To say I was shocked when Tom Rockovich let me know Monday that he was planning on retiring June 19th is an understatement.
I was also saddened and concerned.
Tom has been a community asset and his retirement will be a huge loss. I think he has done an unbelievable job keeping this city afloat through extraordinarily difficult times. And that is just one of his many managerial talents.
Most importantly, I’ve always found Tom to be good to his word. That’s a rare thing in today’s world.
I think we are going to have a difficult time finding someone anywhere near as capable as Tom, but I hope I’m wrong. I do know that it will be impossible to replace Tom as a person. The best we can hope for as someone with their own unique blend of strengths and talents.
Tom gave me the letter announcing his retirement late Monday morning when I happened to stop in at city hall. When he handed me the envelope he said I might want to open it.
I did. I read the letter and I’m not sure what I said. It wasn’t much. I think the word sorry came out.
Truly I was speechless. I didn’t say anything to anyone other than the Mayor who was also at city hall. I wasn’t sure if Tom had yet had the opportunity to inform every member of council. I stayed mum on Tuesday so that he would have the opportunity to break the news publicly.
I also was still struggling with how to respond and what to say. I’m still struggling. Sorry is about the best I can do.
Tom is going to Butler where he will manage an authority. They are getting a good man and a stellar manager.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Of asphalt
I’m not alone in my frustration and concern over potholes and the overall conditions of our streets. I hear about it constantly.
Usually the conversation begins with something along the lines of” “When are you going to do something about the streets,” or “Why aren’t you doing something about the streets.”
Sometimes the comments have been a bit more accusatory, as if I and other members council and the city staff simply want to see our roads deteriorate.
I always try to explain it comes down to money. That seldom makes anyone feel better. And there are always the few who come up with a response like “That’s right, just a politician you want more tax money to take care of what you should be taking care of.”
If only someone would tell me how we could pave our streets without additional money. What would they suggest we cut to make that possible?
A huge problem we face is that you just can’t pave streets, you have to bring the curb cuts at every intersection up to current wheelchair-ramp standards – even if there are existing curb cuts.
An example is Colbert Avenue. We set some money aside to pave Colbert this year, but it now appears that the need to re-do all the curb cuts could easily take every cent we set aside for the paving. We – or more correctly our Public Works Department – have not given up. The search is on for some innovative ways to address the problem.
The city has a large backlog of capital needs and street paving is high on that list. I wish I knew how to address it.
I’ve mentioned only half-jokingly to people that we should put a $104 line-item into the budget to buy a Powerball ticket for the city every Wednesday and Saturday.
Usually the conversation begins with something along the lines of” “When are you going to do something about the streets,” or “Why aren’t you doing something about the streets.”
Sometimes the comments have been a bit more accusatory, as if I and other members council and the city staff simply want to see our roads deteriorate.
I always try to explain it comes down to money. That seldom makes anyone feel better. And there are always the few who come up with a response like “That’s right, just a politician you want more tax money to take care of what you should be taking care of.”
If only someone would tell me how we could pave our streets without additional money. What would they suggest we cut to make that possible?
A huge problem we face is that you just can’t pave streets, you have to bring the curb cuts at every intersection up to current wheelchair-ramp standards – even if there are existing curb cuts.
An example is Colbert Avenue. We set some money aside to pave Colbert this year, but it now appears that the need to re-do all the curb cuts could easily take every cent we set aside for the paving. We – or more correctly our Public Works Department – have not given up. The search is on for some innovative ways to address the problem.
The city has a large backlog of capital needs and street paving is high on that list. I wish I knew how to address it.
I’ve mentioned only half-jokingly to people that we should put a $104 line-item into the budget to buy a Powerball ticket for the city every Wednesday and Saturday.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The ORA take
There have been numerous comments to Inside Oil City regarding the Oil Region Alliance’s efforts to promote and market Oil City’s downtown and its regional economic development activity.
That led me to contact Randy Seitz, ORA president and chief executive officer. I asked Randy to take a few minutes and look at the comments and draft a brief reply outlining the ORA’s work and accomplishments from his perspective.
This is what Randy had to say:
John,
Thank you so much for bringing these comments to my attention. First, let me say how proud I am that our headquarters is in Oil City and it is our pleasure to focus some of our attention on downtown revitalization, particularly through the "mainstreet program" and the industrial park. But, the fact remains, that our focus is and must remain region-wide. We must continue to focus on building the economy of the entire region if we are going to be successful on the war against the economy. Job creation cures all ills!
