Wednesday – June 4, 2008

Your View

NORFOLK - Responding to Jerry Stock's letter of May 21, we, too, thought there seemed to be a negative bias toward Tom Schommer in the Daily News coverage of the mayor's race.

So, we wrote to the editor of the Daily News, asking him about this and he responded immediately, explaining the sequence of events and the Daily News' response to them. We were reassured that, indeed, the Daily News is working hard to deliver the news to Norfolkans in as timely and balanced a manner as is humanly possible.

In checking further, we talked with Mr. Schommer about the facts pertaining to the Daily News articles' clear implications that the Schommer camp encouraged a third candidate to enter the mayoral race so that there would be, as Mr. Sweigard has put it, “a contested race.”

We think the problem is in part with those of us who support Mr. Schommer:
1. We did not get our letters to the editor in before the oft-publicized deadline.
2. Those who may have responded to Mr. Sweigard's questions about how to get into the race did not come forward and tell “the rest of the story” as it were.
3. Mr. Sweigard has not come forward to explain why he didn't go to city hall to ask his questions about how to enter the race and why, instead, he approached some of Mr. Schommer's team who responded politely and innocently, answering Mr. Sweigard's questions and steering him to the proper office to file.

But we also think the Daily News could have dug deeper into the actual facts of the situation because it seems the writer had drawn his own conclusions and wrote accordingly.

That's because the facts are quite different from the impression left by the article and headlines.

It would almost seem as if Mr. Schommer and his campaign team were “set up,” if you will.

Of course, this is simply a speculative statement based only on appearances - much as the Daily News article was somewhat incomplete. In reality, it never made much sense to us that so much was made of a third candidate. It was “much ado over nothing” - as if implying the Schommer camp encouraging this third candidate clandestinely was the only thing that could be found to perhaps cast doubt on Mr. Schommer's character.

We encourage Mr. Schommer in his campaign on to November that he continue in his principled, honest and open, non-vitriolic style of campaigning.

To us, Mr. Schommer demonstrates clearly he is a man of highest integrity who has the best interests of Norfolk foremost on his mind - someone who would serve Norfolk and its citizens well as the next mayor.
WALT BRITES

Wednesday – May 21, 2008

Your View

NORFOLK – I would like to state that I feel that the Daily News does not fairly report news in their paper. There seems to be a bias in many areas.

An example of this would be with the mayoral race coverage. It has seemed that most of the so-called reporting has leaned towards one candidate.

The article in the May 14 edition of the Daily News stated: “Sweigard was encouraged to run by a supporter of Tom Schommer.” What in the world did this allegation have to do with the election results except to further smear the credibility of a candidate whom the newspaper is obviously against?

This makes me believe that the Daily News is out to attack and discredit the integrity of Mr. Schommer, whom I support.

As we come to the general election in November, I would hope to see more non-biased reporting.
JERRY STOCK

Editors Note: It is common practice to includenormation in an election results story about possible reasons why voters cast ballots the way they did It’s certainly reasonable to think that the unusual situation of one mayoral candidate being encouraged to run for office by the supporter of another mayoral candidate had an impact on the vote totals.

Tuesday – April 29, 2008

Norfolkans thinking they might hear distinct differences of opinion Monday night from seven candidates for city office probably came away disappointed.

Not that the opinions expressed by the three mayoral candidates and four city council candidates were bad - they just sounded the same.

The importance of economic development, the need to make improvement to Norfolk's parks, the desire that the city's next administrator be a “people person” and the need to be progressive - those themes and several others were echoed frequently by the six men and one woman participating in a candidates forum sponsored by Norfolk radio stations WJAG/KEXL.

About 25 people showed up at the city council chambers to attend the forum, which also was broadcast live on the radio and on CableONE's public access channel.

Participating were mayoral candidates Sue Fuchtman, Tom Schommer and Larry Sweigard, two of whom will advance from the May 13 primary election to the November general election.

In addition, the four men seeking to be a Third Ward representative to the Norfolk City Council participated - incumbent Jim Brenneman, Dave Hedrick, Vaughn Wiebusch and Chad Korth. The top two vote-getters among those four will advance to the November election.

As an example of the similar sentiments expressed by the candidates, Fuchtman said she is running for mayor because she wants to bring people together and assume the responsibility for unifying the city council. Schommer said he's running because he felt the time was right to unite the community.

Among the council candidates, Hedrick said he's running for office because he wants to see positive change and see Norfolk grow. Wiebusch said it's an opportune time to run because there's “change in the air.” Korth added that he feels it's time for a new vision for Norfolk.

The candidates also all generally supported the idea of working toward passage of an LB840 ballot issue in the future so that Norfolk has more flexibility in using taxpayer funds for economic development purposes.

“It's essential to pass an 840 program,” Brenneman said.

On the keno issue on the May 13 ballot, the candidates said they recognize the value of generating additional revenue for park improvements. If the ballot issue passes next month, the city council already has decided to make use of the city's share of the keno proceeds to fund recreation improvements.

