Where We're At and Where We Seem to be Going
1. Progress of the AdHoc Tree Committee: We have done four blocks now, with two long blocks to go (see my notes from each of these walks, Walk One and Walk Two). We will be doing these last two blocks at the end of month.
2. Sunup: Art Tully, Zep Thomaselli, and Naomi Sachs met with two reps from Sunup last Wednesday and the good news is that they are not charging us additional penalties now for work stopped. However, they are billing us for the work stoppage, and Art is sifting through the bill that they sent yesterday to see what was part of the original bill and what is additional charge due to the change in program. Needless to say, that is all in the past and should not have a bearing on how the City proceeds from here (except maybe to have learned the hard way to do it right the first time around). The other not-great news is that they had already ordered and had cast and painted the 5' x 5' tree grates, which the tree savvy among us were advocating against (they often do more harm than good, and it's harder to insert tree grates into a permeable paver system, which is what Megan, Lou, and I were recommending for the new sidewalk treatment). So, it's likely that those grates will have to be incorporated into the streetscape design. See #4 for more on this.
3. Timing: The City agreed at last night's meeting to hold off on the bulk of the tree and sidewalk work until the Spring, with the end of January as the goal for finishing up design work so that change orders can be submitted for the spring, etc. We have not yet discussed the possibility of using a different contractor altogether, but I think the possibility is pretty remote at this point. However, we may be able to get Sunup to use a different contractor for the actual tree planting, if the People are adamant enough that there is someone better for the job. Postponing further work until spring is good news for two main reasons: First, it gives us time to really plan this right instead of running around trying to fix stuff under the gun; second, all plant material, and especially trees, fare best when planted in the spring. It's the absolute best planting window. The downside of waiting is that at least one Beacon property owner is saying that she cannot deal with another winter of damage from the tree and its roots on her building and sidewalk. The City is still discussing what to do in these cases. There will be a slight increase in cost if we wait until spring, due to inevitable rises in labor and material costs (about 5%).
4. Outside Expert: The City has been talking about possibly hiring an outside company, someone who is not from Beacon and who has urban streetscape experience, to work on the overall streetscape design for Main Street - plantings, sidewalk treatment, etc. This company would probably have to adhere to some constraints since the more change orders we put in, the more expensive the job gets, but there would at least be a level of impartiality that our AdHoc Tree Committee does not have. I have asked that the AdHoc Tree committee and the general public be kept in the loop regarding the choice of firm (the City would put out an RFQ, or Request for Qualifications); design process; and especially the final design, keeping a level of transparency and citizen participation that was not present in the initial project (which is why we're here now). One more good reason for postponing work until the spring is that this outside expert would be one final opinion on what trees should come down - perhaps they have innovative techniques that would allow us to keep more of the mature trees that are heaving the sidewalks, etc.
5. Maintenance: One audience member brought up the excellent point of maintenance - was this in the contract, has the City budgeted for this at all, etc. - which should definitely be addressed during the design phase. There is no sense in planting trees that aren't going to be cared for once they're in the ground.
6. The trees that have already been planted: They are guaranteed for a year, so if they die, SunUp has to replace them. At this point, opinion seems to be that we might as well let them go and hope that they will be replaced with a better species, and in a better way, along with all of the other new trees in the spring.
Thanks very much to all members of the AdHoc Tree Committee for their hard work and time, to Mayor Gould and the City Council for seeing the writing on the wall and making the decision to heed the cries of some very angry and upset citizens, and to the citizens who made their voices heard and made change happen!
Best regards,
Naomi Sachs, ASLA
Member, City of Beacon Ad Hoc Tree Committee
Member, City of Beacon Conservation Advisory Commission
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Notes From 2nd Ad Hoc Mtg
2 Block Walk (Brett St. to Chestnut)
Present on Wednesday, 9/26/07, for the 2nd AdHoc Tree Committee walk, between Brett and Chestnut Streets, were:
Pamela Bier
Terry Brown
Clara Lou Gould
Naomi Sachs
Lou Sebesta
Phil Shea
Zep Thomaselli
Art Tully
Gary Wood
There are currently 16 trees on this two-block stretch: 9 London Planes, 3 Norway maples, and 4 Bradford Pears.
