Still NO answers from WB in regards to fair and reasonable questions

As of today, 8:40am, still NO answers from Winchester Baseball.  For the record, this information was requested back on October 6, 2009.  Click here for e-mail dialog that started back on October 6, 2009.

I want to make it very clear, that I am a baseball coach and very supportive of the game but unfortunately folks, we are facing epic budgets constraints and the what lies ahead of us does not look very promising.  With that said, I am not sure how City Council members can justify in spending up to $273,000 dollars of the taxpayers money.

Furthermore, Winchester Baseball is really NOT just Winchester residents, Winchester Baseball should rename their entity to something like Shenandoah Valley Regional baseball because this groups includes Frederick County (majority of players of WB are Frederick County residents), Clarke, Warren and even Hampshire and Hard counties from West Virginia.  Why are we spending our City Tax Dollars to support these other counties and even two WV counties?  Have we already consolidated or what?

To close, it's just the wrong time for spending such money when considering the status of our economy.  In my own honest opinion, I believe that City Council needs to save this money and spend it more wisely for this moment in time unless these other counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Hardy and Hampshire County, WV are willing to throw in some cash.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Sun, Jan 10, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Subject: Re: Breakdown of kids playing in Winchester Baseball

To:

Cc:



To all addressed and CC'd:

Today is Sunday, January 10th at 10:25am and NO response from the Winchester Baseball organization for the requested information.

For the record, this information was requested back on October 6, 2009 ... see attached document.

Not sure why this is so difficult about getting this information but the perception is that its some big secret in my own honest opinion.

Regards,
JEFF



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Wed, Dec 30, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Subject: Re: Breakdown of kids playing in Winchester Baseball

To:

Cc:

Dear Winchester Baseball (WB) BOD's and WPRD officials,

Will someone please respond or at least acknowledge this concern and state that you are working on getting such information that I have requested below.

I am still taken aback that WPRD official(s) told me that I should contact Winchester Baseball myself.  Does not WB operate under the umbrella of WPRD? 

Thank You,
Coach Milburn




On Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 3:37 PM, wrote:

Dear Bob, Scott, Tammy and Robin,

I am in need of the following information:

- How many kids are playing in Winchester Baseball for the ages of 8-12yrs old?

- How many kids are Winchester City residents
- How many kids are Frederick County residents
- How many kids are Clarke County residents
- How many kids are Warren County residents
- How many kids are Shenandoah County residents
- How many kids are from WV
- And any other counties that may have kids playing in the WB league

Lastly ... how much is the player fee per kid?

I would greatly appreciate your cooperation in providing such information.

Many Thanks!
JEFF MILBURN



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael White
Date: Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Subject: RE: ??? about 2011 10yr old World Series
To:


There was never $$ specifically allocated toward the lights at Bridgeforth in the last 2 years.  Funds were requested to replace the lights in the park’s FY09’ and FY10’ Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budgets.  However, given the economic conditions and the tight budget cycles we’re in, those funds were not approved.  Funds to replace the lights at Bridgeforth were also included in our EECBG grant application ($405k).  We should find out the grant awards very soon.

You’ll need to check with Winchester Baseball on their % of residents from the area localities.  We don’t have that specific information.

Again, you’ll need to check with Winchester Baseball regarding that question.  Saying that, I don’t think it’s fair to ask them to predict the future.  The kids that will play on that team are 8 years old right now.  Who knows what talent may move in or move out of Winchester in the next 2 + years?

At this time, there are no plans to seek financial assistance from surrounding localities to support this event.

The $100k for the lights was included in the presentation made to City Council on 12/22.  If the city is successful in obtaining the grant funding, then the $100k gets deducted from the original request.  If the city is unsuccessful in obtaining the grant, then the $100k light replacement cost is still included in the original request to city council.


Hope that helps.

Mike


Visit http://www.winchesterva.gov/parks to check out our latest activity guide and register online to receive our monthly e-publication ActivitE-News!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From:
Sent: Monday, December 28, 2009 9:18 AM
To:
Cc:
Subject: Re: ??? about 2011 10yr old World Series


Dear Brad Veach and Mike White,

I am looking forward to either one of you answering my questions below.

Need to add a question and they are the following:

- What happened to the $250,000 that was allocated within the last 12-24 months for Bridgeforth Field lights?  The perception is that the lighting is way below safety standards if I recall from the conversations that I have heard from a couple of companies that have came in to review the lighting at Bridgeforth.

- What is the breakdown of the kids playing in the Winchester Baseball league for ages 8-12? 

- How many kids are actually Winchester City residents?
- How many kids are from Frederick County?
- How many kids are from Clarke County?
- How many kids are from Shenandoah County?
- How many kids are from Warren County?
- How many kids are from the state of WV?
- How many City residents' kids out of the 12-15 team members will be on this World Series team?  From years past, the perception has always been that the All-Stars teams are pre-selected because the All-Star coaches are always hitting indoors at the Armory or other venues which allows indoor hitting.
- Will these other counties be assisting with the money that is needed from City to host such event?
- If the $100k grant does not go through, then who will cover that?

Please make note that I will have limited access to my e-mail this week.

Many Thanks and Happy New Year!

JEFF

Firm gets OK to buy hospital (The Journal, Martinsburg, WV)

Officials expect to break ground in early summer


By John McVey, Journal staff writer


MARTINSBURG - As someone who was born at War Memorial Hospital 51 years ago, Neil McLaughlin can vouch for how excited the Morgan County community is over news that Valley Health Systems of Winchester has gotten the go-ahead to buy WMH and to build a new hospital nearby.


