Monday, October 08, 2007

Citizens Against the Convention Center expansion—Press Statement

Release to the media asking that the voters defeat 2C and 2D, the expansion and financing of the Convention Center

Press Statement

RE: Citizens Against the Convention Center Expansion

Media Contact & Co-organizer
    Alvin Rivera
          719-566-0069

PUEBLO—OCT. 6, 2007—A group of civic activists has organized to oppose the city’s ballot questions 2C and 2D to request the voters to approve an expansion of the Pueblo Convention Center. The Citizens Against the Convention Center Expansion is comprised of a committee of a cross-section of progressive thinkers and fiscal conservative community leaders questioning the wisdom of any expansion of the Convention Center, and calling on voters to defeat both questions.

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Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — 071010

A reminder….

This Wednesday afternoon, 3:30 pm, 10 October 2007, the Pueblo Planning and Zoning Commission will be holding a public hearing on a number of different matters.

One of those matters will be whether or not to recommend, with approval or disapproval, a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for an expansion of Parkview Medical Center.

The hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers.

All are invited to attend and participate…..

Monday, September 10, 2007

September 2007 PNP Newsletter

Read all about Pueblo’s neighborhood activities.  Learn how you can volunteer to help our community.

Health Department Happenings

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Monday, July 30, 2007

A Busy Night for the City Fathers/Mothers

‘Hot fun in the Summertime’ was never like this.

The City Council is in for a long and interesting work-session this evening. On top of their regularly scheduled meeting, they’ll be hosting a public forum session at the Pueblo Convention center. The purpose of this special session is to explain their position on the proposed agreement with the YMCA and to collect information from the general public relating to that matter. The public forum session starts at 6 pm tonight.

There are some concerns about the forum’s format.

There are reports that the public forum will last ONLY one hour. That a good portion of this time, even up to half or more, will be taken up as the city and the representative of the YMCA explain their position and why they think it is a great idea for Pueblo. Then, it is reported, that there will be a 10 minute recess, while questions are collected from the citizens attending. After this the representatives from the city and the YMCA will answer as many of those questions as time permits.

That leaves only about 10-15 minutes for the questions to be answered. Say, 2-3 minutes to have the question asked and an answer provided. That’s only about 5-7 questions, if the reports on the format for this meeting are correct.

That doesn’t seem like much time to assuage concerns of the citizens over $2 million in public revenues that the city is talking about spending. Especially in light of the fact that the city can’t maintain recreational facilities it already has.

UPDATE The 6 PM Meeting Can Go Longer [301605 Jul 07]: Good news. According to a comment from a staff member at the Pueblo Chieftain, there will be no meeting of the City Council at 7 pm. This allows for more time to do Question and Answer during the 6 PM meeting at the Pueblo Convention Center.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

The YMCA/City Pool Management Agreement

An idea that could be ‘all wet’.

The City of Pueblo is planning to enter into an agreement that will turn over the management of your city pools to the YMCA.

It is not known what the City’s rational is behind this agreement other than the fact they starting to turn over the management of other recreation properties and this just might be another case of the City failing to meet their responsibility to protect, maintain, and manage our parks and recreation facilities. In this case they are claiming the people of Pueblo will be getting better services but not saving money. In fact, according to the agreement the cost of doing major repairs, major pool preparation to open the pool s so they are in a safe and functioning capacity at the four City pools will be the cities responsibility in addition to paying any and all operating deficits.

It appears that will be no cost savings and in reality it looks like it will cost the City more to have the YMCA manage the pools. As of this time the primary reason for considering the YMCA for managing the swim pools is that the YMCA claims they can offer more and better services. There are a couple very good reasons why the YMCA is not in a position to accomplish what is being promised at the same cost/budget as the City Recreation Department has had to operate under.

The Rec. Dept. is in a position to offer more and better services than the YMCA can because they have the people, the knowledge, and the experience that the YMCA does not have. All the Rec. Dept. needs is a level playing field and given the same dollars the City is planning to give to the YMCA. At this time the YMCA does not have more than(this is giving them the benefit of the doubt) 5 people directly involved in the operation and management of their one small swim pool. Of these five people most if not all are employed on a part time basis. The YMCA has acknowledged that the new Aquatic center(when and if it’s built) will require at least 3 to 4 times their present staff.