Of the 11 trees originally slated to be removed and replaced, 6 are still scheduled to be removed and replaced. 5 are London planes and 1 is a Norway maple.
In all cases, this was due to sidewalk heaving and damage from tree roots, to the sidewalk and in some cases to building foundations. In addition, in at least one case, the tree was planted very close to a fire hydrant and other utilities creating a potentially hazardous situation.
The committee agreed that the north side of the street between Brett and Cedar, where all 3 London Planes are to be removed, would be an excellent testing ground for a new type of sidewalk treatment with structural soil and other methods (to be determined by either the committee or an outside advisor - stay tuned).
In addition to the 6 trees that will be planted to replace the mature trees being removed, 6 more trees will be planted in this 2-block stretch, bringing the total number of trees on these 2 blocks to 23 (12 new, 11 existing). We did not discuss species for replacement since we are waiting to see what the City decides to do on Monday (if they will wait until Spring to do tree planting and sidewalk work or if they will try to have it done this fall).
As Pam and Naomi will both be away for much of October, we agreed to wait to see what the Council decides next Monday before scheduling the next two blocks.
Present on Wednesday, 9/26/07, for the 2nd AdHoc Tree Committee walk, between Brett and Chestnut Streets, were:
Pamela Bier
Terry Brown
Clara Lou Gould
Naomi Sachs
Lou Sebesta
Phil Shea
Zep Thomaselli
Art Tully
Gary Wood
There are currently 16 trees on this two-block stretch: 9 London Planes, 3 Norway maples, and 4 Bradford Pears.
Of the 11 trees originally slated to be removed and replaced, 6 are still scheduled to be removed and replaced. 5 are London planes and 1 is a Norway maple.
In all cases, this was due to sidewalk heaving and damage from tree roots, to the sidewalk and in some cases to building foundations. In addition, in at least one case, the tree was planted very close to a fire hydrant and other utilities creating a potentially hazardous situation.
The committee agreed that the north side of the street between Brett and Cedar, where all 3 London Planes are to be removed, would be an excellent testing ground for a new type of sidewalk treatment with structural soil and other methods (to be determined by either the committee or an outside advisor - stay tuned).
In addition to the 6 trees that will be planted to replace the mature trees being removed, 6 more trees will be planted in this 2-block stretch, bringing the total number of trees on these 2 blocks to 23 (12 new, 11 existing). We did not discuss species for replacement since we are waiting to see what the City decides to do on Monday (if they will wait until Spring to do tree planting and sidewalk work or if they will try to have it done this fall).
As Pam and Naomi will both be away for much of October, we agreed to wait to see what the Council decides next Monday before scheduling the next two blocks.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Contract Information
Below is a report on the information we found in the contract. Please note that we were not given a signature page and we are uncertain of who “the engineer” is. In fact, we are even making assumptions as to who the “owner” and “contractor” are.
Also, engineer seems to play a powerful role in renegotiation and/or monetary issues.
In summary:
OWNER: City of Beacon
CONTRACTOR: Sun up
ENGINEER: UNKNOWN
The contract OWNER is entitled to suspend the contract for a period of up to 90 days.
If the contract is suspended the CONTRACTOR is entitled to appeal to the ENGINEER for an adjustment in schedule or contract price relating to such delays.
The ENGINEER is entitled to render a decision on such adjustments.
There is no provision in the contract for dispute resolution should the CONTRACTOR dispute the ENGINEER’S decision regarding a request for changes in fee or schedule. The only recourse would be a court within Duchess County.
The OWNER has the absolute right to issue change orders relating to the scope of work including deletions or reductions in the scope.
The ENGINEER would render on opinion in regards to any change in contract price or schedule due to such change orders.
Nothing within the contract directly entitles the CONTRACTOR to adjustments in contract price due to days by the OWNER, in fact, such a provision was explicitly deleted and deletion of that paragraph was accepted by the contractor. (paragraph 12.06.B)
Per 15.01, The OWNER may suspend work for up to 90 days. The CONTRACTOR may be entitled to an adjustment in contract price, contract schedule and may make such a claim to the ENGINEER per paragraph 10.05.
