Muskegon County plans to re-enact closed session after lawsuit filed | MLive.com
Muskegon County commissioners are planning to re-enact part of a meeting next month in response to a lawsuit.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Norton Shores to hold taxes, services at current levels in 2013
Norton Shores to hold taxes, services at current levels in 2013 | MLive.com
City Council members, however, questioned whether that money could be better spent toward reducing the city’s pension liability for future retirees.
Council member A. Scott Rood said the city’s pensions are only 60 percent funded, and the city’s “road map” for funding has the $13 million only 80 percent funded by 2030.
“This is the elephant in the room and I think we can do better,” he said.
The council members agreed to transfer 2 percent of the city’s budget to pension liabilities, lowering the fund balance to 15 percent.
The 2 percent transfer would be about $174,000, on top of roughly $40,000 the city was already planning to put toward pensions, Huston said.
Rood said chipping away at the pension liability over time would be in the city’s long-term interest.
“We’ve learned tonight that there is no major bullet that we can throw $1 million or $1.5 million at the pension liability,” he said.
City Council members, however, questioned whether that money could be better spent toward reducing the city’s pension liability for future retirees.
Council member A. Scott Rood said the city’s pensions are only 60 percent funded, and the city’s “road map” for funding has the $13 million only 80 percent funded by 2030.
“This is the elephant in the room and I think we can do better,” he said.
The council members agreed to transfer 2 percent of the city’s budget to pension liabilities, lowering the fund balance to 15 percent.
The 2 percent transfer would be about $174,000, on top of roughly $40,000 the city was already planning to put toward pensions, Huston said.
Rood said chipping away at the pension liability over time would be in the city’s long-term interest.
“We’ve learned tonight that there is no major bullet that we can throw $1 million or $1.5 million at the pension liability,” he said.
Spanish unemployment hits record 5.64 million
BBC News - Spanish unemployment hits record 5.64 million
The number of unemployed people reached 5,639,500 at the end of March, with the unemployment rate hitting 24.4%, the national statistics agency said.
The number of unemployed people reached 5,639,500 at the end of March, with the unemployment rate hitting 24.4%, the national statistics agency said.
U.S. ban sought on cell phone use while driving
U.S. ban sought on cell phone use while driving | Reuters
U.S. TransportationSecretary Ray LaHood called on Thursday for a federal law to bantalking on a cell phone or texting while driving any type ofvehicle on any road in the country.
Tough federal legislation is the only way to deal with whathe called a "national epidemic," he said at a distracted-drivingsummit in San Antonio, Texas
U.S. TransportationSecretary Ray LaHood called on Thursday for a federal law to bantalking on a cell phone or texting while driving any type ofvehicle on any road in the country.
Tough federal legislation is the only way to deal with whathe called a "national epidemic," he said at a distracted-drivingsummit in San Antonio, Texas
Incredible Shrinking Country
Incredible Shrinking Country - NYTimes.com
But one developed nation is making “Children of Men” look particularly prophetic.
In Japan, birthrates are now so low and life expectancy so great that the nation will soon have a demographic profile that matches that of the American retirement community of Palm Springs.
But one developed nation is making “Children of Men” look particularly prophetic.
In Japan, birthrates are now so low and life expectancy so great that the nation will soon have a demographic profile that matches that of the American retirement community of Palm Springs.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Chaperones among new Secret Service conduct rules
My Way News - Chaperones among new Secret Service conduct rules
Embarrassed by a prostitution scandal, the Secret Service will assign chaperones on some trips to enforce new rules of conduct that make clear that excessive drinking, entertaining foreigners in their hotel rooms and cavorting in disreputable establishments are no longer tolerated.
Embarrassed by a prostitution scandal, the Secret Service will assign chaperones on some trips to enforce new rules of conduct that make clear that excessive drinking, entertaining foreigners in their hotel rooms and cavorting in disreputable establishments are no longer tolerated.
In apparent first, a public pension plan files for bankruptcy
In apparent first, a public pension plan files for bankruptcy - Pensions & Investments
In what's believed to be a first by a public pension plan, the Northern Mariana Islands Retirement Fund, Saipan, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday.
In what's believed to be a first by a public pension plan, the Northern Mariana Islands Retirement Fund, Saipan, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday.
