The Emporia City Commission decided to give the go ahead Wednesday to construct four new entrance monuments but stopped short of approving two more for now.
The monuments will be placed at the east and west entrances of town on US Highway 50 and north and south entrances on K-99. The other two potential monument sites are on the I-35 off-ramps going to Industrial Road.
The total price tag of all six monuments is $141,265. The city budgeted $100,000 for this project. That number was under the assumption there would be four signs, said Matt Zimmerman, city manager.
The commission voted 4-0 to pay Mitchell-Markowitz Construction $41,225 to build the foundation and set the entrance stones for the monuments.
The commission previously approved a contract with Alan Tollakson to carve stones for the monument for $7,500 apiece. The total cost for the four approved signs is $101,165, which includes $27,140 for design services and $2,800 for landscaping.
A Building Futures committee wanted to see if they could add two more monuments within the budget framework, Zimmerman said. However, when the bids came in, it was apparent the city didn’t have money budgeted to do all six.
Reader poll
How do you feel about the new entrance stones?
- I'm excited! They will be a nice addition
- I see a good consistent brand image in them
- No opinion, don't care either way
- Not real sure it's the best investment
- Bad idea it's a waste of money.
1596 total votes.
Zimmerman presented the commission Wednesday with various budgetary options Wednesday including not doing the two other signs, adjusting this year’s budget to use sales tax money for it or waiting until 2012 to do the work.
Commissioner Bobbie Agler said he preferred to wait until the city amends the 2011 budget in February or March before proceeding.
“I have no problem with the project itself but this is going to cost us 40 percent more,” he said.
Zimmerman asked if he could give Tollakson the green light to start carving since he’s available now and may not be when the weather is warmer. Agler said that was fine.
Dave Emig, who was hired to design the project, said the bid is set up in a way for the commission to pick and choose how many signs it wants.
Other commissioners didn’t see the harm in going ahead with four of them and Agler was alright with that plan.
The commission will discuss the other two monuments as part of a broader budget amendment topic at its Feb. 9 study session.
In other action Wednesday the commission:
• Granted a conditional use permit for a residential living unit on the ground floor for the Kellogg Plaza & Lofts at 1114 Commercial St. There will be one handicap accessible apartment on the ground floor.
• Amended the zoning ordinance to set a minimum lot size requirement of five acres for properties in the agricultural district. Lyon County had changed its requirement from 6 2/3 acres to five so for the sake of uniformity the city followed suit.
• Amended the zoning ordinance to regulate outdoor lighting. The ordinance is to protect drivers, pedestrians and neighbors from glare and promote energy efficiency. Zimmerman said other cities have similar regulations.
• Amended the zoning ordinance concerning off-street parking regulations. Retail stores would be required to have less parking, but more of it would have to be for compact cars. While handicap parking stalls have to be striped yellow, all other stalls can be striped yellow or white.
• Re-appointed Greg Jordan and appointed Larry Bucklinger to the Emporia-Lyon County Metropolitan Planning Commission.
• Appointed Nikki Gartner and Mark Lee to the Natural Resources Advisory Board.
• Appointed Valerie Zimmerman to the Community Corrections Board.
• Set a deadline of 2 p.m. Tuesday to receive bids for two new police cars.
• Approved having the mayor sign an application for additional water rights to the Kansas Water Office. The application fee is $780.
• Approved a $3,210 change order increase with Burnap Bros, Inc. for Commercial Street plumbing work. The revised contract amount is $58,559.
• Presented a police chief award of valor to Laura Herrera for bravery during a robbery at Carlos Liquor Sept. 8. Herrera’s grandmother was held at knifepoint. Herrera was able to provide police with an accurate description of the suspect and knife.
• Proclaimed February as Project Emporia month in Emporia. The Emporia High School canned food drive is aiming to collect 10,000 items this year.
• Proclaimed February as Girl Scout cookie month in Emporia.
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
How can they justify this? Does the end justify the means? Do these things magically attract money or something? At least they used a local company...
January 19, 2011 at 9:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lcountyvictim (anonymous) says...
Mitchell-Markowitz getting $41,225 for the foundation? Good grief, Tollakson is making $30,000 and I'm sure he will have way more labor involved in this project.
I don't necessarily agree with this type of expenditure in these economic times, but give be a break...surely there is someone capable of a proper foundation for less.
And approximately $30,000 to landscape 4 areas?? Some people are just completely out of touch with reality. Maybe the commisioners should consider getting an organization/group/business in town to adopt a landmark and do the landscaping/upkeep.
January 19, 2011 at 10:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TeamKansas (anonymous) says...
$41,000 for the foundation another $30,000 for the stones .... What is the other $30,000 going? Landscaping? That is a *%#* ton of landscaping IMO. But with Zim involved are we surprised?
Furthermore, is a entrance sign on south 99 really the wisest thing considering it will be washed away every other year? Smart money would be spent on east bound 35 directly before exit 133.
January 19, 2011 at 10:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
krazykansan (anonymous) says...
My question is where are the stones coming from? Davis quarry?
These times of economic concern and high taxes, and they want to spend over a 100 grand on such BS.
Damn, will the stupidity coming from the people in charge of spending my taxes ever stop. Christ all Mighty it is time for a tax revolt.
January 19, 2011 at 10:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bebe (anonymous) says...
Couldn't they spend that money to pay someone to clear the snow off the streets instead?
January 19, 2011 at 10:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
localresident (anonymous) says...
Where are they going to put this on E highway 50?
This will help people feel better who take exit 133 also help out caseys and budget host inn
That exit needs some landscaping help.
January 19, 2011 at 10:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
HAH, HAH, HAH, HAH, HAH !
January 19, 2011 at 10:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chrissylynn_2 (anonymous) says...
But we can't pay for code enforcement? was this not a topic last summer as to how some of the properties look in Emporia? theres no money for things that are some what important but theres plenty of money for,,, ROCKS? really? who's runnin this joint?
January 19, 2011 at 10:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
b3bill (anonymous) says...
This would appear to be some kind of a joke or a misprint. Unfortunately, I don't believe it is.
Emporia City Commission and City Manager Matt Zimmerman, you all have sunk to a new low. I request each of you to resign immediately.
January 19, 2011 at 11:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
Every damn road coming into Emporia has a sign that says EMPORIA, why in the hell is that not good enough?? whos damn Idea was this to begin with, wasnt it the travel & tourisms idea???, the city has no money, they have no one working at the city shop except for 1 guy, theyl use to be a bunch, but now they just give the work needed done to their buddy's shops. That damn zimmerman does NOT have a single bit of brain matter left, he bitches one week about now having money to clean the streets and the next week blowing the citizens of Emporia's tax money on damn rocks, once again zimmerman you are damn idiot, wake the hell up, some of us have lived here all of our lives, and you aint been here 5 years and you have drove this city down the crapper,, look at my name zimmerman, thats you, justa a flushaway, and I got the flusher knob in my hand, you make a lot of people sick you fool, cant you say no to anything that is stupid?? $100,000.00 dollars and that aint even enough,, and this damn sity has no problems execpt golf course fees and damn rocks, this damn city commission, yes thats you kessler, you and zimmerman are a good pair of FOOLS
January 19, 2011 at 11:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
Hey don't worry they are going to make so much more by raising the weekend fees at the golf course that is showing declining numbers of out of town golfers that are going somewhere else for better deals.
January 19, 2011 at 11:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
They should use that money to create a few jobs to beautify downtown.
January 19, 2011 at 11:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
You all pay booger eaters to run your town.
http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/jus...
January 20, 2011 at 12:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Emporia_Mom (anonymous) says...
There are so many other things that the money could be spent on. Here's an idea--the city should safe it, and cut back on the spending instead of adding the the debt. I agree with the person that made the comment about the city having money to spend on ROCKS but they don't have the money to remove snow. I think my 7 year old could do a better job of running the city than Mr. Zimmerman at that point.
January 20, 2011 at 12:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I do not understand, Emporia is cutting services, furloughing workers, cutting benefits, etc.
Yet we have one of the highest tax rates in Kansas for a town our size, and can spend $140,000 on stones(cost overrun of 40k which would get most project managers fired), we have a courthouse that belongs in Johnson County, etc.
Why would people not be upset? His is a direct quote from Chris Walker:
"Over the years, the bloggers who have been known for not being overly positive, have created headaches for the Emporia Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Chamber of Commerce and other city entities."
Source:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/20...
So I ask, what should we do? Lie through our teeth and proclaim this to be the mecca of small towns? My head is still spinning that this kind of expenditure is justified given the current financial situation of the city. What's next? An arch out by the turnpike?
January 20, 2011 at 12:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Guessler (anonymous) says...
Here is an idea for Mr. Zimmy and gang, why not use this $141k toward the sewer maintenance and don't ever mention again the "storm water fee"?
January 20, 2011 at 12:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
What's really sad is that at least 3 people had to say, "yes, this is a good idea, let's do this." That's not saying much for our City Commission.
GOB--What's next? An arch out by the turnpike?
No, that's where the $45,000 "Visitor Center" to let dogs take a crap is going to be. We'll have to move the arch somewhere else. Sorry.
Matt
It's a great day in Mehtar Lam!
January 20, 2011 at 1:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AzpBy...
January 20, 2011 at 1:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Matt,
I hate to say this but a visitor's center for dogs to crap at makes more sense to me than stone monuments at 25k apiece.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pppein...
January 20, 2011 at 1:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
At this time of year a lot of folks from the cold northern states stop in Emporia to eat, buy gas and stay at motels and this is a great money maker for sales tax. These stones will pay for themselves on short order. This will give Emporia a progressive look and will attract travelers to stop. The traffic count at the turnpike is 4 million a year and with 2.5 people per car, that's about 10 million a year. As you can see, this is a huge untapped market. Especially in light of the number of fine motels and eating places in Emporia. I can imagine someone saying, we stayed at Emporia, you can't miss it, you will notice these huge beautiful stones at the entrance. Some of these folks will trickle downtown as I have directed a lot of them to social clubs and pubs downtown. You never get a second chance to make a good impression. A lot of times people ask if the people are nice here and I always ask how they were where they came from. If they say the people are nice back home, I always tell them, that's the way they are here and of coarse if they say back home the folks are very unfriendly, I tell them that's the way they are here also. So many out of town folks say how friendly people are in the midwest. Every person is an ambassador for Emporia. The Economics of this project will benifit the motels and eating places and other services and the money as I understand it is coming from the special tax on motels but, the benifits are actually the average person in Emporia in that the sales tax brings Economic Development, and less property tax. These are very tough times and as a community we need to be innovative and creative. Progress always involves risk, so go ut on a limb, that's where the fruit is and you can't steal second by keeping your foot on first. There seems to be a lot of pent up anger and I feel your pain. In this community there is lots of worthwhile projects to be done, in Emoria as well as other communities there are wounds to be healed and I truely believe that in every heart there is the power to do it. My grandfather use to say,"it is eazy enough to be pleasant when life flows along like a dream, but the man worthwhile is a man with a smile when everything goes dead wrong." In closing, measure our town not by the wealth that we have but, by the things we wouldn't take money for like honoring our Veterans which is so very special for all of us that served. Charles Yost said, " Democracy is not a matter of sniment, but foresight. Any system that doesn't take the long run into account will burn itself out in the short run.
January 20, 2011 at 2:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
So you think 4 stones = people stopping here instead of up the road at Topeka? I hate to break this to you but people have been driving by this place for many years, when are people going to get it through their heads, Emporia is not a tourist attraction. We can't make ourselves one, even if we toss up monoliths.
Also take note that as fuel prices continue to rise(which they will) more and more will cut back on travel. It's economics and common sense. The average traveler is going to hop on their phone, see what it is available in Wichita or Topeka or KC and head right on by Emporia.
Emporia is setup perfectly for industry with our proximity to the interstate and turnpike, and what used to be a very modest cost of living. Until projects like this have become the norm and there are only talks of more taxes and fees. People here want jobs, want results, not luxuries. All one has to do is take a look at what this town lost in past decade versus what we have gained, based on that I can't fault anyone for being upset or taking issue with projects like these.
Economic development in this town has been farce for too long, time for some results. If this is being paid for by the hotel tax as you say, then perhaps we should lower the tax so they can drop their room rates instead of building "Stonehenge". People WILL stop for cheap rooms, that logic ever occur to anyone? First this hotel tax money was used for an ad costing 10K now this? Credibility seems to be in short supply.
January 20, 2011 at 3:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LilSnow (anonymous) says...
ONCE AGAIN...The ECC has does 'wonders' for 'our' town..who does the town really belong to..to hell with us ..we just work here pay your damn tax's and what do we get in return..it sure isn't jobs..it isn't a further..then couple of evening..question was about the next damn decade...all there will be ..Stone entrance markers ...empty buildings ( o wait we DON'T have to wait 10 yrs for that one huh!) and a bunch of happy ECC sitting around thinking HOW to raise MORE tax's...KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!! Believe me IF i could sell my house and leave this town i would be gone in a heartbeat..but wait..no jobs=no $=no selling of the house=lucky me! IF I was willing to pretty much just give my house away free i could get out of here...hmmm so that is not the solution..ECC WHO do you all think about..besides yourselves..that is so obvious! WHAT options do we have as citizens of this 'fine town' as i choke on every damn word i am saying..I am so angry and yet not a thing can be done..o shall we hire another consultant to help us? Guess us regular people of emporia don't have answers or solutions..since we are not on ECC...they think they are the only educated people in this community..STOP thinking of yourselves your friends and stop lining your damn pockets and actually do something to MAKE EMPORIA a place where we would want to stay..or this town WILL become a meth infested ghost town and YES boys and girls we all know this is true..NOW ECC step up ..DO something for the community you all think so much about !
January 20, 2011 at 5:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LilSnow (anonymous) says...
