Margaret Banks reports on the latest investigation into the leak of the RMA report and Allen Johnson blogs about it.
Here is my response/comment I posted to Allen's observations:
Allen,
I can assure you this latest "leak identification" effort is not in any way detracting from the ongoing investigation into the main issues involving the police department. The main goal still is to get to the truth of what happened/did not happen within the Greensboro Police Department; the pursuit of the leaker is secondary. Besides, these investigations are totally independent of each other with GPD issues being investigated by the SBI and internally with the department and the leak investigation being done by RMA.
I don't consider this secondary investigation as an "obsession" or a witch-hunt. For all intensive purposes, this effort had ended until a gift-wrapped package with a big bow dropped right into the city's lap -- the posting of the RMA report on line -- which gave forensic experts the ability to determine which original copy of the report had been copied and pictured there.
I can cite two reasons for resuming the leak pursuit: 1) Liability coverage for the city -- if one of the parties injured by the public release of private personnel information decides to sue the city for personal damages caused by the leak, the city would have the option of countersuing the leaker and passing those costs on to the responsible person, not city taxpayers. 2) How would the public react (and the N&R, for that matter) if they found out the city had the ability to identify the leaked copy but chose not to follow through with it. I can already hear the cries of "cronyism!" "cover-up!" and "circling the wagons to protect one of your own!" -- another crisis in the making.
I too am eager for ALL these investigations and rampant speculations to end so the healing can begin.
Two additional thoughts: First, we have been cautioned that this investigation could reveal WHICH/WHOSE COPY OF THE RMA REPORT was copied and then leaked, but would not necessarily identify the person or persons who actually did it.
Second, back on October 15-16 when the report appeared first on CDs and then online, I lamented about the negative consequences of publicly posting it but acknowledged one positive result of that action. I guess now I can add a second positive -- potential identification of the leaker.
I wonder if the person who posted it on the Internet thought about that possibility -- he/she may have actually aided the investigation and helped to identify the leaker! Sweet irony!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Weekly schedule
This being one of those months when we occasionally have a "fifth week," I have only one regularly scheduled meeting this week.
This morning, Monday, October 30 I met with the city manager for updates on a number of issues.
My next official meeting is the War Memorial Commission (coliseum) meeting on Thursday, November 2.
Then I'm off to Raleigh for Friday and Saturday to participate in NC PTA's fall board meeting and celebration of our 87-years-old state organization's Founders Day.
This morning, Monday, October 30 I met with the city manager for updates on a number of issues.
My next official meeting is the War Memorial Commission (coliseum) meeting on Thursday, November 2.
Then I'm off to Raleigh for Friday and Saturday to participate in NC PTA's fall board meeting and celebration of our 87-years-old state organization's Founders Day.
Trees and more trees
The city issued this press release about a major tree planting effort taking place on Saturday. That's the kind of news I like to see!
WESTERWOOD RESIDENTS HELP ENVIRONMENT BY PLANTING TREES
Third Annual NeighborWoods Event to Be Held at Lake Daniel Park
GREENSBORO, NC (October 30, 2006) – The City of Greensboro, in collaboration with Greensboro Beautiful, American Express, Cooperative Extension of Guilford County, the North Carolina Forest Service and the Westerwood Neighborhood Association will hold its 3rd Annual NeighborWoods tree-planting event at Lake Daniel Park on Mimosa Drive, Saturday, November 4 at 9 am. More than 150 volunteers, including Boy and Girl Scout troops, UNCG and Grimsley High School students, and church groups, will be present to plant trees in the Westerwood neighborhood to help restore trees lost during storms and development. The purpose of the initiative is to educate the community on the importance of trees and the role they play in the quality of our air and water.
“Our trees help to define Greensboro and increase the quality of life throughout our community,” says City of Greensboro Urban Designer Mary Sertell. “Since 1984, Greensboro has lost 18 percent of its tree cover.” says Emilie Sandin, Co-chair, Urban Forestry Committee for Greensboro Beautiful. “The NeighborWoods program is crucial to the environmental health of our City because it helps replenish tree cover in Greensboro.”
American Express generously provided the NeighborWoods program with a $10,000 grant and the program also secured a $2600 grant from the North Carolina Forest Service. For more information on the NeighborWoods program, contact Mary Sertell at 373-4769.
WESTERWOOD RESIDENTS HELP ENVIRONMENT BY PLANTING TREES
Third Annual NeighborWoods Event to Be Held at Lake Daniel Park
GREENSBORO, NC (October 30, 2006) – The City of Greensboro, in collaboration with Greensboro Beautiful, American Express, Cooperative Extension of Guilford County, the North Carolina Forest Service and the Westerwood Neighborhood Association will hold its 3rd Annual NeighborWoods tree-planting event at Lake Daniel Park on Mimosa Drive, Saturday, November 4 at 9 am. More than 150 volunteers, including Boy and Girl Scout troops, UNCG and Grimsley High School students, and church groups, will be present to plant trees in the Westerwood neighborhood to help restore trees lost during storms and development. The purpose of the initiative is to educate the community on the importance of trees and the role they play in the quality of our air and water.
“Our trees help to define Greensboro and increase the quality of life throughout our community,” says City of Greensboro Urban Designer Mary Sertell. “Since 1984, Greensboro has lost 18 percent of its tree cover.” says Emilie Sandin, Co-chair, Urban Forestry Committee for Greensboro Beautiful. “The NeighborWoods program is crucial to the environmental health of our City because it helps replenish tree cover in Greensboro.”
American Express generously provided the NeighborWoods program with a $10,000 grant and the program also secured a $2600 grant from the North Carolina Forest Service. For more information on the NeighborWoods program, contact Mary Sertell at 373-4769.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
PART ridership figures
As you can see in the following graph and chart prepared in response to a citizen inquiry, ridership on PART Express has continued to increase since we began offering service on September 30, 2002. Note that ridership has been higher for the same month of the previous year each succeeding year and the average monthly ridership has been higher for each year as well.
Update: I have substituted the chart that includes the most recent figures through September 2006 and included an additional ridership chart as well.
2003 total ridership = 118,791
2004 total ridership = 178,282
2005 total ridership = 208,970
2006 total ridership = 180,709 (for the first nine months of the year)
You can find information through September 2005 in bar graph format on the second page of the PART newsletter.
Update: I have substituted the chart that includes the most recent figures through September 2006 and included an additional ridership chart as well.
2003 total ridership = 118,791
2004 total ridership = 178,282
2005 total ridership = 208,970
2006 total ridership = 180,709 (for the first nine months of the year)
You can find information through September 2005 in bar graph format on the second page of the PART newsletter.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
City Council briefing report
I think we set a new record by discussing eight different topics at Tuesday's regular monthly briefing session and getting out on time. Here's a brief synopsis of each and what, if any, direction we councilmembers gave to city staff on them.
