Seems little interesting that no one would bid to do security camera's locally for the School District? A $185K is usually of interest to companies? Something is not smelling right? But an Atta boy to the District for accepting a non-local bid. Maybe saved a buck; maybe not, time will out as always. Noteworthy District is all aflutter about security/ safety, but most others just look at the ceiling and a "nothing can happen here" attitude. So who's right and about what? Or is just a chance to get money in motion; a grant maybe?
And a new system to apply for Division of Highway grants. Now that is nice; but may I ask why if the State cannot repair/ replace/ fix whatever is broken now would we spend money on more of something else? If any entity and I am specifically looking at Vienna is going to come with their hand out; bet they will come back for more grant money to take care of it in the future. But again, our streets need work badly in some places. Bridges were allowed to deteriorate till they needed replacing instead of repairing.
I saw where the Water folks were out in mass on Tuesday/ Wednesday down in the Ghetto putting in new water meters. Going out, saw one guy, digging a hole; than two on another one. Came back different route found seven (7) guys digging a hole; then 3 somewhere else. I asked one man if there was a water/ sewer break. He said no and I noted all the help there and commented not much to do so load up the crews? He began to beg off that he was working where I found him and had nothing to do with the other site. I said I was just asking about a break? A really big push to have all the new meters in by 30 November was the response.
Now today (Wednesday), they are piled up on my little part of the world. 14 houses on the block. This is the fourth trip here in about a year and a half. Finally, got mine done by itself last December. I am not very smart, but will have to ask how the hell did they come up with the replacement system on the old meters to the new ones? By last name; by meter or the account number; or just a bunch of names in a hat?
Right now, at 11:12 am, there are eight (8) guys and five (5) pieces of equipment piled up working on two meters. In fact the Water Department guys must be so considered so duflous that a sewer guy showed up and went to work on a meter? And I must admit, it was the first time since he went to work for the City that I have ever seen him do anymore than just drive around. But, I'll put my money on connected; one getting special treatment or so it would seem? I think those guys must have a pretty good handle on this after about 5000 meters or so? Oh Lord, another truck and driver just showed up. They are really pushing to get the Ghetto done. I think Mr. Rapp is desperate for some "we got it done" songs? In any case, the guys are trying to do a little something; but at a certain point one is tripping over one another. For sure should be done by Monday with this many working on them? Of course bragging rights at the next Water Board Meeting; but deserved by now.
As a Logistics person who had to plan the who, when, what, why and where many times, the best way might have been for an example, start at the top of the hill where 10th St. and 15th Ave meet. Go straight west till the guys bump their noses on Pond Run. Voila' all is done. It is already history that the City had to buy at least a second shipment of meters to finish the conversion. Any place you go, you could run the crews in either a North/ South or East/ West straight line and get a street/ avenue done. Little zig zag, but not much.
And as they are talking about repairing the meters in house to save money; what kind of warranty did they get on the meters to begin with? The infamous yellow warranty? Good until it is picked up by the Carrier for delivery? I was told early on that there were problems with some of the new meters. That is to be expected and not unusual. I am again smelling the stink of lousy Purchasing Procedures? A legitimate contract never goes out without every effort to get warranty on the product/ material. No ifs, no ands, and no buts. If one cannot get some sort of warranty; why not? City spent a million dollars on these meters and in my book would warrant some protection against faulty workmanship/ material?
I for one am going to start watching my water bills a little closer for a couple of months to see what happens if anything. Had way too many incorrect readings and what is apparently excess charges with the old system? Seems odd also they are "finishing" up in the Ghetto, but on their fourth trip?
But got to give the guys a thumbs up. They were out in some pretty cold weather a digging away to get a job done. In fact as you know, it was damned cold and I know from experience that digging in frozen dirt if only for a few inches can be tough and tiring. Hope they all especially enjoy their weekend. 'nuff said.