Personally the more and more i sit here and read ...I honestly feel that a group should organize and ask for the resignation of MR (i don't give a damn)Zimmerman and the 'wonderful' ECC members..enough is enough..and how much longer are we all going to accept this? WE hardly have anything left in this town..are we going to wait till honestly there is nothing BUT walmart..gas stations and restraunts on the west side..sorry but there is no further unless our community comes together and trys for changes ..obviously the people who was ELECTED refuse to do for us,,,
January 20, 2011 at 5:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Reddog, thanks for the actual words and not seven thousand links.
However, you say, "This will give Emporia a progressive look and will attract travelers to stop."
In a time of plenty, I would agree.
Then what? They take the bait, drive into town, and what do they see?
Potholes, no snow removal, empty store fronts, giant mud holes where there should be storm drains, dirty streets, crumbling sidewalks...on and on...
Okay, why then do I live here? Because I love the people. But my people are getting screwed by their own elected officials and a city manager who has delusions of grandeur. Hell, with a picture like that, some entire countries have coups and make sweeping changes. Hmmmm...
At a time when we should be watching every dollar, spending money this way is total insanity. Who voted for this? C'mon Gazette, tell us. JEEZ!
When the children need shoes, we don't spend on a big screen TV.
Hugs to Matt in Mehtar Lam.
January 20, 2011 at 6:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
LilSnow-
At first I wasn't sure if by ECC you meant the Emporia Chamber of Commerce or the Emporia Country Club. Then I realized that both answers make perfect sense.
Matt
January 20, 2011 at 7:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
I say this: don't just vote them all out, but vote them all out and send them an email informing them why.
Matt
January 20, 2011 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doubt_it (anonymous) says...
I guess this can all get funded by the fines they will collect from the citizens who don't shovel the snow from their sidewalks......I'm sure that is the plan. What a bunch of crap!!!!
January 20, 2011 at 8:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Not trying to Reddog it, but here you go:
Mayor - Jim Kessler
jkessler@emporia-kansas.gov
Vice-Mayor - Kevin Nelson
knelson@emporia-kanas.gov
City Commissioner - Bobbie Agler
bagler@emporia-kansas.gov
City Commissioner - Julia Johnson
jjohnson@emporia-kansas.gov
January 20, 2011 at 8:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
CRAWL back in your hole KB THOMAS, or you pay for the damn rocks if you think it is such a good idea, I dont see where you have put up your 10 story stupid concrete cowboy to draw travelers in as you said it would,, just dont type another word, or better off dont talk to anyone else, most people don't want to listen to you anymore, except those who you think you impress at the city commission meeting, and you will fit right in with those idiots. God, you make me sick!!
January 20, 2011 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
It is good to see that Slater hasn't lost his sense of humor.
Keep your head down and your butt covered Matt.
January 20, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Olpe spent almost $20,000 on it's new welcome sign. Isn't Emporia at least 5 times better than Olpe?
'enry
January 20, 2011 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Zim and company, you can't be serious, $140k for rock entrances? You folks are a real piece of work considering how your staff have been told you're broke.
January 20, 2011 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The average pencil is seven inches long with a half inch eraser--in case you thought optimism was dead--Robert Brault......I do feel your pain as this nation is sinking into a black hole and the folks in Washington are talking about reducing Social Insecurity by 25% and gas may go to 5 dollars, and China troops are moving into North Korea. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of this community. Don't just stand there do something. If I had it my way half of the money for this project would come from the private sector with a matching grant. And I'm round'n third and head'n home.
January 20, 2011 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
So sick of these people spending our tax money on Bull $#@!. Then complain about not having enough funds for the things this town REALLY needs.
January 20, 2011 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Some of you folks should run for City Commission or go down and speak at the City Commission meetings but, that takes guts. This should be an issue in the election and let's see what the canidates say. I can remember when this town was nothing but, the home of William Allen White but a group of men about 50 decided to do something about it. If you want to, start a group like Citizens for better government. Everyone wants government to give them a big juicy steak dinner but, no one wants to do the dishes.The new frontier for Emporia lies not beyond the planets but, within each one of us. Thomas Jefferson said," I like a little rebellion now and then, it's like a storm in the atmosphere. And Harry Truman said,"it was the same with those old birds in Greece and Rome as it is now. The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know.
January 20, 2011 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
HenryVIII--at least the sign in Olpe gives information and is not just a piece of stone, like the totums at the fair grounds. Why don't we just move them to the entrances to the city???
January 20, 2011 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
reddog--we speak at the city commission all of the time, it just falls on deaf ears, because they always know what is right for Emporia (little Topeka)!
January 20, 2011 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
landinkansas (anonymous) says...
If these are being paid for with the voter approved "motel tax", good idea. Visitor/travelers will remember & appreciate them. Maybe only us older folks but that's ok, we have money to spend. I like small to midsize places that have unique items or areas. When traveling we plan our stops in such areas. My wife and I are not alone in this thinking because these places always seem to be busy & full.
I don't understand why I repeatedly read comments here about people wanting to bypass Emporia for Wichita and Topeka.
Why do you think that? These are the area's most travelers work hard to avoid. Crime infested dumps. Who wants to stop in those places with your family. What is so great about these towns? Emporia is a perfect place to stop for the night or stop for a meal. Help enhance it, make it unique so people plan their stops here.
We stay in Emporia (Motels) several times a year. The motels are typically pretty full so not everyone is avoiding Emporia. Continue to enhance the town & area. People are going to travel. 10,000 baby boomers starting to retire everyday. They have several Trillions of dollars they are going to spend somewhere......
January 20, 2011 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
americus1987 (anonymous) says...
I love how anytime there is any mentioning of spending in the gazette, everyone FREAKS. If you guys don't like it, get involved (agreeing with reddog). Instead of blowing up the the emporiafreakinggazette blog.
January 20, 2011 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/ricpubs/t...
January 20, 2011 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ksdovehunter (anonymous) says...
Lets all take bets as to how long it will be after they are installed until they are vandalized in some way. No matter how much they pay the the artist, they will end up saying SUR 13 or SSL.................
January 20, 2011 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lcountyvictim (anonymous) says...
americus - I think some of us believe beautification is an important part of the community, but I still question the expense. Again, over $41,000 for a foundation for these stones and $30,000 in landscaping. Does this really seem like realistic numbers? I would like to know who placed bids for the foundation/landscaping of this project and what the bids were. Did the commissioners condider the idea of adoption by service organizations for the landscaping? Gazette, can you help with finding that info out?
But alas, there are many whom also feel like the stones are as useful as a glass eye at a keyhole. That's the great thing about freedom of speech - the blogs can get blown up with differences of opinion and you can either choose to read them and criticize, stay quite, contribute to the discussion (productively or not) or not even read them at all.
January 20, 2011 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
somewhere in my fuzzy memory I recall someone that regularly comments here saying our commissioners should "get some stones".
January 20, 2011 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Tombstones belong in a cemetery.
January 20, 2011 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
yeaaa, Just waiting for the stroke and pat society to tell us " LET THEM EAT CAKE".....great to see METHUSILA typing again. How about a run at the commish Methusila?
January 20, 2011 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
johncanyon (anonymous) says...
$30,000 to scratch the letters...EMPORIA and WELCOME into 4 rocks....I'm in the wrong business.
January 20, 2011 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EsqEB (anonymous) says...
I come back to Emporia a couple of times a year. With the addition of these stones, I intend to move back. The fact my dog will have a place to poop when we arrive is even better.
Matt, Please pour me a beer, I'll be there in a jiffy.
January 20, 2011 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
93shocarguy (anonymous) says...
At what point will this crazy spending stop? I may be wrong, but I don't know of a single person that will stay in Emporia or will move to Emporia for that matter because we have a pretty sign that says welcome to Emporia. I'd like to know what the huge infatuation is with entrance signs. There was a big uproar a year or two ago about putting up signs honoring Clint which he respectfully declined. Lets consider spending some money to keep existing business IN Emporia or to attract new business - a sign sure isn't going to accomplish this. I would like to say to the commission though, thanks for shopping Emporia first...at least they decided to use local people for this sensless project ! !
January 20, 2011 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
REWBA,
You are 100% correct! Great comment, sir. The only thing those rocks are missing are the words "Here Lies" at the top.
Please, please, please write the city commissioners and let them know how terrible of an idea this is!! The email addresses are in an earlier post.
Matt
January 20, 2011 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
localresident (anonymous) says...
HAHAHA, The rendering looks like 3yr old made that.
January 20, 2011 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Matt, i used your links and e-mailed the commission people. Asked if they had rocks in their head. Well actually the one to Agler just stated " 1 more reason to vote against you"
Nelson's came back undeliverable.
Nothing from Agler or Johnson.
Kessler did reply, No and thanked me for caring. Guess it's just a joke to some, Huh?
January 20, 2011 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
sail,
Me, as a city commissioner !!!!
Not only would the whole NW section of " Euphora " have an epleptic siezure, but " create " would have a stroke, as I do not and will not conform to their particular ideas, thoughts and way of doing things ! Which, by the way, is the old,old, old, way of doing things !
Thats it I am done, with this forum and those on this forum who cannot or will not see what is being done, has been done and what will continue to be done ... if no one, but a few have the " Stones " to stand up and say to those, who are really in control of all of the above and say, emphatically, " NO MORE, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH " and " WE AIN' T GONNA PUT WITH IT NO MORE " !!!
I am sick and tired of trying to make people see what is and has been happening and getting beat up for it !
So, my keyboard will again fall silent ! For how long ? Who knows ? Maybe a day, maybe a week, maybe a minute or an hour, perhaps, forever !!!
January 20, 2011 at 12:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
solong (anonymous) says...
This is totally and completely ludicrous. WTF? What is happening in this town, it appears the odors from IBP were more dangerous than we thought. The whole City Commission should resign immediately! With this kind of thinking this town will become a ghost town quicker than I thought.
January 20, 2011 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
solong (anonymous) says...
This is totally and completely ludicrous. WTF? What is happening in this town, it appears the odors from IBP were more dangerous than we thought. The whole City Commission should resign immediately! With this kind of thinking this town will become a ghost town quicker than I thought. Then these stones can be tombstones for where Emporia used to be.
January 20, 2011 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Guessler (anonymous) says...
Wondering if the similarity between these rocks and the ones on the fairgrounds is just coincidence.
January 20, 2011 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doubt_it (anonymous) says...
@ solong - Emporia is already becoming a ghost town because of all the businesses we have lost.
Maybe we could advertise in the big "O" a slogan such as this: Come to Emporia to get stoned!! That ought to bring in a lot of people, and people that have the munchies and are thirsty so will visit out numerous eateries. They will also be tired and need a place to sleep.
go stoners
January 20, 2011 at 1:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
ROFLMAO, doubt_it.
Sorry if this offends anybody, but that rock sticking up out of the ground looks like a giant penis.
I don't think we deserve this.
January 20, 2011 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
I have never noticed when I voted for the commisioners but was told today that you voted for them in districts? Is this true?
January 20, 2011 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
booker, that's county commissioners, not city.
create- You beat me to it.
Steve - The only people who should be laughing are the people who are building it. All the way to the bank.
The thought process behind this is so bad that I would say that even the Good Idea Fairy didn't have anything to do with this. It's probably standing in a corner, scratching it's saying head, saying I don't know WTF they were thinking.
January 20, 2011 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fuggetabodit (anonymous) says...
If anyone here is on Facebook and has "liked" the EG Facebook page, you might have seen a question posed this morning. Verbatim: "Do you feel entrance monuments would enhance visitors opinions of Emporia?"
Lack of punctuation aside (should be "visitors' " , but when did the Gazette care about those minor instances lately?), I really was amused by this question! The monuments sound like a done deal for the first four, so I'm not sure why the question was posed on FB in the first place. At any rate, I must agree with those stating the proposed monuments are a waste of money. Another mini-Stonehenge!
January 20, 2011 at 2:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
I'm excited! They will be a nice addition 6% 5 votes
4 Commissioners and City Manager
I see a good consistent brand image in them 1% 1 vote
Reddog
No opinion, don't care either way 1% 1 vote
That crazy bird lady from New York
Not real sure it's the best investment 19% 14 votes
Chamber of Commerce
Bad idea it's a waste of money.
71% 52 votes
Everyone else who has voted.
January 20, 2011 at 2:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
oh create, i'm glad you said that. i thought the same thing, but wasn't going to post it. i don't live in the city limits, so i don't have a say. but those rocks are a huge waste. and some wanna be will just tag them.....
January 20, 2011 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Looks like they are taken care of their buddies. Same old crap that goes on in this town. 25th the last day to file for commish seats?
January 20, 2011 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
honey3854 (anonymous) says...
I can't believe this was an unanimous vote! I'm mad as hell... Spending $100,000 for overpriced stones?? What are the dimensions of these ripoffs?? Setting the stones will require a little excavation, a little concrete for the footings and equipment to move and set them up. My friend bought a smaller version with her last name engraved on it at Bluestem for $100. Our City leaders look corrupt or like idiots! Take your pick.
January 20, 2011 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
solong (anonymous) says...
The entire bunch of commissioners should be ousted immediately, they are most certainly out of contact with reality!
January 20, 2011 at 3 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
Geez
We could of advertised in Oprah 10 to 14 more times.
January 20, 2011 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
honey3854 (anonymous) says...
mslater supplied email addresses in an earlier blog. I intend to voice my disgust and hope everyone else does the same.
I have lost respect for all parties involved. While we struggle in these hard times to take care of our families, do you think we are all asleep????
January 20, 2011 at 3:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
solong (anonymous) says...
I am totally and completely appalled by where the minds of our City Commissioners are at. Truly, these guys should be canned immediately. This is unbelievable!
January 20, 2011 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buffalo_Breath (anonymous) says...