But many of the candidates avoided directly answering the question of how they personally will vote on the issue in May.
Perhaps the biggest and only area where differences of opinions were expressed was when the topic of a new city office building - or a shared office facility - was brought up.

Brenneman said that there are “several fine options” available to the city and that new city offices are needed to “send a message that we are a progressive community.”

Wiebusch said he believes there are four or five things more important to the city right now than new city offices.

Korth said he would support taking a close look at what it would require to fix up the city auditorium and the current city offices before pursuing other options.

Fuchtman said she's supportive of new offices for Norfolk city staff members. From her own experience with The Day Companies, Fuchtman said she's seen firsthand how productivity, communication and efficiency can improve when individuals are in an environment conducive to work.

Monday – April 28, 2008

The three candidates for Norfolk mayor were asked to identify the top three issues in the race.

TOM SCHOMMER
1. Economic Development
As mayor, I will help Norfolk become the most business friendly community in Nebraska. Pro-business equals growth. Growth equals higher paying jobs for Norfolk.

As mayor, I will sit down with and learn from progressive, forward thinking leaders of other communities like South Sioux City and Columbus, who have had recent success with economic development projects.

I will be very deliberate about recruiting new business and industry to Norfolk that will create higher paying jobs.
I will work closely with organizations like Norfolk Area Recruiters to recruit a talented workforce to fill positions created by our economic development program.

Buying local. As mayor, I will make sure the City of Norfolk leads by example and does all it can do to responsibly support the local tax paying businesses in Norfolk with its purchases of goods and services.

2. Respectful Community Relationships
As mayor, my efforts will be to work with community leaders and citizens to encourage strong relationships with the city that are built on trust and fairness - relationships that contribute to long-term hope and optimism, not pessimism.

I pledge to develop a one-team, one-goal style of administration where all levels of city staff function in an atmosphere built on open communications, relationships, mutual respect and accountability.

3. Parks, Recreation and Public Safety
I will work cooperatively with citizens and existing committee members to accomplish the necessary improvements to Memorial Field and Ta-ha-zouka Park.

As mayor, I will resolve the ongoing issues regarding our city pools by working openly with citizens as well as other stakeholders in the community.

Provide police and fire departments the necessary resources and support to properly do their jobs.

SUE FUCHTMAN
1. How can we continue to grow Norfolk and be the kind of community that people want to stay in and the kind of city that people are going to want to move to? I believe that, first of all, we need to take care of young people. You can do that through making sure that you have good schools to prepare them and a safe community that helps to grow Norfolk from the talent that develops here.

We can provide support to our youth and schools through innovative ideas, such as developing community learning centers, which can be implemented through the 21st century grant without increasing our local taxes. I will continue to study this and other approaches that would provide the tools to help make our kids and families more successful.

2. We need to continue to make Norfolk the kind of place where people want to grow their business and that attracts new businesses and good jobs to Norfolk.

We can make sure that Norfolk can attract new business and retain our existing businesses by having the kinds of things that are important to business, like strong schools that provide prepared and exceptional employees and community amenities that make Norfolk an attractive place to locate business.

3. We need to make sure that we are growing Norfolk in a way that is responsible to the people of Norfolk. We need to make sure that we are using our tax dollars and resources responsibly. Everyone needs to have a voice and a place at the table as we make the decisions that will help Norfolk be the most important city in Northeast Nebraska. We need to make sure that we invest to benefit all the different groups in Norfolk.

LARRY SWEIGARD
1. Get council to work closer and hear consensus of people who pay their wages.

2. Shared facility for administrative office.

3. Hopefully, interstate system can be finished.

Monday – April 28, 2008

Three people are running for mayor of Norfolk, and only two will advance from the May 13 primary election.

Two of the candidates are business owners and got an early start filing last year. They are Sue Fuchtman, president of The Day Companies, and Tom Schommer, owner of TeleBeep Wireless and Tommark Properties.

Also running is Larry Sweigard, a retired Norfolk firefighter and political newcomer, who jumped into the race a week before the deadline to make it a contested election on the May ballot.

TOM SCHOMMER said he is running for mayor because “I love living in Norfolk, and I want to do my part to make Norfolk an even better place to live and raise a family. I am determined to restore growth and optimism to Norfolk by believing in and bringing people together.”

Schommer said he would offer positive change and a new vision.

“I will provide leadership that has the proven courage to make the difficult decisions necessary to reunite our community and move Norfolk forward,” he said. “I offer values that are based on faith, family, common sense and personal responsibility.”

He said citizens are hungry for new leadership.

“I have demonstrated that I possess the courage to take on important issues that affect our community,'' he said. “I am determined to make a real difference to our citizens, our working families, our children, our seniors and our business community.

Schommer has most recently been involved as spokesman for the Shared Facility Work Group, which is exploring combined office space for the City of Norfolk and other groups. In addition to his business interests, he holds an associate degree in electronic engineering.