The majority of the people that operate and manage the swimming pools for the Rec. Dept. are high school and college students(around 120) and during this season a first year guard is paid $8.00/hr. and a pool manager $10.50/hr.. These pay rates are based on the fact that the average pay for first year guard is $9.00/ hr. in the State of Colorado. It must be remembered that these young people must have many years of swimming experience, must be in top physical condition, and go through a rigorous Red Cross Certification program to become life guards. The YMCA presently offers first year guards minimum wage. If the City and the YMCA believe the way to save money is by paying lower wages, shame on them. Those young people desire every penny they are now earning. Think about that! The availability of these young people is one of the controlling factors that determine the length summer swimming season. For the YMCA to become even remotely able to operate and manage the pools they must be in a position to hire this group of young people. The YMCA claims they will extend the number of days the pool will open and the time the pools will be open during the day. This is one of the primary considerations indicated by City for the YMCA taking over management of the pools, yet there is nothing in the agreement that sets minimum goals nor stating penalties for not meeting goals.

Something to take into consideration; What if the YMCA’s management does not meet the expectations of City and the people, will the City be able to take over managing the pools? The agreement is for ten years, what happens then? Could the City take over or is the YMCA going to be in total control of the operations because the City has no where else to go? The City must protect, maintain, and manage our parks and recreation facilities especially when there only one source for a service.

It could be a disastrous trap!

Pueblo Swimming Community Suggests Changes to YMCA Aquatics Plan

Some of Pueblo’s ‘swimmers’ think the City is swimming against the current.

With the city of Pueblo willing to contribute two million dollars towards a new aquatic center, and the county offering a matching amount for a new YMCA, there is a wonderful opportunity to work towards a facility that would meet a number of current and future needs. The inventory of outdoor city and indoor high school pools is aging, and will soon require replacements, renovations, or retirements. The elimination of swimming proficiency requirements by public schools has shifted this need elsewhere. Pueblo West’s thriving high school teams do not have a pool home. They are itinerant swimmers and divers who never enjoy a home meet. On a grander scale, Colorado has few sites that can accommodate a large aquatic event such as a state swim meet. And the overall physical health of Americans continues to decline. Youth are increasingly affected. We now have an epidemic of childhood obesity, with the US Government Accountability Office estimating that almost 20% of children 6 to 11 years old are significantly overweight.

Unfortunately, the current YMCA plan for aquatics falls well short of meeting these needs. Community aquatic centers usually incorporate a multi-use design that maximizes utilization and revenue, and accommodates the sports of diving and swimming, including competition. Some even include water polo or synchronized swimming. The YMCA’s unusual plan would allow for water play, therapy, swim lessons, and initially very limited lap swimming, but no sports. As it now stands, the city proposes to gift two million dollars for a facility that provides a nice indoor water park, but otherwise falls short of even equaling the functionality of most of our existing pools. We are happy to see a new YMCA built. As long as the YMCA’s plans did not involve public funds, and they could accept the effect their paradigm had on support and fund-raising, it was the YMCA’s concern alone. Now that they desire to obtain public money, we feel their plan should better address Pueblo’s needs.

Aquatics are just one answer to the need for exercise and social activity that leads to improved physical and mental health, but swimming, in particular, is an excellent answer. It is uniquely accessible to all ages, including seniors and even the infirm. FINA, the international governing body for swimming, maintains world records for masters swimmers over age 100.

It’s fair to ask why competitive swimming is important. It is a bridge between swim lessons and adult fitness. Not many kids will swim laps to stay healthy, but they will exercise if mistaken for fun. Very few swimmers are obese. Age group and college swimmers’ body fat averages about half that of comparably aged controls, and there is a similar trend among masters swimmers. Sports are a laboratory for life, providing lessons and tools such as goal setting, self-discipline, delayed gratification, teamwork, self-confidence, perseverance, time management and commitment. A competitive swim team is the most visible aspect of a comprehensive aquatics program, the tip of the iceberg that’s easily seen and invites outsiders to look more closely. It provides evidence that something is going on. Without it, you forfeit a banner. Participation on a team provides progressive mentoring of various abilities from those more skilled and from coaches. The present Pueblo YMCA facility plan would not allow for these benefits.

This starkly contrasts with the YMCA nationally. Quoting from YMCA of the USA National Swimming and Diving, “Ever since YMCAs began offering competitive swimming and diving in the early 1920’s, these sports have proved to be excellent opportunities for putting into action the YMCA mission. Over 1,000 YMCAs offer competitive swimming or diving, with over 50,000 youth participating. Over 1,400 YMCA swimmers annually compete at the YMCA National Championships, making it the largest youth swim meet in the country. YMCA Competitive Swimming and Diving programs are for the beginning swimmer to the most competitive, and help train individuals of all ages to compete in League, State, Area, and National Championships.” While this may not be a mandate for our YMCA to actually sponsor a local team, it would be appropriate for their facility to accommodate the sport, particularly if it’s built with public money.

