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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 04/01/2009 : 4:14:09 PM
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If $800,000. could be cut with little to no effect on services, does that mean the residents were over taxed by $800,000.?
"Deb" |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 04/01/2009 : 8:49:46 PM
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Massdee & Tails,
Of course, we know exactly what was cut in those $837,878 worth of cuts. It was approved by both the BOA and the CC back in February. But as you may recall, there was very little debate about the actually cuts so we don't really know with certainity why these cuts could be made. Some has to do with positions that were never filled; others with positions that were vacant for a period of time for various reasons. You also have situations such as the election line items where, because the elections were over at the time of the cuts, any money remaining in the line items could be cut. And we recently got an explanation of why the MWRA line items could be cut.
So were we overtaxed? You could look at it that way. It's not impossible for cuts to be made to the budget after it has been approved by the council and before the tax rate is set to reflect the realities at that time. It's hasn't been a common practice of any past mayors as far as I can recall though. The only exception that I can think of is when Mayor Hanlon had to cut the budget to bring it under the Prop 2 1/2 limit. I don't not why cuts aren't regularly made in this situation. If things have changed and you don't need to raise as much money, why not adjust appropriately and give the tax payer a break? I'm willing to cut the Demaria administration somewhat a break for this fiscal year though. At the time that it would have been appropriate to make these cuts, the financial meltdown was well under way and there was reason to believe that local aid could get cut but no way to guess by how much. Best to leave the budget alone in that case.
But I always believe that the city can do a better job of planning. For example, there was no reason to budget step increase for department heads and then decide not to pay right at the beginning of the fiscal year. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2009 : 09:48:34 AM
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An editorial from this week's Independent:
The Foresteire-Smith War
What all nations seek to maintain when there is a general state of war around the globe is what American historians call a Pax Americana - a peace across the seas.
Such a peace across the seas would be useful for Representative Stephen Smith and School Superintendent Fred Foresteire.
Both men largely detest one another.
We're not exactly sure what all the reasons are for this amount of dislike between the two, but the feeling run deep, run hard and run out of bounds from time to time.
Smith has shown a great deal of interest in bringing Foresteire down. So far, during his tenure in the House, Smith has gone out of his way to attempt to humiliate Foresteire and degrade his place in the city.
He's has done this in a variety of public and private ways, using his influence to exact final punishment.
In fact, Smith's retention of his School Committee seat here is aimed at using his position as a way to get at Foresteire.
Remaining on the School Committee for so petty a reason is Smith's choice.
We don't agree with it, but then, there's nothing that can be done about it.
Everyone in Everett political circles likes a good fight.
Foresteire is not exactly a shrinking violet when it comes to defending himself.
He is a dangerous adversary with many, many friends willing to fight by his side.
Like Smith, Foresteire will battle back against his sworn enemy.
The problem with an ongoing fight like this is that it wastes valuable time.
Both men have had their share of battles in order to maintain their reputations.
All of us in our lives have endured great battles.
All of us with any common sense treat out friends like friends and our enemies like enemies.
People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at others.
Smith knows this. He has told us so.
Foresteire thinks so little about Smith, he refuses to talk about him.
Be that as it may - Smith and Foresteire should try to find a way to a Pax Americana.
Both men would benefit and so, too, would the city.
After all, the way the city is divided, one man will never win over the other in the current political climate.
Why fight if you can't win? |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2009 : 11:06:11 PM
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The Independent finally got around to posting the ECTV article that I referenced in my news review commentary for last week. I thought that I'd post it here for anyone who didn't have a chance to read it.
ECTV Completes Essential Upgrades
By Keith Spencer (as I recall; their website doesn't list by-lines)
Residents who watch Everett Community Television (ECTV) might have experienced some minor interruptions over the last month as the cable access channel has instituted a number of essential upgrades that will greatly benefit the studio. Those who regularly watch the channel will notice a modern, sleek format to ECTV’s Bulletin Board and more streamlined programming resulting from updated technology. “We recently completed several major upgrades that required not only patience from the ECTV staff but also the residents and viewers of the channel,” said ECTV Executive Director Allyson Dell Isola during a recent interview. “These changes were essential to bring our technology into the 21st century.”
Dell Isola added the equipment found in the ECTV studio was unreliable and completely outdated. The system formerly used by ECTV producers often led to interruptions of programs, cut-outs during live meetings, and other problems that prompted complaints from viewers. “People were upset, and rightly so,” acknowledged the executive director. “However, we couldn’t control it because of outdated technology, so these upgrades were necessary in order to provide residents with the quality programming that they deserve.”
