Council Hears Plan for Upgrading Kittrell & Gardella Pools

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. Special to WPNCR. February 24, 2012 UPDATED 3 P.M. E.S.T.:


Councilman David Buchwald gave WPCNR this report on the short Common Council Work Session tonight covering two matters: renovation of Kittrell and Gardella Pools  on Bank Street and off Ferris Avenue respectively. The effort to upgrade the pools was originally introduced by former Commissioner of Recreation & Parks, Albert Moroni last summer.



Gardella Pool, Last June, 2011.


Mr. Buchwald said that Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti reported on the process for conducting the pool studies last night.


Buchwald in a statement said a pool consultant will be selected from a number of team/consultant applications and that a decison will be made at the end of March or early April which pool will be renovated first. He said that Kittrell is likely to be first because the project is simpler and the footprint smaller with limited capacity for expansion.


Buchwald says that Commissioner Nicoletti “believes’ Kittrell Pool is “likely” to be renovated first because it is in “more direct need of repair.” If Kittrell is picked, the Commissioner said Kittrell Park should be open by July 1. (It opened June 19, last year). Buchwald said design work on Gardella would begin “a couple of months before that.”  Buchwald said “there is general agreement that a zero-entry feature (a gradual slope into the pool from one edge) will be added to both pools to make them more accessible. There was discussion about how integrated the thinking about the pools should be, and Councilwoman (Milagros) Lecuona pointed out that there is at least an opportunity to creatre an active concession area at Gardella so as to provide more revenue to the city.”


Mr. Buchwald said that both pools would be open this summer. WPCNR had earlier speculated that this would mean Gardella would have to be renovated in the fall or in the spring of 2013, however Buchwald clarified this by writing WPCNR:


 

“Kittrell pool will be open this summer as usual and then will be renovated by July 1, 2013.. In other words, while the design work is going to start soon, the physical upgrade won’t occur until after this summer. That also means that your speculation about Gardella Pool being renovated in 2013 is off by a year or two. The Gardella construction, which is a bigger project, probably would not begin until the latter part of 2014. Again, though, all of this is very early and none of these dates are set in stone.

Data Terminals for Fire Engines


Buchwald said the Mobile Data Terminal purchase in fiscal 2011-12, recommended by the Capital Projects Board Wednesday was discussed, but not “up for a vote, but by and larege the concept was well received. The MDTs will provide more up to date data to firefighters on the building structure at the scene of a fire. A FEMA grant will pay over $100,000 of the cost, with the remaining approximately $25,000 of the amount being paid for by the city with cash rather than borrowing. This is in contrast to the original capital improvement program that expected the entire amount to be paid for through the issuance of debt.

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Walkway Horizons

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WPCNR MR. AND MRS. AND MS. WHITE PLAINS POLL. February 24, 2012:


This week, Governor Andrew Cuomo got solidly behind Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner’s idea of turning the old Tappan Zee Bridge into a pedestrian walkway, rather than destroying the bridge after the new replacement bridge is opened.


This got the WPCNR Editorial Board thinking. The Tappan Zee Bridge ‘Walkway” would be 3.1 miles long, which is a lot longer, and a lot wider than popular High Line in lower Manhattan.


It is the opportunity for a lot more attractions that could make the Tappan Zee Bridge “Walkway” a money maker. Our editorial board came up with just a few attractions that could go on the Walkway over the Hudson, and just might help pay off the astronomical cost of the new bridge and keep the tolls down (perhaps $20-$25 to pay off the cost of that bridge? Just guessing).


So what do you think? Select some of the attractions you think might be good!

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Buchwald Receives North Castle Dems Endorsement to Contest Castelli Seat

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2012. From the David Buchwald Campaign. February 22,2012:


The North Castle Democratic Committee gave David Buchwald, a tax attorney and White Plains Common Councilman, their unanimous vote of support in the State Assembly race to take on incumbent Republican Robert Castelli. The announcement follows last week’s unanimous endorsement of Buchwald by the Pound Ridge Democratic Committee and 17 to 1 endorsement by the Harrison Democratic Committee. Previously the White Plains Democrats backed Buchwald by a vote of 67 to 1. Mr. Buchwald’s Democratic opponent, Mr. Jeremiah Frei-Pearson, has received only one local party endorsement, an 11 to 9 vote in Bedford.


