Yesterday's Charter School Advisory Committee meeting was not fun! We voted to recommend giving Sheriff John Baker Charter School until our November meeting to create and implement a corrective action plan or... It is now up to the State Board of Education to take the action they deem appropriate.
Update: The State Board of Education voted on October 5 to revoke the charter and close the school.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Noise ordinance revision hits snag
Going into today's council briefing session on the proposed revisions to the city's noise ordinance, I was under the impression its adoption was a "done deal" except for some minor tinkering here and there to clarify a few remaining issues. However, some legitimate major concerns were raised after we witnessed the long-awaited demonstration of a decibel meter, and it appears that it will be "back to the drawing board" for some major revisions to the proposal.
All of us seemed to be in agreement that we needed the more definitive decibel level readings versus the ambiguous, subjective "unreasonably loud or disturbing noise" language in the current ordinance. That would be particularly useful dealing with loud parties and stationary sources of noise. However, it quickly became apparent that the suggested acceptable levels outlined in a chart included in the proposal would likely create many more problems than they would solve.
Readings taken during routine discussion inside the Plaza Level Conference Room registered an average of 58 decibels while a reading taken outside the building on the Phil McDonald Governmental Plaza registered 52-53 decibels just with ambient background noise with light traffic and no unusual noise generators in the area. With the proposed limit of 55 decibels in a residential area in the new ordinance, anyone who operates a lawn mower or leaf blower would automatically be in violation of the new ordinance. The proposed acceptable nighttime level of 45 decibels would likely be unachievable at all. City council members found this to be disconcerting and unacceptable.
Other issues of concern included the following:
* The campuses of UNCG and A&T would be exempt from the noise ordinance because they are state-owned properties (all state and federally owned properties are exempt), but the restrictions WOULD apply to Bennett, Greensboro, and Guilford Colleges. We were uncomfortable with that double-standard.
* We seemed to be in agreement that the 10PM cut-off time for fireworks displays was too early and should be pushed back to 11PM (along with all the other time-sensitive items).
* It was suggested that the allowable "noisy times" for sporting events might be too restrictive, given that many youth soccer games start as early as 7AM.
* Concern was expressed that if we clamp down too much on noises generated at night by crowds in the thriving downtown area, we will destroy the very momentum we have been striving to create.
* I expressed concerns about there being no allowances for longstanding events held in the coliseum parking lot such as the Central Carolina Fair and UniverSoul Circus.
* Enforcement will still be an issue due to police staffing levels -- noise calls will continue to be a low priority when compared to other calls for service such as accidents, burglaries and robberies, murders, etc. Officers will not be out patrolling for noise violations and responses will still be generated by complaints.
Councilmembers were asked to identify the most frequent complaints we receive, and they fell into the categories of loud music blaring from cars, barking dogs, and noisy parties/bars/entertainment establishments adjacent to residential areas. There are already provisions for dealing with the loud car music and everyone was in agreement to lower the 50-feet provision down to 30-feet. Effective enforcement will still rely upon a police officer being in the right place at the right time to catch those offenders.
[As a side note, councilmembers requested that a police car come and operate its sirens during the outside decibel meter test to get a reading on that sound. That proved to be impossible because the city was "10-100" (all officers assigned to calls, no one available) at the time. We had to settle for a vehicle normally used for recruiting purposes and its garbled PA system. Thank heaven we budgeted for 35 additional officers in the 2006-07 budget!]
After lengthy discussion, we seemed to agree that the TIMING of a noise seemed to be more critical than the actual decibel level of it -- sounds generated during normal daytime activity that are acceptable become annoyances when they occur late at night. We were inclined not to impose any further daytime restrictions and to concentrate on dealing with the disturbing nighttime noises. Staff was instructed to take council's concerns back to the citizens' committee that produced this draft proposal and make consider changes to address those issues.
Something tells me we are going to have some very unhappy committee members!
All of us seemed to be in agreement that we needed the more definitive decibel level readings versus the ambiguous, subjective "unreasonably loud or disturbing noise" language in the current ordinance. That would be particularly useful dealing with loud parties and stationary sources of noise. However, it quickly became apparent that the suggested acceptable levels outlined in a chart included in the proposal would likely create many more problems than they would solve.
Readings taken during routine discussion inside the Plaza Level Conference Room registered an average of 58 decibels while a reading taken outside the building on the Phil McDonald Governmental Plaza registered 52-53 decibels just with ambient background noise with light traffic and no unusual noise generators in the area. With the proposed limit of 55 decibels in a residential area in the new ordinance, anyone who operates a lawn mower or leaf blower would automatically be in violation of the new ordinance. The proposed acceptable nighttime level of 45 decibels would likely be unachievable at all. City council members found this to be disconcerting and unacceptable.
Other issues of concern included the following:
* The campuses of UNCG and A&T would be exempt from the noise ordinance because they are state-owned properties (all state and federally owned properties are exempt), but the restrictions WOULD apply to Bennett, Greensboro, and Guilford Colleges. We were uncomfortable with that double-standard.
* We seemed to be in agreement that the 10PM cut-off time for fireworks displays was too early and should be pushed back to 11PM (along with all the other time-sensitive items).
* It was suggested that the allowable "noisy times" for sporting events might be too restrictive, given that many youth soccer games start as early as 7AM.
* Concern was expressed that if we clamp down too much on noises generated at night by crowds in the thriving downtown area, we will destroy the very momentum we have been striving to create.
* I expressed concerns about there being no allowances for longstanding events held in the coliseum parking lot such as the Central Carolina Fair and UniverSoul Circus.
