by Harold Glenn Brock III
The Montpelier Common Council voted yesterday to change the health insurance coverage for the city's employees, effective January 1, 2009.
By a unanimous vote, the city will cover 25 percent of the employee's health insurance. The employee will then pay $38.44 monthly for individual coverage, $92.54 monthly per child, and $123.70 monthly for a spouse. An employee's deduction will rise from $1000 to $2000, also beginning on January 1, 2009. This will save the city of Montpelier $43,176 annually.
Employees who wish not to be covered by this plan may choose their own health insurance.
In another move concerning city employees, starting on January 1, 2009, paychecks will be bi-weekly, instead of bi-monthly. Though this does not present any savings to the city, this move will make it easier for employees to get their checks. Employees will still recieve their next check on Dec. 31, then the next check on January 16, 2009, then every two weeks on fridays from that point on.
The council continues to improve the city's emergency preparedness. Two more diesel generators have been acquired for no charge from government surplus. One has been installed at the police station, another will be installed to run city hall, and another will run the sewage plant. Once these generators are installed, the police department, fire department, city hall, water plant and sewage plant will be able to continue services in case of loss of electricity.
Of the five generators, only the fire department's was purchased, for $5,000. The others were acquired for no charge from government surplus.
The council also agreed unanimously to turn off services to the Cueconnex antenna until services and payment are provided. Cueconnex was to provide 25 radio-read meters to measure signal strength, in exchange for the antenna to provide internet access. After preliminary discussions with Mayor McPherson, no further contact has been made, despite numerous attempts by Mayor McPherson. There is also a bill of $15 to be paid by Cueconnex, said Mayor McPherson.
In other city business, the long-awaited grant to study the leak in the water tank has been promised, but not yet sent, according to Mayor Jim McPherson. The company that will do the study, Commonwealth Services, is ready to proceed to the point that they will cover their cost of the study, until the grant arrives, said Mayor McPherson. The council voted unanimously to allow the study to begin so solutions to the leak can be found in an expedient manner.
The council also advised the members and those present to remind all residents to have winterproofing to houses done soon, if not now, to help reduce calls to the city's Water department. Also, the police department recommended that all residents make sure any dogs have plenty of food, water and shelter outside to help reduce the number of calls to the police department.
Friday, May 30, 2014
NEW YEAR BRINGS ATTENTION TO MONTPELIER WATER AND SEWER PLANTS
by Harold Glenn Brock III
The first Montpelier City Board Meeting of the new year put considerable focus on the Montpelier Water and Sewer plants. The new year may bring considerable change to these facilities.
Some changes have already occurred, as well as an anticipated water plant repair study, according to Bruce Haisley, Montpelier Water and Waste Water Department Head.
Mr. Haisley announced at the meeting last night that the city's Combined Sewer Overflow, or CSO meter, has been sent out for repair, while a substitute has been lent to the city. This meter measures the output of the sewer from the plant. When the CSO meter was checked in June, all functions were normal. During the next inspection, however, the CSO meter was found to be in need of repairs. As the meter was being removed, a sensor inside the 36-inch overflow pipe was found to be non-functional. And, according to Mr. Haisley, a ring that goes around the pipe was missing. "We're not sure how it was lost, but these need replaced", said Mr. Haisley. No exact cost was given for these parts to be replaced. Mr. Haisley expects the cost for the replacement parts to be about "a couple thousand dollars." The cost will be discussed at a later meeting.
Regarding the sewer plant, both pumps were checked. The number two pump was found to be functioning normally. The number one pump, however, needs the Air Release valve replaced, though it is still functioning. The valve replacement will cost $350.
The Water plant pumps have been found to be in need of repair, as well. Though functioning, preventative maintenance is required to improve production of these pumps, Mr. Haisley said. The company that performs these maintenance checks, Peerless Midwest, has been contacted and will be out soon to check the pumps.
The grant to fund the repairs to the water filtration system has been approved, but not yet funded. According to Montpelier mayor Jim McPherson, the state has authorized the work to begin, and that the grant "would probably be funded by March." So far, there is a leak in the filter, as well as a second leak at the bottom of the filtration system. Wayne Bailey, grant writer for Commonwealth Engineering, has presented the contracts to Mayor McPherson, and the work should begin in 30 days. A payment of $5,000 would be paid within 30 days, with the study lasting between 90 to 120 days. If, however, the leaks are found to be in need of emergence repair, the state can provide funds to retrofit the filter and filtration system.
