JMU's new Baseball/Softball complex

JMU's new Baseball/Softball complex  Updated slideshow as of November 14, 2009

Construction progress pics of JMU's new baseball/softball complex

http://www.nielsen-inc.com/images/JMU_Baseball_Softball_Complex.pdf

A ‘simple fix’ and A much-welcome ‘Welcome’ (Letters to Editor)

A ‘simple fix’

This is an open letter to Winch­ester Public Services Director Per­ry Eisenach.

I read with great interest your comments in Friday’s Star about traffic flow in Winchester.

I agree with you, the timing of the lights on Pleasant Valley Road and Valley Avenue does help traffic flow. But there is something else your department could do that would help traffic flow around this city as much as timing the traffic lights and would not cost $200,000 per intersection.

It really is a simple fix. Desig­nate the right-most lane at all the three-lane intersections right turn only.

I sit at various intersections around town, mostly northbound on Pleasant Valley at East Cork Street and wait forever in a line of traffic that at certain times of the day is several hundred yards long. The reason we are all sitting there wasting time and gas is most of us want to turn right onto Cork Street, but one driver up front wants to go straight through the intersection but didn’t want to get out of the right lane into the center lane.

An example of how the intersec­tions should be laid out is at the in­tersection of Apple Blossom Drive and Jubal Early Drive, traveling north on Apple Blossom Drive ex­iting the mall and crossing Jubal Early. There is a straight through lane, a left-turn lane and a right­tur n-only lane.

Another example is heading north on Pleasant Valley at Berryville Avenue. The lanes at these intersections are correct and allow for a good flow of traffic and no long lines of right- turn traffic waiting because someone up front in the line doesn’t need to turn right.

There is more and more talk these days about being “geen” and conserving energy and such. Perhaps now is the time to change these intersections to improve traf­fic flow even more and, in the end, save gas and energy. It’s just a good idea for the times.

DONNIE ELSEA Berryville
November 16, 2009
The Winchester Star

A much-welcome ‘Welcome’


Kudos to City Councilors, past and present, who made the decision to convert Braddock and Cameron streets to two-way traffic!

I travel Valley Avenue (U.S. 11) every day, and it is wonderful being able to go north on Braddock from Handley Boulevard. It is as if our city now says “Welcome” instead of “Do not enter.”

Fast-moving traffic belongs on Va. 37 and not in the “Heart of Winchester,” for there is much to see, do, and experience in Old Town.

To Perry Eisenach and his staff, I commend you for all of your hard work and a smooth transition.

Thanks to all for a job well done!

Kimberly P. Burke
Winchester
November 13, 2009

Virginia High School League Financial Highlights for FY-June 08, 07 and 06

There has always been interest in what type of revenue does the VHSL bring in each year.  Well, The Pibbster's Pub is always more than happy to share information so that the citizenry can be more informed.


 

	FY-6/30/08	FY-6/30/07	FY-6/30/06
Direct Public Support	401,730	252,249	250,428
Program Service Revenue	6,877,399	6,648,555	2,582,567
Membership Dues & Assessments	186,300	184,500	183,300
Interest on Savings & Temp Cash Investments	79,502	79,843	34,670
Total Revenue	7,544,931	7,165,147	3,050,965
Program Services (Expenses)	6,958,323	6,011,769	2,381,322
Management & General	451,675	447,094	415,290
Fundrasising	213,152	165,927	160,562
Total Expenses	7,623,150	6,624,790	2,957,174
Excess of (Deficit)	-78,219	540,357	93,791
Net Assests of Fund Balances at Beginning of Year	3,177,569	1,783,337	1,689,546
Other changes in net assests or fund balances	0	853,875	0
Net Assests of Fund Balances at End of Year	3,099,350	3,177,569	1,783,337
Kenneth Tilley (Exec Director)	123,600	116,442	108,945
Contrib. to employee benefit plan/Deferred plans	52,512	48,966	43,165
Robert Button (Asst. Director)	X	X	25,986
Contrib. to employee benefit plan/Deferred plans	X	X	11,488
Jim Garman (CFO)	82,400	78,774	76,482
Contrib. to employee benefit plan/Deferred plans	39,530	36,900	33,226
Tom Zimorski (Deputy Director)	92,700	78,774	72,054
Contrib. to employee benefit plan/Deferred plans	33,729	28,895	25,262
Joyce Sisson (Asst. Director)	82,400	75,732	72,530
Contrib. to employee benefit plan/Deferred plans	29,726	27,562	25,334
Bruce Patrick (Asst. Director)	X	12,622	70,578
Contrib. to employee benefit plan/Deferred plans	X	3,289	24,513
Hannah-Catherine Muro (Director of Develop)	66,950	61,740	57,594
Contrib. to employee benefit plan/Deferred plans	28,233	25,734	22,562
Tom Dolan (Asst. Director)	72,100	34,826	X
Contrib. to employee benefit plan/Deferred plans	26,886	8,045	X
Lisa Giles (Asst. Director)	66,950	63,570	51,433
Contrib. to employee benefit plan/Deferred plans	22,219	20,536	9,214
Lora Bickley (Office Mgr)	57,680	X	X
Contrib. to employee benefit plan/Deferred plans	14,949	X	X
Gross Receipts from Admission, merchandise sold or services performed, or furnishing of facilities in any activity that is related to the organization's charitable, etc, purpose :
2006	- 6,648,555
2005	- 2,582,567
2004	- 2,508,573
2003	- 1,814,950

