Peoria School Board member Jim Stowell believes the new northern branch of the library is misplaced, and would be better located by Expo Gardens and Richwoods High School. He doesn’t think it’s too late to change locations, either, since no construction has begun yet. A little over a week ago, he sent this letter to Peoria Public Library Director Ed Szynaka, Peoria Park District Director Bonnie Noble, Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Ken Hinton, and City of Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis:
Congratulations to the Peoria Public Library for the much deserved recognition from the Alliance Library Systems for their work in, as PJS described 10/30 “nudging a plan through a laborious process” that ended with 72% supporting a $35 million referendum to upgrade the present system. Full disclosure, I did not support the referendum.
Since the passage of that advisory referendum, however, much has changed economically. While some might think the $1 million spent for 6 acres behind Menards is a worthy investment, I’d suggest that with the pace of growth slowing and no shovel of dirt yet turned on this project, that the leadership of the Library would be prudent stewards of community assets if they re-assessed where to allocate precious resources. Much as city leaders have started to address issues within the heart of our city through Impact Zones, I believe we need to construct a new library where it can serve the greatest good for our community. Councilman Spears offered an idea that was not given adequate evaluation. With ICC, Mid-State College, St. Vincent’s and several public schools within walking distance, a facility near Expo could serve as a catalyst for a north-end transformation that might head off diminished real estate values likely to occur.
While I write only as an individual and not on behalf of the school board, what would be the possibility if the Library could acquire land near Richwoods free? Add the possibility that the school district would consider titling the properties acquired on Prospect to the Park District. The ultimate end would be for the Park District to acquire, over time, other parcels and square off Glen Oak Park from McClure down to Frye. This would open up green space and eyes to what many don’t realize is there.
A caveat to the agreement would need to provide for housing the District 150 Chinese teachers. Given the financial challenges facing municipal entities, it would likely take many years for the Park District to acquire the entire frontage along Prospect and our Chinese teachers could remain good neighbors of the Park.
In exchange for those assets, the School District could take possession of the Lakeview Branch, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU for up to 30 years) that, through collaboration, the Public Library would remain open and a reading lab for students might also be established. Mentors for the reading lab could be sought from patrons. Usage could be monitored and a new “model collaborative library” might even develop.
In the end, the Library retains land where growth might occur in the next 30 years, and a “new” facility is more centrally located to serve multiple age groups and demographics. The siting could set off positive revitalization efforts throughout Exposition Gardens, with walking trails, etc. Lakeview would be enhanced and the District would have built-in mentor magnet.
In working together, the cost for the horse trading of civic assets – zero. The knowledge that the Library Board led other government entities and acted for the greater good: priceless.
Jim Stowell
Jim: hasn’t the Library board signed purchase agreements to purchse the land on Allen Rd. for the new library? For over a million? And you suggest they simply hold onto that land for future use? Where were you (as a private citizen) when all this was going on? Did you also participate in the purchase of the properties on Prospect Road for the new Glen Oak school? And now you want to level those houses so we can see the land behind them? Not very good thinking in my book!
Good news! If it’s not too late to pick a new site for the new northern branch, it’s not to late to scrape the whole damn thing. We’re raising taxes on property owners so people on the northernmost reaches of the city won’t have to drive into the city to borrow books.
This is m9oney homeowners could use to, I dunno, buy groceries.
You might have missed the news, but we’re having some problems with the economy.
It could be that the Library Board has simply an option to purchase said land by Menards, or possibly a purchase agreement contingent upon other conditions that could offer loopholes for cancellation of that contract.
On the surface, Jim’s plan sounds like a great idea. He at the very least gets credit for thinking outside the box, and his willingness (and courage in this environment) to express creative, thoughtful ideas.
Hey, where is “PEORIA”? Surely “PEORIA” wants to make a comment calling Jim a “meddler” and asking if he has no shame, right? Where is that plucky anonymous defender of all things status quo?
You are so cute when your feisty, CJ 😉
CJ: Are you saying that Jim might be part of the vocal minority or silent minority or or or? Can one FOIA the land purchase agreement from the Library Board?
I am with Bill… just drop the whole thing and save the taxpayers some money. I would much rather see the existing facilities get some improvements. If it is too inconvenient for those Dunlap North Peoria residents to drive, then maybe they should move back to the heart of Peoria.
But what about all those Dunlap kids and their parents’ money? Isn’t Expo too far for them to drive?
