It doesn’t seem possible, but it has been nearly five weeks since I last posted.
I know that is no way to attract and keep readers. When I started this blog I thought there would be more comment and feedback, leading to my having more to say and the introduction of new topics.
I encourage everyone to participate. My intent was to foster discussion.
So, where do we go from here; well a lot has gone on.
There is an effort to create an Oil City Main Street program. Perhaps of greatest interest is that the Main Street steering committee explored and is trying to work out some details of taking an innovative approach for a Main Street program by partnering with the Oil Region Alliance. This could get the program off and running a year or two earlier than if the traditional approach was taken, meaning we could have a Main Street program up and running in 2009.
Outdoor furnaces are under discussion and there’s likely to be a proposed ordinance in the near future that will establish a number of restrictions on them. There’s also some work on updating our dog/animal control ordinances.
A consultant has been chosen to undertake a new joint comprehensive plan with Cornplanter and Rouseville, which will include a look at Oil City’s zoning regulations.
A consultant will soon be selected to undertake the Comprehensive Waterways Plan.
And of course the 2009 budget is on everyone’s mind. It is going to be a tough year. In my mind, there is absolutely nothing left to cut in city operations, although there might be a few efficiencies in operations yet to be found that would give us more bang for the buck. I also strongly believe, as I believe other members of council do, that we need to invest in the future..
What are your thoughts on these and the many other programs and issues facing the city?
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38 comments:
I'd be interested in hearing more about this comprehensive waterways what?
In a thumbnail what we are seeking is a plan with alternatives to use our waterways to grow the city, making it a better place by enhancing recreational opportunities and the aesthetics of the waterway corridors, increase visitation, enhance commercial activities and spur commercial and residential development.
That’s a lot of stuff, but there’s a lot of opportunity coursing through our community created by the river and Oil Creek.
From the RFP:
The purpose of this analysis is to provide a conceptual outline with alternatives for utilization of the city’s waterways and adjacent land to best advance the community economically and socially and enhance its recreational and development opportunities, and to determine the uses and the type, size and standards of facilities to be suggested for development on the site based on public participation process, community needs and site analysis.
Provide a description with suggested alternatives to guide land use, development, recreation, access and related activities that will enable the city to best use its waterways. This should provide a “big picture” comprehensive overview.
Provide a description and prioritization of the community’s needs and uses for the site as identified by the public participation process, previous planning work and other data available.
Describe the recreational and public uses and facilities suggested for future development.
Describe the support facilities required for the proposed recreational and public uses.
I'd like to know how much the Main Street program costs. I'd also like to know how much the consultants are being paid.
You say you don't think there is anything else to cut in the city budget, I feel the same way about my own personal budget! But, if you all decide to raise taxes something will have to be cut. I really don't want to have to do without to pay more taxes and then go to the city offices and deal with uncooperative city employees.
Anonymous,
If things work out as it appears they will, the Main Street program will cost local taxpayers little or nothing at all. It can, however, bring a great deal of money to the city -- including a potential source for a revolving loan fund for major downtown projects. More importantly, it can improve the health of our commercial and retail districts, benefiting all of us in the long run.
I appreciate your concerns about raising taxes. However, I just don’s see anywhere to cut that won’t in the long run cause even further economic decline. That we can not afford.
If you believe a city official is uncooperative, please give me a call with specifics.
Howdy John! Long time no write. I'm going to go off the topic here a bit and respectfully ask that you and all other members of council vote NO to revising the residency requirement for city employees.
I was quite surprised that Mayor Hawkins actually took so long in bringing the subject up considering it was one of her unspoken campaign promises to city employees.
Why do these employees wish to live outside the city limits? Could it be a fear of increasing property taxes, water/sewer hikes, increasing garbage rates, the hike in city service fees, or the inadequate housing stock (just to name a few)?
I’m guessing that it’s not the housing stock considering the article printed on Oct. 10 in The Derrick about our new neighbors Cheryl and Tim Taylor. According to Cheryl, “Part of the attraction here is the price of homes - the house you can get for the money in Oil City is incredible. It was a 'you've got to be kidding' moment when we looked at the housing prices.” So I must admit I was a bit surprised to have read that Mr. Varsek seems to be having a problem finding a home within the city limits.
