RE: [Mpls] Neiman Money Pit
I started my working career as a history teacher. Tony Scallon was in the same history department, which should explain to Chris Johnson why Tony has such problems with accounting. History teachers just don't get a lot of accounting class time. I personally appreciated Chris's lesson on basic accounting which explained how " In the case of the Neiman fields, the "expenditures" number is about $75,000 larger than the "revenue" number. That means there is an annual operating loss. The Park Board spends more money operating the fields each year than it receives." Now that I understand how the Nieman Money pit shows an annual operating loss perhaps someone in the know could let me know how our other local parks are doing. Should Armatage be known as the Armatage Accounting Disaster or does it show an operating gain? Should Lynhurst be known as the Lynhurst Leaking Disaster or does it show an operating gain? How about the park in your neighborhood? Is it a looser or does it show an annual operating gain for the Park Board? Maybe we should reconsider the discussion of a few years back and turn all our park buildings into Dairy Queens and earn some real income. Bob Gustafson 13th Bob Gustafson _ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar get it now! http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/ REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Clic report on some funding ..Libraries verus bike trails
The $14,146,000 includes $11,502,000 from Federal programs and $2,644,000 from city property tax funding. The city's investment is highly leveraged. There are however growing concerns about how we will absorb the ongoing maintenance and capital costs of the bikeway system we are developing, but that is little different then our concerns for a library sytem that is committed to keeping all libraries open when they don't have the funding to keep the doors open once the facilites are improved. Nokomis was the lowest rated of all the library projects, being the only library project in the bottom third of rated projects. There are significant pressures on the capital funding needed to maintain our infrastructure, and like every other part of government funding sources are not increasing. At a time when funding sources are down for example, we are having to cover $10,000,000 for computer hardware and software. All of which is being funded by the limited NDB or city property tax funding. If we get rid of computers that would give us a large source of funding. Perhaps we could train staff in the proper use of an abacus Bob Gustafson 13th ward, CLIC The Clic report on page 70 shows the Library Board allocated 2.4% $10,482,000.00 of which 5,920,000 is from city property tax funding, 4,562,000.00 of referendum money. The Park Board has been cut also down to 3.2%. Public works is at 3.3% which includes Bike Trailsrecommended monies for bike trails...$14,146,000.00. Should bike trails be allocated 4 million dollars more than all our libraries? Any thoughts...? Dorie Rae Gallagher Nokomis ...where they just pushed us back another year and shaved (it is a nice word) one million of our referendum money. REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Gang of Five vs. Friendly Four
Tony Scallon appears upset with the Park Board thread. I must disagree. This is the stuff of which soap operas will some day be written. I recommend if Tony is tiring of the multitude of posts that he treat this thread somewhat like a soap opera, one need not ready every post to get the gist of the positions taken. Actually neither side has been strong on arguments. Apparently the key to this discussion is to repeat your attacks and name calling, take the high ground and blame your opponent for all sins committed. Let's face it, if you're working towards "team work, concensus (sic) building, and acting openly and fairly" as mentioned by one "Friendly" advocate I can't imagine a more non-productive way to achieve that goal then labeling your opponent the "Gang of Five". Your worthy cohorts are of course the "Friendly Four" If we continue at this level of discourse its hard to imagine what heights this forum will eventually achieve. At a process level the opponents have more clearly defined their positions. Basically from what I understand the "Gang of Five" has not acted democratically because they didn't want to open up discussion with the "Friendly Four" about the Gang's favorite to be the Park's new Czar. (I'm not sure Mr. Gurban has been accused of being a Czar yet but let me be the first to start this line of thought). The "Friendly Four" are of course strong advocates for open democracy. Their intentions are pure and if only they could figure out how their four votes could beat the Gang's five votes they would, of course, "change everything for the better." Perhaps the "Friendly Four" should follow the Bush example and see if the courts will let them be in charge even though they have fewer votes. Drawing closure on this topic is difficult. So far the best I can do is this. Democracy works. Five votes beats four. A secondary conclusion. Being one of the five allows you to go "Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah!" A third conclusion. Being one of the four tends to make you go "Wah, wah, wah, wah, wah." I would suggest that perhaps a more interesting line of discussion might be why exactly this apparently dysfunctional board has split into two camps. Might one group have different goals and expectations for the parks than the other? Since the "Friendly Four" have taken the high road of asking for a more open democracy, perhaps one of them would like to educate us as to why this board split in the first place. Bob Gustafson 13th REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Literacy rankings across America
Carol mentioned a study that showed Minneapolis to be the most literate of the cities studied. After the way the Vikings have been playing defense the last few weeks, I suspect we will see an increase in our literacy rate, as we certainly can't bare to watch the Viking defense play and might as well read a book. At least when the defense is on the field. Carol noted that the only area rated that we did not make the top ten was libraries. I think a good portion of the blame for that might lie in how the study was conducted. Apparently one quarter of the rating was based on public school libraries. They rated the support in terms of librarians and media specialists against the student population. Anecdotal evidence only, but my two kids have never done much in the way of research in their school libraries. The local community libraries are usually hit hard as well for certain books when a big report is due so we tend to take the trip to the Southdale Library or Central. The question is raised, how weak our the school libraries compared to other public school systems? How much did that pull down our cities rating for library services? Which raises the bigger question of could our Public Library work with the school libraries to provide a better learning environment in our schools? I believe the need to drive to find the right books for students is going to be taken care of by supportive families that have time, ease of transportation and knowledge of how to work a library. Poorer families, immigrant families and families without the history of higher education will not be as likely to provide this support. The inadequacy of the school libraries, coupled with this unequal access to public libraries, incorporates a great