Dunlap now has their new expanded underutilized library for anyone who wants to use. Includes Dunlap kids.
I suggest all serious library visitors go visit.
Why are Peorians worried about Dunlap’s access to libraries? I have no strong opinions about this issue–haven’t given much thought to it. However, Jim’s proposal seems sound. And I’m glad to see Jim using this forum as a place to field his ideas. Obviously, there aren’t too many other public officials, school board members, etc., who are willing to engage in this kind of dialogue–willing to take the criticism that comes when writing under his own name.
Let me speak to my igorance before someone else does. Because Dunlap isn’t part of District 150, I keep forgetting that they do pay Peoria taxes, right? This separation from 150 is a pecular situation–but I do know how that came about. At least, I believe John Parkhurst had much to do with keeping Dunlap out of 150–so that the history of Richwoods coming into the district wouldn’t repeat itself.
Sharon,
I live in Dunlap and my tax bill shows taxes are paid to:
Peoria County, but not Peoria “city” (BTW that is only 12% of my total RE tax bill)
ICC JC
Dunlap Library
Medina TWP
IVC #321
Now as for John Parkhurst hate legislation as I recall he lead a group so angered that 150 annexed Richwoods that he was able to forever limit 150’s growth by establishing boundaries which have nothing to do with Peoria city limits. It basically was that “by gawd you won this battle but 150 you’ll never win another!” That is why you regularly see Dunlap school buses on so many Peoria streets.
I agree with Diane, I commend Mr. Stowell for thinking creatively and encouraging civic entities to work in collaboration with each other. The only thing I would take issue with in his proposal is any effort to revitalize Expo Gardens. What is its great purpose? That seems like such prime real estate that should have a higher purpose than hosting the Heart of Illinois Fair. That is where the Riverplex should have been built, along with a new library, soccer fields, etc . . . That would have really strengthened real estate values.
Now Mr. Stowell, if you could apply that same forward looking thinking and philosophy to District 150 projects it would be perfect. District 150 needs to attract and satisfy families by offering them something above and behind what is presently offered today. Given that you believe it is not to late for the library to consider alternatives, I hope you are equally willing to entertain the idea that it is not too late to make revisions to the Math, Science and Technology Academy that has been proposed by the District.
Without Malice: Thank you for the John Parkhurst clarification–that is exactly how I remember the story. I just wasn’t sure that my memory was “still in tact.” Thanks, also, for the tax info about Dunlap paying to the county. West Peoria has an equally strange situation. Tax money comes to the city of West Peoria, not to the county or to Peoria. But school tax money goes to District 150.
I agree that publicly funded entities should work together for the overall good of the community. I disagree, however, that the library referendum was misguided or should be repealed. Our library needs help and low-income citizens deserve better access. The choice of the north-end site was poorly conceived, however. Libraries should be accessible by bike and by foot. Tucking them into an industrial park is just bad all around. If that decision can be reevaluated, hurrah. If the Lakeview campus can be a educational center, hurrah once again.
Jim Stowell’s idea is not JJim Stowell’s idea. The idea Stowell is mimicking is the idea Bill Spears breached to the City/County Cooperation Committee many month ago. See article in JS dated 5/31/08 “Ardis:Look at Expo site”.
Good grief!/
There are many branches of the library already located in low-come neighborhoods. Tulip, are you advocating more? I am sure Merle would be happy to cite you some figures about how little some of those branches are used. I think he did a little study some time back.
Our family regularly visits the Lakeview Branch for personal and school use. Lakeview is small and cannot keep up with the demand on its services or house the reference materials its patrons need and deserve.
I agree that the site selected for the new north branch lacks charm and accessibility by bike or on foot but that is true of all of North Peoria. Where could the library have placed a north branch that would meet your criteria? If this new branch is designed to meet the demands of patrons north of W. Memorial than those folks are already used to accessing what they need by means of driving or taking the bus and will just be happy to have a new library with books on the shelf.
By the way, Mr. Stowell, if you are pitching ideas to the Park District about collaboration, could you please advance the idea of eliminating Expo and instead building a competition level pool facility so Peoria could host regional/state level meets and also an adjacent indoor tennis facility. From what I understand the Park Dist. has done a good job with the Golf Learning Center. Why not take on swimming and tennis next. There is no indoor public pool north of W.Memorial.