* Enforcement will still be an issue due to police staffing levels -- noise calls will continue to be a low priority when compared to other calls for service such as accidents, burglaries and robberies, murders, etc. Officers will not be out patrolling for noise violations and responses will still be generated by complaints.
Councilmembers were asked to identify the most frequent complaints we receive, and they fell into the categories of loud music blaring from cars, barking dogs, and noisy parties/bars/entertainment establishments adjacent to residential areas. There are already provisions for dealing with the loud car music and everyone was in agreement to lower the 50-feet provision down to 30-feet. Effective enforcement will still rely upon a police officer being in the right place at the right time to catch those offenders.
[As a side note, councilmembers requested that a police car come and operate its sirens during the outside decibel meter test to get a reading on that sound. That proved to be impossible because the city was "10-100" (all officers assigned to calls, no one available) at the time. We had to settle for a vehicle normally used for recruiting purposes and its garbled PA system. Thank heaven we budgeted for 35 additional officers in the 2006-07 budget!]
After lengthy discussion, we seemed to agree that the TIMING of a noise seemed to be more critical than the actual decibel level of it -- sounds generated during normal daytime activity that are acceptable become annoyances when they occur late at night. We were inclined not to impose any further daytime restrictions and to concentrate on dealing with the disturbing nighttime noises. Staff was instructed to take council's concerns back to the citizens' committee that produced this draft proposal and make consider changes to address those issues.
Something tells me we are going to have some very unhappy committee members!
A great loss
I lost a treasured friend and mentor, and Greensboro lost an energetic civic activist with the passing of Edie Jones on September 25. While her name was not often found in the newspaper because she usually worked behind the scenes, her determined efforts made a significant impact on numerous issues that have confronted this city over the last 25-30 years.
Edie was active making sure that the integration of the schools her girls attended in the (then) Greensboro Public Schools system was smooth and uneventful. She volunteered untold hours, attended countless meetings, and helped to build bridges among the students and parents at Archer, Hampton, and Irving Park schools when those schools were "clustered." She was a familiar face at (then) Gillespie Junior High as well and even continued to serve as PTA president at Smith High School after her girls had graduated when her expertise was needed. (This is where I first encountered Edie Jones.) She was active in several school board election campaigns and helped get her candidates elected (and a couple of incumbent school board members "un-elected" when she felt their actions were disruptive).
As a resident of southwest Greensboro, Edie was adamant that this side of town get its fair share of services and leadership positions and became increasingly politically active especially after the district system was implemented for city council elections in the mid-80's. Sensing a lack of emerging leaders in the area, she enlisted the city's help to create her own version of "Leadership Greensboro" on Saturday mornings. Edie personally recruited people to learn about the strengths and challenges of this part of town, led a bus tour of District 5, and educated us about the various city boards and commissions in hopes more residents would be prepared and willing to serve. This is where Edie politically awakened THIS PTA mom with three kids and slowly got me interested and involved in city issues and politics.
You can thank Edie Jones for my serving on the Greensboro City Council (or blame her if you don't like my politics). In 1991 after she became disillusioned with the District 5 city council member at the time (Bill Burckley), it was she that convinced me I was capable of doing the job and could win an election. She then took on the thankless job as my campaign manager along with Janet Wright as my campaign treasurer, working tirelessly through a bruising campaign, making hundreds of phone calls, securing yard sign placements and poll workers, sticking address labels on thousands of campaign flyers, and serving as my calming influence when dirty campaign tactics targeted me (although there were a couple of times when we had to calm HER.) When detractors sneeringly dubbed us "The Southwest Mafia," she gleefully accepted the title of "Godmother" and we've laughed about that "designation" ever since.
This photo snapped on that fateful November election night at the Guilford County Courthouse by a News & Record photographer at the moment the final precinct's results were posted says it all, and it's one of Edie's (and my) favorites.
Edie's other great love was for the Greensboro Coliseum and she was an unabashed cheerleader for the facility. I have no doubt that if she were still here, Edie would be out actively campaigning for the passage of the November bond referendum to upgrade War Memorial Auditorium. She served numerous terms on the War Memorial Commission and took her duties very seriously. At one point, both she and I were members of that commission (before I was elected to the city council) and accepted management's offer to come on site and personally observe how the coliseum was handling a Grateful Dead concert and the thousands of attendees who were camping in the parking lot. An aging hippie became smitten with Edie and followed us all over the place asking her to marry him -- we frequently teased her over the years about her dashing unwanted suitor.
Greensboro and I personally will miss Edie tremendously. She was a genuine, straightforward person. You never had to guess where she was coming from because she was never shy about sharing her opinions. Her insights and advice served as valuable guideposts for many people and that knowledge and expertise will be sorely missed. But we will smile through the tears as we recall her feisty spirit and her unwavering support and enthusiasm for the people and the city that she loved so well.
Enjoy your rest, Edie. You've earned it.
Edie was active making sure that the integration of the schools her girls attended in the (then) Greensboro Public Schools system was smooth and uneventful. She volunteered untold hours, attended countless meetings, and helped to build bridges among the students and parents at Archer, Hampton, and Irving Park schools when those schools were "clustered." She was a familiar face at (then) Gillespie Junior High as well and even continued to serve as PTA president at Smith High School after her girls had graduated when her expertise was needed. (This is where I first encountered Edie Jones.) She was active in several school board election campaigns and helped get her candidates elected (and a couple of incumbent school board members "un-elected" when she felt their actions were disruptive).