In the spirit of the New Civility, I first would like to say that I love each of you like a brother or a sister (or a bro-ster if you happen to be confused or in transition -- in which case, maybe the symbolism of the erect stone monoliths will help you decide).
'Core Functions' comes to mind again (I heard Gov Sam use it). I like art, and I love native stone, but I would have to ask if the City has funded its "Core Functions" before I would support buying a hundred grand (or is it a buck-forty?) worth of giant fence posts. Wow. I don't think so, if you haven't cleared the streets and kept up the sidewalks, storm drains and such.
My solution? Turn Bruff's into the Clint Bowyer Pitstop Steakhouse and Lounge, and you'll have to add extra exit gates at the turnpike interchange. (I know! It's a great idea, isn't it! Thanks!)
God Bless, and good luck with that decision, Bro-sters!
January 20, 2011 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
They live in their own world and have no idea how the rest of have work to just get by
January 20, 2011 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
HEY GAZETTE !
follow the trail. Who was the original idea person behind these stones? Really, I would like to know. Was it the chamber, CVB, a yet undeclared city commission candidate?
January 20, 2011 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I just figured this out about the erect rocks. Has anyone heard that ridiculous commercial on KVOE advertising the new "gentlemen's club" here in Emporia?
OMG. I shouldn't have to color this picture for you.
Crappitydoodahday. They're all in cahoots!
Get out the pitchforks!
January 20, 2011 at 3:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buffalo_Breath (anonymous) says...
In other, unrelated news ...
The City amended its zoning ordinance to regulate outdoor lighting ... to ... promote energy efficiency.
Promote energy efficiency?
Really? By means of zoning?
Oh Em Gee! Say it with me, "Core Functions."
January 20, 2011 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jasper007 (anonymous) says...
So. The "powers' that be" have found another interesting way to distribute the "wealth". Personaly, they should have added that money to Mr. Solis' efforts for the Veteran's signs. The Veterans signs are much appreiciated, and pat Mr. Solis on the back. These "stones" would look better in a graveyard, or any of the EMPTY lots of EMPTY businesses in Emporia!!!! Nice going, Commission!!!!!
January 20, 2011 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
create,
rofl... ummm look at it this way..... more business and money and taxes in town????
January 20, 2011 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
create, so agree with you on their appearance. Maybe the commission doesn't realize we have a "gentlemans club" and now are forced to listen to their trash on the radio so now we are going to spend maga bucks "advertising"!!! Someone has a sense of humor or just no class.
January 20, 2011 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
create, so agree with you on their appearance. Maybe the commission doesn't realize we have a "gentlemans club" and now are forced to listen to their trash on the radio. Now we are going to spend maga bucks "advertising"!!! Someone has a sense of humor or just no class.
January 20, 2011 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
sand, there have been those clubs in town for over 25 years. just sayin'
January 20, 2011 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Did they advertise on the radio???
January 20, 2011 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
photobuggy2 (anonymous) says...
Big Rocks...thats just what draws me to stop in a town when I'm on a trip...that and the worlds biggest ball of twine!
Glad to know our city is in such great shape that we can afford to spend on such an extravagance!
January 20, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
i think it was more word of mouth...
we just got booted to the forums!!!
January 20, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nks (anonymous) says...
I know why. One of our officials probably drove through another town twice our size that had these types of stone signs and knew we had to have some immediately also. You know, got to keep up with the Jones's...
January 20, 2011 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
oh, sorry sand we are back!
January 20, 2011 at 4:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
solong (anonymous) says...
reddog, did you ever sell cars?
January 20, 2011 at 4:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Many complained when the ad was posted in Oprah's magazine for $10,000, we were told that it was a success, but no details given, no explanations forthcoming.
This is literally 10 times worse. In times when a lot of people and businesses are suffering this act just reinforces the notion that there is a SEVERE disconnect between our city leaders and their constituents
To the city commission, you have been fat happy for quite some time, congratulations, this might be the straw that broke the camels back. Elections cannot come soon enough...
January 20, 2011 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RatdogX (anonymous) says...
PLEASE STOP SPENDING OUR MONEY ON STUPID CRAP WE DON'T NEED!
January 20, 2011 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
steve,
3 ppl filed for city commish this week.... straws abound.
January 20, 2011 at 5:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/20...
Let make it happen people.
January 20, 2011 at 5:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
scarlett01_98, not speaking of the clubs but them advertising on the radio, especially in the manner that they do. Shoot, those clubs have been around since the beginning of time.....they were called "prostitution"! Hope it will be worth the cost.
January 20, 2011 at 5:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
scarlett01_98, not speaking of the clubs but them advertising on the radio. Shoot, those clubs have been around since the beginning of time and they were called
"prostitution"! Just how Emporia needs to be remembered since a high price, hope they will be worth the cost.
January 20, 2011 at 5:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I really want the Gazette to go back and report who's idea this originally was. I think it started with some of the same people who paid that 10 k to O magazine. The chamber or CVB? Leadership Emporia? If this is an example of the way our future leaders are thinking, we are in deep trouble or deep doo doo in a doggie park. I've been waiting for years for an "original Idea" to come out of that building at 719 Commercial street. If this is it, we have wasted our time. JMO
January 20, 2011 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobhornet (anonymous) says...
We got fleeced on that "architectural rendering" by Dave Emig, too! Seriously Dave, that's the crappiest Photoshop work I've ever seen. The kids at Lowther North could have done better.
January 20, 2011 at 6:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
karma (anonymous) says...
When I was growing up I was always taught to ask myself, is this a want or a need? Why would should decisions be handled differently with the city?
January 20, 2011 at 6:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
ohhh we the proletariat , are starting to wake up to what our elected officials are doing to us, and we dont like it.Now is not the time for stone cold reckless spending.
January 20, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
sand, you could be right, but the owners are doing what they've been getting away with in topeka and wichita for decades.
January 20, 2011 at 6:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
I agree with Steve, let's hear who lobbied for and promoted the entrance stones. I'd also like to know more details about where the stones will be harvested, if there are any ties to ANYONE within the City.
January 20, 2011 at 6:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nutsaboutools (anonymous) says...
Are they serious? A phrase comes to mind, "Polish a turd, it's still a turd". What are you thinking Emporia Commission? This is totally wrong and NOT the best idea for spending tax payer money.
January 20, 2011 at 6:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
This reminds me of the infamous clock 'tower' we so desperately needed.
This city can't fix the holes in the streets, had to shorten hours at the landfill, is considering taxing for storm drain use etc etc all because it is short of funds but this pile of rocks is a good idea?
January 20, 2011 at 6:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nks (anonymous) says...
Back in the wild wild west, city hall would have been burned down for stupidity like this.
January 20, 2011 at 7 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
scarlette01_98, does that make it right? I truly love Emporia because it has been a "family" community........by the sound of the advertisements, we may be having a few more "families", unexpected!!! Really don't want to live in Topeka,Wichita, Lawrence or Kansas City. I thought we wanted to keep our population? Haven't we lost many families because of no work?
Say, didn't I just read where they are cutting back on education? Folks, for the children!!!! If there is a need to SPEND, donate it to the schools.
January 20, 2011 at 7:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
nope it doesn't make it right. it was tongue in cheek, sorry about that. but the clubs were running ads on the radio at 8 am for the little kids to hear in wichita.
any news about the memorial?
January 20, 2011 at 7:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
repeal it
January 20, 2011 at 7:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
So let's tax the strippers to pay for the stones since both are going to bring in so much revenue.
January 20, 2011 at 7:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
and erect one of the monuments nearby?
January 20, 2011 at 7:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
hottopics,
lmao thanks for a good laugh. see? problem solved! money for stones. please no pile on...
that was tongue in cheek.... : )
January 20, 2011 at 7:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
How many of you e-mailed the commissioners? There are links above. I did and it's just as easy as posting on here.
January 20, 2011 at 8:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sunshine (anonymous) says...
WHAT THE HELL?? That is all I can say to this. My 18 yr old step son said it perfect..."I think this is a waste of money!" I can think of a lot of way that amount of money could help the people and hurting business in Emporia....This ain't one of em!!
January 20, 2011 at 8:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sunshine (anonymous) says...
Steve, I will be emailing the commissioners for sure!
January 20, 2011 at 8:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nks (anonymous) says...
Maybe they could erect a stone beside the water park. Imagine all the people that will flock into town.
January 20, 2011 at 9:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporian (anonymous) says...
No money for infrastructure, insurance, etc but we got it for rocks. This city is so insanely screwed up it isn't funny. Imagine what that does to employee morale when they say they can't fund insurance without losing a position then spend $140k on rocks. Really lets the employees of the city know where they stand.
January 20, 2011 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
I'm dropping a couple of zeros for simplicity purposes.
Let's say you are $70,000 in debt. You aren't really sure how you're going to pay it off, since you can barely keep up with just the interest payments.
You come home from work one day to find that your spouse has just spent $1,400 on a new rock to put by your driveway.
How do you think that conversation would go?
January 20, 2011 at 9:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flyboy32 (anonymous) says...
How many vacant positions in public works, fire and police departments are there? Gazette, go find out.
January 20, 2011 at 9:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Here's what my email said:
The only thing monumental about these entrance stones is how bad of an idea they are. I'm not sure if this is the ECC Good-Ole-Boy system at work or what, but the cost of these rocks is the equivalent to almost 2,000 man-hours @ $12/hr, or 2-3 new squad cars for the EPD, or 300 miles of unpaved hiking/biking trails (more than Missoula, MT and Colorado Springs, CO have). This is a HUGE mistake, and I highly encourage this commission to quickly reverse its decision on this matter.
Matt Slater
Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan
P.S.- Yes, I am casting an absentee ballot.
January 20, 2011 at 9:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
By the way, Steve and others:
When you email Nelson, an "S" is missing in Kansas, so make sure you type that in, or it will come back as undeliverable.
Matt
January 20, 2011 at 9:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Sent emails, Nelsons came back undeliverable. Skeptical if it will do any good.
January 20, 2011 at 10:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
almost 2,000 man-hours @ $12/hr
Correction, that should be 1,300 man-DAYS @ $12/hr working 8 hour days.
January 20, 2011 at 10:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
GOB-
Again, Nelson's probably came back undeliverable because on the Emporia website where I copied it from, it is missing an "S" in the word Kansas.
January 20, 2011 at 10:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
"300 miles of unpaved hiking/biking trails"
That would be awesome!
January 20, 2011 at 10:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
REWBA-
$141k / 300 = $470/mile. That would be a REALLY nice trail!
January 20, 2011 at 10:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Holy Cow, I can' t really believe that some people are finally starting to " Get It " ! The City Commission has been spending money on some certain or special persons " Wants " instead of the needs of the community as a whole for 40+ years !
Example, multi-million dollar Court House, $ 50,000 Library Stature, $10,000 or $20,000 + museum " ROCK SIGN ", several thousand dollars for building murals, etc., etc. !
And this recent " ROCKS " fiasco is just one in a long line of mismanagement fiascos purpetrated by the City Commission/City Manager at the urging of certain people or a certain influencial person !
So here is the situation in a nutshell ! The City Commission says that the City has a surplus of funds in the amount of $2 million dollars ... yet the City Commission/City Manager and whoever suggested purchasing " ROCKS " in the amount of 100 plus thousand dollars is a good thing, instead of spending money on the repair of the Citys' infrastructure, i.e., Storm Sewer Repair, Street Repair, and other possible infracture repair that is needed more than those damned expensive " ROCKS " that are " WANTED " by " SOMEONE " and of no real benefit to " ANYONE " !! However, it will benefit the person/persons who sold the " ROCKS " and the person who will carve the words into the " ROCKS " and the person/persons who build the footings for the " ROCKS " ! And of course the person/persons who talked the City Commission into spending the money for such an " ASININE " endeavor !
And since there was no consideration given to spending the money for Storm Sewer Repairs or Maintenance or other " NEEDED " infractructure repairs, everyone in Emporia will be paying an additional City fee, every time it " RAINS " !!!
Now, if and when, all of the people who are disatisfied with the way things are being done by the City Leaders and vote in the upcoming Commissioner elections and get people elected that will listen to the majority of the people who are not only paying the bills, but also paying their salarys and attend all public City Budget meetings and with a show of collective voice at what is liked and disliked about how the City Commission/City Manager is or is not doing what is in the best interests of all of the people of the Community, then you will start to " Truly " start to take part in and have an influence over the workings and decisions of YOUR/OUR, Government, which " WE " as the " PEOPLE " duely elected to represent " YOUR/OUR " best interests !
Sorry, people I just couldn' t resist commenting !
January 20, 2011 at 10:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sunshine (anonymous) says...
Well, I will be eagerly awaiting a response....
If anyone is interested, this is what I sent:
Dear Mr. Kessler, Mr Nelson, Mr. Agler, and Ms. Johnson,
I am writing to you in regards to the $100,000 monuments that are to be placed at the east and west entrances of town. I mean no disrespect to you at all, but I would like a little more information about this huge expenditure that I assume Emporian's tax dollars will be paying for. I would like to have all the facts before I get too upset about this matter. I'm not sure how these monuments came about to begin with, but I'm not sure this is something that most Emporians are interested in having. I am all for improving Emporia, but I am sure there are better, more economical ways that could be looked at. Should this not be something that Emporians should have a say in? I feel that that amount of money could be spent other ways that would be beneficial to the citizens of Emporia.There are many people in need, businesses in need....when times are as difficult as they are right now, with people having a hard time finding jobs and many families barely making ends meet, I really hate to see our city spending this amount of money on a beautification project that would make much more sense when times are good and money isn't so tight. The money would surely be better put to use in the schools, for youth programs, or perhaps saving it. Just because the money is there, does that mean it has to be spent?
Maybe there is something that I am not aware of that would make spending this grand sum of money on some monuments make more sense. I would like to ask you to clarify the facts for me and for others in this great town.