He has been an ambassador for the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce. He also has been involved in Norfolk Area Recruiters, NorthFork Development Foundation, Small Business Council, Norfolk Noon Optimists, Legislative Action Council, Norfolk Public Schools Advisory Council and the Congressional Leadership Team.

He and his wife, Linn, have four children.

SUE FUCHTMAN, a Norfolk native, said she's running for mayor because she believes in the city's future, and the city has been home all her life.

“I want to make sure we can keep our young people here in Norfolk and attract new business to Norfolk,'' she said. “I know that I can do that because that is what I have been doing as president of The Day Companies. Retaining our people and bringing in new business is what I am successful in doing at work, and I want to work to do that for Norfolk.”
Her background makes her a candidate worthy of support, she said.
“I'm honest, open and true to what I believe and what I have been taught,'' she said. “I am faithful. I will be faithful to the promises that I make, faithful to the city of Norfolk and faithful to the citizens of Norfolk.”

If elected, Fuchtman said, she'll treat the people of Norfolk with respect.
“Why wouldn't you treat the voters with respect? They are ultimately the boss of the mayor, so being responsive to the community and treating them with respect is what I will do,'' she said.

Fuchtman has served in various capacities in Norfolk.
She has been chairwoman of the Norfolk Planning Commission since 2001. She also is on the NorthFork River Development Board and part of the Shared Facility Work Group looking into joint office space for the city and other groups. Fuchtman recently said she doesn't believe a shared facility should be a high priority for the city because there are other, more important needs to address.

A graduate of Norfolk Catholic High School, she served two terms on the Norfolk Catholic School Board and helped develop that school's annual auction fundraiser.

She was president of the Women's Division of the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce from 1986 to 1988. In 1990, she received the chairman's outstanding service award from the chamber and was on the chamber board from 2002 to 2005.
She also served on the Norfolk Area United Way Board from 1993 to 1995.

She is a graduate of the Leadership America program for women, vice president of the NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska Board that's involved with delivering housing and community revitalization services and a member of Norfolk Noon Kiwanis. She was an adult sponsor for the Norfolk Youth Leadership Council during its formation.

In her job experience, she worked for the former Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. until the office closed in 1981. In 1982, she began working for The Day Companies in its 2001 Computer Store.

She moved to a position in The Day Companies Audit Group as an auditor. She eventually became president and partner in the company that she said serves 600 companies across the United States and handles $750 million in invoicing a year.

Sue has been married to her husband, Glen, for 37 years, and he also works at Day Companies. They raised four children. Two of her daughters are married and living and working in the community. She has also five grandchildren.

LARRY SWEIGARD said he is running to “appeal to voters that have given up on the voting system,” and that he has worked with Norfolk's city administrator.

He also urged voters to go to the polls “no matter whom you vote for.''
As far as organizations, on his questionnaire he said he has “been there, done that.'' He and his wife, Darlene, have four children.

Featuring Norfolk Mayoral Candidates and Norfolk Ward 3 City Council Candidates

Originating “Live” from the Norfolk City Council Chambers on Madison Avenue.
Broadcast – - Live on WJAG and CableOne Channel 14.

A special thank you to WJAG Radio and CableOne

Wednesday – April 23, 2008

Video interviews with Norfolk's three mayoral candidates can be seen on the Daily News' Web site starting Wednesday.

Candidates Sue Fuchtman, Tom Schommer and Larry Sweigard were interviewed recently by the Daily News to help Norfolkans learn more about the candidates - especially if they have not previously had the chance to meet them in person.

The first of four interviews is available at www.norfolkdailynews.com. Find it by clicking on the slide shows/video link under the “News” button at the top left of the home page.

Each interview asks the candidates the same question. Different questions are posed in subsequent videos that will be unveiled Friday, next Monday and next Wednesday. All four videos will remain accessible on the Web site until the May 13 primary election.

Interviews will be posted today, Friday, Monday and Wednesday.

Tuesday – April 22, 2008

Basic economics
NORFOLK - In the April 14 story regarding possible improvements at Skyview Lake, I read with interest the section of a story where a letter from four city officials was quoted.

Within the quote, there is the following statement: “ We do not think it is wise to install additional permanent structures, encouraging the expansion of these types of activities at Skyview.”

Hello you four! Since when do we not want to encourage activities that bring people to Norfolk? People who shop while they are here, buy gas and benefit the local economy in many ways. In a time when we are trying to improve Norfolk, recruit Norfolkans to come home and generally improve our city it would seem that this “Gang of Four” doesn't understand the basic economics of Skyview activities.
LES HINTZ

Tuesday – April 22, 2008

Monday marked the last city council meeting for Mike Nolan, who's becoming executive director of the League Association of Risk Management next week.

Mayor Gordon Adams called Nolan a loyal and effective city administrator. He served in the post for 28 years.

“We will have a difficult time to find anyone to actually replace him,'' Adams said, adding that it was appropriate to give Nolan a round of applause.

Nolan responded by saying that while there were things the city couldn't get done recently, there were two accomplishments on the legislative front.

