Monday, 10/19/2009
12:00 PM Library Board Finance/Personnel Committee Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366
6:30 PM Town Hall Meeting [on Community Improvement Districts] Hosted by Councilmen Nicholas Ibarra, Doug Burlison and State Representative Eric Burlison Brentwood Library , 2214 Brentwood Boulevard Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650
Tuesday, 10/20/2009
12:00 PM *Council Lunch Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654 [Jackie's note: The Public Information Office announced last week, the City's cable T.V. station, CityView, will be airing City Council lunch meetings. You will find a link for CityView's Web site in the sidebar of "JackeHammer," under Springfield's TV23].
3:00 PM Airport Board Administrative Committee Springfield/Branson National Airport , 2300 North Airport Boulevard Suite 100 Contact: Terri Winchester, (417) 868-0500
4:00 PM Library Board Ash Grove Branch Library , 101 E. Main Street, Ash Grove Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366
6:00 PM Police Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force Sub-Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650
Wednesday, 10/21/2009
3:00 PM E-911 Advisory Board Greene County, Commission's Conference Room, 940 North Boonville Contact: Debbie Moore, (417) 864-1719
5:30 PM Mayor's Commission on Human Rights Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Bob Hosmer, (417) 864-1834
6:30 PM Commercial Street Task Force Busch Municipal Building, Fire Station No.1, 720 East Grand Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654
Thursday, 10/22/2009
8:00 AM Airport Board Springfield/Branson National Airport , 2300 North Airport Boulevard Suite 100 Contact: Terri Winchester, (417) 868-0500
7:00 PM Planning and Zoning Commission Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Mike MacPherson, (417) 864-1831
Friday, 10/23/2009
9:00 AM Commercial Street Community Improvement District Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Donnie Rodgers, (417) 880-3435
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October 20, City Council Lunch - TENTATIVE AGENDA
1. Continued discussion of Council Bill 2009-253 (Police Fire Pension Board)
2. Any and all matters to come before City Council
Source: City of Springfield Public Information Office (Reformatted)
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Monday, October 19, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Associated Press should have Identified the Source of Information used to Insinuate Treasurer Clint Zweifel is Hypocritical or Broke State Law
State Treasurer Zweifel, a Democrat, also serves as the chair of Missouri's Housing Commission (MHC)
An "Associated Press" article in Saturday's "Springfield News-Leader," declares:
What the AP article tells you is that Zweifel supported state law mandating individual MHC members should disclose potential conflicts of interest, and then recuse themselves from the decision making which could be affected by such conflicts.
Then, as if disconnected from Zweifel's backing of the requirement that conflicts should be disclosed by members, the AP reported that Zwiefel accepted campaign contributions from people who had applied for tax credits which would be awarded by the commission on which he serves.
The kicker comes in the last paragraph of the article, when the AP states that Zweifel told "the newspaper" that lawmakers need to make a decision regarding whether elected officials, who under our current system depend on contributions to run their campaigns, should be prohibited from accepting campaign contributions if they serve on commissions awarding tax credits. Zweifel believes, according to the AP report, that policy should be consistent across the board for those who serve on commissions with a potential to judge who should receive tax credit awards.
What troubles me is that the report does not state how the AP or "newspaper" received the information and/or whether Zweifel was the one to disclose it. Also unnoted is whether Zweifel continued to be involved in any decision making regarding tax credits involving the named campaign contributors after the contributions were received. If Zweifel reported the conflict and recused himself from making a decision regarding the award of tax credits by the commission, he has followed the law he backed, which apparently, at this time, does not prohibit commissioners who deal in awarding tax credits from accepting campaign contributions from people who have applied to receive those tax credits.
The AP might have sensationalized it in their headline, in my view, casting aspersion on Zweifel rather than the system and process, or the lawmakers who define it. Zweifel is right in calling on lawmakers to make a decision about whether those who serve on tax credit awarding commissions should be allowed to accept campaign contributions. If they are not prohibited from doing so, which appears to be the case, then why did the AP set it up to insinuate Zweifel is doing some kind of shady, under the table sort of transaction with someone who might benefit from the current system? Where's the problem if Zweifel disclosed the conflict and recused himself from decision making?
On the other hand, if Zweifel did not disclose the conflict and did not recuse himself from decision making regarding the award of tax credits after he had received campaign contributions from applicants, it certainly would be a problem for Zweifel but, the AP simply doesn't give us enough information to support the insinuation they appear to be making.
Poor reporting all around, if you ask me. It raises far more questions than it answers.
Some people believe the issue of Missouri Housing Commission tax credits is even more complicated.
In an October 14 article, AP reporter David Lieb revealed two residents of St. Louis have filed suit, questioning the state constitutionality of the tax credits currently being awarded to private developers for large redevelopment projects. The suit also questions the constitutionality of recent expansions of topics under the law, reaching, the suit charges, past the original intent of such tax credit awards.
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An "Associated Press" article in Saturday's "Springfield News-Leader," declares:
Treasurer accepts cash from developer
Zweifel backed new ethics rules requiring conflict disclosure
What the AP article tells you is that Zweifel supported state law mandating individual MHC members should disclose potential conflicts of interest, and then recuse themselves from the decision making which could be affected by such conflicts.
Then, as if disconnected from Zweifel's backing of the requirement that conflicts should be disclosed by members, the AP reported that Zwiefel accepted campaign contributions from people who had applied for tax credits which would be awarded by the commission on which he serves.
The kicker comes in the last paragraph of the article, when the AP states that Zweifel told "the newspaper" that lawmakers need to make a decision regarding whether elected officials, who under our current system depend on contributions to run their campaigns, should be prohibited from accepting campaign contributions if they serve on commissions awarding tax credits. Zweifel believes, according to the AP report, that policy should be consistent across the board for those who serve on commissions with a potential to judge who should receive tax credit awards.
What troubles me is that the report does not state how the AP or "newspaper" received the information and/or whether Zweifel was the one to disclose it. Also unnoted is whether Zweifel continued to be involved in any decision making regarding tax credits involving the named campaign contributors after the contributions were received. If Zweifel reported the conflict and recused himself from making a decision regarding the award of tax credits by the commission, he has followed the law he backed, which apparently, at this time, does not prohibit commissioners who deal in awarding tax credits from accepting campaign contributions from people who have applied to receive those tax credits.
The AP might have sensationalized it in their headline, in my view, casting aspersion on Zweifel rather than the system and process, or the lawmakers who define it. Zweifel is right in calling on lawmakers to make a decision about whether those who serve on tax credit awarding commissions should be allowed to accept campaign contributions. If they are not prohibited from doing so, which appears to be the case, then why did the AP set it up to insinuate Zweifel is doing some kind of shady, under the table sort of transaction with someone who might benefit from the current system? Where's the problem if Zweifel disclosed the conflict and recused himself from decision making?