This ordinance was discussed very briefly some time ago regarding finding a qualified Librarian. However, Mr. George was hired, he moved to Oil City from New York and he’s doing an outstanding job. Not to mention paying taxes to the City of Oil City.
If nothing else, how about a compromise? Part-time city employees would be permitted to live outside of the city while full-time employees would still be required to live within the city limits. After all who can incur the cost of moving for a part-time position except perhaps the solicitor?
On that note I must close but I do wish to reiterate that if this issue comes to vote, I strongly urge City Council to vote NO on changing this ordinance. The residency ordinance helps generate revenue for the city, helps increase the tax base, and gives our city employees a sense of pride in the city. It’s not just someplace they work but it’s their community too.
Outsider,
In fairness to the mayor, I don't believe there was any promise or decision made regarding residency as part of her campaign. I certainly have not seen any evidence of that.
Actually, an unspoken campaign promise is a bit of an oxymoron.
However, I agree with your general comments regarding residency.
I do wish that comments would focus on the issues, and not the people.
I bear some responsibility for not screening and editing more carefully.
While I understand the idea of requiring employees of the city to live in the city limits, I think it should be lifted or revised. Yes, the library eventually found a director but not without a very long search that left the other employees of the library in a difficult situation.
And what about the people who live on the border of the city and whose addresses are listed as Oil City, yet arent't considered city residents?
If this ordinance is supposed to be taken serious then EVERYONE who is a city employee should have to follow it, and as you know there are exceptions! Otherwise, things need to be reconsidered.
We need to make people want to live in Oil City, not force them into it!
Last anonymous,
My take on it is Oil City is a pretty nice place to live, and certainly capable of attracting people. I'm saddened that you would think otherwise and believe that it apparently is not now sufficiently attractive to suit city employees and others.
Personally, I LOVE Oil City, but it can't be expected that potential employees of the city would want to uproot their life and move to our city when they've already established roots in, say, Titusville or Franklin.
I was glad to see in the paper today that there will now be a bigger pool of people who will be allowed to apply for city jobs.
sincerely,
last anonymous
What did you do to make News-Herald/Derrick writer Judith Etzel mad?
I'm consistently amazed at her ignorance of basic journalism principals, but in this morning’s paper, she does everything but have you twirling a handlebar moustache while tying a damsel to a railroad track.
To wit:
"The vote drew an emphatic no from Bartlett who added in a low voice to the mayor, 'You've made a huge mistake'"
Really? I'm taking this one to class to show my students. :)
In reply to the above question, I don't think the reporter is in any way mad at me.
She got it right.
I did emphatically vote no, and I did comment to the mayor as reported. The comment to the mayor was probably intemperate, but it is how I feel about the issue.
There was a time I was a reporter, and I probably would have worded it about the same. That’s just the way it is.
If I have any frustration with the local paper it is the often snide remarks in the “Spray” column. It’s easy to be snide; it’s much harder to offer constructive criticism.
Maybe I'm off then, but I teach my students when covering public meetings to be clear, comprehensive, and objective - to report what happened, not to interpret what happened.
To me, the emotive language in that quote seems designed to elicit a particular view in the reader.
But, hey, I haven't had to cover a meeting like that in a decade, so maybe I'm old-fashioned.
You're right, the City does need to invest in the future. At the same time, many citizens of the city are just getting by. What is going to happen to them?
I read in the newspaper that council want to possibly raise property taxes for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is to promote the city. I used to agree with this notion but after talking with some out-of-towners this past summer I think that this should be put on hold. While at a local coffee shop I met some women who had heard that Oil City was really taking off b/c of the arts revitalization, and they decided to come to town to check it out. While they thought that the Transit Building and Howling Dog were nice they thought that there would be more to do/see based on all the hype. They lamented the lack of shops to walk to and were quite disappointed with having driven all the way from Pittsburgh. They said they had stopped in Franklin earlier that day and loved all the "cute shops".
I think that OC has some neat offerings but it's not set up in a tourist friendly manner - things are here and there but there is a lack of good signage to get to these places. Our one-way streets and two sides of town are VERY confusing to outsiders as well.
