I must have jinked the sales tax collection this month. Earlier I bragged that City sales tax revenue was continuing to rise. Our last report showed a small drop from the August 2004 report. So now we have 20 of the past 22 months with sales tax more than the year before.
Fortunately, we are still on target to receive $1.5 million for the year.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Consumer Confidence
Today I read on CNN that the Consumer Confidence Index is unexpectedly up in August. Dispite the oil prices and the affects of the hurricane in the south, we still see positive things going on in the country.
Later this month, Linda Sutton at the Small Business Development Center is sponsoring an Entrepurnial seminar. Folks from the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship, the Department of Commerce and the Kansas Small Business Development Center are sponsoring a town meeting. It will be at CCCC on September 27th at 1:00 PM. Call Linda and get a reservation (785 243-1435).
I bring this up because when I saw the notice, I sent Steve Radley, Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship, an email and shared our "signs of life" story. His comment was: "Wow, that's exciting stuff and I would also agree that the number of companies is significant."
Consumer Confidence is a big part of a business owner's success. Now we are getting the word out regarding our success.
Later this month, Linda Sutton at the Small Business Development Center is sponsoring an Entrepurnial seminar. Folks from the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship, the Department of Commerce and the Kansas Small Business Development Center are sponsoring a town meeting. It will be at CCCC on September 27th at 1:00 PM. Call Linda and get a reservation (785 243-1435).
I bring this up because when I saw the notice, I sent Steve Radley, Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship, an email and shared our "signs of life" story. His comment was: "Wow, that's exciting stuff and I would also agree that the number of companies is significant."
Consumer Confidence is a big part of a business owner's success. Now we are getting the word out regarding our success.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Corps of Engineers visits with Concordia
Thursday was a great day for Concordia. The Corps of Engineers came to town to discuss the flood control project. The Corps is working on a 50/50 project with us to establish whether we qualify for funding in their Section 205 program. Section 205 is part of the flood mitigation authority. What makes this a great day is that we are one step closer to knowing if Corps funding is possible.
We spent the day discussing what we wanted out of the project. The obvious is a flood control structure on the 21st street alignment. Secondary is the ability to sell property for economic development purposes. I have to say secondarily because if we rated the flood structure on a scale of 1 to 100, the flood structure is 100. Making the balance of the property available for sale would rate a 98. Seeing sales of land is important in the long run. It will help us repay the cost of purchasing the land.
The Corps brought a team of six to Concordia to evaluate the project. We described the work that has been done to date. Campbell and Johnson finished doing the topographic work to provide our engineers with information to develop a preliminary plat. This will be the initial step in making the land available for sale.
Briefly, to subdivide property for sale, a developer must prepare a drawing showing how the lots will be laid out. That is called a preliminary plat. Once approved by the planning commission and the city commission, the division of land becomes a “final plat” and sale of property can occur.
Getting into the Corps of Engineers funding cycle is our objective at this point. The Section 205 program is a 65 Federal/35 local cost share. We learned that land costs can be applied to the local share. Doing the math, $500,000 of land purchase provides up to $1.4 million of project cost. What the real issue now is Congress is not funding the Section 205 program like it used to. We started the process of lobbying our congressional delegation – Senator Brownback is on the Appropriations Committee – to help us fund the project.
The question to be discussed by the City Commission is whether we want to wait on Federal money for a 2007 or 2008 construction or pay the cost of construction from a GO Bond today (meaning 2006 construction). Weighing the risk of waiting on the Federal money against using local tax funds will not be an easy decision.
One side bar to the discussions was the capacity of the existing storm sewer system. Most of the rain events in Concordia are handled by the existing storm sewer system. The reason two dams are proposed is the quantity of storm water exceeds the capacity of the storm sewer. I asked Campbell and Johnson to estimate the project cost of addressing the capacity of the probable storm. The price tag is $8.0 million. It didn’t take too long to it was not a viable solution.
The Corp project team will have their work done in October in time for us to get our request in the next federal budget process. We should know by then whether our project qualifies for Corps funding.
We spent the day discussing what we wanted out of the project. The obvious is a flood control structure on the 21st street alignment. Secondary is the ability to sell property for economic development purposes. I have to say secondarily because if we rated the flood structure on a scale of 1 to 100, the flood structure is 100. Making the balance of the property available for sale would rate a 98. Seeing sales of land is important in the long run. It will help us repay the cost of purchasing the land.
The Corps brought a team of six to Concordia to evaluate the project. We described the work that has been done to date. Campbell and Johnson finished doing the topographic work to provide our engineers with information to develop a preliminary plat. This will be the initial step in making the land available for sale.