Now to address the specific comments in the blog. I am confused. In the past year the ORA was the catalyst for:
- The Conair Expansion which retained over 150 jobs
- The expansion of FedEx which retained and created jobs
- Latrobe Steel Expansion which retained and created jobs
- We completed the build-out to the BIC 2nd Floor Space and created a marketable opportunity for Oil City
- Secured over $125,000 in grant money to train incumbent workers keeping our constituents employable
- Secured money for a revolving loan fund to help local entrepreneurs
- Attracted New Airline Carrier for the Venango Airport and the marketing to keep it going
- Recruited Vantage Health Care to the region and created new jobs
- And, assisted in the financing of the second Hawbaker expansion since they arrived in 2007.
Please keep in mind that most of this was accomplished at a time when our neighboring communities like Meadville and Erie announced job losses and companies leaving town. We are, as you know, in a recession and most companies are not expanding anywhere, but they are expanding here, and the ORA has been there to help every step of the way.
In addition, in the case of Conair, the ORA put in the funds to save these jobs, along with FICDA and the NWC. Our commitment was $100,000. This was done during a time when our budget is tight. But that is what we are here for. And lastly, during the same time period, as your blogger pointed out, we have done a tremendous job bringing in tourists that spend money in our region and stay in our hotels. This money keeps our retail here.
Please let me know if you need more information.
Thank you,
Randy Seitz
That led me to contact Randy Seitz, ORA president and chief executive officer. I asked Randy to take a few minutes and look at the comments and draft a brief reply outlining the ORA’s work and accomplishments from his perspective.
This is what Randy had to say:
John,
Thank you so much for bringing these comments to my attention. First, let me say how proud I am that our headquarters is in Oil City and it is our pleasure to focus some of our attention on downtown revitalization, particularly through the "mainstreet program" and the industrial park. But, the fact remains, that our focus is and must remain region-wide. We must continue to focus on building the economy of the entire region if we are going to be successful on the war against the economy. Job creation cures all ills!
Now to address the specific comments in the blog. I am confused. In the past year the ORA was the catalyst for:
- The Conair Expansion which retained over 150 jobs
- The expansion of FedEx which retained and created jobs
- Latrobe Steel Expansion which retained and created jobs
- We completed the build-out to the BIC 2nd Floor Space and created a marketable opportunity for Oil City
- Secured over $125,000 in grant money to train incumbent workers keeping our constituents employable
- Secured money for a revolving loan fund to help local entrepreneurs
- Attracted New Airline Carrier for the Venango Airport and the marketing to keep it going
- Recruited Vantage Health Care to the region and created new jobs
- And, assisted in the financing of the second Hawbaker expansion since they arrived in 2007.
Please keep in mind that most of this was accomplished at a time when our neighboring communities like Meadville and Erie announced job losses and companies leaving town. We are, as you know, in a recession and most companies are not expanding anywhere, but they are expanding here, and the ORA has been there to help every step of the way.
In addition, in the case of Conair, the ORA put in the funds to save these jobs, along with FICDA and the NWC. Our commitment was $100,000. This was done during a time when our budget is tight. But that is what we are here for. And lastly, during the same time period, as your blogger pointed out, we have done a tremendous job bringing in tourists that spend money in our region and stay in our hotels. This money keeps our retail here.
Please let me know if you need more information.
Thank you,
Randy Seitz
Friday, April 10, 2009
Of our downtown and April 22
There will be a Oil City Main Street Program on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Room of the Transit Building.
The purpose is to update everyone on where things stand with development of the Main Street Program, and more importantly obtain the public’s input on key issues of our strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threats.
Already I’ve heard some comment along the lines of "haven’t we done this before." Well, yes and no. Efforts to make our downtown and our community successful and vibrant are not start/finish propositions. They must be ongoing.
In a sense, the current Main Street drive is a natural evolution of recent work done by Take Pride and earlier work by the former CDC and others. But it is also new and different.
Also new and different is our approach to official Main Street Program designation. We are going after that designation in a way that has never bone done before, skipping an entire step (really it is more like a staircase) to get right to where the money is for façade programs, revolving loan funds and more. This is possible through a unique partnership with the Oil Region Alliance.
