7/19 meeting workbook

I am having terrible computer issues (the city's fault, no doubt   ), so my ability to work has been able severely restricted. I will probably try replacing the RAM modules tomorrow (Sunday) and if that doesn’t work, I’ll have to replace the whole tower.

In between crashes, I’ve tried to review this week’s workbook. Fortunately, the agenda is sparse.

The main thing that I’d like to point out is that the conclusion of the Public Hearing on the South Main Street olde tyme decorative lampposts is scheduled.

If you recall, two meetings ago, when the petition was first presented to council, the City Staff estimated the taxpayers’ portion to be “$7,100+”. In the workbook for the last meeting, the City staff’s estimate for the taxpayers’ portion had risen to “$9,900”. Between Friday, when the workbook was published, and the following Tuesday’s council meeting, staff’s estimate for the very same portion had fallen to “about $3,000”. In this meeting‘s workbook, less than two weeks later, it is down to less than $2,100!!!  Am I the only one who has little faith in these estimates???

I also noticed that these lights are “estimated” to cost the AMERICAN LEGION POST 218 BUILDING FUND over $5,600!!! I am surprised that we have not seen any of our local veterans at the public hearing stating their views on the subject. Perhaps we will this Tuesday. The Legion does a lot of good deeds in the local area, and I am certain that they can find a better use for $5,600 than olde tyme street lights.