While Dell Isola admitted the quality of the picture hasn’t improved, viewers will notice a number of updated features to ECTV’s Bulletin Board and more streamlined programming. Better scheduling will help Dell Isola and other ECTV producer create more “seamless transitions” between programs, especially during live city government meetings, she said. “The Bulletin Board software will bring a new feel to the station’s postings,” Dell Isola said. “It now has the ability to include video clips, live video streams, and RSS website feeds. Residents have even called to compliment the simple reappearance of a live clock on the board.”
ECTV operates the city’s public and government cable access along with the ECTV Technology Center, a computer center offering computer access and training. Together with Everett High School, which operates the educational access channel, ECTV oversees the management of the city’s cable access channels as provided for in a cable television license between Everett and Comcast. The recent renewal of this contract has provided the funds needed to complete the recent upgrades. “Most residents are unaware that we require no funding from the taxpayer,” said Alyson Dell Isola. “ECTV, including these recent upgrades, is funded through the contract reached with Comcast.”
The station produces a number of programs of community interest, covering City Council meetings and other important local events. ECTV also offers training and support to residents who want to produce their own TV programs. Residents are encouraged to sponsor and submit their own programming after completing training. “We are encouraging all members of the Everett community to take advantage of our programs,” said Dell Isola. “Our goal is to not only inform our residents about what is happening in our city, but to empower them to share their stories with their neighbors. New, original programming can bring so much to ECTV, and really enrich our larger community experience.”
Dell Isola is proud that a number of new programs are currently in the works, including a children’s fitness and health show with Everett resident Sam Amado. The upgrades have allowed Dell Isola to teach more classes, training a new generation of ECTV programmers and staff whom she hopes will breathe new life into the cable access channel. Dell Isola also keeps watch over the ECTV Technology Center, which provides access to computers to residents. The center offers computer classes in various office and television applications. Open from Monday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents must become a member to use the center. An applicant must be an Everett resident, providing proof of residency upon applying. Several usage agreements must also be signed, and parental consent is required for minors.
Once a membership is approved, the new user will be issued a membership card he/she must present every time they visit the center. Twelve computers are available for members on a first-come, first-serve basis. Users can perform basic computer tasks, set up and utilize e-mail accounts, access the Internet, and can also print out documents for a small fee. ECTV is hoping to encourage media and computer literacy among Everett citizens as they continue to search for ways to upgrade and update ECTV. Calling these skills “vital in the modern digital age,” Dell Isola hopes to continue making the appropriate improvements that will bring the channel up to the standards of the modern digital age.
Mayor Carlo DeMaria recently praised the upgrades and the work of ECTV staffers, calling the new technology remarkable. “These upgrades will allow ECTV much greater flexibility in programming, and our station will be able to broadcast more programs, more bulletin board messages, and more variety which all benefiting residents," Mayor DeMaria said.
“These recent improvements are definitely a step in the right direction,” acknowledged Dell Isola. “While we have taken a huge step toward streamlining our production process, there are still other issues we need to examine over the coming months. We have equipment that is anywhere from 15 to 25 years old that is useless in today’s world.” Dell Isola discussed potentially installing new cameras in the city’s City Council chambers. However, she acknowledged that the task might be a tough one because of potential wiring issues from the chamber to the City Hall basement, where the ECTV studio is located.
“While there is plenty that needs to be done, we must be prudent with our spending, paying attention to these costs and any unforeseen needs in the future,” said Dell Isola. “However, we will continue to strive to bring residents the best programming possible.” |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 8:13:42 PM
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Editorials from this week's Independent:
Consolidation the way to go
Mayor Carlo DeMaria's plan to consolidate a number of City Hall departments into one Inspectional Services Department (ISD) makes great sense.
This was done about a decade ago in neighboring Chelsea, where its ISD is one of the state's effective and efficient.
By combining the local building, code enforcement and health inspections departments, the mayor will save the city about $200,000.
However, this plan isn't simply about saving money.
It's about efficiency and effectiveness, and it is also about creating a department whose right hand will always know what its left hand is doing.
With too many departments, there is always the likelihood of duplication of services, waste of manpower and lack of oversight.
By combining departments, the city is moving forward into the new century with just the right step.
We urge the aldermen to approve the mayor's plan on merit without delay.
There's really nothing to debate.
Where does it end?