Briefly, to subdivide property for sale, a developer must prepare a drawing showing how the lots will be laid out. That is called a preliminary plat. Once approved by the planning commission and the city commission, the division of land becomes a “final plat” and sale of property can occur.
Getting into the Corps of Engineers funding cycle is our objective at this point. The Section 205 program is a 65 Federal/35 local cost share. We learned that land costs can be applied to the local share. Doing the math, $500,000 of land purchase provides up to $1.4 million of project cost. What the real issue now is Congress is not funding the Section 205 program like it used to. We started the process of lobbying our congressional delegation – Senator Brownback is on the Appropriations Committee – to help us fund the project.
The question to be discussed by the City Commission is whether we want to wait on Federal money for a 2007 or 2008 construction or pay the cost of construction from a GO Bond today (meaning 2006 construction). Weighing the risk of waiting on the Federal money against using local tax funds will not be an easy decision.
One side bar to the discussions was the capacity of the existing storm sewer system. Most of the rain events in Concordia are handled by the existing storm sewer system. The reason two dams are proposed is the quantity of storm water exceeds the capacity of the storm sewer. I asked Campbell and Johnson to estimate the project cost of addressing the capacity of the probable storm. The price tag is $8.0 million. It didn’t take too long to it was not a viable solution.
The Corp project team will have their work done in October in time for us to get our request in the next federal budget process. We should know by then whether our project qualifies for Corps funding.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Increased readership
I am happy to report that there are now 31 folks who have subscribed to the City Hall Corner Bolg. It is a small but growing number.
If you like what you see, send this on to your friends.
Yesterday, the League of Kansas Municipalities asked me to make a presentation at their annual conference in October about Blogs. My teaching partner at the League pointed out several times in our recent Municipal Leadership Academy sessions that Blogs are becoming one of the "new trends" for communication to the public.
As you see, I have a unique forum from which to speak. Those who respond with comments get the opprtunity to share in the forum.
I am pleased that you choose to read my "rants."
If you like what you see, send this on to your friends.
Yesterday, the League of Kansas Municipalities asked me to make a presentation at their annual conference in October about Blogs. My teaching partner at the League pointed out several times in our recent Municipal Leadership Academy sessions that Blogs are becoming one of the "new trends" for communication to the public.
As you see, I have a unique forum from which to speak. Those who respond with comments get the opprtunity to share in the forum.
I am pleased that you choose to read my "rants."
Sales Tax benefits
Several years ago, voters of Cloud County chose to impose a 1% sales tax county wide. The tax revenues were divided between the County and the several cities in Cloud County. The added sales tax has been a boon to all the agencies. I recall hearing Jamestown Mayor Judy Hill thank Concordia numerous times for the added sales tax revenue that it produces for Jamestown.
It is helping Concordia too! In reviewing Concordia’s Sales Tax collections since 1995, collections have risen from $794,400 to $1,423,300 in 2004. In 2004, the added 1% sales tax contributed $476,700 to the city’s revenue stream. The new revenue is equal to about 21 mills.
The City Commission gets credit for establishing a number of funds that benefit from the additional cash. An Equipment Replacement Fund was established that provides for the replacement of vehicles and heavy equipment. Each year, money is set aside for each vehicle to be used for future replacement. This is not exact science yet, but it is working. Many of the newer vehicles we have now are the result of putting money aside from the sales tax revenue.
The Commission also created a Capital Improvement Projects fund (CIP). This fund is one where funds are set aside to fund big projects too. Some examples are the mill/overlay on 11th street. It is 100% local funded. The mill/overlay on Broadway and mill/overlay on 6th Streets are KDOT projects and we have a share of the total project. Later this summer, the airport runway will be getting a new surface courtesy of a FAA grant where we pay 5% of the total cost. In each of these projects, the City had put cash aside to see they are done. By setting money aside, we are able to pay cash for the projects.
In FY 2006, the Commission is again planning to set aside from the General Fund $613,000 for projects. These projects include street construction, storm sewer construction, setting reserves for future “slurry seal” on streets, rebuilding a salt storage structure at the City yard, and several other projects.
The best part of this story is the sales tax is contributing to the ongoing improvement of our community. It is helping us be attractive to both business and customers. The July 2005 sales tax payment tells an incredible story about Concordia. The difference in July 2004 ($121,528.51) and July 2005 ($135065.53) payments shows $13,537 more revenue. It amounts to about $150,000 to $170,000 more business in Concordia in 2005. If annualized that is nearly $2,000,000 more sales than the year before. If we have nothing else to brag about (and we do), we can point to the new retail sales that is making our community a nice place to live.