In other city business, a load of salt for road coverage has been delivered to the city Maintenance department. With salt for road coverage so hard to procure, the city has decided to use sand in non-sewer areas of town to help keep the salt reserves available for the rest of the winter. The cost of using sand will be discussed at a later meeting.
The police department annouced they have made two arrests in connection with the recent robberies in town. Investigation into these robberies continues.
The city is closer to being ready for emergency preparedness. There are generators ready to be installed in City Hall and the Sewer plant. Once installed, the city will be able to function in the event of a power outage. Also, the Police department generator is in need of a new solenoid so it will be ready. No time table or cost estimates were given.
Dump prices for city residents has been raised from $15 to $17. Out of town persons fees have been raised from $23 to $25. Price increases are due to the Transfer station raising its rates for usage.
A motion about billing those who owe the city money for services was discussed, but tabled for a later meeting.
Recycling was also discussed. Mayor McPherson announced that the recycling center would be staffed by a city employee. A city employee may volunteer to work the recycling center. That employee would then get a weekday off to work on that Saturday at the recycling center. The hours and locations remain the same.
A discussion about a tree whose branches are growing around the electical wires on the corner of High St. and Columbia Ave. was resolved, as Mayor McPherson said he has been in contact with Indiana and Michigan Power, who have said they would come out soon to investigate the situation.
A motion as to what to do about a house in the 500 block of High st. was introduced. Board member Marla Thiery said she was told by several people that the house is damaged and vacated, and that the inside is a "moldy mess." This issue was tabled until further investigation could be completed.
The meeting ended with the next meeting scheduled for February 9, 2009 at 6:00 pm at the Montpelier City Hall.
The first Montpelier City Board Meeting of the new year put considerable focus on the Montpelier Water and Sewer plants. The new year may bring considerable change to these facilities.
Some changes have already occurred, as well as an anticipated water plant repair study, according to Bruce Haisley, Montpelier Water and Waste Water Department Head.
Mr. Haisley announced at the meeting last night that the city's Combined Sewer Overflow, or CSO meter, has been sent out for repair, while a substitute has been lent to the city. This meter measures the output of the sewer from the plant. When the CSO meter was checked in June, all functions were normal. During the next inspection, however, the CSO meter was found to be in need of repairs. As the meter was being removed, a sensor inside the 36-inch overflow pipe was found to be non-functional. And, according to Mr. Haisley, a ring that goes around the pipe was missing. "We're not sure how it was lost, but these need replaced", said Mr. Haisley. No exact cost was given for these parts to be replaced. Mr. Haisley expects the cost for the replacement parts to be about "a couple thousand dollars." The cost will be discussed at a later meeting.
Regarding the sewer plant, both pumps were checked. The number two pump was found to be functioning normally. The number one pump, however, needs the Air Release valve replaced, though it is still functioning. The valve replacement will cost $350.
The Water plant pumps have been found to be in need of repair, as well. Though functioning, preventative maintenance is required to improve production of these pumps, Mr. Haisley said. The company that performs these maintenance checks, Peerless Midwest, has been contacted and will be out soon to check the pumps.
The grant to fund the repairs to the water filtration system has been approved, but not yet funded. According to Montpelier mayor Jim McPherson, the state has authorized the work to begin, and that the grant "would probably be funded by March." So far, there is a leak in the filter, as well as a second leak at the bottom of the filtration system. Wayne Bailey, grant writer for Commonwealth Engineering, has presented the contracts to Mayor McPherson, and the work should begin in 30 days. A payment of $5,000 would be paid within 30 days, with the study lasting between 90 to 120 days. If, however, the leaks are found to be in need of emergence repair, the state can provide funds to retrofit the filter and filtration system.
In other city business, a load of salt for road coverage has been delivered to the city Maintenance department. With salt for road coverage so hard to procure, the city has decided to use sand in non-sewer areas of town to help keep the salt reserves available for the rest of the winter. The cost of using sand will be discussed at a later meeting.
The police department annouced they have made two arrests in connection with the recent robberies in town. Investigation into these robberies continues.
The city is closer to being ready for emergency preparedness. There are generators ready to be installed in City Hall and the Sewer plant. Once installed, the city will be able to function in the event of a power outage. Also, the Police department generator is in need of a new solenoid so it will be ready. No time table or cost estimates were given.