The Everett School Committee has been forced to retain legal counsel at great expense in order to defend itself from an Ethics Commission Investigation into the School Department's newspaper advertising policies.
The Ethics Commission Investigation, instigated by Representative Stephen "Stat" Smith is intended to show or to prove that Superintendent of School Fred Forestiere's advertising of school projects and major events in Everett's print publications is unethical, illegal or both.
However, in this instance, we believe Everett's advertising of its schoolchildren's successes, science fairs, plays, football events and other such meaningful events throughout the year are intended to maintain pride through public knowledge about what is going on in the public schools.
Mr. Foresteire isn't running for public office.
Neither does he need to give this newspaper advertising in order for us to support the outstanding job that he does.
Once again, we ask that Representative Smith pay more attention to Everett's needs on Beacon Hill rather than spending his time and energy pushing for costly and ineffectual Ethics Commission Investigations. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2009 : 10:33:38 AM
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An editorial from this week's Independent:
Wood Waste complying
It is good news to hear that Wood Waste of Everett is in compliance with the details of an agreement the city put into effect about one month ago.
Wood Waste, we believe, can be a company that directs its energy to making a more productive Everett.
It is a cash rich company capable of starting and completing major projects that others can only dream about in today's negative economic climate.
City Hall should entertain every development in Everett and bring Wood Waste in on such talks.
Cash is king. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2009 : 11:40:43 AM
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A couple of editorials from the School Departme...Oops!...this week's Independent:
City government should reinstate public school crossing guards
Peter Napolitano had a great idea last week. He asked his colleagues in government to petition the school department to put the city's public school crossing guards back to work.
The only problem with his idea is that the school department has never funded public school crossing guards.
The city government does that.
Crossing guards at our public schools are essentially traffic law enforcement officers, so funding their salaries isn't a school department responsibility.
Mr. Napolitano needs to make a request for crossing guards to the mayor's office or at the very least, he should help the mayor find the money in a very tight budget.
We don't believe that Mr. Napolitano is suggesting that the school department lay off teachers in order to hire school crossing guards. That would be foolish
We urge Mr. Napolitano to work with the mayor's office and the police department to find the funding to rehire the city's public school crossing guards.
The kids certainly deserve to be crossed safely on otherwise dangerous streets and intersections.
School Committee meeting disruptions need to end
Through no fault of most members, Everett School Committee meetings have devolved into a circus-like atmosphere more often than not.
Most of the members are tired and upset that School Committee hearings are now being used to advance the ambitions of one or two of its members at the expense of everyone else - mostly at the expense of what ought to be accomplished at such meetings.
The School Committee isn't the place for those who ought to know better about grinding personal axes.
And isn't it ironic that those complaining the loudest or proclaiming themselves as watchdogs are the very people that need to be watched.
The School Committee doesn't need a watchdog.
It needs a membership that's all on the same page, ready to do the business that keeps the public schools rolling.
Having School Committee meetings conducted as circuses isn't the way to go.
We urge the members of the School Committee who are unwilling to accept the regular agenda to sit quietly and contain themselves.
In doing so, the children of this city will be far better served than they are today. |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2009 : 2:10:47 PM
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I didn't think that was an unreasonable request from Councilor Napolitano. Like it's already been said..the bottom line is, in the end, it's all taxpayer money anyway.
I didnt like the line...."We don't believe that Mr. Napolitano is suggesting that the school department lay off teachers in order to hire school crossing guards. That would be foolish"
that sounded childish, like the mayor, who drew first blood with Councilor Simonelli when he yelled that "Are you suggesting to stop removing the piles" over asking a simple question about a hotline.
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2009 : 10:36:42 AM
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An editorial from this week's Independent
The mayor’s imperative
Since being elected, Mayor Carlo DeMaria has shown a great ability in governing with good feeling and with the cooperation of the city government.
He has shown a tendency to take advantage of opportunities – as was done with Wood Waste, which he has finally brought into compliance. He has consolidated some city offices, and by doing so, he has created greater efficiencies and money savings for the city to accrue as a result.
Now the big job of Everett city government and the mayor is to take a page from the Chelsea experience and to move forward, with selling off prime pieces of city land to developers of residential real estate or to commercial interests. In doing so, Everett will create the impression, as Chelsea has done, that it is willing to make deals to keep the local economy moving.
In neighboring Chelsea, for instance, there are approximately 500 units of new housing being built currently, with plans for much greater developments on line and ready to go. The local Demoulas Market Basket Supermarket is now completing a $20 million new building that will make it the single largest of its kind in Massachusetts.