Thank you for your time and I thank I in advance for taking the time to respond.
Lisa L. Grey
January 20, 2011 at 10:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jpitman98 (anonymous) says...
I have lived all over the country and in Emporia for the last 5 years. Emporia is by far the poorest managed city out of the dozen or so where I've lived. We have ridiculously high property taxes and the city doesn't even provide many of the basic services for the community (i.e. snow removal). Not only do they fail to provide basic services but they waste money on things like overpriced "rocks". You can bet I'll be voting against all of the current members of the commision the next time they are up for election.
January 20, 2011 at 10:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LilSnow (anonymous) says...
Emporia Community....Actually I am very serious about this matter...what needs to be done to form group and petitioning for resignation of the Emporia City Commission ..I am positive i am NOT the only one who is willing to attend this meeting and needed meetings or signing or asking for signatures of others. If others think this is as important as I do then lets stop talking about it and actually DO something or we will be same as ECC other than we are NOT spending every dime as they have. WHO really wants a change and make this town a place where we can be proud to say we live ..think long and hard...emporia..no longer home of William Allan White..but of greed...self satisfying Commission members and a community that has no voice no choice..sorry I do not want to be a member of that..
January 21, 2011 at 12:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eccentriceric (anonymous) says...
man this is BS. that's a lot of money to put down for a stone with a name carved on it. The city can't have halfway decent hours and open on weekends for the animal shelter, cutting cost and laying off employees for it but they have money to throw away. not to mention the bad streets that never get repaved, sidewalks that never get redone. i put in my reccommendation for a sidewalk and proper crosswalk for us bicyclists and pedestrians at 18th and industrial by Taco Bell but they don't have the money. I'm pretty steamed nonetheless.
January 21, 2011 at 2:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eccentriceric (anonymous) says...
"the only thing those rocks are missing are the words "Here Lies" at the top."
Now that's so funny. i laughed a good one over that!!!! :)
January 21, 2011 at 3:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Steve Corbin,
Have you run across any information on how this was deemed a good idea? I was told in another thread that Jaime Sauder had something to do with it, and since he was behind the visitor's center it would not surprise me. I want to hear the logic behind this.
January 21, 2011 at 3:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
"Jaime Sauder had something to do with it"
I sure would like some confirmation on this, because all these good ideas which are actually really bad ideas seem to stem from him, somehow. Again, I don't want to say too much until this is clarified, but I will say the "Visitor Center/ Dog $h!t Park was a really bad idea. I hope this isn't another one, but I have a strange feeling it is, especially how quickly and how on the down low it was adopted.
Matt
January 21, 2011 at 4:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
I'll take this a step further even.
Jamie, if this was your idea, you need to own up to it, whether it is on here or elsewhere. If not, I apologize for putting your name with it, however I still stand by my statement that the Visitor Center is incredibly stupid and a waste of money we don't have.
Matt
January 21, 2011 at 4:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
matt (anonymous) says...
WOW our City Commission never ceases to amaze me. They just do whatever they want do. One thing not enough people are talking about is VALERIE ZIMMERMAN being appointed to the Community Corrections Board. Is she the City Managers WIFE? You can tell hes from Chicago, hes running Emporia, like the Dailys ran Chicago.
January 21, 2011 at 6:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doun2others (anonymous) says...
This is a ridiculous and obscene decision! I agree with previous posters...Gazette, REPORT to us where this idea originated; and, what the dimensions of these monuments to ego are. Responsibility and understanding of the impact of the economy on lives of Emporians is needed...and shown sorely lacking by the commission's action. $100 grand could have paid 1,000 people $100 each to shovel snow of sidewalks...or done many other fruitful things...even, stayed in the 'bank' for future necessities. As children, when my little sister got frustrated with a board game, she'd just fold up the board and call it quits. Too many governmental leaders are behaving as if they are playing with monopoly money...And, it's not just game tokens and play money that go scattering when the 'board' gets folded up....it's the lives of good, hard-working, struggling people that are thoughtlessly scattered about. The only good thing about this decision is that it will likely generate more interest in the commission election and create greater voter turnout!
January 21, 2011 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jellybelly51 (anonymous) says...
What can I possibly say that hasn't already been said here. I agree it is a huge waste of money and I will remember this ridiculous decision to buy these rocks at the next election. I say throw the bums all out of office and start new we couldn't possibly do any worse then what we have in office now.
January 21, 2011 at 6:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobhornet (anonymous) says...
Keep emailing those commissioners, but don't insult them by asking if they have rocks for brains, etc.! That only gives them an excuse to dismiss your opinion. And our commissioners want nothing more than to dismiss the will of the people!
January 21, 2011 at 7:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lyon (anonymous) says...
I can not believe this was approved!! The city of Emporia needs so many other things that could be improved. Why does Emporia continue to spend money so foolishly???
January 21, 2011 at 8:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
noel_stanton (anonymous) says...
Scarlett,
I'm not a resident of the city either but, as a former Emporian, will comment anyway. Given the many unfunded civic and educational needs, spending this sum on stone menhirs (not monuments, Gazette, look it up in Wikipedia) seems disdainful and negligent.
A guideline for good design teaches not to scatter your elements but rather concentrate them in a complementary group to heighten the effect.
These expensive menhirs will only look like more isolated, roadside clutter. Why not concentrate them at an appropriate place in an arc as a veterans' memorial in the hometown of Veterans' Day? The text of the legislation establishing this day of remembrance could be displayed on the menhirs and perhaps a picture or bust of its author, Congressman Ed Rees be included.
The city should put no more than perhaps $40,000 into the project with the balance coming from Kansas, or even national donors, who wish to honor veterans. Normal highway signs inviting visitors to a momument of national import would attract more visits than "Emporia, Welcome."
Noel Stanton, EHS'59,
Moerlenbach, Germany
PS: The run down tank and helicopter are a pathetic gesture to those who served and should be replaced.
January 21, 2011 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
One more time, just for good measure...
Mayor - Jim Kessler
jkessler@emporia-kansas.gov
Vice-Mayor - Kevin Nelson
knelson@emporia-kansas.gov
City Commissioner - Bobbie Agler
bagler@emporia-kansas.gov
City Commissioner - Julia Johnson
jjohnson@emporia-kansas.gov
January 21, 2011 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
bobhornet,
You may be right on the "rocks in the head" comment. Our mayor was very dissmisve in his response. I hope he isn't planning on running again.
I have since received replies from 2 more of the commissioners who tried to explain their reasoning. Seemed to me they tried to put this off on the Building Futures people.
NO MATTER, it's done, our only hope is they will not approve the two other rocks when they adjust/republish the budget.
NOTE TO COMMISSIONERS:
The city manager steered you wrong on this one.
January 21, 2011 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pinkpintopony (anonymous) says...
There isn't much else I can say that hasn't already been said. The rock thing is a terrible idea and it's tacky. Sorry if I offend anyone who has these carved rocks plopped in their front lawns....but it's a phase that will hopefully go away soon. If we have to get new signs at the entrances of Emporia....why couldn't it at least be something classic and LESS expensive?
January 21, 2011 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
Yes, Valerie is his wife..
However, I think you may be confused on what the CCB does if you're upset that his wife is on the board.
Valerie will do a great job if she has been appointed and this job relates to her degree. She was not just appointed because of who her husband is, but because it is a passion of hers.
Please don't try to drag something good for her through mud because you're unhappy with her husband.
January 21, 2011 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fedup101 (anonymous) says...
I agree that these stones are an incredible waste of money, but just because they have been approved for now doesn't mean that decision cannot be changed. I have lived here all my life and from my observation the highway entrances they are putting these tombstones at at this time are mostly used by people who live in the county or in surrounding small towns. The west entrance to town on highway 50 is the only one that gets much traffic from out of town people and most of that is semi traffic, and they are not going to spend any time frequenting any of the establishments in town. The truck stop is the only place that benefits from them. The other 3 entrances are mainly used by residents in the county or surrounding towns and they already know how pathetic this town is getting.
Some people cannot attend the meetings to voice their opinions because they are working to be able to make ends meet. They, apparently unlike the city, do not have disposable income and need to be able to buy food and clothing.
January 21, 2011 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
http://emporia.media.clients.ellingto...
January 21, 2011 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thrashed (anonymous) says...
One more reason to vote
January 21, 2011 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
For those who need to know !
Emporia Building Futures is responsible for the City Purchasing " ROCKS " and the " POOP PARK ON THE PRAIRIE " !
Need proof ! Then go to, http://www.emporiabuildingfutures.com... and read down through the list of their " WANTS " for example,
Visitor's Information Stop
The City of Emporia is working with Building Futures Goal #8: Increasing Tourism to Emporia, to move ahead with design concepts for the development of a visitor’s information stop, named Prairie Passage Park, on the west side of Emporia near Highway 50 and the Turnpike interchange roundabout.
Over the years, their plan is to build the project in phases as funding becomes available. Phase One will include a walking trail, a small parking lot, and rest areas for visitors to stretch their legs. The City is helping to also get the Prairie Passage Stones and signs moved to the area to create a focal point for travelers. “We want to create a visible identifier to encourage people to stop,” Zimmerman said.
The City of Emporia is working aggressively to improve the aesthetics around town.
Entrance Signs
You may have noticed the new entrance and directional signs in and around Emporia. Now residents and visitors will have more resources for navigating and traveling the city.
There you have it, as to who is responsible for all of the " WANTED " , instead of " NEEDED " spending of your tax dollars !!
And yes, most of the people who are running Emporia by way of connections with the City Commissioners/City Manager are also are " TOP DOGS " with the RDA, CVB, EBF, etc., etc. ! You know the people, people who have " SELF PROCLAIMED " themselves to be the " GODS OF EMPORIA " !
And yes mslater, that inclues the " Sauders " !!!
January 21, 2011 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JAM (anonymous) says...
The citizens of Emporia should have had the opportunity to vote on this.
Keep Kessler in office and the money will continue to be squandered. Emporia can stand up and take over if everyone bands together to get it done.
Until they decide to do so, this nonsense will continue to go on and drag down Emporia until it cannot and will not ever recover.
Complaining about stupidity will not fix the problem. Going to the meetings will be more beneficial.
Take back Emporia before it is too late.
January 21, 2011 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
Ok, it appears that the Emporia Building Futures are behind the project but they are not to blame for the approval to spend the money. That is still on the commission and the city manager for pushing the idea through.
Just because someone asks for something doesn't mean you have to say yes. It is ok to say "No, things are a little tight right now, you may try again when things improve"
January 21, 2011 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
It is true that Building Futures submitted this idea to the commissioners, but keep in mind they did not vote on the funding. This was the commissioners doing. They should have been the responsible party here and they failed badly.
People in public office receive all sorts of ideas, some good and some bad.This is clearly a bad idea, voted for and funded at the worst possible time. This vote says a lot about our leaders and it's not good.
I don't think it will be helpful to give the commissioners a scapegoat. Building Futures had a bad idea. All the commissioners had to do was say "No!" The responsibility for this fiasco lies with them.
January 21, 2011 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
The comment section for the story on the courthouse getting paid off early has been removed. I wonder who bitched about that again.
I have no problem with the courthouse being paid for with sales tax. And now that it is being paid off early is a plus for the county. That's good credit!
Using sales tax to make major purchases means everybody shares in the burden for getting it paid, not just the property owners.
If we need another big purchase and it is a reasonable one to be made with sales tax, I will vote yes. It's less painless that way instead of sticking it to the property owners only.
January 21, 2011 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Wow that had to be a "Record Removal" !
It is great news, (the early pay off).
Let's wait for the other shoe to drop before we get all negative on this one folks.
Good news is Good News. :>)
January 21, 2011 at 12:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bloomsbury (SC DIXON) says...
Let me make an appalling declaration of guilt here. Back in the day when there was talk about a clock tower I was all for it! I remember hearing folks say, “But what’s it good for?” and I would reply, “Well, that’s just typical ‘small town thinking,’ after all, what is the Eiffel Tower good for? The Parisians hated it from the get-go, but now it has come to represent their city worldwide.”
What was the St. Louis Arch “good for?” was the same answer, and so on, so on. The Statue of Liberty, Big Ben, etc.
Naturally, when I read the cost of that project I truly believed in some soaring, inspiring tower, something as high up in the sky as, say, the spire on the Methodist church.
And when said tower came to fruition I was flabbergasted! This stunted, squat little crippled clock “tower” with an un-readable face, much more of an impediment than a monument and they spent HOW MUCH TAXPAYER MONEY ON THIS FISCAL SHAGGY DOG STORY? That little brick hut, that doesn’t even supply shelter from a good rain, cost more to build than my house did!
If it disappeared tomorrow it would take several days for most of us to realize that it was gone!
This was a powerful education to me in how to react in the future to plans from the city or the county. This is the sort of thing that will forever be thrust upon us when the tasteless decide that they arbiters of taste for the rest of us. If a local philanthropist had paid for this (or any other of the white elephant projects) that would be one thing. But this was paid for by you and me, one way or another.
Enough. Some of us have been facing hard times of late and we’ve relearned what we always knew. There are differences between what we WANT and what we NEED. I can’t see where the post rocks fall into either category.
January 21, 2011 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
hi noel,
i'm confused? my last comment was a response to taxing gentlemens clubs. what did i say about design? that was create, i just agreed with her.
i know you are an architect.
i knew your aunt, and i know you, fairly well.
i don't live in the city limits so i don't have a say in what ecc does. sorry if i offended you.
January 21, 2011 at 1:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I received an informative reply from Bob Agler who has given me permission to post it here.
Why doesn't the Gazette look these guys up individually for good in-depth interviews when issues like this one arise?
Here then is the e-mail I received from Bob Agler.
Dear Ms. xxxxx
Thank you for your email.