[Source: IRS990 that is open to the public for inspection]

FBI knew of the Ft. Hood shooter and his views in Dec. 2008, but did nothing with it ... PC will get you every time ...

The Federal Bureau of Non-Investigation

On Monday, ABC News first reported that Fort Hood shooter Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan had reached out to al Qaeda associates prior to his attack. There were good reasons to speculate that one of these al Qaeda figures is Anwar al Awlaki -- an al Qaeda recruiter who acted as a “spiritual advisor” to two of the 9/11 hijackers. Awlaki preached at a mosque Hasan attended in 2001 and praised Hasan’s attack on his web site Monday morning.

It turns out that informed speculation was correct, according to the Associated Press and the New York Times. Beginning in December of last year, authorities found that Hasan communicated with Awlaki “10 to 20 times.” But no formal investigation was ever launched. Why?

http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/11/the_federal_bureau_of_noninves_1.asp#more

Council to honor FOIA regulations, Aug. 18 closed session violated meeting rules

Council to honor FOIA regulations
Aug. 18 closed session violated meeting rules


By Cynthia Cather Burton
The Winchester Star

WINCHESTER — A City Council panel has committed a procedural violation of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, according to Maria J.K. Everett, executive director of the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council.

The council’s Finance and Administration Committee held a closed-session meeting Aug. 18 to discuss a memorandum of understanding drafted by Shenandoah University.

When it began the closed session, the committee cited the portion of the Freedom of Information Act that allows closed meetings to confer with legal counsel about a real estate matter.

Everett said the committee correctly cited the code section and the purpose for the closed session, but it failed to identify the subject of the special meeting.

During closed sessions, the public and news media are not allowed to be present.

If people are being “kicked out,” they have a right to know “some idea of the subject,” Everett said Thursday from her Richmond office. “It doesn’t have to be gruelingly specific ... but just a reference to real estate or legal advice is insufficient and a procedural violation of the law.”

The committee’s motion to move into a closed session should have included a subject, such as the joint venture with the university on projects, she offered as an example. “The subject is required.”

Without it, the public has no idea about the nature of the discussions that public officials have behind closed doors, Everett said.

The minutes from the Aug. 18 meeting, for instance, contain no references to the memorandum of understanding, making it difficult for the public to know when the topic was discussed by officials in closed session.

“They did violate the rights granted to the public and press under FOIA,” Everett said. “They are obligated to do it correctly, and they did not. They can be sued on that basis.”

City Council President Jeff Buettner, who attended the Aug. 18 meeting, said the council typically cites only the code section and purpose before going into a closed session, but does not state a subject.

“I think it’s fair to state that we probably haven’t been as specific as we should,” he said. “But it’s not because we’re trying to hide anything.”

Everett called the practice “an ignorance issue, more than anything.”

Buettner said the council acts on advice from its attorney. From now on, as much information as possible will be included in motions for closed sessions, he said, as long as it does not jeopardize the city government’s position on “any specific issues.”

City Attorney Anthony “Tony” Williams declined to comment, citing attorney-client privilege.

For the remaining story in The Winchester Star, following this link :
Council to honor FOIA regulations, Aug. 18 closed session violated meeting rules



Buettner explains decision to hike city attorney's salary nearly $20k

A special session of the Winchester Common Council was held on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 in the Council Chambers, Rouss City Hall. President Jeffrey Buettner called the meeting to order at 6:59 p.m.

PRESENT: President Jeff Buettner; Vice-Mayor Michael Butler; Councilors Evan Clark, John Hill, Milt McInturff, Les Veach and John Willingham; Vice-President Art Major; Mayor Elizabeth Minor (9)

The perception was that the local media was not present or could not stick around after this executive session on Tuesday, October 6, 2009  due to their respective deadlines.

• Motion to convene in Executive Session pursuant to §2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia to discuss a personnel matter regarding assignment, appointment, performance, and salaries of specific public appointees.

Councilor Willingham moved to convene in executive session. The motion was seconded then
unanimously approved by voice-vote.