functional inequality into the library system in Minneapolis. I have heard rumblings that the new library administration is looking for ways to improve their relationship with the schools. I hope the rumblings are correct, and that their efforts are successful. The other three areas rated were volumes of books in the collection where we have one of the largest collections in the nation for our size; number of branch libraries where we rate highly and circulation, where we do not rate as high. Some libraries are able to show very high circulation numbers by running themselves like a video store. Whatever is the hottest book on the market, they buy a bunch. The concern is not so much research as providing popular reading materials. Minneapolis has taken, from what I have seen, a position that surly supports circulation but emphasizes the range of its collection. Hence a large collection, without the high numbers for circulation. I personally don't believe this study does anything to support the idea that we have substandard libraries, at least not in the public sector. Bob Gustafson 13th REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Killing the Libraries Slowly
Lesson one: never post quickly on a Saturday when you would rather be outside! In my response to Carol stating that Sharon had projected an amount each year for the libraries I threw in the line: Sharon cut the libraries capital budget drastically, more drastically than RT's cut for 2006 ($1,600,000). That is incorrect. R.T. also cut the $1,600,000 CLIC had included for 2007 but he followed CLIC's recommendation for zero funding in 2008. I also stated that R.T. had followed CLIC's recommendations which is not correct monetarily, but I believe it is by our intent. I have included a portion of CLIC's recommendation to the Mayor on the library budget: CLIC's Recommendation: In response to their budget problems, the Library Board has chosen a plan that temporarily keeps all libraries open, although at drastically reduced hours and levels of service. Also considered had been the closing of several community libraries including the recently remodeled Linden Hills library. In light of these decisions, the task force feels it would be wise to follow the Library Boards fiscally prudent lead and cut back on spending with a temporary halt placed on all additional capital funding of community libraries, whether from referendum or NDB funding. We do not recommend this action lightly. We cannot however justify the additional funding of renovations if the library continues to operate their remodeled libraries at such a reduced service level, or worse yet, if they decide to close renovated libraries in the near future. The task force recommends that such a halt remain in place until the Library Board can present operating scenarios that include the ability to adequately cover operating costs for the remodeled libraries that are fully staffed with an appropriate amount of programs to justify the expansions. CLIC funding for Webber and North Regional remain as shown in 2006 and 2007 with the assumption that operating questions are resolved by that time. Bob again Note that CLIC gave only a qualified endorsement to funding for 2006 and 2007. : Also note that CLIC recommended not only cutting NDB but also placing a moratorium on selling any further Referendum bonds to finance community libraries. How could we do otherwise when the Library itself in their Scenario B had just considered the option of closing Linden Hills, the most recently remodeled library under the 2010 program. The library under its new management is aware of the need to secure additional operating dollars. As a beginning, theirs and the communities fund raising efforts have saved Franklin from closing during its renovation. Victoria however is correct in noting that the library is undergoing huge changes due to advancing technologies. Circulation numbers tell the story well. In 1960 the total circulation of the library was 2,677,835. It peaked in 1992 at 3,273,876, Before the referendum the numbers for 1999 were down to 2,456,727. A number well below that achieved 40 years before. I believe Victoria is wrong however in thinking that libraries are going the way of the horse and buggy. They do need to change and adjust to the world around them and I believe they are trying hard to do so. They are as Carol points out serving many more people as a technological portal into the rest of the world. That said, I do not support spending millions of dollars to build up the libraries infrastructure when they have since before the referendum known they did not have the money to operate them once completed. Bob Gustafson 13th This sort of thinking is wrong. I know. Because I've read about it in books.
[Mpls] Killing the Libraries Slowly
Carol Becker wrote: "In looking back at my budget books, Sharon had projected an amount each year for libraries in the five year capital improvement program. It varied a bit from year to year depending on the projects. She never said that no money should spent on libraries as R.T. has done." Bob responds: If you don't trust the numbers below you can look them up on the following site and review them yourself. http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/city-budget/2002adopted/index.asp Budget 2002-2006 (After referendum): CLIC recommended $7,947,000 ($1,589,400 per year). Sharon cut that back to $3,177,000 ($635,400 per year for a total cut of $4,823,000), with nothing at all budgeted for 2004 or 2005. Carol's reading of her budget books is wrong. Sharon cut the libraries capital budget drastically, more drastically than RT's cut for 2006 ($1,600,000). Carol said she "would love to hear anyone else's theory as to why R.T. doesn't think libraries should be maintained." In the same vein, perhaps someone could provide Sharon's reasoning behind such a drastic cut in the library's budget. I would add that Sharon cut the library's capital budget from what CLIC, the citizen's advisory group, had recommended. R.T. on the other hand followed the recommendation of CLIC, which recommended this cut. Perhaps the question is why would a group of citizen's who are privy to all the capital requests made to the city recommend a cut in the library's capital budget? Bob Gustafson 13th ward, member of CLIC Executive Committee
[Mpls] Re: Killing the Libraries Slowly
Carol wrote: "But the Mayor, in his budget, has taken another approach to closingneighborhood libraries. The Mayor, in his proposed budget, has zeroed out capital funds for the libraries starting in 2006." Perhaps Carol could remind us how Sharon Sayles Belton handled the issue of funding the library with the traditional $1,600,000 per year the library expected from the CLIC process. I believe the last budget Sharon prepared was for 2002-2006. I might add that this was before the big cuts in state aid that Rybak has had to deal with. Bob Gustafson 13th
[Mpls] Library's new budget proposal
I have been asked my opinion on the new budget scenario being discussed. One of the big pluses is that every library gets to remain open. Sort of. You'll have to check out the Library's web site if you want more details. QUESTION: In Jan. 2000, before the referendum, the Library listed as the number one item for how they would lead the library system into the 21st century as "Improve hours of service to meet today's lifestyles." How are they doing on that goal? ANSWER: Well, in 2000 the libraries were open a total of 680 hours per week. Their new proposal is for 464 hours, a cut of almost one third. An aside for Wizard on this one. Any idea why Hosmer's hours were decreased from 45 hours per week in 2000 to 24 in the new budget while Pierre Bottineau was increased from 31 to 32? PS Settergern Hardware in SW Minneapolis is 105 years old and run by a fourth generation of the Settergren family. The location is new however, they moved to 54th and Penn in the 50's. Bob Gustafson 13th