The entrance signs project has been under consideration and a topic of many commission meetings over the last year or more. The concept was basically developed by the “Building Futures” committees in response to the desire to enhance the appearance of the city entrances. The original funding included the stone signs for four entrances with a maximum $100,000 budget approved for 2010 during budget process in 2009. The source of the funding was the multi-year capital outlay fund which receives the City’s portion of the new County sales tax. During 2010 contracts were developed with the supplier of the stone and Alan Tollakson, a local artist on a “per-stone” basis. City Manager Zimmerman reported that approximately $49,000 of the budget had been spent or encumbered during 2010. During the planning process the Building Futures Committee recommended increasing the sign locations from four to six with the anticipation that the $100,000 budget was sufficient.
The proposed action on Wednesday night was consideration of contractors bids for setting the entrance signs, which were also based on a “per-stone” basis. However, the total final numbers for all six locations was slightly over $140,000 for an increase of 40%. As a result, the two additional locations were eliminated. Additionally, although we approved the “per-stone” agreement with the contractor, we requested that Mr. Emig obtain an extension of time on the contractors agreement pending our final rework of the City’s total 2011 budget, which will take place during the next 30 to 60 days. The result of the 2011 budget rework could impact the entrance sign project further.
I think it is important to again emphasize that this project has been a City Commission discussion topic repeatedly over the last year. We work hard at being very transparent in our deliberations because we are accountable to the City taxpayers, including ourselves. As a result the City mil levy has been between 42.062 and 40.956 during the last eight years.
In response to your first question, yes I can understand why people are so angry and cannot disagree when considering it from their perspective. Hopefully the data and timelines I have related above will provide another perspective. I haven’t heard any blame being place on other departments so cannot comment on that. I’m a firm believer that this is an issue where “the buck stops here”. My take is that I thought we had been very deliberate over the last year on this project. But that is just my perspective.
Again, thank you for your email. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions.
Bob Agler
January 21, 2011 at 1:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sloan (anonymous) says...
Are any of these people running for re-election? If so I hope they are prepared to lose.
January 21, 2011 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
noel, i went back and re-read your post. sorry, i misread what you said.
friends? : )
January 21, 2011 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Well, it is my belief/sentiment, that since the City Manager is a member of Emporia Building Futures and also very active and influencial in City Commission affairs and the spending of taxpayer funds, this fact makes it as much the responsibility of the Emporia Building Futures for the decision to spend $100,000+ of taxpayer funds for " ROCKS " and if anyone else who is a member of EBF and in any way connected with a member of the City Commission, then that is why the EBF should bear as much responsibility for the purchase of the " ROCKS " !!
It is my contention the if any organization public or otherwise, whose members either hold a public office or have connection with any public official, then the public Commissions that make decisions concerning taxpayer funds, etc., should not be allowed to attend or vote at said dispersment/spending of public funds, in fact they should not be allowed to run for or serve on/in any public office where decisions on dispersment/spending of public taxpayer funds is involved !
And the same goes for the RDA, CVB, MAIN STREET, in fact any association, committee, board, etc., that may involve taxpayer funds/funding !!
Has anyone heard of " CONFLICT OF INTEREST " ??
This is the largest problem that is plagueing Emporia and has been a plague for Emporia taxpayers for a long, long time !
January 21, 2011 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eccentriceric (anonymous) says...
I got two emails back from them but they are hellbent on doing it no matter what we say. They strongly support the stones and think it's going to make Emporia look better yada yada yada. The way they talk they don't care about what we say.
January 21, 2011 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
peanuts40 (anonymous) says...
We had a good laugh at some of the comments. Agree with most of the views: Don't spend this kind of money AT THIS TIME. Rethink the signs in stone when times get better, think classic & classy! Maybe even cheaper!
As someone else said, just SAVE the
$ for awhile.
January 21, 2011 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
it's not scientific but so far
429 people think :
Not real sure it's the best investment ( or it's)
Bad idea it's a waste of money.
57 either like it or don't give a darn.
January 21, 2011 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
So create, did his response answer your question? it doesn't sound like an answer to me. This has been discussed and cussed for over a year. You think the elected officials would get a clue from the taxpayer dissatisfaction .
This anger has been brewing for over a year and if our city commission and manager are acting surprised about it now, they don't deserve to be making the decisions. We don't need another perspective, just some common sense when it comes to spending. A commissioner who can say, "No! Not Now the city can't afford it."
January 21, 2011 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
CREATE, Also according to his reply to you
"The source of the funding was the multi-year capital outlay fund which receives the City’s portion of the new County sales tax. "
Wouldn't a better use of that fund be putting it toward the 7 MILLION they are talking about for rain water run off? Isn't that real "CAPITOL OUTLAY"
Let's see, rocks vs. flooded houses.
Well I guess if the rocks are tall enough our toes won't get wet.
January 21, 2011 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
I am sure of you have seen that Ottawa is getting a wind turbine plant. Huct got one not to long ago. Our people are busy spending $100k to put up stone signs.Wouldnt it be better if you are going to spend that kind of money to spend trying to get some jobs here?
January 21, 2011 at 4:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hometownkid (anonymous) says...
You know, yet again we say one thing and do another in emporia. I' don't believe it was that long ago when it was talked about...what to put at our city's entrance's. Heck we were going to put home of Clint bowyer on the sign and the guy bowed out. Now we need more signs??? at $25,000 each?? Zimmerman everyone knows not to cross you in the city, because you make life tough on them. But how did you get this passed by all the commissioners??? We all need to remember this when it comes election time. Its time to express our power as voters at the polls and get a commission who will honestly look at what's good for emporia.
I DON'T THINK EMPORIA NEEDS MORE SIGNS SAYING THIS IS EMPORIA!!
And work for all the work put up to bid?? To everyone?? $40,000 for footings and placement are you insane??? how about $27,000 for someone to come up with the design for the stones?? "Emporia, welcome " how long did it take to come up with that catchy slogan?? I don't think it cost that much for the radio slogan " shop emporia first, it works for emporians" which by the way I personally love. Especially when I run into local business owners, city commissioners, local mayor, and city manager spending money in Topeka. ( yes I have seen them all there personally over the years)
Zimmerman this is a terrible idea for you to approve of unless you are ready to leave emporia. Don't forget three positions on the commission are up for vote soon. That means the majority of the commission will be new people.
January 21, 2011 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
What they dont shop Emporia first? Hard to believe
January 21, 2011 at 5:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Yeah.......rocks. That's what we need. I know a lot of grade school age boys who are really into rocks. I'm sure they'll be excited, but then again, they have no sense of money yet.
(Off topic, but I would be concerned with Mrs. Z being on the CCB because she hasn't proven to be observably stable)
Henry,
While you and I have gone round and round alot, I really have to congratulate you on a great job with that photo. it is going to be my wallpaper shortly. Thanks!
January 21, 2011 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
They are blowing our tax dollars on FREAK'IN ROCKS! Time to get out of this ignorant place. When are they going to get it through their thick skulls that we are in an economic recession and people are getting fed up with this irresponsible spending!!! We have city limit signs that say "EMPORIA" right? Where does this stupidity end? They raise our water rates and taxes and buy rocks!!!!! Jeeeeeezzzzzz!
January 21, 2011 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Bobbie must be using a form letter. I got the same one as above from him
January 21, 2011 at 5:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
I am having visions of the town of Bedrock... yabba dabba doooooooo
January 21, 2011 at 5:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jafo (anonymous) says...
Here's an idea.......take that money and provide whatever Fanistils needs to stay in Emporia. I really don't care whos idea this was, the City Commissioners approved it! A company that has been in this community for years and they will replace that with more rocks. It just doesn't make sense to me. Bring in jobs and the people will come, shut down companies and the people will leave. WAKE UP
January 21, 2011 at 5:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
matt (anonymous) says...
For all to know, the one other applicant that "Lady Zimmerman" beat out was alot more qualified for the position. Shes been envolved in SOS and SRS and the courts. Also "Lady Zimmerman" has let her "First Lady Of The City" attitude be well known to those who have had the misfourtune of working around her in the previous jobs shes gotten threw her connections.
January 21, 2011 at 5:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cap (anonymous) says...
I must apologize to the people of Emporia. I did not see anywhere, this project put up for OPEN bids. I have looked at this from every angle and I can't see this entire project costing more than $45M. And thats with giving back 10% to a charity within the city limits of Emporia. This has always been our standard practice and always will be as long as I'm alive. Commissioner's really need a "standard operating procedure" and stick to it instead of using the "good ole boy" system. Sorry folks. You need to vote again.
January 21, 2011 at 5:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nutsaboutools (anonymous) says...
You want to "beautify" Emporia. How about attracting some businesses/buyers to purchase the many abandoned buildings around here. Use the 100K+ for tax incentives.
January 21, 2011 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Was told they are keeping everything transparent, so no good old boys LOL
January 21, 2011 at 7 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Steve,
Not all the questions were answered.
I am still interested who the supplier of the stone is. In addition, it should not matter how long this idea has been kicked around, the current time is not the time to spend this kind of money, not when other areas are going without so much as penny paid to them.
Also, the more I think about this, the more agitated I become because those stone signs are so very common. Everybody has one. Why must we be so common? If we must come up with entrance exhibits now, why can't we come up with something more original that relates to what we have to offer in Emporia?
Yes, we have a lot to offer. Two institutions of learning for one thing. Perhaps others can add to that. Of course what difference would that make now that city minds are already made up.
January 21, 2011 at 7 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sunshine (anonymous) says...
I received replies from Julie Johnson, Bob Agler, and Jim Kessler...and I replied to their replies. I stated to each one that my bottom like is the timing of this project. I understand that these tax dollars can only be used for infrastructure, but I also stated that I didn't think that is what voters had in mind when they voted that 1/2 cent increase in. I also admitted that I was not aware of this project until it hit the headlines yesterday. My fault for not keeping up on the news and knowing what is going on in these city commission meetings...but I intend to attend as many as I can, or at least check the agenda so I know what is going on. My schedule doesn't permit me to attend the afternoon or morning meetings, but I can certainly attend the evening meetings. I hope that some of you will also attend when possible...this is the only way we are going to be heard on these issues. I don't know if it would have made a difference or not, but I do know that I never seem to hear about these things until its already too late to really do anything about it.
I have nothing against improving Emporia or making it look better. I certainly think it wouldn't have hurt to just hang on a little longer to that money and attempt a "beautification" project when the economic situation is better. This has certainly been an eye opener for me...if we want a say in how our tax dollars are spent, some say in how improvements are made, then we better get in there and let our opinions be heard before the decisions are made for us instead of waiting until after.
January 21, 2011 at 7:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Gorilla (anonymous) says...
I rarely, and I think this makes my second, post so hopefully that carries a little weight when I say that I this is ridiculous. Another example of Emporia trying to stay up with Johnson County.
And was an architect needed for THAT... and for $27,000!
What a joke and a HUGE WASTE OF OUR TAX DOLLARS.
What budget line was this taken from? Whoever thunk this up should have fundraised for it but then they probably knew that we wouldn't donate to it so why waste the time when the City will fit the bill!
January 21, 2011 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Anyone care to guess what will happen to these things when they are put up?
January 21, 2011 at 7:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
"The source of the funding was the multi-year capital outlay fund which receives the City’s portion of the new County sales tax."
I, for one, voted for that "new" sales tax last year because I honestly believed that it would be used for infrastructure like street and sidewalk repair. I thought that more fair to property owners when everyone could share the burden. Remember how they harped on that same concept, and that property owners would be relieved of any extra burdens?
I believe I will think twice about that next time and vote NO on sales tax if this is the way they spend it.
January 21, 2011 at 7:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Jim Kessler wrote:
"The money will come from the Multi Year fund, which is funded by the ½ cent sales tax that was passed by voters two years ago, which can only be used for infrastructure items. We haven’t received our final sales tax figures for 2010, but should be getting around 2 million dollars. The majority of this money is planned to be spent on streets, storm water issues, auditorium improvements, park improvements, etc. that we could not afford to do without this sales tax money. These improvements will benefit the entire community and hopefully instill a strong sense of pride in our town. "
If this is true, then why not use the $100,000 on the improvements listed above? I feel improvement in those areas is much more important than stones. I would rather see them dump it into Soden's Grove(even thought it floods). More people would appreciate that.
January 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
One thing is certain, and I hope they get the message. The 1/2 cent sales tax was not approved so it could be spent on projects such as this.
January 21, 2011 at 7:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Bobbie told me that there were people just as passionate for this as I am against. Think he would care to take a vote on that?
January 21, 2011 at 7:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Then why have they not posted in support? Sample ratio here suggests his statement is false.
I have yet to see anyone make a good argument for them.
January 21, 2011 at 7:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
other than reddog, is anyone supporting this huge waste of money?
January 21, 2011 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doun2others (anonymous) says...
Maybe what Bobbie really means is that those who are passionate FOR the project have so much more power and clout that it doesn't matter how few of them there are! (And, as Gorilla said, this is one of the rare times I've posted. Absolutely ludicrous that we're going to spend this money on this project!
January 21, 2011 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Create, Yes, they are a little behind the times. I have one that is between 20/25 years old. It has been knocked over from its cement pad and the top broken. Believe me mine didn't cost $45,000.,
heaven forbid!!!!
As I said to you earlier, why can't we be proud of what we do have and that is the University and the Vo-tech school. I had mentioned these on an earlier thread concerning the fair grounds. If it is felt that we need to do something to make Emporia standout, why not do it in a positive manner by telling our pluses. We did start out positive by the Veteran signs, thanks to Jesse Solis and if you remember at the time, that was a battle and donations were given.
Let us continue being positive and not the laughing site of the state.
January 21, 2011 at 8:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Neither have I.
Who are these passionate people? Jamie Sauder? A kid who never had to go without or practice need not want.
Like you, I would think those "passionate people" would be here on the forums screaming at the rest of us who are so vehemently opposed to this stupid project.