At 7:01 p.m. President Buettner stated that executive session would begin after a five minute recess.

Upon returning at 7:44 p.m., council members approved a motion to return to open meeting and each member certified that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act were discussed during the closed meeting, and that only those public business matters identified in the motion which convened the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered during the closed meeting.

A roll call vote was taken, the ayes and nays being recorded as shown below:

MEMBER VOTE

Councilor Buettner Aye
Councilor Butler Aye
Councilor Clark Aye
Councilor Hill Aye
Councilor Major Aye
Councilor McInturff Aye
Mayor Minor Aye
Councilor Veach Aye
Councilor Willingham Aye

Page 2 October 6, 2009

• President Buettner presented a motion to increase the City Attorney’s annual salary to $124,000.  The motion was seconded by Councilor Willingham and then unanimously approved by voice-vote.  President Buettner stated that Council would ask the City Manager to look at employee salaries throughout the City and would need to pay them competitively. During the next budget cycle, the other employees would be compensated.

A quote from a local reporter in response to this increase which the local media was not aware until someone from downtown notified The Pub on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 in return was shared with the local media outlets which produced a front page story in the NVD on Thursday, October 22nd.  The Winchester Star ran a story on page B5 of the local section the same day.

The night I DIDN'T stick around after the "executive session" ... actually I think no one from the media stuck around. Keep in mind, this is NOT an election year for council.

All media reps who attended the Oct. 6 meeting left when council convened in closed session and no one returned.

The length of closed sessions are never known beforehand so media reps who face deadline issues often have to return to their offices in enough time to file stories. I can't say whether council realized everyone had left and THEN decided to act or if they would not have taken action were any of us still at the meeting.

Valley Health may feel squeeze (The Winchester Star)

Valley Health may feel squeeze

By Rebecca Layne
The Winchester Star
November 11, 2009

Winchester — Health-care reform was the major topic among many discussed by Valley Health officials during their semi-annual meeting Tuesday.

Company Chairman Dixon Whitworth told the crowded room that a change is needed to sustain the viability of the nation’s health care.

He also spoke of the effect on Valley Health of possible cuts of $11 million to $12 million in Medicare reimbursements.

“The magnitude of such costs will have significant impact on our jobs and health-care services,” said Whitworth.

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

Folks, the Pub has shared a different side of Valley Health System that displays a much healthier financial position than the masses of the regional community is informed about.

Please keep in mind, from years 2001 through 2005, the Winchester Medical Center profits made epic leaps and bounds with an jaw dropping 383%.

Wonder if Mr. Whitworth is trying to say that Valley Health will have to raise the "charges" on their services to overcome this revenue shortfall?

Valley Health has made epic strides in Excess of Revenue (Profits) since 2001

A new direction? Winchester flunks Engineering 101 (TheWinchesterStar)

A new direction?
Winchester flunks Engineering 101

By Michael Shea

While I suspect that additional traffic in Winchester was in part due to the glorious last gasp of summer, the condition demonstrated that government — at every level — is subject to the law of unintended consequences. Namely, by making Braddock and Cameron two-way, what was once a one-minute trip from Piccadilly to Handley Boulevard, now takes no less than six minutes.

The timing of the lights is set to ensure each is red upon arrival. The lines of cars at each light were no less than 10 deep, and just turning off Braddock at Handley took two full cycles of the light at a minimum. None of this was because of any “confusion.” By cramming the same amount of cars from two lanes down to one, we get what any first-grader could have deduced: traffic jams.

Thanks, City Council — you’ve now guaranteed I will never go down to the historic district again. I gather I won’t be alone. More businesses will close, and the number of shuttered buildings will continue to increase.

Whatever you paid the traffic engineer to calculate that this madness would make traffic flow more freely, it was too much. Same number of cars plus fewer lanes never equal flowing traffic. Engineering 101. Time for a refund.

Instead, I suspect those council members voting for this will defend their decision, asking that we “give it time” to work, and that we, the driving public, who, while perfectly capable of navigating two-way streets in every other part of the city and county, must be seizing up with confusion the minute we turn onto Braddock. It’s the typical “we know best and you the public don’t” excuse we’re all getting tired of lately. Sorry, no sale.

Do everyone a favor — admit you goofed, pull up the striping, and restore the old signage. A costly lesson, but not nearly so costly as revenues lost to business transactions that will never take place because no one wants to fight the traffic downtown.

Remember the adage: “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Braddock wasn’t “broke,” but it sure is now!

Michael Shea is a resident of Stephenson.
Open Forum, Winchester Star, November 10, 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.