One was placing on the November ballot a constitutional amendment to enable the Legislature to pass a bill to use revenue other than sales tax and property tax for economic development. The other was rejection of a bill to extend workers' compensation to first responders, which Gov. Dave Heineman vetoed Monday.

An open house for Nolan is set Sunday, April 27, from 2-4 p.m. at the Norfolk Arts Center. There will be a short program at 3 p.m.

Saturday – April 19, 2008

Your View

Norfolk's in the race
NORFOLK - I respect John Amen's right to express his displeasure with Norfolk's pace of recovery following the closing of the Tyson plant. But I'm not sure what kind of “pressure” he would have the City of Norfolk exert on the Tyson Corporation to facilitate the sale of the plant. Private property rights and the free enterprise system are still alive and well the last time I checked. I can assure Norfolkans that Mayor Gordon Adams, Mike Nolan, Dan Mauk, R.J. Baker and countless others have been working diligently to promote growth in Norfolk and Northeast Nebraska.

The following quote certainly got my attention: “Maybe now that Norfolk is losing the mayor, city administrator and the potential that some city council people could be replaced, Norfolk will have a chance to go back to 20 years ago when everyone was asking this: How does Norfolk do it?”

It would take an entire edition of the Daily News to cite all of the development that has taken place in Norfolk during the last 20 years. Zoning and Planning informs me that in the past 20 years, they have issued 1,680 commercial and industrial permits with a total valuation of just under $400 million. The last two years have been the highest on record in valuation and 2008 is on pace to exceed those years. One need only look around to see the new housing developments that have occurred during the same timeframe. I would put the above up against any first class city in Nebraska outside of metropolitan Omaha. We may not be number one, but we are in the race.

Have we lost jobs, businesses failed, population declined and housing construction slowed? Certainly, but Norfolk will recover because we have positive individuals who continue to invest in our community.

IVAN VAN DYKE
Norfolk City Council, Ward III

Thursday – April 17, 2008

Your View

Thinking outside the box
NORFOLK - Regarding Lonn Atwood's recent letter, the words “public,” “garment” and “suitable for alterations” made me think. I'd like to think outside the box.

With all the commentary and discussion about a new or remodeled city hall, may I suggest that the city build a 10-story bust of Johnny Carson to house the city offices and related cooperating offices?

Before you laugh, Mitchell, S.D., now has the world famous Corn Palace. Do you think building a Corn Palace was a popular idea at the time of its conception? I think not.

The police chief and the fire chief each could have their offices in Johnny's eyes - looking out after Norfolkans. The ears could house other security-related offices protecting us. The nose would make a nice place for permits and certification and the solid waste division.

The mouth would be a great place for the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce and the Madison County Visitors Bureau, the Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council, plus the mayor and the council. The first few floors would house the other entities that would share space and reduce cost for the City. Nebraska Workforce Development and the Norfolk Area Recruiters would be situated on Johnny's shoulders.

A premium price could be had for Johnny's lapels and suit jacket pockets. A fancy restaurant could be housed in Johnny's stomach area. The Norfolk Public Schools administration would be in Johnny's head.

Just lean back and envision all the publicity that Norfolk would receive - it would surely increase economic development as companies would literally fight to establish manufacturing plants and service entities in a city with our vision. Tourism would skyrocket in Northeast Nebraska. Tax revenues would escalate. All over America, Norfolk would be known for our uniqueness, separating us from competition looking for economic development!

Let's build it before the inaugural Great American Comedy Festival in June - also envisioned to carry on our favorite Norfolk hometowner's legacy!

Think about it. It just might work!

DENNY REEVES

Tuesday – April 15, 2008

Uneven Slope, Soft Ground Caus Problems for Shows

City officials will consider grading a staging area at Skyview Lake for the Christian Cross Festival and Big Bang Boom fireworks display.

Representatives from those two groups asked the city's finance committee on Monday to look into constructing a flat surface to accommodate four semi-trailers and a temporary stage area plus an access road.

City council members informally agreed to personally take a look this week at the area, which has been marked off where the groups now put up temporary stages for their events on the north side of the lake.

Brett Simonsen, representing the Christian Cross Festival, said the uneven grassy area where bands set up causes problems with leveling semi-trailers that are jacked up for a stage. The soft ground also causes problems with trailers getting stuck.

The groups would like the area constructed before June 1 in time for the shows.

Councilman Dave Fauss suggested the groups contact Nucor Steel to see if it would be interested in contributing the slag to surface the area. The city would just have grading costs if it received the donation, he said.

Don Wisnieski, representing Big Bang Boom, said the groups would contact the company. Wisnieski also asked the city to come up with estimates for what the improvement might cost and to contribute the work.

Mike Nolan, city administrator, asked the event organizers to consider contributing some of the event entrance fees to help with the cost.

Council members generally favored having the work done.

“These are great events. We want to support them in some way,'' said councilman Ivan Van Dyke.

Eventually, the groups would like to see a permanent stage constructed by the city.

Simonsen said a future phase would involve discussion about building a permanent stage that could be used for performing arts, extending electrical service and enclosing the stage with a canopy or shell.

