Councilman Kerr's Blog Page

Run one and all

Councilman Kerr — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:05:00 GMT

Well you heard it here first. I am seeking reelection to council. With that said there is a lot of word threw the old East Liverpool grape vine that we may have 2 retired firefighters, 2 former councilmen and a handful of other candidates running for council in this upcoming election. I am very excited about this. Why? Because it means people are starting to believe in East Liverpool or they think the job the current council has done stinks. Either way it gives the citizens a choice of candidates. I will not announce the position I am running for yet. But I hope other council members who are not seeking reelection make there announcement soon. This will give individuals that may still be thinking of running, a chance to get petitions and have them filed before the deadline.

The truth and nothing but

Councilman Kerr — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:38:00 GMT

I was at the big fire downtown and at several fires in East End. Most of the fires were run by the Asst Chief Mr. Jones. He led the departments with the safety of his guys first. With the big fire he led all departments..Liverpool Township, Wellsville, and kept an eye on all of them. So, if you want to know the truth, then there it is! I will not tolerate anyone saying that Mr. Jones cannot run the show. He ran the show with professionalism and everyone came home safe, with no injuries, so in the fire business that is an accomplishment. If you want to say things about me and what I do or don't do, then fine. I will not stand for you or anyone putting down ONE OF THE BEST FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE TRI STATE AREA. Remember these are my comments and not that of my fellow councilman, which some or all may disagree with my actions. I stand by the fire department! Do You?

Councilman Kerr

Support the Levy, no new taxes!!!!!

Mayor's Comments From the Morning Journal

Councilman Kerr — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:25:23 GMT

It seems that the Mayor needs glasses. Because what he said to the Morning Journal was very false in every comment. I was NEVER ASKED TO GO BEHIND THE YELLOW TAPE as the mayor said in this quote (Mayor Jim Swoger pointed out police did a good job clearing the area of other bystanders and Kerr.) http://www.morningjournalnews.com/page/content.detail/id/506109.html?nav=5006 Let me set the record straight. When I arrived on seen it was total chaos with people standing across the street from the fire and pretty much everywhere else. The police started putting the caution tape up around 6th street to keep the crowd back. It was at that point I started to help. I helped with moving the LARGE crowd back. When doing this I noticed one firefighter point to an unknown individual acting like he need a drink. So I sent my brother to giant eagle to purchase some Gatorade and water for the firefighters and paramedics. So what the mayor could not see was a Concerned Councilman giving water and Gatorade to the exhausted firemen. Another thing he didn't mention was that there was Ryan Stoval, John Torma, Sherrie Curtis also there trying to help. Ryan called the red cross to get help for some residence that was displaced because of the smoke and fire. Now the last thing the response to call in the township. First I have always stood by the fire department and still do. This was a fire they had under control till it got to some sort of chemicals and then all hell broke loss. A city firemen almost fell off the roof because the flames just burst thought the roof. Then they called in the township which arrived to the scene with 11 firefighters and the Chief. They were to stand by at central station till called which was about 20 minutes after they arrived. The second call went out around 11:30 to Wellsville's requesting there ladder truck. Red Cross arrived before the Wellsville's truck. At that point I started Helping the red cross staff in passing out coffee, donut's and water to the firefighters and police force. Also in the article it states I was escorted out of there. That is not true at all. I stayed until 12:30 am helping the red cross and make sure the visiting fire fighters were thanked for there hard work. So I will end it with this, if the Mayor has something to say then why is it that we have 3 firemen lay ed off and not one of them have been called back. If this was Thompson park pool the Mayor would hire some life guards, no wait he is the only Mayor in Ohio that is a Lifeguard. If he put as much thought into the city as he does that pool, we would not have the problems we do.
Councilman Kerr

Dan's Bar Update

Councilman Kerr — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 23:53:00 GMT

All I can say about Dan's is? It will be a thing of the past VERY, VERY SOON. So if you are a regular customer at Dan's, I suggest going really soon to get your drinks. I will speak more on this issue later, when the time is right.
Councilman Kerr

Why ?

Councilman Kerr — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:05:00 GMT

Why is it so hard for people to accept? I am not going to follow the past practices of previous councilman. Why is it if I make comment or get involved with something other than city issues, is it wrong? I see things that need changed, some are simple others are more complex. I think people cannot except thinking out side the box. Everything is moving North to Calcutta. We have many things to offer people in our downtown. With fuel cost rising, try driving downtown to walk around and see what there is to do, I think you find it enjoyable.

I have my popcorn ready do you??

Councilman Kerr — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:45:00 GMT

First let me say that I believe in East Liverpool Schools. I feel being in City government it is important to be involved in the school district. Why? because, people look at a school system when they are looking to relocate. I will say this my kids will never go to BEAVER LOCAL !!! I graduated from Steubenville Big Red in 1991. That school system has a great following one of which I am proud to be part of. Regardless of the Superintendent stays or goes, with this arguing on the board it will be tough to get a quality person as a Superintendent. It only shows that money does not solve everything. If the Superintendent cannot put up with the board president for 110,000 a year, I don't think anyone else can for less. I will be at the board meeting Thursday, what a meeting it has shaped up to be. I think we should have a ring announcer to say lets have a GOOD CLEAN FIGHT!!!

The East Liverpool Board of Education meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Administration Building at 6:00 PM. Certain business transactions may cause the Board to meet at different times/days so please call the Administration Building at 330 385 7132 for the correct update

Response to Ken Halbert by Gary D. Bonnell

Councilman Kerr — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:05:00 GMT

This was emailed to me today from Gary Bonnell. First I will tell you I take no side on this issue, well I take 2 the KIDS AND THE TEACHERS. I hope we hear a response from Mr. Halbert, if he wishes I will post it here to. This is some long reading, ENJOY!!!!!!!!

Response to Ken Halbert
by Gary D. Bonnell
June 8, 2008

I am responding with deep regret because much of this information was discussed behind closed doors, and I was very hopeful that the information I am about to present remain there. To the contrary, Superintendent Halbert has elected to bring these issues to the public’s eye causing great disruption in our school system.

I am responsible as Board President to be the designated representative of the Board to the Superintendent and Treasurer according to Board Policy. Part of my duties is to guide and direct not only our Board but to inform the Board, Superintendent, and Treasurer of any situation that may cause liability resulting in litigation or adverse public perception knowing that we must depend upon the taxpayers for funding our school system. That being said, I was elected to the Board by the taxpayer, and I will attempt to fulfill my obligation to see that the district budget of $56 million per year is spent wisely and for the purpose it was intended. I would like to make note that I do not and will not take any Board compensation (approximately $3,000 per year) until we are out of Fiscal Emergency.

Unlike comments made by Mr. Walton, I am just one of five votes on the Board. My duties as Board President extend way beyond that realm both legally and financially. I am responsible for all of the committees that have been formed and to see that they function properly. I am also Pro Tem of every committee and have a right to not only sit in on but vote as a member of each committee. Involving any litigation, I am the individual that is named as the primary defendant. Also there are other duties required by law to be reported semi-annually to the Board President by the Superintendent such as bullying. As President, if I do not take action, I will be liable.

Since Mr. Halbert has been here, he has sent a letter to all Board members prior to each January Board meeting requesting that the Members choose a President who can be available and be able to meet and communicate with him on a daily basis. Mr. Halbert not only communicated to me his personal dissatisfaction that the previous Board President was out of state for five weeks, but that the individual did not respond to his phone calls regarding critical issues. I must emphasize that after becoming Board President, I was requested by Superintendent Halbert to discuss school related issues 95% of the time. I in no way met with him without a request from him to do so. I was appointed Chairman of the Bond Liaison Committee (at which time all committees including the Food Service and Athletic had been approved by a 5-0 vote).

Superintendent Halbert requested, because of my experience and background, to represent him on the OSFC Construction Project that pertained to his responsibility. He requested this because he wanted to concentrate his time on improving test scores. I reluctantly and with great debate with him accepted this role and told him that I was concerned that people might think I was micromanaging him and the school district. I would like to emphasize that Superintendent Halbert has publicly stated he wanted me to assume that role and thanked me for accepting it.

What I find very disturbing is that Superintendent Halbert knows the protocol that if, in fact, there is a personnel issue such as the one he made very public this past week, he had the obligation to call a Special Board Meeting and go into Executive Session to discuss any dissatisfactions especially any directed at a Board Member. To date, that has not happened. He also knows that according to Board Policy, before it is finalized and released to the public, the Board agenda must be approved by three individuals, the Superintendent, Treasurer, and the Board President. Superintendent Halbert also knows that no resignation can be placed on the Board agenda without the support of a written letter of resignation of which he has not submitted to date.

It should be recognized that I was the individual primarily responsible for bringing him to our district. I was informed before we interviewed him from individuals who were directly involved in the Wellsville School District that there were two main issues of dissatisfaction.

· He threatened to quit if he didn’t get his own way.

· He was disappearing from the district during school hours.

I questioned Superintendent Halbert prior to his interview with the Board and he debunked these allegations as sour grapes by those individuals at Wellsville because he was considering leaving them. Even after his interview and before he was hired, I discussed some of these issues with our Board and all of the Board except one accepted his explanation.

The following are issues that happened which I feel compelled to inform the public.

· When Superintendent Halbert was hired, he stated he would buy a home in the district and be part of the community and be readily available to participate in school functions. Shortly after he was hired, he moved to his home in Poland, Ohio which is approximately 45 minutes away from our district.

· Mr. Halbert recently demanded a five-year contract after only 1 ½ years into his initial three year contract. Again, Superintendent Halbert stated if he did not receive a five year contract, he would resign July 2008. This was not his first threat to quit.