[Mpls] Library Choices
ress" in some of the Library's proposals) There is much talk by the library of providing new millennium library services. Rebuilding existing infrastructure because it is there and served us well in the last millennium does not seem to be the most progressive way to achieve this. The Library is considering three plans to address their budgetary shortfalls. The Task Force supports reducing the number of community libraries to a level that can be properly funded. We support cooperation with other entities to provide some of the current library services such as homework helpers and special services for immigrants. We also support other alternatives such as looking into new ways, other than just community libraries, to expand the outreach of the core library function of providing books and research to the people of Minneapolis. Plan C, as proposed by the Library, most closely meets these goals. If additional closures were needed to provide the maximum services throughout the remaining library system the Task Force would be supportive of that decision. Bob Gustafson Chair, H.D. Task Force CLIC
[Mpls] Libraries
I don't want to get into dueling numbers with Wizard but I have some information to clarify a recent post she made. You can't go wrong attacking the suburbs if you are in Minneapolis, and Wizard appears guilty of that when she said, "But you will notice that wealthy counties like Dakota, Washington, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Scott, do put more money into their libraries." According to information provided by the Minneapolis Library staff, from the MELSA Library Comparisons from Public Library Data Service using 2001 data, Minneapolis spends the highest amount per capita of each of the counties listed (MPLS $53 per capita, Dakota $30; Washington $23; Hennepin $44, Ramsey $33 and Scott $17) St. Paul by the way spent $42. Minneapolis often argues that they have greater expenses because of the amount of branches they have. Minneapolis has 14, Hennepin 26. Its interesting to note that when looking at population served per branch, Minneapolis and Hennepin are very similar with Mpls serving 27,330 per branch and Hennepin serving 28,208 per branch. Minneapolis does have a larger collection than Hennepin with over 3,000,000 items (8 per capita) versus 2,000,000 (3 per capita) at Hennepin. Bob Gustafson 13th
Re: [Mpls] Dopey water "protection" scheme
Carol asked about the status of interconnection between Mpls and St. Paul in case there is a problem with our supply from the Mississippi. There is nothing currently planeed for interconnecting with St. Paul but a new 40 milion gallon reservoir is planned for SW Minneapolis (40th and France). Actually we won't put the water on France Ave, but will use the land to the west of France. The city has a current reservoir capacity of 125 million gallons. A typical flow rate is 70 million gallons per day. The new project adds slightly over a half day to our supply. The current estimated cost is $24 million dollars in 2005 to 2007 with additional funds needed in 2008 that are not yet a part of the budget. Minneapolis currently supplies Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Columbia Heights and Bloomington with water. Bob Gustafson SW
Re: [Mpls] RE: Mike Hohmann's Library Thoughts
Colin Hamilton, Executive Director, Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library, concluded a recent post with the following paragraph: "There are very few, if any, libraries in American that receive more than 5%of their operating dollars from private sources. If our collective goal isto make reading a part of every child's life, and to provide every adultwith free access to books, computers and knowledge, it is only going tohappen with public dollars leading the way." RG The first part of Colin's post led me to believe that he agreed with Mike Hohmann's support of the Library improving its fundraising arm to cover the anticipated budget shortfalls expected by the library. The last paragraph however, left the implication that if we really want good libraries, they will need more public dollars. I second Mike's analysis. Some quick facts from the National Center for Education Statistics, Public Library Comparisons. The average expense per capita for libraries in the US is $27.20, for Mpls $50.60. We fund the library well. The average percentage of funding that comes from local taxes (from 9,046 libraries reporting) in the US is 77.7%, in Mpls 93%. The average funding from "other" sources (which would include private funding) in the US is 9%, in Mpls .46%, less than 1/2 percent. The Minneapolis Public Libraries are building themselves into a cash crunch, which will only be resolved by cutting services in the new libraries or raising more operating money. If I was working with the library I would be rather embarrassed to come back to the voters asking them for more money if I also had to explain the numbers above. I won't even get into the embarrassment I would feel knowing that I helped sell a referendum for new facilities that I always knew we did not have the money to adequately operate. Bob Gustafson 13th
Re: [Mpls] Walking, Biking, Driving in Minneapolis
Apparently my attempt at humor failed regarding the rules of biking and I now stand accused of asserting that it is the responsibility of bike riders to stay out of the way of automobiles. Apparently I have also been understood to imply that bike riders belong out of the way up on sidewalks or somewhere that will not hinder the arrogant gas guzzling polluting car drivers of the world. That is not what I said or meant to imply. Let me reword what I said so I am clear. Cars are BIG. Bikes are small. Cars hitting bikes will hurt bikes more than the cars. The laws of physics explain this. Mothers understand it. Mothers tell their children to be careful when riding bikes around cars. That's all I said. As far as I'm concerned you can ride where you want, and pay no attention to cars if you wish. But what would your mother say? All of that said, let me be clear that when I drive I try to watch out for things I might hit whether that be cars, bikes, people or anything else for that matter. I probably worry more about big vehicles that might hit me, but I worry about hitting other things as well. When I am on my bike however, that does not mean I ignore cars because I think they are worried about hitting me. I instead try to watch out for them, and try to second and third guess what the driver will be doing. This might not be the way I would like to see the world run, but getting back to the laws of physics and the Cars are big, bikes are small thing, it just seems to make sense. If I interpret her correctly, Robin dreams of a world where no cars exist and when this age of Aquarius comes we will apparently all make healthy choices and ride bikes everywhere. She has through her sense of reasoning decided that "bike commuters are modeling the best behavior for the whole of society", and therefore I must assume that she believes the rest of us are modeling the worst behavior by driving our cars. So be it. I will be leaving soon for the list get together, driving my car, having a drink or two and eating bar hors doeuvres for my dinner. Not very healthy activity but I'm ok with that. I am also ok if others choose to ride their bikes there, drink plain water and eat vegies. I will try to leave some vegies for you, and will be extra vigilant so that I watch for all bike riders as I drive. If you are coming by bike, please also drive careful so we can share some political gossip when we all get there. Bob Gustafson 13th