A memo signed by four city staff members recommended that the two shows continue to meet their stage needs with the use of portable facilities and not a permanent stage.

“While we support with appropriate insurance coverage the two existing events, we do not think it is wise to install additional permanent structures encouraging the expansion of these types of activities at Skyview Park,'' the memo said.

The memo was from Nolan, Public Works Director Dennis Smith, Operations Manager Gary Miller and Park Superintendent Pat Mrsny.

Should the council wish to pursue a permanent stage, however, issues to be considered include public safety and risk management, engineering plans, aesthetics and funding, the memo said.

In other action, the committee agreed to waive the $2 bicycle licensing fee as part of the Landon Bos Memorial Bike Rodeo planned May 31 by businesses and agencies, including the Norfolk Police Division. Bos died in a car-pedestrian accident last summer. His mother is an emergency room nurse at Faith Regional Health Services, and his father is a police investigator.

The committee also decided to post photos of council members and the mayor, as well as their e-mail addresses, on the city's Web site.

The committee adjourned into executive session to discuss litigation.

Thursday – April 10, 2008

Change also highlighted in Norfolk mayoral forum
Enhancing economic development and making sure citizens get heard were popular ideas Wednesday during the first Norfolk mayoral candidates' forum.

The forum, sponsored by the Madison County Republican Party, included opportunities for each of the candidates to discuss why they want to be Norfolk's next mayor.

About 50 people crammed elbow to elbow into a meeting room at the Country Kitchen in Norfolk to hear the candidates. “User friendly,” “customer service,” and “new leadership” were terms used frequently.

“Norfolk is hungry for new leadership - the type of leadership that is open-minded and has the courage to make many of the tough decisions we need to make to move Norfolk forward,” said Tom Schommer.

Schommer, who was the first to announce his candidacy 15 months ago, said Norfolk is at one of its crucial moments in its history. Schommer is president and one of the owners of Telebeep.

Instead of talking about where Norfolk has been during the past 30 years, leaders need to talk about where Norfolk is going and how it is going to get there, he said.

Sue Fuchtman, who announced her candidacy about six months ago, said she is running because she wants her children and grandchildren and others' children to have the same opportunities she had growing up in Norfolk.

“In order to do that, I believe what we need are not just jobs here, but good jobs,” she said.

Fuchtman, who is president of the Day Companies, said Norfolk offers a family friendly environment.

She said the first thing she would like to do is bring people back together for the city's overall good.

“We need a little bit of a climate change,” Fuchtman said, “something a bit more positive in the sense that we want to become known as a friendly city in which to do business.”

Larry Sweigard, who announced his candidacy earlier this year, worked for the city of Norfolk for 33 years.

“I know how it was,” Sweigard said, referring to why he is running.

If elected, Sweigard said his main goal will be that people who have issues won't be afraid to approach the Norfolk City Council nor need a lawyer to do it.

Schommer said he believes strongly in getting the expressway system finished, not just for Northeast Nebraska but other stretches, such as a two-mile stretch near Gering.

Schommer said he would support any open discussions concerning funding the expressway. Schommer said, while he does not personally support increasing the gas tax to pay for expressways, it should be considered in a discussion along with other options.

Fuchtman said she drives a lot and sees the need for completing the expressway. Many of her customers who drive to Norfolk, such as those who fly into Omaha and then drive to Norfolk, also see the need for it, she said.

Fuchtman said she would support paying for the expressway through a higher gasoline tax, for example.

Sweigard said expressways are important. One way or another, the expressway will get built, Sweigard said.

Norfolk's mayoral race is nonpartisan, so the top two vote-getters in the May 13 primary will advance to the general election.

In general, candidates seemed to agree on most of the questions they were asked, such as offering more opportunities for young people and making government more responsive to people.

Some of the areas that were not addressed were what role - if any - the city should have in developing a river walk or revitalizing the downtown.

Mayor Gordon Adams, who has served two terms, has announced that he will not seek re-election.

Thursday – April 10, 2008

Our View

Improvements at Memorial Field, Ta-ha-zouka should spur discussion

Norfolkans now have something new to think about. And, boy, there's a lot to think about.

A recent Daily News story detailed a proposed master plan for improvement of athletic fields at Memorial Field and Ta-ha-zouka Park.

The plan outlines $4.19 million in renovations at the city-owned Memorial Field plus possible construction of an aquatic center in place of the existing baseball field. The baseball field would be moved to join all the other ballfields at Ta-ha-zouka Park, which would see $2.29 million in improvements.

If, somehow, all those improvements could be made in the blink of an eye, Norfolk would be home to some of the most attractive recreational facilities around.

Given that Norfolk is located in Madison County and not Utopia, the only way some or all of the improvements will become reality is through adopting a plan, plenty of cooperation, some challenging decision-making, leadership on the part of many groups and a willingness on the part of Norfolk taxpayers to be a part of the solution.

