I had a couple of readers ask questions which do bear looking into.
"How about a cost-benefit comparison of the new stations in Salisbury & Pocomoke -- there seems to be a big difference in cost of constrution even if Albero is only half right."
This is a good question that I wanted to have answers to a couple of days ago. I got some input, but in all fairness, I was waiting to get a response from a representative from the Pocomoke station. I will give you what I have, and if and when Pocomoke ever responds, I will be glad to add that information. Station 16's building cost includes the purchase of the land and a 41,000 square foot block building, as well as outfitting with equipment. In addition (though this is something everyone seems to forget), the new building will be housing 3 locations and 4 divisions. The Pocomoke Station, from what I have been told, is a 16,000 square foot steel strand building. I was also told that their $2.2 million dollar price tag did not include the land or the outfitting.
I have seen pictures of the new station and I am unsure why they chose residential grade appliances, especially with a community hall. This is one of the questions I have posed to a representative there. Station 16 chose commercial grade appliances for durability as they do have 24 hour crews housed there.
I certainly wish the members of both stations good luck, they all have something to be proud of...I don't care what anyone else says.
Next question:
"I hope this is not the same as the Civic Center reconstruction after the fire -- the architect got a percent of the general contract, which included all the furniture and even consumables like towels and toilet paper -- what's the story on the station in the swamp?"
Well, to be honest, I have no idea how the contract read. I'll be happy to look into it and find out what I can.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
More Information
I've received some more information regarding the "leased" station. I've been told that the city bonded money for the project back in 2000-2001 based on the former chief's estimates. As the project moved forward, the scope of the project increased (as did material prices) which attributed to a higher price tag. The city opted to enter into a 20 year lease/purchase arrangement to finance the remainder needed for the project. This enabled the city to contruct the building earlier than if it was done the conventional way, through straight bond financing. Many municipal governments do this in order to purchase what they need and remain within their budgetary contraints. It is certainly not a new concept and again, this decision was not made in a covert manner. The contruction was accomplished much sooner than would have been possible and probably at a much lower cost. The city was given an excellent price by the contractor and the project came in under budget and on time. The lease/purchase arrangement was made with a local bank and can be converted to a straight purchase at any time. So, I guess now the question is: WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL???!!!!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The "Leased" Station
Well, well. It looks like the new Station 16 is indeed under a lease contract. The next logical step would be to find out why that is. My thoughts on this are that the use of lease purchases don't count towards bond money. It would be similar to; a lease on a house versus buying a house. One shows on your credit report, the other does not. It gives the appearance that you have more capital available then there really is. Any way you look at it, it's a debt the City has to pay. I too have reada copy of Ordinance 2012 . I have also looked at the minutes from the first and second reading. The first reading, on August 28, 2006 was unanimously approved after the deletion of some language. The second reading on September 11, 2006 passed with a 4-1 vote (Campbell being the nay). I'm not sure why the change of heart within the two week span, but it is what it is. Please note that there was no public comment. Suffice it to say, this should have been no great big secret, especially considering that there are many who watch the Council's every move like a hawk. This didn't happen behind closed doors, in a dark alley, at an abandoned warehouse or over dinner and drinks. The ordinance was passed in the same manner that all the ordinances are passed. I'm trying to get more information about this issue. In the meantime, I am curious as to why some think 10 million dollars disappeared?
A Good Cause
Please remember that today (April 30th), Baskin Robbins is honoring America's firefighters with a "31 Cent Scoop Night". "A donation of $100,000 will be made by Baskin-Robbins® to theNational Fallen Firefighters Foundation." For more information, visit the Baskin Robbins website. It's for a great cause and it's a great chance to take the family out for a special treat.
An Explanantion
I recently had a request from my buddy Wayne Barrall to refrain from posting on the continuing saga between him and another blogger. As I did not want to put Wayne in a position of trying to defend himself against what I wrote, I granted that request. If some of you are wondering why you did not see your recent comments, this is your answer. No one wrote anything out of line, I was just trying to keep my promise.