Merle Widmere: Was the trading aspect of Stowell’s suggestion part of Spears’ idea?
Response to questions: While I was not part of the School Board when the Prospect properties were purchased, I have been discussing this idea for some time. Councilman Spears idea, as presented, was for the Lakeview facilities to become some type of senior activity centers. None offered a productive solution to put the Prospect properties into Park District hands. An egotist might worry about who takes credit for an idea, I merely want to see the City avoid past mistakes by focusing on neighborhood stabilization efforts BEFORE apathy creates problems. It is my understanding that the charter creating Expo has at its root a charge that the property be used for community educational initiatives. Expo is neither owned or controlled by the Park Board. As for the proposed Math Science Academy – I am a strong advocate for the concept. However, I don’t think it should be K-12, possibly not even K-8. It should lead to accelerated learning opportunities in our existing high schools, not set up to replace them or hurt them.
Mr. Stowell, thank you for your response. I too hope the Math Science Academy would lead to accelerated learning. I am not sure that end can be achieve through the charter school structure.
Jim: Since the charter school is not to be a high school, it, of course, would not replace or hurt them. However, how will 150 keep it from drawing even more students away from their home schools–aren’t they bound to suffer even more than they already are because of other choice schools? Mostly, I still don’t understand why 150 is so willing to lose control and per pupil money by setting up a charter school (which can’t “select” students). I fully understand why parents would want this school. I just don’t understand why the district wants it–except that I do understand the possibility that it might lead to accelerated learning possibilities in the high school–but not necessarily a guarantee.
And the properties “stolen” from the residents of the Glen Oak area… stolen for the purposes of SCHOOLS… will those former residents be given compensation for the now PUBLIC PARK use of their land?
This whole thing stinks. Stowell’s idea may be the best one considering the present circumstances… but given the history…it still is a stinking rotten fish on the table.
Those autocratic do nothing administrators of District 150 need to go … go far away. How long are we gonna keep trying to clean up their messes?
I may have missed it but what is the plan for the present Lakeview library?
To Sharon an others,
Please refer to my blog of 6/11/08 titled “Library Debate”. I thourghly covered the potential use of Expo for a multi-purpose site.
Mrs. Stowell, he of the small ego, says he was not part ofr the stupid decision to buy property at Glen Oak Park. I saw Stowell at a Southwest Kiawanis meeting and asked him about the Park site, Mr. Stowells terse comments were, “Don’t worrty, Merle, WE will make the right decision”. Now he says he wasn’t involved in the park proerty purchase. Maybe not but he was aware of what was going on and favored the park site.
The school board did make the wrong decision but the Park Board wisely voted it down 4-3. Eventually there was a law suit filled against the PPD when it was discovered thru an FOIA that the board secretary had “accidently” erased the executive tapes of all these meetings.
Perhaps Mr. Stowell would like to comment what went on in these “accidently erased” meetings or was he absent??
Maybe an FOIA could get an attendance role for that period and where the joint Park-school meetings were held??
A citizens lawssuit was filed by Karrie Alms and Sara Partridige on behalf sof the citizens residing in the PPD area. This lawsuit sas settled out pf court largely probabvly because the PPD had and has an endless supply of taxpayer money.
Mr Stowell; has been on the school board going on two years. Why didn’t he speak up 6 months ago?
Here’s what Library Board Chairman McKenzie said to the JS (JS-5/31/08, “tje public shouild not get confused-no new library was EVER considered onthe property of Expo Gardens”..
Where was Mr. Stowell??
Good question.
I will enter a new blog on this subject in the next few days.
Merle: I read your June 11 blog. I saw Spears’ name with regard to the Expo location, but I didn’t see any suggestion about the Park Board and District 150 swapping land. Originally, I was just asking if this swapping were Jim’s “original” idea. I was (am) just prepared to give Jim some credit with coming up with what seems to be a good financial idea. As far as where the library should or shouldn’t be located, I don’t need to be part of that discussion–I’ll leave it to those who are affected. No matter where it is, West Peorians can’t use it without paying.
kcdad – Those Glen Oak properties were certainly not “stolen”. D150 paid the owners a more than fair price (they overpaid to get what they wanted).