As a resident of southwest Greensboro, Edie was adamant that this side of town get its fair share of services and leadership positions and became increasingly politically active especially after the district system was implemented for city council elections in the mid-80's. Sensing a lack of emerging leaders in the area, she enlisted the city's help to create her own version of "Leadership Greensboro" on Saturday mornings. Edie personally recruited people to learn about the strengths and challenges of this part of town, led a bus tour of District 5, and educated us about the various city boards and commissions in hopes more residents would be prepared and willing to serve. This is where Edie politically awakened THIS PTA mom with three kids and slowly got me interested and involved in city issues and politics.
You can thank Edie Jones for my serving on the Greensboro City Council (or blame her if you don't like my politics). In 1991 after she became disillusioned with the District 5 city council member at the time (Bill Burckley), it was she that convinced me I was capable of doing the job and could win an election. She then took on the thankless job as my campaign manager along with Janet Wright as my campaign treasurer, working tirelessly through a bruising campaign, making hundreds of phone calls, securing yard sign placements and poll workers, sticking address labels on thousands of campaign flyers, and serving as my calming influence when dirty campaign tactics targeted me (although there were a couple of times when we had to calm HER.) When detractors sneeringly dubbed us "The Southwest Mafia," she gleefully accepted the title of "Godmother" and we've laughed about that "designation" ever since.
This photo snapped on that fateful November election night at the Guilford County Courthouse by a News & Record photographer at the moment the final precinct's results were posted says it all, and it's one of Edie's (and my) favorites.
Edie's other great love was for the Greensboro Coliseum and she was an unabashed cheerleader for the facility. I have no doubt that if she were still here, Edie would be out actively campaigning for the passage of the November bond referendum to upgrade War Memorial Auditorium. She served numerous terms on the War Memorial Commission and took her duties very seriously. At one point, both she and I were members of that commission (before I was elected to the city council) and accepted management's offer to come on site and personally observe how the coliseum was handling a Grateful Dead concert and the thousands of attendees who were camping in the parking lot. An aging hippie became smitten with Edie and followed us all over the place asking her to marry him -- we frequently teased her over the years about her dashing unwanted suitor.
Greensboro and I personally will miss Edie tremendously. She was a genuine, straightforward person. You never had to guess where she was coming from because she was never shy about sharing her opinions. Her insights and advice served as valuable guideposts for many people and that knowledge and expertise will be sorely missed. But we will smile through the tears as we recall her feisty spirit and her unwavering support and enthusiasm for the people and the city that she loved so well.
Enjoy your rest, Edie. You've earned it.
Monday, September 25, 2006
City Connections
You'll find information about the Summit Avenue corridor plan and the November bond proposals in the latest edition of City Connections.
Emergency preparedness
Being ready to deal with various types of emergencies has been a hot topic lately. Check out the city's webpage that contains lots of good information about how the city and YOU can be well prepared for the unexpected.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Weekly schedule
This week's schedule isn't too bad although I'm supposed to be out of town for part of it. All this is subject to change due to the critical condition of a dear friend who is battling for her life.
The only thing I have on Monday, September 25 is my regular monthly "chat" with the city manager in the afternoon. These one-on-one sessions are an opportunity to talk about anything either of us want to bring up.
The city council briefing session begins at 8:30AM on Tuesday, September 26. Items on the agenda include updates on the South Elm Redevelopment Plan, downtown parking, a proposed ordinance on PODS (Portable On Demand Storage), and the Arts Council as well as a demonstration of decibel meters for possible use with the proposed new noise ordinance.
The Charter Schools Advisory Committee that I chair will meet on Wednesday afternoon, September 27 at the Sheraton Imperial in the Research Triangle Park. The most important agenda item will be an interview with one of the charter schools that appears to have reported inflated enrollment numbers (thus receiving more tax money than it is legally entitled to). I'll be staying overnight to participate in the annual charter schools conference at that same location.
There are several optional events such as the dedication of the new branch of the Greensboro Municipal Credit Union on Wednesday morning and the Greene Street streetscape on Friday evening I will try to attend if circumstances allow.
The only thing I have on Monday, September 25 is my regular monthly "chat" with the city manager in the afternoon. These one-on-one sessions are an opportunity to talk about anything either of us want to bring up.
The city council briefing session begins at 8:30AM on Tuesday, September 26. Items on the agenda include updates on the South Elm Redevelopment Plan, downtown parking, a proposed ordinance on PODS (Portable On Demand Storage), and the Arts Council as well as a demonstration of decibel meters for possible use with the proposed new noise ordinance.
The Charter Schools Advisory Committee that I chair will meet on Wednesday afternoon, September 27 at the Sheraton Imperial in the Research Triangle Park. The most important agenda item will be an interview with one of the charter schools that appears to have reported inflated enrollment numbers (thus receiving more tax money than it is legally entitled to). I'll be staying overnight to participate in the annual charter schools conference at that same location.
There are several optional events such as the dedication of the new branch of the Greensboro Municipal Credit Union on Wednesday morning and the Greene Street streetscape on Friday evening I will try to attend if circumstances allow.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Flower ID, anyone?
Could one of you savvy gardeners out there please tell me what this flower in the Carmany flower garden is? My husband asked me its name, and I don't have a clue.
The plant grows 4-5 feet tall, has feathery light green foliage,
and produces pale purple
or white flowers.
It has "piddled along" all summer but has really blossomed out this past week, maybe preferring the recent cooler temperatures.
It's possibly a wildflower from the highway beautification efforts. I received a packet of seeds from that program a couple of years ago and if I remember correctly, that's the first time it appeared in my garden. I've collected its seeds and planted them every year since, not knowing the proper name of this beauty.
The plant grows 4-5 feet tall, has feathery light green foliage,
and produces pale purple
or white flowers.It has "piddled along" all summer but has really blossomed out this past week, maybe preferring the recent cooler temperatures.
