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

 

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