Record Subpar Economic Growth Streak Now 6 Years
Record Subpar Economic Growth Streak Now 6 Years
The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.2% annual rate in the first quarter, somewhat below expectations.
But it also marked a new milestone for economic futility.
U.S. GDP hasn’t risen 4% or more in any quarter since the first quarter of 2006.
That’s the longest such stretch on record going back to 1950
The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.2% annual rate in the first quarter, somewhat below expectations.
But it also marked a new milestone for economic futility.
U.S. GDP hasn’t risen 4% or more in any quarter since the first quarter of 2006.
That’s the longest such stretch on record going back to 1950
Friday, April 27, 2012
8 Reasons Why Today’s Occupiers Are Tomorrow’s Tea Partiers
PJ Media » 8 Reasons Why Today’s Occupiers Are Tomorrow’s Tea Partiers
Something creepy is happening in Minnesota.
A dialogue has begun between the Tea Party and Occupy movements.
Stranger still, it may be leading somewhere.
Something creepy is happening in Minnesota.
A dialogue has begun between the Tea Party and Occupy movements.
Stranger still, it may be leading somewhere.
House Votes To Raise Cyber School Cap
House Votes To Raise Cyber School Cap [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
One House Democrat, Rep. Shanelle Jackson, D-Detroit, voted for the legislation.
In December, Rep. Jackson was the only House Democrat to vote in favor of lifting the cap on the number of charter schools in Michigan.
“What this legislation does for me; is give people - working class people – more choices,” she said during the House floor debate.
One House Democrat, Rep. Shanelle Jackson, D-Detroit, voted for the legislation.
In December, Rep. Jackson was the only House Democrat to vote in favor of lifting the cap on the number of charter schools in Michigan.
“What this legislation does for me; is give people - working class people – more choices,” she said during the House floor debate.
LST 393 museum in Muskegon opens for seventh season on Saturday
LST 393 museum in Muskegon opens for seventh season on Saturday | MLive.com
LST 393 was built in 1942 to help America defeat the Axis powers in World War II.
She has three battle stars and made 30 round trips to Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy, delivering weapons of war.
Sold as surplus in 1948 to Sand Products Inc., owners of West Michigan Dock and Market in Muskegon, she was converted to a cross-lake ferry called Highway 16 and was a fixture on Lake Michigan for three decades.
She was retired from service in 1979.
LST 393 is located at the Mart Dock adjacent to Heritage Landing county park on the downtown Muskegon waterfront. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week.
LST 393 was built in 1942 to help America defeat the Axis powers in World War II.
She has three battle stars and made 30 round trips to Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy, delivering weapons of war.
Sold as surplus in 1948 to Sand Products Inc., owners of West Michigan Dock and Market in Muskegon, she was converted to a cross-lake ferry called Highway 16 and was a fixture on Lake Michigan for three decades.
She was retired from service in 1979.
LST 393 is located at the Mart Dock adjacent to Heritage Landing county park on the downtown Muskegon waterfront. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week.
'It makes everything fun': Ravenna fourth-graders embrace new iPads
'It makes everything fun': Ravenna fourth-graders embrace new iPads | MLive.com
He and the other 80-some fourth-graders at his school each were given their own iPad this week as part of Ravenna Public Schools’ “One Step Ahead” initiative to put a laptop, iPad, Netbook or other digital device in the hands of every fourth- through 12th-grader.
He and the other 80-some fourth-graders at his school each were given their own iPad this week as part of Ravenna Public Schools’ “One Step Ahead” initiative to put a laptop, iPad, Netbook or other digital device in the hands of every fourth- through 12th-grader.
Milwaukee County DA investigating voter fraud claims
Milwaukee County DA investigating voter fraud claims - 620 WTMJ - Milwaukee's Source for Local News and Weather
The three including Austin Thompson, who was arrested last year during an occupy protest, are accused of voter fraud by registering and voting even though they lived in a hotel.
The three including Austin Thompson, who was arrested last year during an occupy protest, are accused of voter fraud by registering and voting even though they lived in a hotel.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Obama administration scraps child labor restrictions for farms
Obama administration scraps child labor restrictions for farms - TheHill.com
The new regulations would have forbidden children younger than 16 years of age from completing “agricultural work with animals and in pesticide handling, timber operations, manure pits and storage bins.”