"From the Berkeley Springs angle, everyone is excited - this is a project we can move forward with," McLaughlin, the president of War Memorial Hospital, said in a telephone interview Thursday afternoon.


He and Valley Health Systems leaders got the official word Wednesday morning that the West Virginia Healthcare Authority had granted a certificate of need to Valley Health to proceed with purchasing the hospital from the Morgan County Commission and with its construction plans.


Valley Health has managed the hospital located on Fairview Drive outside Berkeley Springs since 1989. Morgan County's commissioners agreed to sell the hospital to Valley Health in December 2008 for about $2.8 million and the promise to build a new health care facility.


For the remainder of the article and comments that are being made on The Journal's website, please click on the following:

http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/530161.html

Should up to $273,000 of City residents Taxpayers dollars be spent at this time?

I want to make it very clear, that I am a baseball coach and very supportive of the game but unfortunately folks, we are facing epic budgets constraints and the what lies ahead of us does not look very promising.  With that said, I am not sure how City Council members can justify in spending up to $273,000 dollars of the taxpayers money.

Furthermore, Winchester Baseball is really NOT just Winchester residents, Winchester Baseball should rename their entity to something like Shenandoah Valley Regional baseball because this groups includes Frederick County (majority of players of WB are Frederick County residents), Clarke, Warren and even Hampshire and Hard counties from West Virginia.  Why are we spending our City Tax Dollars to support these other counties and even two WV counties?  Have we already consolidated or what?

To close, it's just the wrong time for spending such money when considering the status of our economy.  In my own honest opinion, I believe that City Council needs to save this money and spend it more wisely for this moment in time unless these other counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Hardy and Hampshire County, WV are willing to throw in some cash.

Review the history of the e-mail dialog that started back in February of 2009.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 4:21 PM
Subject: Fwd: Inquiry (10yr old 2011 World Series)
To: miltmcinturff@hotmail.com, Robert Noe
Cc: Adrian O'Connor , Alex Bridges , Vic Bradshaw



Dear Milt and Bob,

OK, WHY would the City of Winchester support such an event if it does not even fall under the umbrella of WPRD?  I believe in my own honest opinion, I do not see how City Council can support such an event in such epic budget constraints we are facing and even facing against this upcoming year.  Sorry, just bad timing as this money needs to be spent elsewhere. 

I look forward to next weeks City Council meeting as I will be sharing my concern and I want to make it know that I am not against this as I am baseball coach but I am against supporting something that does not even fall under the WPRD umbrella and most likely 80-90% of the kids will be Frederick County residents.  Winchester's taxpayers money should not be spent on such event.

To close, just a very strange way to spend local taxpayers dollars of up to $273,000 to get somewhere from $8k-$18k in local tax revenue if you ask me.

Regards,
JEFF

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Bradley Veach
Date: Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 1:27 PM
Subject: Inquiry
To: coachmilburn@gmail.com

Dear Jeff,

Good afternoon and Happy New Year.

The World Series is a tremendous opportunity to provide Winchester with terrific exposure and showcase our wonderful community. Over the 10 day World Series event, the community will also reap the economic benefit of hosting visiting players, coaches, officials, and their families from all over the United States in our hotels, restaurants, etc. Many members of the Winchester business community have already indicated their support of this event. Specific economic impact data can be found in the presentation I made to city council on 12/22/09. I have attached the PowerPoint for your review.

On a much smaller scale, pursuing the opportunity to host this event is similar to countries competing to host the Olympics. No country goes through the process of hosting the Olympics solely because of the experience that hosting such an event provides that country’s athletes. They pursue the opportunity because of the tremendous exposure it gives their country. The outcome of the games and their athlete’s experience in participating on their home turf or court are ancillary benefits.

As a host locality, Winchester does indeed get to put a team in the tournament to compete in the 10 team field. At this time, there is no way to determine the residency status of those team members as they are currently only 8 years old. Although this World Series event is sure to be a tremendous experience for the Winchester area players that will participate, their experience is not the only reason Winchester Parks & Recreation is partnering with Winchester Baseball to bring this event to Winchester. The primary reason for pursuing this event is the exposure opportunity and the boost it will provide to the local economy.

In regards to your comments that Winchester Baseball (WB) operates under the umbrella of WPRD, that simply is not true. WB is an independent organization just like Winchester/Frederick County Youth Football, Winchester BMX, Shenandoah University, Winchester Swim Team, local horseshoe clubs, Shamroc/Winroc R/C Car Club, Rolling Thunder, AARP, Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging and others who currently pay to use or have used the park facilities in the past and WPRD will not speak on their behalf. WPRD facilitates these groups by providing space for them to use; we don’t operate these groups.

Occasionally, WPRD does ask for information, such as participant data, when we are reviewing and creating agreements however we do not require this information each year and we only ask for it when we feel it is necessary.

Respectfully shared,

Bradley S. Veach, Director
Winchester Parks & Recreation Department
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: (540) 667-1573
Fax: (540) 678-8791
Website: www.winchesterva.gov/parks
Register online at www.winchesterva.gov/parks to receive our monthly e-publication, ActivitE-News

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael White
Date: Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Subject: RE: ??? about 2011 10yr old World Series
To: coachmilburn@gmail.com, Bradley Veach


There was never $$ specifically allocated toward the lights at Bridgeforth in the last 2 years.  Funds were requested to replace the lights in the park’s FY09’ and FY10’ Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budgets.  However, given the economic conditions and the tight budget cycles we’re in, those funds were not approved.  Funds to replace the lights at Bridgeforth were also included in our EECBG grant application ($405k).  We should find out the grant awards very soon.