It's possibly a wildflower from the highway beautification efforts. I received a packet of seeds from that program a couple of years ago and if I remember correctly, that's the first time it appeared in my garden. I've collected its seeds and planted them every year since, not knowing the proper name of this beauty.
BIG Salute to Bike Lanes
This morning's kick-0ff of the BIG Salute to Bike Lanes was well-attended by bicyclers of all sizes, ages and abilities. Here are a few photos of those who came out on a beautiful Saturday morning to enjoy the new bike lanes on Spring Garden Street.
Several city staff members were present, both to present information as well as to participate in the ride. Jeff Sovich of the Planning Department wearing a white T-shirt standing on the left side of the picture and GDOT Director Jim Westmoreland in full "bike uniform" with his blue shorts, red shirt, and helmet on the right side of the picture listen to BIG president, Kurt Cavanaugh. GDOT's Peggy Holland hosted a city exhibit on the new proposed BikePed Plan that will be presented to the TAC and city council for adoption soon.
Representative Pricey Harrison, an avid bicyclist, chats with Dale Brown of Greensboro's cycles de Oro.
I spoke briefly (as did Pricey) but did not participate in the ride. I haven't been on a bike in 15 years or more and didn't want to embarrass myself in front of all these experts. Maybe one of these days...
Several city staff members were present, both to present information as well as to participate in the ride. Jeff Sovich of the Planning Department wearing a white T-shirt standing on the left side of the picture and GDOT Director Jim Westmoreland in full "bike uniform" with his blue shorts, red shirt, and helmet on the right side of the picture listen to BIG president, Kurt Cavanaugh. GDOT's Peggy Holland hosted a city exhibit on the new proposed BikePed Plan that will be presented to the TAC and city council for adoption soon.
Representative Pricey Harrison, an avid bicyclist, chats with Dale Brown of Greensboro's cycles de Oro.
I spoke briefly (as did Pricey) but did not participate in the ride. I haven't been on a bike in 15 years or more and didn't want to embarrass myself in front of all these experts. Maybe one of these days...
Thursday, September 21, 2006
The week in review
Heavens! Here it is Thursday night and I have not even gotten around to posting my weekly schedule as I normally do. That tells you how busy this week has been for me with city council-related activities on four nights.
On Monday, September 18 I attended the SCAT "listening session" at the Depot after rearranging family plans that I had previously made for that evening. There were about 25-30 people in attendance, and we heard nothing new or different, mainly complaints about the elimination of the unlimited ride pass. It really distressed me that several of the speakers resorted to personal attacks against task force members (mainly councilmembers), accusing us of being heartless and "putting money in our own pockets." It would be nice if these citizens would exhibit the same courtesy and decorum expected of elected officials and focus on the issue at hand, not personal put-downs.
I attended the Christian Business Men's Coalition prayer breakfast early on Tuesday, September 19 (really needed it after Monday night's experience -- smile). The regular city council meeting that evening was relatively short compared to some marathons we have had, mainly due to the postponement of controversial zoning issue that will reappear at the October 3 meeting.
On Wednesday, September 20 I had a nice lunch with someone who is considering a run for city council next year and wanted to hear "straight from the horse's mouth" how the council functions, its duties, what it's like, etc. I then spent three hours with my fellow councilwomen and the Mayor in NIMS training (National Incident Management System) to receive the certification elected officials are required to get about handling emergencies and major incidents in our city. After this basic introductory course, we must complete another course that helps us learn the role elected officials are expected to play during a major emergency.
This evening, Thursday, September 21 I attended the month meeting of the Ardmore Park community crime watch. Unfortunately it was not very well attended, but that's usually an indication of few or no perceived problems at the moment. The main discussion centered around a resurgence of panhandling incidents in the parking lots of businesses on nearby High Point Road.
On Saturday, September 23 I am scheduled to briefly address bicycle riders participating in the BIG Salute to Bike Lanes at Lindley Recreation Center. I hope the weather cooperates so that riders will have a pleasant ride down the new bike lanes on Spring Garden Street.
On Monday, September 18 I attended the SCAT "listening session" at the Depot after rearranging family plans that I had previously made for that evening. There were about 25-30 people in attendance, and we heard nothing new or different, mainly complaints about the elimination of the unlimited ride pass. It really distressed me that several of the speakers resorted to personal attacks against task force members (mainly councilmembers), accusing us of being heartless and "putting money in our own pockets." It would be nice if these citizens would exhibit the same courtesy and decorum expected of elected officials and focus on the issue at hand, not personal put-downs.
I attended the Christian Business Men's Coalition prayer breakfast early on Tuesday, September 19 (really needed it after Monday night's experience -- smile). The regular city council meeting that evening was relatively short compared to some marathons we have had, mainly due to the postponement of controversial zoning issue that will reappear at the October 3 meeting.
On Wednesday, September 20 I had a nice lunch with someone who is considering a run for city council next year and wanted to hear "straight from the horse's mouth" how the council functions, its duties, what it's like, etc. I then spent three hours with my fellow councilwomen and the Mayor in NIMS training (National Incident Management System) to receive the certification elected officials are required to get about handling emergencies and major incidents in our city. After this basic introductory course, we must complete another course that helps us learn the role elected officials are expected to play during a major emergency.
This evening, Thursday, September 21 I attended the month meeting of the Ardmore Park community crime watch. Unfortunately it was not very well attended, but that's usually an indication of few or no perceived problems at the moment. The main discussion centered around a resurgence of panhandling incidents in the parking lots of businesses on nearby High Point Road.
On Saturday, September 23 I am scheduled to briefly address bicycle riders participating in the BIG Salute to Bike Lanes at Lindley Recreation Center. I hope the weather cooperates so that riders will have a pleasant ride down the new bike lanes on Spring Garden Street.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Air quality update
The Triad Early Action Compact met on Monday, September 11 and received updates from various members on progress we have made towards meeting our air quality goals over the last three months.
Pat Reagan from the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department (FCEAD) reported that there have been only 6 Code Orange Days in the area during this ozone season despite weather patterns that typically produced more in previous years. There were no ozone exceedences in the month of August despite predictions on several days that there would be. The graph below illustrates that data.
We had a lengthy discussion as to whether or not the lower trend was a result of pollution reduction or other uncontrollable factors such as wind or weather. There has been tremendous progress in reducing emissions from "point sources" such as Duke Power's Belews Creek and RJ Reynolds' boilers and we are benefiting as governments and individuals purchase newer vehicles (an example of a "mobile source") that pollute less. FCEAD staff will examine the data and weather patterns from several years to see if there is any correlation, but it is a very complex combination of factors that may not allow for a clear answer.
The GOOD NEWS is that the Triad is currently meeting EPA's 8-hour ozone standard. Even if next summer's readings are horribly bad, we are still likely to be in compliance at the December 31, 2007 deadline due to the 3-year averaging of monitor readings on which the EPA bases its official designations. That does not mean we are "out of the woods" forever though -- right now, our numbers are good because of the low-pollution summers of 2004 (1 exceedence) and 2005 (4 exceedences). As those "good years" drop out of the 3-year average calculation in future years, it is possible our numbers will go back up again. That makes it extremely important to continue implementation of various pollution reduction strategies, particularly since VMTs (Vehicle Miles Traveled) continue to escalate (more cars on the road = more emissions).
Efforts are still being made to attract biofuels distributors (ethanol and biodiesel) to the Triad area. We received a list of retail distributors across the state (Charlotte, Southern Pines, Hickory, Shelby, Durham, Statesville, Monroe, Roanoke Rapids, and Asheville), but there are none that we know of in our region. All Crown service stations throughout the Triangle carry E10 (an ethanol blend). The Chambers of Commerce in Greensboro and Winston-Salem are hosting meetings to work on this issue.
IdleAire has "electrified" another truck stop in the area, the T & A Truck Stop at the Gibsonville exit on I-85. This technology allows truckers to turn off their engines and have access to heat/air conditioning as well as email, movies, etc. in the comfort of their cabs. This saves a lot of fuel and significantly reduces polluting emissions.
Members also received updates on the Air Awareness Program, PART's progress, and Greensboro's new HEAT service. A subcommittee was appointed to gather information on "green construction" and energy-efficient buildings that can be shared with our members for possible use.
Although the Triad Early Action Compact is officially limited to ozone issues, we are still interested in the PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) problem as. You can see on the graph above (the pink line) that those levels remain steady. As an aside, officials from Davidson County reported at the Piedmont Triad Council of Government meeting on Wednesday evening that the judge had ruled against Davidson County and allowed the non-attainment designation to stand. That does not bode well for Guilford County's effort to have our non-attainment designation voided.
The next meeting of the Compact is scheduled for Monday, December 4.
Pat Reagan from the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department (FCEAD) reported that there have been only 6 Code Orange Days in the area during this ozone season despite weather patterns that typically produced more in previous years. There were no ozone exceedences in the month of August despite predictions on several days that there would be. The graph below illustrates that data.
We had a lengthy discussion as to whether or not the lower trend was a result of pollution reduction or other uncontrollable factors such as wind or weather. There has been tremendous progress in reducing emissions from "point sources" such as Duke Power's Belews Creek and RJ Reynolds' boilers and we are benefiting as governments and individuals purchase newer vehicles (an example of a "mobile source") that pollute less. FCEAD staff will examine the data and weather patterns from several years to see if there is any correlation, but it is a very complex combination of factors that may not allow for a clear answer.
The GOOD NEWS is that the Triad is currently meeting EPA's 8-hour ozone standard. Even if next summer's readings are horribly bad, we are still likely to be in compliance at the December 31, 2007 deadline due to the 3-year averaging of monitor readings on which the EPA bases its official designations. That does not mean we are "out of the woods" forever though -- right now, our numbers are good because of the low-pollution summers of 2004 (1 exceedence) and 2005 (4 exceedences). As those "good years" drop out of the 3-year average calculation in future years, it is possible our numbers will go back up again. That makes it extremely important to continue implementation of various pollution reduction strategies, particularly since VMTs (Vehicle Miles Traveled) continue to escalate (more cars on the road = more emissions).
Efforts are still being made to attract biofuels distributors (ethanol and biodiesel) to the Triad area. We received a list of retail distributors across the state (Charlotte, Southern Pines, Hickory, Shelby, Durham, Statesville, Monroe, Roanoke Rapids, and Asheville), but there are none that we know of in our region. All Crown service stations throughout the Triangle carry E10 (an ethanol blend). The Chambers of Commerce in Greensboro and Winston-Salem are hosting meetings to work on this issue.
IdleAire has "electrified" another truck stop in the area, the T & A Truck Stop at the Gibsonville exit on I-85. This technology allows truckers to turn off their engines and have access to heat/air conditioning as well as email, movies, etc. in the comfort of their cabs. This saves a lot of fuel and significantly reduces polluting emissions.
Members also received updates on the Air Awareness Program, PART's progress, and Greensboro's new HEAT service. A subcommittee was appointed to gather information on "green construction" and energy-efficient buildings that can be shared with our members for possible use.
Although the Triad Early Action Compact is officially limited to ozone issues, we are still interested in the PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) problem as. You can see on the graph above (the pink line) that those levels remain steady. As an aside, officials from Davidson County reported at the Piedmont Triad Council of Government meeting on Wednesday evening that the judge had ruled against Davidson County and allowed the non-attainment designation to stand. That does not bode well for Guilford County's effort to have our non-attainment designation voided.
The next meeting of the Compact is scheduled for Monday, December 4.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Coliseum update
I had intended to report on last Thursday's War Memorial Commission (coliseum) meeting earlier. However I just did not get around to it until now, jogged by an email from a reader who was curious about what happened. So by special request...
The commission briefly discussed the 2005-06 financial report and the operating deficit that ended up a half million dollars less than expected, always good news. The three consecutive weekends of basketball tournaments and getting into the Centerplate 60% bonus level for our commissions on food sales were strong factors in achieving this.
Planning is already underway for the Womens ACC Basketball Tournament and the NCAA Womens basketball regionals in March 2007.
The Mickey Mouse family show did not do well, but The Wiggles were very profitable. Barney, the big purple dinosaur, is expected to be well-attended in early October.
Restrooms have been constructed in the parking lot shared by the coliseum and UNCG at Lee Street and Coliseum Boulevard. This is a convenience for students parking there and makes that parking lot usable for outdoor coliseum events there as well. A portion of the main parking lot behind the auditorium must be repaved to repair significant deterioration in one area that was exacerbated by heavy shuttle bus traffic during an event this summer.
ACC commissioner John Swofford has expressed strong interest and support for the proposed swim center that would be operated by the coliseum staff if the bond referendum is approved in November. This new venue could very well host ACC swimming competitions. Coliseum staff is developing several different scenarios for the potential placement of that swimming facility so voters can have a clearer concept of where it could be situated.
The War Memorial Commission will host a public meeting sometime in October for citizens to get accurate information about the proposed auditorium renovation, see the plans, and actually view the problems "up close and personal." I'll let you know when that date is finalized.
Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16 are going to be two extremely busy, hopefully profitable, days for the coliseum but are likely to cause a lot of parking and traffic headaches for attendees and people traveling on High Point Road. Events this weekend include:
* The Central Carolina Fair in the parking lot, eating up 2000 parking spaces
* Carrie Underwood in Concert in the auditorium on Friday night
* Professional Bull Riding in the arena on Friday and Saturday nights, nearly always a sell-out
* The Greensboro Symphony in the auditorium on Saturday night.
These various events should attract an interesting mix of patrons, all of which are likely to encounter a traffic nightmare. The reversible lanes on High Point Road will be activated and patrons are encouraged to carpool. To further alleviate the situation, attendees are encouraged to park near the Sheraton Four Seasons/Four Seasons Town Center; the coliseum will operate shuttle buses from there to the coliseum. Here are more details directly from the coliseum website on that option:
The commission briefly discussed the 2005-06 financial report and the operating deficit that ended up a half million dollars less than expected, always good news. The three consecutive weekends of basketball tournaments and getting into the Centerplate 60% bonus level for our commissions on food sales were strong factors in achieving this.
Planning is already underway for the Womens ACC Basketball Tournament and the NCAA Womens basketball regionals in March 2007.
The Mickey Mouse family show did not do well, but The Wiggles were very profitable. Barney, the big purple dinosaur, is expected to be well-attended in early October.
Restrooms have been constructed in the parking lot shared by the coliseum and UNCG at Lee Street and Coliseum Boulevard. This is a convenience for students parking there and makes that parking lot usable for outdoor coliseum events there as well. A portion of the main parking lot behind the auditorium must be repaved to repair significant deterioration in one area that was exacerbated by heavy shuttle bus traffic during an event this summer.
ACC commissioner John Swofford has expressed strong interest and support for the proposed swim center that would be operated by the coliseum staff if the bond referendum is approved in November. This new venue could very well host ACC swimming competitions. Coliseum staff is developing several different scenarios for the potential placement of that swimming facility so voters can have a clearer concept of where it could be situated.
The War Memorial Commission will host a public meeting sometime in October for citizens to get accurate information about the proposed auditorium renovation, see the plans, and actually view the problems "up close and personal." I'll let you know when that date is finalized.
Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16 are going to be two extremely busy, hopefully profitable, days for the coliseum but are likely to cause a lot of parking and traffic headaches for attendees and people traveling on High Point Road. Events this weekend include:
* The Central Carolina Fair in the parking lot, eating up 2000 parking spaces
* Carrie Underwood in Concert in the auditorium on Friday night
* Professional Bull Riding in the arena on Friday and Saturday nights, nearly always a sell-out
* The Greensboro Symphony in the auditorium on Saturday night.
These various events should attract an interesting mix of patrons, all of which are likely to encounter a traffic nightmare. The reversible lanes on High Point Road will be activated and patrons are encouraged to carpool. To further alleviate the situation, attendees are encouraged to park near the Sheraton Four Seasons/Four Seasons Town Center; the coliseum will operate shuttle buses from there to the coliseum. Here are more details directly from the coliseum website on that option:
The Coliseum is also offering shuttle bus service to and from the facility for patrons attending events on Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16. The shuttle bus can be boarded at the parking lot across the intersection of Pinecroft Street and Koury Boulevard adjacent to Four Seasons Mall and the Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel. Shuttle bus parking is available at this location and there is a $2.00 per person (children under 5 free) for round-trip shuttle bus service. Shuttles will run continuously beginning at 5:00 pm to approximately 11:30 pm both evenings (9/15 & 9/16).