What I am trying to say is that before we go ahead and promote the city we need to make sure our city is ready to be promoted. When people come from other cities to visit and go home disappointed, word travels and people don't come back.
We have a lot of potential, don't get me wrong, but we need to really take the time to think about how people who aren't from here will view the city as it is now. Why not wait on additional promotion until we are truly ready?
I am very concerned with the prospect of increasing taxes. I already pay nearly $5,000 in property taxes on a house only worth $145,000. This is ridiculous. The problem is the inacurate assessment. I am being penalized for recently buying while my neighbors are assessed well below their market values. I am ready to go Cranberry even if I have to sell BELOW my purchase price. I would make it up very quickly in tax savings.
I don't think the City is spending wisely. What did all the fancy brick sidewalks and street posts bring in the first phase? Little to nothing. I don't blame the current council and mayor. Oil City's CDC was merged into ORA and then the marketing died, ended. Now the Main St. program is going to be under ORA's umbrella. What the heck have they done the last five years for O.C.? Oh, gave Howling Dog a pittance in loan funds. Big deal. That worked out well.
I am also curious about the final numbers on the smaller and still freezing pool. Janet Gatesman said that they EXPECTED it to lose money BEFORE the costruction. So what is the verdict John? Please don't hide the truth.
This is in response to Anonymous on November 11 -- you make a good point! For the very reasons you mention, we have spent our limited marketing budget so far on bringing artists into the area. Now, if the nine people who have already relocated and the 20 artists housed in the Transit studios are to succeed, we need to groom ourselves to be a destination: a map featuring arts attractions and other points of interest, proper signage, banners, brochures to cross-promote what we have and to entice other businesses to invest in our downtown -- all those are part of promotion and marketing, as far as I am concerned. I'm pleased that the visitors from Pittsburgh had heard of us, but there hasn't been much hype to date outside of publications targeting working artists. I completely agree that we have to get our ducks in a row here at home before we invite the world to come and visit us -- and that as we get the signage, banners, maps, etc. in place, we can really step up our efforts to attract visitors.
Joann, I think that you helped to put things into context for me. It will take money in order to get the city ready for promotion outside of the region. I think that signage is a huge issue! Sometimes when I drive into OC from out of town I try to think like an outsider to see what would be confusing to them. It would be pretty frustrating for them, I believe! Our city is set up pretty strangely and not very condusively for tourists so I think it's essential that we really try to get things to where tourists will feel comfortable with exploring our town.
My main concern about raising taxes is timing, not only b/c we may not be quite ready, but also b/c I'm unsure about how the economy will effect tourism. Most of us in OC are already pretty strapped for cash, and the property taxes are quite high to begin with. Why not wait a year and see what happens and in the meantime really work hard to do the best we can with what we have?
I think the arts revitalization is an amazing thing happening in our city and I want to see it thrive!
You know, I work my tail off keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table for my family. The arts revitalization stuff is just a little too high falutin' for me. Nine people have relocated to Oil City? How much did this cost?
I presume you can give me a definite dollar amount? What have been the benefits to Oil City, in specific dollars?
And, how much will the city lose now that its employees are no longer required to live in the city?
Hi Anonymous on 11/18
I now make $20,000 a year; I started at $15,000. (I did not get a raise -- I increased my hours.) So the city has invested about $35,000 since 2006. Marketing money comes from a grant from the Venango Area Community Foundation.
The investment in the community from home/business purchase has been about $800,000 to date. That doesn't include renovations by local contractors, shopping in local stores, etc., which I have no way of measuring. When we are able to bring in visitors from other areas, Oil City shops and restaurants should feel the benefits.
Arts revitalization is just another way to build the population and stimulate small business here -- the artists I know are not a bit high-falutin' and are also hustling to make a living, just in a different way.
Joann,
Thank you. I appreciate the fact you are on here and participate.
It is important that people get the facts, and you quickly provided them.
John, I'm still wondering how much money the pool for a few on the top of the hill brought in in profits?? Joann is working the arts effort on a pittance and there is no reason to criticize her efforts. However, if the city does a half-hearted investment in a project you will get half-hearted results.