Everett has the same opportunities that Chelsea does. In fact, there is more potential for development in Everett, even in the down market, than there is in Chelsea, because Everett has more usable land and a much greater industrial base than Chelsea. What Everett needs is for the mayor’s office to ratchet up the heat on bringing new development into the city.
Mayor DeMaria has shown an ability to keep things moving in Everett. The real key is for the mayor to reach out, use his new chief of staff and coordinate with his community development office in order to keep Everett rolling.
One by one, the mayor should bring major local businesspeople to City Hall in order to pick their brains and get them to open their pockets for new development, and also to expand existing operations. It is a bit of game Chelsea leaders play very well.
Why not in Everett? |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 05/25/2009 : 2:21:06 PM
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From last Wednesday's Independent's Eye on Everett column by Augustine Parziale:
Public safety layoffs eliminated
We all know by now that we are living in tough economic times. In fact, depending on who you listen to, these might be the toughest times since the Great Depression -- and these times call for great sacrifices by all of us, including the government.
However, despite the economic downturn of the past two years or so, the one place where no one ever wants to see belt-tightening is in the area of public safety.
It's one thing to ask the police and fire departments to cut $1 million from their budgets, which is what Mayor Carlo DeMaria Jr. asked them to do earlier in the year, because of tough times, but it's quite another thing when those cuts necessitate layoffs.
However, that is exactly what the city faced over the past few weeks -- laying off several firefighters to get that department's budget in line with what DeMaria wanted.
For weeks, if not longer, the administration attempted to negotiate with the firefighters to find other ways of cost savings that wouldn't create layoffs, but it began to appear that the layoffs were inevitable.
In fact, the fire department was set to layoff six employees.
No one wants to see people lose their jobs and it would be especially troubling when those job losses were coming from departments that are charged with keeping the public safe.
However, it now appears that the firefighters' job are safe for now, along with the jobs of several other city employees, after the mayor and Common Council agreed to transfer $947,701 from free cash to apply to next year's tax levy.
The measure will still go before the Board of Aldermen, whom we believe will give it more scrutiny than it received this Monday, when the council approved the transfer unanimously.
There are certain aldermen who we believe will vote against the transfer, but ultimately we think it will pass.
Mayor DeMaria is certain to have to answer for the fact that only a few short weeks ago, it was he who said that continuing to take the money out of the city reserve funds amounted to repeating misguided policies of the past that landed Everett and the rest of the state in its current mess.
It was the mayor who pointed out that the city risked lowered bond ratings, which, in turn, could force the city to pay higher rates on current and future debt and adversely affect the city.
Some aldermen will certainly wonder what, if anything, changed over these past few days and weeks to change all that.
Perhaps it isas simple as the fact that public safety trumps other issues in terms of importance to the community.
Everett may not posses crime rates that are as high as surrounding cities, but we still live in a city and that means we have all of the same crime problems that others face.
Everett also has seen its share, and then some, of some pretty serious fires over the years that would have caused loss of life if not for the intervention of divine providence and the bravery of our firefighters.
Plus, we all know about how much attention and resources our public safety departments must devote towards protecting the heavy industry and critical infrastructure within the city limits.
Maybe the mayor, as he indicated on Monday, has a more positive view of the future of the economy and the ability of the city to sustain future growth.
Whatever the reasons. Mayor DeMaria claimed he believes the city can restore the jobs without a huge increase on the taxpayers next year, if there is any increase at all.
We'll have to see if that's the case. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2009 : 11:53:43 AM
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From this week's Independent from Eye on Everett column by Augustine Parziale:
No layoffs, now what?
As most of you know by now, Mayor Carlo DeMaria Jr. has decided to forego the layoffs that were set to affect the fire department by asking the City Council to transfer funds from the city's free cash to the general fund.
That money will help save the jobs of six or seven firefighters as well as several other city employees for the coming year.
However, with budget time growing near, one has to wonder where the administration or other elected officials will choose to make cuts so that this doesn't have a serious impact on the bottom line.
Mayor DeMaria believes he can restore these jobs with a minimal impact on the taxpayers, and for his sake, he'd better be right
We all know how bad the economy has been for the past year-plus, and despite the rosy projections of some that help is on the way, you can't pay bills with positive thinking and hope for a better future.
Of course, the city isn't just counting on help from the federal and state government or a quick economic recovery in order to remain fiscally sound.