You’ll need to check with Winchester Baseball on their % of residents from the area localities.  We don’t have that specific information.

Again, you’ll need to check with Winchester Baseball regarding that question.  Saying that, I don’t think it’s fair to ask them to predict the future.  The kids that will play on that team are 8 years old right now.  Who knows what talent may move in or move out of Winchester in the next 2 + years?

At this time, there are no plans to seek financial assistance from surrounding localities to support this event.

The $100k for the lights was included in the presentation made to City Council on 12/22.  If the city is successful in obtaining the grant funding, then the $100k gets deducted from the original request.  If the city is unsuccessful in obtaining the grant, then the $100k light replacement cost is still included in the original request to city council.


Hope that helps.


Mike 

Michael White, CPRP

Operations Superintendent
Winchester Parks & Recreation Department
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, VA  22601
(540) 667-1573 - phone
(540) 678-8791 - fax 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <coachmilburn@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Dec 21, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Subject: ??? about 2011 10yr old World Series
To: Milt@dealerslot.com, Bradley Veach , mwhite@ci.winchester.va.us, miltmcinturff@hotmail.com, evanclark1@yahoo.com, mcbutler82@comcast.net, Les@veachinsurance.com, art@gearclean.com, tdiva@ntelos.net
Cc: BWigley@su.edu, Jack MacDonald , Adrian O'Connor <aoconnor@winchesterstar.com>, Vic Bradshaw , Alex Bridges <abridges@nvdaily.com>, Robert Noe , Anne Lewis , mike_carroll@wahazel.com

Dear Mr. Veach, Mr. White and Mr. McInturff and other CC members,

this is great that Winchester is going to host such even BUT I have a few questions:

- What is the breakdown of the kids playing in the Winchester Baseball league for ages 8-12? 

- How many kids are actually Winchester City residents?

- How many kids are from Frederick County?

- How many kids are from Clarke County?

- How many kids are from Shenandoah County?

- How many kids are from Warren County?

- How many kids are from the state of WV?

- How many City residents' kids out of the 12-15 team members will be on this World Series team?  From years past, the perception has always been that the All-Stars teams are pre-selected because the All-Star coaches are always hitting indoors at the Armory or other venues which allows indoor hitting.

- Will these other counties be assisting with the money that is needed from City to host such event?

I have much concern about funding a project were more than 75% (educated guess) are non-city residents.  If my educated guess is realistic, then I feel that the County of Frederick and other counties need to support help this project in my honest opinion. 

- Last question, what is the total money that is being requested from the City to host such event for the bid and improvements to the facility?

Others that I have BCC'd, if you agree or disagree, please reply ALL to include share your thoughts on this matter.  Please review attached document.

Any questions or concerns, please give me a call.

Thank You,

Coach Milburn

Other information related to this matter :

Friday, October 9, 2009

What are Economic multipliers?

To learn more about Economic multipliers and how they should be viewed with much skepticism, click on the following:

Economic Multipliers and Mega-Event Analysis

Rejecting “Conventional” Wisdom: Estimating the Economic Impact by College of the Holy Cross, Department of Economics Faculty Research Series

Posted by THE PIBBSTER at 9:10 AM

 

Friday, October 9, 2009

Economic Impact on the City if Winchester Baseball is able to host the 2011 10yr World Series

Wanted to share with the local community that the perception taken from this e-mail sent on October 8, 2009 sent from WPRD official [Mike White, Operations Superintendent] is that they are finally admitting that the previous numbers presented by [Brad Veach, WPRD Director] to City Council back in February of $1.2-$2million were skewed and not researched thoroughly.  These numbers of $1.2-$2million were disputed back in late February after they were presented to City Council for consideration for requesting money by WPRD for improvements to the Rotary Field.  The concern was meant by WPRD resistance in the failure to acknowledge the twisted figures until this October 8th e-mail.

-----Original Message-----

From: Michael White

Date: Thu, Oct 8, 2009 at 10:04 AM

Subject: economic impact study

To: The1nOnlyPibb@gmail.com

I read your blog…pretty interesting information.

I’d be interested in looking at your figures on the economic impact of having the Babe Ruth World Series come to Winchester.  We’ve seen different studies and different methods of calculating the impact on these tournaments and events.  What we’ve found is the impact numbers are approximate figures and that it’s tough to determine the exact impact.  I’d be interested in taking a look at your numbers and see what you used for a dollar turnover multiplier, etc.  I’ve run the numbers myself using different formulas than what was initially provided.  I used an average daily spending amount recommended by a national expert in parks & recreation from Texas A&M University.  What I came up with was in between your figures [$337k-$472k] and the $1.2 million figure previously mentioned in the newspaper.

  

Also, if you’re interested in an update on Bridgeforth field and where the renovations stand, feel free to swing by or give me a call.  Kevin Sine and John gave you accurate information on the current project but I can let you know where the committee currently stands and what our plans are moving forward.

Thanks,

Mike

Michael White, CPRP  

Operations Superintendent  

Winchester Parks & Recreation Department  

1001 East Cork Street  

Winchester, VA  22601  

(540) 667-1573 - phone  

(540) 678-8791 - fax

For the record, these numbers of $1.2-$2million economic impact for hosting a World Series event were sent from the Babe Ruth Headquarters.  Organizations considering hosting such an event much realize that the headquarters executives will make it appear as lucrative as possible because they need host cities each year and the league host officials should do their due diligence.