I hate to be a broken record but it appears to me we are using CDBG money for frivilous purposes. Perfectly good sidewalks were dug up to put in new ones with brick trim. Now we need to set aside new tax dollars for paving. Hmmmm.
Regarding marketing, it shouldn't focus on Downtown Oil City. That would be a joke, but there are other attractions that could be highlighted: river, bike trail, train, Oil Creek Park, museum, victorian homes, trolley, Arlington with pool by the river, plaket (?) boat rides etc. Stuff we take for granted but someone looking for a day trip would enjoy.
Did you ever see what ORA highlights in their brochure? An entire page of Hasson Park arboretum. An ENTIRE page! For all the thousands being spent on Oil 150 I haven't seen any events advertised yet that would attract many visitors to O.C. - a birthday party for some oil baron and a lecture at Venango Campus?? The salaries ORA is paying for that "celebration" are no small potatoes like Joann Wheeler gets. Does anyone think "what would entice me and my spouse to drive a couple hours to see something at O.C."? Has anyone questioned this new guy from Buffalo that ORA hired to market O.C. like they do Joann's position? He is paid inpart from our tax dollars. You wouldn't relocate here for $20,000. Heck 90% of O.C. residents probably know nothing about him. It's all very puzzling.........
“The investment in home/business purchase has been about $800,000 to date.”
How does that actually affect the people of the community? We were told by Councilman Mehlburger that the artists are here to take care of us. However, taxes are still going up. My guess is unless you work in real estate or contracting then you haven’t benefited from these 9 mysterious artists at all. Also please correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t there a line item on the budget for “the arts?” Maybe this doesn’t go directly to “revitalization” but it is still earmarked for “the arts.” How much is being earmarked this year?
Joann, now that you are considered a city employee you also get health benefits, is that not correct? You must include that in your calculations. I would imagine that there are hundreds of Oil City residents that would love to get health benefits included with their jobs. BTW, the average pay rate in Oil City as well as Venango County for employees is right around $7.50 an hour. That’s $15,600 per year, full-time, before taxes, without health benefits and no office. So I’d have to say that you’re doing better than most in our depressed little town.
Oil City’s millage (municipal) is the highest in Venango County and yet council might raise it again? If taxes are raised to accommodate this year’s budget we will be the only municipality in Venango County including the county itself that raised taxes this year.
Oil City Council has a “wish list.” Well, I know people in this community (including myself) whose kids have a “wish list” for the holiday season. These families will have to look at the list(s), shave it down, see were they can cut something out of their budget this month, perhaps not pay some bills till next month just so they can get the bare minimum on these “wish lists.” Oh how easy it would be if everyone could just tax someone to make sure their wish lists happen.
I just wanted to say that I would guess that the average pay-rate for Oil City and Venango County is closer to $9.00 than $7.50. Having said that, if Joann works part-time at 20 hours per week
(1040 hours per year) then she would be making a little over $19.00 per hour plus health benefits. I can hardly call that a "pittance" amount in and around this area.
And I agree, please don't raise taxes on Oil City's citizens whose budgets are already over-stretched.
Thanks!!
Joann and her pay should not be an issue. She is the only entity I am aware of that is marketing O.C. outside of O.C. Regardless of whether she includes benefits, she is still doing it on a shoestring budget and you can point to more successes of her program than any other program I know of.
Can anyone list another success for Oil City that is a direct result of a marketing or econmomic development effort?
The problem is that in order for the Arts iniative to have a major impact it requires 100% commitment and a lot more money. Unfortunately, we don't have the funds to support it because of all the former Mayors and Councils that did nothing to turn things around when the town died.
Ciny Linnon and the CDC was the last best attempt and she did have some success but it was never built upon so it fizzled out under ORA's direction. Franklin, on the other hand, seems to be thriving since we lost our CDC and they kept FICDA and their Chamber. Their city's leaders also had the wisdom to create a low interest revolving loan fund that allowed business owners to invest in their downtown buildings without the risk of losing their shirts.
Franklin also has a core group of retailers that COOPERATED and agreed on what they wanted their town to be and determined to make it happen.