	Winchester	Lewis-Gale
	Medical Center	Medical Center
	Winchester, VA	Salem, VA
Licensed Beds:	411	521
Staffed Beds:	411	216
Licensed NISCU bassinets:	24	0
Staffed NISCU bassinets:	24	0
Staffed normal newborn bassinets:	12	5
Patient days:	110,155	69,613
Admissions:	25,318	13,405
FT equivalents - Payroll:	2,297	1,138
FT equivalents - Contract:	140	58
Gross Inpatient Revenue:	409,766,805	347,615,243
Gross Outpatient Revenue:	263,761,298	252,975,201
Gross Patient Revenue:	673,528,103	600,590,201
Contractual Allowance:	234,014,441	385,083,587
Charity Care:	25,752,576	7,961,893
Indigent Care Trust:	0	6,040
Net Patient Revenue:	413,761,086	207,544,964
Other Operating Revenue:	13,788,825	2,539,328
Current Assets:	207,181,874	36,828,681
Net Fixed Assets:	276,623,250	112,204,986
Other Assets:	220,606,786	93,385,839
Total Assets:	704,411,910	242,419,506
Current Liabilities:	43,025,848	25,498,841
Long Term Liabilities:	207,765,314	41,232,819
Total Liabilities:	250,792,162	66,731,660
Fund Balance:	453,619,748	175,687,846
Labor Expense:	180,988,686	76,762,259
Non-Labor Expense:	145,327,697	78,477,511
Capital Expense:	37,317,267	21,729,361
Taxes:	$162,362	$12,170,282
Bad-Debt Expense:	23,331,159	9,076,278
Total Operating Expense:	387,127,171	198,245,691
Operating Income:	40,422,740	11,838,601
Net Non-Operating gains:	26,195,223	157,705
Revenue & Gains
in excess of expenses (profits):	$66,617,963	$11,996,306
Tax Status:	Not-For-Profit	Proprietary

In addition to other services offered, these facilities reported the following services available during fiscal year their Utilization Spread Sheets

	Winchester	Lewis-Gale
	Medical Center	Medical Center
	Winchester, VA	Salem, VA
Cardiac Catheterization:	X	X
Chemotheraphy:	X	X
Chronis Renal Dialsis:	X	X
Cobalt & Linear Accelerator Radiology:	X	X
Hyperbaric Therapy:		X
Lithotripshy:	X	X
Neonatal Intensive Care:	X	X
Organized Hospice Program:		X
Pain Management Program:	X	X
Wound Clinic:	X	X

[Source: Virginia Health Information, From Numbers to Knowledge]



Pricing Transparency:

Lewis-Gale Medical Center's Commitment to Pricing Transparency
We know that especially today, when so many people are uninsured or underinsured, it is important for individuals to have healthcare pricing information. We are committed to making this information available to consumers so they can better anticipate and understand their financial responsibilities and make informed healthcare decisions.

Because we know that healthcare is complex and that a general listing of prices for our common procedures will not meet everyone’s needs, we have developed a toll free number where consumers can contact us directly for a prospective service quote. Our goal in making this information easy to access is to remain a leader in key healthcare initiatives aimed at better patient care.

Click here for ... Lewis-Gale Medical Center Pricing Estimates

Please note when Valley Health's website was searched for "pricing estimates", there was nothing to be found.

Charity Care / Community Benefit:

Uninsured & Low-Income Patients - Charity Care by Lewis-Gale Medical Center (for-profit)
Americans who do not have health insurance constitute a sizable and growing problem for our society - a problem that touches not just patients, hospitals and physicians, but also employers and the government. In 2007, HCA Virginia provided $242 million in free charitable care to low-income, uninsured patients who needed care but could not afford to pay for it. While this effort is not a solution to the larger issue of the uninsured, it provides a meaningful benefit to thousands of Virginians annually.

Download our charity care and financial discount policy.

If you have further questions about charity care after reviewing our policy, you may call us at 800-799-6478.

Examples of donations HCA Virginia made in the past three years of what they gave away:

•     $1.8 million to Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
•     $1 million to Virginia Western Community College Nursing and Radiology/Technology Program
•     $1 million to John Tyler Community College Nursing School
•     $1 million to J. Sargeant Reynolds Nursing School
•     $500,000 to the VCU School of Nursing
•     $300,000 to the Alleghany Highland YMCA
•     $160,000 to the Science Museum of Virginia
•     $140,000 to Virginia Tech
•     $100,000 to the New River Community College RN Program
•     $100,000 to the Friends of Loudoun County Mental Health
•     $100,000 to Loudoun County Youth, Inc.
•     $70,000 to the Radford University Family Health Clinic
•     $63,000 to North Virginia Community College's NOVA HealthForce Coalition
•     $50,000 to The Capitol Square Civil Rights Memorial Foundation

