Would like to put out that even though I point out the poor Governance of Vienna, it should not in any way, shape or form stop anyone from visiting here. It is a great City with many thousands of really good folks living here.
Will note this morning at about 7:05 A.M. (29th), I was opening my blinds when a blinking yellow light caught my attention. As I watched, a couple of the Public Works guys were putting what seemed some of the blackest loam down on a spot by a water meter. It had been replaced in November with a new Solar one and repaired in December. Now back putting down dirt, seed and hay. As they drove by on the way out, the passenger gave me the middle digit. Quite a mature action for a City Employee or any Government Employee. Now I know Mr. Metz will know who is so immature but of course nothing will happen. Could not note a truck number but it was one of the 1 ton models.
As any of us that raised kids know, they will behave badly and need to be advised on how to behave not only in the home, but in Public. My two girls in their teens were Hell on wheels but have come up to be fine mothers and wives. The one is even running her own Tourist Business in her home town.
But some children even though they grow into adult males and females do not get past puberty in some of their childish antics. And as I have pointed out before, one rotten apple will spoil the barrel.
In the case of Vienna, the rot starts at the top and then spreads down through out the barrel which we call City Governance. I have been made aware that some of the Employees are being told to read my blog. Guess to poison their minds, but I would expect nothing less. Is sad, no ability to think on one's own.
Spoke with Mr. Azinger the Elder last night after the Council Meeting. He has his bandages off and looks like Hell. He really had a job done on him. Said he had surgery to remove some melanoma; the second time. Says feeling better/ okay. That stuff is really bad news and if not caught in time can be a major game changer in a persons life. He said all was caught in time. As we chatted some more on issues, he commented that one should respect their elders. I of course agreed and said he was looking good for being in his early 70s. He said not 70s, would be 81 soon. I had forgotten that before he was sworn in to his Council position that he had told me he was 78. Time flies when we are having fun.
Mr. Rapp made a show and tell for the new guy in the Parks Department- Eddy Atkinson. First time in a long time anyone was put on display. He went from part time to full time effective 1 May 2016 instead of 1 July with the new Fiscal Year. Seems competent enough for sure. Only issue I had was the job opening was only open internally and he was the heir apparent. I would open a new position to one and all in the area and expect the cream to rise to the top. Best for the Residents/ Tax Payers. No reason he might not have still been the new guy on campus?
One of the people in the Finance Department retired Friday. Thirty four years with the City. Her first name is April, and I was not able to understand her last one. In any case, enjoy your retirement.
In a change that was quite interesting, Mr. Rapp noted that the Reconciliation of Funds did not show the latest receipt yet for the 1% Sales Tax payment from the State. He stated he did not yet know the amount. Than surprisingly he noted that when it was posted would bring the Capital Reserve Fund to about $5.3 million? May I ask but how would he even be able to guestimate that if did not know the amount expected to be paid?
And the Johns Manville update old business line required an Executive Session get together. After a while all returned to the Chambers and the infamous "no decisions were reached". He than told Mr. Black to put out Bid Packets to have the steel in the upper area to be sold to the highest bidder. The price of scrap has apparently risen and it is now becoming profitable to sell it. But, that sure seems like a decision to me? Was this determination really an attempt to get some bucks back for all the millions that have been spent on the site plus the 60th St. Complex? Supposedly another $500- 600K to clean up the asbestos debris at the site.
As an aside, I was told by one who lives and goes by that area that the Public Works trucks OR at least one of them is seen in there a bunch hauling out scrap. Should that not be getting sold via a bid to an outside source? Or is it possible someone is doing a "cash crop"? Truth will as in most cases out on this issue?
Thought some more on how I got messed up on the Lay the Levy reduction that did not happen. It may have been when Mr. Rapp asked Mr. Bibbee " would you have voted for this in December not knowing the Sales Tax amount. And Mr. Bibbee said "no". Guess I took that as an affirmation that it did pass that night? Still of course sad it did not.
As we are too familiar, the State shortfall is still eating the State up. Mr. Tomblin's plan to take another $50 million from the rainy day funds is getting flack from non other than Mr. Azinger the Younger. The Legislature and the Executive side just can seem to see the solution is NOT more taxes; quit spending so much. They are all in to pay the $100 plus Million to shore up the PEIA fund for State workers at whatever level but not willing ask a bit more from each of them to offset the issue. It could easily be on a sliding scale if they are truly concerned about those at the low end with least income. As I say over and over; we all are sharing the pain OUTSIDE of Government; I am willing to let them get on the pain wagon with the rest of us.
Mr. Tomblin's grab for expanded Medicaid under Obamecare by adding I believe over a 100,000 to the rolls is now biting him in the fanny. State can not process claims in a timely manner to pay those Doctors' that are still seeing Medicaid patients. This is not going to get better any time soon.
(Paid for by the Candidate- Lawrence J. Wilson for Mayor of Vienna).