State Audit Update

We have received several inquiries regarding the status of the Centerville State Audit.
The Office of State Auditor has been met with and the matter is in their hands now.
Regarding what will be investigated:
It is up to the State officials to determine what will be looked into.
Some of the spending concerns raised by many residents may fall under the City's jurisdiction.
At this point we have no further information and do not expect to receive any until the audit is complete. At that time it will become public information.
Thanks again to all the people that supported the effort.

The Numbers Are Not Adding Up

During the 9/24/2008 meeting, Council addressed trail grant money. Included in the Handout
The trail needs were identified during the 1997 City's comprehensive planning process. The City received a grant of approximately $700,000 to construct trail connections. The local match of $300,000-$350,000 will be paid from fees paid by developers in lieu of land for parks. These fees can only be used for park projects-capital construction. City property taxes are not planned to be used for the trail construction project.
"Currently, it appears that an assessment will not be needed to correct the grade and install a trail (Mill Rd), part of the reason I favor doing it now. It is still being investigated to be certain."
Email sent by council member Tom Lee 9/7/2008

Quad Press 8/18/2008
Discussed trail grant priorities on which council members voted earlier. The cost of the 26 trails is expected to be more than 1.7 million, much of which will be covered by the transportation enhancement grant.
The numbers don't add up. Who is going to pay the additional $700,000? Why does a City of our size need 26 additional trails? Why can't the Citizens get a straight answer?

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Where Has Professionalism and Accountability Gone?

Why do the City Administrator, Finance Director and Public Works Director have City email accounts, yet the Mayor and Council members do not? Could it be a matter of not wanting to answer questions or be held accountable for their actions? Numerous emails have remained ignored and/or not responded to by our elected officials. When prompted by a citizen, here is what the Mayor had to say regarding their lack of any timely, professional or responsible response;

From: Dan and Mary Capra
Date: 8/22/2008 3:40 P.M.
Dear XXXX,
Regarding email I have staff looking into the cost of adding city email addresses for all council members with an automatic response. We all have our home email addresses listed on the website and I know several of the council members have had problems with their home email, servers and computers (myself included). If this change takes place you will see it on the website.
Sincerely,
Mary Capra

This is not rocket science. If you are having a problem, fix it! The answer should not be "If this change takes place you will see it on the website". It should be, When this change takes place. Whoever manages the website can set up email addresses for everyone in about three minutes. There is no additional charge for this service and no reason to spend money “looking into it”. In fact, the citizen offered to set up the professional email accounts (with auto responders) for free. This response smells like an excuse to anyone that has ever managed a website or tried to get a response from our elected officials.
Election is just around the corner. The Mayor is up for reelection as are two council seats this November. Remember, we deserve the government we elect!

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Is Such a Grandiose Plan Right For Centerville?

Point of reference:
The blue building at the top is the Elementary School. Somehow, sections E and H will be constructed between it and main street. Take note that phase one, (green) is expected to be completed in 2009. Council has been busy making plans... Everything but road maintenance! During the last council meeting, they did spend about 15/20 minutes discussing colored concrete (and looking at samples) for the new downtown area. The Mayor REALLY wants it!

Click on map to bring up larger image.

A. 7 For Sale Town homes
B 14,000 SF Rental/Office

C. 48 Multi Family Units

15,000 SF Rental/Office

D. 41 Multi Family Units (Affordable)

E. 40 Multi Family Units

F. 60 Multi Family Units

20,000 SF SF Rental/Office

G. 72 Multi Family Units

H. 6,000 SF Rental/Office

I. 40 For Sale Town homes

J. 32 For Sale Town homes

K. 16 For Sale Town homes
L. 20 For Sale Town homes

There goes our small town feeling!