Ballpark naming rights sold to Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Avalanche Ballpark re-named Lewis-Gale Medical Center Field @ Salem Baseball Stadium on April 5, 2006

Click here for "About Lewis-Gale Medical Center Videos"



To review the entire Valley Health System's benefit to the regional area, click here: "Valley Health System's Community Benefit"

Click here for "Featured Videos by Valley Health"



Population Comparisons:

25,449 - City of Salem
25,878 - City of Winchester


92,967 - City of Roanoke
73,898 - Frederick County


Other areas population figures:

295,700 - Roanoke Metro Area

102,044 - Berkeley County, WV
36,663 - Warren County
40,777 - Shenandoah County
24,164 - Page County ... new hospital planned for future???
16,325 - Morgan County, WV
17,020 - City of Martinsburg, WV
22,574 - Hampshire County, WV
Hampshire Memorial Breaks Ground on $35 million on a New Hospital



Please keep in mind that Valley Health is purchasing the majority of the Regional hospitals and the perception is that the standard protocol is a brand new facility of $30 million.



On the web:
HCA Virginia Health System: http://www.hcavirginia.com/  
Valley Health System: http://www.valleyhealthlink.com/


Winchester Medical Center: http://www.valleyhealthlink.com/WMC 
Lewis-Gale Medical Center: http://www.lewis-gale.com/

Bridgeforth infield : A-Turf or a regrade/sodded infield?

This pic below is what about $350-$400k (just an educated guess) will get you if an A-Turf infield is selected for Bridgeforth’s infield over the “regrade/new sod” which the perception for the cost for a renovated natural grass infield is less than $25k.

The answer to that question is as follows:

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael White [mailto:mwhite@ci.winchester.va.us]
Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 9:30 AM
To: 'JEFF MILBURN'
Subject: RE: Cost estimates for A-Turf infield @ Bridgeforth

Jeff,

To answer your questions…artificial turf vs. natural has been the discussion over the last couple of months when it comes to the infield at Bridgeforth.  We’ve seen prices range anywhere from $9 - $14 per square foot install costs for the turf.  That range includes all of your sub-construction, curb, drainage, infill, and turf.  The life span of that surface is roughly 10 years.  At the 10 year mark, you’re looking at 50 – 60% of that initial cost to pay for replacement infill and turf as all of your drainage and curbing remains intact.  The area we’ve been discussing converting to artificial turf is roughly 21,000 – 24,000 square feet or pretty close to your 150 x 150 estimate.  So, you’re basically looking at roughly $200,000 - $225,000 for construction and $100,000 - $120,000 after 10 years to replace it.  To install turf on an area that big would take anywhere between 3 – 5 weeks.  At the 10 year point or time of replacement, as it stands in 2009, almost 100% of that turf and infill would go to a landfill.  However, they’re working on having a viable recycling option.  Who knows what technology will be like in 10 years?  I would bet they have something figured out by then.

What is being discussed is laying a large square area of artificial turf that would go from the backstop and extend down each foul line 15 feet past where the infield skin stops.  You’re correct, the only dirt on the infield would be the mound and everything else would be covered with turf.  They use different color turf around the bases to give the appearance of cutouts.  The other option is covering the entire field with artificial turf.  That has it’s advantages too when you consider multi-use.  We could potentially play soccer, lacrosse, football, etc. in the outfield on artificial turf.  The infield only option is common at many colleges, high schools, parks, etc. mainly because of the cost.  To do the entire field would probably triple that figure easily.

As far as advantages go, you’re pretty much right on with what you listed.  But, it’s not realistic to expect to pay for the turf solely on your maintenance savings.  Some turf companies pitch that but I don’t think it’s 100% accurate.  We will no doubt see a reduction in our costs at Bridgeforth.  But, you still have to have someone groom the field and we’ll still have guys mowing the outfield area (if it stays natural grass).  But, the time savings in man hours for the players and coaches of our user groups would be significant allowing for more baseball play and less maintenance time.  It would also save our maintenance staff man hours at the field which can be dedicated elsewhere throughout the 255 acre park system.  The biggest benefit to having artificial turf is over the 10 year life cycle of the turf, you can play twice the amount of baseball than you can in the same 10 year period on a natural infield surface when you factor in maintenance hours saved and wet weather being a non-factor.  The Bridgeforth renovation committee is serious about pursuing artificial turf at the field and the only way we’re going to be able to realize it is to have the committee and the user groups fundraise the money to pay for it.  That’s the next step the committee will be taking and we’ll be discussing our plan of action very soon.  It’s not realistic to expect the committee to raise the funds and jump through all of the necessary procurement hoops and contracts to get the turf in place before the 2010 season.  That’s why we’re moving forward with the re-grade of the infield.  That buys the committee the necessary time to go out and fundraise to convert it to artificial turf.  At Bridgeforth Field, artificial turf is probably our best long term solution.