Julie Johnson led her e-mail to me with, "Since 1999 when I was first elected to the Emporia City Commission, residents have complained about the appearance of the entrances to the city."
So? The only way I could accept that as a reason for standing rocks is if there were a surplus of funds to spend on aesthetics. Instead, we have many streets in dire need of paving and crumbling sidewalks all over the city. And now we may have to pay for storm water removal ourselves?
Not one person on these forums has been for this. Not one. On top of that, we have had many more posting than the ones who ordinarily do. That says something about the number of people who are angry about this.
I wonder if those people on the commish even read these comments. I have my doubts. We need another big city town meeting.
January 21, 2011 at 8:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
I am county and not city, but everytime "I shop Emporia", I'm paying that tax.
January 21, 2011 at 8:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
What are the specs on this
bid;
"The commission voted 4-0 to pay Mitchell-Markowitz Construction $41,225 to build the foundation and set the entrance stones for the monuments."
This is all I heard tonight at the coffee shop. people who have actually done work like this wondering about this bid amount. What does a 3x3or even a 6x6 slab cost? What does it cost to pour 4 foundations for 4 - 2,000 square foot homes? Am i wrong or is this an outrageous price? i don't begrudge the company making a profit, but come on?
Mitchell Markowitz, do you own the old Kenyon Hall on the old C of E property? If you do will you please fix the broken windows on the building? I remember the city fining or threatening to fine the owner of the old Ramada Inn building for having broken windows before that building was torn down. Maybe it was because he was one of them there foreigners and not a bud of the commission?
ALSO;
Couldn't the city have ordered 2 sided full colored rocks a whole lot cheaper from Bluestem Farm and Ranch?
Just some thoughts and personal opinions from the coffee crew.
January 21, 2011 at 8:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Maybe we will finally get these people voted out. No offense to you Steve but because a person owns a business (my wife does) dont mean they will be good in office. Lot easier to waste other folks money than yours.
January 21, 2011 at 9:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Enough is enough. The commission and city manager have finally p-ssed off enough people. There is an election coming up and it may decide a MAJORITY on the commission. Don't make this election a decision on whether to fire the city manager or not. City officials, your actions may make the upcoming election a referendum on this.
But then again, this is just my opinion.
January 21, 2011 at 9:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
booker5m, I agree with you, on the business owner aspect. what do you mean?
January 21, 2011 at 9:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
what do I mean ?
January 21, 2011 at 9:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Maybe we will finally get these people voted out. No offense to you Steve but because a person owns a business (my wife does) dont mean they will be good in office. Lot easier to waste other folks money than yours
January 21, 2011 at 9:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
I was refering to that Emporians tend to vote for a business owner thinking because they have done well in business they should be able to run city business but that not the case. How many would run their business like they have the last few years with the city? Steve is this what you mean?
January 21, 2011 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Emporia already has stones. What we need is a gold mine. Get the word out that we struck gold in the cottonwood river. We could sell tourists pie pans for $10 each and let them pan for gold down at sodens grove. For a small fee of course. :-)
January 21, 2011 at 9:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
o.k. i SEE WHAT YOU MEAN, and i agree.
The last city election i voted that way because i thought Kessler, Nelson, Longbine and Agler all had successful businesses. I thought o.k. these guys know what's up. On a lot of issues they proved me right. On others I was shocked at how they voted. This is why I said earlier we need to stop voting personalities and vote the facts. I told a candidate tonight that he was in for some tough questions in this race. He is a friend and has my support for now, but he knows there will be some tough questions and if they are not answered to my satisfaction he won't get my vote. To me it isn't personal, I want the best there is to represent us all. that is what we should all think about when casting our votes. on another thread someone thanked the candidates just for running and bringing the issues facing us to the forefront. couldn't have said it better myself.
January 21, 2011 at 9:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Can I come and campain in the bar LOL
January 21, 2011 at 9:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
it may be illegal to buy a vote(or drink), but no one will tell.
Hey this could be a money-maker.
January 21, 2011 at 9:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
The comedian on comedy central right now is hilarious
January 21, 2011 at 9:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hometownkid (anonymous) says...
steve-
Mitchell Markowitz sold the building to an out of town investor. And does anyone have a copy of the open bidding on the work they got awarded?? Does anyone know what it takes to get on the list for invatation to bid process??? And how in the world did we pay someone $27,000 to design these stones that let us know we are entering emporia?? Don't we already have signs that state that???
January 21, 2011 at 10:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Jim Kessler wrote:
"The money will come from the Multi Year fund, which is funded by the ½ cent sales tax that was passed by voters two years ago, which can only be used for infrastructure items.
Definitions of infrastructure (n)
in·fra·struc·ture [ ínfrə strùkchər ]
1. basic organization: the most basic level of organizational structure in a complex body or system that serves as a foundation for the rest
public services or systems:
2. the large-scale public systems, services, and facilities of a country or region that are necessary for economic activity, including power and water supplies, public transportation, telecommunications, roads, and schools
Now I would be interested to know, exactly what do " ENTRANCE ROCKS " have to do with " INFRASTRUCTURE ", as pertains to the above definition of the word " infrastructure " ???
Since the " ROCKS " do not provide any sort of " FOUNDATION " for a complex body or system nor are the " ROCKS " necessary for economic activity, including power and water supplies, public transportation, telecommunications, roads, and schools
Exactly how did the City Manager and City Commission justify the use of sales tax funds for " ROCKS " and not for " NEEDED " infrastructure maintenance and repairs and have they also forgotten that projected/guessed/hoped for sales tax revenues are just that, PROJECTED or A BEST GUESS AT BEST or HOPE/PRAYER !!!
January 21, 2011 at 10:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Where they have all failed is they think they are God ordained to what ever they want.Me I would sit down and listen to what the voters want and go from there. If the voter feel we should cut services then that is what should happen.They screw up and try and tax us into prosperity and it never works. The airheads need to save when times are good instead spending like crazy because bad times always come.
January 21, 2011 at 10:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flyboy32 (anonymous) says...
Folks. The commissioners committed the sales tax to infrastructure. It was their choice not the ballot. The county used it for tax relief. they can use it any way they want. For vacant positions, potholes, clearing roads or even storm water issues.
January 21, 2011 at 10:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Forgot its their money do whatever they like
January 21, 2011 at 10:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flyboy32 (anonymous) says...
I'm not saying this is right, only that you should not let them use that line as justification for their actions
January 21, 2011 at 10:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flyboy32 (anonymous) says...
Heck that rock looks like a giant phallic symbol. "The P---is of the prairie.". Suppose there is a giant condom for rainy days?
January 21, 2011 at 11:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Y'all must have some rough looking ding-a-lings. Don't dangle yer ding-a-ling in dung. It might heal up.
January 21, 2011 at 11:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flyboy32 (anonymous) says...
Just like 2001 A Space Odessy. (lots of humming in the background). Fitting this one is brown..kind of like those cow pies.
January 21, 2011 at 11:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mok (anonymous) says...
Them there big rocks make a right nice place for buzzards to sit,and smell the stench of death .
January 22, 2011 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tossedcat (anonymous) says...
I bet the compaines will be lining up outside the city managers office for permits to build.... YOU GUYS THAT RUN THIS CITY ARE IDIOTS AND YOUR RECORD SPEAKS LOUDLY I seen more county graders removing snow than city sand trucks dumping sand.Welcome to a town that has nothing to offer, that's what the sign needs to say... When i was a kid i remember whose town would be bigger salina or emporia? I guess we lost by 100.000 people.Election time can't come soon enought!!!
January 22, 2011 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
This particular comment needs repeating and please pay particular attention to the last 8 words in this particular comment by one of the Citys' leaders !
Jim Kessler wrote:
"The money will come from the Multi Year fund, which is funded by the ½ cent sales tax that was passed by voters two years ago, which can only be used for infrastructure items.
These words, verbatum, were/are,
" which can only be used for infrastructure items. "
Seems that Mr. Kessler ! My question to Mr. Kessler would be, If, as you say the sales tax revenues " can only be used for infrastructure items. " , then why did you and the other commissioners vote to spend sales tax money for non infrastructure items, such as " ROCKS " and did you and the other commissioners break any State laws/statues concerning use of sales tax moneies/revenue by voting to purchase non-infrastructure " ROCKS " ???
January 22, 2011 at 3:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
The sales tax revenue money that is collected and put into a multi-year fund, as I see it, is how moneys are put into and juggled/transfered from one fund to another fund is how moneys are used for purposes other than what possible State statues/laws dictate/require them to be used for !
Is this possibly " ILLEGAL " ? I don' t really know, YET !!
Just thinking out loud !!!
January 22, 2011 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
This may be somewhat off topic, but it does concern sales tax, somewhat !
Studies Agree: A Sales Tax Increase Kills Jobs By Paul Soutar on April 21, 2010
source: http://kansas.watchdog.org/3488/studi...
January 22, 2011 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
I think Ray's dad on Everybody Loves Raymond said it best when he said....."HOLY CRAP" !
January 22, 2011 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
hometownkid,
when I asked about the Kenyon hall building, you said it had been sold to an out of town investor? If this is true why is it still listed on the county appraisers sight as owned by Mitchell Markowitz LLC? Is the county slipping up on its web site?
January 22, 2011 at 7:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
An excerpt from the November 3, city commission minutes:
CITY COMMISSION
(Approve Contract with Alan Tollekson)
(Carve Entrance Signs for Emporia)
City Manager Zimmerman stated Alan Tollekson has presented a proposal for the Commission’s consideration to carve entrance signs for Emporia. He stated the proposal has been prepared by the City’s consultant, Dave Emig, of Emig and Associates, and matches what the Building Future Goal 8 Committee proposed to the Commission. He stated the cost is $7,500 per feature, and Mr. Tollekson will donate one carving at a value of $4,000. The total cost will be $41,000, assuming a total of six entrance signs. He stated Mr. Emig has agreed to a price of $1,000 per stone from Bob Davis’ quarry. Mr. Emig is working to finalize contracts for construction of the foundation for each entrance sign and transportation of the stone to the entrance. The Goal 8 Committee is continuing to work to try to get the transportation costs donated or at a significantly reduce price. He stated the City has budgeted $100,500., for the entrance signs and staff believes the project will not exceed budget.
Following further discussion, Commissioner Johnson made a motion approving the contract for carving the entrance features to the City to Alan Tollekson. Commissioner Nelson seconded the motion. The vote follows: Commissioner Johnson, aye; Commissioner Nelson, aye; Commissioner Agler, aye; Commissioner Longbine, aye; and Mayor Kessler, aye.
January 22, 2011 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Not only is this is a terrible idea, it's a terrible idea that's 40% over budget.
Matt
January 22, 2011 at 9:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
karma (anonymous) says...
Okay so I recieved one response only and that was from Julia Johnson. Now, is it me or does it seem like they are forwarding the same e-mail responses to everybody? No appology? Nothing in regards to the link I sent them directing them straight to this thread so that they can see what the majority of Emporia tax payers think? I'm extremely dissapointed and really dont care to see what other lame responses I get from the rest of the commission. If they dont give a rats nest what Emporians have to say or want then why would should I bother e-mailing them or going to public meetings? To waste time, no thank you.
What I can do however is vote! :)
BTW this is the e-mail I recieved:
Thank you for your e-mail.
Since 1999 when I was first elected to the Emporia City Commission, residents have complained about the appearance of the entrances to the city. The topic was also discussed during our long-range planning sessions. As a result of these discussions, one of the long-term goals of the city commission and more recently the "Building Futures" committees has been the improvement of the physical appearance of the city. After numerous meetings and study sessions a consensus reached was that we needed to improve the entrances to the city. We approved a design that local artist Alan Tollakson will produce on stone from a local quarry. We budgeted money in the 2010 budget for the project. During the discussions it was suggested that in addition to East and West Highway 50 and North and South Highway 99, it would be a good idea to have entrance features at the I-35 exits on Industrial. Wednesday night we considered the bids for the project. We have not budgeted enough to do the ones at I-35, but we did decide to go ahead with the other four which we had budgeted for when we did the 2010 budget in 2009.
I think that the physical appearance of a city says a lot to those traveling through, passing by, those new to the city or thinking about locating here about our pride in and belief in the future of Emporia. It is never easy to spend tax monies, especially in trying economic times, but sometimes that is precisely when it is most necessary for the future of a community. That is why I supported the project.
Julie Johnson
January 23, 2011 at 12:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Mine was the exact same canned response.
January 23, 2011 at 1:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
For those of you wondering about the bidding process for projects that is required by state statute ( KSA 13-1017) please read Emporia charter ordinance that follows:
NO. 23. COMPETITIVE BIDDING OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Charter Ordinance No. 23
A CHARTER ORDINANCE EXEMPTING THE CITY OF EMPORIA, KANSAS, FROM THE PROVISIONS OF K S.A. 13-1017, RELATING TO THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF EMPORIA, KANSAS:
Section 1. The city of Emporia, Kansas, under authority of Article XII, Section 5, of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, hereby elects to exempt itself from and make inapplicable to it K.S.A. 13-1017 which is a provision relating to the competitive bidding of public improvement projects, which provision is either an enactment or a part thereof which may be applicable to this city but is not applicable uniformly to all cities.
Section 2 . This ordinance shall be published once each week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the official city newspaper.
Section 3 . This Charter Ordinance shall take effect sixty (60) days after final publication unless a sufficient petition for a referendum is filed requiring a referendum be held on the ordinance as provided in Article XII, Section 5, Subdivision (c)(3), of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, in which case, the ordinance shall be effective if approved by a majority of electors voting thereon.
Passed by the Governing Body, not less than two-thirds of the members elect voting in favor thereof, this 21st day of May, 1986.