Per section 10.01.A the Owner “Without invalidating the Agreement and without notice to any surety, OWNER may, at any time or from time to time, order additions, deletions, or revisions in the work by a Written Amendment, a Change Order, or a Work Change Directive. Upon receipt of any such document, CONTRACTOR shall promptly proceed with the Work involved which will be performed under the applicable conditions of the Contract Documents (except as otherwise specifically provided).”
The change in the contract price is dealt with in the following paragraph, 10.01.B; “If OWNER and CONTRACTOR are unable to agree on entitlement to, or on the amount or extent, if any, of an adjustment in the Contract Price or Contract Times, or both, that should be allowed as a result of a Work Change Directive, A Claim may be made therefore as provided in paragraph 10.05.”
10.05 states that that the CONTRACTOR will give general written notice of such claim to the ENGINEER within 30 days (which it has), that it will provide supporting data within 60 days after the event. The opposing party has 30 days to respond. The ENGINEER will render a written decision within 30 days. If the ENGINEER does not issue such a written decision the claim will be deemed to be rejected in it’s entirety.
Also, engineer seems to play a powerful role in renegotiation and/or monetary issues.
In summary:
OWNER: City of Beacon
CONTRACTOR: Sun up
ENGINEER: UNKNOWN
The contract OWNER is entitled to suspend the contract for a period of up to 90 days.
If the contract is suspended the CONTRACTOR is entitled to appeal to the ENGINEER for an adjustment in schedule or contract price relating to such delays.
The ENGINEER is entitled to render a decision on such adjustments.
There is no provision in the contract for dispute resolution should the CONTRACTOR dispute the ENGINEER’S decision regarding a request for changes in fee or schedule. The only recourse would be a court within Duchess County.
The OWNER has the absolute right to issue change orders relating to the scope of work including deletions or reductions in the scope.
The ENGINEER would render on opinion in regards to any change in contract price or schedule due to such change orders.
Nothing within the contract directly entitles the CONTRACTOR to adjustments in contract price due to days by the OWNER, in fact, such a provision was explicitly deleted and deletion of that paragraph was accepted by the contractor. (paragraph 12.06.B)
Per 15.01, The OWNER may suspend work for up to 90 days. The CONTRACTOR may be entitled to an adjustment in contract price, contract schedule and may make such a claim to the ENGINEER per paragraph 10.05.
Per section 10.01.A the Owner “Without invalidating the Agreement and without notice to any surety, OWNER may, at any time or from time to time, order additions, deletions, or revisions in the work by a Written Amendment, a Change Order, or a Work Change Directive. Upon receipt of any such document, CONTRACTOR shall promptly proceed with the Work involved which will be performed under the applicable conditions of the Contract Documents (except as otherwise specifically provided).”
The change in the contract price is dealt with in the following paragraph, 10.01.B; “If OWNER and CONTRACTOR are unable to agree on entitlement to, or on the amount or extent, if any, of an adjustment in the Contract Price or Contract Times, or both, that should be allowed as a result of a Work Change Directive, A Claim may be made therefore as provided in paragraph 10.05.”
10.05 states that that the CONTRACTOR will give general written notice of such claim to the ENGINEER within 30 days (which it has), that it will provide supporting data within 60 days after the event. The opposing party has 30 days to respond. The ENGINEER will render a written decision within 30 days. If the ENGINEER does not issue such a written decision the claim will be deemed to be rejected in it’s entirety.
Notes from Ad Hoc Committee Walk
These are my notes from the AdHoc tree group meeting on Thursday, 9/20.
Present were:
Art Tully
Jaye Vaughn
Norm MacLeod
Zep Thomaselli
Naomi Sachs
Lou Sebesta
Megan Sheremata
Terry Brown
Gary Wood
Pamela Bier
Clara Lou Gould
Phil Shea
Overall, what we are trying to do is make decisions on a two-block basis so that the work crews can move forward, carrying out the contract, but with us having more control over what trees stay and go, how they are planted, how the sidewalks are treated, etc.
We have made a date to meet again next week on 9/26, 5:00 p.m. to do the next two blocks, east of South Brett.
