Everyone needs to look at the BoomTown USA blog http://boomtownusa.blogspot.com/. There are two stories where I want to draw your attention.
First is the story about the Association of Washington Cities report on the state of their cities. They see their rural communities the same as I see Concordia. There is optimism in the smaller communties compared to the urban centers. Look and see what I mean.
Tuesday's BoomTown post describes a report from Forbes Magazine about entrapreneurs and there success in smaller communties.
There are 25 of us now subscribed to the City Hall Corner. Thank you all for subscribing. Feel free to pass the word.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Road Openings
OK Everyone, get ready!
Ron Copple is busy getting Hill Street AND Valley Street ready. After the Fourth, we will do a grand opening/ribbon cutting (tough going trying to hit double keys).
The Street Crew is doing a great job getting our roads into shape.
Look forward to the week after the Fourth. We will start the mill and overlay on 11th Street. We have Hill Brothers doing that work by contract.
Here's the deal. Where you drive, we are there. I should do a list of roads we have overlayed or rebuilt in the past few years. Yes I will.
Take note again folks, we're getting things done!
Ron Copple is busy getting Hill Street AND Valley Street ready. After the Fourth, we will do a grand opening/ribbon cutting (tough going trying to hit double keys).
The Street Crew is doing a great job getting our roads into shape.
Look forward to the week after the Fourth. We will start the mill and overlay on 11th Street. We have Hill Brothers doing that work by contract.
Here's the deal. Where you drive, we are there. I should do a list of roads we have overlayed or rebuilt in the past few years. Yes I will.
Take note again folks, we're getting things done!
Challenge my thinking – Part 1
My dad bought a very thought provoking book (actually he sent the money) for my birthday this year. It is Tom Peters’ Re-imagine. He starts the book ranting about the Dean of the Stanford University Business School, Robert Jaedicke. When Peters attended Stanford, Jaedicke was his accounting professor. In 2003, Jaedike was the chairman of the Enron Audit Committee and confessed to being clueless about “the truckload of peculiar transactions that brought the company down.” What strikes Peters is that his old “Prof” is “the last bastion of bean counting” and didn’t (or pretended to) see the poor practices within the firm.
Reading Peters book has me thinking again about the impact of similar activity in the public sector. First of all, I do not mean to convey concern about the accounting practices of the City of Concordia. I do continue to ask myself the question about what happens to local governments when people make stupid mistakes – planned or unplanned – that cause the question of bankruptcy to be discussed.
In the business world, bad decision making causes the businesses to go away or be purchased by other firms. Since different governments provide services that cannot or will not be performed by the private sector, these local governments more than likely won’t go away or be purchased by another local government with more efficient management controls and procedures. A more likely scenario would be a court appointing a custodian or “special master” to administer until things were straightened out.
My first job in Kansas, Baldwin City, was headed toward bankruptcy. The City Clerk had been using city fund for her personal benefit and was fired before I interview for the job. (She was later convicted and sentenced to 6 months probation.) My first eighteen months there were very stressful as we straightened up procedures and put financial affairs back in order. Every day we looked at the cash balance in the bank and every Council appropriation ordinance meant sending checks out as cash came in over the next two weeks until the next Council meeting.
Governments are not like private sector companies. Who would stand for the doors of the police or fire department to be chained shut? Who would stand for the water or waste water utility to stop working if the “parent company” closed? What more efficient organization would come in to “right the ship?” There is an expectation of continued service.
So what do you think?
Reading Peters book has me thinking again about the impact of similar activity in the public sector. First of all, I do not mean to convey concern about the accounting practices of the City of Concordia. I do continue to ask myself the question about what happens to local governments when people make stupid mistakes – planned or unplanned – that cause the question of bankruptcy to be discussed.
In the business world, bad decision making causes the businesses to go away or be purchased by other firms. Since different governments provide services that cannot or will not be performed by the private sector, these local governments more than likely won’t go away or be purchased by another local government with more efficient management controls and procedures. A more likely scenario would be a court appointing a custodian or “special master” to administer until things were straightened out.