Mike, you are not delusional. Obviously the pair are trying hard to put whatever differences they have/had aside for the greater good.
I am trying to do my part in that. Any and all comments regarding that saga which I think may fan a smouldering fire will have to be posted elsewhere. I apologize to anyone who feels that I am censoring unnecessarily, but as you know, bloggers cannot afford to burn bridges. And where else would I get my photos from? LOL.
Mike, you are not delusional. Obviously the pair are trying hard to put whatever differences they have/had aside for the greater good.
I am trying to do my part in that. Any and all comments regarding that saga which I think may fan a smouldering fire will have to be posted elsewhere. I apologize to anyone who feels that I am censoring unnecessarily, but as you know, bloggers cannot afford to burn bridges. And where else would I get my photos from? LOL.
The Uniform Policy
For those who wish to see the new policy before commenting the post below, here it is....
Delmar School District
Student Uniform Dress Code Policy Statement
This policy is designed to identify what may be worn in school during the regular school day. All
students should take pride in their appearance with dress and grooming that contribute to the
health and safety of the individual without disrupting the orderly educational process. The
student dress code is in effect during the instructional day and during academic and professional
activities outside the school day when students are representing the school. This uniformed dress
code is not subject to interpretation. It is intended to eliminate questions on what can and cannot
be worn.
Students will wear a uniform style of dress based upon the following standards:
Tops:
Long sleeve/short sleeve oxford, polo shirt, or turtleneck in solid white, navy blue, orange, or
gray
1. All shirts must have a collar and must be tucked in. No skin should be visible between the
waistband of the pants and the bottom of the shirt.
2. Only the top button can be unbuttoned.
3. Crewneck, Cardigan, and V-Neck sweaters, sweatshirts, vests or pullovers in the
approved colors may be worn with the appropriate collared shirt underneath.
4. An approved color coordinating crew neck t-shirt may be worn underneath a collared
shirt. No writing is allowed on the shirt
5. Hooded attire is not permitted at any time.
6. Team and club attire must be administratively approved to be worn as part of the school
uniform.
7. Delmar School District provided competition jersey attire is acceptable on team event
days as long as the appropriate collared shirt is worn under the jersey. Team uniform
bottoms and hooded apparel may not be worn.
8. All tops should be of appropriate size so as not to cause undo stretching or gapping of the
material. Tops should not be tight to the skin or overly baggy.
Bottoms:
Khaki style pants, capris, shorts, skirts, skorts, or jumpers in navy blue or tan.
1. Boys may wear khaki style pants or shorts in navy blue or tan.
2. Girls may wear pants, shorts, skorts, skirts, and jumpers.
3. The bottom of shorts, skorts, jumpers and skirts must touch the top of the knee.
4. Jumpers must have the appropriate collared shirt underneath.
5. Bottoms must be worn no lower than the natural waist.
6. A belt must be worn if clothing item has belt loops. Belts may not be accessorized or
have adornments.
7. Bottoms may be cargo style however there may not be chains, writing or any other
adornments on the pants.
8. All bottoms should be of appropriate size so as not to cause undo stretching or gapping of
the material. Bottoms should not be tight to the skin or overly baggy.
Legwear:
1. Solid color white, tan, natural, black, grey, orange or navy blue socks may be worn.
2. Solid color white, tan, natural, navy blue, orange or grey tights or pantyhose may be
worn.
Footwear:
1. Shoes must be worn at all times. Footwear must be appropriate for the student’s
designated activity. Slippers are not permitted.
Clarifying Statements:
1. Anything designated as an undergarment should not be seen (e.g. camisoles, A-frame
undershirts).
2. Ties are acceptable but not mandatory. Team coaches and club advisors can designate
certain days for participants to wear a tie.
3. Cut-offs, frayed seams, and holes are not permitted on any clothing.
4. Hats, head coverings, visors, scarves/bandanas, combs/picks and sunglasses may not be
worn in the building. Headbands for females should be no wider than 2 inches. Hair
should be neat, well-groomed and out of the eyes.
5. No accessories, costumes, or unusual attire that is inappropriate or disruptive to the
normal operation of the school may be worn.