On the other hand, if Zweifel did not disclose the conflict and did not recuse himself from decision making regarding the award of tax credits after he had received campaign contributions from applicants, it certainly would be a problem for Zweifel but, the AP simply doesn't give us enough information to support the insinuation they appear to be making.
Poor reporting all around, if you ask me. It raises far more questions than it answers.
Some people believe the issue of Missouri Housing Commission tax credits is even more complicated.
In an October 14 article, AP reporter David Lieb revealed two residents of St. Louis have filed suit, questioning the state constitutionality of the tax credits currently being awarded to private developers for large redevelopment projects. The suit also questions the constitutionality of recent expansions of topics under the law, reaching, the suit charges, past the original intent of such tax credit awards.
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Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
BREAKING: Ruell Chappell Plans to Challenge Sara Lampe for the 138th District
Chappell announced his intentions at a Well-Fed Neighbor/Well-Fed Neighbor Farmers' Cooperative meeting on October 14
Springfield, MO - Ruell Chappell wants to unseat incumbent Sara Lampe in a run for the 138th district. Chappell said he will run on much the same platform that is resonating among farmers, growers, and sustainability advocates across 27 southwest Missouri counties. That message is the simple message of food and jobs delivered by the "Well-Fed Neighbor Alliance" (WFNA). Chappell is a co-regional coordinator of the WFNA, but you might remember him better as a member of the "Ozark Mountain Daredevils."
"I'm in it to win. It's a natural next step for our cause," Chappell told "JackeHammer" after the meeting. "There's not a person in this town who wouldn't agree we need a better economy."
Chappell believes the way to grow the economy in Missouri, is to produce, buy, and compete in the local market with local grown food, creating more local jobs. As a result, he says, that local money stays in our local economy.
"Everyone else is status quo," Chappell said. He wants to be pro-active in stimulating the economy, rather than waiting for the economy to turn around, which is what he thinks is the current stance of "status quo" politicians.
"If we want an economy, we have to make it," he said. "Local food will secure a local economy."
Chappell said he plans to run as an independent.
Sara Lampe, a Democrat, has been the 138th district representative since 2004.
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Springfield, MO - Ruell Chappell wants to unseat incumbent Sara Lampe in a run for the 138th district. Chappell said he will run on much the same platform that is resonating among farmers, growers, and sustainability advocates across 27 southwest Missouri counties. That message is the simple message of food and jobs delivered by the "Well-Fed Neighbor Alliance" (WFNA). Chappell is a co-regional coordinator of the WFNA, but you might remember him better as a member of the "Ozark Mountain Daredevils."
"I'm in it to win. It's a natural next step for our cause," Chappell told "JackeHammer" after the meeting. "There's not a person in this town who wouldn't agree we need a better economy."
Chappell believes the way to grow the economy in Missouri, is to produce, buy, and compete in the local market with local grown food, creating more local jobs. As a result, he says, that local money stays in our local economy.
"Everyone else is status quo," Chappell said. He wants to be pro-active in stimulating the economy, rather than waiting for the economy to turn around, which is what he thinks is the current stance of "status quo" politicians.
"If we want an economy, we have to make it," he said. "Local food will secure a local economy."
Chappell said he plans to run as an independent.
Sara Lampe, a Democrat, has been the 138th district representative since 2004.
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Missouri State Rep. Burlison and Springfield City Councilmen Ibarra and Burlison to Hold Town-Hall Meeting Discussing Community Improvement Districts
A City news-release was generated to announce Councilmen Nick Ibarra and Doug Burlison, along with State Rep. Eric Burlison, "will co-host a Town Hall meeting focusing on the topic of Community Improvement Districts [CIDs] on Monday, Oct. 19."
The meeting, which will be held at the Brentwood Library, is open to the public. Doors open at 6 PM with the meeting scheduled to start at 6:30.
From the news-release:
There will also be a question and answer session at the end of the meeting.
The news-release advises, if you have questions about the meeting, you should contact Zone 1 Councilman Nick Ibarra at 773-9441.
The City also provided a link where you can find more information about the CIDs in Springfield.
The Brentwood Library is located at 2214 Brentwood Blvd.
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The meeting, which will be held at the Brentwood Library, is open to the public. Doors open at 6 PM with the meeting scheduled to start at 6:30.
From the news-release:
Rep. Burlison, R-136, will open the forum with background on the state's role in CIDs, followed by Councilmen Ibarra and Burlison discussing the City of Springfield's involvement in CIDs....
The Councilmen will discuss proposals for signage notifying patrons at locations where CIDs are in effect in Springfield and Rep. Burlison will talk about ideas he is considering for CIDs at the state level.
There will also be a question and answer session at the end of the meeting.
The news-release advises, if you have questions about the meeting, you should contact Zone 1 Councilman Nick Ibarra at 773-9441.
The City also provided a link where you can find more information about the CIDs in Springfield.
The Brentwood Library is located at 2214 Brentwood Blvd.
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Monday, October 12, 2009
Springfield Should have Limited Focus to Passing Pension Sales Tax in November
Attempt to stage November's ballot language to enable the city to influence a future sales tax repeal vote may threaten passage of pension sales tax next month
Springfield, MO - There has been repeated reference made by City attorney Dan Wichmer that state statute restricts and limits what the city may, or may not, include in the ballot language of a sales-tax initiative to fund the police and fire pension plan. What is interesting are the deviations from the ballot form RsMo 94.579 has indicated the city must "for the most part" follow. Why oh, why, do they chose the deviations they choose? (Well, keep reading.)
RsMO 94.579 states:
Other than a yes box, a no box, and some voter instruction, that's it...the end.
Had the City of Springfield, and its City Council, which approved the City of Springfield's official ballot language on August 24, stopped with the first part of the paragraph, which reads:
...my yes vote would have been secure but, they didn't stop there, instead, they added:
With that, and a heavy heart, my no vote was secured, instead. A heavy heart because I do recognize the importance of the tax being passed, it is the reason I voted in support of the failed February pension sales tax of 1 percent.
The ballot language has been troublesome for many citizens, and personally, I think if public confusion rises to the level the City Manager feels it is necessary and appropriate to initiate passage of a City Council resolution clarifying the language, then there is an obvious and very real problem with it (see: Council Bill 2009-254, purpose and explanation).
The reason the second half of the ballot is troublesome to me rests in its potential to make me a liar in 2014, should I wish to make the decision to repeal the tax.