Merle – I wasn’t elected to the School Board until after the Park properties had been purchased, after any clandestine meetings. I was in favor of siting the school at the Park where over $750k of taxpayer capital had already been expended. More than a year and a half ago I spoke with several councilmen and others in support of Councilman Spears general idea. If you read the above letter, it states “Councilman Spears offered an idea that was not given adequate evaluation”. Through your rant, the issue at hand is whether moving forward with the proposed location on the north end is the best use of scarce resources. I think not.
Hey Merle! You forgot to yell; “Get off my lawn you little shits!”
mdd! You could not be more wrong. They “eminent domained” them; sell now or lose it and get nothing. Not only that, but I know they came through the neighborhoods conning and intimidating the home owners.
You obviously didn’t have to sell your home against your will, did you?
Refer my blog tonight on Jim Stowell’s “day late, dollar short”, new idea.
Merle – Don’t you think you are being a bit harsh when it comes to Mr. Stowell? I don’t completely agree with him on all issues, but his education and experience, and approach thus far to handling issues, is far superior to many on the Board. I like that Mr. Stowell is a free thinker, which is refreshing. What would satisfy you Merle in terms of the direction District 150 should take?
Irrespective of whether you agree with him, Jim should be commended for not toeing the populist lines, and for being willing to address an audience here that obviously cares.
I second and third these comments about Jim–especially his willingness to communicate on this blog. Certainly, Jim and I don’t always agree–but until he “really messes” up, I will save my disagreements to personal e-mails. I know that Jim (actually, the other board members, too) do care about District 150 and its students. The district has problems that maybe can’t be solved–too many variables out of their hands. My main complaint–maybe two–is that they do not openly admit and face up to the real problems and let the public know that they (like the teachers) will do their very best to handle the problems that society has handed them. My second complaint is that they keep trying solutions that don’t address the real problems in 150: literacy issues and discipline issues. Always, of course, just my opinion.
Merle, I left a comment for you on your peoriawatch.com blog.
oops sorry, wrong URL… your name is not linking properly to your site.. that is why I referenced it. Merles blog is at:
http://widmer-peoria-watch.blogspot.com/
Sharon; why isn’t your first (main) complaint that they don’t address the real problems (whatever they might be)?
I couldn’t care what they admit… start providing real education for ALL students… not just the ones that could teach themselves.
Literacy and discipline… is that really the problem? Or is that just a symptom of the lack of relevance public education has for anyone? Children act out because it is more important than what they are learning or being taught. Children don’t learn to read because no one teaches them the importance and wonder that literacy brings to life.
Dealing with symptoms is ONLY good for identifying problems; curing symptoms is a never ending, job securing hamster wheel. Symptoms are not the problem.
Kcdad: I really work hard to try to figure out exacty what your point of view is. I think we are now having the “which came first the chicken or the egg” discussion. I believe children act out because of frustration when they are not able to do the work expected of them. At least, in the lower grades I don’t believe children are bored or act out because they don’t like what is being taught. I do agree that children don’t learn to read because “no one” teaches them the importance and wonder…..” We just disagree as to who that “no one” is. You imply teachers and/or the system, but I believe the impetus has to come from home (because of the importance of what happens in the first five years of life).
I’m working with a kindergartener right now. I’ve worked for two years teaching him the alphabet and phonics, etc.–he was OK with that and cooperated. Of course, he lives in a home literally surrounded by books and readers–his dad is a high school English teacher, his mom reads to him and does the same things I do, his 8th grade sister who goes to Washington Gifted always has a book in her hand and teaches him and his siblings many things. But now that the 5-year-old knows that that outside person (the teacher) expects the same thing, he is extremely interested in learning to read. Every time I arrive, he either wants to learn to write new words or he wants to try his hand at reading a book. I think there are children in his class who did not enter kindergarten with experience in these pre-reading skills. I believe they are behind now and–without some serious intervention–will probably continue to get further and further behind at each grade level. And they will act out.
In my experience with high school kids, I found that many sort of knew how to sound out words (unless they were confronted with words of three or more syllables). But they had a very limited vocabulary (which I believe comes only from wide reading habits). With the literature that I taught, there was no way that they could understand the stories because so many of the words were completely unfamiliar to them. I tried teaching all the vocabulary words (a very time-consuming and maybe not even productive exercise) before we could even attempt to read a story. If students were reading at grade level and had a grade-level vocabulary, the teacher should be able to say (to middle school and high schoolers), “Read the story tonight and we’ll discuss it tomorrow.” I did that until about 20 years ago–and then everything changed. Almost no one in my classes could read the stories on their own. Now I don’t know who or what to blame for that–but I do know that I wasn’t able to fix it when almost the whole class of sophomores or seniors came to me that unprepared.