It is helping Concordia too! In reviewing Concordia’s Sales Tax collections since 1995, collections have risen from $794,400 to $1,423,300 in 2004. In 2004, the added 1% sales tax contributed $476,700 to the city’s revenue stream. The new revenue is equal to about 21 mills.
The City Commission gets credit for establishing a number of funds that benefit from the additional cash. An Equipment Replacement Fund was established that provides for the replacement of vehicles and heavy equipment. Each year, money is set aside for each vehicle to be used for future replacement. This is not exact science yet, but it is working. Many of the newer vehicles we have now are the result of putting money aside from the sales tax revenue.
The Commission also created a Capital Improvement Projects fund (CIP). This fund is one where funds are set aside to fund big projects too. Some examples are the mill/overlay on 11th street. It is 100% local funded. The mill/overlay on Broadway and mill/overlay on 6th Streets are KDOT projects and we have a share of the total project. Later this summer, the airport runway will be getting a new surface courtesy of a FAA grant where we pay 5% of the total cost. In each of these projects, the City had put cash aside to see they are done. By setting money aside, we are able to pay cash for the projects.
In FY 2006, the Commission is again planning to set aside from the General Fund $613,000 for projects. These projects include street construction, storm sewer construction, setting reserves for future “slurry seal” on streets, rebuilding a salt storage structure at the City yard, and several other projects.
The best part of this story is the sales tax is contributing to the ongoing improvement of our community. It is helping us be attractive to both business and customers. The July 2005 sales tax payment tells an incredible story about Concordia. The difference in July 2004 ($121,528.51) and July 2005 ($135065.53) payments shows $13,537 more revenue. It amounts to about $150,000 to $170,000 more business in Concordia in 2005. If annualized that is nearly $2,000,000 more sales than the year before. If we have nothing else to brag about (and we do), we can point to the new retail sales that is making our community a nice place to live.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
This weekend I have another opportunity to represent Concordia doing some teaching for the League of Kansas Municipalities. This will be my fourth year with the Guiding the Municipal Organization. My teaching partner is my friend Don Osenbaugh who works in the field office for the League. Don has a dream job. He works out of his home in Derby and manages the League Worker Compensation Insurance program. Don wouldn’t mind me bragging about him. Under his management, the pool premiums have doubled, not by raising rates but by doubling the Work-Comp business. It is impressive. It is also a good value for cities as we work toward cost containment.
The seminar will involve covering the state of Kansas again. We will be in Colby, Lyons and Chanute the next two weekends. I like the opportunity to visit other cities in Kansas and to see what they are doing. It is also fun to see elected and appointed officials (managers, clerks, various department heads) and hear what they are saying about their communities. I already know we will hear an earful in Lyons. CM John Sweet is caffeine on two legs. John and Lyons are always up to their eyeballs in projects.
The best part of our program is sharing what we know about managing communities. Don and I have an agreement – we must interrupt each other! It helps the audience stay awake and it helps us challenge one another’s thinking.
Every year (each of the four), I ask my city manager friends what they would like their elected officials to learn from this course. It is a basic introduction to municipal management. We cover such things as managing public meetings, how staff and the governing body members have to interact, and why they need to be prepared to do their work. One of my favorite parts has been dealing with the press. I have learned that broadcast media need a short story for their air time. In big business, it is like having a 20 second elevator speech ready when you meet the “Boss.” Most of the time, the press is not out to “get you.” They have a job to do and I help them do it by telling my story.
Since one of Don’s perks is getting around to many cities west of Topeka (that is where the legislature believes the dividing line is from eastern to western Kansas), he has been introduced to a number of good restaurants. So, despite the number of miles I will be putting on the car and the seriously good conversation and food we will have along the way, I will come back charged up from the opportunity to share the practical wisdom I have picked up from the graduate school of hard knocks. The conversations with our class members will be priceless. I will even learn something on the trip I can apply here in Concordia.
The seminar will involve covering the state of Kansas again. We will be in Colby, Lyons and Chanute the next two weekends. I like the opportunity to visit other cities in Kansas and to see what they are doing. It is also fun to see elected and appointed officials (managers, clerks, various department heads) and hear what they are saying about their communities. I already know we will hear an earful in Lyons. CM John Sweet is caffeine on two legs. John and Lyons are always up to their eyeballs in projects.
The best part of our program is sharing what we know about managing communities. Don and I have an agreement – we must interrupt each other! It helps the audience stay awake and it helps us challenge one another’s thinking.