Group met at South Elm and walked the two blocks, on north and south sides of street, between corner of South Elm and and South Brett streets, looking at condition of existing trees and pavement and discussing what trees should stay, what should be removed, what the pavement treatment should be, what new trees should go in as replacements. For the entire section walked, tree removal was decided as a group; after the meeting, Megan, Lou, and I stayed on to discuss specifics about pavement treatment and tree planting.
Overall, of the nine trees that were originally slated to be removed and replaced, only three now are still slated to be removed and replaced. In two cases this was because the trees themselves were diseased and/or dangerous, and in the last case because the tree was causing major sidewalk heaving that could not be remedied without major cost to the city, now and possibly still in the future. I gave my speech about mature trees offering higher economic (not to mention environmental) value to a city, and it was taken into consideration, but in some cases the tree really was wreaking havoc on the sidewalk and creating a bad situation (for pedestrians as well as drainage problems). It was a tough call, and was decided by a vote (a vote was held any time there was not a unanimous agreement - sometimes the "keep the tree" people won and sometimes the "take out the tree" people won).
Megan Sheramata is now working on getting specifications, details, and other important information to Art Tully, by tomorrow (Friday) if possible, so that he can get going on the change order and on telling the work crews how to move forward. These will include:
1. Planting specifications that define such important factors as planting depth, soil medium, time of planting, stock selection, stock handling, etc.
2. Paving specifications and details
3. Tree species recommendations for new trees (several areas where there are no trees now) and replacement trees
The group decided that instead of spending money for costly and problematic tree grates, the City should instead continue the brick paving that it has been doing on the west end of town: the sidewalk area next to the buildings will be concrete, and the strip between the street and the "walking" sidewalk area, which is where the trees are planted, will be a running bond brick pattern laid on sand which is permeable and is better for the trees and for the environment and still safe for pedestrians. This will give a nice sense of visual and physical continuity to our streetscape. The City will issue a change order for this, based on Megan's submitted specifications.
We also discussed the need for pruning all of the trees that will remain, and Lou, Megan, and I are going to submit a list of arborists for the City to get bids from for pruning all along Main Street. By state law, the City is bound to go with the lowest bidder on a project, so we stressed the importance of making sure that the bidders you start with are all good, solid companies so that you don't pay for it after!
Furthermore, Lou recommended that for "fine pruning," especially, like limbing up newly planted trees if their branches are too low, instead of relying on the guys planting the trees to do that pruning, it would be a very good idea to have Lou train a citizen's group to do this pruning - he has done so in the past with other towns and municipalities and it has worked very well. This way, also, you are empowering community members and fostering a sense of stewardship for the streetscape. Along those same lines, we talked about the need for a good maintenance plan for the existing and new trees - Terry mentioned that someone goes along with a truck and waters all of the hanging baskets along Main Street - why couldn't they water the trees at the same time? Well-maintained trees = healthy trees = less money spent by us taxpayers and everyone is happy!
We discussed tree size, but did not yet come to a consensus on this; Megan will recommend 2.5" caliper trees in her specifications, because that is generally understood as the best practice for planting of street trees.
However, some members of the group felt that planting a larger caliper tree would be better. We will need to decide on this soon, as well as a couple of important other issues regarding planting of new trees in general, like TIME OF PLANTING. The spec's will also recommend waiting until mid-October to plant any more new trees - anyone with any expertise in the industry knows that you plant trees in the spring or fall, but not in the summer, and with our 80+ degree days in September, it is not officially fall yet!
This brings me to a very important point:
**No one yesterday knew where we are at with the contract regarding new
trees: have they been paid for already? If so, where are they? Can we do a change order for type of tree and size at this point? This is a really big question mark that needs to be addressed before Monday's meeting so we can decide how to best proceed.
Megan has the list of specific trees (what's staying, what's going, what is replacing, etc.), so maybe when she sends her recommendations on to Art, she can cc the group?
Thanks to everyone who was out there today. We had differences of opinion and it wasn't always easy, but I think we worked well together as a group, respected what each other had to say, and worked together to find the best solutions for our beautiful city, keeping it true to its Tree City USA designation!