I hear a lot of people say that Joann makes a "pittance amount" for what she does. I was simply responding to that comment. Joann is the one that posted what she makes to begin with. I didn't mean to offend you "anonymous," I was simply stating that Joann does a good job and receives a good wage for doing it.
Thanks!!
"The problem is that in order for the Arts iniative to have a major impact it requires 100% commitment and a lot more money. Unfortunately, we don't have the funds to support it because of all the former Mayors and Councils that did nothing to turn things around when the town died."
==============================
Aleays more money from the working people who these days are barely getting by.
John says:
In my mind, there is absolutely nothing left to cut in city operations, although there might be a few efficiencies in operations yet to be found that would give us more bang for the buck.
I say: Hey, John, there's absolutely nothing left to cut in my budget either. Do NOT raise taxes.
John:
Thank you for this blog! I think it is a better way to get issues addressed than the editorial page or going to the council meetings and surprising council with questions.
I am curious about some of the things questioned here in relation to the proposed tax increases. I haven't seen a response from you yet, John, so it makes this process less effective.
For instance: did the pool lose money? Is there a line item in the budget to cover pool losses? Did the city uses CDBG money for it and for the new sidewalks downtown? Could we have done paving with those proceeds?
I'm curious how our staffing compares to the City of Franklin and Titusville. Are we competitive? I realize we are bigger though. We are quickly approaching seriously poor econmomic times and it will eventually hit our manufacturing plants and employers. You really need to tighted your belt where ever you can. The property owner can't keeping shouldering this burden.
Kudos to you though for at least suggesting we look into consolidation. Thinking outside the box is a good thing!
“I haven't seen a response from you yet, John, so it makes this process less effective.”
The truth is, it is a lot easier – just two mouse clicks – to post comments than to formulate replies. Also, there are two active discussions going on, here and in the more recent budget post, which adds a bit to the confusion. However, I don’t seem to have enough time to do everything I would like or need to do.
In answer to some of the questions you and other asked:
The pool lost money. As of the end of December it had a $1,566.59 loss. It will probably climb by a couple hundred dollars by the time we close out the year with the final utility bills. I don’t think that was unexpected. The new pool produced more revenues and cost less to operate than the old, cutting losses by thousands of dollars. I suspect we will gain more efficiency next year, but pool operations and some costs are largely affected by weather.
Some CDBG money was used for capital improvements at the pool, not operations. Same for what you referred to as the new sidewalks. Understand, that was largely in place before the current council, but I don’t mean that as a criticism of their decisions. The CDBG money leveraged a lot more money and what we got was not just the beautification element, but new infrastructure under the ground – sewer and water lines.
I believe our staffing is comparable to other communities. Certainly our workforce has shrunk along with the population. We are not fat by any stretch of the imagination.
“Unfortunately, we don't have the funds to support it because of all the former Mayors and Councils that did nothing to turn things around when the town died."
I have to tell you, I think that’s unfair and certainly not true. Every council did what they could, and to some degree what the public would support. If there was any failing, it was in not addressing infrastructure and capital needs, such as paving. At some point we are going to have to face the reality of that.
“Franklin also has a core group of retailers that COOPERATED and agreed on what they wanted their town to be and determined to make it happen.”
True. Fortunately, we now have a lot of individuals and groups stepping up to the plate. It is not going to be city government that makes the biggest difference in turning this community and our economic woes around, but our people.
John - thank you for addressing the CDBG questions. You are correct that we don't know what it takes for you get answers and I for one do appreciate your efforts here.
Infrastructure, paving, etc. should be a priority and we really need leadership that will put it ahead of luxury items like a swimming pool or whatever else can wait. My fear is we are headed for tough times here as recessions seem to take longer to hit our area and then remain longer. Higher taxes right now will be very bad timing.
Going forward leadership must really consider what we need vs. what we want. I don't think that has always been the case.
I get the need for more economic development/marketing money and I would suggest sitting down with ORA, finding out what they are doing for O.C. and what success they have had. They have the infrastructure in place so why reinvent the wheel. But if that wheel isn't producing you need to address it before giving them more money.
Just like the arts program, if every city job position was under the same microscope you can imagine the efficiency. It's funny how there's such a demand for accoutabilty for that program but little interest in any other budget item.