Re: [Mpls] Walking, Biking, Driving in Minneapolis
Kristine asks: "I was taught when first learning to ride a bike that when appropriate, bike-riders were to pull onto the sidewalk and let a car pass. Is this no longer a rule?" RG I don't believe this is in our current system of government regulations. I believe you have it confused with something you learned either in your physics class or from the wisdom of your mother. The rule is the same, if you are on a bike around cars that are bigger than you, you will loose in any collision that takes place. So you are better off if you stay out of their way. Bob Gustafson 13th
[Mpls] Attention Paranoid DFLers!
To all paranoid DFLers: "Just because your are paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you!" Just a warning from your middling friends. Over the last few months we have received notice, from several reliable sources, reports of clandestine meetings of Republicans being held in several parts of the city. Although most of their meetings to date have been rather difficult to break into, word has it that several cells have established themselves. Some of these cells are reporting membership approaching the upper single digits! With no surviving leadership from their glory days, they have been receiving guidance from undercover suburbanites, who have apparently been subsidizing the movement by providing donuts and coffee for the meetings. Word has it that the 13th ward cell actually serves some rather elitist type hors d'oeuvres and wine. After the meetings, the men folk of this cell have actually been known to share a cigar over some brandy. The next thing you know they will be meeting right out in public! The Minneapolis Mushy Middlers just want you loco DFLers to know that we are united with you on this issue. As Jude pointed out, these "investigations are destroying the credibility of the DFL." Not that we are supporters of DFL positions, but as everyone knows, without the DFL where would we find the middle on issues? My goodness, if the Greens replace the DFL we might have to lean so far left that we might loose our balance. What do we do in the face of this attack? I believe that Jude is suggesting that the first item of business should be to stop all these investigations of DFLers. As he mentions, there are thousands of white color criminals out there that could be pursued instead. (Shrewd idea here. Sort of turning the tables on the profiling concept. Everyone knows that "white color" criminals are most likely Republicans) Besides all that, do we really need to investigate the Plumbers Union? How else are union officials supposed to get politicians attention if they can't rip off their members for a few thou once and awhile. In a hastily convened meeting of the Minneapolis Mushy Middle Central Committee we believe however, that we have come up with a more balanced approach. We are recommending to the DA's office that henceforth for every DFL crooked deal they uncover we make them find a GOP crooked deal. In that way the citizens of Minneapolis can be comfortable that crooks of both sides are being punished and the political fallout will be evenly dispersed. And those of us in the middle can maintain our proper sense of balance. Respectfully submitted, Bob Gustafson 13th Ward Chair Minneapolis Mushy Middlers
[Mpls] Critical Mass
I have to admit I was slightly behind the curve on this "Critical Mass" story. What with all the news about the Catholic Church lately, and leading up to a rather significant church celebration yesterday, I thought Critical Mass had to do with some special Catholic church service. Sort of like the blessing of the animals, only they would do a blessing of the bikes or something like that. Is there a special saint for bike riders? A St. Cycle? What with the churches concern with sexuality I'm not sure they could endorse a St. BI-cycle, but you would think a straight Cycle would be safe. Now that I've read a few posts imagine my surprise to hear that a critical mass has to do with a bunch of cyclists (I'm not sure if they were Bi or Uni so we will just go with the politically safe label, cyclists) getting together to strut their stuff a bit. Enough people seem to be willing to write about it, which as we approach the spring season (by calendar not weather) seems to show that Minneapolis is truly a wonderful place. Other parts of the world get to write about suicide bombers, burning synagogues in France, the Falun Gong, and all we have to get worked up about is a bike protest. I can tell you one way to insure we maintain our image in the rest of the state as being a little more than a half bubble off level, is to attempt to elevate the a protest of a few bikers getting together to run red lights as being similar to the efforts of the Falun Gong in China. If that is the analogy they want to use now, what will they use when a serious issue has to be protested? They can try all day to convince people that they have moral equivalency with the Falun Gong, but it is a battle that they will lose. Deservedly so, in my opinion. Now that I have made all the conservative types agree with me, I need to add that if we want the rest of the state to think we are a half bubble off level to the other direction, lets keep treating a bunch of bike riders like we apparently did this batch. So how do our cyclists carry on with their moral battle to convince society of the superior wisdom of their ways? How do they do it in a way to make a protest effective in convincing mainstream folks that cyclists are not some fringe group of crazies? How do the Police avoid looking like a bunch of Bike Fascists. Perhaps they should all sit down, the cyclists, the Police and or the Mayor before the bikes hit the streets. They could work out the details of their Critical Mass so no one would end up in jail or with mace sprayed in their faces. If the Mayor and Police have any sense of balance as to what is important in the world, they should sit down with these cyclists and reach such a friendly agreement. Personally I don't think the cyclists will bother to meet with the "Authorities" ahead of time. Even with the "brutal" crackdown so vividly portrayed from their recent Mass the issue didn't get any ink in the local rags. Imagine what little effect there would be if they had an agreement with the powers that be before they started. No police, no arrests, no reports of macing, just a small bunch of cyclists taking a ride through downtown. I suspect if they want any promotion of their ideas the only way to do so is incite a clash, promote their victimhood, and try to elevate their position to that of the Falun Gong. Were the protestors even interested in a peaceful journey? I suspect some of them would have been happier if the police had shown up with their bean bag guns and started shooting them off their bikes. Now that would have got them some attention. Heck, I might have gone down just to watch. I don't think I would have taken my bike to get there however. Bob Gustafson MMM, 13th Ward
[Mpls] Attn Twin Cities: Work Up A Sweat For Global Warming!