Mayor Gordon Adams said he can't overestimate how important this plan can be for the future of Norfolk. “I would emphasize how important I feel this is,'' he said. “I have been very reluctant to suggest anything that would raise taxes. This one is worth it, I think.''

As two members of the city's recreation committee - Dave Fauss and Erik Wilson - indicated, there are a lot of factors that will come into play as part of the decision-making process. For example:

- Will Norfolk voters approve the establishment of keno when they go to the polls next month? Proceeds are slated to go toward recreation purposes.

- How much financial cooperation will Norfolk's three high schools be able to muster given their interest in seeing Memorial Field improved?

- Will it take a bond issue - and the approval of voters - to make the plan a reality? Or will the plan be phased in over a longer length of time and perhaps not require a bond issue vote?

- Do Norfolkans and city and civic leaders like the plan as proposed or do changes need to be made? Are there parts that have widespread support and others that don't?

- Will a scaled-back aquatic park finally become reality?

Those questions and others will need to be answered in order to help make final decisions on how to proceed. Now's the time for more discussion and providing input to city council members and others who have worked diligently to prepare the master plan.

Tuesday – April 8, 2008

Sale tax revenue is starting to trend upward in Norfolk.
Randy Gates, city finance director, told the city council on Monday that sales tax collections have been up five of the last six months compared to similar months a year earlier.

The increase works out to about 7.5 percent over the same period a year ago, he said.

“We hope it's the beginning of a trend,'' Mayor Gordon Adams said.

Sales tax for the fiscal year ending last Sept. 30 was budgeted at $6.2 million, essentially unchanged from the 2007 budget.

Through the first six months of fiscal 2008, however, actual sales tax receipts exceeded the budget by $238,000.

The Nebraska Department of Revenue told Gates the increases have been fairly uniformly distributed among businesses in Norfolk.

Gates speculated the increase may be linked to rising crop prices. He cited a recent Wall Street Journal article that described prosperous times in the Albion area as a result of higher prices farmers are receiving for corn and soybeans.

“I guess that might have a lot to do with it,'' he said.

January sales tax revenue amounted to $500,684 - the highest it has ever been in that month in Norfolk and up from $461,908 last year.

The sales tax has been relatively flat since 2000. Actual receipts from the city's 1 percent sales tax were $4.02 million in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2000, and $4.2 million ending 2007, only a 5 percent increase spread over seven years.

An additional half-cent sales tax levy authorized by voters in 2002 provided $1 million in property tax relief plus additional funds for public safety.

Sales tax alone makes up almost half of general fund revenues for city coffers.

Actual receipts from the city's original 1 percent sales tax have been up three of the last seven years and down the other four.

The city's sales tax growth had traditionally exceeded 4 percent annually. Slow growth in sales tax early this decade is thought to have been due to a general slowdown in the economy.

Total city sales tax still is projected to lag behind the planned 4 percent annual growth rate by a cumulative $6.5 million between 2001 and 2008. It's a reason the city cut back on some jobs in recent years.

Monday – April 7, 2008

Your View

New job opportunities needed
NORFOLK - In all the hoopla over finding ways to improve Norfolk, I was wondering what the city is doing about enticing new job opportunities to the area.

I am a college student who is majoring in business. This leaves a very small opening in the job market here. I will probably have to move to Omaha to be able to secure a good job. Most of the jobs in the area are those of retail work.

When the new nursing college starts up, where are all of those people going to find employment? Most people have to work at least part time while in school. I just don't see the job market here improving for professional people unless they want to work in the medical field.

Also, what is going on with how dirty this town is? Every street is dirty. I drove down one street that had a broken mirror on it for days. Does the city not drive down these streets?

We want nice housing facilities, not another park, roundabout, river walk or water park. Give us ways to provide for our families so we can provide for our town in return. Not only will we pay more in taxes, which creates revenue for the city, but our shopping dollars will stay here, too. Is it not a win-win situation? The more money that people make, the better housing you will see. It sounds like a smart economical move to me. But what do I know? I am just a business major.

ANGIE AMEN

Friday – April 4, 2008

Contrary to what you might have been led to believe - you can come home again.

As the executive director of the Norfolk Area Recruiters, Patti Knobbe has seen the proof.

When the Norfolk Area Recruiters began three years ago with a small group of five volunteers, the goals were modest.

“The first year they started, they wanted to be able to recruit a family a year back,” Knobbe said.

The group formed in 2005 as an effort to get former residents who had moved away interested in coming back to Norfolk. That effort has expanded to include other towns in Northeast Nebraska, including Battle Creek, Stanton, Madison, Tilden, West Point and Pierce.

The goals set forth by the group, as well as the growth of the group itself, have surpassed the original expectations.
So far, more than 30 families have returned to Norfolk because of recruiting efforts made by the group. The group itself has grown from five individuals to more than 128 volunteer members. It's also now sponsored by 27 corporate investors, including the city of Norfolk and the Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council, Knobbe said.

Gov. Dave Heineman has lauded the group's efforts to draw former residents back to the area, and a recent book “Entrepreneurship in Nebraska” called the recruiters the model to follow for the vitality of economic growth in Nebraska.

Knobbe, who was hired as director last November, said she's encouraged by what she has experienced as part of the organization.

“I'm working with seven (people) right now that look very, very promising,” Knobbe said. “It looks like we could easily have 10 new families here in just an eight-month period of time.”

The people moving back range in professions from skilled laborers to doctors, and they are coming from as far away as Tennessee, she said. One person in Ireland is even looking to locate in Norfolk thanks to the efforts of the recruiters, Knobbe added.

“We would love to see people who are not from here move here, but our main focus is our alumni,” Knobbe said.

The recruiters have also helped with retention, she said. A couple of the individuals who moved back to Norfolk discovered they weren't a good fit for the job for which they were initially hired, and the recruiters helped find a more appropriate position for them, Knobbe said.

One of the new goals for the group this year is to increase the number of alumni from Norfolk and the surrounding area to which it sends mail, Knobbe said. The group is now focusing on getting lists of alumni from surrounding schools instead of just the schools located in Norfolk, she said.

The Peter Kiewit Institute is also helping the recruiters establish a database that will expedite matching jobs that become available in the area to individuals who have expressed interest in returning to Norfolk, Knobbe said.

When a Norfolk business calls in search of workers with specific skills, the database will offer quick access to people who are interested in moving back to the area with those skills, Knobbe said.

In addition, Knobbe said the recruiters have been active in reaching out to high school seniors to make sure they realize their city wants them to return if they choose to attend college someplace other than Norfolk.

Knobbe said she has heard of students being told that when they graduate they should get as far away as they can to pursue their goals.

“We're trying to reverse the damage that has been done with that,” Knobbe said. “Let that child form his or her own opinion.”

Letting students know there are businesses in town that are interested in their talents has been a key point Knobbe said she has stressed with seniors.

“I've let them know there are opportunities available in the community,” Knobbe said. “You can come home again.”

Wednesday – April 2, 2008

Numerous communities are working to develop riverfront and water resources these days, but few of them have the advantages that Norfolk has.

That's the message engineering firms have delivered to the NorthFork Development Board, a task force of community leaders working to promote river development concepts in Norfolk.

Each of the four engineering firms interviewed by task force representatives - in the effort to select one that will draft a master plan for river development in Norfolk - has been effusive in their praise of the logic and practical aspects of the NorthFork development concept.

Calling the river through Norfolk an asset many communities would give much for, board member Lonn Atwood said he was impressed by the stories told by several of the engineers about towns that are spending millions to try to create artificial water features.

None of those could rival Norfolk's naturally occurring stream with its relatively stable flow, flood control advantages and ease of maintenance, Atwood said.

During its meeting Tuesday, the NorthFork board unanimously agreed to begin negotiations with HDR Engineering of Omaha on cost and scope of a consulting contract to prepare a master plan for river development in Norfolk.

HDR engineers did not just have a bunch of wild ideas. They stressed ideas that were practical and sustainable, Atwood said.

Even though any of the four consulting firms interviewed would have been an excellent choice, Tom Higginbotham, another board member, said he especially appreciated HDR personnel's focus on private sector ideas and the company's ability to communicate and sell its ideas.

If negotiations go according to plan on the consulting contract, the document could be finished in six to nine months, board members were told at their Tuesday meeting.

Meanwhile the efforts to raise funds to finance the planning and design work are also showing promise as well.

Darrell Novacek, who is heading up the fund-raising efforts for the NorthFork committee, announced commitments of $54,000 so far toward what he anticipates will be a $300,000 budget need for development of a master plan and other costs associated with putting river development on the map in Norfolk.

Wednesday – April 2, 2008

Your View

About the city offices

NORFOLK - Rome, they say, wasn't built in a day.

The citizens of Norfolk are at present exploring ideas, partnerships and costs, etc., in their own effort to address the needs and space requirements of agencies and governmental bodies charged with the responsibility of providing for the safety, administration and growth of our city.

Before this effort is bogged down or sidetracked by the predictable territorial in-fighting, political posturing and the oft-incanted specter of increased taxes, I think it is important to first assess just what it is that we hope, ultimately, to accomplish. Do we, as citizens, see as desirable the need, in an increasingly disposable and transient society, to reach down into ourselves and do all that is required to construct our own symbol?

Our personal lives are necessarily filled with concerns for compromise, economy and sometimes makeshift solutions. These are appropriate reactions for any endeavor. But, collectively, wouldn't it be nice to aspire beyond our personal limitations? In the company of others, shouldn't we be allowed to choose to make those same individual sacrifices the ancients made for the common good of all and spin our own small thread to add to the fabric of civilization's refinement?

There will be plenty of time to tailor and temper this civic project to reflect the reality of present circumstance. But, let's first imagine a fitting public garment suitable for alterations.

