5/17/2011 Workbook

There were several things that made me go “hmm” in the workbook for this week’s city council meeting.

The first thing was on page 12 of 71 of the workbook, wherein the minutes of the last council meeting indicate that Mr. Smith actually solicited volunteers during his council comments to assist in his paid duties as an “We Are Ohio” employee. I don’t recall this. Perhaps I was on a restroom break.

The next thing that made me go “hmm” was found in the April 12, 2011, BOARD OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT MINUTES. On page 19 of 71 of the workbook, Environmental Health Director, Carla Ealy, reported:

“Last month Janay and I attended a public swimming pool meeting held by Ohio Department of Health regarding the new rules that were effective April 1st. The main revision of the rules is regarding spray grounds. We have two located in Middletown, Smith Park and Douglas Park; however, only Douglas is licensable. This is determined by whether or not the water recirculates. Recirculated water requires a disinfection system. There are other minor updates for public swimming pools that we will address during our routine inspections.”

Hmm…???

I was actually quite excited to read about ORDINANCE NO. O2011-23, beginning on page 42 of 71 of the workbook. Finally, some light manufacturing jobs may be on the horizon, even if they aren’t the highest paying sort. After all, not everyone in Middletown is a brain surgeon or rocket scientist, and everyone never will be. We need good jobs for mechanics and trades people. Then, on page 44 of 71 of this item, Section 3 Purchase Price, paragraph iii, popped up this item that made me go Hmmm:

“City’s Community Improvement Corporation, Middletown Moving Forward, shall receive ten percent (10%) of the Purchase Price minus deductions number 3i and 3ii, not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)”

And in Section 4:

“The City may at any time assign any or all of its rights and duties under this Memorandum and it appendices to Middletown Moving Forward”

Nowhere does it list anything for MMF to do to earn this money. Oh well, times are tough, and everyone has to wet their beaks, I guess. It’s a good thing that Law Director Landen has his eagle eyes pealed for any sings of impropriety!!!

And last, but certainly not least, there is RESOLUTION NO. R2011-10. This is the one that gets the ball rolling for the for a property tax levy “to supplement the general fund”. Something about “public health” they claim. Hmm…wasn’t the last payroll tax all about “public safety”, or did it also go into the general fund and partially get used to make up a deficit???