In defense of our fearless leader, who of course needs no help but I offer it anyways, I believe Andy raises a good question, but one that Dave has already clearly answered. Andy asks of David, "So, David, Hennepin County is not Minneapolis? Would you insulate your list from information that is absolutely germane to their health? ...Since when did Minneapolis become an island unto itself, its issues completely without influence from entities outside its immediate borders." I don't believe David could have made it more clear than his comment that "Decisions by Minneapolis city government are always ok to discuss here, as are Hennepin Countydecisions about Minneapolis..." That said, Andy raises that difficult topic of pollution. If our neighbors kick out the smoke, but we have to breath it, how do we discuss that? I believe that the normal perception of many outside the city of Minneapolis is that we discuss it by whining a lot. Whining and threatening, promising that the world is coming to an end, are probably not very effective ways to deal with government entities outside of Minneapolis. In this vein it might even be considered excessive by many people to hear Andy's claim that the State of Minnesota and local governments are refusing "to stop the polluters from killing us." This probably is not the most effective way to begin a proper discourse with our neighbors in the state. There are some interesting ways that I believe we in Minneapolis can deal with our suburban neighbors as well as our state government if we are more willing to look at the positions held by them, try to analyze their needs and desires without voicing vitriolic claims that imply they are knowingly trying to kill us off to preserve some corporations bottom line. Take as an example traffic within our city. Minnesota is a net exporter of more goods than we import. (Not a Minneapolis Issue=NMI). I read on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce site that $350 billion dollars of goods move through Minnesota each year (NMI). A good portion of this increased road traffic eventually passes through Minneapolis (MI). The US Department of Transportation estimates traffic delay hours in the Twin Cities rose from 70,000 hours in 1986 to 105,000 hours in 1990. (NMI) This equals 2,625 employees each working a 40 hour week. Assuming an average income of just $20,000 that equals $52.5 million dollars of lost profits. (NMI) Now I realize that there are many people that don't really give a hoot about profits, except to think that they are evil and something to be distained. (NMI) But there are those of us, even in Minneapolis, who understand that profit is not a four letter word. So how do we tie Minneapolis issues in with the loss of profits by state business due to traffic delays? (MINNEAPOLIS ISSUE!!!) Instead of arguing that everyone could create a cleaner environment by transferring all goods onto bicycle powered freight carriers (can rickshaws make a comeback?) while transiting Minneapolis, perhaps we could begin by recognizing that business owners would be willing to either pay or support taxes to diminish traffic delays. Why would we want to help businesses make profit? Their motivation for paying to reduce traffic congestion might vary from our more enlightened and socialistic views in Minneapolis, but instead of telling them their reasoning is wrong, lets try to see if we might share some goals. I know most people in Minneapolis hate the thought of increasing roadways just to service the people that don't live here, but if we make the roads more efficient and reduce traffic delays, think of what we can gain. Those nasty suburbanites for one thing will not be emitting as much pollution from their SUV's while they are stuck in traffic jams within our city. I would love to take the concept further but I've got to get back to cleaning the house. The family is coming over tomorrow and we will have quite the crowd. Some are coming from the suburbs. I'll tell them to wear respirators, and request they ride their bikes if possible. I suspect I will be ignored. Happy Easter (to those for whom it applies) Happy Spring type weekend (to all) Bob Gustafson 13th
Re: [Mpls] City Zoning
David Held made the point >Landlords exploiting renters is commonplace. They try to get their renters to pay for >improvements that he should make... >A good, responsible landlord will cover the costs but that doesn't happen in many cases. >Also, in this particular case, not only does he have to landscape the area directly in>front of his business, but the entire section of the mall owned by the>landlord. It's not fair but that’s how the books read. and then he asked the question... >Is there someone with more experience on this topic and how we can assist>the renter open his business? BG Unless something has changed the last few days a site plan is not required for just any tenant. The requirement has usually kicked in on projects I have worked on when a restaurant was moving into a space not previously used as a restaurant. Other changes will require sites plans as well, but not just the normal leasing of space. A commercial tenant moves out, you want to move in, you negotiate with the owner for the space. You don't need to worry about site plans. If you don't like the offer made you don't rent there. If the owner doesn't think you have a prayer as a business owner, or if your demands are excessive, he is better off letting the space sit empty. If the owner likes you, and wants to have you in the space he will pay for improvements, cut you an advantageous lease, or whatever it takes to entice you to sign a lease. Now lets say you are an owner, with space available for rent. Along comes a potential tenant with the latest hot concept for a restaurant. Lets assume the space you have has not been a restaurant so the first step in dealing with the city is to check with zoning. Here is where you will most likely be hit with the requirement for a site plan, which will include parking requirements. City requirements do not stop here however, nor do the costs of opening a restaurant. Just a stripped down place will easily run well over $100,000 before you even open. Once you are approved by zoning you