My first job in Kansas, Baldwin City, was headed toward bankruptcy. The City Clerk had been using city fund for her personal benefit and was fired before I interview for the job. (She was later convicted and sentenced to 6 months probation.) My first eighteen months there were very stressful as we straightened up procedures and put financial affairs back in order. Every day we looked at the cash balance in the bank and every Council appropriation ordinance meant sending checks out as cash came in over the next two weeks until the next Council meeting.
Governments are not like private sector companies. Who would stand for the doors of the police or fire department to be chained shut? Who would stand for the water or waste water utility to stop working if the “parent company” closed? What more efficient organization would come in to “right the ship?” There is an expectation of continued service.
So what do you think?
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Sign up options are now available
After several attempts to find a way for people to get an email when a new posting is available, I finally found a way.
Now you can subscribe to the City Hall Corner using the "subscribe box" in the panel on the left side of the Blog site.
By signing up, you will receive an email everytime I post to the "City Hall Corner" as a reminder to go look.
I have a subscription to another Bolg that works that way. It is great. I get a short teaser of the content and a short URL to click that will send you here to see what wisdom I try to empart.
Now you can subscribe to the City Hall Corner using the "subscribe box" in the panel on the left side of the Blog site.
By signing up, you will receive an email everytime I post to the "City Hall Corner" as a reminder to go look.
I have a subscription to another Bolg that works that way. It is great. I get a short teaser of the content and a short URL to click that will send you here to see what wisdom I try to empart.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Highway 81 Corridor Study
The City Commission and the Planning Commission have been working on a project to evaluate whether rezoning of some residential properties along Highway 81 is needed.
After a joint work session, we advertised for a planning consultant that would give the City an unbiased professional opinion about the potential of rezoning. LandPlan Engineering of Lawrence (and Tom Phillips and Associates of Manhattan, a sub contractor) reviewed the rezoning question.
Following the widening of Highway 81 to a four lane highway, a number of new businesses have been started along the corridor. Several years ago, there was a contentious rezoning when the Short Stop was proposed. The rezoning led to a development that led to poor design and inefficient land use.
With Highway 81 gaining in traffic counts due to the completion of the four lane between I-70 and I-80, commercial development pressure is growing. With the commercial pressure comes pressure on the existing residential properties. Competition for commercial space will have a negative impact on existing residential uses.
The city’s General Plan or Comprehensive Land Use Plan describes the future zoning along Highway 81 as Commercial. So both City Commission and Planning Commission raised the question: Can we rezone the entire corridor to Commercial and provide protection for the residential uses at the same time.
The Planners have proposed the use of an “overlay” zoning that would allow both uses to peacefully coexist. Before the Planning Commission and the City Commission consider the issue, they directed that we have a public forum where the public can comment about the development procedures.
The meeting will be held the City Commission Chamber at City Hall on Monday, June 27th at 7:00 PM. This will be an open forum where residents and commercial property owners will have opportunity to comment on the proposal. If you have property in the area, you should plan on attending.
After a joint work session, we advertised for a planning consultant that would give the City an unbiased professional opinion about the potential of rezoning. LandPlan Engineering of Lawrence (and Tom Phillips and Associates of Manhattan, a sub contractor) reviewed the rezoning question.
Following the widening of Highway 81 to a four lane highway, a number of new businesses have been started along the corridor. Several years ago, there was a contentious rezoning when the Short Stop was proposed. The rezoning led to a development that led to poor design and inefficient land use.
With Highway 81 gaining in traffic counts due to the completion of the four lane between I-70 and I-80, commercial development pressure is growing. With the commercial pressure comes pressure on the existing residential properties. Competition for commercial space will have a negative impact on existing residential uses.
The city’s General Plan or Comprehensive Land Use Plan describes the future zoning along Highway 81 as Commercial. So both City Commission and Planning Commission raised the question: Can we rezone the entire corridor to Commercial and provide protection for the residential uses at the same time.