Dump prices for city residents has been raised from $15 to $17. Out of town persons fees have been raised from $23 to $25. Price increases are due to the Transfer station raising its rates for usage.
A motion about billing those who owe the city money for services was discussed, but tabled for a later meeting.
Recycling was also discussed. Mayor McPherson announced that the recycling center would be staffed by a city employee. A city employee may volunteer to work the recycling center. That employee would then get a weekday off to work on that Saturday at the recycling center. The hours and locations remain the same.
A discussion about a tree whose branches are growing around the electical wires on the corner of High St. and Columbia Ave. was resolved, as Mayor McPherson said he has been in contact with Indiana and Michigan Power, who have said they would come out soon to investigate the situation.
A motion as to what to do about a house in the 500 block of High st. was introduced. Board member Marla Thiery said she was told by several people that the house is damaged and vacated, and that the inside is a "moldy mess." This issue was tabled until further investigation could be completed.
The meeting ended with the next meeting scheduled for February 9, 2009 at 6:00 pm at the Montpelier City Hall.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Fear Of The Known
Was an interesting weekend. Went to a party and didn't get home 'till 4am. Yeah, I know, but I had fun, so stop it. But the weekend offered me a glimpse into how far I have come, and have to go.
I've been a bit depressed for the past few days. I'm seeing so many friends finding people to meet and date, fall in love with, things like that. Please understand, I am very happy for my friends, I want only the best for them, and for them to find happiness. I guess that I'm realizing that I am, well, I'm lonely. I used to differentiate between alone and lonely. Not anymore. I'm both. The reason I bring this up is because I'm not only realizing it, I'm getting out more, trying to meet more people, trying not to be lonely. It got me to thinking about other decisions I had made back when I was not well, wondering if I was trying to find my way, or running from something,....
I have been doing quite a bit of thinking this weekend. Trying to answer the big questions; am I happy where I am, doing what I'm doing. I know it's my decision to be where I am, and to do what I do, but it's also my decision to be happy, too. I know I want to move back to California, I just miss it so much. Of course, I would miss my family, and they would miss me (or at least I hope they would; that's a small joke, please move on). But when I was back in California last year, I was happy, being around my friends, being in California, visiting Idyllwild, everything. But, I convinced myself that for some reason or another, this situation was what it was. I know now that I need to take steps and make steps to change this, if it is that important to me; I now know that it is.
I've been confused these past few days, and feeling sorry for myself, which helps to make me more depressed. But, for me, this is where it gets scary. Through all of this, I heard a voice in the back of my mind. It just kept bugging me, beckoning me......"Why don't you just go back to the way it was? You didn't care if you were alone, it didn't hurt to be alone, it was fine. Come on back, all you need to do is come back. It's easier, it's comfortable, you know this. Come back, just come back,...."
And I thought, it was easier, comfortable, known. I didn't care if someone could ever love me again, or find me attractive, any of that. It was a comfortable place to be. I could see the draw, the seduction of where I was. How much simpler it was. And then, another thought entered my head with the strength of a Mack Truck hitting you right in the face;
"ARE YOU F%&KING NUTS?!? OH, HELL NO!!"
I thought about the progress I have made. How much better I felt. How my friends and family were so proud of me, as I was of myself. The good decisions I have made, and continue to make. The changes I have made for the better. I realized that it won't all happen at once. I also remembered what my sister told me after that day in the hospital, when I became unresponsive and scared everyone; "If you ever scare me like that again, I will stand on that hospital bed and kick you in the face until you wake up!!' I still don't know how she would do that, but she assures me she can. Motivation, indeed....
So, there I was. I had faced my greatest new fear. I was afraid that I would make all of these positive changes, only to regress. I made a vow to my family, my friends, and myself, that I would NEVER go back to that. And, I meant it. I'm sure this will happen again. And I will remember this weekend, and the feeling that I had. And I will remember that the things that depressed me will haunt me, but I will defeat those feelings , with God's help, and my determination.
What really scared me about this was I actually considered reverting. So, I took some time to chat, text, visit friends, and it was good. I was also testing the waters of finding a deeper relationship; that didn't go so well, but I learned something about myself. My friend's happiness means so much to me. It can't be defined with words, just a feeling. That's my role right now, that's what I have to get better at. Being there for people, helping, caring. My time will come. More importantly, I found that when I care for others, I care for myself. It works hand in hand. When they get better, I get better. Granted, I would like more, but it's the Big Guy's way of saying that I'm not ready yet. But, I feel He is getting me ready for that special someone. For now, I must embrace that and own it. When it's my time, it will be right. Just have to be patient,...
