at all form 1980 to 1990. The community seems to have settled into a peaceful co-existence with the University, with commercialism, in spite of efforts to bring in industry, primarily centering around the medical profession and the retail trade. In fact, most of the growth of the 1980s was in these two areas.
As WSIU's recent interviews with the mayoral candidates indicate, Carbondale still sees its growth coming from the medical area and chain retailers such as T. J. Maxx, Chilis, and Party City. It's an unfortunate commentary on the city's economic base that Carbondale still depends on the same wealth drivers that supported it 25 years ago.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Jan Adams Email
Is our new Comprehensive Plan "soft" and "huggy-feely"?
The campaign for Carbondale's Mayor and City Council is heating up. Last week WSIU's Jennifer Fuller interviewed the mayoral candidates. You can listen to the interviews here http://www3.wsiu.org/radio/morningconversation/ . I was particularly struck by mayoral candidate George Maroney's response to questions about the City's recently adopted Comprehensive Plan.
He said the Plan was "soft" and "huggy-feely." Perhaps he wasn't talking about the same plan I worked on for a year and a half. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted after the participation of hundreds of people -- local business people and prospective entrepreneurs, homeowners, landlords, students, and representatives of all the major institutions and organizations in the city. We invested thousands of hours and a sizeable chunck of city funds to create guidelines for the city's future growth and development.
The Plan is a guideline and not a set of rules. But it has the moral force of broad citizen participation and should be taken very seriously by city leaders.
The Plan lays out concrete steps the city needs to take to revitalize its business and residential districts. It provides clear guidelines for new development and redevelopment. Importantly, it is a bulwark against the cronyism that has bedeviled our community for so long.
Regarding Downtown revitalization: Mr. Maroney said, "Norman Rockwell died a long time ago. ... To me you would revitalize Downtown by letting it become a very nice student district. ... To try and develop it as anything else would be spinning wheels."
To the contrary, the Comprehensive Plan committee discussed at length the organic connections that can be developed between the Hospital, with its large number of visitors, and Downtown eateries and other shops and, potentially, an extended stay facility. It also recognized the natural linkage between the very popular Wine Trail and a revitalized Downtown entertainment district. Downtown revitalization has many other benefits, including synergies with the University, which are outlined in the Plan.
The Plan is posted on the City website http://ci.carbondale.il.us/node/357. I address some of the points I think are most important on the "Issues" page of my website.
In the same vein, I received a number of responses to my previous newsletter, with questions regarding my position on taxes, zoning, property renovation, and economic development. See my website http://www.adamscarbondale.org for my responses.I welcome your queries. A campaign should be as much a conversation about our future as it is a presentation of a candidate's positions and promises. How else can you know what your representative stands for? And how can your representative (or prospective representative) know what citizens think is important and develop new ideas and insights for improving our town?
Please help me accomplish the goals I have laid out. Please contribute your time and money.
Thank you!
Jane
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wanna Buy a Bookstore?
Flags at Half Staff
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
State of the City
Several months ago, I began meeting with the superintendent of Carbondale Elementary School District #95, Linda Meredith. We have been talking about ways we can provide support to the elementary district, not in the form of constructing new buildings, but in a manner to help get and keep the youngest of our school children on the right track. There is a disparity in test scores between some demographics within the district and there are a lot of issues that surround the success of some of the neediest of our grade school students. Getting a handle on all of that is outside the scope of what I can do as mayor, but I think now is the time for us to partner with District 95 and try to support their efforts.
Specifically, with the savings we will realize from not subsidizing community organizations at the Hayes Center, I would like to see us work together to fund a summer math and reading camp that will strategically target students who need focused and intense tutoring that will allow them to stay with their respective grade´s curriculum and bridge the gap that summer vacation often creates. If we can enlist these young students in a boot camp for school, with math and reading challenges instead of push-ups and marching drills, then I think we´ll see improvement in test scores and we´ll see less of a need to stigmatize young students with special education courses.