Every year (each of the four), I ask my city manager friends what they would like their elected officials to learn from this course. It is a basic introduction to municipal management. We cover such things as managing public meetings, how staff and the governing body members have to interact, and why they need to be prepared to do their work. One of my favorite parts has been dealing with the press. I have learned that broadcast media need a short story for their air time. In big business, it is like having a 20 second elevator speech ready when you meet the “Boss.” Most of the time, the press is not out to “get you.” They have a job to do and I help them do it by telling my story.
Since one of Don’s perks is getting around to many cities west of Topeka (that is where the legislature believes the dividing line is from eastern to western Kansas), he has been introduced to a number of good restaurants. So, despite the number of miles I will be putting on the car and the seriously good conversation and food we will have along the way, I will come back charged up from the opportunity to share the practical wisdom I have picked up from the graduate school of hard knocks. The conversations with our class members will be priceless. I will even learn something on the trip I can apply here in Concordia.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Independence Day reflections
Earlier this week, I received an email from my friend David who lives in New Mexico. Just as the Iraq War was concluding, he was offered an opportunity to teach public administration principles to folks in Iraq. He made many friends, including a young man named Ahmed. David and Ahmed have kept in touch since David returned from Iraq.
Included in David's recent email was a copy of a note from Ahmed about our holiday. I wanted to share it with you since it reflects the personal impact two men from different countries can have on one another. Hopefully, Ahmed's views really reflect the majority of Iraqi citizens. There is the same spirit in Ahmed's words that I saw following the reading of our Revolutionary War documents. There is a need in the human spirit to demonstrate free living, the ability to make personal choices, and live without fear of a bully whether it be King George or Sadam. Here is Ahmed's letter:
My American Friends,
Happy Independence Day ! l ask the God to keep you safe, let your celebrations in this day more pleasant to you, and make America more powerful. We, Iraqis, ( if not all, but most ) are grateful for your great favor in liberating our country from the former monster. We, Iraqis hope one day to have such an nice day as yours, hoping love will dominate between the Americans and Iraqis forever. With all my regards to you as an Iraqi man, let me say, " God Bless You All and America".
Ahmed
Included in David's recent email was a copy of a note from Ahmed about our holiday. I wanted to share it with you since it reflects the personal impact two men from different countries can have on one another. Hopefully, Ahmed's views really reflect the majority of Iraqi citizens. There is the same spirit in Ahmed's words that I saw following the reading of our Revolutionary War documents. There is a need in the human spirit to demonstrate free living, the ability to make personal choices, and live without fear of a bully whether it be King George or Sadam. Here is Ahmed's letter:
My American Friends,
Happy Independence Day ! l ask the God to keep you safe, let your celebrations in this day more pleasant to you, and make America more powerful. We, Iraqis, ( if not all, but most ) are grateful for your great favor in liberating our country from the former monster. We, Iraqis hope one day to have such an nice day as yours, hoping love will dominate between the Americans and Iraqis forever. With all my regards to you as an Iraqi man, let me say, " God Bless You All and America".
Ahmed
Thursday, June 30, 2005
BoomTown USA Link
Everyone needs to look at the BoomTown USA blog http://boomtownusa.blogspot.com/. There are two stories where I want to draw your attention.
First is the story about the Association of Washington Cities report on the state of their cities. They see their rural communities the same as I see Concordia. There is optimism in the smaller communties compared to the urban centers. Look and see what I mean.
Tuesday's BoomTown post describes a report from Forbes Magazine about entrapreneurs and there success in smaller communties.
There are 25 of us now subscribed to the City Hall Corner. Thank you all for subscribing. Feel free to pass the word.
First is the story about the Association of Washington Cities report on the state of their cities. They see their rural communities the same as I see Concordia. There is optimism in the smaller communties compared to the urban centers. Look and see what I mean.
Tuesday's BoomTown post describes a report from Forbes Magazine about entrapreneurs and there success in smaller communties.
There are 25 of us now subscribed to the City Hall Corner. Thank you all for subscribing. Feel free to pass the word.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Road Openings
OK Everyone, get ready!
Ron Copple is busy getting Hill Street AND Valley Street ready. After the Fourth, we will do a grand opening/ribbon cutting (tough going trying to hit double keys).
The Street Crew is doing a great job getting our roads into shape.
Look forward to the week after the Fourth. We will start the mill and overlay on 11th Street. We have Hill Brothers doing that work by contract.
Here's the deal. Where you drive, we are there. I should do a list of roads we have overlayed or rebuilt in the past few years. Yes I will.