Hope this answers your questions.

Mike

WMC’s expansion plans to proceed (The Winchester Star)

By Rebecca Layne
The Winchester Star
November 5, 2009

WINCHESTER — A major segment of the expansion project at Winchester Medical Center will begin construction Nov. 20.

The city Industrial Development Authority (IDA) on Wednesday approved $175 million in bonds to finance the overall project.

It has been in the planning stages for three years, and some phases of the work have begun.

“Population is expected to grow exponentially in the next decade, and demand suggests there will be a need for expansion,” said Tom Urtz, director of marketing and public relations for Valley Health, the hospital’s parent organization.

The next phase will be the construction of a six-story North Tower, a one-story addition to the heart and vascular section, and a 29,000-square-foot clinical laboratory.

The tower will include an expanded emergency room and 135,000 square feet in shell space on the top two floors. Work on the tower will begin in January.

The expansion will enable the hospital to increase the number of beds from 411 to 445. Its staff will add 150-200 clinical jobs.

The overall project will add about 356,000 square feet to the WMC complex and will include the renovation of about 78,000 square feet in the emergency department, loading dock, and other areas.

The construction of a $10 million, five-level, 560-space parking garage began in April and is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month.

A $20 million outpatient diagnostic center was completed in the spring.

“In order to meet growing community need with the increase in population and demand, the number of beds and services need to increase,” said Craig Lewis, WMC’s chief financial officer. “We want to meet these needs for the next 30 to 40 years.”

The construction is expected to be finished in early 2012. The contractor for the project is Whiting-Turner.

The bonds will be tax-exempt with a variable interest rate at 4.5 percent and a fixed-interest rate at “mid-5 percent,” Lewis said. The bonds will be sold by the IDA to BB&T, TD Bank, US Bank, and Wachovia.

WMC is a tax-exempt, nonprofit regional referral hospital. It is a member of Valley Health, which operates five other hospitals: Warren Memorial Hospital in Front Royal, Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in Woodstock, Page Memorial Hospital in Luray, Hampshire Memorial Hospital in Romney, W.Va., and War Memorial Hospital in Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

— Contact Rebecca Layne at
rlayne@winchesterstar.com

A Cork/Braddock Street blunder? Street not wide enough to accommodate 4 lanes

Let me explain what happened here, basically, it was said that the City's Engineer wanted a total of 4 lanes at this Cork/Braddock street intersection headed West going past George Washington's Hotel and Braddock Sports Shop.

Heading West, city officials wanted the following :

- right turn left to head north on Braddock
- straight lane to head west on Cork
- left turn lane to head south on Braddock

AND

- straight lane coming east from Cork heading toward Loudoun St / Cameron St that will eventually bring you to the Cork/Valley Ave intersection.

Problem was duly noted in the beginning by many concerned folks, there was not enough room for vehicles turning left coming South from Braddock onto Cork heading East.

How much was this little blunder? Again, I was told by a concerned biz owner, another issue that they tried to inform individuals about in the beginning as he also tried to inform the folks about the push buttons on the Braddock/Cork street intersection.

What had to be done to correct this mistake ...
- they tried to scratch the line out, but I don't believe that worked
- had to repave the section as one can see
- lights will have to be moved on the arm as you can see will not align properly with lanes
- who pays for this boo-boo?

To close, another issue that could of been avoided if city officials would of listen to at least this biz owner.

Bridgeforth Field "infield" getting a makeover also?

There is talk that WPRD is seriously looking at getting the infield at Bridgeforth Field relasered cut and new sod installed due to the safety issues with the non-levelness of the playing surface.  Today is November 1st, something will have to happen soon for the sod to take root before winter sets in.

Kudos to the WPRD folks, Mike White and Brad Veach for taking a more in-depth look at the seriousness of this concern at Bridgeforth Field.

THE PIBBSTER's PUB has not been informed IF Shenandoah University will be contributing to this project or not?  If they are, then an update will be made to this post.


Exciting time baseball fans!  I sure hope the wants of some do not get in the way of what is needed dearly to make Bridgeforth Field SAFE for of ALL of user groups of this facility.

Review Mr. Veach's comments below, who is WPRD Director and Mike White, who is the Operations Superintendent:

-----Original Message-----
From: Bradley Veach
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 8:45 AM
To: 'JEFF MILBURN'

Subject: RE: Infield renovation @ Bridgeforth field?

Jeff,

Good morning.