It would also have barred farm workers under 16 from handling most “power-driven equipment” and from contributing to the “cultivation, harvesting and curing of tobacco.”
The new regulations would have forbidden children younger than 16 years of age from completing “agricultural work with animals and in pesticide handling, timber operations, manure pits and storage bins.”
It would also have barred farm workers under 16 from handling most “power-driven equipment” and from contributing to the “cultivation, harvesting and curing of tobacco.”
Frankenmuth man clutching sub sandwich chases down hit-and-run culprit on foot in Saginaw
Frankenmuth man clutching sub sandwich chases down hit-and-run culprit on foot in Saginaw | MLive.com
Scott K. Hall, 44, of Frankenmuth, while clutching a Jimmy John's submarine sandwich bag in one hand — a No. 9 Italian Night Club inside —
Scott K. Hall, 44, of Frankenmuth, while clutching a Jimmy John's submarine sandwich bag in one hand — a No. 9 Italian Night Club inside —
Wisconsin's New Aristocracy Is On The Ballot
Wisconsin's New Aristocracy Is On The Ballot - Forbes
Indeed, the Manhattan Institute’s E.J. McMahon reports that for public school teachers in Milwaukee, the annual cost of family health coverage is $26,844, for which the teachers were paying nothing.
Indeed, the Manhattan Institute’s E.J. McMahon reports that for public school teachers in Milwaukee, the annual cost of family health coverage is $26,844, for which the teachers were paying nothing.
Muskegon County Jail committee moves forward with research, tours
Muskegon County Jail committee moves forward with research, tours | MLive.com
He said the conditions of the current jail need to be addressed, whether that means a retrofit into an existing building, a renovation/expansion of the current facility or a newly constructed jail.
He pointed out that the current jail does not meet the philosophical change in jail operations and does not have room for most rehabilitation programs.
He said the conditions of the current jail need to be addressed, whether that means a retrofit into an existing building, a renovation/expansion of the current facility or a newly constructed jail.
He pointed out that the current jail does not meet the philosophical change in jail operations and does not have room for most rehabilitation programs.
Michigan House members: Making state universities post spending 'not an assault on their autonomy'
Michigan House members: Making state universities post spending 'not an assault on their autonomy' | MLive.com
McMillin, who chairs the House Oversight, Reform and Ethics Committee, said Tuesday the amendment would require the universities to submit an annual accounting of their expenditures to the Legislature.
McMillin, who chairs the House Oversight, Reform and Ethics Committee, said Tuesday the amendment would require the universities to submit an annual accounting of their expenditures to the Legislature.
Public has a right to know how government officials make their decisions
In the margins: Public has a right to know how government officials make their decisions | MLive.com
Muskegon Chronicle Editorial Board: Government meetings need to be conducted as transparently as possible. Citizens deserve -- and are allowed under law -- access to government actions either through attending meetings or reviewing public documents.
Voters need this information in order to make informed decisions during elections and any other time of the year.
With the current economic conditions and declining government revenues, it is even more important that citizens know how tax dollars are being spent and why they are being spent the way they are.
Excellent comments!
The Chronicle gets it.
Our Muskegon county leaders still don't.
And we all pay for their hubris.
Muskegon Chronicle Editorial Board: Government meetings need to be conducted as transparently as possible. Citizens deserve -- and are allowed under law -- access to government actions either through attending meetings or reviewing public documents.
Voters need this information in order to make informed decisions during elections and any other time of the year.
With the current economic conditions and declining government revenues, it is even more important that citizens know how tax dollars are being spent and why they are being spent the way they are.
Excellent comments!
The Chronicle gets it.
Our Muskegon county leaders still don't.
And we all pay for their hubris.
Lie, Cheat, Steal: Save the Planet!
Lie, Cheat, Steal: Save the Planet! - John Ransom - Townhall Finance Conservative Columnists and Financial Commentary
Gleick, who was chairman of the ethics committee at the American Geophysical Union, admitted that he recently stole some documents- and he may have forged others- from the conservative think-tank.
But that’s all in a day’s work for a work-a-day climate warrior.