6. The only logos that will be permitted will be those logos that are Delmar School District
approved. STORE OR BRAND LOGOS OR SIGNS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO
BE VISIBLE ON CLOTHING.
7. Students must remove and store coats in their locker upon entering the building.
8. When casual days occur students must follow the casual day dress code outlined in the
student handbook.
Procurement:
1. Procurement may come from multiple vendors who meet the basic requirements as stated
above.
2. The Delmar School District will also provide information regarding the approved on-line
vendor.
Delmar School District
Student Uniform Dress Code Policy Statement
This policy is designed to identify what may be worn in school during the regular school day. All
students should take pride in their appearance with dress and grooming that contribute to the
health and safety of the individual without disrupting the orderly educational process. The
student dress code is in effect during the instructional day and during academic and professional
activities outside the school day when students are representing the school. This uniformed dress
code is not subject to interpretation. It is intended to eliminate questions on what can and cannot
be worn.
Students will wear a uniform style of dress based upon the following standards:
Tops:
Long sleeve/short sleeve oxford, polo shirt, or turtleneck in solid white, navy blue, orange, or
gray
1. All shirts must have a collar and must be tucked in. No skin should be visible between the
waistband of the pants and the bottom of the shirt.
2. Only the top button can be unbuttoned.
3. Crewneck, Cardigan, and V-Neck sweaters, sweatshirts, vests or pullovers in the
approved colors may be worn with the appropriate collared shirt underneath.
4. An approved color coordinating crew neck t-shirt may be worn underneath a collared
shirt. No writing is allowed on the shirt
5. Hooded attire is not permitted at any time.
6. Team and club attire must be administratively approved to be worn as part of the school
uniform.
7. Delmar School District provided competition jersey attire is acceptable on team event
days as long as the appropriate collared shirt is worn under the jersey. Team uniform
bottoms and hooded apparel may not be worn.
8. All tops should be of appropriate size so as not to cause undo stretching or gapping of the
material. Tops should not be tight to the skin or overly baggy.
Bottoms:
Khaki style pants, capris, shorts, skirts, skorts, or jumpers in navy blue or tan.
1. Boys may wear khaki style pants or shorts in navy blue or tan.
2. Girls may wear pants, shorts, skorts, skirts, and jumpers.
3. The bottom of shorts, skorts, jumpers and skirts must touch the top of the knee.
4. Jumpers must have the appropriate collared shirt underneath.
5. Bottoms must be worn no lower than the natural waist.
6. A belt must be worn if clothing item has belt loops. Belts may not be accessorized or
have adornments.
7. Bottoms may be cargo style however there may not be chains, writing or any other
adornments on the pants.
8. All bottoms should be of appropriate size so as not to cause undo stretching or gapping of
the material. Bottoms should not be tight to the skin or overly baggy.
Legwear:
1. Solid color white, tan, natural, black, grey, orange or navy blue socks may be worn.
2. Solid color white, tan, natural, navy blue, orange or grey tights or pantyhose may be
worn.
Footwear:
1. Shoes must be worn at all times. Footwear must be appropriate for the student’s
designated activity. Slippers are not permitted.
Clarifying Statements:
1. Anything designated as an undergarment should not be seen (e.g. camisoles, A-frame
undershirts).
2. Ties are acceptable but not mandatory. Team coaches and club advisors can designate
certain days for participants to wear a tie.
3. Cut-offs, frayed seams, and holes are not permitted on any clothing.
4. Hats, head coverings, visors, scarves/bandanas, combs/picks and sunglasses may not be
worn in the building. Headbands for females should be no wider than 2 inches. Hair
should be neat, well-groomed and out of the eyes.
5. No accessories, costumes, or unusual attire that is inappropriate or disruptive to the
normal operation of the school may be worn.
6. The only logos that will be permitted will be those logos that are Delmar School District
approved. STORE OR BRAND LOGOS OR SIGNS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO
BE VISIBLE ON CLOTHING.
7. Students must remove and store coats in their locker upon entering the building.
8. When casual days occur students must follow the casual day dress code outlined in the
student handbook.