-----Original Message-----

From: Bradley Veach [mailto:bveach@ci.winchester.va.us]

Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2009 10:53 AM

To:

Subject: RE: local economic impact

It seems to be the standard formula that Babe Ruth shares with all communities in which a World Series is hosted.  I understand what you are saying but I don’t think you realize that the $400K pumped into the community is unrealized beyond the event.  For example, the hotel is paying its staff with this money; their staff goes out and buys something from a local business that pays taxes to the locality, etc.  Most of the money collected will flow through the community beyond the 10 day event.  The communities that host the Series range anywhere from 11,000 people to over 80,000 people according to the folks I personally spoke to in IN, CO, and LA.  Indiana has hosted 4 tournaments over the years and they were pushing Babe Ruth to make them the host site as they realized the dramatic impact it had on their local economy.  Of course, Babe Ruth only allows one area to host it year after year and that is in Aberdeen so their request was not approved.

Folks who use this formula locally did not question the numbers.  I’ve shared this with some local businesses and tourism folks who use these types of formulas all the time and they did not question it.  I think they probably have a better economic background that you or I and realize the potential of this 10 day event and they have the greatest potential to reap the benefits of such an event.

Thanks for your thoughts.  Have a good weekend.

Brad

-----Original Message-----

From:

Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 8:42 PM

To: 'Bradley Veach'

Subject: RE: local economic impact

Brad,

Just wanted to share what I have learned about this compounding factor formula.  Babe Ruth is using an economic impact spending study on a university town.  The University of Georgia is an annual/reoccurring impact on that local economy.  The WS event is just a 10-day event.  That is like comparing apples to oranges.

I believe their figure of $414,600 is a high estimate and is in the ballpark.  I am working on a more detailed analysis of potential revenue that could be drawn into the City of Winchester.  Again, I am concerned about this $1.2 - $2 million dollar figure is being communicated with the community.  Some people will be under the impression that $1.2-2million will be flowing into this town for this 10-day event and that is very misleading.

Again, I am not against the World Series coming to Winchester but I do like this revenue number being thrown out that is unrealistic.

http://www.terry.uga.edu/news/releases/2002/uga_spending.html

 

Posted by THE PIBBSTER at 12:07 PM

2008 Side-by-Side Comparison Winchester Med'l Center / Lewis-Gale Med'l Center

	Winchester	Lewis-Gale
	Medical Center	Medical Center
	Winchester, VA	Salem, VA
	2008	2008
Licensed beds:	411	521
Staffed Beds:	411	216
Licensed NISU bassinets:	24	0
Staffed NISU bassinets:	24	0
Staffed normal newborn bassinets:	12	5
Patient Days:	110,475	75,525
Admissions:	25,040	14,548
Full-Time Equivalents - Payroll:	2,293	1,281
Full-Time Equivalents - Contract:	127	75
Gross Inpatient Revenue:	432,444,823	417,369,963
Gross Outpatient Revenue:	306,941,444	312,411,315
Gross Patient Revenue:	739,386,267	729,781,278
Contractual Allowance:	274,805,640	486,372,120
Charity Care:	32,784,775	8,324,335
Indigent Care Trust:	-150,000	73,484
Net Patient Revenue:	431,795,852	235,084,823
Other Operating Revenue:	12,202,410	2,626,320
Current Assets:	163,881,986	37,181,175
Net Fixed Assets:	310,687,613	108,487,069
Other Assets:	193,139,219	101,488,072
Total Assets:	667,708,818	247,156,316
Current Liabilities:	40,451,147	23,642,463
Long Term Liabilities:	264,403,642	38,394,875
Total Liabilities:	304,944,789	62,037,338
Fund Balance:	362,764,029	185,118,978
Labor Expense:	180,957,635	87,265,649
Non-Labor Expense:	155,439,049	93,801,134
Capital Expense:	42,785,264	22,936,839
Taxes:	$59,183	$10,963,392
Bad-Debt Expense:	21,253,614	13,761,420
Total Operating Expense:	400,494,746	228,728,434
Operating Income:	43,503,516	8,982,709
Net Non-Operating gains:	-34,002,605	68,841
Revenue & Gains
in excess of expenses (profits):	$9,500,910	$9,051,550
Tax Status:	Not-For-Profit	For-Profit

Also, review the 2007 comparison ...

Sunday, November 8, 2009

2007 Winchester Medical Center / Lewis-Gale Medical Center side-by-side comparison

To give the citizenry a better understanding of the differences between a "not-for-profit" and "for-profit" hospital, THE PIBBSTER's PUB wants to share with all a side-by-side comparison between Winchester Medical Center and Lewis-Gale Medical Center.

VHS's Regional hospitals 2007 and 2008 comparison

IRS990's for 2008 have NOT been posted yet for a more detailed review of the negative profit variance for Winchester Medical Center.