Yes, we are looking at several options (regrade and sod vs artificial turf) for the infield and depending upon the direction we decide to take, some of the user groups may need to financially support our unified effort. Those specific details have not been worked out because there is a significant difference in price between the two options. It is premature to speculate which option we will take until we look at all the pros and cons (which we are doing right now) and then we will determine what resources the user groups can bring to the table. The park budgeted money to make improvements and the work by the HHS students and the volunteers in a few weeks will allow us to stretch those tax dollars to do more than we originally anticipated. We are keeping an open mind on all the options. We'll make a decision after we evaluate all of this. After the City determines what option is in our best interest, which will likely happen within the next week, we will procure the construction services necessary to implement our final decision. Time is against us so we will need to move quickly before the ground freezes. I'll have more info within a week.

Brad


From: JEFF MILBURN
Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 6:08 PM
To: 'Bradley Veach'

Subject: Infield renovation @ Bridgeforth field?
Importance: High

Brad,

As a concerned tax paying citizen, I would like to know if there is anything going on with the infield at Bridgeforth?  If so, where is that money coming from for that project?

I look forward to your reply.

Thanks,
JEFF

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael White 
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 8:43 AM
To: 'JEFF MILBURN'
Cc: 'Bradley Veach'
Subject: RE: Suggestion at Bridgeforth field renovation work

Jeff, got your message yesterday.  I was out of the office with my son.  Thanks for the call.

Don’t know if you’ve touched base with Brad on the subject in my absence but we have been discussing the infield with all of the renovations for sometime.  Renovation work outside the field started first because no one needed the buildings.  There is a lot of research and pricing going into the infield process.  We are working with the Bridgeforth committee on the process and some of the user groups have expressed an interest in seeing if artificial turf is a viable option.  That option brings it’s own set of unique challenges as well as some advantages.  So, at this point, we haven’t determined the exact direction with regards to the infield as many variables will factor into the decision, the main one being funding.  At this point, I do feel confident in saying, one way or another we will have a new playing surface at the field for the upcoming season.

Regarding the company from Maryland, if we decide to re-grade the field, we have secured a company out of Remington, VA to do the work.  They have several ballfield maintenance contracts with other entities throughout Virginia and their bid price for their “plow, grind, and grade” service is $1.00 per sq/ft which includes resodding the field once they’re done.  It will only take them about 10 days to do the work and part of the service includes a deep cultivation where they go down as deep as 8” to help give the infield some vertical drainage as well as regrading it to give it the proper amount of sheet drainage.  Once it’s done, that should last anywhere between 6-8 years before it should be done again.  It’s an outstanding price that no one has even come close to beating.  So far, their references check out and we’re excited to move forward with them if that’s the direction the committee and the park decide to go.  Given the time of year, as you previously mentioned, the calendar is definitely against us right now so we are hopeful to have a decision within the next few days.

Thanks,

Michael White, CPRP
Operations Superintendent

[updated November 4, 2009 @9:15am]

Buettner explains decision to hike city attorney's salary

Buettner explains decision to hike city attorney's salary
Council president says almost $20,000 raise was needed to stay competitive
By Alex Bridges -- abridges@nvdaily.com
October 22, 2009

WINCHESTER -- The City Council wants to revisit salaries for government workers and make them more competitive.

The council began this month with City Attorney Anthony "Tony" Williams by giving him a 20 percent raise.

The council unanimously passed a resolution Oct. 6 to increase Williams' pay to $124,000 following a closed session convened to discuss personnel matters. That's an increase from $104,728.

The change comes amid reduced revenues during an economic slowdown. Additionally, the city's current budget includes no salary increases for any employees as well as a freeze on hiring for some noncritical positions.

Council President Jeffrey Buettner on Wednesday defended the council's action as a way to keep Williams in his position rather than lose "a first-class city attorney."

"We felt we needed to address a deficiency in his salary even in a tight, tight time, when you've got somebody who's been with you for four years and he's still making one of the lowest salaries in the state, that needs to be addressed or he'd start looking elsewhere," Buettner said.

Councilman Evan Clark concurred.

"Mr. Williams wanted to stay, he had been with the city for some time and I think he's given the city excellent service," Clark said. "I think council feels that way, I think city staff feel that way. Hopefully the citizens of Winchester feel that way as well."

Williams had been offered a higher salary by another locality and could have left, Clark said.

"At this time, with all the things the city is trying to deal with, I think city council felt strongly that this was not the time to lose one of our key players," Clark said.

Winchester appeared to pay one of the lowest salaries for its attorney compared to other cities in Virginia, according to Buettner. The city risks paying more to hire a third party to perform Williams' duties or someone with his skills, Buettner said.

The council found the city's pay scale gave it flexibility to increase Williams' salary without changing his grade, according to Buettner.

"At the same time, we've gotta apply the same thing to the whole city and, while we're certainly not saying we're going to go out and give huge increases to anyone, we also need to be competitive," Buettner said.

Pay raises may be needed in spite of the economic downturn.