/s/ W.L. Jenks
W.L. JENKS, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Susan Van Gundy
SUSAN VAN GUNDY, City Clerk
MY thoughts;
KSA 13-1017 Requires cities to bid out any project over $2,000.00. It may have been a pain in some instances, but considering this project it is too bad the commission did not have to bid this project.
January 23, 2011 at 5:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
THIS MAY BE A GOOD QUESTION FOR CITY COMMISSION CANDIDATES;
Would you be in favor of amending city Charter Ordinance 23 to require competitive bids on any project over $10,000.00 ?
January 23, 2011 at 6 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
After some checking I came up with these fiqures;
Hotel tax money from the city given to The Convention and Tourism Bureau ;
2008--$328,000.00
2009--$338,000.00
2010--$358,000.00 (est)
2011--$375,000.00 (est)
And the group that came up with this "stone idea", Building Futures Program;
2008---They didn't exist.
2009--$25,000.00
2010--$25,000.00 (est)
2011--$25,000.00 (est)
Now supposedly this is all funded by motel tax money and is to be used for convention and tourism.
So if these rocks at the entrances to Emporia are supposed to promote Emporia for visitors and conventioniers coming into Emporia, Why doesn't the CVB finance it with their money instead of the city doing it with General Fund / Cap Outlay Money?
$1,399,000.00 (est) for convention and tourism (4 years and not counting building futures program) and you guys can't pay for your own ides?
January 23, 2011 at 6:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
ideas
January 23, 2011 at 6:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Sorry, too much coffee.
You all know what BFD means?
Building
Futures
Program.
Anyone?
January 23, 2011 at 6:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
I think the CVB owes the hotel/motel industry in town a huge apology. That's a LOT of tax dollars that could have been MUCH better spent, especially considering most of the events that bring people into town the CVB has nothing to do with/ knows nothing about. The Dirty Kanza bike ride is a perfect example of that.
Not only did they not even know it existed until last year, they didn't have anything to do with it, even after they were aware of it. Thank goodness Main Street jumped on it. I see this being a REALLY big ride in 2-3 years.
This is just one example of MANY that I could come up with. Basically, it seems to me that if the CVB/ Chamber/ City doesn't come up with an idea, it is very much looked down on. Yes, I have first-hand experience with this, too.
Matt
January 23, 2011 at 7:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good post, Steve. Those figures are very interesting. I wonder what cock-a-mamie (sorry, couldn't help it, not enough coffee) excuse they would have to dispute these figures were you to present them at a meeting?
I'd like to see a line-by-line budget from each of the Building Futures Program and the Convention and Tourist Bureau. Neither of those should have any discretionary funds, ever. I'll be willing to say that they do.
I'd also like them to prove the exact amount of interest that has been generated by that ten-thousand dollar ad in "O" magazine. I don't know about anybody else, but I read several magazines. Rare is the time I put into reading the ads.
While we're at it, I'd also like to see an exact budget as outlined in the bid(s) for placing and erecting that Pecker on the Plains.
Stone them!
January 23, 2011 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
BTW, I got the same canned response from Julie Johnson; however, to be fair, were all of us to be at one meeting and someone asked the question, we would all be receiving one answer.
Still, it does seem as if it is a waste of time to e-mail these commissioners, particularly if they all decided on the message beforehand. It sounds as if they did because they all voted "aye" on approving the contract.
Thanks for posting the minutes, Steve. BTW, I believe that city Charter 23 does need to be amended, but not for 10 thousand dollars. Instead, 8.
January 23, 2011 at 8:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve, you asked," Why doesn't the CVB finance it with their money instead of the city doing it with General Fund / Cap Outlay Money? "
I believe I can answer this question, in my own way, for you !
Any/all, so called committees, associations in Emporia, such as, CVB, RDA, MAIN STREET, EBF etc., believe that all tax monies, sales tax, Hotel/Motel tax, Liquor Tax, Property Tax, etc., IS actually THEIR MONEY and ENTITLED TO IT, DEMAND IT and DO WITH IT AS THEY PLEASE, thru the influence/connections these people who serve on the committees have with/over the people who serve as City Commissioners, County Commissioners, City Managers, etc., etc.. !
Hell some of these people on these committies, associations, boards, etc. are close friends of, neighbor of, business partners/associates of and even serve as City Manager and City Commissioners ! This type of arrangement is known as " A GOOD OLE BOYS /GIRLS CLUB ", and this is something that has existed for and the way things in Emporia have been done for decades and has continued to get worse !!
As for the reply to karma by J. JOHNSON, "Since 1999 when I was first elected to the Emporia City Commission, residents have complained about the appearance of the entrances to the city. "
I would ask her, which residents or how many residents have been complaining about the entrances to the City and how many of these residents would be willing to donate ttheir own personal money to pay for the " ROCKS/PECKERS " that will adorn the Citys entrances ? I would bet the answer would be an emphatic " NO " !
January 23, 2011 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
What is particularly troubling is if this is being paid for by the 1/2 cent sales tax money for infrastructure. Well It really doesn't matter where it is coming from.
In the last month the commission was told we need a storm water utility established to help pay for an estimated 7 MILLION DOLLAR sewer improvement.
For 3 commissioners to decide this expenditure was needed is downright sad. Especially when 1 of them is an accountant.
January 23, 2011 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
I think you are all looking at this the wrong way. Apparently, finances are much better in Emporia than anyone ever imagined. Your streets must be in good repair, other infrastructure all up to code, crime under control and all emergency services fully staffed. That must be the case for the city fathers to see fit to spend money in this way. You Emporians are truly blessed to be living in the land of plenty during these trying financial times. Perhaps members of the city commission will go on to the state house and even DC to share their financial wisdom with more people.
January 23, 2011 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
What is sad to me, is the fact that there seems to be more people, finally waking up to the fact that there is something wrong " In River City ", but if and until these, all of the people, who believe that the spending being done by the City Commission is not in the best interests of " all of the people of Emporia " will attend the public budget hearings or march on City Hall in prostest to the" nonchalant " way the City Commissioners, City Manager and their " FRIENDS/CRONIES/ASSOCIATES/PUPPET MASTERS " are surely sending you/me and others, including closer to " BANKRUPTCY " , things will not change one bit ! Oh, and voting will also bring about change, exactly what kind of change, I can' t really tell you !
But many voices united, will be heard and given more credence than just one or a few !
January 23, 2011 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Glad to see there is at least one person who thinks finances in Emporia are all well and good !
Or was your comment alfalfa meant to be totally sarcastic ?
January 23, 2011 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Profected storm sewer repair/upgrade/replacement cost -- $7 million dollars !
Who will pay for this ? You, me, my children, your children, my grandchildren, your grandchildren and who knows how many future generations of over taxed/taxpaying citizens of Emporia, if there will be any future generations of Emporians to pay for the City Leaders mismanagement ?
Again I must ask ! The City Fathers/Commission has known that the storm sewer system has needed maintenance and repair for decades ! Hell I can remember as a kid, every time a heavy rain occured, almost every street in town turned into a river/lake, why wasn' t the storm sewer system maintained/repaired/upgraded long ago, when there were more people working and paying taxes, instead of squandering tax monies on " TRINKETS " that someone wanted ?
Bad City business management ? I believe, emphatically YES !!
January 23, 2011 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I WOULD LIKE YOU TO ASK THE CANDIDATES, ________________________________________________________________________________________ (FILL IN THE SPACE AND E-MAIL TO THE GAZETTE NEWS ROOM.
January 23, 2011 at 11:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
newsroom@emporiagazette.com
January 23, 2011 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
WHAT i MEAN IS Here is the link and let's let the Gazette know what OUR burning questions for the city commission candidates are
newsroom@emporiagazette.com
January 23, 2011 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Ok, that's it. This has to end right now. No more City Council Meetings at Town Royal.
January 23, 2011 at 12:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
i'm thinkn MORE city council meetings at the Royal, twenty drunken sailors could come up with better ideas.
January 23, 2011 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
GOOD ONE MATT !
I know if any of the commissioners had stumbled in Friday after work they would have been pretty uncomfortable. Perhaps the ECC would be a more comfortable watering hole? For some anyway.
i want you to know Matt, that I did Everything I could to cool down the upset coffee drinkers. That's just how I am.:>)
January 23, 2011 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oops (anonymous) says...
Heck we are gonna spend more on decorative rocks than we did on a fire truck. Have they checked to see if one of the KC suburbs have some old worn out rocks they are looking to offload?
January 23, 2011 at 6:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
custom (anonymous) says...
WOW! 41 thousand for the foundation? maybe we better put this up for bid. i'll do it for half that.
January 23, 2011 at 6:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flyboy32 (anonymous) says...
You mean the used firetruck that is broken down all the time? Or the POS police cars we have?
January 23, 2011 at 7:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oops (anonymous) says...
Its was supposed to be sarcasm. Leawood firefighters love to ask Emporia guys when they see them at classes how that POS fire is fire engine is running.
January 23, 2011 at 8:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve, there it is my questions, sent to the Emporia Gazette !
I don' t really expect anything to come of it !
As City Commissioners and City manager, Everyone who lives or has lived in Emporia, for any length of time at all, knows that there has been a problem with the Storm Sewer system for at least the last 5 decades ( 50 years ) or more, including City Commissioners City Managers and all self appointed City leaders, both past and present, and yet absolutely nothing was done or has been done about upgrading, maintaining, repairing, etc., the Storm Sewer System, even when Emporia was flush with jobs and taxpayers, paying taxes, my question is WHY and why was a $100,000 + expenditure for " ROCKS " that in my and others opinion will not benefit all of Emporias taxpayers in any way what-so-ever ?
Do you really believe that now, in this depressed economic situation, in Emporia and the Country, that now is the time to spend tax money foolishly ?
Would it not behoove you, as our elected City Leaders to cut spending for " UNNECESSARY " trinkets that someone " WANTS " and start using the 1/2 cent sales tax or any tax monies, exclussivly for " NEEDED " upkeep of the Citys infrastructure and City Services, i.e., streets, storm sewer, sidewalks, street snow removal, Fire protection, Police Protection, Emergency Services, etc. and absolutely do not subsidize the EBF, RDA, CVB, MAIN STREET, EAC, etc., with any local taxpayer tax monies, PERIOD, no exceptions ?
January 23, 2011 at 9:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
Sarcasm methusla.
January 23, 2011 at 11:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
I'm from Leawood, but live in Emporia to work on my MBA. It's unsettling that the government officials want to spend over $100,000 for rock entrance signs. Yes, many cities in Johnson County have rock entrance signs. However, the city governments, within Johnson County, have their priorities in order. Streets (maintenance and snow removal), housing codes and emergency services (fire, police and EMT) are within their top concern. I'm not saying Lyon County should be the next Johnson County ... However, with 8 percent sales tax Emporia isn't too far behind Leawood with 9 percent.
You can state the obvious, within Emporia, many of the houses do not meet code. I've seen houses, in Emporia, that, if located within the inner-city of KCMO would be condemned!! Enforce housing codes and condemn those that can't be fixed.
The new housing development, in Emporia, (that can be seen off the interstate) is a crisis in the making. I can't believe the city government would allow new houses to be built without planting trees. Within a few years, the soil is going to erode because of water run off and that housing development will be in trouble. That will be a huge price tag, to the citizens, to repair ... if the city gets around to the repairs. If it effects federal roads, then the citizens of Emporia will be sunk financially to foot the cost of the repairs.
While driving on the interstate, very few businesses are advertised. As a matter of fact, when you pass Emporia's McDonalds on the turnpike a sign reads, "Next Services 29 miles". Unless someone is searching for restaurants, gas stations, hotels or coffee shops on their phones, they will pass by Emporia and continue towards Wichita.
If the city government wants to impress visitors and attract business, then fix the streets and enforce housing codes. If people are complaining about entrances to the city, don't put up rocks, fix the entrances. It's like a real estate agent who's hosting an open house: The house is falling apart, but the address is carved in an expensive rock. Ain't nobody going to buy it.
January 23, 2011 at 11:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
banshee (anonymous) says...
Over $141,000 on, basically, a bunch of rocks when there are people in this town going hungry and scrounging to pay for rent and heat? This is a humongous mistake.
January 23, 2011 at 11:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Did the city government research these entrance monuments? Even though it's not a good time to build, in Emporia, the City of Overland planned to spend approximately $10,000 per entrance monument. They city of OP wouldn't have spent more than $40,000 for 4 signs.
The city of Olathe spent approximately $30,000 for their entrance monument ... but that's a beautiful stone wall with fountains and trees. However, each city built the monuments after beautification projects were completed.
With that information, the elected officials in Emporia need to justify, not only the cost, but also the timing of the rocks.
January 24, 2011 at 12:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
I'll say it again;
City of Overland Park: $10,000 approx. per entrance monument. 4 signs = $40,000
City of Olathe: $30,000 for an entrance monument ... however, it's a stone wall with fountains, trees, flowers and landscape lighting.
Built: Only after beautification projects were completed.
Emporia Government: Why so much for your simple rock with etching and why so soon?
January 24, 2011 at 12:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LilSnow (anonymous) says...
Mr Alfalfa...love your sense of humor..made me giggle..ha ha..glad someone else thinks the way i do..and Mr Steve..keep up the thought process..you make much more sense than one word from our 'dear city commission'...COFFEE IS our best friend..
January 24, 2011 at 5:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LilSnow (anonymous) says...
And just out of left field HOW many 'visitors' to emporia come from the south 99 or north 99? Pretty sure everyone from admire and olpe know they ARE entering the 'fine city of emporia' same as east and west 50 ..wee worried the poor cattle coming in from west 50 might be 'misplaced' (never lost just misplaced) without these signs..and for the east..OMG people coming in from the Camp Alexander area well same thing they might be 'misplaced' sooo maybe these signs will prevent many many lost people ..can't we get them to say "LEAVING EMPORIA" instead..leaving just like all the business..and any hope we might have had for a better future..as long as our "dear emporia commission and their 'BUTTIES' " are allowed to stay FlyBoy hush hon..they didn't think about the next 100,000 for the 'CCOR' (condom in case of rain) ha ha..and Create omg you and i are both running looow on coffee now...pretty sure my veins are empty..but like the way you think ..Miss Methulsa and the rest of our community..hats off to you all...