The Planners have proposed the use of an “overlay” zoning that would allow both uses to peacefully coexist. Before the Planning Commission and the City Commission consider the issue, they directed that we have a public forum where the public can comment about the development procedures.
The meeting will be held the City Commission Chamber at City Hall on Monday, June 27th at 7:00 PM. This will be an open forum where residents and commercial property owners will have opportunity to comment on the proposal. If you have property in the area, you should plan on attending.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
We are a Big Deal
It might not look like it from the outside but Concordia is a big deal town. The point was made again Tuesday at the Chamber Coffee. Jim and Becky Higgins (Becky is National Director of the Orphan Train Heritage Society) are in Concordia for the annual Orphan Train Reunion. Concordia is home to their group.
This weekend, Orphan Train Riders and their descendents will spend time in Concordia celebrating this portion of our nation’s history and our heritage. A full schedule of the weekend’s activities can be picked up at the chamber office.
More information about the Orphan Train movement can be found at either of the two websites: http://orphantrainriders.com/ http://orphantraindepot.com/.
What is interesting about Concordia and the Orphan Train Heritage society is the seamless integration of two affiliated groups. The national group and the local museum are operating under different purposes to achieve a greater understanding of the Orphan Train Movement.
The accomplishments of the local museum are significant. They acquired the old BNSF Depot. They raised money to refurbish the roof and the exterior. They were just awarded a KDOT grant to refurbish the depot’s interior. One of the Orphan Train Rider descendants donated a clock which will be unveiled this week end too. They are about to name a curator for the museum as well.
So it is a big deal. From operating out of a back office at Century 21 and Radio Shack to moving into a new museum. Bringing folks to town and sharing the attributes of our community is a BIG DEAL.
This weekend, Orphan Train Riders and their descendents will spend time in Concordia celebrating this portion of our nation’s history and our heritage. A full schedule of the weekend’s activities can be picked up at the chamber office.
More information about the Orphan Train movement can be found at either of the two websites: http://orphantrainriders.com/ http://orphantraindepot.com/.
What is interesting about Concordia and the Orphan Train Heritage society is the seamless integration of two affiliated groups. The national group and the local museum are operating under different purposes to achieve a greater understanding of the Orphan Train Movement.
The accomplishments of the local museum are significant. They acquired the old BNSF Depot. They raised money to refurbish the roof and the exterior. They were just awarded a KDOT grant to refurbish the depot’s interior. One of the Orphan Train Rider descendants donated a clock which will be unveiled this week end too. They are about to name a curator for the museum as well.
So it is a big deal. From operating out of a back office at Century 21 and Radio Shack to moving into a new museum. Bringing folks to town and sharing the attributes of our community is a BIG DEAL.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Theater Project
The theater project is moving ahead. The rush coming from the demolition process seems to have mellowed down to what is happening at the site. Of course, rain has slowed things down. I noticed piles of dirt behind the hole left by the lumber yard building. The plan is to fill the hole to 95% compaction (a standard measure) for the eventual construction.
The walls of the Dumbbells building and Monique’s are to be cleaned and restored. Monique’s will be covered with stucco. The reason is the brick used for that building is very soft and prone to deterioration. The wall on the Dumbbells side will be stripped of the plaster, cleaned and repainted. Yes, repainted. Take a quick walk to the porch of the building. You will see the building was painted at some time in the past.
Campbell & Johnson will be sending out bids for building restoration soon.
Several weeks ago, Kirk Lowell showed a concept drawing of the building. What I saw was encouraging. The building front will keep the historic feel of the downtown. The architecture will keep the “rhythm” of the existing buildings. While you are on our walk to see the painted brick, look at the north side of the street. There are second story windows in each of the buildings. This “rhythm” will continue in the design of the theater.
We hope to see the site plan at City Hall next week- Planning Commission reviews such things. By then, we ought to have something in the Blade-Empire that will show how nice it will look.
Hill Street
We were supposed to see work start on Hill Street today. The owners of the rental machine were to be here to show the crew how to operate the equipment. Well, they didn't arrive and we, therefore, didn't start paving. Some things you can't plan for. Stay tuned. I will report it as we actually get started.