By voting yes on "question 1," I would not only be approving the 3/4-cent sales tax to fund the pension plan but, in my view, I would, in essence, be endorsing funding the pension plan to a 100 percent funded ratio before I would vote to repeal the tax.
Since I do not believe that full funding is either necessary to reach the city's goal, and question whether it is the best funded ratio by which the city could reach their goals, I am uncomfortable with endorsing a 100 percent funding of the plan.
A couple of things stop me from committing to endorsing paying the sales tax until the pension plan is funded at 100 percent.
1. The city is under no threat of the state withholding sales tax revenue to fund the pension plan, so long as the pension plan is funded at a 60 percent or higher ratio.
2. Milliman actuaries recommended the funded ratio which would best reach the city's long term goals as 90 percent, when they performed a study prior to the failed February vote.
I also resent what I perceive as an effort, on the city's part, to set up language today which will more than likely be used to coerce or guilt the public into approving it again, five years from now.
If I can be even clearer: I planned to vote in support of a 3/4-cent sales tax to fund the police/fire pension plan but, because, instead of placing a straight-forward and focused question before me, the city wrote language with an eye toward influencing my vote in five years, I will be unable to vote in support of the over-all question. I hope they have not ensured this sales tax initiative's failure.
They lost my affirmative vote by over-reaching what should have been the clear-cut objective of simply passing THIS sales tax initiative on THIS day (November 3).
It truly was a yes vote that was the City's to lose.
Disclaimer: I have not written this post to try to influence the vote of any other Springfield resident. I simply cannot, in good conscience, support the ballot language of "question 1," as it was crafted.
Related: "Law sought to give Springfield voters voice in funding choice" - Source: "News-Leader.com"
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Springfield, MO - There has been repeated reference made by City attorney Dan Wichmer that state statute restricts and limits what the city may, or may not, include in the ballot language of a sales-tax initiative to fund the police and fire pension plan. What is interesting are the deviations from the ballot form RsMo 94.579 has indicated the city must "for the most part" follow. Why oh, why, do they chose the deviations they choose? (Well, keep reading.)
RsMO 94.579 states:
The ballot of submission for the tax authorized in this section shall be in substantially the following form:
Shall ...... (insert the name of the city) impose a sales tax at a rate of ...... (up to one) percent, solely for the purpose of providing revenues for the operation of public safety departments of the city?
Other than a yes box, a no box, and some voter instruction, that's it...the end.
Had the City of Springfield, and its City Council, which approved the City of Springfield's official ballot language on August 24, stopped with the first part of the paragraph, which reads:
“Shall the City of Springfield impose a sales tax at a rate of three-quarter of one percent (3/4-cent) solely for the purpose of providing revenues for the Springfield Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Pension System,"
...my yes vote would have been secure but, they didn't stop there, instead, they added:
"with said tax to sunset upon the Pension System fund reaching a fully-funded (100%) status as determined by an independent actuarial study conducted for the Pension System Board of Trustees?”
With that, and a heavy heart, my no vote was secured, instead. A heavy heart because I do recognize the importance of the tax being passed, it is the reason I voted in support of the failed February pension sales tax of 1 percent.
The ballot language has been troublesome for many citizens, and personally, I think if public confusion rises to the level the City Manager feels it is necessary and appropriate to initiate passage of a City Council resolution clarifying the language, then there is an obvious and very real problem with it (see: Council Bill 2009-254, purpose and explanation).
The reason the second half of the ballot is troublesome to me rests in its potential to make me a liar in 2014, should I wish to make the decision to repeal the tax.
By voting yes on "question 1," I would not only be approving the 3/4-cent sales tax to fund the pension plan but, in my view, I would, in essence, be endorsing funding the pension plan to a 100 percent funded ratio before I would vote to repeal the tax.
Since I do not believe that full funding is either necessary to reach the city's goal, and question whether it is the best funded ratio by which the city could reach their goals, I am uncomfortable with endorsing a 100 percent funding of the plan.
A couple of things stop me from committing to endorsing paying the sales tax until the pension plan is funded at 100 percent.
1. The city is under no threat of the state withholding sales tax revenue to fund the pension plan, so long as the pension plan is funded at a 60 percent or higher ratio.
2. Milliman actuaries recommended the funded ratio which would best reach the city's long term goals as 90 percent, when they performed a study prior to the failed February vote.
"Under both 6 percent and 7.5 percent [investment return] scenarios, funding to the 100 percent target appears to overshoot the desired results long term," the Milliman actuaries advised. "The 90 percent target scenarios seem to better match the desired long term outcomes." - Nov. 19, 2008 issue, "Community Free Press," page 2)
I also resent what I perceive as an effort, on the city's part, to set up language today which will more than likely be used to coerce or guilt the public into approving it again, five years from now.
If I can be even clearer: I planned to vote in support of a 3/4-cent sales tax to fund the police/fire pension plan but, because, instead of placing a straight-forward and focused question before me, the city wrote language with an eye toward influencing my vote in five years, I will be unable to vote in support of the over-all question. I hope they have not ensured this sales tax initiative's failure.
They lost my affirmative vote by over-reaching what should have been the clear-cut objective of simply passing THIS sales tax initiative on THIS day (November 3).
It truly was a yes vote that was the City's to lose.
Disclaimer: I have not written this post to try to influence the vote of any other Springfield resident. I simply cannot, in good conscience, support the ballot language of "question 1," as it was crafted.
Related: "Law sought to give Springfield voters voice in funding choice" - Source: "News-Leader.com"
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Sunday, October 11, 2009
City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: Oct. 12-Oct. 16
Monday, 10/12/2009
12:00 PM Partnership Industrial Center West Administrative Council Chamber of Commerce , 202 John Q. Hammons Parkway Contact: Greg Williams, (417) 862-5567
6:30 PM City Council Meeting Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650
Tuesday, 10/13/2009
8:30 AM Library Board Buildings & Grounds Committee Kirkpatrick, Phillips, & Miller CPAs , 2003 E. Sunshine Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366
9:00 AM Board of Equalization Greene County, Room 113, 940 North Boonville Contact: Richard Struckhoff, (417) 868-4055
12:00 PM Council Lunch* Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654
2:00 PM Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036
5:00 PM Watershed Work Session Watershed Offices , 320 North Main Contact: Loring Bullard, (417) 866-1127
5:30 PM Sherman Avenue Project Area Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Marti Fewell, (417) 864-1039
Cancelled due to lack of a quorum - 6:00 PM Police Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force Subcommittee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650
Wednesday, 10/14/2009
8:00 AM Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Barb Baker, (417) 831-6200
Cancelled 8:00 AM Workforce Investment Board Marketing Committee Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Karen Dowdy, (417) 887-4343
(Added 10/13) 5:00 PM Special City Council meeting (closed for real estate and litigation) Busch Building 4th floor conference room.
5:30 PM Landmarks Board Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036
6:00 PM Commercial Street Task Force Fire Station Number 1, Community Room, 720 East Grand Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654
Thursday, 10/15/2009
8:00 AM Springfield Convention & Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors Jordan Valley Park , 411 North Sherman Parkway Contact: Tracy Kimberlin, (417) 881-5300
12:00 PM Ozarks Transportation Organization Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Tim Conklin, (417) 836-5482
3:30 PM Tree City USA Citizen Advisory Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Benjamin Kellner, (417) 864-1178
Friday, 10/16/2009
9:30 AM Public Housing Authority Madison Towers, Northeast Meeting Room, 421 West Madison Contact: Tom Barnett, (417) 866-4329
-----------------------------------------
*October 13, City Council Lunch Tentative Agenda
1. Follow up to City Council meeting held on October 12, 2009
2. Update on status of Wonders of Wildlife
3. Any and all matters to come before City Council
Source: City of Springfield Public Information Office (Reformatted)
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12:00 PM Partnership Industrial Center West Administrative Council Chamber of Commerce , 202 John Q. Hammons Parkway Contact: Greg Williams, (417) 862-5567
6:30 PM City Council Meeting Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650
Tuesday, 10/13/2009
8:30 AM Library Board Buildings & Grounds Committee Kirkpatrick, Phillips, & Miller CPAs , 2003 E. Sunshine Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366
9:00 AM Board of Equalization Greene County, Room 113, 940 North Boonville Contact: Richard Struckhoff, (417) 868-4055
12:00 PM Council Lunch* Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654
2:00 PM Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036
5:00 PM Watershed Work Session Watershed Offices , 320 North Main Contact: Loring Bullard, (417) 866-1127
5:30 PM Sherman Avenue Project Area Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Marti Fewell, (417) 864-1039
Cancelled due to lack of a quorum - 6:00 PM Police Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force Subcommittee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650
Wednesday, 10/14/2009
8:00 AM Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Barb Baker, (417) 831-6200
Cancelled 8:00 AM Workforce Investment Board Marketing Committee Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Karen Dowdy, (417) 887-4343
(Added 10/13) 5:00 PM Special City Council meeting (closed for real estate and litigation) Busch Building 4th floor conference room.
5:30 PM Landmarks Board Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036
6:00 PM Commercial Street Task Force Fire Station Number 1, Community Room, 720 East Grand Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654
Thursday, 10/15/2009
8:00 AM Springfield Convention & Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors Jordan Valley Park , 411 North Sherman Parkway Contact: Tracy Kimberlin, (417) 881-5300
12:00 PM Ozarks Transportation Organization Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Tim Conklin, (417) 836-5482
3:30 PM Tree City USA Citizen Advisory Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Benjamin Kellner, (417) 864-1178
Friday, 10/16/2009
9:30 AM Public Housing Authority Madison Towers, Northeast Meeting Room, 421 West Madison Contact: Tom Barnett, (417) 866-4329
-----------------------------------------
*October 13, City Council Lunch Tentative Agenda
1. Follow up to City Council meeting held on October 12, 2009
2. Update on status of Wonders of Wildlife
3. Any and all matters to come before City Council
Source: City of Springfield Public Information Office (Reformatted)
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Friday, October 09, 2009
P & Z to Refer Urban Garden Text Amendment to City Council
and what's "JackeHammer's" opinion regarding the amendment?
Thursday night, as readers of "JackeHammer" know, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z) held a public hearing regarding the proposed text amendment that was unanimously recommended to them by the urban garden task force.
The P & Z Commission, in turn, unanimously voted to recommend that text amendment for consideration by the Springfield City Council at Thursday night's meeting. P & Z anticipates the proposed text amendment will be presented to the Council for first reading and public hearing on October 26.
Having stayed up to date on the issue and having reported on it extensively as the process has unfolded, I figured some of my readers would like to know my opinion on the proposed text amendment. I am allowed to have an opinion, you know? ;)
When I got home last night and looked at some of my favorite news links, I noticed that the "Show-Me Institute's" official blog, "Show-Me Daily," had weighed in on Springfield's urban garden issue. Since I had an exchange with Show-Me blogger Sarah Brodsky, in which my opinion on the amendment was outlined, I would refer you to that Brodsky entry and the comment section where my opinion was expressed. I also would refer you there because I thought the exchange between Brodsky and myself was interesting and she brings yet another opinion to the issue.
If you have any comments, please address them here, I might not, immediately, see them if posted at "Show-Me Daily," though I will try to check in periodically.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday night, as readers of "JackeHammer" know, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z) held a public hearing regarding the proposed text amendment that was unanimously recommended to them by the urban garden task force.
The P & Z Commission, in turn, unanimously voted to recommend that text amendment for consideration by the Springfield City Council at Thursday night's meeting. P & Z anticipates the proposed text amendment will be presented to the Council for first reading and public hearing on October 26.
Having stayed up to date on the issue and having reported on it extensively as the process has unfolded, I figured some of my readers would like to know my opinion on the proposed text amendment. I am allowed to have an opinion, you know? ;)
When I got home last night and looked at some of my favorite news links, I noticed that the "Show-Me Institute's" official blog, "Show-Me Daily," had weighed in on Springfield's urban garden issue. Since I had an exchange with Show-Me blogger Sarah Brodsky, in which my opinion on the amendment was outlined, I would refer you to that Brodsky entry and the comment section where my opinion was expressed. I also would refer you there because I thought the exchange between Brodsky and myself was interesting and she brings yet another opinion to the issue.
If you have any comments, please address them here, I might not, immediately, see them if posted at "Show-Me Daily," though I will try to check in periodically.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday, October 08, 2009
P & Z to Hear from Public on Urban Garden Task Force Recommendations Tonight
As written about in this previous "JackeHammer" (JH) entry, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z) will take public comment tonight as they review and discuss the Urban Garden Task Force's recommendation.
Here's a recap of some of the details from the earlier JH posting. You might find the information useful if you want to address the Commission tonight:
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Here's a recap of some of the details from the earlier JH posting. You might find the information useful if you want to address the Commission tonight:
The Urban Garden Task Force voted unanimously to recommend a City staff prepared, proposed text amendment to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z) for consideration when the task force met on September 22. The task force's approval came with one section change, reflected at Section 5-3002 (E) of the recommended amendment.
Rather than restricting hours of operation from sunrise to sunset as the draft had specified, the proposed section was changed to allow operation from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. One other change to the same section allows gasoline powered equipment to operate on the same schedule. The draft text amendment originally allowed mechanical, gas and electric equipment use only from the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Under the proposed amendment, "Personal Gardens" and "Community Gardens" will be allowed in any and all zoning districts in Springfield. Neither will be allowed to sell produce to the public on-site.
Other than the prohibition of on-site sales, personal gardens can be cited under the nuisance ordinance of City Code for the same things for which all City residents may be cited, such as odor, noise, high weeds, grass, etc. There were no additional restrictions applied to personal gardens.
Community gardens face a few more restrictions. The owner or proprietor of the property will be required to file an application with the Director of Building Development Services but, not without reason, considering they have more potential to be a source of complaint to the neighborhoods where they will be tended than personal gardens tended by a single property owner or family. There will also be a no to minimal-cost permit required.
The proposed restrictions on Community gardens apply to: Accessory structures (not to exceed 40 percent of the lot area); placement of accessory structures; hours of operation; signage; storm water, sediment and erosion; odor emissions; high weeds and grass; compost and material storage areas; lighting; noise; vision obstruction; and parking (if cultivated area exceeds 1 acre in size).Commercial gardens and Farmers' Markets were also defined and regulated under the proposed amendment....
The P & Zoning public hearing will be held on Thursday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
If the P & Z Commission approves the Urban Garden Task Force's report and attached amendment, the Commission anticipates the City Council will hear first reading of a bill seeking their approval of the text amendment, and take public comment at their October 26 meeting. That would mean the Council would likely vote on the ordinance on November 9, after second reading of the bill.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Police and Fire Pension Fund Year-End Report Released
The year end actuarial valuation report for the Police and Fire Pension Fund has been released.
A City of Springfield News Release states, in part:
Read the entire report here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A City of Springfield News Release states, in part:
As of June 30, 2009, the plan's market-value funded ratio is 35.5 percent.
"The Plan's funded status is steadily and significantly eroding," the report states, suggesting that the funded status would be improved by increased contributions, improved investment returns, reduction in future benefit liabilities or a combination.
Read the entire report here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Approval of $50 Million Springfield Public School Initiative does not Guarantee Federal Stimulus Funds
Last night, I read with interest Brian Brown's article, "Pay longer, build now," regarding the $50 million bond initiative the Springfield Public School Board seeks the tax-payer to approve in the upcoming November election. The article can be found in the October 7, issue of the "Community Free Press (CFP)."
In the column, Brown wrote, "The $50 million bond issue will utilize $5 million to $7 million in federal stimulus money to fund a number of construction and air-conditioning projects in the district."
You see, what was unclear in Brown's article in CFP, was whether the federal stimulus money had been applied for and is guaranteed if the voters approve an extension of the previously, voter-approved tax levy.
Brown pointed out in the article that voter approval of the November bond initiative will extend the 2006 debt-service levy by four years, or until 2030. The debt-service levy, otherwise, is anticipated to be paid off in 2026.
Superintendent of Springfield R-12, Norm Ridder told Brown for the article in CFP, "The community has to pass the bond initiative for us to get the stimulus money." Ridder also indicated the board hadn't really planned to seek a bond initiative in 2009, "The board was not going to go for any kind of initiative this year, but then there was a stimulus package that came forward from the federal government."
Having just written an opinion piece at "JackeHammer," in response to Springfield School Board president Gerry Lee's recent "Voice of the Day" column in the "Springfield News-Leader," and having been the recipient of a response to that opinion piece, in the comment section of that entry, by Springfield Public Schools Community Relations Manager Teresa Bledsoe, I decided to call her with some questions.
I inquired as to whether the SPS Board, or its representative(s), had applied for federal stimulus money related to the bond initiative which will be on the ballot in November.
"We have to approve a bond issue before we can apply," Bledsoe said.
According to Bledsoe, there were $149 million in federal stimulus funds available in the Qualified School Construction Bond Program in 2009 and another $141 million will be available in 2010.
SPS does not qualify for application for those federal funds unless a bond initiative is passed within a certain time frame. Existing bond initiatives do not qualify Springfield to apply for the stimulus funds held in the Qualified School Construction Bond Program.
When asked if there was any guarantee that SPS would be awarded the $5 - $7 million Brown's article claims the bond issue will utilize, Bledsoe referred me to the confidence of the SPS Board's financial advisor George K. Baum.
"He feels fairly confident that we would receive at least $5 million," Bledsoe said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the column, Brown wrote, "The $50 million bond issue will utilize $5 million to $7 million in federal stimulus money to fund a number of construction and air-conditioning projects in the district."
You see, what was unclear in Brown's article in CFP, was whether the federal stimulus money had been applied for and is guaranteed if the voters approve an extension of the previously, voter-approved tax levy.
Brown pointed out in the article that voter approval of the November bond initiative will extend the 2006 debt-service levy by four years, or until 2030. The debt-service levy, otherwise, is anticipated to be paid off in 2026.
Superintendent of Springfield R-12, Norm Ridder told Brown for the article in CFP, "The community has to pass the bond initiative for us to get the stimulus money." Ridder also indicated the board hadn't really planned to seek a bond initiative in 2009, "The board was not going to go for any kind of initiative this year, but then there was a stimulus package that came forward from the federal government."
Having just written an opinion piece at "JackeHammer," in response to Springfield School Board president Gerry Lee's recent "Voice of the Day" column in the "Springfield News-Leader," and having been the recipient of a response to that opinion piece, in the comment section of that entry, by Springfield Public Schools Community Relations Manager Teresa Bledsoe, I decided to call her with some questions.
I inquired as to whether the SPS Board, or its representative(s), had applied for federal stimulus money related to the bond initiative which will be on the ballot in November.
"We have to approve a bond issue before we can apply," Bledsoe said.
According to Bledsoe, there were $149 million in federal stimulus funds available in the Qualified School Construction Bond Program in 2009 and another $141 million will be available in 2010.
SPS does not qualify for application for those federal funds unless a bond initiative is passed within a certain time frame. Existing bond initiatives do not qualify Springfield to apply for the stimulus funds held in the Qualified School Construction Bond Program.
When asked if there was any guarantee that SPS would be awarded the $5 - $7 million Brown's article claims the bond issue will utilize, Bledsoe referred me to the confidence of the SPS Board's financial advisor George K. Baum.
"He feels fairly confident that we would receive at least $5 million," Bledsoe said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Trunk or Treating???
If you will be participating in a "Trunk or Treat" this year, like I will be, here's a great site with pictures and links to other sites to help you get your creative juices flowing.
Trunk or Treat Decorating
Enjoy!
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Trunk or Treat Decorating
Enjoy!
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Monday, October 05, 2009
Tit for Tat on School District Numbers
Opinion
Since I posted a link to Tom Gargus' "Voice of the Day" column, "Numbers don't back district's claims," as a recommended reading the day it came out in the "Springfield News-Leader," I feel I should also post President of the Springfield School Board Gerry Lee's response, "Numbers don't add up in criticism of district," of the same source. But, I have to tell you, since we all know numbers can be manipulated to make certain points, and since Tom Gargus spent over $100 in Sunshine Law requests and, more than likely, considerable time researching and analyzing the results of those requests, along with information available at the School District's Web site [according to the News-Leader], I think it might have been appropriate for Mr. Lee to explain why Gargus' numbers were wrong, instead of an equally appropriate exploration and interpretation.
Lee could have made his point in a more humble and respectful manner than he did, and Gargus, after spending considerable money and time in researching and analyzing the issue, was deserving of a more respectful attitude.
For instance, why would enrollment data present a more accurate picture than actual attendance data? Mr. Lee accuses Mr. Gargus of being deceitful for applying attendance data, but offers no explanation about why the use of attendance data offers an "inaccurate" and "deceitful picture," whereas Lee's choice of enrollment data would offer an accurate one.
I felt the president seemed to accuse, or imply that Mr. Gargus was intentionally providing misinformation, being purposely deceptive and simplistic.
I seem to remember, when the bond was passed for air-conditioning the schools, there was talk about all the schools being air-conditioned. My memory is certainly not perfect, but that is the way I remember it. I don't remember it as being a promise to air-condition a certain number of schools, rather I remember it as being a promise to air-condition all the schools. Now, if that isn't the case, I'll be happy to correct myself. I'm not posting such a comment as intentional misinformation, or a deception of the facts.
I'm not sure that Mr. Lee could have been more condescending and accusatory than he was in his rebuttal of Gargus' column. I can understand that Lee might have taken Gargus' accusations personally, however, they were not a personal attack on a person, they were, after monetary expense and sacrifice of time, an editorial commentary of Mr. Gargus' understanding of the issue. An issue, I might add, that involved considerable expenditure of tax-payer dollars.
I'm simply saying Mr. Lee's response could have been much more tactful and presented a better educational opportunity for all readers of the paper in the process, instead of seeming so adversarial and defensive.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since I posted a link to Tom Gargus' "Voice of the Day" column, "Numbers don't back district's claims," as a recommended reading the day it came out in the "Springfield News-Leader," I feel I should also post President of the Springfield School Board Gerry Lee's response, "Numbers don't add up in criticism of district," of the same source. But, I have to tell you, since we all know numbers can be manipulated to make certain points, and since Tom Gargus spent over $100 in Sunshine Law requests and, more than likely, considerable time researching and analyzing the results of those requests, along with information available at the School District's Web site [according to the News-Leader], I think it might have been appropriate for Mr. Lee to explain why Gargus' numbers were wrong, instead of an equally appropriate exploration and interpretation.
Lee could have made his point in a more humble and respectful manner than he did, and Gargus, after spending considerable money and time in researching and analyzing the issue, was deserving of a more respectful attitude.
For instance, why would enrollment data present a more accurate picture than actual attendance data? Mr. Lee accuses Mr. Gargus of being deceitful for applying attendance data, but offers no explanation about why the use of attendance data offers an "inaccurate" and "deceitful picture," whereas Lee's choice of enrollment data would offer an accurate one.
I felt the president seemed to accuse, or imply that Mr. Gargus was intentionally providing misinformation, being purposely deceptive and simplistic.
I seem to remember, when the bond was passed for air-conditioning the schools, there was talk about all the schools being air-conditioned. My memory is certainly not perfect, but that is the way I remember it. I don't remember it as being a promise to air-condition a certain number of schools, rather I remember it as being a promise to air-condition all the schools. Now, if that isn't the case, I'll be happy to correct myself. I'm not posting such a comment as intentional misinformation, or a deception of the facts.
I'm not sure that Mr. Lee could have been more condescending and accusatory than he was in his rebuttal of Gargus' column. I can understand that Lee might have taken Gargus' accusations personally, however, they were not a personal attack on a person, they were, after monetary expense and sacrifice of time, an editorial commentary of Mr. Gargus' understanding of the issue. An issue, I might add, that involved considerable expenditure of tax-payer dollars.
I'm simply saying Mr. Lee's response could have been much more tactful and presented a better educational opportunity for all readers of the paper in the process, instead of seeming so adversarial and defensive.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: Oct.5-9
Monday, 10/5/2009
8:30 AM Library Board Programs/Services/Technology Committee Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366
Tuesday, 10/6/2009
8:00 AM Mayor's Commission for Children Community Foundation , 425 E. Trafficway Contact: Denise Bredfeldt, (417) 864-1656
12:00 PM [Please Note Location Change] *Council Lunch Missouri Hotel, Lobby, 420 E. Commercial Street Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654
1:00 PM Police Civilian Review Board Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Francene Marchant, (417) 864-1791
1:30 PM Board of Adjustment Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Matt Schaefer, (417) 864-1100
2:30 PM Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036
5:15 PM Environmental Advisory Board Springfield/Greene County Health Department, Basement Conference Room, 227 E. Chestnut Exp. Contact: Karen McKinnis, (417) 864-1623
6:00 PM Police Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force Subcommittee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650
Wednesday, 10/7/2009
5:30 PM Commercial Street Task Force Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, Basement Conference Room, 397 East Central Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654
Thursday, 10/8/2009
8:30 AM Police and Fire Pension Review Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Evelyn Honea, (417) 864-1002
5:30 PM Building Trades Certification and Examination Board Busch Municipal Building, 1st Floor Conf. Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: Nick Heatherly, (417) 864-1059
6:00 PM Art Museum Board of Directors Art Museum , 1111 East Brookside Contact: Jerry Berger, (417) 837-5700
6:30 PM Planning and Zoning Commission Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Mike MacPherson, (417) 864-1831
Friday, 10/9/2009
8:30 AM Springfield/Greene County Park Board Dickerson Park Zoo , 1401 W. Norton Road Contact: Jodie Adams, (417) 864-1049
12:00 PM City Council Finance and Administration Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Lisa Harley, (417) 864-1443
---------------------------------------------
*TENTATIVE COUNCIL LUNCH AGENDA [Please note the Council lunch will be held in the Missouri Hotel Lobby located at 420 E. Commercial Street on Tuesday, rather than at the Busch building]
1. "Tuesdays with The Kitchen" Presentation of Programs & Campus Tour - Lisa Hamaker
2. Any and all matters to come before City Council
Source: City of Springfield Public Information Office [with format editing]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8:30 AM Library Board Programs/Services/Technology Committee Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366
Tuesday, 10/6/2009
8:00 AM Mayor's Commission for Children Community Foundation , 425 E. Trafficway Contact: Denise Bredfeldt, (417) 864-1656
12:00 PM [Please Note Location Change] *Council Lunch Missouri Hotel, Lobby, 420 E. Commercial Street Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654
1:00 PM Police Civilian Review Board Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Francene Marchant, (417) 864-1791
1:30 PM Board of Adjustment Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Matt Schaefer, (417) 864-1100
2:30 PM Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036
5:15 PM Environmental Advisory Board Springfield/Greene County Health Department, Basement Conference Room, 227 E. Chestnut Exp. Contact: Karen McKinnis, (417) 864-1623
6:00 PM Police Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force Subcommittee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650
Wednesday, 10/7/2009
5:30 PM Commercial Street Task Force Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, Basement Conference Room, 397 East Central Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654
Thursday, 10/8/2009
8:30 AM Police and Fire Pension Review Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Evelyn Honea, (417) 864-1002
5:30 PM Building Trades Certification and Examination Board Busch Municipal Building, 1st Floor Conf. Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: Nick Heatherly, (417) 864-1059
6:00 PM Art Museum Board of Directors Art Museum , 1111 East Brookside Contact: Jerry Berger, (417) 837-5700
6:30 PM Planning and Zoning Commission Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Mike MacPherson, (417) 864-1831
Friday, 10/9/2009
8:30 AM Springfield/Greene County Park Board Dickerson Park Zoo , 1401 W. Norton Road Contact: Jodie Adams, (417) 864-1049
12:00 PM City Council Finance and Administration Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Lisa Harley, (417) 864-1443
---------------------------------------------
*TENTATIVE COUNCIL LUNCH AGENDA [Please note the Council lunch will be held in the Missouri Hotel Lobby located at 420 E. Commercial Street on Tuesday, rather than at the Busch building]
1. "Tuesdays with The Kitchen" Presentation of Programs & Campus Tour - Lisa Hamaker
2. Any and all matters to come before City Council
Source: City of Springfield Public Information Office [with format editing]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Sunday Reading: Dr. Charles Stanley on Addressing and Confronting Conflict Wisely
Because everybody faces conflict
"Addressing Conflict Wisely" - "In Touch Ministries" - Dr. Charles Stanley 2009
Further reading: "Confronting Conflict," source: "Life Principles Notes" by Dr. Charles Stanley (pdf)
Note: This post is intended to be a resource for Christians but, others may find it interesting and helpful too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Addressing Conflict Wisely" - "In Touch Ministries" - Dr. Charles Stanley 2009
Further reading: "Confronting Conflict," source: "Life Principles Notes" by Dr. Charles Stanley (pdf)
Note: This post is intended to be a resource for Christians but, others may find it interesting and helpful too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday, October 02, 2009
More Garden News: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park Leases Almost a Third of Available Garden Plots
According to an article in the Friday edition of the "Springfield News-Leader," the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department has leased 19 of the 60 garden plots it is making available to the public since kicking off the pilot program last month.
The 8 x 16 and 16 x 16 plots may be leased for $25 and $40 on an annual basis, respectively. Those signing up will have an option to renew their lease annually.
News-Leader reporter Wes Johnson laid out the particulars:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The 8 x 16 and 16 x 16 plots may be leased for $25 and $40 on an annual basis, respectively. Those signing up will have an option to renew their lease annually.
News-Leader reporter Wes Johnson laid out the particulars:
The Park Board provides soil, fencing, water access and a sign for each plot.
All food grown is the property of the plot's renter. Each participant is responsible for maintaining weed control, providing all seeds and other equipment required to grow a garden and removing debris at the end of the growing season.
"The goal of the new Urban Gardens program is to offer a space for people to grow fruits, vegetables or flowers, who otherwise don't immediately have the space available in their own backyard," said Parks Director Jodie Adams.
"They will also offer an opportunity for youth field trips to see and participate in a working garden, along with generally providing fellowship with others and recreational, exercise and therapeutic benefits to our community."
An urban garden program guide and application is available directly on the Park Board's Web site at www.parkboard.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
P & Z Commission to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Urban Garden Text Amendment
Task force members prompt Springfield City Council to adopt a resolution to support a policy of food, urban agricultural and energy sustainability
The Urban Garden Task Force voted unanimously to recommend a City staff prepared, proposed text amendment to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z) for consideration when the task force met on September 22. The task force's approval came with one section change, reflected at Section 5-3002 (E) of the recommended amendment.
Rather than restricting hours of operation from sunrise to sunset as the draft had specified, the proposed section was changed to allow operation from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. One other change to the same section allows gasoline powered equipment to operate on the same schedule. The draft text amendment originally allowed mechanical, gas and electric equipment use only from the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Under the proposed amendment, "Personal Gardens" and "Community Gardens" will be allowed in any and all zoning districts in Springfield. Neither will be allowed to sell produce to the public on-site.
Other than the prohibition of on-site sales, personal gardens can be cited under the nuisance ordinance of City Code for the same things for which all City residents may be cited, such as odor, noise, high weeds, grass, etc. There were no additional restrictions applied to personal gardens.
Community gardens face a few more restrictions. The owner or proprietor of the property will be required to file an application with the Director of Building Development Services but, not without reason, considering they have more potential to be a source of complaint to the neighborhoods where they will be tended than personal gardens tended by a single property owner or family. There will also be a no to minimal-cost permit required.
The proposed restrictions on Community gardens apply to: Accessory structures (not to exceed 40 percent of the lot area); placement of accessory structures; hours of operation; signage; storm water, sediment and erosion; odor emissions; high weeds and grass; compost and material storage areas; lighting; noise; vision obstruction; and parking (if cultivated area exceeds 1 acre in size).
Commercial gardens and Farmers' Markets were also defined and regulated under the proposed amendment.
Task force member Galen Chadwick took the advise of Jack Wheeler, the chair of the task force, and prepared a letter to attach to the proposed amendment for the City Council to consider.
In his letter to the City Council, Chadwick made a plea for local food sustainability.
"The food consumed by the citizens of the Springfield Economic Area, an amount in excess of 1,100 tons of food per day, is shipped and trucked to us along a fragile and globalized supply line," Chadwick wrote. "Should this delivery system be disrupted for any reason, supermarket shelves will empty within hours. The average household has roughly three days worth of food on hand. Given that less than 5% of our food is grown within the state, or within a thousand miles beyond our borders, the result of a significant disruption will be catastrophic."