Best regards,
Naomi Sachs, ASLA, Conservation Advisory Commission member and Beacon resident
Present were:
Art Tully
Jaye Vaughn
Norm MacLeod
Zep Thomaselli
Naomi Sachs
Lou Sebesta
Megan Sheremata
Terry Brown
Gary Wood
Pamela Bier
Clara Lou Gould
Phil Shea
Overall, what we are trying to do is make decisions on a two-block basis so that the work crews can move forward, carrying out the contract, but with us having more control over what trees stay and go, how they are planted, how the sidewalks are treated, etc.
We have made a date to meet again next week on 9/26, 5:00 p.m. to do the next two blocks, east of South Brett.
Group met at South Elm and walked the two blocks, on north and south sides of street, between corner of South Elm and and South Brett streets, looking at condition of existing trees and pavement and discussing what trees should stay, what should be removed, what the pavement treatment should be, what new trees should go in as replacements. For the entire section walked, tree removal was decided as a group; after the meeting, Megan, Lou, and I stayed on to discuss specifics about pavement treatment and tree planting.
Overall, of the nine trees that were originally slated to be removed and replaced, only three now are still slated to be removed and replaced. In two cases this was because the trees themselves were diseased and/or dangerous, and in the last case because the tree was causing major sidewalk heaving that could not be remedied without major cost to the city, now and possibly still in the future. I gave my speech about mature trees offering higher economic (not to mention environmental) value to a city, and it was taken into consideration, but in some cases the tree really was wreaking havoc on the sidewalk and creating a bad situation (for pedestrians as well as drainage problems). It was a tough call, and was decided by a vote (a vote was held any time there was not a unanimous agreement - sometimes the "keep the tree" people won and sometimes the "take out the tree" people won).
Megan Sheramata is now working on getting specifications, details, and other important information to Art Tully, by tomorrow (Friday) if possible, so that he can get going on the change order and on telling the work crews how to move forward. These will include:
1. Planting specifications that define such important factors as planting depth, soil medium, time of planting, stock selection, stock handling, etc.
2. Paving specifications and details
3. Tree species recommendations for new trees (several areas where there are no trees now) and replacement trees
The group decided that instead of spending money for costly and problematic tree grates, the City should instead continue the brick paving that it has been doing on the west end of town: the sidewalk area next to the buildings will be concrete, and the strip between the street and the "walking" sidewalk area, which is where the trees are planted, will be a running bond brick pattern laid on sand which is permeable and is better for the trees and for the environment and still safe for pedestrians. This will give a nice sense of visual and physical continuity to our streetscape. The City will issue a change order for this, based on Megan's submitted specifications.
We also discussed the need for pruning all of the trees that will remain, and Lou, Megan, and I are going to submit a list of arborists for the City to get bids from for pruning all along Main Street. By state law, the City is bound to go with the lowest bidder on a project, so we stressed the importance of making sure that the bidders you start with are all good, solid companies so that you don't pay for it after!
Furthermore, Lou recommended that for "fine pruning," especially, like limbing up newly planted trees if their branches are too low, instead of relying on the guys planting the trees to do that pruning, it would be a very good idea to have Lou train a citizen's group to do this pruning - he has done so in the past with other towns and municipalities and it has worked very well. This way, also, you are empowering community members and fostering a sense of stewardship for the streetscape. Along those same lines, we talked about the need for a good maintenance plan for the existing and new trees - Terry mentioned that someone goes along with a truck and waters all of the hanging baskets along Main Street - why couldn't they water the trees at the same time? Well-maintained trees = healthy trees = less money spent by us taxpayers and everyone is happy!
We discussed tree size, but did not yet come to a consensus on this; Megan will recommend 2.5" caliper trees in her specifications, because that is generally understood as the best practice for planting of street trees.
However, some members of the group felt that planting a larger caliper tree would be better. We will need to decide on this soon, as well as a couple of important other issues regarding planting of new trees in general, like TIME OF PLANTING. The spec's will also recommend waiting until mid-October to plant any more new trees - anyone with any expertise in the industry knows that you plant trees in the spring or fall, but not in the summer, and with our 80+ degree days in September, it is not officially fall yet!