Procurement:
1. Procurement may come from multiple vendors who meet the basic requirements as stated
above.
2. The Delmar School District will also provide information regarding the approved on-line
vendor.
Uniform Policy
I was just sent an e-mail regarding the new uniform policy at Delmar High School. Those of you who know me, know my feelings about this policy. It appears that a student has spoken out about this policy here. I have been told that this student was called to the office on Monday as a result of the comments and told how disappointed they were that he would say such things. So, now the school is not only telling the students what to wear, but also what say? This has been a controversial issue in the small town of Delmar. The policy, which has to be completely funded by the parents was not put to a parent vote. It was strictly a Board decision. Parents were sent a survey at the beginning of the school year, but no emphasis was placed on the reason for sending it. It more than likely ended up in the circular file in homes thoughout the town. Parents were also invited to attend "uniform policy" meetings which had very little attendance. This was probably due to the fact that parents did not know about the meetings. I'm sure I'll be sorry I asked, but what are your thoughts? Oh, and beware...I'll probably be rebutting...LOL
Furniture
It was recently posted somewhere that the Station 16 volunteers offered to pay for the furniture at the new station, but that offer was turned down by the higher ups JUST so they could spend taxpayers money. My understanding is that some of the furniture was already included in the scope of work for the building bid. However, the volunteers did pay for other things; much of the museum, the bell restoration, and odds and ends in the operation side of the building. (pots, pans, dishes, utensils, the LCD TVs on the volunteer side, the kitchen table and other small electronics not in the scope the building bid.) It would seem that if ALL of the furniture was paid for by the volunteers, other projects could not be accomplished. To some, it may seem a waste to try and preserve the heritage of the fire department, and in essence, the heritage of Salisbury. This blogger happens to appreciate it.
Bonanza Fire
A light fixture evidently sparked an early morning fire at the Delmar Bonanza. The call came in at around 4:45 this morning.
***More information about this blaze here. As always, pics (and video on this one) can be viewed at Fire in the Hole.***
Friday, April 25, 2008
Parker Place
Joe had this to say about Parker Place on the Plaza:
"The Taylor's have brought life back to the Plaza once again with a beautiful display of antiques, plants and flowers and are ready to sell products."
Tomcat has a quote questioning Joe's newfound love for Parker Place.
A comment for that post has a direct quote from Joe a little over a year and a half ago. Very interesting.
Is this comment his way of making amends? Has he had a change of heart about the Taylors? Is this proof positive that he is really trying to turn a leaf? OR is it what one of Joe's commenters thinks:
"Joe, love ya but you have to acknowledge that you gave them total crap last year. Well deserved crap. No need to brag but need to note that they are now in compliance. The new Joe I love with this. Ways to say without bragging. Scary but love it!"
Bragging without coming out and saying it? Interesting thought. And very astute.
"The Taylor's have brought life back to the Plaza once again with a beautiful display of antiques, plants and flowers and are ready to sell products."
Tomcat has a quote questioning Joe's newfound love for Parker Place.
A comment for that post has a direct quote from Joe a little over a year and a half ago. Very interesting.
Is this comment his way of making amends? Has he had a change of heart about the Taylors? Is this proof positive that he is really trying to turn a leaf? OR is it what one of Joe's commenters thinks:
"Joe, love ya but you have to acknowledge that you gave them total crap last year. Well deserved crap. No need to brag but need to note that they are now in compliance. The new Joe I love with this. Ways to say without bragging. Scary but love it!"
Bragging without coming out and saying it? Interesting thought. And very astute.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
My Blog
I have been doing a lot of thinking about this blog and the apparent "blog war". I find it strange that my blog (and I) have become the target of an attempt of the suppression of my freedom of speech. Of all the blogs which report on the antics of one person in particular, why is Off the Cuff the only blog which was sent a "cease and desist"? Why am I the only person to have my work misrepresented to another member of an organization that I am involved with, in an attempt to make me look bad? Influential? Though I'd like to think perhaps I've opened some eyes, I certainly don't think I'm influential enough to have had this kind of effort directed at my blog. After all, as a few have pointed out, I only enjoy 50 hits a day. Persistent? I guess you could say that. If I feel that there is a possibility that perhaps the other blog author doesn't know, or at least isn't telling the entire truth about a subject, I do my best to present the other half of the facts (or all of them as the case may be). Is that enough of a reason to try to suppress my freedom of speech? I should certainly hope not.