January 24, 2011 at 6:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
well, we have until noon tomorrow to find out if there will be a primary election for city commission. I think it will probably happen, and what fun we will have cussing and discussing the election on these forums.
Remember , "All politics are local."
January 24, 2011 at 6:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
What do you all think of this?
In a gazette piece dated July 31, 2010 Kent Harriman? RDA director stated some of the following.
From 1995 through 2009 the 1/2 cent tax brought in $27 + MIllion dollars.
$13,767,286.00 city general fund
$2,474,400.00 to pool bonds
$11,301,307 to Industrial Sales tax fund.
We have since been duped into extending that tax through 2024.
if you figure up the totals it averages a little under a million a year, (917,819.07) per year into the General fund.
We have 12-13 years left of this tax,
if the city put $500,000.00 per year of this tax into infrastructure, like oh, say a sewer fund, it sure would have gone a long way, ($6 million), in paying for that $7 million sewer project they are discussing now. It wouldn't "purdy up" Emporia but it sure would help it.
Now explain this to me like I'm a 3rd grader, Mr. Mayor? Didn't you say,
""The money will come from the Multi Year fund, which is funded by the ½ cent sales tax that was passed by voters two years ago, which can only be used for infrastructure items."?
What is infrastructure, rock signs or a storm sewer system?
And now you people want to tax us on rainfall to pay for YOUR shortsightedness?
Look at it this way, commissioners.
You had better hope the RDA has brought all the industry to town we can handle by 2024, your chances at funding it past then have been hampered by this expenditure of "signs"
January 24, 2011 at 7:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I guess it doesn't matter much to you all? You'll all probably all be retired and living in Palm Springs or Texas, playing golf.
January 24, 2011 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good question on the definition of infrastructure, Steve. Several dictionaries have several definitions, even on the Net. At least there I found one that relates to government...
public services or systems: the large-scale public systems, services, and facilities of a country or region that are necessary for economic activity, including power and water supplies, public transportation, telecommunications, roads, and schools
There you have it. I'm guessing the "necessary for economic activity" phrase ropes it in for those signs.
newtoemporia, I like your posts. Good information on expenditures from those other places. They seem to have been able to obtain some bargain rocks. I wonder if they are buying their rock from the same rock farm we are?
True, I wonder just how much real research went into these giant emblems of entrance?
January 24, 2011 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
LilSnow
" Miss Methusla ", should have been " Mr. Methusla ", buts that perfectly o.k., as you had no way of knowing and besides, I have been called much, much worse ! LOL
January 24, 2011 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia ,
As you have so readily observed the City of Emporia is and has been in trouble for many years, because of mismanagement of tax revenues and wanton, runaway, ridiculous expenditure of taxpayer monies on stupid, needless, so called " amenities " that have been touted as " PROGRESSIVE " or " TAKING EMPORIA INTO THE FUTURE " !
But the " Self appointed leaders ( GODS ) of Emporia and their " BUDDIES " on the City Commission fail to see that Emporia is a complete Community and not just a Community of those who just happen to be lucky enough to be one of the Affluent, Elite, Wealthy and supposedly " KNOW IT ALLS " !
newtoemporia , but this is the way this small Town on the Prairie has been " RULED and BULLIED " for many years ! And in case those Affluent, Elite, Wealthy types have not noticed, Emporia was founded as a farming/ranching Community and is still primarily a Farming and Ranching Community with the exception of the few industries that have come and gone, but " FARMING and RANCHING " is still a major industry in the area !
The following are some statistics/facts that just may be of interest to everyone !
City of Emporia Population :
July, 2009 - 24,868, which is a 7.9 % drop since 2000 !
Estimated median household income in 2009: $30,133 (it was $30,809 in 2000)
Emporia:
$30,133
Kansas:
$47,817
Estimated per capita income in 2009: $15,659
I don' t care how much money that is spent on " ENTRANCE STONES/ROCKS " or such things as library statues, building murals, Dog Poop Parks, Pools in the Prairie, Golf Course Ponds, etc.or how much the City subsidizes committees, boards or organizations to study the problem, the problem remains with the mismanagement of funds by the self appointed leaders/Gods of the City of Emporia and their Buddies/Cronies the City Manager andd the City Commissioners, who abslolutely refuse to listen to the " PEOPLE ", all of the people and not just the few self appointed ruling class of " PEOPLE " and their wants instead of the needs of the City/Community as a whole !!
January 24, 2011 at 9:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Huh...
Matt
January 24, 2011 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
This is a " Declaration " of the rights of the governed ( People ) to abolish or change government, if the people determine the government , put in place by the " PEOPLE ", is no longer serving the best interests of all of the people and is doing harm to the " PEOPLE " and replace the government, if deemed necessary !
January 24, 2011 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
mslater, Afghan declaration?
January 24, 2011 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Just checked the poll on this:
I'm excited! They will be a nice addition 5% 50 votes
I see a good consistent brand image in them 3% 30 votes
No opinion, don't care either way 2% 27 votes
Not real sure it's the best investment 12% 128 votes
Bad idea it's a waste of money. 76% 765 votes
1000 total votes
January 24, 2011 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I find it difficult to believe that 14% of the people who voted either don't care either way or aren't real sure.
January 24, 2011 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Thanks, create. The citizens of Emporia have a lot of passion and I have enjoyed reading these forums. Keep your voice and work towards reforming your government. I have to agree that stone entrance signs, dog parks, ponds on golf courses are not progressive. I will venture a guess that most of the city's leaders spend their weekends in Kansas City or Wichita. They see what these cities are doing and have to offer and want the same for Emporia. It's great that they want Emporia to be recognized, but they have to start at the very basic. It's mentioned again and again: First and foremost, change the city government, fix the houses, streets and emergency responders. Few people will move to Emporia or want to start a business in Emporia until this has been accomplished.
People in Kansas City spend, on average, over an hour driving one way, to work. People are leaving the city because they want to live in less populated areas. Not to mention, all the corporations that are shifting to employees working from home. When that happens, people move to smaller communities because they don't need to live in a city.
Emporia is a centralized location. The only reason why people aren't moving to Emporia and driving to the major metros, working from home or opening new business, isn't because of the lack of entrance signs, etc ... but, because the town is in need of major repairs.
The water park is a nice amenity, but market Emporia for what it is: a small farming and ranching community nestled in the Flinthills. The founders of Veteran’s Day. The National Teacher’s Hall of Fame. etc, etc, etc.
To “Make Emporia Great”: First, improve the city's housing, streets and emergency services. Then, market the city. ** But, don’t spend $10,000 to advertise in “O” magazine. (ECVB sent out over 2,000 pieces of mail to people interested in Emporia) Now, add the price of stamps and work hours involved. I’d like to see the return on investment for the advertisement. And, don’t say, “We had 1,200 visitors during those months.” Show me how you specifically tracked those leads ... You did track those leads, right?! Otherwise, people could have stopped because gas was cheaper than the turnpike or, it was a hot month and Braum’s sounded good, or college graduation** And, how will the city track leads from the proposed rocks? Before you spend such large sums of money, consider basic Marketing 101.
And, don’t market only to out-of-towners ... consider the market Emporia looses when ESU & Flinthill Tech students graduate and move away. Give these students a reason to stay in Emporia and use their degrees.
But for heaven’s sake, First and foremost, fix the houses, streets and emergency responders.
January 24, 2011 at 12:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
noel_stanton (anonymous) says...
Scarlett,
Of course we're friends. I just referred to your very early post that you thought you could not comment because you are not a city resident. I'm not either, but felt compelled to point out the utterly false non-design the city is wasting money on.
January 24, 2011 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
Right on the money with the tracking. If the CVB sent out 2,000 pieces of mail in response to that ad, I would hope the coupons or reservations for rooms would have something to indicate they were a result of the ad. But probably not.
There are thousands of teachers out there that have their students check ads such as these and send in for information on different areas for geography class.
if Emporia was a tourist mecca, and if Emporia was not in debt, and if Emporia had money to spend on ideas, then these stones would be all right. BUT----------------?
January 24, 2011 at 12:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jokenjake (anonymous) says...
This looks like the same joke that the clock "tower" turned out to be................
January 24, 2011 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
hi noel!
yeah i just mis-read your post. how are things in germany?
January 24, 2011 at 1:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Oh my stars, Steve_Corbin, if the CVB spent $10,000 on an advertisement that was used by out-of-town schools for geography classes ... I don't even know how to respond. I'm without words.
The average age of O Magazine's reader is 35 and 77% are female. In today's digital age, I don't see that target market responding via snail mail for information (if they want to visit Emporia). So, it makes sense that those leads were probably school-aged children.
I wonder how the web traffic increased during the ad campaign? (Please tell me the CVB and other Emporia websites can track website traffic --- I'm not talking about the annoying counters at the bottom of a web page, but real FREE statistical software built into a site that calculates the visits by day, country, state, city, internet speed, etc).
What about following up on leads? (A min 2 or 3 follow-ups should have been made via email or phone)
And, then the proof of return on investment.
During the election, I think this is something that needs to be addressed.
To answer the question:
if Emporia was a tourist mecca, and if Emporia was not in debt, and if Emporia had money to spend on ideas, then these stones would be all right. BUT "if you only do what your friends tell you to do - your town turns to doo-doo."
January 24, 2011 at 2:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
photobuggy2 (anonymous) says...
Was the city comission stoned when they came up with this rock idea???
January 24, 2011 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I believe that newtoemporia would make an excellent City Manager, City Commissioner, head of the RDA, CVB, EBF or any of the organizations that have been syphoning millions in taxpayer dollars and shown, basically no or little return for the investment !!
I am a little amazed at how quickly newtoemporia picked up on the real and pressing problem that has been the bane of Emporia for at least 50 years or more !
Very good, newtoemporia, you are a very inciteful and intelligent person and I predict you will go far !!!
January 24, 2011 at 5:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
scarlett01_98, if my understanding is correct, this came from the county/city sales tax that WE do pay each and everytime we spend money and pay tax locally, we just don't get to vote on the city commision. Therefore you DO have some word concerning this purchase and what a waste it is. Remember "Shop Emporia"!
January 24, 2011 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
scarlett01_98, each time we "fill-up" or I purchase propane from a local business, yep, pay that tax. Purchase groceries, shop Wal-Mart, yep, they gotcha!!!! See, we are helping the economy and are in parnership for those "stones".....wish they were diamonds, might be worth it!!!! So speak up loud and clear!!!!
January 24, 2011 at 6:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
hi sand! i do shop emporia. until i got sick i spent all of my money in emporia. now my hubby spends half of it in junction city. he does work in jc.
how are things going in your neck of the woods?
January 24, 2011 at 6:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
however sand if you want to buy a house, i'll sell you mine and i'll move to jc...... just sayin' : )
January 24, 2011 at 6:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
They keep hitting us in our pocket book. We should do the same to them.boycott their businesses
January 24, 2011 at 6:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
"if you bring the rocks
I'll bring a jackhammer
problem solved, now commissioners and zimmerman get your sorry a$$es to work and save this city before the rock piles become corner markers. And dont spend another damn dime unless you talk create, steve, meth, or ME, And dont ask kbthomas anything,because he is a idiot also
January 24, 2011 at 10:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
January 24, 2011 at 11:03 p.m. ( permalink )
sandman (anonymous) says...
scarlett01_98, thanks for the offer but busy trying to keep up with the one I have and love. Good luck with selling yours but hate to see you move...another loss.
Attitude.....such a shame. I can't vote on the city commission, but those that can....PLEASE when the time is there, don't say "mine is just one vote" BUT get out and VOTE!!!!! It is very heartbreaking at voting time to see the percent of people that DO get out, very low. Certain things could not have taken place if the people HAD voiced their opinions by voting. Please don't sit back but get out, check with your neighbor, are they registered? Do you know someone that has a difficult time in getting to the voting poll? Help them. Be informed.......do you want your town back? Vote for those that will BUILD your town up and not destroy it. Same with county and state.
What will bring employment to the community? Not four stones and spending mega bucks for them.
January 25, 2011 at 12:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good post, sandman. Yes, get out and vote, Emporia!!!
Put this date on your calendars. APRIL 5th. We're voting for City Commission and School Board.
Are you registered? Nothing to it. You can even do it online at the League of Women Voters here:
http://emporia.lwv.org/elections.html
Register to vote!!!
April 5th
January 25, 2011 at 11:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Thanks, methusla. I'm excited to see more information on all the candidates.
I don't understand why the elected officials aren't making the basic changes to Emporia. Beyond aesthetics, codes are developed for the health and welfare of the citizens. Tall grass harbors disease carrying rodents, animals and snakes. Dilapidated houses and buildings are a hazard to not only tenants, but also those who live, walk or drive nearby. Sidewalks that are crumbling and uneven are a critical accident in the making. Streets that are too narrow, unkept and blocked with vegetation (when you attempt to pull into an intersection) are also hazards. If you are required, by law, to report suspected child & elder abuse ... then, the lack of code enforcement is a form of abuse to the citizens of Emporia.
January 25, 2011 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I must apologize, the STONES/ROCKS that I and others have dubbed as ROCKS/STONES were actually referred to as " ENTRANCE MONUMENTS " !
However whether they are called STONES/ROCKS or MONUMENTS, and a Monument is a Monument only after it has been carved or finished, until then it is still a STONE/ROCK and this spending extravagance is not " NEEDED " at the present time !!!
January 26, 2011 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )