Commissioners narrowly vote to proceed with next phase of river development
12/14/2009
DAVID CLOUSTON
It’s a big number — $400,000. And it’s too much for the city to spend, even for a project as worthwhile as turning the old Smoky Hill River channel into an upscale river walk, city commissioner Norman Jennings said, after casting the lone vote Monday against funding the next step in the project.
Commissioners Tom Arpke and Samantha Angell voted in favor of the resolution authorizing up to $400,000 for planning and engineering services to complete Phase II of a master plan to develop the channel.
Commissioner Aaron Peck and Mayor Luci Larson had other obligations and were not present for Monday’s meeting, City Manager Jason Gage said.
Monday’s vote authorized spending money commissioners already had allocated during their budget planning process this summer.
Read more about the river plan in Tuesday's Salina Journal.
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4VDZ7 says....
Absolute Power-corrupts absolutely!!!!!That's what Salina is all about..
12/23/2009
rickl says....
Why does the city pay consultants $25,000.00 and more to any project? Does the City of Salina not have anyone that works for the city to figure out how to do these projects on their own or are they just there taking up space? $400,000.00 to do a "study"seems rather costly to tax payers unless this money is by public donation. The City of Salina supposedly has a City Engineer,can he/she do anything along these lines? The tax payers pay the wage for that position. Seems the city is more apt to pay these "consultants" than to do any project on their own,they should give it a shot. The so-called city manager might want to kick start these positions in high gear to save Salina big money, if he will approach them. Something of this magnitude needs the approval of ALL commissioners as one poster suggested,not three commissioners. Peck & Larson know the commissioners meet on Mondays,their calendars should be clear for those meetings.
12/23/2009
I Got Big News says....
I've got news for the city commissioners: This ain't San Antonio! Use the money for practical purposes that actually help people during this Obama depression.
12/22/2009
Taxpayer says....
Anytime there is a measure of any kind before the City Commission that involves a sum in excess of $25,000 ALL of the Commissioners SHOULD BE REQUIRED to on the issue before it can be passed or defeated. If all Commissioners aren't available to vote then table the issue until they are. $400,000 is far too much PUBLIC money to spend with 2 Commissioners absent! Maybe if Sen. Roberts had offered his support for Obamacare he could have gotten the entire riverwalk project funded in the "healthcare bill". That way "the government" would have paid for it..........OH WAIT, WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT!!!!!!
12/22/2009
Chip8 says....
It'nt it amazing, the City can find the money for a project they wish to do...but when it comes to cost-of-living adjustments for city employees and/or a bonus...forget-about-it!! it's not happening.
Hypocracy abounds!!
12/21/2009
says....
clean up the crime,then the river.
12/21/2009
River Consultant says....
If the city wants a river walk, then pay the city crew to lay down a wide asphalt path along the river, wide enough for bicycles and walkers. That should cost maybe $150,000 at most! I'll take just $50,000 for this idea and save the city $200,000. They can hold the check for me at city hall.
12/20/2009
Tinkerbell says....
2 people make the decision for the entire city of Salina.... cramming this through....Sounds just like the Obumble heathcare bill that they are forcing upon our country.... Just doing what they want and not listening to the people they are supposed to be working for. One question - Why is this river walk deal not up for a city wide vote for the citizens of Salina to make this decision?
12/20/2009
says....
put all extra money into the school system pay for quality teachers.forget artwork and special river walks.people won't care for beauty along the river .people will have a mcdonalds picnic and throw the trash into the river.
12/19/2009
happy neighbor says....
this is to "enough already"...you are one nosey neighbor!! the police department, and all those smart guys would like to thank you for being so vigilant and ready to snitch on people you live next to...SO WHAT if someone's house smells like pot, they probly are smoking it!! is nothing private anymore? not only does big brother watch everything america is doing, we have big brother living right next door, willing to snitch on a neighbor, instead of reaching out a hand to help...i would hate living next to you, hope you smell pot for the rest of your life!! goodbye!
12/19/2009
says....
To enough already: did you tell the officers that you would testify to what you saw or did you want to "keep out of it?"...sometimes it takes more than just seeing something and relaying the information, like going to court...
12/19/2009
says....
Did Peck and Larson just not want to be available to vote?
12/18/2009
Enough Already says....
DMC...I have called on numerous occasions when seeing illicit activity. Guess what happened?...absolutely nothing! One time I was helping my brother at his home and we hear a loud crash. A huge screaming match starts across the street and I hear someone say they are going to call the cops. Another person comes out of the house yelling that the whole house smells of pot and that they are all going to go to jail. The other lady goes in the house and then runs to the side of the porch and stashes something at the foundation area. I call the police and tell them where to look... stating specifics. They come by, look in all the wrong places, so I tell them again where I saw them put it. They then took it, put it in a bag, and hopped in their cars and left. No arrests made. A window was broken. The house smelled of pot, but no arrests were made. They left with a hurriedly stashed substance that they confiscated without too much inspection of it. Nothing was done about it. My brother said that they are still living there....have never left. That is tax dollars at work. So tell me again how I am part of the problem.
12/17/2009
dmc says....
Enough Already: You're part of the problem. Why didn't you call the police and report the illegal activity? Let the tax dollars you do pay (for police) work in your best interest. Be part of the solution, not the problem.
12/17/2009
Its good to see says....
It's good too see that not all the people in this town have, completely, lost there minds yet. The people I refer too are those that have posted against this idea.
I realize this money was ear marked for the project already. However, there seems to be many more things that are way more important right now, that this money could be used for.
A few more ideas would be too use some of this money and reach out too companies that are looking for a place to expand or even start fresh. I know the Chamber does a lot of this on behalf of Salina, but you need to do your part as well. New companies = new jobs + more tax money + happier citizens. So what if phase two is put off for another year or two. Let's face it, you can phase your selves silly, but with out fresh companies coming in and bringing new jobs with them your projects are virtually meaningless. A pretty river isn't going to win over and attract most worth while companies.
12/16/2009
Enough Already says....
Last month I took my sister's pictures for her Christmas cards. She chose the Indian Rock park location for the shoot. While we were there we ran into about 10 kids that were about the ages of 12-13. These children were talking about how they wanted some alcohol for the one youngsters birthday. I was shocked. They went on to talk about how they could give us the money to go buy it since he had received money for his birthday. I told them that it is illegal to drink at their age and that even at my age I don't drink because it is idiotic. He said that he liked it and that it tasted good. After they left we walked a little further and we found 4 lighters laying on the ground and a little further we found what someone called a bong. The next day when we went back to have my sister take my family's pictures we stumbled across some young kids smoking pot. It stunk to high heaven so we decided to try another place instead. All this to ask...why do we need another location for people to be able to practice their illicit activities???? Do not use my tax dollars to pay for this needless and wasteful project!!!!!
12/16/2009
Indepedent thinker says....
I am 52 years old and have lived in Salina my entire life......My wife has been an educator in the Salina school system for over 20 years....Serious crime is seemingly off the chart, the infrastructure is run down except for pet projects of former commissioners like goofy lights that lead to nowhere...I am no longer proud of my hometown and for the first time in my life I am considering moving my family to another city. The river project is something long overdue but now is not the time...If anyone wants to see what the river thru the park used to look like,check out the movie Picnic...with William HOlden. I remember going on boat rides with my father on that river, and enjoying the park anytime of the day or night. I realize society has changed but
Salina has become a cesspool of crime, drugs, and petty thieves and much worse. On this forum you can read people justify friends who are drug dealers, others will justify shooting into moving vehicles. The elected officials of this community are not doing the citizens any good with this project at this time.
12/15/2009
says....
This makes a lot of sense...We're in a recession where City employees are losing raises and possibly longevity checks for work they have done, and the Commissioners of this town want to spend $400, 000 dollars for a study? This makes no sense...It's time for the citizens of this town to stand up against these commissioners that obviously don't have the best interest of the people in mind...
12/15/2009
UHHHGGG says....
What can I say that hasn't already been said by the first two posters? Give the beautification stuff a break until our local economy is back to normal. Instead of making a river look pretty try fixing streets, or even stick it in an emergency fund to help cover over time and maintenance expenses for snow removal and what not.
No matter what, use it for something worth while and forget about beautification for now. Worry about making the city pretty when you can actually afford it and can hire enough people to keep it pretty.
12/15/2009
my thoughts says....
If the city has $400,000 to spend, then why have there been budget cuts??? I love the idea of the river project, but not at this time in our economy. $400,000 or even half that amount could be put to better use.
12/15/2009
cking says....
This is one of the finest things that could happen for Salina. I congratulate the dedicated visionaries behind this project and thank the commissioners who voted to proceed with Phase II.
12/15/2009
David says....
It sounds nice.... in a perfect world....I think Salina needs to invest in cleaning out the crime in this little town,murderers,dope dealers,thieves,criminals of all type abound.It's time to make a walk in Salinas parks safe,and clean.
12/15/2009
pup boy says....
The City has lost its mind. Potholes in streets,and snow removal issues. But we can spend 400,000 dollars on the river. Wow someone in city goverment has got some brains. idoits
12/14/2009
Waste of Taxpayers' Money says....
What a waste of the Taxpayers' money. That $400 thousand would be better served maintaining and improving county roadways and infrastructure. There are plenty of sidewalks in Salina already.
12/14/2009
Salina.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here. Read our full online terms of service policy.
says....
Very good points RickL...Why were the commissioners not there at a meeting? Isn't that their job to be there for the once a week meetings? And I think Peck is the one that is spearheading this...
12/23/2009
4VDZ7 says....
Absolute Power-corrupts absolutely!!!!!That's what Salina is all about..
12/23/2009
rickl says....
Why does the city pay consultants $25,000.00 and more to any project? Does the City of Salina not have anyone that works for the city to figure out how to do these projects on their own or are they just there taking up space? $400,000.00 to do a "study"seems rather costly to tax payers unless this money is by public donation. The City of Salina supposedly has a City Engineer,can he/she do anything along these lines? The tax payers pay the wage for that position. Seems the city is more apt to pay these "consultants" than to do any project on their own,they should give it a shot. The so-called city manager might want to kick start these positions in high gear to save Salina big money, if he will approach them. Something of this magnitude needs the approval of ALL commissioners as one poster suggested,not three commissioners. Peck & Larson know the commissioners meet on Mondays,their calendars should be clear for those meetings.
12/23/2009
I Got Big News says....
I've got news for the city commissioners: This ain't San Antonio! Use the money for practical purposes that actually help people during this Obama depression.
12/22/2009
Taxpayer says....
Anytime there is a measure of any kind before the City Commission that involves a sum in excess of $25,000 ALL of the Commissioners SHOULD BE REQUIRED to on the issue before it can be passed or defeated. If all Commissioners aren't available to vote then table the issue until they are. $400,000 is far too much PUBLIC money to spend with 2 Commissioners absent! Maybe if Sen. Roberts had offered his support for Obamacare he could have gotten the entire riverwalk project funded in the "healthcare bill". That way "the government" would have paid for it..........OH WAIT, WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT!!!!!!
12/22/2009
Chip8 says....
It'nt it amazing, the City can find the money for a project they wish to do...but when it comes to cost-of-living adjustments for city employees and/or a bonus...forget-about-it!! it's not happening.
Hypocracy abounds!!
12/21/2009
says....
clean up the crime,then the river.
12/21/2009
River Consultant says....
If the city wants a river walk, then pay the city crew to lay down a wide asphalt path along the river, wide enough for bicycles and walkers. That should cost maybe $150,000 at most! I'll take just $50,000 for this idea and save the city $200,000. They can hold the check for me at city hall.
12/20/2009
Tinkerbell says....
2 people make the decision for the entire city of Salina.... cramming this through....Sounds just like the Obumble heathcare bill that they are forcing upon our country.... Just doing what they want and not listening to the people they are supposed to be working for. One question - Why is this river walk deal not up for a city wide vote for the citizens of Salina to make this decision?
12/20/2009
says....
put all extra money into the school system pay for quality teachers.forget artwork and special river walks.people won't care for beauty along the river .people will have a mcdonalds picnic and throw the trash into the river.
12/19/2009
happy neighbor says....
this is to "enough already"...you are one nosey neighbor!! the police department, and all those smart guys would like to thank you for being so vigilant and ready to snitch on people you live next to...SO WHAT if someone's house smells like pot, they probly are smoking it!! is nothing private anymore? not only does big brother watch everything america is doing, we have big brother living right next door, willing to snitch on a neighbor, instead of reaching out a hand to help...i would hate living next to you, hope you smell pot for the rest of your life!! goodbye!
12/19/2009
says....
To enough already: did you tell the officers that you would testify to what you saw or did you want to "keep out of it?"...sometimes it takes more than just seeing something and relaying the information, like going to court...
12/19/2009
says....
Did Peck and Larson just not want to be available to vote?
12/18/2009
Enough Already says....
DMC...I have called on numerous occasions when seeing illicit activity. Guess what happened?...absolutely nothing! One time I was helping my brother at his home and we hear a loud crash. A huge screaming match starts across the street and I hear someone say they are going to call the cops. Another person comes out of the house yelling that the whole house smells of pot and that they are all going to go to jail. The other lady goes in the house and then runs to the side of the porch and stashes something at the foundation area. I call the police and tell them where to look... stating specifics. They come by, look in all the wrong places, so I tell them again where I saw them put it. They then took it, put it in a bag, and hopped in their cars and left. No arrests made. A window was broken. The house smelled of pot, but no arrests were made. They left with a hurriedly stashed substance that they confiscated without too much inspection of it. Nothing was done about it. My brother said that they are still living there....have never left. That is tax dollars at work. So tell me again how I am part of the problem.