Take note again folks, we're getting things done!
Ron Copple is busy getting Hill Street AND Valley Street ready. After the Fourth, we will do a grand opening/ribbon cutting (tough going trying to hit double keys).
The Street Crew is doing a great job getting our roads into shape.
Look forward to the week after the Fourth. We will start the mill and overlay on 11th Street. We have Hill Brothers doing that work by contract.
Here's the deal. Where you drive, we are there. I should do a list of roads we have overlayed or rebuilt in the past few years. Yes I will.
Take note again folks, we're getting things done!
Challenge my thinking – Part 1
My dad bought a very thought provoking book (actually he sent the money) for my birthday this year. It is Tom Peters’ Re-imagine. He starts the book ranting about the Dean of the Stanford University Business School, Robert Jaedicke. When Peters attended Stanford, Jaedicke was his accounting professor. In 2003, Jaedike was the chairman of the Enron Audit Committee and confessed to being clueless about “the truckload of peculiar transactions that brought the company down.” What strikes Peters is that his old “Prof” is “the last bastion of bean counting” and didn’t (or pretended to) see the poor practices within the firm.
Reading Peters book has me thinking again about the impact of similar activity in the public sector. First of all, I do not mean to convey concern about the accounting practices of the City of Concordia. I do continue to ask myself the question about what happens to local governments when people make stupid mistakes – planned or unplanned – that cause the question of bankruptcy to be discussed.
In the business world, bad decision making causes the businesses to go away or be purchased by other firms. Since different governments provide services that cannot or will not be performed by the private sector, these local governments more than likely won’t go away or be purchased by another local government with more efficient management controls and procedures. A more likely scenario would be a court appointing a custodian or “special master” to administer until things were straightened out.
My first job in Kansas, Baldwin City, was headed toward bankruptcy. The City Clerk had been using city fund for her personal benefit and was fired before I interview for the job. (She was later convicted and sentenced to 6 months probation.) My first eighteen months there were very stressful as we straightened up procedures and put financial affairs back in order. Every day we looked at the cash balance in the bank and every Council appropriation ordinance meant sending checks out as cash came in over the next two weeks until the next Council meeting.
Governments are not like private sector companies. Who would stand for the doors of the police or fire department to be chained shut? Who would stand for the water or waste water utility to stop working if the “parent company” closed? What more efficient organization would come in to “right the ship?” There is an expectation of continued service.
So what do you think?
Reading Peters book has me thinking again about the impact of similar activity in the public sector. First of all, I do not mean to convey concern about the accounting practices of the City of Concordia. I do continue to ask myself the question about what happens to local governments when people make stupid mistakes – planned or unplanned – that cause the question of bankruptcy to be discussed.
In the business world, bad decision making causes the businesses to go away or be purchased by other firms. Since different governments provide services that cannot or will not be performed by the private sector, these local governments more than likely won’t go away or be purchased by another local government with more efficient management controls and procedures. A more likely scenario would be a court appointing a custodian or “special master” to administer until things were straightened out.
My first job in Kansas, Baldwin City, was headed toward bankruptcy. The City Clerk had been using city fund for her personal benefit and was fired before I interview for the job. (She was later convicted and sentenced to 6 months probation.) My first eighteen months there were very stressful as we straightened up procedures and put financial affairs back in order. Every day we looked at the cash balance in the bank and every Council appropriation ordinance meant sending checks out as cash came in over the next two weeks until the next Council meeting.
Governments are not like private sector companies. Who would stand for the doors of the police or fire department to be chained shut? Who would stand for the water or waste water utility to stop working if the “parent company” closed? What more efficient organization would come in to “right the ship?” There is an expectation of continued service.
So what do you think?
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Sign up options are now available
After several attempts to find a way for people to get an email when a new posting is available, I finally found a way.
Now you can subscribe to the City Hall Corner using the "subscribe box" in the panel on the left side of the Blog site.
By signing up, you will receive an email everytime I post to the "City Hall Corner" as a reminder to go look.
I have a subscription to another Bolg that works that way. It is great. I get a short teaser of the content and a short URL to click that will send you here to see what wisdom I try to empart.
Now you can subscribe to the City Hall Corner using the "subscribe box" in the panel on the left side of the Blog site.
By signing up, you will receive an email everytime I post to the "City Hall Corner" as a reminder to go look.
I have a subscription to another Bolg that works that way. It is great. I get a short teaser of the content and a short URL to click that will send you here to see what wisdom I try to empart.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Highway 81 Corridor Study
The City Commission and the Planning Commission have been working on a project to evaluate whether rezoning of some residential properties along Highway 81 is needed.