SCAT listening session
A public announcement went out today about a "listening session" to be held by the GTA/SCAT task force to receive input from SCAT riders on Monday, September 18. Unfortunately I have already commited to something else and will not be able to attend, but I will listen to the tape of the session so I can hear what is said.
Here is that announcement:
GTA TASK FORCE LISTENING SESSION SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH
GREENSBORO, NC – Tuesday, September 12, 2006 – The City of Greensboro Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced the Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) Task Force will hold a special listening session on Monday, September 18th at the J. Douglas Galyon Depot. Scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the session’s purpose is to receive community feedback on City Council’s recently adopted SCAT and Fixed Route fare, pass, and policy changes that will take effect January 1st, 2007.
Free transportation is available to and from the listening session. To schedule a ride, please call 333-6589 by 5 p.m. Friday, September 15th.
Here is that announcement:
GTA TASK FORCE LISTENING SESSION SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH
GREENSBORO, NC – Tuesday, September 12, 2006 – The City of Greensboro Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced the Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) Task Force will hold a special listening session on Monday, September 18th at the J. Douglas Galyon Depot. Scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the session’s purpose is to receive community feedback on City Council’s recently adopted SCAT and Fixed Route fare, pass, and policy changes that will take effect January 1st, 2007.
Free transportation is available to and from the listening session. To schedule a ride, please call 333-6589 by 5 p.m. Friday, September 15th.
New GTA bus route
I hope everyone took note of the new GTA bus route that has begun. The Southtown Connector is a new GTA route that does NOT begin and end at The Depot. It will be interesting to see what the ridership will be on this new venture.
Weekly schedule
This is one of those weeks when I don't have any city council meetings, but I have a number of meetings due to my assignments to represent the council with other organizations .
I started off Monday, September 11 with a visit to my dentist, supposedly just for a short visit to get a permanent crown cemented on. Unfortunately (or fortunately, I guess), he discovered a cavity on that same tooth so I ended up with an unexpected numbed mouth and new filling before I could be on my way. I attended the quarterly meeting of the Triad Early Action Compact over in Kernersville in the afternoon and will write a separate post highlighting the details of that meeting.
This is not city council related, but will take up a good part of my day on Tuesday, September 12. I'll be headed to Hillsborough on to help start a brand new PTA at Gravelly Middle School in my role as a consultant to North Carolina PTA.
On Wednesday, September 13 I will chair the PART Board of Trustees meeting in the morning. The main items on the agenda include approving receipt of a $1 million+ grant for our future multi-modal facility, extending the contract for the financial plan analysis for light rail and/or bus transit, and consideration of a resolution to conduct a "seamless mobility study" looking at the possible coordination and/or consolidation of area transit systems and human services transportation.
In the evening, I will represent Greensboro at the executive committee meeting of the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments.
I'm having lunch with Dan Lynch and other representatives of the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance on Thursday, September 14 to get an overview of their latest initiatives.
Finally on Friday, September 15 I am taking advantage of one of the many invitations we councilmembers receive with the opening of new businesses by being a "guinea pig" at a training lunch at Bravo! Cucina Italiana opening up on September 18 in The Shops at Friendly Center. A yummy duty!
I hope citizens will take advantage of The Big Sweep and citywide cleanup day on Saturday, September 16 and help beautify their neighborhoods and the city in general.
I started off Monday, September 11 with a visit to my dentist, supposedly just for a short visit to get a permanent crown cemented on. Unfortunately (or fortunately, I guess), he discovered a cavity on that same tooth so I ended up with an unexpected numbed mouth and new filling before I could be on my way. I attended the quarterly meeting of the Triad Early Action Compact over in Kernersville in the afternoon and will write a separate post highlighting the details of that meeting.
This is not city council related, but will take up a good part of my day on Tuesday, September 12. I'll be headed to Hillsborough on to help start a brand new PTA at Gravelly Middle School in my role as a consultant to North Carolina PTA.
On Wednesday, September 13 I will chair the PART Board of Trustees meeting in the morning. The main items on the agenda include approving receipt of a $1 million+ grant for our future multi-modal facility, extending the contract for the financial plan analysis for light rail and/or bus transit, and consideration of a resolution to conduct a "seamless mobility study" looking at the possible coordination and/or consolidation of area transit systems and human services transportation.
In the evening, I will represent Greensboro at the executive committee meeting of the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments.
I'm having lunch with Dan Lynch and other representatives of the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance on Thursday, September 14 to get an overview of their latest initiatives.
Finally on Friday, September 15 I am taking advantage of one of the many invitations we councilmembers receive with the opening of new businesses by being a "guinea pig" at a training lunch at Bravo! Cucina Italiana opening up on September 18 in The Shops at Friendly Center. A yummy duty!
I hope citizens will take advantage of The Big Sweep and citywide cleanup day on Saturday, September 16 and help beautify their neighborhoods and the city in general.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Political blogging
I'd forgotten all about a telephone interview I did back in June on political blogging for American City and County Magazine about blogging. Here it is.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
The Diary of Anne Frank
My husband and I attended opening night of The Diary of Anne Frank at Triad Stage this evening. The production is extremely well done, and I -- along with many others in the audience -- was in tears at the end even though I knew the outcome from my many readings of the book. I highly recommend that you see it for yourself.
As a side note, I have a photo of the actual building in Amsterdam where this tragic drama took place. My husband was stationed in West Berlin during his stint with the US Army back in the late 60's-early 70's, and we visited Amsterdam during one of our excursions around Europe. We managed to visit Amsterdam, Paris, Strasbourg and Lucerne thanks to military duty trains, the European rail system, and our trusty "Europe of Five Dollars a Day" travel guide. Those were the days!