John Nonna, the former Westchester County Legislator who represented North Castle, also announced his support for Councilman Buchwald, stating “I am proud to enthusiastically endorse David Buchwald, a committed public servant with impeccable integrity to be the Democratic candidate for the newly renumbered 93rd Assembly District. I have known David as a champion of effective, honest and open government, precisely what we need in Albany.”


 


John Diaconis, Co-Chair of the North Castle Democratic Committee, said, “North Castle Democrats are pleased to have a strong candidate with local government experience, a record of running successful campaigns, and a professional background that provides insight into today’s complex policy issues. Supporting David Buchwald is something we are very proud to do.”


 


Mr. Buchwald is running for the State Assembly seat that includes Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge and half of White Plains.


 

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City Moves Up FD Data Terminals; One Arm Truck Tabled.

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. UPDATE 5:30 P.M. E.S.T. February 22, 2012:


The Capital Projects Board will met this afternoon and received good news from Commissioner of Public Safety David Chong that a FEMA grant secured by Congresswoman Nita Lowey would enable the city to purchase mobile data terminals for city fire vehicles. 



One-Arm, One Man Crew Garbage Truck Operating in the Highlands in January. A second truck is contemplated being purchased, Commissioner of Public Works said, confident savings would be achieved.


The expected purchase of a second mechanical one-arm garbage truck was tabled because Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti did not have the final costs of the truck nailed down. WPCNR asked Nicoletti what the savings were based on the six month trial of the first one-armed automatic garbage pick-up truck that has been collecting in the Highlands for six months (approximately).


 Nicoletti said he did not have performance figures or savings figured yet but that he had confidence the second truck would pay for itself. The first truck cost the city $250,000. Asked if any personnel cuts were envisioned with the addition of the second truck, Nicoletti said that had yet to be determined.


Today’s meeting was to move two projects, scheduled for purchase in 2012-13 into the current budget.


Commissioner of Finance Genito said the cost of the new data terminals was $126,646, of which FEMA would be funding  $102,917, and city hall $23,729. The Capital Projects Board voted to include the $23,729 in the current 2012-13 budget.


Commissioner Chong said 7 to 8 terminals would be purchased, one for each working apparatus and one for the Deputy Chief’s Response Car. One for each working apparatus and one for the Deputy Chief’s response car. They are expected to be installed by the end of 2012.


This evening the city and school district shared services committee will meet at 7 P.M. in city hall to hear an update on the city project of maintaining school district vehicles; discussion of Youth Bureau Programs,  possible sharing of media services, use of the White Plains Public Library and possible other savings.


 

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8 WHITE PLAINS SENIORS NAMED NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS;

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS.  From Michele Schoenfeld. February 21, 2012:


 


 Eight White Plains High School seniors have been named 2012 National Merit Scholarship  Finalists.  Matthew Africano, Aneesh Bhattacharya, Emmett Caruso, Isabelle Daly, Adam Jaffe, Jens  Sannerud, Eric Smiley and Benjamin Van Doren are among the 15,000 Finalists nationwide, selected  from 1.5 million entrants.  They are now eligible to earn one of the 8,400 National Merit Scholarships which are valued at more than $36 million.


 


            Selected as Commended Students were Shaina Brady, Rong-Si Deng, Rachel Eddy, Jordan Grobe, Alyssa Habermann, Michael Lau, Khalilah Lushiku and William Tunney.


 


            In the National Achievement Scholarship Program, which provides recognition for outstanding Black American high school students, Khalilah Lushiku and Cheyenne Vlymen-Williams are Finalists  and Ty Matsushita was named Outstanding Participant.


 


            Three students were named National Hispanic Recognition Scholars:  Matthew Africano, Selina Thompson and Ana Velasquez.  John Medelius received Honorable Mention.


 


            The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the National Merit Program, which honors the nation’s academically talented high school seniors and encourages the pursuit of academic excellence.