Representatives from the United Arts Council gave an update on their public art project. Over 100 pieces of public art scattered throughout the city have already been identified and cataloged. A committee is working to develop a master plan with a unified theme to encourage art to be included in all construction projects and support the concept of "a percent for public art" where money is automatically allocated to include art in the project. Mayor Holliday represented the apparent consensus of the city council when he noted that we all support public art but the city is not in a position to make a financial commitment to the "percent for public art" at this time.
Jim Westmoreland of GDOT and Brent McKinney of PART presented information on the proposed Triad Seamless Mobility Study that will examine the possible efficiencies of coordinating (or even eventually consolidating) the operations of the three public bus systems in Greensboro (GTA), High Point (HighTran), and Winston-Salem (WSTA). Possible areas of cooperation include purchase of tires and buses on a master contract, maintenance of fare boxes, and marketing efforts, among others. Councilmembers Mike Barber and Tom Phillips quipped that PART could take over GTA right now as far as they were concerned. This $700,000 study funded by NCDOT will also look at the various paratransit systems operated by area governments and identify opportunities for cost-savings and operating and scheduling efficiencies. Councilmembers were supportive of the proposal and will be asked to approve a resolution at our next council meeting agreeing to participate in the study.
Butch Simmons of Engineering and Inspections presented possible city ordinance changes to address vehicles for sale parked on city streets in high visibility locations. We quickly deep-sixed the proposal to limit the length of time a person could park a vehicle for sale in front of his/her own residence but accepted proposed changes that will impose civil penalties on vehicles for sale parked in front of other people's homes, a frequent complaint we receive from citizens. An ordinance with the following provisions will be prepared for city council's adoption :
* A $50 penalty per location/per day. Not to exceed $500.
* Penalty will apply from the Notice of Violation issued if condition not corrected within 2 days of service (vehicle tagged)
* City will tow vehicle if it remains 5 days after Notice of Violation served and vehicle owner must pay storage fees and civil penalty before vehicle released to owner. (Tow on 6th day)
* Civil penalties may be enforced in court if not paid within 30 days after service of Citation (Acquiring good service may take time)
One of the most frequent and vocal complaints we councilmembers receive is about private streets, their upkeep, and unavailability of some city services to residents who live on them. Approximately 8% (108 miles) of the city's streets are currently private ones. Dale Wyrick of Field Operations presented an overview of the various issues (strength of the pavement, smaller pavement width, smaller or no right-of-ways and setbacks, etc.) and a series of proposals to address them. City councilmembers instructed staff to prepare an ordinance for council approval that will incorporate the following changes:
* Beginning immediately, all private streets must be constructed to city standards.
* Upon request by abutting property owners or the neighborhood association, the city will accept a private street for city maintenance if the street meets the public street standards of pavement design section (thickness), serviceable pavement width, and be in overall good condition. If the pavement is not in good condition, the abutting property owners/neighborhood association must make and pay for the appropriate repairs (patching, repaving, etc.) before the street will be accepted for maintenance by the city.
* If the residents cannot afford to make the needed repairs to bring the street up to standard, the city will make the repairs and accept the street for maintenance. The residents will then be assessed for those repairs with a payback period of up to ten years as with other city assessments.
The next agenda item was an update on the M/WBE program (Minority/Women Business Enterprise) by the director of the city's 20-year-old "trailblazer program," Kathleen Smith. This program makes sure that certified minority businesses are aware of bidding opportunities for city construction, procurement/purchasing, and professional services contracts. The percentage of M/WBE participation varies from year to year based on the type and number of projects being bid each year. Total participation for the 2005-06 fiscal year was 12.2% for $14,260,881.
A proposal to regulate mobile signs was quickly nixed by city councilmembers so those small billboards mounted on trucks and those trucks with multiple changing advertising panels will be allowed once regulations are modified to allow them. Existing ordinances will still be applied against trucks with advertising that are illegally parked for long periods of time in highly visible locations.
An update of first quarter revenues was postponed until the November briefing because that first quarter just ended on September 30 and many of those revenues have not yet been remitted to the city by the state. Thus, no reliable data is available at this time.
Councilmembers had received a request from a neighborhood group to consider a citywide ban on vehicles parked in front yards of residences. This is currently allowed except in the city's three historic districts. After a short discussion about this being an intrusive action of government, the ability to enforce it, and the need for increased staffing and costs to enforce it if adopted, we unanimously agreed not to pursue it.
A productive meeting!
Representatives from the United Arts Council gave an update on their public art project. Over 100 pieces of public art scattered throughout the city have already been identified and cataloged. A committee is working to develop a master plan with a unified theme to encourage art to be included in all construction projects and support the concept of "a percent for public art" where money is automatically allocated to include art in the project. Mayor Holliday represented the apparent consensus of the city council when he noted that we all support public art but the city is not in a position to make a financial commitment to the "percent for public art" at this time.
Jim Westmoreland of GDOT and Brent McKinney of PART presented information on the proposed Triad Seamless Mobility Study that will examine the possible efficiencies of coordinating (or even eventually consolidating) the operations of the three public bus systems in Greensboro (GTA), High Point (HighTran), and Winston-Salem (WSTA). Possible areas of cooperation include purchase of tires and buses on a master contract, maintenance of fare boxes, and marketing efforts, among others. Councilmembers Mike Barber and Tom Phillips quipped that PART could take over GTA right now as far as they were concerned. This $700,000 study funded by NCDOT will also look at the various paratransit systems operated by area governments and identify opportunities for cost-savings and operating and scheduling efficiencies. Councilmembers were supportive of the proposal and will be asked to approve a resolution at our next council meeting agreeing to participate in the study.
Butch Simmons of Engineering and Inspections presented possible city ordinance changes to address vehicles for sale parked on city streets in high visibility locations. We quickly deep-sixed the proposal to limit the length of time a person could park a vehicle for sale in front of his/her own residence but accepted proposed changes that will impose civil penalties on vehicles for sale parked in front of other people's homes, a frequent complaint we receive from citizens. An ordinance with the following provisions will be prepared for city council's adoption :
* A $50 penalty per location/per day. Not to exceed $500.
* Penalty will apply from the Notice of Violation issued if condition not corrected within 2 days of service (vehicle tagged)
* City will tow vehicle if it remains 5 days after Notice of Violation served and vehicle owner must pay storage fees and civil penalty before vehicle released to owner. (Tow on 6th day)
* Civil penalties may be enforced in court if not paid within 30 days after service of Citation (Acquiring good service may take time)
One of the most frequent and vocal complaints we councilmembers receive is about private streets, their upkeep, and unavailability of some city services to residents who live on them. Approximately 8% (108 miles) of the city's streets are currently private ones. Dale Wyrick of Field Operations presented an overview of the various issues (strength of the pavement, smaller pavement width, smaller or no right-of-ways and setbacks, etc.) and a series of proposals to address them. City councilmembers instructed staff to prepare an ordinance for council approval that will incorporate the following changes:
* Beginning immediately, all private streets must be constructed to city standards.