As funds are available, the current YMCA plan is to build a moderate-size lap pool. Our recommendation and request is a redesign that broadens, balances and maximizes utilization, including competitive swimming and diving, at least a facility that could accommodate a regional high school or age group meet. We recommend that a plan for a complete aquatic center that can be used for competition as well as recreation, and that would draw guests to Pueblo, be part of the agreement between the city and YMCA.

Ideally, this would be done in concert with the eventual replacement of Mineral Palace pool to create a first-class aquatic center, including adequate seating and other support for events such as state high school and state age group meets. Such a pool could be configured as season and needs dictate. For example, it could be divided into 4 sections, each accommodating a different activity (such as open swimming, lap swimming, club or high school practices, diving, and swim lessons). Additional funding could include a lottery grant, schools that would otherwise have to extensively renovate existing pools or build new ones, and CDOT in lieu of their planned replacement of Mineral Palace pool. We’d be happy to see this done in concert with the YMCA, though it could be a city property run by the YMCA, or even completely independent from the YMCA.

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Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Public Transit Planning Open Houses

Public meetings to improve how we get around in Pueblo.

There is going to be a series of public input meetings on our city transit system, i.e., bus service in Pueblo.

I know a lot of us don’t think too much of the bus system in town. Mostly because we drive cars wherever we want to go. However, there are LOTS of people who cannot drive cars; either because they don’t have one or have a disability that prevents them from driving. These people need a good bus service to help them enjoy this great city. And we need to speak up for them. Besides, if gasoline gets up to $8 per gallon, I think a lot of us are going to start seriously considering using public transportation to get to a lot of places ourselves.

See the details….

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Tuesday, June 05, 2007

OHNO Newsletter Proposal

Coming up to the 21st Century

Over the last couple of years our newsletter has been improving, not only in terms of quality of production but also distribution techniques and circulation.

The block-captain approach has been a huge success. We’re gaining more every time we turn around. Not only that, but the block-captains we have are becoming more energetic and enthusiastic about delivering the newsletter; expanding their area of operation to adjacent blocks. Maybe it’s just that time of year and they enjoy a stroll looking at the flowers and lawns of the houses in this grand old neighborhood.

In the last issue, we’ve expanded our production by over 33%; going from 300 copies to 420.

Furthermore, at the last Board of Directors meeting, many of the issues on the agenda and in the rambling discussions brought up the idea of adding more information to the newsletter.

Whatever it is or will be, it is improving another aspect of the newsletter; cost of production.

Considering we don’t get a bundle of money from our rich Uncle Sam to help us with this, I think we need to consider what we might do to meet the increased demands….

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Thursday, May 24, 2007

If You Value Your Life (Part 2)

Sooner than expected.

As I was saying, there is a threat to our safety from the Communist Chinese.

According to this report that threat has come to pass.

Puffer fish? Sheesh, it’s like some fugu chef got sloppy in a down-scale sushi house.

So, as Sergeant Esterhouse of Hill Street Blues would say, “Let’s be careful out there.”

Monday, May 21, 2007

We’re ‘In’ the Money (Part 5)

Comments from another Proud Pueblo Taxpayer

Not myself….

I often work in large medical buildings here in Pueblo and I always notice that the air conditioning is a day behind the temperatures.  If we get a cool snap the air conditioners are still going and when it warms up suddenly you will cook for a day, especially in the upper floors.  So it is with our property taxes.  They are always behind the times, set for yesterday.
I was severely disappointed by Mr. Beltran’s bureaucratic and personally negative response to Mr. McCarthy’s editorial about the inaccuracy of property taxes.  He completely misses the point.  The point is that property taxes are rising as property values are falling, not to mention a potentially stagnating economy.  Cannot Mr. Beltran step outside his narrow government focus to consider superior alternatives?  He should render a dispassionate expert opinion on other options and perhaps be familiar with other systems around the country.  I think the answer is contained in his sarcastic response, “I guess we would all have to read those states’ statutes to see how they’re supposed to value property.”  In medicine we are always looking around to see what advances are occurring anywhere in the world to bring better care right here to Pueblo.  I guess assessors don’t care to do that.
Mr. McCarthy offers alternatives which are used successfully and I cannot find one expert opinion by Mr. Beltran on any of these, including in his interview with Margie Wood in the 5/15 Chieftain.  He simply defends the status quo and essentially says “That’s all I have to do.”, and goes on to demean his critic.  This is a classic bureaucrat.  They do not think outside the box, learn new things or give any advice on improvements.  They execute policy and head for the door at 4:59pm each day.
Mr. McCarthy may be off on his assessment mathematics but he is dead right on his critique of the problem and the search for a better system.  In that sense he does represent all of us who pay ever increasing taxes.