“Just like the arts program, if every city job position was under the same microscope you can imagine the efficiency. It's funny how there's such a demand for accoutabilty for that program but little interest in any other budget item.”
Howdy John,
Things sure are getting’ lively on here. Budget time is now upon us. It’s dirty job but somebody has to do it.
There’s a lot of talk pertaining to the arts program. The above quoted reference is just one example. The writer is correct that there’s not much talk about anything else. My guess would be because it’s not too popular to talk about the possibility of going to a volunteer fire department or closing down one of the fire stations, axing non-union city employee health benefits as well as city council members, job termination such as the assistant city manager, city engineer and/or code enforcement positions. The writer states that we need to look at what we need vs. what we want. I believe that folks are tryin to say that the arts program is more of a want than a need at this point. The writer also mentions the swimming pool. The swimming pool is here now and who’s going to cut funding on a brand new 1.4 million dollar pool. That was something that should have been addressed before a new pool was ever even installed. The writer states it’s funny there’s such a high demand for accountability for the arts but little interest in any other budget item. So tell us dear anonymous what do you think are the other budget items that should be addressed?
Outsider,
It’s not an issue of what is popular, but what is right for the community, reasonable and fair.
A volunteer fire department is a non-starter in terms of what is right for the community. I don’t believe it is workable and I know as a fact that the service level would suffer significantly. This is not to take away anything from the services volunteers provide in outlying communities. The city’s circumstances are much different, I for one won’t risk public safety.
The idea of eliminating medical benefits for non-union employees is neither reasonable nor fair. All our employees need to be treated with respect, and they need to be fairly compensated. How much more would we need to pay them to make up for such cuts?
I don’t see where there are people or positions to axe. In some cases, we are way too lean as it is. The specific positions you mention or only one of many hats worn by the people in those positions. Everything they do needs to be done,
If running the city was so easy, the solutions so readily available and cuts so evident they would have been accomplished long ago,
Howdy John,
I didn’t mean to get your feathers all in a ruffle. Pun intended on this fine Thanksgiving morning.
What I was tryin to say is that there’s not a whole lot else to look at in the budget and maybe that’s why so many people are talking about the arts. Whether we like it or not, if you cut out the line budget item to the arts (let me know if the $$$ amount if wrong) of $50,000, the arts champion’s salary of $20,000 (plus health benefits) and funding of $10,000 to the ORA we’re darn near the extra $100,000 that council wants to budget for road maintenance or it completely covers council’s “wishes” of having $20-25,000 for emergency demolition and $25,000 for marketing & economic development. There’s even some left over to throw at road maintenance making the amount coming from the Industrial Park reserve fund less.
Let the chips fall where they may. You have a difficult decision to make and I don’t envy you at all. But I am hoping that council will vote yes to the balanced budget that does not include a tax increase.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Hurray for Oil City Outsider.
He has dared to make suggestions for cutting the budget.
I join him in urging you to voet for a balanced budget with no tax increases.
It really annoys me when politicians say they have to raise taxes because there is nothing left to cut. You see, if my taxes are raised I will have to cut somewhere and I think the city should do the same.
Somebody suggested a furlough day for city employees. I would like to know how much one furlough day would save the city.
When I have to pay more in taxes I want to know what I am getting for my money. I do not want to here that 'more businesses invest in the downtown area'.
I want quantifiable info.
The arts woman said that the totla business/home purchase amount that resulted from the arts project was around $800,000.
Does she think that no one would have bought these properties if it hadn't been for the arts project?
I am puzzled why so many seem so critical of the arts revitalization effort.
By any standard, and qualifiedly, it has been a success. Modest, yes, but it is still in its infancy. Certainly, the program will face challenges and not everything it attempts will succeed.
It is not the answer to all of Oil City's problems, but it is helping.
And yes, my guess is that there are at least a handful of houses that would have been vacant for a much longer period of time if not purchased by artists.
Wow, I didn't know the comments were still rolling on this one. I really should subscribe to the Post Comments.
I think you handled this statement wonderfully:
“Unfortunately, we don't have the funds to support it because of all the former Mayors and Councils that did nothing to turn things around when the town died."