12/17/2009
dmc says....
Enough Already: You're part of the problem. Why didn't you call the police and report the illegal activity? Let the tax dollars you do pay (for police) work in your best interest. Be part of the solution, not the problem.
12/17/2009
Its good to see says....
It's good too see that not all the people in this town have, completely, lost there minds yet. The people I refer too are those that have posted against this idea.
I realize this money was ear marked for the project already. However, there seems to be many more things that are way more important right now, that this money could be used for.
A few more ideas would be too use some of this money and reach out too companies that are looking for a place to expand or even start fresh. I know the Chamber does a lot of this on behalf of Salina, but you need to do your part as well. New companies = new jobs + more tax money + happier citizens. So what if phase two is put off for another year or two. Let's face it, you can phase your selves silly, but with out fresh companies coming in and bringing new jobs with them your projects are virtually meaningless. A pretty river isn't going to win over and attract most worth while companies.
12/16/2009
Enough Already says....
Last month I took my sister's pictures for her Christmas cards. She chose the Indian Rock park location for the shoot. While we were there we ran into about 10 kids that were about the ages of 12-13. These children were talking about how they wanted some alcohol for the one youngsters birthday. I was shocked. They went on to talk about how they could give us the money to go buy it since he had received money for his birthday. I told them that it is illegal to drink at their age and that even at my age I don't drink because it is idiotic. He said that he liked it and that it tasted good. After they left we walked a little further and we found 4 lighters laying on the ground and a little further we found what someone called a bong. The next day when we went back to have my sister take my family's pictures we stumbled across some young kids smoking pot. It stunk to high heaven so we decided to try another place instead. All this to ask...why do we need another location for people to be able to practice their illicit activities???? Do not use my tax dollars to pay for this needless and wasteful project!!!!!
12/16/2009
Indepedent thinker says....
I am 52 years old and have lived in Salina my entire life......My wife has been an educator in the Salina school system for over 20 years....Serious crime is seemingly off the chart, the infrastructure is run down except for pet projects of former commissioners like goofy lights that lead to nowhere...I am no longer proud of my hometown and for the first time in my life I am considering moving my family to another city. The river project is something long overdue but now is not the time...If anyone wants to see what the river thru the park used to look like,check out the movie Picnic...with William HOlden. I remember going on boat rides with my father on that river, and enjoying the park anytime of the day or night. I realize society has changed but
Salina has become a cesspool of crime, drugs, and petty thieves and much worse. On this forum you can read people justify friends who are drug dealers, others will justify shooting into moving vehicles. The elected officials of this community are not doing the citizens any good with this project at this time.
12/15/2009
says....
This makes a lot of sense...We're in a recession where City employees are losing raises and possibly longevity checks for work they have done, and the Commissioners of this town want to spend $400, 000 dollars for a study? This makes no sense...It's time for the citizens of this town to stand up against these commissioners that obviously don't have the best interest of the people in mind...
12/15/2009
UHHHGGG says....
What can I say that hasn't already been said by the first two posters? Give the beautification stuff a break until our local economy is back to normal. Instead of making a river look pretty try fixing streets, or even stick it in an emergency fund to help cover over time and maintenance expenses for snow removal and what not.
No matter what, use it for something worth while and forget about beautification for now. Worry about making the city pretty when you can actually afford it and can hire enough people to keep it pretty.
12/15/2009
my thoughts says....
If the city has $400,000 to spend, then why have there been budget cuts??? I love the idea of the river project, but not at this time in our economy. $400,000 or even half that amount could be put to better use.
12/15/2009
cking says....
This is one of the finest things that could happen for Salina. I congratulate the dedicated visionaries behind this project and thank the commissioners who voted to proceed with Phase II.
12/15/2009
David says....
It sounds nice.... in a perfect world....I think Salina needs to invest in cleaning out the crime in this little town,murderers,dope dealers,thieves,criminals of all type abound.It's time to make a walk in Salinas parks safe,and clean.
12/15/2009
pup boy says....
The City has lost its mind. Potholes in streets,and snow removal issues. But we can spend 400,000 dollars on the river. Wow someone in city goverment has got some brains. idoits
12/14/2009
Waste of Taxpayers' Money says....
What a waste of the Taxpayers' money. That $400 thousand would be better served maintaining and improving county roadways and infrastructure. There are plenty of sidewalks in Salina already.
12/14/2009
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