In reflecting, I tried to think back over my posts to find what might have sparked the author's ire; The kind of anger that would provoke the actions which have occurred. Perhaps it is because I pick and criticize him on a daily basis. I wonder if that is how Barrie Tilghman feels? Perhaps it is because the author thinks I don't like how he runs his blog. I wonder if that's how the firefighters feel when their protocol is questioned? Perhaps the author doesn't like every spelling and grammatical error brought to light? I wonder if that's how the writers at the Daily Times feel? Is the author angered because he feels that some untrue comments are being made about him? I wonder how Chief Webster feels?
I know that the author began his blog to right the wrongs in Salisbury and bring discrepancies to light. That is certainly admirable and, I think we can all agree, that the blog in question has done that. HOWEVER, I think we can also agree that the blog in question has evolved into something else. In turn, I suppose mine has too. Do I like what my blog has become? Not always. But I find it necessary. Do I want my family to suffer? Of course not. But as I told some friends in a personal e-mail, I want my kids to know that it's ok to stand up for what they believe in. For those of you who have asked...no, my other half does not support what I do. He finds it difficult to understand why I would waste my time on something so insignificant. Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, the issues may seem unimportant, especially if they do not directly affect me(although they affect someone). HOWEVER, the fact that many lost their lives so I could voice my opinion is not insignificant. The fact that there are people out there who want to be heard, and I can help them, is not insignificant. The fact that I try to bring a different view of certain issues to the table is not insignificant.
While it may seem that my intention is to bring another blog down, that is certainly not so. The author has as much right to exercise his First Amendment right as I do. I simply feel that with the time and contacts that he has, he could (and should) do so much better with the presentation of facts.
Enough with the mushy stuff...we now return to our regularly scheduled program....
In reflecting, I tried to think back over my posts to find what might have sparked the author's ire; The kind of anger that would provoke the actions which have occurred. Perhaps it is because I pick and criticize him on a daily basis. I wonder if that is how Barrie Tilghman feels? Perhaps it is because the author thinks I don't like how he runs his blog. I wonder if that's how the firefighters feel when their protocol is questioned? Perhaps the author doesn't like every spelling and grammatical error brought to light? I wonder if that's how the writers at the Daily Times feel? Is the author angered because he feels that some untrue comments are being made about him? I wonder how Chief Webster feels?
I know that the author began his blog to right the wrongs in Salisbury and bring discrepancies to light. That is certainly admirable and, I think we can all agree, that the blog in question has done that. HOWEVER, I think we can also agree that the blog in question has evolved into something else. In turn, I suppose mine has too. Do I like what my blog has become? Not always. But I find it necessary. Do I want my family to suffer? Of course not. But as I told some friends in a personal e-mail, I want my kids to know that it's ok to stand up for what they believe in. For those of you who have asked...no, my other half does not support what I do. He finds it difficult to understand why I would waste my time on something so insignificant. Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, the issues may seem unimportant, especially if they do not directly affect me(although they affect someone). HOWEVER, the fact that many lost their lives so I could voice my opinion is not insignificant. The fact that there are people out there who want to be heard, and I can help them, is not insignificant. The fact that I try to bring a different view of certain issues to the table is not insignificant.
While it may seem that my intention is to bring another blog down, that is certainly not so. The author has as much right to exercise his First Amendment right as I do. I simply feel that with the time and contacts that he has, he could (and should) do so much better with the presentation of facts.
Enough with the mushy stuff...we now return to our regularly scheduled program....
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Our Neck of the Woos
Cenator Andy Harris Comes to the Eastern Shore AGAIN!
What is a Cenator? Well what ever he is he's "been to our neck of the woos 40 to one compared to Kratovil". LOL.