VHI - From #'s to Knowledge

	2007	2008
Warren Mem'l	$4,681,417	-$1,222,867
Winchester Medical Center	$66,617,963	$9,500,911
Winchester Surgi-Center	$1,673,924	-$363,877
Shenandoah Mem'l	$1,933,193	$1,689,374
Page Memorial	$332,680	-$367,694
Total Excess of Revenue (Profits) :	$75,239,177	$9,235,847

2007 / 2008 Side-By-Side financial comparison of Winchester Medical Center

VHI - From #'s to Knowledge
	2007	2008
Licensed beds:	411	411
Staffed Beds:	411	411
Licensed NISU bassinets:	24	24
Staffed NISU bassinets:	24	24
Staffed normal newborn bassinets:	12	12
Patient Days:	110,115	110,475
Admissions:	25,318	25,040
Full-Time Equivalents - Payroll:	2,297	2,293
Full-Time Equivalents - Contract:	140	127
Gross Inpatient Revenue:	409,766,805	432,444,823
Gross Outpatient Revenue:	263,761,298	306,941,444
Gross Patient Revenue:	673,528,103	739,386,267
Contractual Allowance:	234,014,441	274,805,640
Charity Care:	25,752,576	32,784,775
Indigent Care Trust:	0	-150,000
Net Patient Revenue:	413,761,086	431,795,852
Other Operating Revenue:	13,788,825	12,202,410
Current Assets:	207,181,874	163,881,986
Net Fixed Assets:	276,623,250	310,687,613
Other Assets:	220,606,786	193,139,219
Total Assets:	704,411,910	667,708,818
Current Liabilities:	43,025,848	40,451,147
Long Term Liabilities:	207,765,314	264,403,642
Total Liabilities:	250,792,162	304,944,789
Fund Balance:	453,619,748	362,764,029
Labor Expense:	180,988,686	180,957,635
Non-Labor Expense:	145,327,697	155,439,049
Capital Expense:	37,317,267	42,785,264
Taxes:	$162,362	$59,184
Bad-Debt Expense:	23,331,159	21,253,614
Total Operating Expense:	387,127,171	400,494,746
Operating Income:	40,422,740	43,503,516
Net Non-Operating gains:	26,195,223	-34,002,605
Revenue & Gains
in excess of expenses (profits):	$66,617,963	$9,500,911

Did this led to the former City Mgr's unexpected departure?

Memo may shed light on money
Did city of Winchester release SAAA from $250,000 pledge?

By Vic Bradshaw
The Winchester Star
December 26, 2009

Winchester — City officials provided and executed a document that may have released a local nonprofit agency from a $250,000 donation pledge.

The document, a memorandum of understanding between the city and the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging, lists a $550 monthly fee for utility expenses as the agency’s only financial obligation for use of the Active Living and Recreation Center.

2009 Board of Directors
John Hudson, Berryville
Anthony Roper, Berryville
Cheryl Swartz, Winchester
John Graves, Luray
Bruce Arnold, Shenandoah
Fred Hughes, Woodstock
Shelby DePriest, Fort Valley
Ann Crim, Front Royal
Violet Carter, Front Royal
Rebecca Allen, Winchester
Lois Wismer, Winchester
Teresa Strohmeyer, Clear Brook
Walter Quinn, Stephens City
Don H. Shirley, Stephenson
Kenneth Alger III, Stanley
Mary T. Price, Strasburg
Ronald King, Strasburg
Robert Kendall, Winchester

The agency’s $250,000 pledge toward construction of the center is not mentioned in the agreement, which was filed as an exhibit in SAAA’s response to the $500,000 lawsuit the city filed against it on Dec. 3.

“Any prior verbal agreement or other written agreement that is not expressly incorporated into this document is hereby declared null and void,” the agreement states.

It was signed by Helen Cockrell, SAAA’s president and CEO, on Jan. 12, and by J. Brannon Godfrey, then Winchester’s city manager, on Jan. 30.

City offices were closed for the holidays Thursday and Friday, and officials could not be reached for comment.

The filing confirms that the dispute arose when Winchester said the agency would have to pay fees to use the center. The response states that SAAA “clearly believed” that the $250,000 payment up front would be its only financial obligation for the center’s use.

An earlier, unexecuted memorandum of understanding for the project that was submitted as an exhibit, contains no mention of money to be paid by SAAA — except the donation.

The agency’s board of directors rejected a Nov. 18, 2008, agreement that would have required SAAA to pay $550 monthly rent and honor its $250,000 construction contribution pledge, the response states.

But after the city claimed it could not accept the contribution without jeopardizing the tax-free status of construction bonds for the center, it produced an agreement that dropped all references to the construction pledge.

That document was signed by Cockrell and Godfrey.

The lawsuit states that on May 6, city officials told the agency they had determined a way to use the $250,000 without jeopardizing the tax issue on the bonds. SAAA told the city it could turn over $40,000 it has in a building fund, but $100,000 in federal funds secured for the project no longer were available.

For remaining portion of the article, please click on the link below:

          http://winchesterstar.com/pages/view/memo.html

The perception is that SAAA is in the right after reading this article and makes you wonder, did this situation led to the former City Manager's premature departure?

Fact or Fiction : Berkeley Springs, WV will get a "by-pass" only if ???

Berkeley Springs, WV will get a "by-pass" constructed only if WVU-Healthcare System gets to build the new hospital to replace War Memorial in Morgan County.

[Fact or Fiction]

Youth baseball event backed - Council set to spend $273,000;

Youth baseball event backed

Council set to spend $273,000;
economic impact — $515,000-plus

By Vic Bradshaw
The Winchester Star

WINCHESTER — Play ball!

That seems to be the message Cal Ripken-Babe Ruth League International officials are likely to get from the City Council next month.

At its monthly work session, the council advanced a resolution to provide funding for the 2011 Cal Ripken-Babe Ruth League International 10-Year-Old World Series.

The event would be held at Yost Field in Jim Barnett Park.

The resolution calls for the city government to spend $40,000 to secure the contract for the event.

It also allocates up to $158,000 for necessary facility improvements, as well as $75,000 from the Department of Parks and Recreation’s fund balance toward operational costs for the event.

