Preview of November 9, 2015 City Council Meeting

[XLFD]

I rarely furnish straight news without a twist, but along with the other area news media I get the Ludington city council packets on the Friday afternoon just before a Monday council meeting.  Typically, the City of Ludington Daily News (COLDNews) will run their own article regarding what is scheduled for the meeting or the Mason Clown Depressed (MCDP) will put one up regarding important things happening at the meeting.  The MCDP will often have a story by Friday evening, the COLDNews almost always has their preview in the Saturday paper.

This week, neither of those outlets have anything about the upcoming meeting, leaving an informational vacuum for the public.  Whereas, that in itself is nothing new, they usually tell the public at least what's in store for us when the council gets through with their meeting.

Perhaps they were daunted by the size of the packet itself which was over 200 pages Council Packet Nov. 9, 2015 but the majority of the mass is from next year's budget for the City of Ludington, which will be presented to the council this meeting and voted on in about a month at December's first meeting on the seventh.

One can quickly get a feel of the meeting's topics by looking at the very first page, summarizing the meeting in agenda format.  As you can see there's quite a few things going on, here's a brief recap:

Hearing on MSHDA Grant Application:   This was announced with no real explanation of what it entails at the last meeting, the only clarification of what's going on is the council's declaration in the packet on page 12:

As far as I can tell, the HP&R program is one like the the City of Portage has already in place.  If so, the housing program provides up to $25,000 in home buyer and rehabilitation assistance to households who purchase and occupy a home located in eligible neighborhoods.

Assistance is provided to participants in the form of a second MSHDA mortgage, which is a 10-year forgivable, no interest, deferred loan.  Applicants must be residents of Mason County, complete a homeownership class and have their mortgage and project approved by MSHDA prior to closing.

As noted in his resume, appointed Fourth Ward Councilor Michael Krauch taught homeownership classes for MSU Extension before becoming regional director of that organization.  This housing initiative hopes to capitalize on the decrease of affordable rentals in the area created by their other housing initiative (the rental inspection ordinance) by making it more enticing to purchase a property.  End result is that people who can't afford to attain or upkeep a house get a house because it's cheaper than renting, a lot of tax money is spent to help them keep that house (didn't we learn anything from 2008?), the local government gets 25% or more in administration fees, and teaching programs like the MSUE offers gain more tax money for themselves. 

These are the housing initiatives we are likely to see coming from our city leaders, where money from all (taxes) go to a select few to patch up their other attempts at social engineering.  If the government stayed out of the mix, the housing market would stabilize over time, and the money saved in taxes could actually go into people maintaining their properties.

The 2016 City budget comes after this, I will be looking over it in the next month, feel free to look at it now and submit a comment or question during that time in this or other articles. 

The Hazard Mitigation Plan is tucked behind the budget starting on page 152, but is worthy of a close look to see whether our local county and city government plan on using some emergency to snatch more of your personal and property rights.

Such a plan, created by mostly appointed bureaucrats, may find itself used to mitigate the hazard your otherwise innocent actions pose to the society, perhaps in the name of global warming or social inequality.  The review has a listing of all known disasters/hazards in the county since our inception and ranks Ludington's hazard index.  When you review the 50 pages plus of material, are you thankful that they have done such research and regimentalization, or frustrated that these well-paid officials have so much extra time to do so?

201 Second Street, Edgar Struble Property:  Just a notice there will be another public hearing for the OPRA district next meeting.

Raising rates of Cartier Campground:  Ironic that a mostly rustic campground has to raise rates to cover increased electrical costs, but if it's still competitive enough to be filling up, why not? 

Copeyon Park/Consumer's Energy shared property:  Over time, this will cost the taxpayer a little, but provide that the Copeyon Park area will look better, as the Ludington DPW or contractor will be groundskeeping some of Consumer's property.  Basically a win for all.

Sculpture for City (Rotary) Park:  the council will likely approve the installation of a bronze statue depicting a young boy holding an umbrella over a younger girl, to be installed at the fountain area where the water is currently up and running.  The $47,000 donated statue will allow water to flow through it and cascade over the umbrella.

Five year recreation plan ready for review:  The packet indicates that it is viewable at the city's website, though I could not access it at all even though a dedicated space has been made for it:  http://www.ludington.mi.us/CommunityVoice/Ideas?initiativeID=5-year...

This plan will be eventually up for public discussion in January. 

If you don't want the steamroller of local government to run over you, get behind the wheel, become informed and involved with that you care about close to home.

[XLFD]

Just note that when you have seven councilors, if the community has only one that stands for rights and properties, the only thing that will be gained effectively is a non-unanimous 6-1 vote for these ordinances. 

Two is only slightly better, but at least in that situation one can make a motion and have it seconded so it gets noted and voted on. 

Three is almost there; if you can only convince one of the other four to do what's right, you can actually gain progress.

Four or more allows the people to rest a little more easy.  But never rest your guard in this case.  Many politicians get in office and become part of the machine over time, and forget who they are.   

[Barry R. Schrader]

Letter to editor,

Well we already have three empty rental units because of the totally insensitive rental inspection bill and it has not even gone into effect yet. Wonder if those individuals will be homeless this winter?

But on to something more entertaining. The discussion at brunch moved toward the strange and wonderful things that Ludington has. The discussion moved to the amazing “Wailing Wall” to be found in the Municipal Building. It is every bit as amazing as the one in Jerusalem and just as effective.

