On Monday, April 12, 2004, at 11:22 AM, John Erwin wrote:
1) The $75,000 I referred to before is for all the rec centers internet
access citywide. This access allows thousands of people - mostly kids - to
access the internet even though they don't have service themselves
relatively close to their homes.
Broadband service should cost well under $1000/year, and do we even have 75 rec centers? Or is this a sweetheart deal with Qwest or Time-Warner?
2) The existence of wireless equipment in the park board buildings does not
mean we are in the telecommunications business! This is a cost savings
measure that could benefit more than the park board. Increasing internet
access for Minneapolis citizens while reducing internet costs to the Park
Board is simply a win-win for everyone!
Your forget you're still going to have to pay for wired access for your system- the wi-fi will be an addition to rather than replace the current access.
3) We are looking for grant dollars and donations at this time for solar
energy equipment and it looks hopeful.
Yes, I have noted that the "home improvement" mass marketers are still trying to unload their inventory of Chinese made "solar yard lights" from last summer.
There are also programs in existence
where you pay the same as the cost of electricity against the cost of the
unit. This turns into a long term savings with little/no up front cost.
And yes, I'm certain some shady entreprener will be happy to lease you the same $2 "solar yard lights" for $10 a year. The Park Board could also get a good deal on the Lowry Bridge, provided the Board assume all maintainence responsibility...
5) The Park Police are needed as a separate entity.
I suppose it is nice to have them handy when the Park Board meetings get out of hand.
We will simply
disagree with each other on this. There is next to no efficiency savings in
combining - where would it come from? Reduced admin. . . .nope - have
checked. The savings do not simply exist. Regardless, I think that
enforcement could and should be increased as well as more foot and bike
patrolling.
I think what you're saying here is it's nice to have your own police force instead of waiting for the city's to respond.
6) North Minneapolis is not a low priority with me! I am trying to bring
much needed resources to that part of town. Just this year, I have worked
to bring a doubling of the tree planting on the north side, a skate board
park, an increased winter rec program in Wirth, and increased policing to
north Minneapolis. Most of this was through additional dollars acquired
outside of our base budget.
How much does a basketball net cost? Before the board blows the budget on solar power, could the board maybe spare a little petty cash for a few nets?
Although you may be frustrated with the Park System or Board, realize that
we all care deeply for the park system and are working hard to stretch the
resources to maintain what we have and improve the system for the future.
Although I have had differences and disagreements with some Commissioners, I
believe every Commissioner on the Park Board is very committed to the park
system without exception.
And experimental solar power while stonewalling cheaper small hydro power, a new headquarters on the river and extensive remodeling for same, etc....
hunkered down in Hawthorne,
Dyna Sluyter
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