The operational costs will be offset at least partly by vendor fees and money from souvenir sales, event-related banquets, and other revenue streams.

The city government has applied for a grant that could pay the $100,000 cost of lighting improvements.

Brad Veach, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, said some of the improvements required to acquire the event need to be made soon regardless.

The event should have an economic impact of between $515,000 and $895,000 locally, he said. The city also could be in line to host future events at various levels.

“It’s my understanding that Babe Ruth [officials] really enjoyed what Winchester has to offer when they’ve visited here,” Veach told the council.  


For the remainder of the article, follow the link below:

          http://winchesterstar.com/pages/view/baseball.html

This is great that Winchester is going to host such event BUT I have a few questions:


- What is the breakdown of the kids playing in the Winchester Baseball league for ages 8-12?

    * - How many kids are actually WinchesterCity residents?
    * - How many kids are from FrederickCounty?
    * - How many kids are from ClarkeCounty?
    * - How many kids are from ShenandoahCounty?
    * - How many kids are from WarrenCounty?
    * - How many kids are from the state of WV?

- How many City residents' kids out of the 12-15 team members will be on this World Series team?  From years past, the perception has always been that the All-Stars teams are pre-selected because the All-Star coaches are always hitting indoors at the Armory or other venues which allows indoor hitting.

- Will these other counties be assisting with the money that is needed from City to host such event?

- Who will foot the bill IF that $100,000 grant for the lights if that does not go through?

- What happened to the $250,000 that was allocated with within the last 12-24 months for Bridgeforth Field lights which are terrible and way below standard?

I have much concern about funding a project were more than 75% (educated guess) are non-city residents.  If my educated guess is realistic, then I feel that the County of Frederick and other counties need to support help this project in my honest opinion.

The Winchester Baseball league, is it operated in a way for the masses or just for a "select" few ... example: "All-Star" teams?  It's ridiculous that the regular season is OVER and COMPLETED basically by the time school is over at the beginning of the summer.

Bottom-line ... "All-Star" teams are ruining local high school baseball because they are going overboard with these teams that start at the age of 8yr, 9yr, 10yr, 11yr and 12yr old and the kids are getting burnt out.

Look at the Handley High School which had just 25 kids for both JV and VARSITY teams last year and 7 or 8 of those kids were 8th graders.  Folks, something is seriously wrong here, what is the problem?

Questions in regards to 2011-10yr old World Series that City of Winchester will host?

Please reference pages 34-41 in regards to 2011 10yr old World Series.

City_Council_Work_Session_Supporting_Materials_Dec22_530pm 


City of Winchester Common Council
WORK SESSION


December 22, 2009
Council Chambers, Rouss City Hall
5:30 PM

AGENDA

Call to Order

Items for Discussion:

Presentation: People Inc.


Discussion: CU-09-198 – Conditional Use Permit - Milano's, LLC for nightclub use
at 107 West Boscawen Street (Tabled at the September 22, 2009 meeting for 6 months
– brought back early at request of President Buettner)

O-2009-37: Ordinance – To amend Section 14-68 of the Winchester City Code for the
operation of parking meters to coincide with State holidays. Parking Authority
recommends approval. (pages 3-5)

O-2009-38: Ordinance – An ordinance to amend article 8 of the Winchester Zoning
Ordinance pertaining to special provisions for side and rear yards for commercial
centers within the Highway Commercial (B-2) District. TA-09-359 (pages 6-9)

O-2009-39: Ordinance – An ordinance to vacate and convey portions of Spring Street.
(pages 10-15)

CU-09-267: Conditional Use Permit – Nightclub request for Mi Salvador Restaurant at
930 Berryville Avenue. – Planning Commission recommends approval. (pages 16-20)

CU-09-360: Conditional Use Permit – Operation of extended stay lodging facility at
1347 Berryville Avenue. – Planning Commission recommends denial. (pages 21-25)

CU-04-06: Conditional Use Permit – Five year review of CUP issued to New Life
Center, Inc. for an addition to a recovery center at 315 East Cork Street. (pages 26-29)

R-2009-57: Resolution – Authorization for Police Youth Drop-In Center at 305 E.
Piccadilly Street using Federal COPS funds. No additional funds required in FY10.
(tabled at November Work Session) (pages 30-32)

R-2009-64: Resolution – Approval to host the 2011 Cal Ripken-Babe Ruth League
International 10 Year Old World Series. (pages 33-41)

R-2009-65: Resolution – Authorization to exceed the original contract value by more
than 25% for completion of the Northeast Infrastructure Improvements Project.
(project will complete within $7.5 million total budget) (pages 42-48)

R-2009-66: Resolution – Re-installation of Parking Meters on Boscawen Street
between Braddock Street and Indian Alley. (pages 49-52)

R-2009-67: Resolution – Change Section 7.4.E of the CEMS - Matters Deemed Not
Grievable. (pages 53-57)

R-2009-68: Resolution – Establishing a fund to benefit abused and neglected children
from a contribution of approximately $200,000 from the McCrory estate. (pages 58-61)

R-2009-69: Resolution – Authorization for the Police Department to apply for a
Department of Justice Byrne Grant to support the fitness initiative for an amount of
$75,000 over three years. Requires a 5% match or $3750 maximum. (pages 62-65)

R-2009-70: Resolution – Approval of the 2008 & 2009 Annual Action Plan
Substantial Amendments. (pages 66-69)

Discussion: To authorize an audit of the Winchester Transit System pursuant to the
possibility to contracting with Virginia Regional Transit. (pages 70-71)