* Upon request by abutting property owners or the neighborhood association, the city will accept a private street for city maintenance if the street meets the public street standards of pavement design section (thickness), serviceable pavement width, and be in overall good condition. If the pavement is not in good condition, the abutting property owners/neighborhood association must make and pay for the appropriate repairs (patching, repaving, etc.) before the street will be accepted for maintenance by the city.
* If the residents cannot afford to make the needed repairs to bring the street up to standard, the city will make the repairs and accept the street for maintenance. The residents will then be assessed for those repairs with a payback period of up to ten years as with other city assessments.
The next agenda item was an update on the M/WBE program (Minority/Women Business Enterprise) by the director of the city's 20-year-old "trailblazer program," Kathleen Smith. This program makes sure that certified minority businesses are aware of bidding opportunities for city construction, procurement/purchasing, and professional services contracts. The percentage of M/WBE participation varies from year to year based on the type and number of projects being bid each year. Total participation for the 2005-06 fiscal year was 12.2% for $14,260,881.
A proposal to regulate mobile signs was quickly nixed by city councilmembers so those small billboards mounted on trucks and those trucks with multiple changing advertising panels will be allowed once regulations are modified to allow them. Existing ordinances will still be applied against trucks with advertising that are illegally parked for long periods of time in highly visible locations.
An update of first quarter revenues was postponed until the November briefing because that first quarter just ended on September 30 and many of those revenues have not yet been remitted to the city by the state. Thus, no reliable data is available at this time.
Councilmembers had received a request from a neighborhood group to consider a citywide ban on vehicles parked in front yards of residences. This is currently allowed except in the city's three historic districts. After a short discussion about this being an intrusive action of government, the ability to enforce it, and the need for increased staffing and costs to enforce it if adopted, we unanimously agreed not to pursue it.
A productive meeting!
We want your input
Copied below is a city press release announcing the public input sessions to gather information n what YOU want to see in a new police chief. Here's an opportunity to make a positive contribution to this effort and I encourage you to participate, either in person at one of the sessions or by submitting your comments online or by phone.
CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS PUBLIC INPUT ON NEW POLICE CHIEF
GREENSBORO, NC (October 26, 2006) – Greensboro City Council today announced the schedule for gathering citizen input regarding the new police chief. City officials want to know what the public thinks the City should look for in the next police chief and what they desire from the Greensboro Police Department.
The public is invited to attend any of the following meetings:
November 13 Central Library, Sternberger Room, 219 North Church Street 12 noon-2 pm
November 13 Lindley Recreation Center, 2907 Springwood Drive, 6-7 pm
November 14 Simkins Indoor Sports Pavilion/Barber Park, 1500 Dan’s Road, 6-7 pm
November 16 Peeler Recreation Center, 1300 Sykes Avenue, 6-7 pm
November 20 District 3 Police Station, 300 South Swing Road, 6-7 pm
November 29 Lewis Recreation Center, 3110 Forest Lawn Drive, 6-7 pm
Greensboro residents can also email their comments on the City’s website at www.greensboronc.gov to email their comments or call 373-2489 to tell their suggestions to a Customer Service Representative. All information given will be used to help develop the criteria for the selection process.
____________________________________________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS PUBLIC INPUT ON NEW POLICE CHIEF
GREENSBORO, NC (October 26, 2006) – Greensboro City Council today announced the schedule for gathering citizen input regarding the new police chief. City officials want to know what the public thinks the City should look for in the next police chief and what they desire from the Greensboro Police Department.
The public is invited to attend any of the following meetings:
November 13 Central Library, Sternberger Room, 219 North Church Street 12 noon-2 pm
November 13 Lindley Recreation Center, 2907 Springwood Drive, 6-7 pm
November 14 Simkins Indoor Sports Pavilion/Barber Park, 1500 Dan’s Road, 6-7 pm
November 16 Peeler Recreation Center, 1300 Sykes Avenue, 6-7 pm
November 20 District 3 Police Station, 300 South Swing Road, 6-7 pm
November 29 Lewis Recreation Center, 3110 Forest Lawn Drive, 6-7 pm
Greensboro residents can also email their comments on the City’s website at www.greensboronc.gov to email their comments or call 373-2489 to tell their suggestions to a Customer Service Representative. All information given will be used to help develop the criteria for the selection process.
____________________________________________________________________________
A welcome interuption
Little Kammie came for a visit this evening, and of course this grandma dropped everything I was doing to cuddle with her. She will be three months old soon and is growing up quickly -- too quickly.
Kammie has a beautiful smile that lights up her whole face --
as well as a healthy set of lungs to let you know LOUD and clear when she's not happy!
Whatever her mood, we love her!
Kammie has a beautiful smile that lights up her whole face --
as well as a healthy set of lungs to let you know LOUD and clear when she's not happy!
Whatever her mood, we love her!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Weekly schedule
Looking at my calendar, this week appears to be an easy one for me. Of course, that can change in a heartbeat when unanticipated events suddenly pop up, but at least for now, maybe I'll have some extra time to deal with the stacks of paper and notebooks all over my office. (Right, dream on!)
On Monday, October 23 I have been invited to meet the General Board of the Church of the Living God which is moving into their new headquarters on Merritt Drive. Later in the afternoon I have my regular monthly "chat" with City Manager Mitchell Johnson to review ideas and issues of concern. (I hope everyone read the article in Sunday's News & Record about how pleased we councilmembers are with his performance.)
The city council briefing session will be held at 8:30AM on Tuesday, October 24 in the Plaza Level Conference Room. The agenda lists a wide variety of topics, including an update on the city's first quarter revenues and discussions about private streets, mobile signs, and parking in front yards in residential zones. Some of those issues are hot-button items, so there may be some lively discussion on them.
I have a meeting on Wednesday, October 25 with the PART executive director to review some of our activities and some "where should we go from here" items.
That's it for my "official" week. Hmmmm -- if the weather is nice and our car situation works out, it might be a good time to escape to Oak Island for a couple of days.
On Monday, October 23 I have been invited to meet the General Board of the Church of the Living God which is moving into their new headquarters on Merritt Drive. Later in the afternoon I have my regular monthly "chat" with City Manager Mitchell Johnson to review ideas and issues of concern. (I hope everyone read the article in Sunday's News & Record about how pleased we councilmembers are with his performance.)
The city council briefing session will be held at 8:30AM on Tuesday, October 24 in the Plaza Level Conference Room. The agenda lists a wide variety of topics, including an update on the city's first quarter revenues and discussions about private streets, mobile signs, and parking in front yards in residential zones. Some of those issues are hot-button items, so there may be some lively discussion on them.
I have a meeting on Wednesday, October 25 with the PART executive director to review some of our activities and some "where should we go from here" items.
That's it for my "official" week. Hmmmm -- if the weather is nice and our car situation works out, it might be a good time to escape to Oak Island for a couple of days.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
A valuable lesson
Here is the response I posted on Greensboro101 to the erroneous information posted about something I said yesterday.
Roch,
Better check the reliability of your source -- what I said was misinterpreted by a non-techie unfamiliar with the way 101 operates. I said that the blog links that appear on the sidebar (referring to the "local latest blog posts" section of 101) appear automatically as your system does its regular sweep of blogs but that the articles appearing in the featured stories section in the large middle portion of 101 do not appear there automatically but are selected and posted there by you as the site administrator. What I said was that only you could have posted the story/link ON THAT PART OF 101.
Lesson -- don't believe everything you hear!
Sandy Carmany
Apologies welcomed.
Update: It was confirmed at tonight's meet-up that only a site administrator at Greensboro101 could have placed the RMA report link story onto the "Features" portion of that site.
Roch,
Better check the reliability of your source -- what I said was misinterpreted by a non-techie unfamiliar with the way 101 operates. I said that the blog links that appear on the sidebar (referring to the "local latest blog posts" section of 101) appear automatically as your system does its regular sweep of blogs but that the articles appearing in the featured stories section in the large middle portion of 101 do not appear there automatically but are selected and posted there by you as the site administrator. What I said was that only you could have posted the story/link ON THAT PART OF 101.
Lesson -- don't believe everything you hear!
Sandy Carmany
Apologies welcomed.
Update: It was confirmed at tonight's meet-up that only a site administrator at Greensboro101 could have placed the RMA report link story onto the "Features" portion of that site.
TV time
Although I attended the final day of the annual NC League of Municipalities conference Tuesday at the Koury Convention Center, I feel like I spent more time outside the sessions with the media than I did listening to the speakers. (Coach Ken Carter's motivational speech at lunchtime was fantastic and inspiring.)
I interviewed both with Fox8 and WFMY News2 on the hot topic of the moment.
I interviewed both with Fox8 and WFMY News2 on the hot topic of the moment.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Swim Center pictures
I described the renderings of the proposed Swim Center that is included on the November city bond referendum in my Coliseum Update post last week. Thanks to Andrew Brown over at the Coliseum, here are some of those pictures to give you a better idea of what I was talking about.
The view from High Point Road:
The view from High Point Road:
The same view from a higher angle -- the competition pool and diving area are in the larger, elongated area and the warm-up pool is in the rounded structure. Lockers and changing rooms are positioned between the two pools. Permanent bleachers are placed on the western (High Point Road) side of the building.
Looking westward towards High Point Road from the Coliseum parking lot behind the Special Events Center:
An interior view facing south looking towards Patterson Street -- note the diving area on the near end of the pool, the 1,000-seats permanent bleachers on the left with space for 500-seats temporary bleachers on the right, and the patio outside the southern end of the building.
As mentioned previously, the glass exterior walls/panels on the eastern and western sides of the facility can be raised into the roof to allow for natural heating and cooling.
Innovative and NICE!
Absolving the innocent
I want to make it perfectly clear that ConvergeSouth and the wonderful folks who lovingly labored long and hard to make the unconference such a success had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the "under the table" distribution of the CDs containing the RMA report and the subsequent posting of that sensitive information on the web today. The only connection I know of was an informal discussion after the conference about the potential posting of the report on the Internet and where several respected local bloggers cautioned against doing so. Sue, Ben, Cara Michele and Jay are innocent, and I apologize if I in any way made it sound like I was assigning blame to them or to the unconference.
The "dastardly deeds" were carried out by others who were not sanctioned to do so, not by the ConvergeSouth leadership, and apparently, not by the Greensboro101 editorial board either.
The "dastardly deeds" were carried out by others who were not sanctioned to do so, not by the ConvergeSouth leadership, and apparently, not by the Greensboro101 editorial board either.
Irresponsible
I view the posting of the RMA report on line and the feature placement on Greensboro101 with no names blacked out to be totally irresponsible on the part of the person or persons who did so. To show my total disgust for this lack of regard for the personal lives of people and the negative implications I stated in a previous post, I have directed that Sandy's Place no longer be linked on Greensboro101. If you want to read me, you know where to find me.
Update: The response to my request to be de-linked from Greensboro101.
Your blog is publicly available, I'm going to decline this request.
Roch Smith, Jr.
Update: The response to my request to be de-linked from Greensboro101.
Your blog is publicly available, I'm going to decline this request.
Roch Smith, Jr.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
They got it...
...in more ways than one. Hoggard and Cone (among others) both say they have read the RMA report and now better understand why the city manager took the actions he did (and the city council unanimously supported him) on the Greensboro Police/David Wray issue. They got it (the report) and they obviously got it (the justification). And I'll agree with Cone, John Hammer got it right the first time, one of the few times you will likely hear me say that! {smile}
What I don't get is the continued insistence by some that the RMA investigators were a bunch of bumbling idiots (take a look at their credentials on pp. 6-11 of the RMA contract under "Other documents") who didn't know what they were doing. These skeptics seem to prefer instead to accept the word of unnamed sources that these professionals just plain got it wrong! A strong plus in hiring a highly-regarded independent investigative firm was to get away from supposed race card" and "personal vendetta" issues that would be raised in a totally internal investigation! Who is more credible -- a well-respected firm with years of professional experience following up on concerns expressed by upstanding members of the GPD without a stake in the Hinson and or black/white issues or anonymous sources with their own personal motives and potential biases?
Needless to say, city officials have been a bit stressed the last week as it became apparent that the confidential RMA report had publicly surfaced in the hands of various media and individuals in the community. I personally have mixed feelings about that happening:
* Heartache about the hurt, damage to reputation, and embarrassment that various persons named in that report will have to endure as information about their private lives and protected personnel actions potentially becomes public. Of course, those individuals will have legal recourse to sue for liability anyone who makes the sensitive information public, but the damage will have already been done.
* Sadness that the leaker did not have enough faith in the city manager/city council/new police administration/"the system" to handle and correct the problems fairly and decided to take matters into his/her own hands (earlier and again recently).
* Deep concern about the willingness of city employees to step forward and do the right thing in the future if their confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. If you will recall, the city manager initially supported David Wray's explanation of the various events and communicated his belief of that explanation to the city council, NAACP leadership, and the public. It was the courageous stepping forward with critical information by other GPD officers and a SBI agent over that invisible "blue line" (cops don't rat on other cops) that led to a reexamination of that stance and subsequent detailed investigations. What price will those officers now have to pay if their identities become known?
* Ambivalence as far as the likelihood of damage to the ongoing investigation. The RMA report was in my mind "the starting line" for the more in depth investigations that followed and continue. I would assume that all persons/incidents/leads identified in the original report have already been fully explored and any discrepancies identified so it's unlikely in my opinion that there's anyone being investigated that isn't already aware of it by now.
* And selfishly, RELIEF. Now that more accurate information is becoming public and citizens can better understand the facts from which we have been working, I am hopeful the stress will ease as they understand and focus on the real basic underlying issue -- the truth and credibility of the former police chief. Hoggard's and Cone's posts contributed to this optimistic feeling.
I do appreciate the frank discussion at the end of ConvergeSouth yesterday about the ramifications of the potential posting of the RMA report on the Internet, especially the fact that I was allowed to participate in it although folks likely knew what my reaction would be. I hope those persons considering posting the report will think long and hard about the damage to personal lives they may inflict as well as their own serious liability exposure and financial consequences if the injured individuals choose to take legal action against them for doing so. Enough people have already been hurt, and I don't want my friends in the blogging community to be added to that list with their possible legal liability exposure.
And if someone wants to share a copy of that infamous RMA report with ME, I'd be happy to receive it. Having turned my copy in long ago, I need a "refresher course" as age and fading memory obscure specific details over time. {smile}
NOTE: I know I've set myself up for a barrage of comments, but don't get upset with me for not posting and responding in a timely manner. I'll be tied up at the NC League of Municipalities Conference through Tuesday afternoon followed by a city council meeting that evening so my blogging/Internet time is going to be very limited for a while.
What I don't get is the continued insistence by some that the RMA investigators were a bunch of bumbling idiots (take a look at their credentials on pp. 6-11 of the RMA contract under "Other documents") who didn't know what they were doing. These skeptics seem to prefer instead to accept the word of unnamed sources that these professionals just plain got it wrong! A strong plus in hiring a highly-regarded independent investigative firm was to get away from supposed race card" and "personal vendetta" issues that would be raised in a totally internal investigation! Who is more credible -- a well-respected firm with years of professional experience following up on concerns expressed by upstanding members of the GPD without a stake in the Hinson and or black/white issues or anonymous sources with their own personal motives and potential biases?
Needless to say, city officials have been a bit stressed the last week as it became apparent that the confidential RMA report had publicly surfaced in the hands of various media and individuals in the community. I personally have mixed feelings about that happening:
* Heartache about the hurt, damage to reputation, and embarrassment that various persons named in that report will have to endure as information about their private lives and protected personnel actions potentially becomes public. Of course, those individuals will have legal recourse to sue for liability anyone who makes the sensitive information public, but the damage will have already been done.
* Sadness that the leaker did not have enough faith in the city manager/city council/new police administration/"the system" to handle and correct the problems fairly and decided to take matters into his/her own hands (earlier and again recently).
* Deep concern about the willingness of city employees to step forward and do the right thing in the future if their confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. If you will recall, the city manager initially supported David Wray's explanation of the various events and communicated his belief of that explanation to the city council, NAACP leadership, and the public. It was the courageous stepping forward with critical information by other GPD officers and a SBI agent over that invisible "blue line" (cops don't rat on other cops) that led to a reexamination of that stance and subsequent detailed investigations. What price will those officers now have to pay if their identities become known?
* Ambivalence as far as the likelihood of damage to the ongoing investigation. The RMA report was in my mind "the starting line" for the more in depth investigations that followed and continue. I would assume that all persons/incidents/leads identified in the original report have already been fully explored and any discrepancies identified so it's unlikely in my opinion that there's anyone being investigated that isn't already aware of it by now.
* And selfishly, RELIEF. Now that more accurate information is becoming public and citizens can better understand the facts from which we have been working, I am hopeful the stress will ease as they understand and focus on the real basic underlying issue -- the truth and credibility of the former police chief. Hoggard's and Cone's posts contributed to this optimistic feeling.
I do appreciate the frank discussion at the end of ConvergeSouth yesterday about the ramifications of the potential posting of the RMA report on the Internet, especially the fact that I was allowed to participate in it although folks likely knew what my reaction would be. I hope those persons considering posting the report will think long and hard about the damage to personal lives they may inflict as well as their own serious liability exposure and financial consequences if the injured individuals choose to take legal action against them for doing so. Enough people have already been hurt, and I don't want my friends in the blogging community to be added to that list with their possible legal liability exposure.
And if someone wants to share a copy of that infamous RMA report with ME, I'd be happy to receive it. Having turned my copy in long ago, I need a "refresher course" as age and fading memory obscure specific details over time. {smile}
NOTE: I know I've set myself up for a barrage of comments, but don't get upset with me for not posting and responding in a timely manner. I'll be tied up at the NC League of Municipalities Conference through Tuesday afternoon followed by a city council meeting that evening so my blogging/Internet time is going to be very limited for a while.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Coliseum update
Depending on one's interpretation, this update is either a week late or right on time. The War Memorial Commission (coliseum) met for its regular monthly meeting on last Thursday, October 4 but did not officially adjourn that meeting which was continued last night as a public meeting in the Odeon Theater to discuss the proposed War Memorial Auditorium and swim center bonds. I'll provide information from both sessions.
On Thursday, the Commission welcomed its newest member, Mike Bumpass who replaced Dick Grubar whose term had expired, and congratulated coliseum employees Kimberly Voss and William Hicks for reaching the 10-year mark in their service. On a sad note, we learned that Helen Baskett, another longtime employee, was seriously ill (and has since passed away).
Jay Kudla. the Centerplate concessions/catering manager, reported that employees are constructing eight new concession stands in the arena, two downstairs and six upstairs. They are currently wooing Starbucks to come in as the official coffee vendor. Concessions/catering revenue is currently running ahead of budget projections.
Scott Johnson reported that the concert bookings are still light, but he continues to pursue the few acts that are touring. Guns N' Roses will perform on November 2 and Clay Aiken will perform a Christmas concert with the Greensboro Symphony on December 23.
Ten family shows have been booked for the year, and there will be ten "ride and drives" where dealerships bring their salespeople out to test drive new car models in the coliseum parking lots.
A tent revival has booked the parking lot at Lee and Coliseum Boulevard for the month of May. Coliseum employees have finished construction on bathroom facilities in this parking lot that will be available for use during events held in this parking area as well as the UNCG students who use the parking shuttle system to the campus.
The new car show has moved to the late January/early February time frame with a new promoter and all available spaces have already been sold.
There are currently 64 performances of various types on sale in the box office at this time.
Over 56,000 people attended the Central Carolina Fair this year. There were no major storms or hurricanes during the fair as has been the case in some previous years.
The proposed contract with Siemans for the energy audit is under final review by the city's legal department, and it is anticipated we will be able to perform around $2.5 million in energy-related improvements. Plans call for installing a new chiller to replace the aging one currently in use.