I have my own thoughts about how our downtown would best succeed and compete. Whether that is what eventually emerges from the Main Street Program is an unknown. What I do know is that my thoughts will be taken into consideration, as will yours – if you take the time to participate. It is your community. It is your future.
So, what are my thoughts on the downtown?
I think the arts can play a huge role, and we are already seeing that happen. I think we need to give thought to what kinds of businesses can fill a market niche. I would like to see our downtown be a vibrant entertainment/social center. I think our upper floors need to become quality office space. I could go on and on.
The purpose is to update everyone on where things stand with development of the Main Street Program, and more importantly obtain the public’s input on key issues of our strengths, weaknesses opportunities and threats.
Already I’ve heard some comment along the lines of "haven’t we done this before." Well, yes and no. Efforts to make our downtown and our community successful and vibrant are not start/finish propositions. They must be ongoing.
In a sense, the current Main Street drive is a natural evolution of recent work done by Take Pride and earlier work by the former CDC and others. But it is also new and different.
Also new and different is our approach to official Main Street Program designation. We are going after that designation in a way that has never bone done before, skipping an entire step (really it is more like a staircase) to get right to where the money is for façade programs, revolving loan funds and more. This is possible through a unique partnership with the Oil Region Alliance.
I have my own thoughts about how our downtown would best succeed and compete. Whether that is what eventually emerges from the Main Street Program is an unknown. What I do know is that my thoughts will be taken into consideration, as will yours – if you take the time to participate. It is your community. It is your future.
So, what are my thoughts on the downtown?
I think the arts can play a huge role, and we are already seeing that happen. I think we need to give thought to what kinds of businesses can fill a market niche. I would like to see our downtown be a vibrant entertainment/social center. I think our upper floors need to become quality office space. I could go on and on.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Cleanin Up Feels Good
My son Noel and I spent Saturday morning with seven other people working our buns off.
It felt good.
We were participating in the PA CleanWays effort to clean up some roadside dumps along Deep Hollow and Aires Hill roads in Cranberry Township.
PA Cleanways is a nonprofit agency that attacks the problem of illegal dumping and littering across the state through cleanup of sites, education and adoption of problem areas. It works through local chapters. Venango County’s chapter recently reactivated thanks to Erik Johnson who took on the role of county chair.
Johnson of Franklin works in the Venango County Planning Commission and is the county’s solid waste and recycling coordinator. I met him for the first time earlier in the week at a planning meeting.
Another member of the work crew that I knew was Susan Hileman. The new folks I met were Ray Fry, Brandy and James Rhinebolt, a young couple from Oil City, Susan Carmichael from PA CleanWays home office in Greensburg and Paul a Cranberry Township employee whose last name I did not get.
It was quite amazing how much our small group was able to accomplish and is testament to what local citizens can do when they work together.
Of course, examples of that are common in Venango-land. We see it often, and it is one of our strengths.
Conversely, there is something of a weird dichotomy that seems to make it difficult for us to work together as effectively as we could on a municipal or government level. To me, that is one of our weaknesses. At least that’s my take.
It felt good.
We were participating in the PA CleanWays effort to clean up some roadside dumps along Deep Hollow and Aires Hill roads in Cranberry Township.
PA Cleanways is a nonprofit agency that attacks the problem of illegal dumping and littering across the state through cleanup of sites, education and adoption of problem areas. It works through local chapters. Venango County’s chapter recently reactivated thanks to Erik Johnson who took on the role of county chair.
Johnson of Franklin works in the Venango County Planning Commission and is the county’s solid waste and recycling coordinator. I met him for the first time earlier in the week at a planning meeting.
Another member of the work crew that I knew was Susan Hileman. The new folks I met were Ray Fry, Brandy and James Rhinebolt, a young couple from Oil City, Susan Carmichael from PA CleanWays home office in Greensburg and Paul a Cranberry Township employee whose last name I did not get.
It was quite amazing how much our small group was able to accomplish and is testament to what local citizens can do when they work together.
Of course, examples of that are common in Venango-land. We see it often, and it is one of our strengths.
Conversely, there is something of a weird dichotomy that seems to make it difficult for us to work together as effectively as we could on a municipal or government level. To me, that is one of our weaknesses. At least that’s my take.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
All things Ning -- New ways of staying informed
This might be an example of teaching an old dog new tricks, I being the old dog.
The Internet has opened up so many more possibilities for keeping the public informed and our citizenry involved. My hope is that this blog is one example of that, but there are many more ways and I’m just learning about them.