Adjourn

City of Winchester
www.winchesterva.gov
(540) 667-1815
(540) 722-0782 TDD
15 North Cameron Street
Winchester, VA  22601


********************************************************************************

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Mon, Dec 21, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Subject: ??? about 2011 10yr old World Series
To: Milt@dealerslot.com, Bradley Veach , mwhite@ci.winchester.va.us, miltmcinturff@hotmail.com, evanclark1@yahoo.com, mcbutler82@comcast.net, Les@veachinsurance.com, art@gearclean.com, tdiva@ntelos.net
Cc: BWigley@su.edu, Jack MacDonald , Adrian O'Connor , Vic Bradshaw , Alex Bridges , Robert Noe , Anne Lewis , mike_carroll@wahazel.com

Dear Mr. Veach, Mr. White and Mr. McInturff and other CC members,

this is great that Winchester is going to host such event BUT I have a few questions:

- What is the breakdown of the kids playing in the Winchester Baseball league for ages 8-12? 

- How many kids are actually Winchester City residents?

- How many kids are from Frederick County?

- How many kids are from Clarke County?

- How many kids are from Shenandoah County?

- How many kids are from Warren County?

- How many kids are from the state of WV?

- How many City residents' kids out of the 12-15 team members will be on this World Series team?  From years past, the perception has always been that the All-Stars teams are pre-selected because the All-Star coaches are always hitting indoors at the Armory or other venues which allows indoor hitting.

- Will these other counties be assisting with the money that is needed from City to host such event?

I have much concern about funding a project were more than 75% (educated guess) are non-city residents.  If my educated guess is realistic, then I feel that the County of Frederick and other counties need to support help this project in my honest opinion.

- Last question, what is the total money that is being requested from the City to host such event for the bid and improvements to the facility?

Others that I have BCC'd, if you agree or disagree, please reply ALL to include share your thoughts on this matter.  Please review attached document.

Any questions or concerns, please give me a call.

Thank You,
Coach Milburn

Other information related to this matter :

Friday, October 9, 2009

What are Economic multipliers?

To learn more about Economic multipliers and how they should be viewed with much skepticism, click on the following:

• Economic Multipliers and Mega-Event Analysis
  
  
• Rejecting “Conventional” Wisdom: Estimating the Economic Impact by College of the Holy Cross, Department of Economics Faculty Research Series

Friday, October 9, 2009

Economic Impact on the City if Winchester Baseball is able to host the 2011 10yr World Series

Wanted to share with the local community that the perception taken from this e-mail sent on October 8, 2009 sent from WPRD official [Mike White, Operations Superintendent] is that they are finally admitting that the previous numbers presented by [Brad Veach, WPRD Director] to City Council back in February of $1.2-$2million were skewed and not researched thoroughly.  These numbers of $1.2-$2million were disputed back in late February after they were presented to City Council for consideration for requesting money by WPRD for improvements to the Rotary Field.  The concern was meant by WPRD resistance in the failure to acknowledge the twisted figures until this October 8th e-mail.

-----Original Message-----

From: Michael White

Date: Thu, Oct 8, 2009 at 10:04 AM

Subject: economic impact study

To: The1nOnlyPibb@gmail.com

I read your blog…pretty interesting information.

I’d be interested in looking at your figures on the economic impact of having the Babe Ruth World Series come to Winchester.  We’ve seen different studies and different methods of calculating the impact on these tournaments and events.  What we’ve found is the impact numbers are approximate figures and that it’s tough to determine the exact impact.  I’d be interested in taking a look at your numbers and see what you used for a dollar turnover multiplier, etc.  I’ve run the numbers myself using different formulas than what was initially provided.  I used an average daily spending amount recommended by a national expert in parks & recreation from Texas A&M University.  What I came up with was in between your figures [$337k-$472k] and the $1.2 million figure previously mentioned in the newspaper.

Also, if you’re interested in an update on Bridgeforth field and where the renovations stand, feel free to swing by or give me a call.  Kevin Sine and John gave you accurate information on the current project but I can let you know where the committee currently stands and what our plans are moving forward.

Thanks,

Mike

Michael White, CPRP

Operations Superintendent

Winchester Parks & Recreation Department

1001 East Cork Street

Winchester, VA  22601

(540) 667-1573 - phone

(540) 678-8791 - fax

For the record, these numbers of $1.2-$2million economic impact for hosting a World Series event were sent from the Babe Ruth Headquarters.  Organizations considering hosting such an event much realize that the headquarters executives will make it appear as lucrative as possible because they need host cities each year and the league host officials should do their due diligence.

-----Original Message-----

From: Bradley Veach [mailto:bveach@ci.winchester.va.us]

Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2009 10:53 AM

To:

Subject: RE: local economic impact

It seems to be the standard formula that Babe Ruth shares with all communities in which a World Series is hosted.  I understand what you are saying but I don’t think you realize that the $400K pumped into the community is unrealized beyond the event.  For example, the hotel is paying its staff with this money; their staff goes out and buys something from a local business that pays taxes to the locality, etc.  Most of the money collected will flow through the community beyond the 10 day event.  The communities that host the Series range anywhere from 11,000 people to over 80,000 people according to the folks I personally spoke to in IN, CO, and LA.  Indiana has hosted 4 tournaments over the years and they were pushing Babe Ruth to make them the host site as they realized the dramatic impact it had on their local economy.  Of course, Babe Ruth only allows one area to host it year after year and that is in Aberdeen so their request was not approved.