After a joint work session, we advertised for a planning consultant that would give the City an unbiased professional opinion about the potential of rezoning. LandPlan Engineering of Lawrence (and Tom Phillips and Associates of Manhattan, a sub contractor) reviewed the rezoning question.
Following the widening of Highway 81 to a four lane highway, a number of new businesses have been started along the corridor. Several years ago, there was a contentious rezoning when the Short Stop was proposed. The rezoning led to a development that led to poor design and inefficient land use.
With Highway 81 gaining in traffic counts due to the completion of the four lane between I-70 and I-80, commercial development pressure is growing. With the commercial pressure comes pressure on the existing residential properties. Competition for commercial space will have a negative impact on existing residential uses.
The city’s General Plan or Comprehensive Land Use Plan describes the future zoning along Highway 81 as Commercial. So both City Commission and Planning Commission raised the question: Can we rezone the entire corridor to Commercial and provide protection for the residential uses at the same time.
The Planners have proposed the use of an “overlay” zoning that would allow both uses to peacefully coexist. Before the Planning Commission and the City Commission consider the issue, they directed that we have a public forum where the public can comment about the development procedures.
The meeting will be held the City Commission Chamber at City Hall on Monday, June 27th at 7:00 PM. This will be an open forum where residents and commercial property owners will have opportunity to comment on the proposal. If you have property in the area, you should plan on attending.
After a joint work session, we advertised for a planning consultant that would give the City an unbiased professional opinion about the potential of rezoning. LandPlan Engineering of Lawrence (and Tom Phillips and Associates of Manhattan, a sub contractor) reviewed the rezoning question.
Following the widening of Highway 81 to a four lane highway, a number of new businesses have been started along the corridor. Several years ago, there was a contentious rezoning when the Short Stop was proposed. The rezoning led to a development that led to poor design and inefficient land use.
With Highway 81 gaining in traffic counts due to the completion of the four lane between I-70 and I-80, commercial development pressure is growing. With the commercial pressure comes pressure on the existing residential properties. Competition for commercial space will have a negative impact on existing residential uses.
The city’s General Plan or Comprehensive Land Use Plan describes the future zoning along Highway 81 as Commercial. So both City Commission and Planning Commission raised the question: Can we rezone the entire corridor to Commercial and provide protection for the residential uses at the same time.
The Planners have proposed the use of an “overlay” zoning that would allow both uses to peacefully coexist. Before the Planning Commission and the City Commission consider the issue, they directed that we have a public forum where the public can comment about the development procedures.
The meeting will be held the City Commission Chamber at City Hall on Monday, June 27th at 7:00 PM. This will be an open forum where residents and commercial property owners will have opportunity to comment on the proposal. If you have property in the area, you should plan on attending.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
We are a Big Deal
It might not look like it from the outside but Concordia is a big deal town. The point was made again Tuesday at the Chamber Coffee. Jim and Becky Higgins (Becky is National Director of the Orphan Train Heritage Society) are in Concordia for the annual Orphan Train Reunion. Concordia is home to their group.
This weekend, Orphan Train Riders and their descendents will spend time in Concordia celebrating this portion of our nation’s history and our heritage. A full schedule of the weekend’s activities can be picked up at the chamber office.
More information about the Orphan Train movement can be found at either of the two websites: http://orphantrainriders.com/ http://orphantraindepot.com/.
What is interesting about Concordia and the Orphan Train Heritage society is the seamless integration of two affiliated groups. The national group and the local museum are operating under different purposes to achieve a greater understanding of the Orphan Train Movement.
The accomplishments of the local museum are significant. They acquired the old BNSF Depot. They raised money to refurbish the roof and the exterior. They were just awarded a KDOT grant to refurbish the depot’s interior. One of the Orphan Train Rider descendants donated a clock which will be unveiled this week end too. They are about to name a curator for the museum as well.
So it is a big deal. From operating out of a back office at Century 21 and Radio Shack to moving into a new museum. Bringing folks to town and sharing the attributes of our community is a BIG DEAL.
This weekend, Orphan Train Riders and their descendents will spend time in Concordia celebrating this portion of our nation’s history and our heritage. A full schedule of the weekend’s activities can be picked up at the chamber office.
More information about the Orphan Train movement can be found at either of the two websites: http://orphantrainriders.com/ http://orphantraindepot.com/.
What is interesting about Concordia and the Orphan Train Heritage society is the seamless integration of two affiliated groups. The national group and the local museum are operating under different purposes to achieve a greater understanding of the Orphan Train Movement.
