Nathan Colombo Parking Lot Party

In case you are driving east on Main Street tomorrow and see a crowd in the parking lot at Mike's Music/Campus Comics, mayoral candidate Nathan Colombo is hosting a honk and wave event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Columbo and several of the city council candidate will be there so this is probably your last chance to question them before the election on April 2.

Still Waiting on Henry and Loos

have managed to get statements about their candidacy from all of the city council and mayoral candidates except for Mike Henry and Adam Loos. and have posted them. Hoping I hear from those two before the election.

Lee Fronabarger

I contacted former council member and current city council candidate Lee Fronabarger with questions about his candidacy. Here are his  unedited responses

Why did you decide to run?

I decided to run for Carbondale City Council after encouragement from several individuals within the community. And I wanted the opportunity to continue the progress made when I served previously on the Council for six years.

What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

Economic development and jobs creation towards a more diversified Carbondale economy is so key to the future of Carbondale and would include the development of a center for Start-Ups/Innovation, as well as Shared Services Space, like a State Approved Certified Kitchen where food products could be prepared for distribution in the local and regional markets.

To increase revenues into the community, I would encourage the city to partner with Carbondale Tourism, Chamber of Commerce, Carbondale Main Street, Carbondale Community Arts, SIU & SIU Athletics, SIH, and CCHS to create events, festivals, day-trips, overnight adventures, conventions and conferences. We need to cycle more money into the local economy.

Jerrold Hennrich

I emailed city council candidate Jerrold Hennrich with 3 questions about his candidacy. Below are his unedited responses

Why are you running for city council?

1. I'm running for City Council because I am sick of the status quo.  I view the position of Councilperson as acting as a steward on behalf of all citizens of Carbondale.  The decisions made by Council directly impact the economic and social viability of the entire region. I believe that I am the best person for the job. 

If elected, what will you work to achieve?

2. If elected,  I plan to oppose tax increases, advocate for a reduction of the police budget, advocate to re-invest in our infrastructure, revise the zoning rules that hinder businesses success and introduce and pass an ordinance that requires council to vote on issues brought to it by petition.

What else would you like voters to know?

3. You can learn more, volunteer or donate at jerrold.org I am always available, though try to call prior to 9 p.m. My cell phone number is 618-353-7027. You can always contact me with issues or concerns.

Navreet Kang

Here is the response I received to several questions I sent to councilman, and candidate for re-election  Navreet Kang. His responses are unedited:

1.  Why are you running for another term on the council?

I have served on the planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals for the City for last 13 years (until 2015), when I got elected to the City Council. I have made contributions to the City Fire Department by bringing in our 4th Arson Dog, bringing funding for an Infra-Red Camera, and provided 110 Canary Home Protection devices to each and every Fire/Policeman. I have lived now in Carbondale for almost 30 years (April 25 will be 30), and this is my home. I find it as my civic duty to contribute in some fashion to this community. 

2. What do you feel you have accomplished during your past council term?

Downtown Redevelopment, Demolition of old Horizon Inn, Development of Downtown Hotel, City has earned the Bike-Friendly City award. Sidewalk/Bike Path  extending from Murdale Shopping Center to Old Hwy 13, Now Bikepaths are almost throughout the city. Every new street will be paved with Bike paths in mind.

We have new more streamlined software for Finance Department, and for the Police. Hired a new (and effective City Manager, Economic Development Director, and New Police Chief). We now have Natural Burials permitted in Carbondale. We have acquired and authorized a bike trail from Oakland Avenue to New Era Road, extending further west toward Murphysboro. New Warming Center was introduced this winter, and I'd like to see a permanent Warming/Cooling Center. We now have See, Click, Fix App available to anyone who wants to report a problem or an issue in Carbondale, pertaining to Code Violations, or just a street light being out. 

We now have online agenda program, thereby saving valuable police time that it took to deliver our Council packages each week, copying paper copies for at least 10 individuals each meeting, etc. saving a lot of money as well as personnel hours. 

We have a new Diversity Officer, as well as an HR Manager. 

We have revised and eased up restrictions on Housing Grants for First-time homebuyers. 20 homeowners were able to take advantage of such programs. 

Security Upgrades within the City Hall and we have a more revamped Website.

We have hired a Public Relations Officer. 

Passed a Block Party Ordinance. Celebrated Halloween with open liquor and brought in a Festival like atmosphere back to Carbondale. Allowed all bars to remain open during Halloween weekend.

Allowed Sidewalk Café's to serve open liquor.