I honestly believe that most board members and most administrators do not realize how serious this problem is in District 150. Consequently, they do not realize that the solutions that they “throw at” the literacy problem are completely ineffective. Only teachers who work day in and day out with these young people realize how serious the problem is. And 150 decision-makers rarely ask teachers to give them “negative” information. They love to be told about the wonderful things that happen in classrooms (but aren’t so anxious to hear about the problems)–and I guess that’s human nature.
Sharon Crews said “I really work hard to try to figure out exacty what your point of view is.”
Sharon – you are a rose among thorns. Love ya!
I’ll address a number of comments. I have witten over 750 articles since August of 2004. I am independent Republican and I follow politics quite closely. I ran for the school board in 1994 and finished behind Deissler and Bob Baeitto out of 6 running for one position. I was later drafted to serve on the County Board where I am in my third term and 2nd as Vice Chairman. Iv’e conducted 4 Full Board Meetings including the one last night when we approved the 2009 Budget with no controversy or public complaint.
I still have a great interest in the #150 and many of my blogs have involved education as a subject – probaly 30 of them. I have been a leading proponent of Edison TYPE schools which the Union has stongly opposed. Ever board member elecded promised to expand vocational training or at least give “disinterested” kids some tools to get and hold a job after the graduate. I’ve advocated for more programs that hold their interest before they drop out.
I am told that of the 200 #150 kids supported by Peoria Promise and who attend ICC ,that many of them are taking remedial classes. Speaks well for #150, doesn’t it?
Every citizen of an area including 198 libraries can access each of these libraries with a library card from any library in this district thru called the “Alliance” at NO charge. Mr. Stowell mentioned the Alliance System in his comments. A person living in West Peoria can get a library card at the Downtown of any Peoria Public Library and use it. Dunlap, Princevill, Bartonville, Fondulac, etc. NO CHARGE
I’ve visted many schools over the years and sat through classroms that excited me and other that made me sad.
As to any of my statments I stand by them. And yes, I did ask a couple of non-neighborhood kids to get their dogs off my lawn when they were walking their dogs WITH NO POOP BAGS. They belligerently said they didn’t know what a poop bag was. Even mother and an older son came to my house to rant at me. To many of today’s kids appear to be lacking in manners.
Also, I’ mstill waitng for Tom Tinchers retrun call about the presentation he made to the Exspo Board about a recreational complex at Expo. I heard first hand that he said the RiverPlex is highly profitable. That is not true, I’ve seen their year end statement and they are still losing over $1,000,000 a year.
Also I stand behind my staement that the PPD is currently finacially strapped, oh, they aren’t going broke, and cannot complete promised projects including the sports complex at the corner of Rt. 91 and Fox Road in their “susposed” land swap with Bradley. Land swap never happened. Go look it up at tjhe County Assessment office. Bradley is payong the proerty taxes ans someone is collecdting the agriculture subsidies on the 162 acres of $13,000 an acre farmland.
The sports complex including a nationally approved softball complex holding national torunaments in conjuction with EastSide, was promised by the PPD to be ready for the 2006 season. Hmmmm.
A board member told me they received some cash for Meinen. Several years ago, Tim Cassidy told me park land donated could not be sold for money. Hmmm. Meinen Field and land was originally donated by Bradley to the PPD. There was a no liquor covenant incdluded. Somehow, when the ball park went with professional teams and liquor was needed to be sold that covenant was discared. Pete Vpnachen was on the Park Board at that time and Rocky Vonachen later. The lease called for the professional team to pay the PPD $30,000 a year or $3 million over one hundred years. Whenthe team moved downtown, they paid $25 million for the new park.
Go figure.
I’ve blogged on this subject several times.
The $32 million zoo scheduded to open in 2008 is now postponed till June 2009 and the amount has been trimmed to $25 million.
Ask Sara Partridge about other projects that that should be done and have not been done including erosion control on the 9,000 acres they own. They are considered one of the larger dumpers of soil in the Illinois River from stream and creeks running through these 9,000 acres.
I’ve blogged on all these things. I try to be accurate and have accumalted more thatn 12 file drawers of history. I warned on my first blog that this would not be a “politically correct” blog. Sorry.