Why is it up to the Mayors or Councils? What can 1 person or 3 people do (How many council members ARE there?)?
If a person fails its the person's fault. If a community fails its the community's fault.
If I've seen anything in my life its that when times are tough laying down and wishing someone else would make it all better never makes anything actually GET better. You can slug through it the old ways, you can get creative with some new ways, but DOING something is a must.
I think John is on the right track with this blog, giving you all a chance to skip going to meetings, voicing your opinions in person but I think there needs to be another step here no one is looking at...one which John alluded to in his response to this comment - there are now people and groups wanting to step up and do something.
If you aren't in some way stepping up to do something and are only commenting on a blog then your comments better have some REALLY creative solutions to put out there or else you're just whining.
Maybe, like me, you don't have a lot of marketing know how or development knowledge... but I'm sure you have brains or braun that could be put to good use by someone in the area. One thing keeps coming up when I talk to people about the area "Tell me about your __________". That blank could be filled with library, Y, nature trails, churches, bands, or artists. If you are helping add value to the community it will only pay off in the long run, not just for current residents, but for making this area attractive to other people.
If you don't think spending money is a good thing and you can't afford more taxes but you want mayors and councils to DO something and get jobs in here maybe go out and volunteer your time (doesn't cost you anything) to an organization or effort that adds value to your community.
There's been quite a gap between my school days and my son starting school...it cracks me up what school districts pay for now that used to be volunteers, parents doing for love of being with kids.
Its all interrelated. Pennywise and pound foolish - cut one very cheap program that does bring new people to the area, that does put the word out ABOUT the area and save a few pennies but don't consider the cost (as supposedly previous mayors and councils didn't) of doing so over the long term - NOT getting a company in here 10 years ago has done what? Taking away the arts program now will do what in 10 years?
People want to cut cut cut but it really needs to be about balance and compromise. But for there to be compromise more people have to be involved, offering suggestions, offering ideas, understanding when their one idea isn't the chosen idea.
Maybe the arts program funded now by the city, after showing data on their efforts over a few years, would be able to get some sort of grant funding and wind up costing nothing? Who knows where it may go, but just cutting just guarantees staying stuck in the current rut.
Condatis: It is very difficult for the individual or volunteer to try to make impactful economic changes in a community. There is only so much a business association or even a Chamber of Commerce can do.
Successful cities like Warren and Franklin have an active Redevelopment Authority. O.C.'s has been inactive for YEARS. This mayor and council are finally changing that. Unfortunately, they have a lot of ground to make up and barriers to cross.
I feel confident this group is determined to get it done.
John Peterson's dream of one big consolidated O.R.A. is unfortunately unraveling and O.C. will feel the affect of that as they put all their development eggs in O.R.A.'s basket.
I would not like to see the one effort they made, the Arts program, eliminated when there is nothing else apparently being done. Joann is a good contact for outsiders and promotes the area well. I'd like to see her duties expanded beyond artists. She is articulate and creative enough to field questions from just about anyone wanting info on O.C. She would also be POSITIVE and determined to get them to the right entity and follow up on the results. A city needs a Champion. It could be her.
"Successful cities like Warren and Franklin have an active Redevelopment Authority. O.C.'s has been inactive for YEARS. This mayor and council are finally changing that. Unfortunately, they have a lot of ground to make up and barriers to cross."
For clarification, I do not believe Franklin has an active Redevelopment Authority. They do have an independent economic development organization in the Franklin Commercial and Industrial Development Authority (I hope I got the name right).
FICDA owns property and that has helped finance some things.
Oil City owns the industrial park, and that has helped finance some economic development efforts.
Warren's success has a lot less to do with an active RDA than the fact Northwest Savings Bank is headquarter there and made a commitment to stay and invest a whole lot in the downtown, which made everything else possible.
A nearby city has a very active independent RDA and economic development agency, but in my opinion has had less success than Oil City.
Circumstances are different everywhere so we have to be careful with comparisons.
Having said that, I would like to see our RDA become more active. There are things an RDA can do more quickly and cleaner than the city.
I would very much like to find a way to have some agency or entity focus on economic development in the city so that we are not lost in the whole.
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