Revamped our Garbage Collection with new Containers issued to each residence, as well as reduce Worker's Comp Claims from those workers, who collect refuse, by  reducing back and other injuries caused by heavy lifting.

We now have self-funded insurance.

We licensed Uber/Lyft into Carbondale

Managed the Solar Eclipse successfully

Expanded trails and recreation areas at Cedar Lake

We are in the process of developing Sustainability Plan.

Mandatory Diversity Training for all employees.

3. What would you like to accomplish if re-elected?

Business and Economic Development by bringing in new industry/businesses.

Maintain a balanced budget, while contributing amounts required to fund Police/Firemen's Pension Fund.

Help SIU bring up Student enrollment

Improve Housing Stock

Improve Community Relations

Improve City Parks and Recreation (Hopefully to merge Park Operations into City Adminstration

4. Is there anything else you would like the voters of Carbondale to know

I am an MBA and M.S. (Agri.). Degree holder, with over 36 years of business and management experience, plus 8 years as a Park District Commissioner, 13 years on the Planning Commission, 13 years on Zoning Board of Appeals, of which I was the Vice-Chair for 3 years, and Chair for 3 years, now almost 4 years as City Councilman. I believe I have what it takes to be an effective motivator and a leader to serve this city.

Navreet Kang

City Councilman

City of Carbondale.Illinois

$475,000

That is the salary the new basketball coach, who has never had a head coaching position, gets out of the gate at SIUC. About $75,000 a year more than Barry Hinson was receiving.

Regions

Regions Bank will move into a new location at the corner of Main and Oakland once it gets build. From what I hear, both of the other locations will close as the bank consolidates. I would be willing to bet Memorial Hospital tenders an offer for the West Main location, if it has not already, and expands further into that location.

Bright Spot Award to the Landings

The Landing at Reed Station Road, a retirement home focusing on veterans, received a Bright Spot Award from Keep Carbondale Beautiful:

Nominated by the board of Keep Carbondale Beautiful for the March Bright Spot award, The Landings at Reed Station Crossing presents itself as a resort both inside and outside.  Local owners Charlie and Trace Brown followed Trace’s vision for building design as well as landscaping that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.  Not obvious from the street, the north side of the building has a pond and a gazebo, which allows residents to be outside and enjoy the scenery.

A new development on the property is the garden project. Executive Director Andrew Belt said Home Depot awarded them a grant for the project, which will include fencing, fruit trees and berry bushes, and raised beds with vegetable and herbs, which will be used in the kitchen.  Most importantly, a committee of residents will advise on the garden-to-table concept, and paths and ramps will allow residents to work in the garden. Kristen Bathon, Director of Sales and Marketing, added, “We really want residents to be engaged in this on a daily basis.”

The Keep Carbondale Beautiful, Inc., Board selects businesses or residences to receive the Bright Spot Award for enhancing the beauty of our community by means of revitalization of property, new construction, plantings and beautification, upkeep and maintenance, or rehabilitation.

Renew Illinois Summit

Renew Illinois summit coming to SIUC at the end of the month, with the report going to Governor Pritzker and the state legislature afterwards, meaning nothing will come of it. Hopefully I am just being cynical but it appears that most of these sorts of reports get issued with all sorts of fanfare then quietly expire in the halls of the legislature.

Downtown

Following up on Monday's post, most of the empty storefronts in downtown are located at the south end of Illinois Avenue.  The strip of stores with China Wok, Harbaugh's and Kampus Kuts sits half empty, as does the strip behind Traxx and the strip anchored by The Game Table. Now that I think about it. most of the freestanding buildings in downtown have occupants in them. The only freestanding buildings I can think of that are unoccupied are the old Reema's building and the doctor's office at the corner of college and Illinois. Not sure if that means anything except it may be easier to upgrade a single building rather than an entire strip of them.

Empty Storefronts

Ran into a reader of the blog yesterday who had spent a couple of hours traipsing up Illinois and the downtown side streets. They said they had counted 18 empty storefronts in the downtown area. I can think of 4 between Walnut and Oak, not counting the offices of Marsha Ryan. Now that she has retired, her office building is up for sale. 

Tree Sale

Tree sale coming up at the Town Square Pavilion on the 23rd

We all need trees: they filter the water and clean the air; they lower cooling costs and mitigate flooding; they add beauty and value to a property; and they provide habitat and food for fauna.  Start thinking about adding trees and shrubs to your landscape.  Keep Carbondale Beautiful will be selling native trees and shrubs at the Carbondale Town Square Pavilion (northeast corner of Main and Illinois) on Saturday, March 23, from 9 am to 2 pm. 