It sucks to be lonely. I don't wish this on anyone, myself included. My heart was hurting all weekend long because of lonliness. Yes, I am lonely. I admit that. But, I cannot let that lead me to bad decisions. Yes, my heart will continue to break, but I am around to pick up the pieces and heal. I stated once, I will state again; given the choice, I would much rather have a heart that will break than a heart that will never feel.
Okay, I feel much better now. So, how was your weekend?
I've been a bit depressed for the past few days. I'm seeing so many friends finding people to meet and date, fall in love with, things like that. Please understand, I am very happy for my friends, I want only the best for them, and for them to find happiness. I guess that I'm realizing that I am, well, I'm lonely. I used to differentiate between alone and lonely. Not anymore. I'm both. The reason I bring this up is because I'm not only realizing it, I'm getting out more, trying to meet more people, trying not to be lonely. It got me to thinking about other decisions I had made back when I was not well, wondering if I was trying to find my way, or running from something,....
I have been doing quite a bit of thinking this weekend. Trying to answer the big questions; am I happy where I am, doing what I'm doing. I know it's my decision to be where I am, and to do what I do, but it's also my decision to be happy, too. I know I want to move back to California, I just miss it so much. Of course, I would miss my family, and they would miss me (or at least I hope they would; that's a small joke, please move on). But when I was back in California last year, I was happy, being around my friends, being in California, visiting Idyllwild, everything. But, I convinced myself that for some reason or another, this situation was what it was. I know now that I need to take steps and make steps to change this, if it is that important to me; I now know that it is.
I've been confused these past few days, and feeling sorry for myself, which helps to make me more depressed. But, for me, this is where it gets scary. Through all of this, I heard a voice in the back of my mind. It just kept bugging me, beckoning me......"Why don't you just go back to the way it was? You didn't care if you were alone, it didn't hurt to be alone, it was fine. Come on back, all you need to do is come back. It's easier, it's comfortable, you know this. Come back, just come back,...."
And I thought, it was easier, comfortable, known. I didn't care if someone could ever love me again, or find me attractive, any of that. It was a comfortable place to be. I could see the draw, the seduction of where I was. How much simpler it was. And then, another thought entered my head with the strength of a Mack Truck hitting you right in the face;
"ARE YOU F%&KING NUTS?!? OH, HELL NO!!"
I thought about the progress I have made. How much better I felt. How my friends and family were so proud of me, as I was of myself. The good decisions I have made, and continue to make. The changes I have made for the better. I realized that it won't all happen at once. I also remembered what my sister told me after that day in the hospital, when I became unresponsive and scared everyone; "If you ever scare me like that again, I will stand on that hospital bed and kick you in the face until you wake up!!' I still don't know how she would do that, but she assures me she can. Motivation, indeed....
So, there I was. I had faced my greatest new fear. I was afraid that I would make all of these positive changes, only to regress. I made a vow to my family, my friends, and myself, that I would NEVER go back to that. And, I meant it. I'm sure this will happen again. And I will remember this weekend, and the feeling that I had. And I will remember that the things that depressed me will haunt me, but I will defeat those feelings , with God's help, and my determination.
What really scared me about this was I actually considered reverting. So, I took some time to chat, text, visit friends, and it was good. I was also testing the waters of finding a deeper relationship; that didn't go so well, but I learned something about myself. My friend's happiness means so much to me. It can't be defined with words, just a feeling. That's my role right now, that's what I have to get better at. Being there for people, helping, caring. My time will come. More importantly, I found that when I care for others, I care for myself. It works hand in hand. When they get better, I get better. Granted, I would like more, but it's the Big Guy's way of saying that I'm not ready yet. But, I feel He is getting me ready for that special someone. For now, I must embrace that and own it. When it's my time, it will be right. Just have to be patient,...
It sucks to be lonely. I don't wish this on anyone, myself included. My heart was hurting all weekend long because of lonliness. Yes, I am lonely. I admit that. But, I cannot let that lead me to bad decisions. Yes, my heart will continue to break, but I am around to pick up the pieces and heal. I stated once, I will state again; given the choice, I would much rather have a heart that will break than a heart that will never feel.
Okay, I feel much better now. So, how was your weekend?