The ECHL took no official action at its latest meeting about the proposed new hockey team, but the potential new owner is continuing to work and negotiate for a franchise to make it a reality.
On Wednesday evening, the public was able to again see the renderings for the auditorium improvements. Several speakers cited the need for improvements to the seating and lobby areas, sound, and of course, accommodations for handicapped patrons. Concern was expressed about where the Greensboro Symphony and Best of Broadway series would perform while renovations are done (if the bond passes) and Matt Brown observed that "we may have to suffer short-term inconveniences for a long-term benefit."
The highlight of the evening for me was a first-time look at the renderings for the new swim center drawn up by Rosser that has performed other design work for the coliseum. Their unique design proposes to locate the facility at the corner of High Point Road and Patterson Street, adjacent to the Special Events Center. It takes advantage of the existing downward slope in this area to use a large grassy berm to reduce the use of expensive structural materials. It consists of the large competition-size pool that includes a diving area that meets ACC and NCAA standards, a warm-up pool, 1000 permanent bleachers with space for 500 aluminum temporary ones, and an outdoor patio dining area and the usual locker and changing rooms. The exterior walls are mainly made of glass, and those glass panels can be rolled up into the curved roof/ceiling to allow for natural air circulation and significantly reduce air conditioning costs. There is a dedicated driveway and drop-off area with about 50 parking spaces immediately adjacent to the building and internal connections to the main coliseum parking lot. If the bond is approved, construction time is estimated to be one year.
Addressing operating revenues and costs, Matt stated he thought existing coliseum staff could manage the facility, having to maybe hire one additional marketing/programming person. With the proposed design, utility costs should be significantly lower than assumed in prior budget projections. He also believes the Greensboro Swim Association's original revenue projections are much too low, not having considered hosting possible swim meets for the ACC, NCAA, and Master Swimmers, all of whom have already expressed serious interest.
Commission member Mike Bumpass noted that Greensboro has a wide variety of venues suitable for hosting major athletic competitions including basketball (coliseum arena and Special Events Center), baseball and softball (First Horizon and War Memorial Stadium if that bond passes), track and field (the new facilities at A&T University), and now potentially swimming if this center is built. He suggested that those folks working on the latest branding effort for Greensboro might need to consider "Amatuer Sports Capital."
On Thursday, the Commission welcomed its newest member, Mike Bumpass who replaced Dick Grubar whose term had expired, and congratulated coliseum employees Kimberly Voss and William Hicks for reaching the 10-year mark in their service. On a sad note, we learned that Helen Baskett, another longtime employee, was seriously ill (and has since passed away).
Jay Kudla. the Centerplate concessions/catering manager, reported that employees are constructing eight new concession stands in the arena, two downstairs and six upstairs. They are currently wooing Starbucks to come in as the official coffee vendor. Concessions/catering revenue is currently running ahead of budget projections.
Scott Johnson reported that the concert bookings are still light, but he continues to pursue the few acts that are touring. Guns N' Roses will perform on November 2 and Clay Aiken will perform a Christmas concert with the Greensboro Symphony on December 23.
Ten family shows have been booked for the year, and there will be ten "ride and drives" where dealerships bring their salespeople out to test drive new car models in the coliseum parking lots.
A tent revival has booked the parking lot at Lee and Coliseum Boulevard for the month of May. Coliseum employees have finished construction on bathroom facilities in this parking lot that will be available for use during events held in this parking area as well as the UNCG students who use the parking shuttle system to the campus.
The new car show has moved to the late January/early February time frame with a new promoter and all available spaces have already been sold.
There are currently 64 performances of various types on sale in the box office at this time.
Over 56,000 people attended the Central Carolina Fair this year. There were no major storms or hurricanes during the fair as has been the case in some previous years.
The proposed contract with Siemans for the energy audit is under final review by the city's legal department, and it is anticipated we will be able to perform around $2.5 million in energy-related improvements. Plans call for installing a new chiller to replace the aging one currently in use.
The ECHL took no official action at its latest meeting about the proposed new hockey team, but the potential new owner is continuing to work and negotiate for a franchise to make it a reality.
On Wednesday evening, the public was able to again see the renderings for the auditorium improvements. Several speakers cited the need for improvements to the seating and lobby areas, sound, and of course, accommodations for handicapped patrons. Concern was expressed about where the Greensboro Symphony and Best of Broadway series would perform while renovations are done (if the bond passes) and Matt Brown observed that "we may have to suffer short-term inconveniences for a long-term benefit."
The highlight of the evening for me was a first-time look at the renderings for the new swim center drawn up by Rosser that has performed other design work for the coliseum. Their unique design proposes to locate the facility at the corner of High Point Road and Patterson Street, adjacent to the Special Events Center. It takes advantage of the existing downward slope in this area to use a large grassy berm to reduce the use of expensive structural materials. It consists of the large competition-size pool that includes a diving area that meets ACC and NCAA standards, a warm-up pool, 1000 permanent bleachers with space for 500 aluminum temporary ones, and an outdoor patio dining area and the usual locker and changing rooms. The exterior walls are mainly made of glass, and those glass panels can be rolled up into the curved roof/ceiling to allow for natural air circulation and significantly reduce air conditioning costs. There is a dedicated driveway and drop-off area with about 50 parking spaces immediately adjacent to the building and internal connections to the main coliseum parking lot. If the bond is approved, construction time is estimated to be one year.
Addressing operating revenues and costs, Matt stated he thought existing coliseum staff could manage the facility, having to maybe hire one additional marketing/programming person. With the proposed design, utility costs should be significantly lower than assumed in prior budget projections. He also believes the Greensboro Swim Association's original revenue projections are much too low, not having considered hosting possible swim meets for the ACC, NCAA, and Master Swimmers, all of whom have already expressed serious interest.
Commission member Mike Bumpass noted that Greensboro has a wide variety of venues suitable for hosting major athletic competitions including basketball (coliseum arena and Special Events Center), baseball and softball (First Horizon and War Memorial Stadium if that bond passes), track and field (the new facilities at A&T University), and now potentially swimming if this center is built. He suggested that those folks working on the latest branding effort for Greensboro might need to consider "Amatuer Sports Capital."
"Key" plans change
As Ben calls it -- "the secret that wasn't a secret" - I was supposed to officially present a key to the city to the Scobles tomorrow at 1:15PM at City Hall. However, they have missed their flight and won't be arriving until Friday afternoon, calling for a change in plans.
Therefore, we'll do the big key presentation at Hoggs BBQ on Friday evening instead. Gotta be flexible!
Therefore, we'll do the big key presentation at Hoggs BBQ on Friday evening instead. Gotta be flexible!