The walls of the Dumbbells building and Monique’s are to be cleaned and restored. Monique’s will be covered with stucco. The reason is the brick used for that building is very soft and prone to deterioration. The wall on the Dumbbells side will be stripped of the plaster, cleaned and repainted. Yes, repainted. Take a quick walk to the porch of the building. You will see the building was painted at some time in the past.
Campbell & Johnson will be sending out bids for building restoration soon.
Several weeks ago, Kirk Lowell showed a concept drawing of the building. What I saw was encouraging. The building front will keep the historic feel of the downtown. The architecture will keep the “rhythm” of the existing buildings. While you are on our walk to see the painted brick, look at the north side of the street. There are second story windows in each of the buildings. This “rhythm” will continue in the design of the theater.
We hope to see the site plan at City Hall next week- Planning Commission reviews such things. By then, we ought to have something in the Blade-Empire that will show how nice it will look.
Hill Street
We were supposed to see work start on Hill Street today. The owners of the rental machine were to be here to show the crew how to operate the equipment. Well, they didn't arrive and we, therefore, didn't start paving. Some things you can't plan for. Stay tuned. I will report it as we actually get started.
Friday, June 03, 2005
High Expectations
I read a Blog written by Jack Schultz. He wrote the book BoomTown USA. It describes the economic development activities of a number of communities across the country. His chief point in all his writings that community attitude is very important in communities economic vitality. Today he writes about an article written by NY Times Columnist David Brooks (June 2, 2005) about Europe. http://boomtownusa.blogspot.com/ Brooks describes unemployment rates between 8 and 11% and growth rates that haven’t seen 3% in the past 14 years.
Schults writes: “One of his more interesting thoughts in the column was Brooks’s observations about momentum for countries. “It is happier to live in a poor country that is moving forward—where expectations are high—than it is to live in an affluent country that is moving backwards.”
One of the reasons we support economic development in Concordia is that business development is to influence our attitude as a community. When we prosper, we feel good about Concordia.
In February 2004, I had a brainstorm where I identified several businesses that had new owners, built new facilities, expanded or were new startups. The first list totaled 60 businesses that fit the pattern for the past five years. That list has grown in the past year because we have looked even closer to what is happening here. (You can get a copy of the current version at the Chamber office.)
Being in this fame of mind also allows us to stand and celebrate when good things happen in the community. Last weekend, the Concordia High School girls track team won the state 4A Championship. In a way, their success reflects what is going on in the community too. One event nearly cost them to loose all because of a fall. So, did they mope? No, they got up and finished the meet like the champions they were before the meet started.
They are reflecting what is happening in the Concordia business community. Everyday folks are going to work to do the very best they can. We have seen some fall but we are getting back up and getting back to the job. We are now doing what Brooks cited in his article – moving forward and enjoying the high expectations.
Schults writes: “One of his more interesting thoughts in the column was Brooks’s observations about momentum for countries. “It is happier to live in a poor country that is moving forward—where expectations are high—than it is to live in an affluent country that is moving backwards.”
One of the reasons we support economic development in Concordia is that business development is to influence our attitude as a community. When we prosper, we feel good about Concordia.
In February 2004, I had a brainstorm where I identified several businesses that had new owners, built new facilities, expanded or were new startups. The first list totaled 60 businesses that fit the pattern for the past five years. That list has grown in the past year because we have looked even closer to what is happening here. (You can get a copy of the current version at the Chamber office.)
Being in this fame of mind also allows us to stand and celebrate when good things happen in the community. Last weekend, the Concordia High School girls track team won the state 4A Championship. In a way, their success reflects what is going on in the community too. One event nearly cost them to loose all because of a fall. So, did they mope? No, they got up and finished the meet like the champions they were before the meet started.
They are reflecting what is happening in the Concordia business community. Everyday folks are going to work to do the very best they can. We have seen some fall but we are getting back up and getting back to the job. We are now doing what Brooks cited in his article – moving forward and enjoying the high expectations.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)