The accomplishments of the local museum are significant. They acquired the old BNSF Depot. They raised money to refurbish the roof and the exterior. They were just awarded a KDOT grant to refurbish the depot’s interior. One of the Orphan Train Rider descendants donated a clock which will be unveiled this week end too. They are about to name a curator for the museum as well.
So it is a big deal. From operating out of a back office at Century 21 and Radio Shack to moving into a new museum. Bringing folks to town and sharing the attributes of our community is a BIG DEAL.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Theater Project
The theater project is moving ahead. The rush coming from the demolition process seems to have mellowed down to what is happening at the site. Of course, rain has slowed things down. I noticed piles of dirt behind the hole left by the lumber yard building. The plan is to fill the hole to 95% compaction (a standard measure) for the eventual construction.
The walls of the Dumbbells building and Monique’s are to be cleaned and restored. Monique’s will be covered with stucco. The reason is the brick used for that building is very soft and prone to deterioration. The wall on the Dumbbells side will be stripped of the plaster, cleaned and repainted. Yes, repainted. Take a quick walk to the porch of the building. You will see the building was painted at some time in the past.
Campbell & Johnson will be sending out bids for building restoration soon.
Several weeks ago, Kirk Lowell showed a concept drawing of the building. What I saw was encouraging. The building front will keep the historic feel of the downtown. The architecture will keep the “rhythm” of the existing buildings. While you are on our walk to see the painted brick, look at the north side of the street. There are second story windows in each of the buildings. This “rhythm” will continue in the design of the theater.
We hope to see the site plan at City Hall next week- Planning Commission reviews such things. By then, we ought to have something in the Blade-Empire that will show how nice it will look.
Hill Street
We were supposed to see work start on Hill Street today. The owners of the rental machine were to be here to show the crew how to operate the equipment. Well, they didn't arrive and we, therefore, didn't start paving. Some things you can't plan for. Stay tuned. I will report it as we actually get started.
The walls of the Dumbbells building and Monique’s are to be cleaned and restored. Monique’s will be covered with stucco. The reason is the brick used for that building is very soft and prone to deterioration. The wall on the Dumbbells side will be stripped of the plaster, cleaned and repainted. Yes, repainted. Take a quick walk to the porch of the building. You will see the building was painted at some time in the past.
Campbell & Johnson will be sending out bids for building restoration soon.
Several weeks ago, Kirk Lowell showed a concept drawing of the building. What I saw was encouraging. The building front will keep the historic feel of the downtown. The architecture will keep the “rhythm” of the existing buildings. While you are on our walk to see the painted brick, look at the north side of the street. There are second story windows in each of the buildings. This “rhythm” will continue in the design of the theater.
We hope to see the site plan at City Hall next week- Planning Commission reviews such things. By then, we ought to have something in the Blade-Empire that will show how nice it will look.
Hill Street
We were supposed to see work start on Hill Street today. The owners of the rental machine were to be here to show the crew how to operate the equipment. Well, they didn't arrive and we, therefore, didn't start paving. Some things you can't plan for. Stay tuned. I will report it as we actually get started.
Friday, June 03, 2005
High Expectations
I read a Blog written by Jack Schultz. He wrote the book BoomTown USA. It describes the economic development activities of a number of communities across the country. His chief point in all his writings that community attitude is very important in communities economic vitality. Today he writes about an article written by NY Times Columnist David Brooks (June 2, 2005) about Europe. http://boomtownusa.blogspot.com/ Brooks describes unemployment rates between 8 and 11% and growth rates that haven’t seen 3% in the past 14 years.
Schults writes: “One of his more interesting thoughts in the column was Brooks’s observations about momentum for countries. “It is happier to live in a poor country that is moving forward—where expectations are high—than it is to live in an affluent country that is moving backwards.”
One of the reasons we support economic development in Concordia is that business development is to influence our attitude as a community. When we prosper, we feel good about Concordia.
In February 2004, I had a brainstorm where I identified several businesses that had new owners, built new facilities, expanded or were new startups. The first list totaled 60 businesses that fit the pattern for the past five years. That list has grown in the past year because we have looked even closer to what is happening here. (You can get a copy of the current version at the Chamber office.)
Being in this fame of mind also allows us to stand and celebrate when good things happen in the community. Last weekend, the Concordia High School girls track team won the state 4A Championship. In a way, their success reflects what is going on in the community too. One event nearly cost them to loose all because of a fall. So, did they mope? No, they got up and finished the meet like the champions they were before the meet started.