There were those who had never seen the wall and some that even said it wasn't there. The conversation went on to ask who had seen it and who had not seen it. It was determined that it was a matter of the ability to observe. It was suggested also that anyone with a modicum of intelligence could easily see it. So here is the deal. I am a Michigan State University member of one year and I can see it. The University of Michigan member that was at brunch could not find it. He got mad and suggested that we make a contest out of it. If interested go to:

https://vimeo.com/channels/ludingtoncc

Look for the Ludington city council meeting 10/26/15 and watch it.

If you see the wall there sent a letter to the editor saying simply:

“I see the wall.”

Your name

and to which university you graduated from.

I bet more from Michigan State will see it.

Barry R. Schrader

[XLFD]

Tonight, our council illustrated their absurdity.  Basically, I asked why a certain city manager had his home's property taxes drop 25% over the last dozen years and a vacant lot at 1001 S Washington rise 2500% without any change in zoning status for either or any other noted tax anomaly.  The only response I got was from Councilor Gary Castonia at the end who mused about why someone who 'pays no taxes' is so interested in what others pay for taxes.  What an insult to tenants and the many other people who don't send tax checks directly to the city treasurer. 

Perhaps someone can explain to Cazzy that if you are renting a house and the yearly property tax is $2400, that $200 of each month's rent is going to the landlord to pay the tax bill.

[AQUAMAN]

That kind of comment is expected by the likes of a Gary Castonia, whom is so far out in orbit with his own fame and condescending attitude, that he can't see the whole picture anymore. He's definitely a part of the problems that infect and perpetuate our city council, NOT a problem solver. Another one running unopposed for his ward, which must change. 

[dowland]

King Gary as I call him. He should go to the middle east, they are in  need of a few good dictators, since all the old  ones have been taken out. He would fit right in. Surprise he didn't say, if you don't like it X you should run for office.  You are so right Aquaman, we must get someone to run against this fool.

[XLFD]

King Gary is in his last term, but is entrenched until 2018 unless we get some kind of recall coming from the Sixth Ward.  I don't think he's very well liked in the ward, but nobody else has shown they want the position since 2005.

The exact quote is in the recap of the meeting I just posted corresponding to this meeting.

[AQUAMAN]

Could we please post the area of the sixth ward, so that others that are competent and willing to serve have the opportunity to come forward? I know they must accept the fact that they are registered and local voters of that very distinct ward at this time. And maybe even during the last fake election, due to no real election, thanks. Hey Cazzy, always listen to your MOM! You MUST have an explanation now to your council seat, or do ya?  Yeah, I know, protect and serve, same as your pension now says, right? 

[Willy]

In one sentence Castonia managed to sum up his and the councils attitude toward many of  the citizens they were elected to represent. His apparent disdain for renters is only to apparent.

The City must make it more attractive for citizens to run for Council. Most people won't consider running because there is very little compensation other than the influence and the  potential for graft and cronyism the job affords. In my opinion if the job came with a decent wage such as $700 or $800 dollars a month stipend and other benefits such as medical insurance, more people would be willing to take on the challenge. As it now stands Ludington is stuck with an arrogant and insensitive group of people. That's not to say those kinds of people will not seek the job in the future but they could be challenged by others who are capable of being good Councilors.

[XLFD]

The sixth ward from the map in the recall thread is bordered to the north by Ludington Avenue, to the west by Rowe/Delia Street, to the south by Melendy, to the east by Jackson. 

The vast majority of electors in Ludington do not pay taxes directly to the city, as there are only 1980 owner occupied houses and 8070 residents.  He just dissed over 75% of the people he represents.  IMHO, money or power shouldn't be a reason people seek city council seats.

[stump]

In a nut shell, would you want to be associated with this group of councilors? A big number change is needed . Recall 4-5 or all , then get people who would work for the good of the citizens of ludington and the city. Not just a one way street of the Shyster in charge of city.

[XLFD]

Point well taken, but if you don't stand with the current councilors, they and the local mainstream media will quickly distinguish you from them.  Probably in a negative light too, since they do have some ambitious agendas. 

If only a couple of recalls are started this fall and winter and are successful in May 2016, it paves the way for a lot more to fall in November 2016.

[AQUAMAN]

The question of offering some payroll and benefits for the council members isn't really the point. True patriots that want to help their town, and share in it's growth and prosperity, are the ones we are looking for. Ones that will put the locals up front on the line for fairness and equality, not tourists first. Making sure infrastructure is at the forefront for being updated and high quality, as the job duties require. Doing the job because you have the time to research and make quality decisions on voting for projects, not just being another sheeple. Not being led with a ring in your nose by the city manager, just because he and he alone recommends an ordinance or city charter change. People who really do love Ludington, not to get something in return, but to offer something for our mutual betterment. People who have a vested interest in Ludington by virtue of their being born here, raised here, lived here and worked here, go to church here, and have roots here for over 20 years or more, perhaps even generations back. Solid concerned citizens that do the job because it's the right thing to do, and they can make a positive difference for the LOCALS, not the outsiders, special back-door dealers, or get kickbacks to prop up their own nest. You get a few real good ones like this on the council, and the rest of the crooks are going to look foolish, and pack up and leave. That will also attract a lot more like-minded people to participate and get involved. Without the foundation of a good council, we have lack-luster greedy uninformed and lazy people that just want the publicity and authority complex pleased, and that's the wrong reason for all this to begin with. As for the media, they are a monopoly on the news and reporting. You can't fix stupid, but with enough good local people getting involved, it's hard to stop progress that has significantly positive results.