The [Parkview] Plan (Part 5)

Not So Easy Listening

It’s funny how listening to a meeting and taking notes of it by a recording is such a draining experience. But nevertheless, it is. And hence, I did not get to this until this morning…..

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Sunday, May 20, 2007

If You Value Your Life….

...be VERY careful when you buy food and healthcare products from China.

If life were not difficult enough as it is and the safety of the food we eat not important, this article would not be so ‘hair raising’.

The business of killing pets by adding melanine to the wheat gluten used in making pet food was apparently the straw that broke the camels back and got what seems to be a common problem out into the public purview.

Dried apples preserved with a cancer-causing chemical.

Frozen catfish laden with banned antibiotics.

Scallops and sardines coated with putrefying bacteria.

Mushrooms laced with illegal pesticides.

These were among the 107 food imports from China that the Food and Drug Administration detained at U.S. ports just last month, agency documents reveal, along with more than 1,000 shipments of tainted Chinese dietary supplements, toxic Chinese cosmetics and counterfeit Chinese medicines.

The cosmetics thing reminds me of the Joker’s means of attack in Batman.

The [Parkview] Plan (Part 4)

A brief comment….

...on something I overlooked from the Chieftain article I fisked yesterday.

This caught my eye yesteday and I didn’t want to address it at that time. I wanted to let it percolate through this limestone core I call a brain.

“If you came here to hear why we’re tearing down the Beaumont House, we’re not,” he [C.W. Smith, CEO of Parkview Hospital] said.

Now, having slept on it a bit, here is my observation of what C.W. said.

Being a trained combat engineer, I know there are a number of different ways you can destroy a structure. Bulldozing it, a la Thatcher House 2003, is just one technique. Tearing it down with a wrecking crew is another. Then one can burn it down….say in an unfortunate accident. Something like what happpened to Mineral Palace Park’s green house. Or, on a more ‘uplifting’ approach, one can blow it up….“Gas leak! Everybody out before it blows!”

Then, if you’re REALLY into the esoteric approaches, one could use biological weapons. Things like termites. Or unique molds that would require the destruction of the place as it was no longer acceptable for meetings with people who might be allergic to such.

There are as many ways to destroy a building as one can imagine. The end result is the building is gone and one can always build something else there….maybe even a few thousand more square feet of profitable hospital structure.

Personally, if I were in C.W.‘s position, I’d turn Beaumont House into my personal office, complete with a three-star chef and kitchen crew to support lavish meetings and parties. In the mid-80s, at 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Headquarters, the area where the generals worked was referred to as ‘Carpet Country’. It was, from a lowly grunt’s perspective, very posh. They always did things with panache. I would think that the CEO of an organization like Parkview would see the advantage and prestige of Beaumont House as their CEO’s office and Public Relations interface with a community that treasures historic buildings like that grand old house.

More, later today. Right now the Sunday Morning Brunch tradition at Casa Pelto Pueblo must be attended too. The Richmond BBQ Pork (left overs) hash is about ready. The biscuits are baking and I need to start the eggs.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

The [Parkview] Plan (Part 3)

Let the fun and games begin!

The other night, Parkview Hospital held a town hall-esque meeting to unveil their initial plans about their intentions to expand their campus on the Northside.

Regrettably, I was not able to attend the meeting. I was detained by some back issues. However, I did get a couple of things. The first is an iPod recording of the proceedings of said meeting. The second is a nice article in the Pueblo Chieftain.

I’ve not had time to listen to the iPod recording, yet. I’m planning on doing that, taking notes and making comments, here, based on that during the course of this weekend.

Today, I’ll comment on what I found in the Chieftain’s article. It will be something of a fisking….

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Thursday, May 17, 2007

Chieftain, My Chieftain IX

The Pueblo Chieftain’s Contributions to Global Warming.

Not that I’m adamantly decrying human contributions to global warming. Personally, I think it’s more a function of some obscure cycle of the Sun than anything else. BUT, Ann Althouse has an interesting idea that I would REALLY like to see the Chieftain take to heart.

I keep reading about how hybrid cars and compact fluorescent lightbulbs can reduce the production of greenhouse gases, but I have yet to see an article about the savings that could be achieved if we were to stop delivery of newspapers and magazines and do all of our news reading on line.

I’ll wager dollars to donuts that if the Chieftain were to charge people the same price for a fully functional and fully searchable [Note: That means articles dating back more than 30 days, Steve] on-line version of the paper, dropping home delivery of the hard-copy version, they’d (1) save scads of trees, (2) no longer pollute the environment with processing trees into newsprint and (3) improve their bottom line in a dramatic manner.

So…what do you say Steve?

Got anyone doing a feasibility study/business plan on this idea?