Chadwick, a regional co-coordinator of the "Well-Fed Neighbor Alliance" (WFNA), proposed the City Council should consider supporting or initiating a "Food Policy Council," to create, develop and implement citywide food policy regulation.
The WFNA is a member of the Healthy Youth Partnership, a non-profit organization in St. Louis working to develop a "just and sustainable local food system" under the direction of Maggie Menefree and University of Missouri Community Food Systems director Dr. Mary Hendrickson.
Chadwick and fellow WFNA regional coordinator Ruell Chappell have been working to form the Well-Fed Neighbor Farmers' Co-op, in conjunction with area supermarkets.
Chadwick indicated the WFNA could assist the Council, if they are interested in forming a Food Policy Council.
"Should the City Council be interested in this proposal, the WFNA will arrange an informal exploratory session along with Dr. Hendrickson, regional foods experts, and other key academic and WFNA executive leaders," Chadwick wrote, before supplying Council members with contact information.
He listed potential partners in the food council as: Faith based groups, concerned individuals, farmers, community gardens, food producers, cooks, local and state governments, schools and colleges, health and nutrition experts, food advocates, food distributors, farmers' markets, and food banks/food pantries.
A second Urban Garden Task Force letter, signed by four members of the task force, supported "the concept of establishing the "Food Policy Council" as a part of the non-profit community."
"We are asking City Council to adopt a resolution to support a policy of food, urban agricultural and energy sustainability."
The four members who signed the letter endorsing the Food Policy Council and the establishment of the WFNA as a step toward their shared goal were: Earl Slavens, Urban Garden Task Force member; Chairman of the Friends of the Victory Gardens at Grand Oak Mission Gary Schafer; Melissa Millsap, Urban Roots Farm; and Curt Millsap, Millsap Farm CSA.
If this issue is of interest to you, the Planning and Zoning Commission will take public comment on Thursday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
If the P & Z Commission approves the Urban Garden Task Force's report and attached amendment, the Commission anticipates the City Council will hear first reading of a bill seeking their approval of the text amendment, and take public comment at their October 26 meeting. That would mean the Council would likely vote on the ordinance on November 9, after second reading of the bill.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Urban Garden Task Force voted unanimously to recommend a City staff prepared, proposed text amendment to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z) for consideration when the task force met on September 22. The task force's approval came with one section change, reflected at Section 5-3002 (E) of the recommended amendment.
Rather than restricting hours of operation from sunrise to sunset as the draft had specified, the proposed section was changed to allow operation from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. One other change to the same section allows gasoline powered equipment to operate on the same schedule. The draft text amendment originally allowed mechanical, gas and electric equipment use only from the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Under the proposed amendment, "Personal Gardens" and "Community Gardens" will be allowed in any and all zoning districts in Springfield. Neither will be allowed to sell produce to the public on-site.
Other than the prohibition of on-site sales, personal gardens can be cited under the nuisance ordinance of City Code for the same things for which all City residents may be cited, such as odor, noise, high weeds, grass, etc. There were no additional restrictions applied to personal gardens.
Community gardens face a few more restrictions. The owner or proprietor of the property will be required to file an application with the Director of Building Development Services but, not without reason, considering they have more potential to be a source of complaint to the neighborhoods where they will be tended than personal gardens tended by a single property owner or family. There will also be a no to minimal-cost permit required.
The proposed restrictions on Community gardens apply to: Accessory structures (not to exceed 40 percent of the lot area); placement of accessory structures; hours of operation; signage; storm water, sediment and erosion; odor emissions; high weeds and grass; compost and material storage areas; lighting; noise; vision obstruction; and parking (if cultivated area exceeds 1 acre in size).
Commercial gardens and Farmers' Markets were also defined and regulated under the proposed amendment.
Task force member Galen Chadwick took the advise of Jack Wheeler, the chair of the task force, and prepared a letter to attach to the proposed amendment for the City Council to consider.
In his letter to the City Council, Chadwick made a plea for local food sustainability.
"The food consumed by the citizens of the Springfield Economic Area, an amount in excess of 1,100 tons of food per day, is shipped and trucked to us along a fragile and globalized supply line," Chadwick wrote. "Should this delivery system be disrupted for any reason, supermarket shelves will empty within hours. The average household has roughly three days worth of food on hand. Given that less than 5% of our food is grown within the state, or within a thousand miles beyond our borders, the result of a significant disruption will be catastrophic."
Chadwick, a regional co-coordinator of the "Well-Fed Neighbor Alliance" (WFNA), proposed the City Council should consider supporting or initiating a "Food Policy Council," to create, develop and implement citywide food policy regulation.
The WFNA is a member of the Healthy Youth Partnership, a non-profit organization in St. Louis working to develop a "just and sustainable local food system" under the direction of Maggie Menefree and University of Missouri Community Food Systems director Dr. Mary Hendrickson.
Chadwick and fellow WFNA regional coordinator Ruell Chappell have been working to form the Well-Fed Neighbor Farmers' Co-op, in conjunction with area supermarkets.
Chadwick indicated the WFNA could assist the Council, if they are interested in forming a Food Policy Council.
"Should the City Council be interested in this proposal, the WFNA will arrange an informal exploratory session along with Dr. Hendrickson, regional foods experts, and other key academic and WFNA executive leaders," Chadwick wrote, before supplying Council members with contact information.
He listed potential partners in the food council as: Faith based groups, concerned individuals, farmers, community gardens, food producers, cooks, local and state governments, schools and colleges, health and nutrition experts, food advocates, food distributors, farmers' markets, and food banks/food pantries.
A second Urban Garden Task Force letter, signed by four members of the task force, supported "the concept of establishing the "Food Policy Council" as a part of the non-profit community."
"We are asking City Council to adopt a resolution to support a policy of food, urban agricultural and energy sustainability."
The four members who signed the letter endorsing the Food Policy Council and the establishment of the WFNA as a step toward their shared goal were: Earl Slavens, Urban Garden Task Force member; Chairman of the Friends of the Victory Gardens at Grand Oak Mission Gary Schafer; Melissa Millsap, Urban Roots Farm; and Curt Millsap, Millsap Farm CSA.
If this issue is of interest to you, the Planning and Zoning Commission will take public comment on Thursday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
If the P & Z Commission approves the Urban Garden Task Force's report and attached amendment, the Commission anticipates the City Council will hear first reading of a bill seeking their approval of the text amendment, and take public comment at their October 26 meeting. That would mean the Council would likely vote on the ordinance on November 9, after second reading of the bill.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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