City officials are also hoping that new growth in Everett will make a significant impact in the coming budget and in years to come.
All of this is well and good, but it won't mean anything if these plans and hopes fall through.
The citizens of this city are already taxed enough as it is and are looking squarely in the eye of many more tax and fee increase at the federal and state level.
Another big property tax hike added to all of that isn't going to sit well with the taxpayers, who just might take out their anger on some politicians when elections roll around in November. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2009 : 2:21:07 PM
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An editorial from this week's Independent:
Raising our taxes instead of cutting expenses
We have written before about the government’s inability to stay within a reasonable budget.
Because of that constitutional inability, the government feels more comfortable raising taxes than cutting expense. Last week, the state Senate voted for a tax hike, raising the state sales tax to 6.25 percent – a 25 percent hike.
The House has also approved the hike. Only the governor is opposed to it. So, too, are the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
However, we’re out of it; that is, we’re out of the debate about the budget. The budget debate is being handled by the power brokers on Beacon Hill, not by the voters and taxpayers of Massachusetts.
That’s why the state is facing a $3 billion budget deficit or maybe more. Our state government wants to pass a sales tax hike that won’t create one job, that will cause shoppers and consumers to spend less money, which will impact already disastrous car sales, and on and on and on.
Once imposed, you can bet the state tax rise will never be rescinded. Why?
Because this is a state out of touch with reality. Instead of cutting spending it cannot afford, the state government will raise taxes to maintain the expenses it cannot afford – rich state pensions, health insurance for state employees that cost 1/16 of what most normal people pay in the private sector, contracts it cannot pay, unfunded liabilities it owes, and on and on and on.
Cutting the state budget isn’t the disaster our legislators would have us believe. Programs for the mentally ill and the handicapped are a fraction of the cost of everything else the budget supports, yet our state government would have us believe that these are the people who will be affected by budget cuts.
Lining up the handicapped in wheelchairs in front of the State House is made criminal by such rubbish talk. If the true waste were taken out of the state budget - if someone, anyone, had the guts and the toughness to do what is absolutely necessary - Massachusetts wouldn’t be facing a $3 billion shortage today.
Until the time comes when state government does what private industry is doing, the tax-and-spend mentality which has brought us to where we are today will remain in vogue, unchanged. If the state took corruption out of the budget, there’d be no budget. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2009 : 9:51:47 PM
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From this week's Independent, from the Eye on Everett column by Augustine Parziale:
City Council doesn't belong in private business
We know that it seems like every time we look around, the federal government is getting involved in another private industry, from banking and housing to now owning a majority stock in GM, but that doesn't mean the City of Everett has to follow suit into that folly.
Unfortunately, some local lawmakers, in a misguided attempt to "save" the city, are advocating just that: that the government involve itself in private affairs where the government has no business meddling.
The issue here is over the sale of several pieces of property down around 66 Main Street that were badly damaged in the December fire.
One group wants to buy the property and convert it into senior housing, while another group has a plan to construct an 18-unit apartment building.
The latter group is offering more, but several lawmakers would rather see the senior housing and don't like the fact that the highest bidder isn't local.
On Monday night, prior to the start of the council meeting, Councilman Anthony Ranieri called for his colleagues to join him down the hall in the Keverian Room for a hearing on the issue in a show of solidarity, indicating city government is opposed to absentee landlords.
We can certainly under the good councilman's objection to absentee landlords because the evidence of their negative impact on this and other communities is readily obvious to all.
However, it is not up to the government to control the problem by intervening in private business - in this case, one private property owner legally selling his or her property to another individual or company.
That is not the freedom we have come to know and love about our nation. In fact, it's the complete opposite.
The way to fight absentee landlords and even local landlords who don't maintain their property and deal with issues surrounding their property before they spill into our streets is passing laws that target negligent property owners and then enforcing those laws.
That was the original purpose behind the laws that created the Code Enforcement Task Force, for example.
Over the years, in fact, the Code Enforcement Task Force has worked well in conjunction with other city ordinances to clean up Everett and deal with many of the problems that absentee landlords create.
Members of the City Council can certainly register their objections over the sale, but they are powerless to stop it and really have no business to even try
Having said that, the city government does have the right to use existing laws and zoning ordinances to oppose certain proposals from being built at the site in question, and that's really where this fight is better left.