 


 

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The Real Deal: What would you name the Jeremy Lin sneaker?

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WPCNR MR. AND MRS. AND MS. WHITE PLAINS POLL. February 21, 2012:


 After watching the first half of the Mavs-Knicks game Sunday afternoon, watching Jeremy Lin slice up the Mavericks best in NBA defense, this Linsation is the real deal. I have not seen a Knickerbocker move like Lin since Walt Frazier and that was a long time ago. He made one move splitting two Mavs apart in a floater to the hoop that defied belief.


It won’t be long before NIKE and Addidas sign him to a sneaker deal and the American economy will recover. So, what do we think the Lin sneaker should be called? WPCNR’s crack promotion department has suggested a few names on the right. Make your pick.

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City’s Jan.Sales Tax Collections up 1.6% Lagging behind 2.8% Inflation

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. February 21,2012:


The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance released the January sales tax receipts Friday.


White Plains January sales tax receipts totaled $4,691,803, $75,540  or 1.6% ahead of last January’s pace. Inflation for the New York area ran at 2.8% over the 12 months January 2011 to January 2012.


Through the first seven months of the city fiscal year, the city has generated $30,554,526 in sales tax. (The city budgeted $44.5 Million for the year.) Should the city equal last year’s sales tax handle of $17.7 million February through June the city will generate $48.2 Million in sales tax receipts. If the city continues its 2% pace it will top $48.5 Million, about 10% over budget.


The first month of the Westchester County fiscal year 2012, saw the county sales tax take go up 1.7% from January 2011, at $39 Million.


Inflation in the consumer price index  as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for January 2012 is recorded at 2.8%. When energy and food costs are removed from the index, the metro area CPI increase was .4%

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George Washington: The First and the Best

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WPCNR RETROSPECTIVE. By John F. Bailey. (Reprinted from the CitizeNetReporter, 2003): As we celebrate Presidents Weekend, it is also fitting that  we take a look at the greatest President of them all. Wednesday  is George Washington’s Birthday again. The time when we remember the first leader and the best. It is instructive to look at our first leader, George Washington, the father of our nation. 


 




The Jacob Purdy House, a National Historic Site, was built c. 1721, and served as Washington’s Headquarters both during the Battle of White Plains, on October 28, 1776 and again in 1778.
(Photo, WPCNR NEWS ARCHIVE)


One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together, and attacked the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night. What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds?

Washington was a man of tremendous character. Where did he get this character? He specialized in self-control at an early age:

 


 



Reenacters Marching to Raise Old Glory at Purdy House in Honor of George Washington’s Birthday. Photo, 2003 WPCNR News Archive.

According to The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written,


Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

The character sketch provided by the authors of The American President,  indicatesthis personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often, “for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.”


 



Honor Guard Strikes the Colors to a Drum Roll. Photo, WPCNR News.




Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words.

Washington inspired by example. He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and there  was so much  respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution. Washington had been asked by the army to join them to overthrow the Continental Congress, and make himself King.

Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them,

You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind.

Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection against the new country due to not having been paid by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying,

“Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.”

The would-be rebels fell silent, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking,

“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader.

Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country. His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain. The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.”




Seeker of Diverse Views

As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling. Washington said on political appointments, “My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…”

Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship:


 


 “I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.”

The Constitution Should be Protected

When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic:

I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.”

Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being “First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”



The Jacob Purdy House where George Washington planned strategy at  the Battle of White Plains,  Photo, WPCNR News Archive




Note: The American President By Philip B. Kunhardt, Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhardt (Riverhead Books. Penguin-Putnam, Inc.,1999) is the source for this information on George Washington.


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Governor Announces Teacher Evaluation Procedure for State.Teachers Union Accepts

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the Governor’s Press Office. (EDITED)February 17, 2012:


Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New York State Education Commissioner John King, and New York State United Teachers President Richard C. Iannuzzi today announced a groundbreaking agreement on a new statewide evaluation system that will make New York State a national leader in holding teachers accountable for student achievement.


The agreement gives significant guidance to local school districts for the implementation of a teacher evaluation system that is based on multiple measures of performance including student achievement and rigorous classroom observations. The agreement follows through on the state’s commitment to put in place a real and effective teacher evaluation system as a condition of the $700 million granted through the federal Race to the Top program.