Many of you know that Oil City is embarking on a Main Street Program. Two members of the Steering Committee, Susan Williams and Trenton Moulin, decided we needed to find a way to have a Web presence where everyone could be kept informed and even participate if they so desired. Next thing I know, Susan and Trenton are Ning Masters, knowing all things Ning.
I had never heard of Ning before, but it is sort of along the lines of a social networking site (i.e. Facebook or MySpace) but far better suited for the intended purpose.
So, to keep up with the goings on of the Main Street Program go to: http://ocmainst.ning.com/
And no more that I learn of Ning, I find out that the South Side Association now has a Web site: http://southsideassociation.getmynwsite.com/
Such Web sites and networking sites are a valuable addition to keeping up with important events in our community. If you know of a community group with a Web site or networking presence, please post them up. I hope we can develop a lengthy list here and that people will visit them and become involved.
The Internet has opened up so many more possibilities for keeping the public informed and our citizenry involved. My hope is that this blog is one example of that, but there are many more ways and I’m just learning about them.
Many of you know that Oil City is embarking on a Main Street Program. Two members of the Steering Committee, Susan Williams and Trenton Moulin, decided we needed to find a way to have a Web presence where everyone could be kept informed and even participate if they so desired. Next thing I know, Susan and Trenton are Ning Masters, knowing all things Ning.
I had never heard of Ning before, but it is sort of along the lines of a social networking site (i.e. Facebook or MySpace) but far better suited for the intended purpose.
So, to keep up with the goings on of the Main Street Program go to: http://ocmainst.ning.com/
And no more that I learn of Ning, I find out that the South Side Association now has a Web site: http://southsideassociation.getmynwsite.com/
Such Web sites and networking sites are a valuable addition to keeping up with important events in our community. If you know of a community group with a Web site or networking presence, please post them up. I hope we can develop a lengthy list here and that people will visit them and become involved.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Housing, Neighborhoods and our future
In my last post I noted the Oil City Derrick’s article on the Venango County Housing study conducted by CZB.
Thanks to Joan Wheeler for clueing me in, here is a link where the full report can be found: http://czb.org/worksamples.html
I urge everyone concerned about our neighborhoods and our future as a community to read it. The study conducted by the consulting firm CZB contains some hard truths. I suspect many of us instinctively knew or at least had a suspicion of some of the things that CZB found and made crystal clear in its report, including that cheap, substandard housing leads to further decline.
Some of the suggested solutions to our housing problems are going to draw fire, notably the call for rental unit registration and inspection. On at least two prior occasions when that was brought up in Oil City it met with a firestorm of criticism from landlords and obviously failed to go anywhere.
The consultants also called for strict and aggressive building code and property maintenance enforcement. Again, this is not going to be popular with everyone, but in my mind is absolutely necessary if we are going to save our neighborhoods and our community.
The report also clearly indicates we have way more housing than we need, especially of the cheap and substandard kind. This is not good for Oil City, or the county as a whole. The report suggests that we move to demolish the worst of that. Council has long recognized the need to demolish our condemned and abandoned houses, but as with all things, is constrained financially.
Getting our housing market right is necessary to preserve our neighborhoods. Preserving neighborhoods is necessary for economic development.
Thanks to Joan Wheeler for clueing me in, here is a link where the full report can be found: http://czb.org/worksamples.html
I urge everyone concerned about our neighborhoods and our future as a community to read it. The study conducted by the consulting firm CZB contains some hard truths. I suspect many of us instinctively knew or at least had a suspicion of some of the things that CZB found and made crystal clear in its report, including that cheap, substandard housing leads to further decline.
Some of the suggested solutions to our housing problems are going to draw fire, notably the call for rental unit registration and inspection. On at least two prior occasions when that was brought up in Oil City it met with a firestorm of criticism from landlords and obviously failed to go anywhere.
The consultants also called for strict and aggressive building code and property maintenance enforcement. Again, this is not going to be popular with everyone, but in my mind is absolutely necessary if we are going to save our neighborhoods and our community.
The report also clearly indicates we have way more housing than we need, especially of the cheap and substandard kind. This is not good for Oil City, or the county as a whole. The report suggests that we move to demolish the worst of that. Council has long recognized the need to demolish our condemned and abandoned houses, but as with all things, is constrained financially.
Getting our housing market right is necessary to preserve our neighborhoods. Preserving neighborhoods is necessary for economic development.
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