This brings me to a very important point:
**No one yesterday knew where we are at with the contract regarding new
trees: have they been paid for already? If so, where are they? Can we do a change order for type of tree and size at this point? This is a really big question mark that needs to be addressed before Monday's meeting so we can decide how to best proceed.
Megan has the list of specific trees (what's staying, what's going, what is replacing, etc.), so maybe when she sends her recommendations on to Art, she can cc the group?
Thanks to everyone who was out there today. We had differences of opinion and it wasn't always easy, but I think we worked well together as a group, respected what each other had to say, and worked together to find the best solutions for our beautiful city, keeping it true to its Tree City USA designation!
Best regards,
Naomi Sachs, ASLA, Conservation Advisory Commission member and Beacon resident
Thursday, September 20, 2007
SPECIAL MEETING
The Mayor's office has announced a special meeting on September 24th at 7pm to review the report and to make any necessary changes to the contract for the sidewalk work and tree removal. The press release for this meeting is below. The whole agenda can be found here, but if you should be there at 7pm to know about the trees.
CITY OF BEACON
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
Date: Monday, September 24, 2007 PRIOR TO WORKSHOP
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Municipal Center Courtroom
1 Municipal Center
Beacon, New York 12508
City Council, City of Beacon will hold a special meeting on Monday, September 24, 2009 at 7.00 p. m., prior to the scheduled workshop.
The purpose of the meeting is to determine whether any changes to the Main Street Sidewalk contract are required and to vote on any changes, in order to avoid delays in the contracted work and resulting possible financial penalties.
The project includes removal and replacement of trees and in response to community request, the Council at its last meeting authorized the Mayor to appoint an ad hoc committee to do another review of the trees currently marked for replacement. The committee will report back to the Council with their recommendations on the next section of work slated to be done. The Council will then discuss their views and make their decision at the special meeting on Monday.
Other sections of the project will be reviewed by the committee in a timely fashion, with reports to the Council so that any action required can be taken at regular meetings.
CITY OF BEACON
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
Date: Monday, September 24, 2007 PRIOR TO WORKSHOP
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Municipal Center Courtroom
1 Municipal Center
Beacon, New York 12508
City Council, City of Beacon will hold a special meeting on Monday, September 24, 2009 at 7.00 p. m., prior to the scheduled workshop.
The purpose of the meeting is to determine whether any changes to the Main Street Sidewalk contract are required and to vote on any changes, in order to avoid delays in the contracted work and resulting possible financial penalties.
The project includes removal and replacement of trees and in response to community request, the Council at its last meeting authorized the Mayor to appoint an ad hoc committee to do another review of the trees currently marked for replacement. The committee will report back to the Council with their recommendations on the next section of work slated to be done. The Council will then discuss their views and make their decision at the special meeting on Monday.
Other sections of the project will be reviewed by the committee in a timely fashion, with reports to the Council so that any action required can be taken at regular meetings.
Committee Formed
The committee to review work and report to the Mayor/Council has been formed and is comprised of the following people:
Art Tully - City Engineer
Jaye Vaughn - Garden Club
Norm MacLeod - Garden Club
Zep Thomaselli - Street Supervisor
Phil Shea - Council Member
Charles Kelly - Council Member
Megan Sheremata - Urban Forester
Lou Sebesta-Urban Forester
Naomi Sachs - Resident/Member of the Conservation Advisory Committee
Terry Brown - Resident
Gary Wood - Resident
Pam Bier - Resident/Business Owner
This committee will meet today, Thursday, September 20th at 4pm the report will be reviewed at a special meeting will be held on Monday, September 24th. to decide if any changes should be made to the contract. Please read press release for special mtg: here.
Art Tully - City Engineer
Jaye Vaughn - Garden Club
Norm MacLeod - Garden Club
Zep Thomaselli - Street Supervisor
Phil Shea - Council Member
Charles Kelly - Council Member
Megan Sheremata - Urban Forester
Lou Sebesta-Urban Forester
Naomi Sachs - Resident/Member of the Conservation Advisory Committee
Terry Brown - Resident
Gary Wood - Resident
Pam Bier - Resident/Business Owner
This committee will meet today, Thursday, September 20th at 4pm the report will be reviewed at a special meeting will be held on Monday, September 24th. to decide if any changes should be made to the contract. Please read press release for special mtg: here.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
The Contract and Robert Brush
At the City Council Meeting on Monday, September 17th, Robert Brush made a powerful statement to the council that was both, accusatory and motivating. He basically stated that it had been a week since we've been looking for answers on the contract and nothing has been done about it and that we don't know what the parameters are especially if we want to terminate.