· With the formation of the Athletic Committee, which was approved with a 5-0 vote of the Board, Superintendent Halbert vehemently opposed this committee because it was micromanaging not only him but the Principal and the Athletic Director. I explained to Superintendent Halbert that not only did I think it was necessary to have this committee, but the entire Board felt the same, after having packed Board rooms and numerous phone calls from dissatisfied parents. I explained to him that part of this was due to our previous President abolishing the Athletic Board, a.k.a. Athletic Committee, which had been in place all of the previous years that could be verified. This is one of the big sticking points that angered Superintendent Halbert - that I would not agree to abolish that committee. Again, Superintendent Halbert threatened to resign.

· With the formation of the Food Service Committee, which again was abolished by the previous President, Mr. Halbert vehemently opposed this committee because it would burden him with additional work. Again, the Food Service was part of our committee structure for all the previous years that could be verified. I stated to him that over 70% of our students receive either free or reduced lunches and in many cases this was the only quality meal that they receive each day. Our food quality and the lack of being able to account for $7,000 of missing money were reasons enough for me and the Board, who voted 5-0, to reinstate this committee. I would like to note that Superintendent Hiscox brought Nutrition Inc. to East Liverpool Schools illegally by violating the sealed bid procedure. Superintendent Halbert again threatened to resign because he felt we were micromanaging his authority to choose what method of food service we were to use.

· Several months ago, Superintendent Halbert presented five administrative contracts totaling three years each to the Board. After I researched the evaluation process, I discovered in a school law book, and then by verification of our attorney, that these three year contracts were in direct violation of the law. When I brought this to his attention, he was angered and I explained and supplied to him the correct process according to law (Ohio Revised Code) that these individuals could only receive a two year contract because they were not properly evaluated. He blamed Interim Superintendent Rick Wolfe for not evaluating administrators the nine months he was in our district; but the fact is, Mr. Halbert did not perform one evaluation the first year he was here. When I confronted him with that fact, he stated that he could not properly evaluate them, because he did not observe their performance. I explained to him that our attorney stated these evaluations must take place according to schedule even if it was somewhat a generic evaluation. These evaluations could not be missed and properly administer individuals a new contract. Our attorney stated that these administrators could only be issued, according to law, a two year contract and if we did otherwise, there could be expensive legal implications. Also, there was an issue with a Principal refusing to carry a cell phone. I explained to Superintendent Halbert that this was unacceptable in view of power outages in our area as well as shootings and conduct/safety issues that have occurred in other districts throughout the US. I questioned Superintendent Halbert,
after reviewing administrative evaluations contained in the Board packet (which is given out to Board Members before meetings) about the glowing evaluations of some individuals who were removed from their positions because of poor job performance. They were reassigned to another job and were assisted by a consultant. I reviewed these evaluations with Superintendent Halbert and stated I thought he should be more conservative because if any administrator did not perform properly after these glowing evaluations, it would jeopardize our Board legally. I shared with our attorneys and they concurred that I was correct. Glowing evaluations was a pattern among most administrators. He again accused me and the Board of
micromanaging and threatened to quit.

· I repeatedly requested from Mr. Halbert, because of low test scores, the evaluation of our teachers. He repeatedly stonewalled me and finally admitted that most of our teachers had not been evaluated for 23 years. I asked him if he instructed the Principals during his first year here to evaluate teachers and he said he had not. Again, Superintendent Halbert said I was micromanaging and threatened to resign.

· Superintendent Halbert sent a very critical letter to our construction managers, R. P. Carbone. I questioned the information supplied to him by some of our administrators as to its validity and requested that he make a phone call to verify that information. Instead, Superintendent Halbert sent the letter anyway…a letter that contained inaccuracies and untruths. This obviously angered R. P. Carbone construction managers and they responded in kind criticizing his accusations. After working almost on a daily basis with R. P. Carbone, I felt that it was not conducive to a good working relationship and that situation should never happen again. After conveying my feelings to Superintendent Halbert, he again threatened to resign.

· I questioned Superintendent Halbert on numerous occasions about the implementation of the Virtual Academy from Jefferson County that both he and the Board thought was a good idea to compete heads up with the Buckeye Online School for Success and either save or recoup the 185 students we have lost to BOSS. Superintendent Halbert commented that he didn’t have the time or the manpower to implement it. I told him I thought that was unacceptable in view of the loss of enrollment to our district and the loss of over $1.3 million. Mr. Halbert, again, accused me of micromanaging and threatened to resign.

· I am not the only Board Member or Administrator that Superintendent Halbert has been dissatisfied with. He has been critical of Board Members Scott Dieringer and Bob Estell for their activity on the Athletic Committee and also made accusations that it was a conflict of interest to have a former Food Service Director on the Food Service Committee. That accusation is false. Mr. Estell’s brother’s wife is the daughter of theformer Food Service Director and furthermore, the former Food Service Director is going to assist us free of charge.

· Superintendent Halbert wrote a very damaging letter attacking Treasurer Dan Telzrow and offered his resignation because he could not professionally get along with him. This letter was on the heels of Mr. Halbert repeatedly requesting and suggesting to me and other Board Members that his friend and former Wellsville Treasurer replace Mr. Telzrow.

· Over dinner, I discussed with Vice-President and Chairman of the Personnel Committee, Janice Martin, some comments conveyed to me by people in the community about the Superintendent. I stated to her two issues. 1) The perception was that he was coming in late and leaving early and was seen going up Route 11 at 2-3:00 in the afternoon. 2) There was a concern by the public that he was not attending very many of the student events in our district. She stated that he lives in Poland and it may be difficult. I stated to her that it was not our district’s problem because he said he would purchase a house in our district and become part of our community. I reiterated to Janice that this was one of the reasons I had the language changed in his five-year contract which she had resisted. It stipulated that he was to maintain normal business hours. I asked Janice Martin what approach she thought we ought to take and requested that she accompany me while I spoke with him. She declined to accompany me and then asked me how I was going to approach him. I conveyed to her what I was going to say and how I was going to say it. As soon as she left dinner, she contacted Superintendent Halbert at home conveying to him that I was dissatisfied with his performance. The following day, I met with Mr. Halbert at lunch noting that I was not accusatory, critical, or reprimanding him in any way. He stated that Janice had called him the evening before and said I was dissatisfied with his job performance. I would like to make clear that is not what I had said. I asked him to review the perception that had been conveyed to me by members of the community and consider changing his pattern especially in view that he was one of if not the highest paid superintendent in the county. Superintendent Halbert reacted with great anger and again threatened to resign.

In conclusion, Janice Martin has publicly stated that Superintendent Halbert is responsible for bringing this district out of Fiscal Emergency of almost a $2 million deficit. The fact is the person primarily responsible for this is William

Wenger, Chairman of the Financial Planning and Supervision Commission. Mr. Wenger has corrected, through his position as Chair, the majority of the financial conditions that existed. Also, I have brought to this district’s attention many corrupt acts, including but not limited to the State Auditor’s Finding for Recovery of illegal stipends paid to employees. (It should be noted that Mr. Walton voted for these illegal stipends along with former Board Members Denise Taylor and Steve Beadnell, costing our district over $70,000). It has been confirmed in public by R. P. Carbone Co. and by the Ohio School Facilities Commission that, in fact, the fraudulent enrollment figure of over 1,000 students would have resulted in a loss of over $20 million to our district and given our competitor, BOSS, brand new buildings for pennies on the dollar.

Mr. Walton has made some very strong accusations about my character and integrity. It should be known that Mr. Walton was assured that Beadnell and Taylor would be elected and he would hold the spot as President for the next two years. The taxpayers were smart enough to see that those two individuals did not get elected. Mr. Walton is very upset that he is not President and that four Board Members did not grant his recommendation to have his 24 year old relative as Commencement speaker. I think it is very relevant that Mr. Walton who votes on a $56 million budget should be questioned why he has not paid $97,200.26 in state sales tax that he collected from customers but did not pay the State of Ohio. According to two publications in the newspaper, he has not paid his property taxes either.

Miss Martin who is Vice-President and Chairman of the Personnel Committee, was employed as a cashier at Mountaineer Park. After her appointment, she became one of the active union leaders and was one of the individuals who brought Mountaineer Park on strike. During this same time frame, as Chairman of the Personnel Committee, she did not attend any personnel meetings regarding the hiring of a secretary for Treasurer Dan Telzrow. She was on the picket line. Mr. Estell, who was on the committee with her, took the lead in the interview process and selected jointly with the Treasurer several candidates and what their potential pay should be. During the Special Board meeting to vote on this issue, Janice Martin voted "No" because of the salary structure. How can you criticize when you do not attend any committee meetings? I would like also to note that she attended only one of the numerous Food Service Committee meetings. In my opinion, Janice Martin should resign her position as a member of the Personnel Committee. It seems to me it would be very difficult to be a union organizer bringing Mountaineer Park out on strike and then switch hats and represent the Board of Education regarding sensitive union issues.

I have recently discovered that Superintendent Halbert interviewed for our Superintendent’s position at East Liverpool several years ago. It is also my understanding that the interview lasted only a minute or so with the conclusion of the Board that it was his way or no way. To my understanding, he then wrote a letter chastising them for not hiring him.

It is also my understanding that there was collusion among Janice Martin, Larry Walton, and Superintendent Halbert to make this public in an attempt to force my resignation as Board President and as a Board Member. Unlike Superintendent Halbert, I do not threaten to quit nor am I a quitter. It will be a cold day before I resign. I find it interesting that Board Members Scott Dieringer and Bob Estell have not attacked me or my job performance as President of the Board, and they are not involved in this regrettable situation.

I have not received any negative phone calls from or conversations with the public. As a matter of fact, I have been inundated with supportive phone calls.

Gary D. Bonnell

President

East Liverpool Board of Education

Why, What and When ?

Councilman Kerr — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:24:00 GMT

When did the city start it's investigation into Dan's Bar? Now I am not asking any one to disclose this information, I just thought we where on the same page, to move East Liverpool forward. The mayor stated it has been on going, That is the when? The why ,it took me declaring it a public nuisance, then the mayor spoke up. That is the why.Why it took so long for him to tell the local businesses that had their windows broke of their store front 4 times, or all the effort our fine police department has put into stopping the fights and risking their life's, as the bar owners clearly stated the people outside Dan's bar carry knifes and guns and that is the what, what would the mayor say if someone was KILLED in front of Dan's bar. It has not happen yet but someone came close to loosing their life. When you see me ask me my opinion on who knew and who did not. I know for a fact they lost their future. Remember this is my opinion not that of my fellow councilman.
Thank You
Councilman Kerr

Thank You, but doinging what I was elected to do

Councilman Kerr — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:51:00 GMT

Well first I want to thank Larry Long Jr and his wife for their kind words about me to the editor. Like President Clinton, I did not fill any pot holes, well president Clinton did fill a hole, but I did not! Why do I say that, because rumor has it the streets department is going to file a grievance against me for illegally filling pot holes. So for the people thinking of filling the potholes that eat their tires and tears up their alignment, I cannot tell you to fill them, but what you do is your business. Now I want to say that I am not against the street department or have anything against the guys. So follow Larry and his wife's lead by staying in town on a Friday night and have dinner at one of our many eateries. They choose not to goto Calcutta or boardman to eat. So thank you for that. When I moved to East Liverpool I met allot of people that just captured my mind with there stories and past history of the town, one of which was Larry's dad. I met him on the back nine at beaver meadows. The guys before them were not playing very well and we started talking about golf and then east Liverpool came up and the conversation turned to the other guys in my group, some where saying East Liverpool will always be East Liverpool a drug infested city with no hope.The first person to step up and say something was Mr. Long, so I knew there were people out there that had my hope of a better place. I still meet people like that today. I recently had a town hall meeting at the Community Resource Center and it was a history lesson for me. I found out that mulberry street used to look like downtown, with all the big buildings. I thought are they talking about Maxi's Transmission building, with it history of old oil and pieces of its roof blown on the road or the great history from inside the building, which can be clearly seen from all the broken windows and doors. I am proud to serve the people in my ward and I will continue with dedication to the ones that elected me. It's funny I see why people don't do anything in government, their worried about getting reelected. I will remind them of this. It doesn't matter what say you will do in office, it matters that you do it, that will get you reelected. I am not considering running again. It is up to 3 people if I do, that is my lovely wife Amanda and my two boys Preston and Jayden.

Proactive or Reactive

Councilman Kerr — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:40:00 GMT

Proactive or Reactive? Well I road with East Liverpool's finest last night, no not in a taxi, but the East Liverpool's Police Department. First let me say I may have asked what they do and many say they never respond to their calls. I can say to myself and to others do not believe that. WE HAVE THE BEST POLICE FORCE AROUND. They are ALL FULL TIME, none of this part-time crap. I put in a 8 shift on Friday and let me tell you it was interesting. The police force was professional and caring when it came to there job and to the citizens they stopped, arrested, helped or gave citations to. They worked together, the one thing that caught my eye, is they kept check the drug areas and the houses they deal out of. I thought why not bust them if you know where they are! The answer; the drug problem is everywhere. The police has not hired anyone in years and with vacations coming up, it is going to cause a HUGE PROBLEM FOR THE CHIEF. The police watch these houses and when a car drives away from a know drug house they stop them. I think that helps because if the police stops that car it means the people know the house is being watched. So my story may not change anyones mind about our police force, but my mind is changed. I will tell you that if we do not hire more officers, don't complain about the police force because we will have an REACTIVE FORCE until you hire more officers to make it a PROACTIVE FORCE

I do want to thank the guys I road with last night, you know who you are and the guys that worked that shift and all future shifts keep up the good work and BE SAFE OUT THERE atleast one person knows what you do!!!

Councilman Kerr

The Good and The Bad

Councilman Kerr — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:50:00 GMT

Well there are good landlords and then there are bad landlords, there is no in between. I tried to find out how many homes are currently being used for rental property. Well lets say allot. Now I am not picking on everyone that has rental property. No I am picking on the ones that do not live in this area. They come here to buy cheap houses and rent them out to who every will pay them the money they ask for rent. Those are the ones that bother me. Not the ones that take pride in there rental property. My motto for landlords is "If you would not live in it, don't rent it out" it is that simple. If you would not live in it because it has no windows or the roof leaks, it is filthy inside. Whatever the case maybe, treat it like the house you live in. New landlords see an opportunity in East Liverpool due to the cheap housing. If you do the math, I can buy a house for 4,000-8,000 dollars that needs allot of work. I put no more than 2000.00 into that, a total investment of 6,000-10,000. So now if you rent that property out for 500.00 a month in one year you made your money back on the low end, a year and half on the top end. The point is they can buy a house and get the money right back off of it in a year or two. So after that, they do nothing else to the property, but sill rent them out. Now another problem I have rental property brings the value of my property down. I have 5 rental houses around me and I will say for the most part they are well kept. Now who they rent to are not well kept. When I bought my house the next month drug dealers moved in next to my in a rental. The ran that stuff day and night. There was fights and noise till dawn. I called the police from time to time, but they can only do so much. The slum lords don't care about the people next to there properties if they did they would keep there property as nice as mine. So this brings me to Bob Smith the housing inspector. He takes nothing from anyone and is fair about all things. So with him on board we will see these places getting cleaned up.
Thank You For Reading
Councilman Kerr

Shut down Dan's Bar

Councilman Kerr — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:15:00 GMT

Dan’s Bar is an eye sore once again. I stopped at Brickers to pick up dinner for my family tonight. I parked almost in front of Dan’s bar. While I was getting out of my car I heard a commotion coming from inside the bar. Let’s say the words coming from there are nothing you would want your kids to hear. Then suddenly a woman was hit square in the jaw by a guy, yes a guy. He hit her hard enough she flew to the ground and laid there for a minute, right when I asked if she was alright, the bar fight started to move outside. All the while I heard the bartender yelling take that s*#t outside. Take it outside! I quickly crossed the street and watched from a distance. When everything was said and done they all went back inside the bar. Just then I looked and 2 older ladies were stepping out of Brickers, one of them turned to me and said is it safe to come out. I felt bad that 2 ladies felt scared, will they come back, maybe, maybe not. I did walk them to there car. This is the same thing with this bar. The city goes after them and they straighten up for a while and back to there old ways. Tell me what Dan’s bar brings to the downtown area. First you can watch a good fight or 2 on the weekends. Find a nice girl to bring home, for a fee. If your back hurts you can go to one of the fine pharmacists that hang out there. I seen underage kids in the bar when this was going on. Something needs to be done about this nuisance. One person was clinging to life after getting his head beat in at Dan’s bar. Someone is going to GET KILLED THERE. It serves no purpose for this community except to tie our fine city police department up on weekends and taking medical emergency personnel time. So I am starting a campaign to close Dan’s bar. The weather is changing and soon it will be nice. So it is time to start now, speak out ,at council meetings if you are concerned about problems in the city. Let us hear you.

Councilman Kerr
councilmankerr@yahoo.com

Service/Safety Director postion

Councilman Kerr — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:59:00 GMT

EAST LIVERPOOL — Ryan Estell has been tapped to be East Liverpool’s Service/Safety Director the mayor confirmed Tuesday. the review http://reviewonline.com/page/content.detail/id/12984.html?nav=5008

First let me say that I think Ryan Estell is the right person for any postion. I don't think he should be the Service/Safety Director, actually I think no one should be! That position is doing nothing for this city. We need to hire a City Manager which I think Ryan Estell would be perfect for. The director is appointed by the mayor, a manager is appointed by city council. That is what this city needs, we need to get away from the same old mayors right hand man theory, it does not work. Nothing has gotten done for the past 5 years, the postion is currently being held by Bill Cowan with a dollar a year salary. So if we are going to pay someone a salary, we need the postion to be for a city manager. With the hiring of a new director you still have the lack of communication between the city's administration, department heads and city council. Listed below are the duties of both a city manger and the Service/Safety Director you decide on the position!!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Safety-Service Director
The Safety-Service Director shall be appointed by the Mayor solely on the basis of his executive and administrative qualifications in the profession of public management, as judged by the adequacy of his technical training and his successful experience in public, commercial, or industrial administration.
The Safety-Service Director shall be responsible to the Mayor for the general supervision and proper operation of the Departments of Police, Fire, Personnel, Streets, Parks, and Pools.

City Manager
A "city manager" is an official appointed by council as the administrative manager of a city, in a council-manager form of city government. Called the chief administrative officer in some municipalities.
Typical roles and responsibilities of a city manager include:
• Supervising day-to-day operations of all city departments;
• Supervising the department heads
• Preparing a draft city budget each year with options the council votes on;
• Researching and making recommendations about topics of interest to the council;
• Meeting with citizens and citizen groups to understand their needs better;
• Providing executive leadership that encourages good performance by city workers;
• Operating the city with a professional understanding of how all city functions operate together to their best effect.

Typically, city managers have hire-fire authority over all city employees, though these decisions may be required to be approved by the council, and must comply with locally applicable civil service laws. This authority includes talent searches for "department heads" who are the managers of the city departments.
While we are on the subject of changing city government. I think council seats should be a 4 year term with 2 year rotations.

"When you change the way you look at things, things change"
Councilman Kerr

Where is the worst pothole located?

Councilman Kerr — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:53:00 GMT

This weeks question in the review http://www.reviewonline.com/- Where is the worst pothole located? East Liverpool ranked way, way ahead of the rest with 67.9% followed by Wellsville second at 15.6%. I find it hard to believe, yes I drive the same streets everyone else does. The problem is everywhere, not just East Liverpool. Drive on route 11 coming south by the rogers exit, this is an accident waiting to happen. The state of ohio will pay more than 4.5 million just to repair potholes in the state. That would pay for a two lane highway for 40 miles. Now we did give the streets department a lot more money in the 2008 budget to fix the pot hole problem. Previous year was set for $20,000 for paving projects. Now, that amount has been increased to $102,088. So I know we are going to address this problem. I will be writing next about the hiring of Ryan Estell to be East Liverpool’s Service/Safety Director http://www.reviewonline.com/News/articles.asp?articleID=12984. So please wait to weigh in on that. One thing to consider is Bill Cowans position, his salary will go down by one dollar. I will be posting more on future issues!!!!

Blog Update

Councilman Kerr — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:04:00 GMT

I am sorry it has taken so long to post a new blog comment, but I have been busy dealing with the City’s Web page and trying to bring it up to date. So I am ask YOU please review the web page and tell me what you would like to see on it. http://www.eastliverpool.com

Please take in mind this is not my work. I really have no idea of who created the web page. The one thing I know is it that it has not been updated since 2004. So I will be working on this and not posting as much. Another thing I am diving into is trying to change the Zoning in East Liverpool. It needs updated and really looked at for the better of the citizens. There is no wiggle room for the current state of the zoning. It pushes businesses away and puts neighbor’s nerves at wits ends. This needs to stop! Now I am not saying changing the zoning will make people rest easier, it will help.

Buckeye Water District and their everyday practices

Councilman Kerr — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 02:10:00 GMT

While at a business meeting in youngstown, someone mentioned this to me. So I looked it up; I find it interesting that the Buckeye Water District seems to say yes to things, then forget all about it when it comes time to pay. I feel confident that the, 7th District Court of Appeals will uphold the decision from Common Pleas Court Judge C. Ashley Pike. Listed below is the article about the company sueing Buckeye Water District for non payment and Mr.Dennis O’Toole counsel for the BWD info from his web page.

© 2008 Vindy.com. All rights reserved. A service of The Vindicator
http://www4.vindy.com/content/local_regional/301324791572310.php
Wednesday, October 3, 2007

LISBON — Craig Edward Susany Inc. of North Lima filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court against the Buckeye Water District, which terminated the company Monday.

Susany has built about 80 percent of a four-mile water line that will move water from the Ohio River to the water district plant near Wellsville.

The company has been paid about $1.3 million, and has an additional $1.7 million outstanding in completed work. The contract for the line construction is $4.1 million, according to Susany's lawyer, Alan D. Wenger of Youngstown.

The dispute centers on changes in the plans made during construction. The lawsuit says that Buckeye approved changes, then reversed itself and refused to pay for the work.

Susany said in the lawsuit that as a result, the company had increased labor and material costs.

Attorney Defending Buckeye Water District
From his web page http://www.sheffieldlaw.com/attorneys/20/

Dennis M. O'Toole

Mr. O'Toole is a senior partner of the firm and has been a trial lawyer for 33 years. He has handled a wide variety of civil cases as part of a multi-state practice based in Northern Ohio, including serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. A substantial portion of Mr. O'Toole's practice involves the representation of public sector clients, where he handles a myriad of cases and legal issues facing public entities, including eminent domain cases.

He currently is general counsel for a number of regional rural water authorities, including Rural Lorain County Water Authority, Northern Ohio Rural Water, Buckeye Water District, and Jefferson County Water and Sewer District. Mr. O'Toole also serves as general counsel for the Ohio Rural Water Association and works with many rural water associations and their general counsel throughout the United States. Mr. O'Toole's recent work includes the successful litigation in the Northern District of Ohio and the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals of 1926(b) territory defense cases, one of several successful cases recently handled by Mr. O'Toole. Mr O'Toole is recognized as a national authority on 1926(b) litigation and frequently lectures on the subject throughout the United States.

Dennis is a frequent speaker and presenter on a state and national level and author and co-author of published works on legal liability and trial practice. He is chairman of the litigation section of his firm and senior director of that firm.

Education/Professional Degrees

Regis College, Denver, Colorado, A.B. 1970; Capital University Law School, Columbus, Ohio, Juris Doctor, 1974; admitted into practice in Ohio, 1974; admitted: United States Supreme Court; United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit; United States District Court, Northern Division; United States District Court, Southern Division; Ohio Supreme Court.

Special Assignments and Awards

The Order of Barristers for high achievement in appellate advocacy;
Lorain County Bar Association Outstanding Service/Ethics and Grievance Committee Chair (8 terms)
The Lorain County Metropolitan Park District, Service Award for Legal Services.
Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority, Outstanding Legal Services Award.

Recent Cases and Decisions

Village of Grafton v. Rural Lorain County Water Authority (Aug. 23, 2005), 419 F.3d 562
Grobe v. Ohio Turnpike Commission, Lorain County Common Pleas Court, Case no. 04CV139723 (2006)
Brown County Rural Water Association v. Village of Georgetown, United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Case No. 1:04CV017
The City of East Liverpool v. Buckeye Water District, et al. Columbiana County Common Pleas Court, Case No. 05CV502
Steuben ville v. Jefferson County Water and Sewer District, Jefferson County Common Pleas Court, Case No. 02CV370
Steubenville v. Village of Wintersville, Jefferson County Common Pleas Court, Case No. 04CV00178
City of Wadsworth v. Yannerilla, et al, 9th Appellate District, Case No. 06CA0019

Lectures/Seminars/Publications

1926(b) Litigation and Predatory Tactics of Municipalities and Counties (Annual Convention Ohio Rural Water Association)
"Legal Liability in the Workplace," national symposium Minneapolis, Minnesota (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region Six); New Orleans (HHS, National Convention); and, Las Vegas, Nevada (National Health and Fitness Association Convention).
Lecture: numerous in-service seminars for management on the subject of "Preparing for Litigation before Litigation Starts."
Lecture: numerous seminars on "The Art and Skill of Cross-examination."
Seminar Speaker: Ohio Rural Water Association Annual Convention 2001 - 2007
Seminar Speaker/Panel Member: Kansas Rural Water Association Annual Convention, Wichita, Kansas, 2006: 1926(b) litigation.
Seminar Speaker/Panel Member: National Rural Water Association National Convention, Dallas, Texas, 2006: 1926(b) litigation.
Seminar Speaker: National Rural Water Association National Convention, Philadelphia, Pa. 2007: 1926(b) litigation, cases and strategies.
Co-author of the nationally published "AACCA Cheerleading Safety Manual" (UCA Publications, 1997) on the subject of tort liability and exposure, used and endorsed by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches & Advisors.
Author, Summary Judgment in Ohio, Ohio Bar Association Seminar Series

Mr. O'Toole resides in Vermilion, Ohio and maintains an active role as a lector and Eucharistic minister with his church and community hospital. He is chairman of the board of Kendal Northern Ohio, the parent company of Kendal at Oberlin, a congregate care retirement community and Kendal at Home, which provides at-home services to seniors.

Here is their privacy policy http://www.sheffieldlaw.com/privacy-policy.shtml

Sheffield Village Office
Phone: (440) 930-4001
Fax: (440) 934-7208
dotoole@sheffieldlaw.com

All web pages and articales are listed with their sources. (LEGAL STUFF) and are not related to Councilman Kerrs Page

Environmental Committee Meeting

Councilman Kerr — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:26:00 GMT

The Environmental Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday March 13,2008 starting at 6:00 o'clock. The meeting will be held at the East Liverpool Motor Lodge (Thanks To Tom Wycoff) The doors will be open at 5:00. The agencies that have confirmed are the following, OHIO EPA, OHIO BOARD OF HEALTH,LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT,S.H. BELL Representative. Representation from the following offices will be there, SENATOR WILSON, CONGRESSMAN WILSON, LINDA BOLON, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND LOCAL CITY LEADERS. I hope for a big turn out, also prime rib is the special that night at the motor lodge. So if you would like to stay for dinner I believe it is 9.00 or so for the prime rib.

Thank you for your attendance,
Councilman Kerr

Your Blog Not Mine!!

Councilman Kerr — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:21:00 GMT

Hello,

Thanks to all of you that read this blog!! I would like to say that my blog format will not change. I think it is a great tool to voice your concerns. So I am asking you, the reader to voice your concerns on matters that concern you and problems or suggestions about this blog.

Thank You
Councilman Kerr

My response to the streets department

Councilman Kerr — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:43:00 GMT

First let me say I am glad the guys from the streets department came out to voice their concerns with me. I learned alot from them, and the JOBS they do. After council's meeting I hung out with the guys. The only thing missing was some beer. These guys are some good old boys, they discussed many problems they are faced with, and the abuse that the public gives them over the condition of the roads. Well I went home last night a little beat up, but still hungry for change!
So the problem at hand is the same that has been on hand for the longest time, Money! Where is all the money being spent? If I pay taxes where does it go, and what departments get the money? This is the question that needs to be address. If we have cut back so much on work force then there should be money left for repairs to the trucks which the street's depart has stressed so much last night. The thing that alarms me right now and it will affect us this summer, is the fact that it will take around 1000 tons just to put a DENT into our potholes. With the cost being around 45.00 a ton that is $45,000 we are th roughing into a hole. I will post a list of jobs the streets department does later today it is a long list.
Thanks again to the streets department for coming out last night to the council meeting. The reason I started this blog is to get this town moving in the right direction and if it takes hitting the bee hive a couple times well so be it. There is alot more; hitting of the hive to come. For me I have just begun to fight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Give credit where credit is due

Councilman Kerr — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 03:28:00 GMT

The streets department was on top of things the last couple days plowing the streets. So they deserve some credit!! I will be the first to say my hats off to you guys for all the hard work and to the street departments supervisor ray, you are the right guy for the job. Here's one from me guys while you are plowing away.

Turn the radio up and plow away!!!!!!!!!

http://blog.eastendonline.net/2008/02/29/give-credit-where-credit-is-due.aspx