The 10 to 15 minutes councilors wasted while attending a meeting other than their own would have been better spent on doing the people's business-the business that our elected officials are actually empowered, even indebted, to perform. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2009 : 10:25:42 PM
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Also from this week's Eye on Everett column by Augustine Parziale
Marcus out of the running?
By now, nearly everyone knows that Jason Marcus has been having some…ahem, legal troubles…and now it appears that the longtime Everett alderman is ready to move on from politics.
Word has it that Marcus won’t be running for re-election to his seat in Ward Two, meaning that would be an open seat in the coming municipal elections.
Marcus has faced several challengers in the past few years for that seat and had won them fairly easily.
His absence will certainly make it easier for any of the candidates who might emerge, but our early favorite status would have to go with former Ward One Councilman Mike Mangan, who moved from Ward One to Ward Two during the last municipal election and lost a last-minute bid to remain on the council in Ward Two. He’s now rumored to be considering the run at the Ward Two alderman’s seat.
As for Marcus, the word on the street is that he wants to run for Charter Review Commission, which is also coming up in the next municipal elections.
Maybe Marcus believes its time to get rid of Everett’s antiquated system of government, or perhaps he just thinks the stress of an aldermanic election, coupled with his recent troubles, would be just too much during a grueling summertime campaign.
Either way, it’s fairly certain right now that while Marcus will be on a ballot somewhere in November, it’s likely not going to be as an alderman. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2009 : 11:26:47 AM
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From last Wednesday's Independent:
Parlin School remodel approved
By Keith Spencer
After a special meeting of the Common Council and vote by the Board of Aldermen, the city’s oldest operating school, the Albert A. Parlin School, will get a $2 million makeover beginning later this summer. Administrators praised the move earlier this week, following a presentation to the School Committee that outlined the details of the construction and remodeling plan. Joseph Pedulla and Superintendent of Schools Frederick F. Foresteire gave a brief look at the overhaul in a presentation to the Everett School Committee on Monday. The project has been called “nothing but necessary” by administrators, parents, and students who have pushed for the repairs.
“The parents, faculty and students of the Albert N. Parlin School have waited patiently for the upgrade of their school,” said Foresteire early Tuesday. “Students attending all schools in Everett are in state-of-the-art facilities, and the students, faculty and parents of the Parlin School deserve the same. Plans include the replacement of all exterior metal doors and windows throughout the school, the renovation of two classrooms into science laboratories, and the complete remodeling of the school’s two large bathrooms.
A number of additional projects will also occur, including the installation of air conditioning equipment, upgrading to the entire electrical system, the re-landscaping of the school’s grounds, and updates to classroom technology, including the installation of Enoboards. Formerly the city’s junior high school, the Parlin School has seen a number of changes during its long history of educating Everett’s students. Administrators and city leaders see the improvements as an essential upgrade to the historic building.
“The Parlin was originally going to be torn down and a new school built there,” noted Foresteire. “That plan was scrapped so the saved money could be used towards the construction of the new high school.” Parlin Principal Eric Naumann called the upgrades’ approval overwhelming, while thanking the many school and city officials involved in getting the necessary renovations.
“The Parlin is so much more than an antiquated school building,” said Naumann late last week. “It’s a building filled with pride, hope, character, hard work and dreams. An updated building will give all of our students the opportunity to seek wisdom, happiness and true success and make the most of themselves and be of the greatest service to the world.” Several students, parents, and faculty members appeared at the meetings of the City Council to express their desire and support for the school’s renovations. A round of applause was delivered on Thursday after the measure passed during a special meeting of the Common Council.
“As principal of the school, it was overwhelming to see the amount of people from our school that filled the chamber last week,” added Naumann. “The audience was adorned with proud parents, students wearing Parlin T-shirts, teachers and staff members.” According to Monday’s presentation, the technical specifications of the project should be completed by June 15 with a public bid to be issued on June 20. The selection of the general and subcontractors will take place one month later. Construction will commence on August 15.
Plans call for the electrical rewiring of the building to be done firs,t followed by the remodeling of the science laboratories. The installation of the air conditioning units will take place after hours beginning on August 30. In mid-September, contractors will begin replacing windows and doors, one or two classrooms at a time. The renovations of the school’s restrooms will begin at the end of the month. Totaling $2 million, more than 40 percent of the cost of the repairs is associated with the replacement of windows and doors in the school. New classroom technology, laboratory furnishings, plumbing, and electrical work account for most of the remaining costs.
The project is slated to continue through the 2009-2010 school year, finally bringing 21st century upgrades to a unique school. |
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Everett Independent