need to be approved by the health department. If you meet all of their requirements you get to present your plans to the building department. Now being a responsible citizen you are in total support of accessibility issues but now you realize those requirements will cost you because the restroom that has been in the space for years is not up to current code and in fact you will probably be required to provide two accessible restrooms as we wouldn't want our womenfolk and menfolk having to share a toilet used by someone of the opposite sex. Lets not forget that you will need to talk to the state regarding SAC charges, a fee for hooking up to the water and sewer system. I worked on one potential restaurant in Eden Prairie mall where the SAC charges were going to be over $20,000. Hard to believe, but the landlord didn't want top pay that bill. Now if the potential business owner that you are concerned about is a food service business, it appears you are asking the bad irresponsible landlord to front for the site plan, and I suppose the restrooms, probably the mechanical costs, the SAC charges and while he's at it perhaps he should give an allowance for walls, ceiling, floor finishes etc. All of this for a restaurant where most likely the owner is under funded, has no existing operation, but his friends have said he is a good cook. Sounds to me like the landlord has made a business decision that the tenant is not worth the risk. As to you question of how you can help this tenant open his business. Easy. Lend him the money he needs. That is what you are asking the landlord to do. Bob Gustafson 13th
[Mpls] Libraries and alleys, Oh My!
e proven their overall support for our libraries. Some are better able to financially support the library with additional dollars than others. Some are more interested in doing so than others. Forget more taxes, roll up your sleeves and start raising dollars if you want more funds for libraries. If you make a good enough case, I might even be willing to lend support. Right after I get my new alley. Bob Gustafson 13th Ward Chair, MMM
Re: [Mpls] Mpls: a "slaughterhouse for immigrants?"
R.T writes: "It's also very important for people to recognize Somalis in Minneapolis donot speak with one voice...nor should they be expected to. Of the 40 peoplein my office, there were about 27 different strains of emotionnot a lotdifferent than there would be if there were 40 of any group of people." R.G These are my kind of people. They haven't been here long enough to be indoctrinated into the category the government wants to include them in. These people have the makings of good Americans. I hope the friends and family come out of this period of suffering with a better understanding that America is not a perfect utopia, that it needs citizens to speak up for themselves and what they feel is right. I sincerely hope they don't learn the lesson that they are victims and need to find leaders to preach victimology to them and their children. That said, congratulations to R.T. for making the effort to listen and hear more than one voice. Too often when stuff hits the fan politicians put on their campaign face showing great concern while in front of citizens that are talking, but they don't listen. They just wait for the proper time to start talking. Keep listening R.T. And don't be afraid to stir things up a bit when you are ready. There will always be those in society who suffer with mental demons we cannot understand, and how we treat them says much about us as people. Let's get our police the training and or equipment needed to better handle these situations. Lets think of our police as well. Does anyone truly believe the police involved in this death are feeling good about what happened? Lets also look at how this man fell through the gaps of treatment. Minneapolis can't bear all the responsibility for that but we can work with the county and state to make sure that intervention is available for cases such as this during the preventative stage. Bob Gustafson 13th
Re: [Mpls] Redistricting and Eat Street
at it is more than a facade. I like to see it as a symbol of what can be if we turn ourselves from dividing us by our differences, to celebrating those differences. Bob Gustafson 13th Ward Chair, MMM
[Mpls] Redistricting and Eat Street
A few days back Fred Markus broadcast an invitation to a meeting of the Redistricting Commission. He expressed a specific desire to "invite members of the ethnic and minority communities to attend this special meeting on diversity issues to ensure fair representation for all." He has also shared data showing items such as voter profiles which cannot be a factor in redistricting, renters versus homeowners which I assume can be a factor, and racial statistics, which apparently is a factor. I appreciate his efforts and especially his openness in sharing his thoughts with this group. Nevertheless, something about this emphasis on ethnicity doesn't sit right with me Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of ethnic diversity. As a full blooded Swede I am proud of the fact that not only did I involve myself in an early attempt at cultural exchange by attending a Norwegian College, I actually married someone of Norwegian ancestry. I have even embraced eating foods that trace their lineage to lands other than Sweden. When my kids and nephews can't figure out what to get me for Christmas gifts the usual fall back gift has become any distinctive brand of HOT sauce they can track down. Yes, I am a Minnesotan (of Swedish descent) who likes hot red stuff on his food. I am saying this to share (another thing hard for us Swedish types is sharing) my feelings about not only my ability to accept other ethnic groups, but the fact that I believe we all have the ability, literally, to bring some spice to each others lives. Which brings me back to my problem with the Redistricting Commissions apparent concern with the impact of ethnic groups in our new redistricting attempt. I would like to state the official Middler position on redistricting, which is a nice way to say that I am speaking from a position that is merely a place that is a figment of my imagination, but it is a place I take seriously nonetheless. America in my middling mind is about beliefs, not ethnicity. 