  

Although KCB will special order other plants, they specialize in those native to the area, which means they are better suited to the local environment, thus more likely to thrive, and provide essential habitat for native birds and butterflies.  Two nurseries supply plants: Forrest Keeling in Missouri has a wide variety of plants.  Tabor Nursery is closer and, for this sale, promises “some really nice black gum, bald cypress, water tupelo, bur oak, cherry bark oak, and water hickory.”

The Keep Carbondale Beautiful website <keepcb.org/tree-sale> lists all the trees that will be for sale, plus suggestions of other natives that are hard to find and can be ordered.  The trees (5-6’ tall) sell for $30 and shrubs for $20 each (all in 3-gallon containers).  Pre-ordered trees get a discount. March 17th is the deadline for all special and pre-orders, which can include non-natives. Contact KCB at 618-525-5525 or keepcb1326@gmail.com.

T. J. 's Fine Jewelry

After having a "Going Out of Business Sale" that lasted for about 2 months, including a signboard counting down the days to closure, T. J. 's Fine Jewelry has apparently reversed course as the store remains open. It would appear that a going out of business sale generated enough business for the store to remain open, at least for the foreseeable future.

Tom Grant

I reached out to current city council member and candidate for re-election Tom Grant with some questions about his candidacy. Below are his unedited responses:

Why did you decide to run for another term?

I feel I can still contribute to the community and remain as a voice of reason on the Council.

What do you hope to accomplish/see accomplished if you are elected to a second term?

I hope to see the Founders Park development plan completed and implementation started.

I hope to bring renewable energy solar panels through the middle of town along the railroad tracks. This will help free our dependence on fossil fuels and free up money in the budget for other community improvements.

I hope to assist the formation of private/public partnerships to create new jobs within the community (ie: innovation lab and maker space).

I will work to "right size" our police force and reduce the pension burden to a sustainable level.

I hope to continue the sustainability plan started by the sustainability commission and see it published and implemented.

I hope to assist the City and Park District in finding an equitable solution to the funding of city parks as they are vital to the health and well being of our community.

  

What else, if anything, would you like voters to know?

I love our community.

We have the best of everything and are truly blessed to live in this time and place.

Together, with our hard work, a positive attitude and being helpful to all, we will make Carbondale its best yet!

We have many energetic young people seeking a place to fit in and make a living.

We need to coddle new ideas and embrace new technologies that create jobs and are good for the planet and our citizens. 

Thomas Grant

Council Member and Candidate for Re-election.

Jane Adams on Park District Referendum

Past councilwoman Jane Adams is running for a spot on the Carbondale Park District board. Since one of the items on the ballot is a referendum on merging the Park District into the City, I emailed for her take on the question. Below is her unedited response:


It’s one of the most important items on the April 2 ballot. Short answer:

Kirsten Trimble and I support the question on the Advisory Referendum that will be on the April 2 ballot: “Should the City of Carbondale and the Carbondale Park District explore merging their operations?” 

We need to know more to commit to supporting a merger of the Park District into the City.

Here’s how we see the issues:

For decades the Park District has faced fiscal crises; in response proposals to merge some or all of the District’s operations have been proposed. Discussions between the City and the  Park District regarding continued leasing of City properties by the Park District have made public the massive amount of deferred maintenance and focused attention on the Park District’s inability to adequately maintain the city’s parks. It’s widely recognized that they do a good job with programming, particularly (but not solely) for children. They also do a good job of collaborating with other units of government.

The Park District's financial inability to maintain our parks for public usage has risen to the level of a true crisis. Given the Park District’s virtually complete reliance on property taxes, merging the Park District into the City may turn out to be the only solution. 

The Park District Board of Commissioners has begun collecting the data to help Commissioners (and the public) determine whether there are other solutions or if merger is the best solution. With adequate data and citizen input, I need to weigh all options before making a final determination that merger is the best option.

Here’s our expanded response:

1. Is merger possible? 
Advice from Illinois' leading municipal law firms shows that, despite very restrictive language in theIllinois Constitution, a merger of a Park District and a municipality is still possible. Here’s how it can be done:

• The Park District can contract with the City to take over Park District operations, including financial management, maintenance, and/or recreational and other programming. The Park District agrees to reimburse the City for some or all the costs of these operations.
• The Park District continues to levy property taxes and pays down its debt. In the case of the Carbondale Park District, it appears this can be accomplished in 7 years.
• The Park District asks the City to annex any properties that lie outside the city limits; the City does so.
• The City Council and Park District Board of Commissioners then submit a binding referendum to the voters seeking a merger of the two taxing bodies. If a majority of those voting approve it, the Park District would cease to exist as a separate taxing body.

2. What would be the benefits? 
From what we currently know, there appear to be more benefits than risks in merging operations:

• There should be cost savings by eliminating duplication, especially in financial management; maintenance equipment, staff, and management; and some staff duplications in programming. The amount of duplication looks as if it will increase as the City takes over Piles Fork Creek Greenway and Trail from the Park District and as it develops more parks and activities in the Downtown area (Founders Park, Town Square Pavilion, the developing event space on Washington Street, and more). 
• Due to its larger size, the City can exercise greater financial oversight and eliminate inefficiencies due to inadequate software and number of staff.
• For the same reason, the City can more easily cover absences of management and other key personnel.
• Due to its much larger and more diversified budget (a variety of sales taxes as well as property taxes), the City can cover dips in income for which the Park District currently must borrow, at relatively high interest rates, with tax anticipation warrants.
• The City Manager has stated that all current Park District staff can be integrated into the City staff with a minimum of disruption.

3. What are the risks?
The greatest risk that we see is that the Park District Board of Commissioners currently focuses entirely on the Park District. The public’s ability to influence Park District priorities might lessen in a merger with the City.

4. Proposed next steps.
We believe this risk can be averted in two ways:

• As long as it remains an elected Board of Commissioners, the Board should undertake strategic planning, set clear priorities, and develop written criteria for accountability. These should guide negotiations between the Park District and the City. Strategic planning and setting of priorities needs to be done whether or not the Park District Commissioners decide to merge their operations with the City.
• If voters approve merger of the two taxing bodies (after bonds are paid off), The Board should be reconstituted as a Parks and Recreation Commission that meets regularly, advising the City Council on Parks and Recreation Department priorities.

In principle, we believe that fewer units of government lead to lower property taxes. Further, 48 of our 50 states have parks and recreation within City governments. Only Illinois and California have (some) independent park districts. Those 48 states’ municipalities offer residents excellent parks. We can do the same if we choose to take that route.

Candidate Forums

The Arbor District sent out this handy list of upcoming candidate forums as well as candidates:

March 7, Thursday. 6:00 p.m. Civic Center. Mayoral Candidates Forum. Sponsored by Women for Change, Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club, Green Party, Carbondale Community Solar Working Group, Carbondale NAACP

March 19, Tuesday. 7:00 p.m. Civic Center. Carbondale Park District Board of Commissioners Candidates forum. Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Jackson County

March 21, Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Civic Center. City Council and Mayor candidates forum. Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Jackson County

March 25, Monday, 6:00 p.m. New Zion Baptist Church. School Board Forum. Sponsored by the Carbondale NAACP

There may also be a forum for John A Logan College board members. If so, we'll send the date, time, and location.

Early voting has begun!

Jackson County Clerk's office, Court House, 8:00-4:00 p.m.

• February 21 - April 1, (Same day registration permitted with proper identification)
• Saturday, March 30, 8:00-12:00 noon, Jackson County Clerk's office.

Carbondale Civic Center 9:00 a.m  to 3:00 p.m.

• Monday, March 18th 
• Wednesday, March 20th 
• Wednesday, March 27th
• Friday, March 29th

POLLING PLACES LISTED HERE

Candidate websites

Candidates for Mayor (in alpha order)

Nathan Colombo https://www.colomboforcarbondale.com https://www.facebook.com/NathanCColombo Announcement speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4voMvj_YxOk

John "Mike" Henry http://www.henryforcarbondale.com

City Council candidates (in alpha order)

Lee Fronabarger http://ourtowncarbondaleil.blogspot.com, https://www.facebook.com/LeeforCityCouncil/

Tom Grant https://www.facebook.com/tom.grant.3726

Jerrold Hennrich https://jerrold.org/   https://www.facebook.com/jerrold.org/

Navreet Kang https://www.facebook.com/Kang4Council/

Adam Loos http://www.adamloosforcouncil.com, https://www.facebook.com/adamloosforcouncil

Park District Board of Commissioner candidates  (in order they appear on ballot)

Jane Adams https://jane11869.wixsite.com/voteat, https://www.facebook.com/ElectAdamsAndTrimble/

Kirsten Trimble https://jane11869.wixsite.com/voteat https://www.facebook.com/ElectAdamsAndTrimble/

 (Jane Adams and Kirsten Trimble are running as a team)

Jessica Sergeev https://www.facebook.com/jessica.green.319

Brian Matzenbacher https://www.facebook.com/brian.matzenbacher.3

Dan Anderson III https://www.facebook.com/danieljoe.andersoniii