Details of the plan are as follows:


Teacher Performance – 60 points


Under the agreement, 60 percent of a teacher’s evaluation will be based on rigorous and nationally recognized measures of teacher performance. The agreement requires that a majority of the teacher performance points will be based on classroom observations by an administrator or principal, and at least one observation will be unannounced. The remaining points will be based upon defined standards including observations by independent trained evaluators, peer classroom observations, student and parent feedback from evaluators, and evidence of performance through student portfolios.


Student Achievement in State and Local Assessments– 40 points


Under the agreement, 40 percent of a teacher’s evaluation will be based on student academic achievement, with 20 percent from state testing and 20 percent from a list of three testing options including state tests, third party assessments/tests approved by the SED and locally developed tests that will be subject to SED review and approval. Under the plan, school districts will also have the option of using state tests to measure up to 40 percent of a teacher’s rating.


Rating System


The agreement significantly tightens the scoring system to ensure student achievement and teacher performance are both properly taken into account for teacher ratings. Teachers or principals that are rated ineffective in the 40 points could not receive a developing score overall.


Ineffective: 0 – 64


Developing: 65 – 74


Effective: 75 – 90


Highly Effective: 91 – 100


Assigning a Curve for the Ratings


The agreement sets forth, for the first time, a standard for school districts and teacher unions to set the allocation of points or the “curve” for the teacher ratings. The curve must be allocated in a manner that a teacher can receive one of the four ratings, and the SED Commissioner will be able to reject insufficiently set curves.


SED Commissioner Final Review


The agreement also, for the first time, gives the SED Commissioner the authority to approve or disapprove local evaluation plans that are deemed insufficient. This will add rigor to the process and ensure evaluation plans comply with the law.


New York City Expedited Appeals Process


Today’s announcement also includes an expedited and streamlined appeals process (applicable only for teachers declared ineffective the first time) for the New York City School District that becomes effective on January 17, 2013 if New York City and the UFT agree to an overall evaluation system


Comments


“Today’s agreement puts in place a groundbreaking new statewide teacher evaluation system that will put students first and make New York a national leader in holding teachers accountable for student achievement,” Governor Cuomo said. “This agreement is exactly what is needed to transform our state’s public education system, and I am pleased that by working together and putting the needs of students ahead of politics we were able to reach this agreement.”


State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr., said, “The goal is and always has been to help students – to give them every opportunity to succeed in college and careers. To make that happen, we need to improve teaching and learning. We owe it to our students to make sure every classroom is led by an effective teacher and every school is led by an effective principal. Today, the Governor’s leadership and his commitment to our students has helped us take a strong step toward that goal.”


New York State United Teachers President Richard C. Iannuzzi, said, “Teachers support high standards and accountability for our profession. We believe today’s agreement is good for students and fair to teachers. It includes two principles we believe are essential. First, a child is more than a standardized test score. While there is a place for standardized testing in measuring teacher effectiveness, tests must be used appropriately. Secondly, the purpose of evaluations must be to help all teachers improve and to advance excellence in our profession. This agreement acknowledges those key principles. The settlement also reinforces how important it is for teachers to have a voice in establishing standards of professional effectiveness and in developing evaluations that meet the needs of local communities.”


New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, “This is very good news for the 1.1 million school children of New York City – and it will benefit students for generations to come. It will help us to create a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation system that will ensure that teachers who are rated ‘ineffective’ can be given the support they need to grow — or be moved out of the classroom. I want to thank the Governor for his leadership on this issue, as well as Merryl Tisch, John King, and Mike Mulgrew, who were all instrumental in this process.”