9/11 was not an attack on America as an ethnic group , but America as an idea. I was struck by the recent show on 9/11 by the pictures, and accompanying languages and faces of the people watching the towers go down. They were Americans. They were not an America of the old melting pot concept. Clearly the streets were a gathering point for all Americans, who happened to be from a wide range of ethnic and racial backgrounds. That is not to say I accept that our American ideals have all come to fruition as well as they should. That is not to say that every ethnic group or minority has yet embraced the ideals of America. It is trying to say that when it comes to something as political as redistricting, I believe there needs to be a vision of what might be a better approach. Now to the Minneapolis part, since this is obviously a Minneapolis issue and I am sure Dave is wondering when I am going to get to the connection. Think of Eat Street. It is a wonderful collection of distinct restaurants and stores representing an eclectic collection of wonderful ethnic foods. People go to Eat Street. They go there for good food, that is often an ethnic specialty. When I lived in Chicago that didn't happen. If you wanted Greek food (OOOMPA!) you went to Greek town. Wanted Mexican, you know where they lived, head there and find a good spot. Want some good Swedish pastries, you got it, Swede town. Think again of Eat Street. It is not owned by the German's, the Chinese, the Mexicans, the Vietnamese. It is America. It is occupied and used by people of a wonderful range of backgrounds. It is a neighborhood. It is not an ethnic neighborhood. It is a neighborhood with people from many ethnic backgrounds. What to you do if you try to take ethnicity into account while redistricting? Do you gerrymander bits and pieces of Eat Street into different wards based on race? I find that foolish. Do you gerrymander all the minorities you can find together in one ward so there will be a minority council member? That is just as foolish and discriminatory. Why should minorities be deprived of the right to have an affect on more than one or two wards? I ran across a quote recently from Thurgood Marshall, who was at the time an attorney representing the NAACP in Brown v. Board of Education. He said, “Distinctions by race are so evil, so arbitrary and invidious that a state bound to defend the equal protection of the laws must not involve them in any public sphere." Lets drop the emphasis on race. Lets promote the ideals of our democracy. Lets emphasize neighborhoods being kept together, not split apart or artificially joined together just because of race. Bob Gustafson MMM
[Mpls] Water and Sewer stuff
Steve Meldahl writes: "First off, the water department rates have risen five fold over the last 10 years. The reason is that they did not want to raise the tax ie mill rate on taxes which would hurt entrenched politicians in the polls. They assumed correctly that people would not notice the rate increase in their water bills so readily and also they could claim all the rate increases were for new infrastructure needed. By law, the water department is an enterprise fund and can not make much of a profit, or they have to adjust their rates downward. They have not been doing this and have been violating the law." BG The increase in the water department rates was recommended and supported beginning with the 1999 budget by the Capital Long Range Improvement Committee (CLIC). For new members to the list, CLIC is a volunteer group of citizens that evaluates and recommends to the Mayor and Council a capital program for the city. The committee felt that the infrastructure, as detailed in a previous post, was in need of major repairs and in the case of the ultra filtration, a major and very costly upgrade. You are right in watching funds such as utility billings for a "hidden tax". This rate increase however was recommended by citizens and then presented to the politicians. There was no smoky back room deal on this. Now as a member of CLIC if we could smoke a cigar at one of the meetings I would find that totally cool, but I suspect I would be hit over the head by other members of the committee and the offending cigar would probably be shoved some place I would rather not think about I'm confused by your posts claim that water rates have risen five fold over the last ten years. Perhaps you could share where you are getting your numbers because they don't relate to what I am able to find and what I quoted previously. All I have is a record showing a base rate of $3.70 per 100 cubic feet in 1997 to a projected $6.47 in 2006. That just doesn't seem to be a fivefold increase. Let me know if you have a source for different numbers. You seem to imply that the rate increase was some sort of false front for a hidden tax and that the politicians could claim that all the rate increases were for the new infrastructure needed. First of all you should note that an inflationary factor of 3% per year was also included in the proposed rate increase by CLIC for management and operating costs. There was never any claim the increase was only for infrastructure. As noted however, the infrastructure costs to bring our system up to the levels of demand placed on it by our citizens, our regional and federal government are significant. Which of the improvements would you recommend cutting back on? You close with a claim that the water department is breaking the law by making a profit. I always wonder when I read financial statements if I'm reading the right line but when I look at the numbers from the year 2000 (the most recent year I have) it looks like after they paid all their bills they were left with a "profit" of less then 1% of revenue. On total revenues of $111,556,882 having less than $1 million at year end doesn't seem too excessive. In fact in my world of accounting, that is calling it fairly tight. Now I get my numbers from the city planning department so if you are aware of some Enron type of accounting here I would be interested in hearing about what you know. I suspect the numbers are pretty honest. Bob Gustafson MMM
Re: [Mpls] Is water now golden?