They are reflecting what is happening in the Concordia business community. Everyday folks are going to work to do the very best they can. We have seen some fall but we are getting back up and getting back to the job. We are now doing what Brooks cited in his article – moving forward and enjoying the high expectations.
Schults writes: “One of his more interesting thoughts in the column was Brooks’s observations about momentum for countries. “It is happier to live in a poor country that is moving forward—where expectations are high—than it is to live in an affluent country that is moving backwards.”
One of the reasons we support economic development in Concordia is that business development is to influence our attitude as a community. When we prosper, we feel good about Concordia.
In February 2004, I had a brainstorm where I identified several businesses that had new owners, built new facilities, expanded or were new startups. The first list totaled 60 businesses that fit the pattern for the past five years. That list has grown in the past year because we have looked even closer to what is happening here. (You can get a copy of the current version at the Chamber office.)
Being in this fame of mind also allows us to stand and celebrate when good things happen in the community. Last weekend, the Concordia High School girls track team won the state 4A Championship. In a way, their success reflects what is going on in the community too. One event nearly cost them to loose all because of a fall. So, did they mope? No, they got up and finished the meet like the champions they were before the meet started.
They are reflecting what is happening in the Concordia business community. Everyday folks are going to work to do the very best they can. We have seen some fall but we are getting back up and getting back to the job. We are now doing what Brooks cited in his article – moving forward and enjoying the high expectations.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Initial Story
I have been encouraged to prepare short stories about what is going on at the City.
Just like many managers in many business areas, the blogging process has become a way to meet customers and discuss issues that are relevant to their businesses. I will be using this as a means to share my thoughts on the issues facing the City of Concordia as an organization and Concordia as a community.
I will take responsibility for the facts and opinions in this Blog. Just as I said as a younster doing a radio show, my opinion is not necessarily the official opinion of the management; in this case, City of Concordia.
Many folks will wonder first "What is a Blog?" A blog is a combination of two words: weB and LOG. That results in the shortened version of Blog.
I will be writing to a number of audiances. I have learned that different folks look at these things for different reasons. So I will be writing to people in the City of Concordia as a political subdivision, the greater community of Concordia, employees of the City, and to folks who live other places who are still interested in where they used to live. I know the latter is true because of getting email messages from them asking about what is going on. It has caused me to check up on some of the places I have lived and worked to see what is going on.
The one rule I know I will be using here is one I learned several years ago. The community where I worked was planning to purchase some ground for a business and recreation park. I was encouraged to write several OP/ED pieces about why the City Council wanted to pursue this development. The problem that occured was that one person from the community turned the process into a campaign platform to run for mayor. I stopped my writing because I became the issue not the property aquisition.
So, if someone wants to run for office, I won't use this to debate issues.
So, the rule is this:I won't be naming names or making references to folks who do and say dumb things.
I won't be having any conversations with any animals either.
So here we go. Issue number 1. I hope folks enjoy reading and provide honest and tasteful feedback. I will be the measure of tasteful too. Larry
Just like many managers in many business areas, the blogging process has become a way to meet customers and discuss issues that are relevant to their businesses. I will be using this as a means to share my thoughts on the issues facing the City of Concordia as an organization and Concordia as a community.
I will take responsibility for the facts and opinions in this Blog. Just as I said as a younster doing a radio show, my opinion is not necessarily the official opinion of the management; in this case, City of Concordia.
Many folks will wonder first "What is a Blog?" A blog is a combination of two words: weB and LOG. That results in the shortened version of Blog.
I will be writing to a number of audiances. I have learned that different folks look at these things for different reasons. So I will be writing to people in the City of Concordia as a political subdivision, the greater community of Concordia, employees of the City, and to folks who live other places who are still interested in where they used to live. I know the latter is true because of getting email messages from them asking about what is going on. It has caused me to check up on some of the places I have lived and worked to see what is going on.
The one rule I know I will be using here is one I learned several years ago. The community where I worked was planning to purchase some ground for a business and recreation park. I was encouraged to write several OP/ED pieces about why the City Council wanted to pursue this development. The problem that occured was that one person from the community turned the process into a campaign platform to run for mayor. I stopped my writing because I became the issue not the property aquisition.
So, if someone wants to run for office, I won't use this to debate issues.
So, the rule is this:I won't be naming names or making references to folks who do and say dumb things.
I won't be having any conversations with any animals either.
So here we go. Issue number 1. I hope folks enjoy reading and provide honest and tasteful feedback. I will be the measure of tasteful too. Larry
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)