Merle, you’re definitely wrong about West Peoria’s access to the public library free of charge. I already knew that was not true–as a Manual teacher I knew that was a problem for West Peoria students. Also, I just finished writing a story about the fifteen-year history of Peoria. Among the many PJS articles I read was the one about the time when West Peorians voted against the library referendum that would have raised their taxes.
Sharon,
It seems to me that you and KCDAD ARE on the same page [in a weird kind of way].
Sharon,
You are right and I am wrong. West Peoria did not sign up to be a part of the Alliance Library System covering approximately (I was wrong again) 100 public libraries in the Central Illinois area. But I was told you do not pay any library tax. Does it show that you do pay a library tax on your real estate tax bill?
And yes, I did ask a couple of non-neighborhood kids to get their dogs off my lawn when they were walking their dogs WITH NO POOP BAGS. They belligerently said they didn’t know what a poop bag was.
Merle, just be glad they do it in daylight so you can see who the perpetrator is. We have a perp in our neighborhood as well, but they do it under the cover of darkness. Someday I am going to grab myself a six-pack, camp out in the living room all night watching out the front window and when I catch the poop depositer I’ll be yelling something a lot worse than “Get off my lawn!”
Can someone answer a question for me? Expo Garden is a non-profit organization but that does not mean no one is profiting that is involved with it. How is this property actually held? Isn’t there some family that has been running Expo for years? Merle mention a 30-person board.
“Someday I am going to grab myself a six-pack, camp out in the living room all night watching out the front window and when I catch the poop depositer I’ll be yelling something a lot worse than “Get off my lawn!”
Maybe if you chased them they would trip and fall in that unfairly-placed tar and gravel road of yours. That would be a lesson for a lifetime.
Merle, I don’t think we pay library tax–because I’ve been working with these articles, I just happened to have it handy (I didn’t look it up just to prove you were wrong). I like being right–but not about factual stuff. I prefer to think my opinions are superior (definitely joking).
WEST PEORIA REJECTS ALPHA PARK>ELMWOOD VOTERS APPROVE CITY FIRE LEVY FOR EQUIPMENTPEORIA — By a margin of nearly five to one, West Peoria voters Tuesday rejected annexation of the city to Alpha Park Library District.
The tally was 178 for annexation and 876 against. The proposition failed in all six city precincts.
Outside the city, the measure was approved by nearly a two-to-one margin in the 30-precinct library district, on a vote of 1,595 for and 895 against.
But annexation required passage in both the city and the district.
The proposal was controversial because it would have meant a new property tax, 28 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, or about $84 a year for the owner of a $90,000 house.
Proponents said the cost was justified because, with a district-resident card, a family can walk into any library statewide and borrow materials.
Opponents said the tax was unnecessary. Families each year can buy non-resident library cards from Alpha for $60 or Peoria Library for $70. Such cards are valid only at issuing libraries but can be used to borrow materials from libraries statewide through interlibrary loan.
In other referendums Tuesday: Elmwood fire Elmwood voters approved a 15-cent increase in the city fire levy by a four-to-one margin.
The final tally was 430 for the increase, 104 against.
Proponents backed the increase as necessary to provide for new equipment for the 25-man volunteer Elmwood Fire Department.
The new approved amount means the fire levy can be doubled to 30 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Brimfield water Brimfield voters advised the Village Board to upgrade the town water system rather than hand it over to a private company.
I couldn’t get along without a library card. But my wife and I mostly use use Peoria Heights Library. It’s underutilized and closer to our home. Yet I will pay Peoria Public Library tax of over $260 next year, then once the new bonds kick in for the $27 million foolish expansion, I will pay approximately $360 increasing each year forever, I guess.
As to Expo Gardens, I understand it is owned by Expo Gardens, a public entity controlled by a 34 person board. Neither the city, county, park or schools appoints anyone to serve on the board. he property they own is very valuable. Maybe Diane or someone could shed more light on ownership, etc.
Tom tincher and I are playing phone tag. He has made a pitch for the board to join (come under) the Water Resources Council jurisdiction and has talked to them about other things that I need Tom to clarify before I post a blog.
Yes, a few years ago I called some juvenile deliquents “punks” but never called an kid or kids “little shits”. Your imagination, Emtronics. Since you live not to far from me, stop in and we will have a nice chat. Be sure it is in the daytime.