Zack Metoyer asked: "I may be just sounding off, but can anyone tell me where to get the numbers on the water department? It would be nice to understand why we are receivingsuch large bills. Mine is around $97 per month for water and sewer. No, mytoilet does not run. No, I do not have a leak." I'm always impressed with the marketing savvy of those who have convinced so many to feel compelled to purchase their drinking water in a bottle. We go into a mental and economic depression when gas prices go from $1.01 per gallon two weeks ago to $1.39 today. I would hate to compute what the bottled water we drink costs per gallon. I personally suspect that gas is a loss leader to get us into the station to buy coffee and bottled water. That's got to be where they make their money. Have you ever wondered where our water comes from? Think Mississippi. I'm not sure you should eat fish caught in the river, let alone drink the water. That however is the task we have given our water department. Now think Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which you don't have to understand, you just have to accept they are not good for you. When several people died in Milwaukee a few years back and the problem was traced to city water the wakeup call went out to all cities to freshen up the water. The capital costs to Minneapolis for the ultra filtration needed to provide clean and safe water is currently budgeted for $113 million over the next four years. Add the need for water main replacing, cleaning and relining and you can add $29 million. Realize that there are parts of our water system that are over 100 years old. The total spent to rebuild and improve this system for the years 2002 to 2006, just capital projects, is $171,880,000. That does not pay one cent to run the system. That just maintains and provides the system. When this work is all complete and our water is minty fresh maybe we can start selling city water at the Lake Harriet concession stand and pick up a little subsidy for the Park Board. If they can't make money selling water they truly need a management change. Of course once our citizenship drinks that water it eventually runs though their system and they deposit it back into our city system, as in the sewer. and we need to deal with it again. For some reason the Feds won't let us deposit the water back in the Mississippi in the condition we took it out. They think we should clean it up first. Add to that the fact they we are still paying to properly separate our storm sewers from our sanitary sewers and you have some significant capital improvements. We all want a clean river, but it doesn't come cheap. We all want clean lakes for that matter and that means improvements to the storm sewer system to control flow into our lakes. Some people in Minneapolis also appear to have no sense of humor about Minneapolis being the city of Lakes, especially when heavy rains hit and the lake is in their basement. Flood control areas are a part of the sewer fund as well. The total capital cost budgeted for 2002 to 2006 for all sewer work combined is $59,555,000. The total rate change estimated for your combined water and sewer rate, in $/100 Cubic Feet, started at $3.70 in 1997 and increases to $6.47 in 2006. That increase assumes an annual 3% increase in operating and the balance of the increase to pay for the capital costs. I'm not sure how that works out in cost per average glass of water we drink, but I suspect we have a ways to go before we reach bottled water prices. Bob Gustafson 13th
[Mpls] A Middler's View on Ice Cream
ll elicit the normal massive outpouring of support that most proposals do that are made down here. I'm sure our elitist CM from the 13th will be glad to rally his political party (by the way Barrett throws a pretty good political party) behind this issue. I formally announce the support of the Moderate Mushy Middlers of Minneapolis for this proposal. Bob Gustafson 13th Ward Chair Moderate Mushy Middlers of Minneapolis
[Mpls] Dairy Queen
After a delightful walk through a shared history of Lake Harriet memories, Tim asked the $64,000 question about who should manage the Concession Stand. "Why doesn't the Park Board run it. Efficiently. Stop laughing!" Well Tim, when I stopped laughing I thought, that is a good question. Then I started thinking. If they can't run a concession stand profitably at Lake Harriet, why are we letting them run the golf courses? If they can't run a concession stand, why do we trust them to run a Police Department for Parks? If they can't run a concession stand, why don't we subcontract Park maintenance? If they can't run a concession stand, why don't we hire Disney to run our kid programs at the Parks? Now before the Park Board sends someone over to "trim my tree" so to speak, let me add that I am not personally displeased with the way the concession stand is run. And although life has never been quite as good since the taffy recipe was buried with its creator, I still like the popcorn. In fact if DQ takes over, and if popcorn goes, I swear I will never ever purchase another dipped chocolate cone at Dairy Queen! Well perhaps I might still have an occasional cone. But I swear I will not have them dipped! One has to strike back where one can. Returning to the Park Board I have to admit that actually I feel reasonably safe in the parks, the golf courses still seem like a bargain, and I would prefer visiting Orlando if I need a Disney fix. Ever since I took the kids there I still can close my eyes and hear "It's a small, small world" as it ripped through my ear drums and scratched on the inside of my brain like fingernails on a chalkboard. I thought that one ride would never end. Besides that the Park Board has gainfully employed my eldest child for several years in the summer and I would hate to upset the apple cart. The real eye opening part of this discussion is this. Why do we easily accept that private industry can better run a concession stand, but that only government can solve the important issues of the day such as that hackneyed term "affordable housing." Seriously. I've been wondering about "affordable housing for some time" but where do you go with such a feel good phrase with such an illusive meaning? Ask ten people what they think about affordable housing and a guaranteed majority will say they are in favor of it. How can one be opposed? I just have a hard time figuring it out. I have had very earnest people tell me that affordability is determined by the fact that some committee somewhere has determined that people should only spend a certain percentage of their income on housing, or else the housing is not affordable. Interesting. I have lived in my house since 1982. According to that definition, and due to an income that has done its share of moving up and down, at times I have been living in affordable housing and at other times by definition my house was not affordable. Now the house is the same house, but my income has changed. Was the house unaffordable, or was it that I just didn't make enough money some years? I have heard others say they agree that there are problems with how we define affordable housing but that you have to agree we have a shortage of houses for large families. I hate to ask the question but why is it the fault of the housing that a family has more kids then they can afford? I know that I risk getting into all kinds of immigrant issues but I've also heard proponents of affordable housing argue that our immigrant families coming into Minneapolis are traditionally larger size families and need larger houses. Economics has always been a confusing topic to me. I read every section of the paper except the business section, before I get up and replace the paper in the bird cage with that same section, so maybe someone can explain this to me. If we build lets say a thousand three bedroom homes and provide them to large immigrant families at subsidized, "affordable" prices, will that be enough? Do we have to make affordable housing available for people already here? Do we have to make it affordable for everyone who comes here and wants it? And help me with this question. If we put all the large immigrant families in subsidized affordable housing, will they ever be able to benefit from owning their own real estate or will they be roped into a life of subsidies? Hey, I wonder if Motel 6 could take over our affordable housing problem. No laughing. Bob Gustafson MMM