Greensboro's top ten and other transportation updates
There were no big surprises at yesterday's TAC meeting (Transportation Advisory Committee) and all agenda items were approved as anticipated. That means that the BiPed Plan is officially adopted as well as a change to the Thoroughfare Plan reconfiguring the proposed Florida Street extension and related roadways.
Changes to future roadway projects contained in the draft 2007-23 MTIP (Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program) revealed good news that the eastern portion of the urban loop is again funded and not-so-good news that funding for various other road projects has been delayed one to two years (with the caveat that a one-year delay really only means a 3-4 month delay into the next fiscal year, or at least that is what NCDOT always tells us to soften the blow). NC Board of Transportation chair Doug Galyon reported that these funding shifts were caused by a continuing reduction in revenues due to decreased gasoline consumption, slow car sales, and a drop in federal funding -- NC is now only receiving 86 cents of every one dollar in gasoline taxes we send to Washington, down from 90 cents in previous years.
We received a copy of the latest project update newsletter -- an excellent status report on city and state roadway projects in the Greensboro area.
One handout that received a lot of comment and attention was a letter to the Federal Highway Administration responding to their request for a list of the Greensboro Urban Area's Top Ten Bottlenecks -- see if your most frequently traveled streets earned this "distinction" --
* US220 (Battleground Ave.) from Old Battleground to NC150 with a capacity of 12,300 vpd (vehicles per day), currently carrying 18,000 vpd
* Westridge Road from Battleground Ave. to Bryan Blvd. with a capacity of 15,300 vpd, carrying 22,000 vpd
* I-85 Business/I-40 from I-40 to US421 with a capacity of 96,200 vpd, carrying 121,000 vpd
* Wendover Avenue from Bridford Parkway to Norwalk Street with a capacity of 48,900 vpd, carrying 59,000 vpd
* NC68 from Pleasant Ridge to NC150 with a capacity of 15,300 vpd, carrying 18,000 vpd
* Horsepen Creek Road from Bryan Blvd. to Battleground Ave. with a capacity of 15,300 vpd, carrying 18,000 vpd
* NC68 from Gallimore Dairy Road to Market Street with a capacity of 49,200 vpd, carrying 54,000 vpd
* High Point Road from Greensboro City limits to Mackay Road with a capacity of 15,300 vpd, carrying 16,000 vpd
* Battleground Ave. from Markland Dr. to Wendover Ave. with a capacity of 30,900 vpd, carrying 34,000 vpd
* Battleground Ave. from Westridge to New Garden with a capacity of 30,900 vpd,
carrying 31,000 vpd
Mayor Holliday noted that five of these problems would be relieved with the construction of the urban loop between Byran Blvd. and Lawndale Drive, an unfunded project at this point.
Many needs + not enough funding = more and more traffic congestion!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Greensboro's canaries
During our NIMS (National Incident Management System) Training last night, we learned that one of the standard elements of this system is a thorough critique of how a situation was handled once the emergency is over -- what went right, what didn't work, what can we learn from it so we can handle it better next time, etc. Such a review after one of our major ice storms revealed the need for the city's fire engines to be equipped with chain saws and cable cutters to deal with downed trees and wires -- now standard equipment carried on board all these vehicles now.
Other major incidents cited as examples included a massive report on the (mis)handling of the medical facility set up at the New Orleans airport during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (lots of lessons to be learned there) and preliminary conclusions drawn from media reports of the recent chemical fire emergency in Apex, NC. Having learned that several Apex police officers had been hospitalized, our instructors theorized that the officers rushed into the area to alert residents to the need for evacuation and likely inhaled the hazardous chemical fumes from the fire.
This led the Greensboro Fire Department instructor to wryly observe, "With our police officers usually being the first responders to arrive on the scene of an incident, we call them our blue canaries. That was a particularly sobering thought, not only for a city council member, but as the mother of GPD officer.
All the more reason for lots of planning, training, and appropriate equipment!
Other major incidents cited as examples included a massive report on the (mis)handling of the medical facility set up at the New Orleans airport during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (lots of lessons to be learned there) and preliminary conclusions drawn from media reports of the recent chemical fire emergency in Apex, NC. Having learned that several Apex police officers had been hospitalized, our instructors theorized that the officers rushed into the area to alert residents to the need for evacuation and likely inhaled the hazardous chemical fumes from the fire.
This led the Greensboro Fire Department instructor to wryly observe, "With our police officers usually being the first responders to arrive on the scene of an incident, we call them our blue canaries. That was a particularly sobering thought, not only for a city council member, but as the mother of GPD officer.
All the more reason for lots of planning, training, and appropriate equipment!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Two down, seven to go
Councilmember Florence Gatten and I were the only members of the city council to show up for our FEMA NIMS training for executive/senior officials last night. City Manager Mitchell Johnson and Assistant Managers Ben Brown and Bob Morgan also participated in the session taught by members of the Greensboro Fire and Police Departments. I guess instrutors will have to schedule another class for those councilmembers who were unable to attend last night.
Center City Park update
I received the following update and photos from Judy Morton at Action Greensboro this morning -- things are looking good! Please note the anticipated ribbon-cutting later this fall.
Center City Park construction is moving forward with visible results! Two recent photos are attached.
Many trees and plants are in place and the fountain foundation is complete. Libation, the vessel that marks the water source of the fountain, has been installed. The sidewalks on Elm and Friendly are now open. Rentenbach Construction and their sub-contractors are hard at work implementing the wonderfully detailed and handmade design created by Halvorson Design Partnership. Bruce Cantrell of J. Hyatt Hammond remarked that he hasn’t seen another building project in the Triad with this level of required craftsmanship. It will indeed be something we can and will be very proud of for our community.
A delay in delivery of over 500 pieces of granite--and an abundance of summer and fall rains--delayed our target opening date of mid-October. While Action Greensboro is as anxious as anyone for the Park to open, we want to allow time for complete construction, for grass to be established, and to present a finished product to the community. When the Park is complete later this fall, we will host a ribbon cutting. Donors to the Park and others who made this project happen will be honored guests, so remain on alert for that invitation.
Over 60 volunteers have been working on plans for the opening of Center City Park. The volunteers want to hold their events in the spring of 2007, with a week-long celebration to open the first season of the Park--when the weather is warm, leaves are on the trees, and daylight extends into the evening. For regular updates on Park progress:
* Visit the live webcam at www.centercitypark.org
* email dsanders@actiongreensboro.org if you would like weekly email updates
* Drive by the site and see for yourself. We recommend the view from the top level of the Davie Street Parking Deck.
We join you in anticipation of the opening of this one-of-a-kind Park in our Center City!
Center City Park construction is moving forward with visible results! Two recent photos are attached.
Many trees and plants are in place and the fountain foundation is complete. Libation, the vessel that marks the water source of the fountain, has been installed. The sidewalks on Elm and Friendly are now open. Rentenbach Construction and their sub-contractors are hard at work implementing the wonderfully detailed and handmade design created by Halvorson Design Partnership. Bruce Cantrell of J. Hyatt Hammond remarked that he hasn’t seen another building project in the Triad with this level of required craftsmanship. It will indeed be something we can and will be very proud of for our community.