I´ll be putting together a recommendation for our upcoming budget that will apply those saved dollars into a multi-year pilot program to be developed by teachers with the absolute goal of having defined and realistic outcomes for student success. The cost for this will be in the $150,000 per year range, but we have to see it as an investment in our future. If we can´t graduate students from grade school and middle school, and then from high school and college, we will have failed to do our part for more than just our generation, we will have failed the future. There is still much to be done to put this together, and it will cost us what we had originally planned to save, but I think it´s the right thing to do and I hope the City Council will support itThe mayor did get a standing ovation when he finished, but even that delayed several seconds after he finished as people stood up slowly as they saw others doing so, then they dropped back into their seats pretty quickly. Certainly a change from the reaction to last year's State of the City address and probably due to his announcement then that he would not seek a third term
Dayshift Not Closing
Monday, December 13, 2010
Joel Fritzler Interview
Significant community involvement including Peace Corps work, first director of Carbondale Main Street, SIUC employee for 8 years, Red Cross volunteer, Keep Carbondale Beautiful board, United Way board, Planning Commission and Irish Festival.
Community development in Carbondale very strong, economic development not so much.
Views the comprehensive plan as a working document that needs to have its ideas considered seriously.
Opposed to raising the city's portion of the property tax, which is zero currently. Sales tax increase is fairer since those who don't live in Carbondale but use its services would then help to pay for them. Could raise sales tax 1/4% and still remain competitive with Marion.
Assistant city manager has taken on the duties of 4 eliminated offices and that needs to be looked at.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Brent Ritzel Speaks
Born in Carbondale in 1968 at Holden Hospital, located where Old National Bank's parking lot is now. Talks a bit about his time growing up in the community.
Big supporter of the comprehensive plan, comments that it's the work of hundreds of Carbondale residents and organizations and sets out an "operating manual" for the city. Adds that the mayoral candidates that spoke earlier in the week appeared unfamiliar with the comprehensive plan as there are no ideas they discussed that are not already covered in it.
Need to focus on quality of life in Carbondale, not just economic. We need a walkable, bikable community. Sees focus on brining businesses in from outside as not a sustainable economic model because the community is dependent on what is going on outside of the city. Need to focus on factors such as shopping locally, viewing waste as a resource, and encouraging energy efficiency. Not in favor of raising property or sales taxes.
Need to be creative to address financial problems the city is facing, such as pension shortfalls, then shifts to discussing Washington D.C.'s plastic bag tax. If implemented, could generate $10,000 a month for the city.
SIUC and Carbondale are interrelated. There isn't necessarily a difference between the two but Carbondale needs to step up and create a better quality of life to encourage students to come.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Candidate Websites
Friday, December 10, 2010
George Maroney
He brings leadership and business experience to the position. Government should be run like a business and anyone who says otherwise (mild dig at another unnamed candidate) is wrong.
Mayor Cole has done a good job running the city. Anyone elected is not stepping into a disaster. It's a matter now of responding to issues coming down the road.
Too early to talk about tax increases. One of the first things he would do is have a study of the Marion tourism project. If the Marion project is successful, Carbondale's sales taxes are decimated and Carbondale currently lives and dies on its sales taxes.
Carbondale has three industries: medical, retail and SIUC. The first two appear in fine shape but SIUC is in horrible shape. SIUC needs to get back on track and recruit several thousand students. That will help the community.
To help accomplish this, Carbondale needs to be an attractive community and a safe community. WE have lots of police but need to use them more effectively.
We have a sleeping giant at the airport that needs to awaken economically speaking.
Everybody wants to revitalize downtown but it should develop into a very nice student district, instead of making it into something it's not. For the east and west side, the city should get out of business' way, citing restrictions on sale of beer and wine as a prime example.
The city can do much to draw in students, aside from making the community safe. He feels the city has a fine police department but there are some problems right now.
Mayor Cole is a prime example of getting involved at the state level and Maroney would continue that.
The comprehensive plan is very "huggy feely", doesn't say very much to him and needs business people involved in it.
Wants people to remember as they head to the ballot box that he brings leadership and strong experience to the position.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Steven Haynes Interview
46+ year resident of Carbondale, attended SIUC for a couple of years before leaving the university and going to work for Kroger, where he's a assistant store manager.
Brings 8 years of council experience, managerial experience and ability to listen to the position.
Questioned about downtown, says Carbondale needs an overall focus rather than a focus on the mall, the east side, or downtown.
The city will probably not going to see a manufactuing plant in Carbondale but wants to get people in the non-existant plant to live and shop in Carbondale(?)
SIUC and Carbondale must survive together. People living outside Carbondale come to town daily to work at the university.
Questioned about comprehensive plan and property tax, says he's been a longtime opponent of raising the property tax. However, admits there is a perception that Carbondale has high property taxes, due to other taxing entities. Says he will keep an open mind on property taxes and sales taxes increases.