Sunday, August 21, 2011
A Hero's Heart
Sitting alone, weapon in hand,...
a battle forthcoming.
A soldier risks it all;
family, friends, themselves,
to do the job required of them.
Such a momentous task,
with so few returns;
clothes, some pay, food,
and, sometimes,
little to no recognition.
And it's time that changed,......
I am able to sit and write
a note of thanks
because all soldiers gave
their most precious gift;
they gave their all,
so I may try to find a way in words
to thank them for their sacrifice.
As I write this, I sit and think
how a person could so readily give
that part of themselves for
our freedom. I feel inadequate
for I feel their calling is far beyond
my comprehension.
The best that I can do
is offer to the soldier,
the hero,
these small phrases;
-God bless all of you.
-Thank you for your sacrifice.
-This country is better off with you as our guardians.
-May you all come home safe and soon.
May all of our heroes know
that we are grateful,
and that they be treated
with compassion and understanding.
A man sits in his room, crying,
trying to find a way to say
Thank You
to all our troops so far away.......
a battle forthcoming.
A soldier risks it all;
family, friends, themselves,
to do the job required of them.
Such a momentous task,
with so few returns;
clothes, some pay, food,
and, sometimes,
little to no recognition.
And it's time that changed,......
I am able to sit and write
a note of thanks
because all soldiers gave
their most precious gift;
they gave their all,
so I may try to find a way in words
to thank them for their sacrifice.
As I write this, I sit and think
how a person could so readily give
that part of themselves for
our freedom. I feel inadequate
for I feel their calling is far beyond
my comprehension.
The best that I can do
is offer to the soldier,
the hero,
these small phrases;
-God bless all of you.
-Thank you for your sacrifice.
-This country is better off with you as our guardians.
-May you all come home safe and soon.
May all of our heroes know
that we are grateful,
and that they be treated
with compassion and understanding.
A man sits in his room, crying,
trying to find a way to say
Thank You
to all our troops so far away.......
The True Test Of Strength
My tears flow from the pain
you caused when you left.
Each tear, a blow,
each memory, a slap,
knocking my heart down,
keeping my soul bound,
because you are already gone,
and I am still here, fighting
to get up......
My mind races from the emptiness
I see in my closed eyes.
Each thought a kick,
each encounter a punch,
keeping me from my senses,
blinding me from the truth,
because you have moved on,
and I am still here, trying
to start anew....
My heart starts from realizing
there is no going back.
Each day a lift,
each friend a gift,
bringing me back to life,
shining bright in my heart
and lighting my soul.
It will always hurt in some way,
but I begin the steps
of my new life,...
My thoughts are clear, my life
comes into focus.
Each breath an reminder,
each second realizing
my newfound strength in me,
growing in heart and mind,
making each day special.
My life now is more precious
than the pain I felt when you left.
I can now move on,...
because Broken Hearts mend,
forever stronger and better.
you caused when you left.
Each tear, a blow,
each memory, a slap,
knocking my heart down,
keeping my soul bound,
because you are already gone,
and I am still here, fighting
to get up......
My mind races from the emptiness
I see in my closed eyes.
Each thought a kick,
each encounter a punch,
keeping me from my senses,
blinding me from the truth,
because you have moved on,
and I am still here, trying
to start anew....
My heart starts from realizing
there is no going back.
Each day a lift,
each friend a gift,
bringing me back to life,
shining bright in my heart
and lighting my soul.
It will always hurt in some way,
but I begin the steps
of my new life,...
My thoughts are clear, my life
comes into focus.
Each breath an reminder,
each second realizing
my newfound strength in me,
growing in heart and mind,
making each day special.
My life now is more precious
than the pain I felt when you left.
I can now move on,...
because Broken Hearts mend,
forever stronger and better.
I am free,...
It is over.
My prison of skin and bones and blood
no longer hold my soul.
I am energy, I am spirit,
I am free....
I rise in the light of the Sun,
up from a bed of clouds
and I am free,
to run, to jump, to fly,
to stop, to see, to watch,
to dance, to hug,
to be hugged
by those who were here before me
and those who follow;
we are all free,....
An eternity
free from pain and fear
and sadness,
of lies and deceit
and hate,
of misery and melancholy.
I close my eyes
and reach out with my heart
and await the moment
I see Him,..
I smile
into the Sunlight
and He smiles back to me,
He comes to me and holds me in
His arms,
He comforts me in our warm embrace,...
...and I am free.
I am eternally free...
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