Gleick, who was chairman of the ethics committee at the American Geophysical Union, admitted that he recently stole some documents- and he may have forged others- from the conservative think-tank.
But that’s all in a day’s work for a work-a-day climate warrior.
Muskegon state representative wants referendum on emergency financial manager law
Muskegon state representative wants referendum on emergency financial manager law | MLive.com
State Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, introduced a state House resolution Tuesday with a hoped-for result of allowing Michigan voters to decide the fate of the controversial emergency financial manager law.
State Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, introduced a state House resolution Tuesday with a hoped-for result of allowing Michigan voters to decide the fate of the controversial emergency financial manager law.
A sit-down with Muskegon's sheriff: Why is the county looking for a larger facility to replace the current jail?
A sit-down with Muskegon's sheriff: Why is the county looking for a larger facility to replace the current jail? | MLive.com
Commenter realoldlady asked the sheriff this:
“How is a jail with more people in it NOT going to cost more? Really 200 to 300 EXTRA prisoners is adding to the heat, cooling, water, food, health care, guards, gyms, cable, and laundry bills. I don't care how 'green' they build it you still have INCREASED the amount of services and goods needed to run it.”
Absolutly NO mention of ANY increase in costs.
It helps if the interviewer is on the PR team.
Commenter realoldlady asked the sheriff this:
“How is a jail with more people in it NOT going to cost more? Really 200 to 300 EXTRA prisoners is adding to the heat, cooling, water, food, health care, guards, gyms, cable, and laundry bills. I don't care how 'green' they build it you still have INCREASED the amount of services and goods needed to run it.”
Absolutly NO mention of ANY increase in costs.
It helps if the interviewer is on the PR team.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Senate Dem: Save the US Postal Service with Wind Farms
Senate Dem: Save the US Postal Service with Wind Farms - United States Postal Service - Fox Nation: As the potential collapse of the United States Postal Service looms on the horizon, one Senate Democrat has proposed an unusual plan to solve the crisis.
Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) looks to harvest the electricity that windmill farms produce in order to power a new fleet of battery-operated postal delivery vehicles, replacing the previous '25 to 30 years old' 'dilapidated' vehicles.
The Senator admits the idea is “out there” but concludes that "we need to be thinking boldly, and the postal service needs to do that"
Moronic thinking is not bold thinking.
Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) looks to harvest the electricity that windmill farms produce in order to power a new fleet of battery-operated postal delivery vehicles, replacing the previous '25 to 30 years old' 'dilapidated' vehicles.
The Senator admits the idea is “out there” but concludes that "we need to be thinking boldly, and the postal service needs to do that"
Moronic thinking is not bold thinking.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Muskegon County plans to re-enact closed session after lawsuit filed
Muskegon County plans to re-enact closed session after lawsuit filed | MLive.com
County Board Chairman Ken Mahoney said the re-enactment option is a way “to avoid confusion,” while County Commissioner Scott Plummer added the re-enactment is being held “so the public can be present.”
When Jager suggested that the Brookhaven discussion or re-enactment be delayed until after the audit is presented, County Board Vice-Chairman John Snider countered that the re-enactment is only about what was said at that closed session, not additional debate about the topic.
“It’s not to justify what we did,” Snider said. “It was not done in secret.”
Jager disagreed, contending the issue was conducted in secret.
Williams said he takes any blame regarding the closed session issue, pointing out it is his job to protect the board. He said the case law on the Open Meetings Act’s allowance for closed sessions can be interpreted in different ways.
“If any mistakes were made, they were mine,” Williams said.
County Board Chairman Ken Mahoney said the re-enactment option is a way “to avoid confusion,” while County Commissioner Scott Plummer added the re-enactment is being held “so the public can be present.”
When Jager suggested that the Brookhaven discussion or re-enactment be delayed until after the audit is presented, County Board Vice-Chairman John Snider countered that the re-enactment is only about what was said at that closed session, not additional debate about the topic.
“It’s not to justify what we did,” Snider said. “It was not done in secret.”
Jager disagreed, contending the issue was conducted in secret.
Williams said he takes any blame regarding the closed session issue, pointing out it is his job to protect the board. He said the case law on the Open Meetings Act’s allowance for closed sessions can be interpreted in different ways.
“If any mistakes were made, they were mine,” Williams said.
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