The council added to the resolution that was written that the "city attorney should provide a report prior to such meeting of legal options regarding such contract". So, good work Robert!
Also, I would like to state again that we will be reading this contract and seeking legal advice as necessary. It is important for the people to read this contract as well.
When I talked to Steve Gold and Phil Shea last night they both stated that they thought they were voting on sidewalk improvement and that only 4 trees were to be removed. When I got into details with Steve Gold, he agreed that there should have been more scrutiny, but that many of their contracts go without it. WHAT!! Should I not be apalled?
Lastly, Rober Brush asked me to post an e-mail to Steve Gold. Which is a really great statement:
From: robert brush <brush58@optonline.net>
Date: September 18, 2007 11:36:25 AM EDT
To: Steve Gold <steve@goldlogon.com>
Subject: Re: meeting
to all involved with the meeting last night, from last week we got nothing from our city lawyer. i thought that was the #1 priority, to move forward? so then we are pressured into two working days to fix their mistake. if we don't know the parameters of the contract the rest is a joke. we will be putting a group together under the gun and then they will tell us we can't change the contract. isn't that the cart before the horse? it is going to be extremely difficult for a committee to be organized and have a plan in 2 days, but if we are forced to work this way, this would be my choice for the committee : lou sebesta (urban forestry -DEC / most important person as far as i am concerned), susan wisniewski (landscape architect), naomi sachs (landscape designer / concerned resident), steve gold (from the council), & myself (as a concerned resident) - i am able to meet at the these times (thursday 8-1pm /6pm on & friday 8-1pm). the remaining committee must come from the council. robert brush
On Sep 17, 2007, at 2:24 PM, Steve Gold wrote:
OKay. I'll try to be there.
Steve GoldPlease reply to Steve@goldlogon.com
Cell: 845.249.5571 (new number)Steve Gold for Mayor..... http://www.goldforbeacon.com/
The council added to the resolution that was written that the "city attorney should provide a report prior to such meeting of legal options regarding such contract". So, good work Robert!
Also, I would like to state again that we will be reading this contract and seeking legal advice as necessary. It is important for the people to read this contract as well.
When I talked to Steve Gold and Phil Shea last night they both stated that they thought they were voting on sidewalk improvement and that only 4 trees were to be removed. When I got into details with Steve Gold, he agreed that there should have been more scrutiny, but that many of their contracts go without it. WHAT!! Should I not be apalled?
Lastly, Rober Brush asked me to post an e-mail to Steve Gold. Which is a really great statement:
From: robert brush <brush58@optonline.net>
Date: September 18, 2007 11:36:25 AM EDT
To: Steve Gold <steve@goldlogon.com>
Subject: Re: meeting
to all involved with the meeting last night, from last week we got nothing from our city lawyer. i thought that was the #1 priority, to move forward? so then we are pressured into two working days to fix their mistake. if we don't know the parameters of the contract the rest is a joke. we will be putting a group together under the gun and then they will tell us we can't change the contract. isn't that the cart before the horse? it is going to be extremely difficult for a committee to be organized and have a plan in 2 days, but if we are forced to work this way, this would be my choice for the committee : lou sebesta (urban forestry -DEC / most important person as far as i am concerned), susan wisniewski (landscape architect), naomi sachs (landscape designer / concerned resident), steve gold (from the council), & myself (as a concerned resident) - i am able to meet at the these times (thursday 8-1pm /6pm on & friday 8-1pm). the remaining committee must come from the council. robert brush
On Sep 17, 2007, at 2:24 PM, Steve Gold wrote:
OKay. I'll try to be there.
Steve GoldPlease reply to Steve@goldlogon.com
Cell: 845.249.5571 (new number)Steve Gold for Mayor..... http://www.goldforbeacon.com/
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