What is a Cenator? Well what ever he is he's "been to our neck of the woos 40 to one compared to Kratovil". LOL.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Does it Matter?
Joe seems to be a little miffed that someone would question how he reports his "news" stories. He says:
"I'll do the news my way, you do it your way. If you don't like what I've stated here, don't come back. It is what it is and there's no attack on either side."
The reason some people are upset is this little bit of trivia he threw into his post about the murdered O.C. woman whose killer confessed to the crime:
"I also found out from a friend of Ms. Parker that she was very nice, but also very hot headed. She was also not American....Asian I was told."
First of all, who gives a rats ass what nationality she was? Does that make the murder acceptable? Yep...news...he says.
Well, here's some news for ya! I got an e-mail from a friend who says the woman, nicknamed Deya, was not Asian. Now, keep in mind, that was only what I was told. LOL.
"I'll do the news my way, you do it your way. If you don't like what I've stated here, don't come back. It is what it is and there's no attack on either side."
The reason some people are upset is this little bit of trivia he threw into his post about the murdered O.C. woman whose killer confessed to the crime:
"I also found out from a friend of Ms. Parker that she was very nice, but also very hot headed. She was also not American....Asian I was told."
First of all, who gives a rats ass what nationality she was? Does that make the murder acceptable? Yep...news...he says.
Well, here's some news for ya! I got an e-mail from a friend who says the woman, nicknamed Deya, was not Asian. Now, keep in mind, that was only what I was told. LOL.
Autopsy Report
Joe posted this a few days ago...
"This animal didn't die from a natural cause. If it had, the Mayor would have announced immediately what had happened. Like I said, more than likely a Zookeeper dropped the guillotine door on the animal and badly injured him. Hopefully we hear something more about this soon so we can make sure the Zoo fixes the defect in that door forever so it never happens again."
I have gotten word on the autopsy report on the 14 year old Jaguar.
Final diagnosis: SPLENIC RUPTURE WITH NO EVIDENT CAUSE
Comments on final report: No evidence of any traumatic event in the whole body.
Findings: Good body condition, splenic rupture ( 4X), spleen appears as blackberry jam. Lungs relaxed.
Now, the question is: Will Joe post an apology? Or act like no report ever came? Or, will he say someone is lying as if there is a conspiracy to prove him wrong? Or, will he hire someone to do his own autopsy (like the water tests)? I guess we just wait and see.
"This animal didn't die from a natural cause. If it had, the Mayor would have announced immediately what had happened. Like I said, more than likely a Zookeeper dropped the guillotine door on the animal and badly injured him. Hopefully we hear something more about this soon so we can make sure the Zoo fixes the defect in that door forever so it never happens again."
I have gotten word on the autopsy report on the 14 year old Jaguar.
Final diagnosis: SPLENIC RUPTURE WITH NO EVIDENT CAUSE
Comments on final report: No evidence of any traumatic event in the whole body.
Findings: Good body condition, splenic rupture ( 4X), spleen appears as blackberry jam. Lungs relaxed.
Now, the question is: Will Joe post an apology? Or act like no report ever came? Or, will he say someone is lying as if there is a conspiracy to prove him wrong? Or, will he hire someone to do his own autopsy (like the water tests)? I guess we just wait and see.
*** Please note: This picture is NOT one of the deceased animal***
Breaking News?
Two year old breaking news?
"On 4-19-06, Deputies from the WCSO responded to the Wicomico County Youth & Civic Center to investigate a motor vehicle theft. Upon arrival it was discovered that two work release inmates from the WCDC, James Hill and Carlos Gonzalez, who were working at the Civic Center gained access to a set of keys to a county vehicle and took off with the vehicle."
"On 4-19-06, Deputies from the WCSO responded to the Wicomico County Youth & Civic Center to investigate a motor vehicle theft. Upon arrival it was discovered that two work release inmates from the WCDC, James Hill and Carlos Gonzalez, who were working at the Civic Center gained access to a set of keys to a county vehicle and took off with the vehicle."
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