"We absolutely understand the economy and I think the actions we took last year -- with putting furlough days in, with the selection of hiring freezes, with no pay increase -- shows we understand the economy," Buettner said. "But at the same time, we've got to be adaptable enough to identify problem areas and address them."

The council asked interim City Manager Robert Noe Jr. to look into studying salaries and benefits for all employees and advertise for a consultant's services. The city has not committed funds to hiring a consultant, Buettner added.

A new study should look at competitive neighboring localities and the private sector, Buettner said. A similar study done three years ago found the city "fairly deficient" in its salaries, Buettner recalled.

"If we want to have a first-class city, which I think we all do, we have to have a first-class staff and to do that we've got to pay competitive salaries and benefits," Buettner said. "When we did the study [it] was at the height of the economic boom time so we don't feel it's really prudent to pull that out because the game has changed."

Clark disagreed.

"It's my opinion that it's ill-advised to spend money on having a consultant come in when we did so not long ago," he said, adding that many people in the work force don't expect raises during the bad economy and are happy just to keep their jobs.

Seriously, is not everyone getting drained of hearing that we need to be competitive with other nearby localities.  The taxes are getting high enough including Frederick County.

We do live in America, correct?  It’s the land of the free where we have choices to make each and every day. OK, a choice that the local citizens have to make, to work in the local area or to commute out of the area for a potential higher paying job. For those who make a decision to leave the local system, good luck and someone else will fill the vacated position and will be very much qualified to do so.

Lastly ... Nobody is indispensable.

[Posted October 22, 2009 @8:05pm]
  

Emergency, call the City Attorney?

I want to be certain I have this correct: The City Attorney is receiving an 18.1 percent raise. The firefighters and police officers in the City of Winchester have their salaries “frozen” for this year.

I’d like to ask the residents of Winchester a question: If your home is on fire at 3 a.m. and you have children trapped in a second-floor bedroom, are you going to call the City Attorney? Or, if you have a parent who collapses at Thanksgiving dinner with chest pains and becomes unconscious, do you think the City Attorney will respond to your 911 call? How about the sound of breaking glass in the middle of the night when someone breaks into your home — is the City Attorney going to face that criminal in a back alley to ensure your protection?

Council’s actions on this matter show a total lack of respect to all the other city employees who go to work every day, in service to the residents of Winchester. Many face life-and-death decisions in the performance of their duties. If a wage freeze must be endured during these difficult times, then such a wage freeze should be shouldered by all city employees, including the City Attorney.

As a resident of Frederick County, perhaps I should have no comment in this matter, but as a past firefighter, I find it appalling that those who risk their lives — firefighters and police officers — are ignored, and the guy who has the job of pulling your “fat from the fire” when you make your stupid decisions gets such a pay raise.

In the race to see which jurisdiction can come up with the dumbest way to waste money, Winchester or Frederick County, I believe you just took the lead with this one.

Doug Kiracofe
Frederick County
October 29, 2009
The Winchester Star, Letters to Editor

Mr. Kiracofe has valid points. I am a firm believer that we do not have to keep up with other localities as we live in America and we have choices to make, to work in Winchester or to commute outside the area. That decision is on you and only you, and not others to decide to pay an individual more money to retain them for their services.

If the City Attorney was offered another opportunity, then congratulations and the citizens appreciate your service and we will find another qualified Attorney to fill the position.

Bottom-line, IF you want to work in Winchester this is the pay-scale, if you like it, then apply, if not, then there are other opportunities elsewhere and good-luck.

Those firefighters that serve and protect the citizenry are the ones that deserve a much needed raise. These individuals have been slighted by their own.

[Updated October 29, 2009 @2:55am]

Hang in there, true Americans


After reading Doug Kiracofe’s letter (Your Views, Oct. 29), I am compelled to agree with him. It never fails to amaze me how little respect/reward those in the “trenches” receive while those in the so-called “upper echelon” receive it all.


I am a disabled American veteran who served honorably for more than 20 years, through Korea, the Cold War, and Vietnam. After retiring, I was employed as a police officer for the Department of Defense, being retired on a disability.


On a much larger scale, personnel receiving disability compensation from the Veterans Administration, Medicare (via age), and other federally funded programs generally receive a small raise — i.e., 2.1 percent or higher depending on the cost of living index.


For the year 2010, our congressional leaders in Washington decided that due to the economic situation these individuals would not receive any increase! But wait! They gave themselves a rather substantial increase in their salaries!


Rest assured, things are going to get worse with our country being transformed to a Marxist nation by those currently in power. Hang in there, true Americans!


F. L. Hileman
USAF, Retired
Frederick County
Letter to Editor, The Winchester Star

[Posted November 4, 2009  @6:30am]