One thing he would bring back if elected is the affirmative action officer's position eliminated earlier this year.
For Kid's Sake Auction
We would love to see you at the 11th Annual For Kids’ Sake Art Show, a sale and silent auction to support orphanages and schools in Bangladesh. The sale and auction will end at the Closing Receptions around the Town Square on December 10, 6-8pm at Longbranch Coffeehouse, Arthur Agency, Global Gourmet, Hair Brains, Town Square Market, Tres Hombres and White & Borgognoni.
Stroll around the Town Square while you bid on beautiful artwork, purchase great raffles, sample delicious hors d'oeuvres and enjoy live music. Experience an authentic Bangladeshi dinner and live entertainment featuring Bosco & Whiteford and The Pirouettes at the Longbranch. A benefit concert will follow at Tres Hombres featuring Mathien and opening with Belle Hooks.
The For Kids’ Sake Art Show has over 200 pieces of artwork by local and Bangladeshi children, as well as professional artists. The silent auction also includes products and services donated by local businesses such as weekend getaways and gift certificates.
100% of all proceeds from the Art Show will benefit over 3,000 orphans and school children in Bangladesh. For more information, contact Shema Jamaluddin at (618) 529-5044 or email forkidssake@dayemi.net.
Chickens Coming Home to Roost, Literally
There will be a meeting of the Study of Urban Chickens Committee on
Saturday, December 11th, 2010, in the Back Room of the Longbranch Coffee
House at 10 a.m. to discuss the City ordinaces regarding urban chickens.
Sales Tax Increase
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sam Goldman Speaks
Goldman believes he brings three things to the position: temperament, expertise in management and a vision for Carbondale, though he didn't want to say what that vision was.
However, from the conversation, it appears Southern Illinois Health Care plays a big part in his vision of Carbondale's future. He pointed out only SIUC employs more people than SI Health Care does and pledged his office would work closely with the organizaiton to expand Carbondale's position as a medical hub.
He wants Carbondale to rely less upon SIUC as its economic engine, commenting he would rather have it said "As Carbondale goes, so goes the university," than the other way around, as is common today.
He doesn't appear a big fan of comprehensive plans, either Southern at 150 or the recent one adopted by the city council, as they slow down the response of the community to changes and opportunities. Rather, he would take a more flexible position, working to encourage entrepreneurs within the community and a more entrepreneurial spirit withing city government. He does seem to like the words "entrepreneur" and "entrepreneural", using them half a dozen times at least during the course of the interview.
LilyWhite Designs
Monday, December 6, 2010
New Bar/Another Bar
Sunday, December 5, 2010
And More Fight Photos
Here're the last two photographs of the November 22nd fight the photographer sent. These were taken after the police arrived. In the photo on the right, according to the photographer, the officer in the background stands next to one of the stabbing victims who is lying on the ground. The photo on the left was taken about the time the police started to use what the photographer believes is mace or OC to clear away the crowd. One of the stabbing victims lies on the ground at the left.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Notes from Pickle's Alley
New tentative opening date for Hanger night is Dec. 10. Non Stop Reggae has supposedly been booked to play.
Doctor Donuts opened on the west side of town. A dozne doughnuts $7.80. A dozen healthy doughnuts, $9.00.
Gold's Gym has completed their move to the old west side Kroger location.
Friday, December 3, 2010
More Fight Photos
Here are a couple of more shots from the fight that took place at 100 S. University on Nov. 22. The photo on the right shows onlookers in the ally behind the building formerly housing the Spotlight Bar and Grill, used for several weeks apparently as a spot for various groups to host private late night parties. The photo on the left shows the open back door of the Spotlight with people looking up at the fight, which is taking place behind and to the right of the photographer.
HR Commission
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Police Auction
Lights Fantastic Traffic Plan
Christmas Program
The City of Carbondale Police Department will be hosting our annual Community Christmas Program for Carbondale residents. The program targets families with children up to the age of 12 and who do not receive services from other agencies. The program has evolved to have parents more involved in the selection of gifts for their children. Our program is now held at the police department and parents sign up to shop for their children. They are able to choose three (3) gifts per child. Sign up for the program begins on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 and will continue until we reached one hundred (100) children. Due to financial limitations we can only commit to providing gifts to a limited number of families. This year’s program will be held at the Police Department on December 16 and 17, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.