United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said, “The UFT and the Governor have reached an agreement on an appeal process for New York City teachers that includes the kind of independent, third party component that the UFT has been seeking. The appeal process will not go into effect unless and until Mayor Bloomberg negotiates agreement s with the UFT for an overall teacher evaluation deal and for schools eligible for School Improvement Grants (SIGs). I want to congratulate Governor Cuomo and NYSUT for their hard work in finding common ground on the statewide issues that separated them. Their agreement recognizes that students are more than a test score. I want to thank the Governor for his efforts to find a similar resolution for the issues that separate the UFT and Mayor Bloomberg. Chancellor Walcott’s asserted that the city needed to close 33 SIG schools because there was no agreement possible on an appeals process for teachers. That process has now been laid out for the SIG schools. Despite this agreement, Mayor Bloomberg still seems determined to close those schools.”



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Paulin Kill Bill Solution to Pet Shelter OverCrowding: Perk up and purr or Else!

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WPCNR BLACK COFFEE. News & Comment Special to WPCNR from Westchester County Roving Correspondent, Nancy King. February 16, 2012:


Elected officials do some loopy things during a campaign cycle.  One of the strangest to date has been Assemblywoman Amy Paulin’s introduction of Bill AO5449.  In essence ,Paulin has partnered up with the ASPCA to sponsor this bill also known as the “Quick Kill Bill”. 



Nancy King


 The gist of this bill gives animal shelters the opportunity to euthanize any animal that shelter workers determine to be in “psychological pain”. In my phylum as human, though it is indeed a higher order, I (along with all other humans) probably suffer a fair amount of psychological pain multiple times during the course of our day.  Would Assemblywoman Paulin suggest that because we feel fear during our days causing us to “snap” at others, or that if we were to recoil at touch we’re not worth saving.  Well this is what her bill implies to companion animals.


Animal shelter workers who by definition are probably the lowest paid and most poorly recognized employees on earth will now in addition to cleaning, medicating, neutering, training and adopting out animals, have to determine whether or not an animal is in enough psychological pain to  be euthanized.  What this really sounds like is that Mrs. Paulin has heard the cry that shelters are overcrowded and this is her idea of a quick solution to alleviate the crowding. 


Of course, Bill AO5449 has got more than Mrs. Paulin behind it.  The ASPCA, the same organization that floods our airwaves with pictures of mournful looking pets is also supporting this bill.   Faced with chronic overcrowding at their shelters and dwindling donations during this economic downturn, this bill affords the ASPCA the decision to euthanize animals without the guilt that goes along with it while maintaining their bottom financial line.  As an added bonus, they’ll continue to run those heartwrenching ads begging for donations while precious little of that money goes for actual shelter care.  As with all non-profits, you can bet your hard earned donations are going towards the salaries of those in charge.


Which bring us to the question as to why Assemblywoman Paulinwould  give one thought to overcrowded shelters.  More than likely, a constituent in her affluent district probably had a feral animal spray some perfectly manicured shrubbery.  With perhaps a promise of a hefty campaign donation or two, from the sprayee, a bill that could possibly cut down on kitty vagrancy and hygiene was born. That’s how things normally work in politics, you ultimately get what you pay for and more than likely this is the case.  On the other hand, partnering up with the ASPCA was one of those partnerships that makes you scratch your head while saying  WTH.  


Why would a large well known organization be doing forming a partnership with a lowly stateAssemblywoman?  More than likely trying to rehabilitate their image and justify their support of last year’s Oreo’s Law (re-named CAARA) where they openly euthanized a dog deemed to be in “psychological pain” even though a variety of rescue organizations offered to take the dog.


Animal rescue is just one of those polarizing topics that folks could debate forever.  For sure, Americans love their pets but there is no doubt a problem with overcrowded shelters and unlicensed rescue groups.  Bill AO5449 dismisses many shelter’s and rescue groups in the same manner it dismisses the lives of animals.


By using a conquer and divide method of bill introduction, AO5449 would have pitted rescues against one another by preventing them from sharing animals and resources.  However on February 15th, 2012, the bill passed the Ag committee and was headed to the Codes Committee when Chair Brooklyn Assemblyman Joe Lentrol  got involved and saw the bill for the waste of legislative time that it is. 


Sadly enough though, Speaker Sheldon Silver could push this bill through no matter what a waste of legislative time it is.  Amy Paulin is a rising star in Westchester County and her name has been bandied about as the Democratic challenger against Rob Astorino.  Something tells me that she has lost the animal lovers votes already.

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