A delay in delivery of over 500 pieces of granite--and an abundance of summer and fall rains--delayed our target opening date of mid-October. While Action Greensboro is as anxious as anyone for the Park to open, we want to allow time for complete construction, for grass to be established, and to present a finished product to the community. When the Park is complete later this fall, we will host a ribbon cutting. Donors to the Park and others who made this project happen will be honored guests, so remain on alert for that invitation.
Over 60 volunteers have been working on plans for the opening of Center City Park. The volunteers want to hold their events in the spring of 2007, with a week-long celebration to open the first season of the Park--when the weather is warm, leaves are on the trees, and daylight extends into the evening. For regular updates on Park progress:
* Visit the live webcam at www.centercitypark.org
* email dsanders@actiongreensboro.org if you would like weekly email updates
* Drive by the site and see for yourself. We recommend the view from the top level of the Davie Street Parking Deck.
We join you in anticipation of the opening of this one-of-a-kind Park in our Center City!
Monday, October 09, 2006
Weekly schedule
This week has its busy spots, but it's really not all that bad.
The only official item on my calendar for Monday, October 9 is the second session of training for elected officials in National Incident Management System (NIMS). We elected officials have to complete certain portions of the training course pertaining to our role in various emergency situations in order for Greensboro to receive its required certification.
I get a day of R&R on Tuesday when I play bridge in the afternoon with the Charity League Bridge Marathon that raises money for a scholarship and again that evening with the "Wacky Wednesday" group of friends (that had to move to Tuesday this month to accommodate everyone's busy schedules).
Wednesday, October 11 is my busy day. The Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) meets at 2:00PM with the main items on the agenda being the adoption of the BiPed Plan and amend the Thoroughfare Plan. Later that afternoon I will attend the monthly executive committee meeting of the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments. As soon as that meeting adjourns, I'll be rushing over to the Odeon Theatre at the Coliseum to participate in the public meeting discussing the proposed bonds for the renovation of War Memorial Auditorium and the construction of a swim center at or near the coliseum.
I was originally scheduled to be in Raleigh on Thursday for another meeting of the Charter Schools Advisory Committee but we cancelled that meeting due to the lack of business.
I'm looking forward to Friday, October 13 (it will be a GOOD luck day for Greensboro) to participate in a couple of ConvergeSouth preliminary events, including the barbecue over at Hogg's place. Then of course you'll find me at the "main event" on Saturday, October 14.
The next three days (Sunday-Tuesday) will be spent over at the Koury Convention Center attending the NC League of Municipalities annual conference. It's unlikely I'll have time to blog much until that is over.
The only official item on my calendar for Monday, October 9 is the second session of training for elected officials in National Incident Management System (NIMS). We elected officials have to complete certain portions of the training course pertaining to our role in various emergency situations in order for Greensboro to receive its required certification.
I get a day of R&R on Tuesday when I play bridge in the afternoon with the Charity League Bridge Marathon that raises money for a scholarship and again that evening with the "Wacky Wednesday" group of friends (that had to move to Tuesday this month to accommodate everyone's busy schedules).
Wednesday, October 11 is my busy day. The Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) meets at 2:00PM with the main items on the agenda being the adoption of the BiPed Plan and amend the Thoroughfare Plan. Later that afternoon I will attend the monthly executive committee meeting of the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments. As soon as that meeting adjourns, I'll be rushing over to the Odeon Theatre at the Coliseum to participate in the public meeting discussing the proposed bonds for the renovation of War Memorial Auditorium and the construction of a swim center at or near the coliseum.
I was originally scheduled to be in Raleigh on Thursday for another meeting of the Charter Schools Advisory Committee but we cancelled that meeting due to the lack of business.
I'm looking forward to Friday, October 13 (it will be a GOOD luck day for Greensboro) to participate in a couple of ConvergeSouth preliminary events, including the barbecue over at Hogg's place. Then of course you'll find me at the "main event" on Saturday, October 14.
The next three days (Sunday-Tuesday) will be spent over at the Koury Convention Center attending the NC League of Municipalities annual conference. It's unlikely I'll have time to blog much until that is over.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Pleasant task
I had "Grandma duty" again this morning with Little Miss Kamberleigh (two months old now). It's an easy assignment since she still sleeps most of the time. I'll have to catch her in one of her beautiful smiles when she is awake sometime.
Update: Per a suggestion from jw, here's a picture of Sean, Kamberleigh's dad, when he was three months old. Yep, there is a slight resemblance!
Update: Per a suggestion from jw, here's a picture of Sean, Kamberleigh's dad, when he was three months old. Yep, there is a slight resemblance!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Weekly schedule
I'm a bit tardy posting my schedule this week due to babysitting Kamberleigh for a while this morning and working on a major landscaping project in my front yard the rest of the day (between running to Home Depot a couple of times for top soil and plants). Hopefully I'll finish up "the project" tomorrow morning.
A regular city council meeting will begin at 5:30PM on Tuesday, October 3. Items on the agenda include a couple of rezonings and consideration of an incentives award.
Wednesday, October 4 is clear except for a short meeting with the city manager.
The War Memorial Commission will meet at noon on Thursday, October 5. Later that afternoon, I'm invited to TREBIC's "Pig, Poultry & Politics" event to mix and mingle and hear about builder and realtor concerns.
Friday, October 6 will be a fun day for my husband and me. We have been invited to the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro during the day and have tickets to The Producers at the Coliseum in the evening.
Then it's off bright and early Saturday morning to a PTA friend's home on Kerr Lake to spend the day reviewing NC PTA's bylaws and identifying possible revisions and/or amendments. I wonder how much work we will actually get done! {smile}
Not a bad week at all! It's nice to have time to catch one's breath and not be so overwhelmed with meetings.
A regular city council meeting will begin at 5:30PM on Tuesday, October 3. Items on the agenda include a couple of rezonings and consideration of an incentives award.
Wednesday, October 4 is clear except for a short meeting with the city manager.
The War Memorial Commission will meet at noon on Thursday, October 5. Later that afternoon, I'm invited to TREBIC's "Pig, Poultry & Politics" event to mix and mingle and hear about builder and realtor concerns.
Friday, October 6 will be a fun day for my husband and me. We have been invited to the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro during the day and have tickets to The Producers at the Coliseum in the evening.
Then it's off bright and early Saturday morning to a PTA friend's home on Kerr Lake to spend the day reviewing NC PTA's bylaws and identifying possible revisions and/or amendments. I wonder how much work we will actually get done! {smile}
Not a bad week at all! It's nice to have time to catch one's breath and not be so overwhelmed with meetings.
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