As a side note, I have a photo of the actual building in Amsterdam where this tragic drama took place. My husband was stationed in West Berlin during his stint with the US Army back in the late 60's-early 70's, and we visited Amsterdam during one of our excursions around Europe. We managed to visit Amsterdam, Paris, Strasbourg and Lucerne thanks to military duty trains, the European rail system, and our trusty "Europe of Five Dollars a Day" travel guide. Those were the days!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
A morning at Grandma's
I was delighted to care for four-week-old Kamberleigh this morning for a short while. She's a little sweetheart with a great disposition. "Kammie" slept most of the time, but I did catch her with her eyes open for a few minutes after she had her bottle. Her most awake, active times seem to be in the wee hours of the night, but that's her parents' problem, not mine! {smile}
Error correction on SCAT
I learned at last night's city council meeting that I made a mistake in my latest post on SCAT about the unlimited ride pass being a recent costly experiment. When the statement was made at our task force meeting last week that the unlimited ride pass only came into existence in February 2005, I obviously misinterpreted it, even after I restated it and got confirmation at the time. There HAS been an unlimited ride pass within the 3/4 mile required service area for 14 years. The speaker who made the "experiment" comment was apparently referring to the unrestricted, all-over-town service area, and I did not realize that. I apologize for posting inaccurate information.
Last night, the city council adopted the latest task force recommendation to drop the cost of a 10-ride ticket book to $15, down from the originally-proposed $20 (and the current $18) for those ten rides. Advocates for SCAT riders still are not satisfied and are demanding the unlimited pass be reinstated.
It is extremely frustrating to councilmembers to be crucified for delivering a premium service that far exceeds what we are required to provide and to be painted as heartless because we are attempting to be fiscally responsible with the service. There is growing sentiment among us to reduce the service level back to the required 3/4 mile limit -- both for pickup and destination points -- if we cannot control the costs through the modest fare increases. That's a step that none of us want to take, but it is a viable option if all else fails. I sincerely hope that we don't have to make that horrible choice.
Last night, the city council adopted the latest task force recommendation to drop the cost of a 10-ride ticket book to $15, down from the originally-proposed $20 (and the current $18) for those ten rides. Advocates for SCAT riders still are not satisfied and are demanding the unlimited pass be reinstated.
It is extremely frustrating to councilmembers to be crucified for delivering a premium service that far exceeds what we are required to provide and to be painted as heartless because we are attempting to be fiscally responsible with the service. There is growing sentiment among us to reduce the service level back to the required 3/4 mile limit -- both for pickup and destination points -- if we cannot control the costs through the modest fare increases. That's a step that none of us want to take, but it is a viable option if all else fails. I sincerely hope that we don't have to make that horrible choice.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Bicycling news
City staff has found that this blog is a good way to alert citizens to city happenings. I received the following email from Peter Ohlms, one of GDOT's transportation planners:
Councilmembers have also received an invitation from Kurt Cavenaugh, President of BIG (Bicycling in Greensboro), inviting us the the BIG Salute to Bike Lanes beginning at 10:30AM on Saturday, September 23 at Lindley Recreation Center.
There is a lot of activity centering around bicycling in Greensboro these days!
Ms. Carmany,
The full Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Greenway Master Plan is now available for public review until Oct. 2 on our Web site and at the usual locations around town, so I thought I’d let you know in case you’d want to get some info about it and a link on your blog. We’re also having an open house at the Depot on September 12, which we hope will generate some more interest, and we’re hoping to release a shortened (magazine-length) version of the plan before then.
The page is:
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/Departments/GDOT/divisions/planning/bicycle/BiPed.htm
Thanks!
Councilmembers have also received an invitation from Kurt Cavenaugh, President of BIG (Bicycling in Greensboro), inviting us the the BIG Salute to Bike Lanes beginning at 10:30AM on Saturday, September 23 at Lindley Recreation Center.
There is a lot of activity centering around bicycling in Greensboro these days!
Weekly schedule
Except for what could be a lengthy city council meeting on Tuesday, the rest of my official week is not too busy.
The agenda for the Tuesday, September 5 regular city council meeting contains several proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments and rezoning cases which tend to take a lot of time to process. Items 12-14 involve the trailer park out on McConnell Road and I expect a lot of speakers in opposition if the Zoning Commission meeting and media reports area good indication.
The next planning meeting for the new Southwest Recreation Center is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6 at 6:00PM. It will be interesting to see how the consultants interpret the input from the attendees at the first meeting.
I plan to attend the War Memorial Commission (coliseum) meeting on Thursday, September 7. Then it's off to opening night of The Diary of Anne Frank at Triad Stage that evening.
That's it for the week except for the usual responding to constituent questions and concerns and attacking the ever-growing stack of memos and reports.
The agenda for the Tuesday, September 5 regular city council meeting contains several proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments and rezoning cases which tend to take a lot of time to process. Items 12-14 involve the trailer park out on McConnell Road and I expect a lot of speakers in opposition if the Zoning Commission meeting and media reports area good indication.
The next planning meeting for the new Southwest Recreation Center is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6 at 6:00PM. It will be interesting to see how the consultants interpret the input from the attendees at the first meeting.
I plan to attend the War Memorial Commission (coliseum) meeting on Thursday, September 7. Then it's off to opening night of The Diary of Anne Frank at Triad Stage that evening.
That's it for the week except for the usual responding to constituent questions and concerns and attacking the ever-growing stack of memos and reports.
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