Folks who use this formula locally did not question the numbers.  I’ve shared this with some local businesses and tourism folks who use these types of formulas all the time and they did not question it.  I think they probably have a better economic background that you or I and realize the potential of this 10 day event and they have the greatest potential to reap the benefits of such an event.

Thanks for your thoughts.  Have a good weekend.

Brad

-----Original Message-----

From:

Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 8:42 PM

To: 'Bradley Veach'

Subject: RE: local economic impact

Brad,

Just wanted to share what I have learned about this compounding factor formula.  Babe Ruth is using an economic impact spending study on a university town.  The University of Georgia is an annual/reoccurring impact on that local economy.  The WS event is just a 10-day event.  That is like comparing apples to oranges.

I believe their figure of $414,600 is a high estimate and is in the ballpark.  I am working on a more detailed analysis of potential revenue that could be drawn into the City of Winchester.  Again, I am concerned about this $1.2 - $2 million dollar figure is being communicated with the community.  Some people will be under the impression that $1.2-2million will be flowing into this town for this 10-day event and that is very misleading.

Again, I am not against the World Series coming to Winchester but I do like this revenue number being thrown out that is unrealistic.

http://www.terry.uga.edu/news/releases/2002/uga_spending.html

 

The Virginia Public Access Project

A new link has been added to The Pub ... please click on this link to become more informed ...

THE VIRGINIA PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECT

Misdirected focus - Health-care ‘reform’? Try addressing existing programs

Open Forum
December 18, 2009
The Winchester Star

Misdirected focus
Health-care ‘reform’? Try addressing existing programs

James T. Holland


I’ve served for more than 20 years on the Board of Directors of Valley Health System. I’m very much aware of the need for health-care reform, and the impact of reform on providers and patients.

My son-in-law is an orthopedic surgeon, and my daughter-in-law is a former neonatal critical care nurse. I’m concerned about cost, quality, access, and health-care innovation. However, the “reform” proposals currently being debated in Congress are frightening!

The focus is misdirected. Far too many existing Medicare policies and regulations do nothing to improve health care. They add to health-care cost! Medicaid is out of control, and we have an impending economic disaster with Medicare.

The Medicare program is financially unsustainable as currently designed. Why isn’t an unfunded Medicare liability of $36 trillion more urgent than a new entitlement? I don’t understand why Congress would even consider adding to this problem. I don’t understand why the proposed new health “reform” program is so urgent, while pretending that existing programs are not.

We need health care reform of existing programs!

A few changes to existing law could make a huge difference.

* Require Medicare rule-writters to cooperate with hospitals and physicians to eliminate bureaucratic regulations that add cost, without affecting quality of care.

* Increase competition between existing private health insurance companies. Allow them to develop innovative health insurance programs and offer products in every state. Regulate, but don’t dictate what they must offer, and what they must charge.

* Give all Americans the same tax break that employees get with their employer-provided health insurance plans. Uninsured Americans would be more likely to buy health insurance if private individuals could get the same tax treatment as that offered by employers to their employees.

* Recognize the basic economic law of supply and demand for consumers of health care. If people are offered something for nothing, they will use more of it. Government has to eventually ration care. Let the people ration their own care by requiring them to pay up-front costs every time, and for every service. Their payment need not be great, but they must bear initial cost.

* Increase age limits for Medicare eligibility. The age eligibility needs to be increased, rather than reduced as was proposed.

* Focus benefits on catastrophic coverage, and healthy lifestyles. To save Medicare, the program needs to gradually move from all-inclusive coverage to catastrophic coverage with incentives for not smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet.

I am also concerned about the negative impact of excessive taxes, costly regulations, and government mandates that add costs to all businesses. During my career at O’Sullivan, I was directly involved in making decisions that created many jobs. Management made decisions to open new businesses, close businesses, and relocate businesses.

We chose to expand and grow in Virginia because of the right-to-work law, and the business-friendly attitude of government. We closed plants in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Michigan because of high taxes, high energy costs, high workers compensations rates, and the high cost of dealing with organized labor. All of these high costs were byproducts of government polices toward business. Government attitudes toward business influenced every decision.

Government is missing an opportunity to stimulate the real job-creating engines of the economy. The current government philosophy is influenced by a passionate socialist desire to punish big business, punish “rich” owners of small business, and punish “rich” entrepreneurs who take risks with new business ventures. These are the very people and businesses that create jobs.

It is a mistake to allow the Bush tax rate to expire. It is a mistake to pass legislation that adds cost to business. It is a mistake to micromanage tax breaks, and subsidies, and limit government support to politically favored businesses.

If we are to revive the economy, create jobs, and reduce government debt, we need to change the socialist mindset. End the practice of punishing businesses and entrepreneurs. Our current crisis is so great that unprecedented tax and regulation reform is needed.

Recent stimulus programs have failed because they are short-term solutions. Tax and regulatory actions are long-term, and the crisis requires a long-term solution. If only Congress would reduce taxes on all businesses and individuals to a maximum rate of 25 percent. This would unleash the creative energy and ingenuity of all Americans.

We need to change government attitudes toward business: Work with business to reform laws that add costs to business. Regulate, but don’t suffocate.

Government is a partner in the success of every individual and business. Why not work together?

Don’t take my word for it. Check with every economic development agency in the United States. These agencies seek to attract business, and create jobs by offering tax breaks and eliminating bureaucratic red tape. They will work with entrepreneurs, big business, small business, and they are very flexible. They try to undo what government has done.

James T. Holland is a resident of Frederick County.