LONN ATWOOD

Saturday – March 29, 2008

“I think the package has to be approved by the voters… The whole thing is very necessary if you look at all our facilities.” – Norfolk Mayor Gordon Adams

Aquatic Center could be added in the future

A master plan for improvement of athletic fields at Memorial Field and Ta-ha-zouka Park now is in the hands of Norfolk officials.

The plan outlines $4.19 million in renovations at the city-owned Memorial Field, plus possible construction of an aquatic center in place of the baseball field. The baseball field would be moved to join all the other ballfields at Ta-ha-zouka Park, which would see $2.29 million in improvements.

Last year, a committee of representatives from the city, Norfolk Public Schools, Lutheran High Northeast and Norfolk Catholic Schools interviewed firms and selected DLR Group of Omaha to prepare the plan, which was finished earlier this year.

How it will come together isn't clear yet.

For one thing, city officials await the outcome of the May primary election and whether voters will authorize the start of keno in Norfolk. In placing it on the ballot last year, the city council decided to devote any keno profits, estimated at around $400,000 annually, to unspecified recreation improvements - if voters give their approval.

A discussion earlier this month about the parks involved members of the water park committee, the mayor, the council's recreation subcommittee and city staff.

The sense of the water park group was that the issue should be prepared for an election ballot in May 2009, preceded by a year of meetings with community groups, according to a summary of the meeting.

Burbach Aquatics is coming up with a design for the aquatic center, a scaled-back version of the water park that was rejected by voters three years ago. No cost estimate is in the new master plan for the aquatic center.

The master plan outlines improvements to the aging bleachers at Memorial Field, which don't meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The football field would be widened for soccer, get a new surface and have seating added in the south end zone. A new press box, fencing, restrooms, field lighting, walks and ticket booths are in the plan, too.

The skate park would be moved to the south to allow room for a new restroom and concession building. The swimming pool would be demolished once the aquatic center is built.

A multipurpose locker room-bathhouse is envisioned between the aquatic center and football field. It could be used by swimmers in the summer, football and soccer teams at others times of the year and have a meeting room for coaches and lifeguards.

Another possibility is working with the VFW and American Legion to make the entrance into a focal point in honor of veterans, since the area is called Memorial Field.

‘Highest priority'
It's an ambitious plan that might be done in phases or presented as a complete package in cooperation with the schools that use the fields. No recommendations have emerged yet, and meetings are anticipated to introduce the plan to the schools and other groups.

“I think the package has to be approved by the voters. I think the big issue is not to split it up,'' Mayor Gordon Adams said. “The whole thing is very necessary if you look at all our facilities.''

He noted that spending on recreation improvements has been deferred in favor of other higher city priorities.

“We are in need of better recreational facilities if we want to be an attractive community to people who are thinking about locating here. This is economic development of the highest priority, in my mind,'' he said.

Adams said there haven't been in-depth discussions yet with the council and others, but “this has so much more priority than a city office building.''

“I would emphasize how important I feel this is,'' he said. “I have been very reluctant to suggest anything that would raise taxes. This one is worth it, I think.''

It could be presented in the form of a bond issue for a public vote, he said, adding that expectations aren't really high that voters will pass keno this May.

The two members of the council's recreation subcommittee, Dave Fauss and Erik Wilson, also were asked about the plan.
Fauss said fixing bleachers at the football field must be a priority, as should improved dressing rooms for teams and the field itself.

“Class A teams are not wanting to come here because of that,'' he said. “The Memorial Field project is very important from that aspect, to get the football field up to shape. It should be the No. 1 priority in my opinion.''

It's also a good idea to move the baseball field to Ta-ha-zouka Park, he said, and would be easier for people running tournaments for games to all be in one location.

‘So much has to be decided'
Fauss said improvements might be done in phases, especially if it's decided not to go with a bond issue. Another variable is how much in contributions might come from the schools that use the facilities.

“The schools will all chip in, too. It depends on how much,'' he said. “So much has to be decided before those issues get answered.''

Wilson said it would be important to involve the public in a discussion to understand the full scope of the plan - that it isn't just for Memorial Field.

“The baseball field (at Ta-ha-zouka) will be an amazing structure in and of itself,'' he said.

The concept involves tiered seating, a 406-seat stadium behind home plate, and future nature center and future batting practice building. Restrooms and a concessions stand with running water would be built. Currently, portable toilets have to be brought in for ball games.

With the new baseball field, the school could play both varsity and junior varsity games there instead of splitting them up at the two locations now.

‘Accident waiting to happen'
The old visitors' bleachers at the football field “were an accident waiting to happen,'' Wilson said, and it's why bleachers were brought in for playoff games.

“The (grass) field itself, you have three schools playing on it. Even with our great groundskeepers, you can't keep up with that type of abuse on it,'' he said.

A new field might open the door to attracting state playoff games to Norfolk, Wilson said.

“If we have a Class A, top-of-the-line facility, that will move us to top of the list and bring people to Norfolk and spend the night in our hotels,'' he said. “It's a good opportunity for us for economic development.''

No timeline has been set for a proposed project.

“There are a lot of things to tie in for this to come through like it's supposed to,'' Wilson said.