OK, so Councilwoman Ray didn't make it to the meeting until just before the start, and she left right afterwards – so I didn't get to even introduce myself. Surely she's voted in a Decatur Municipal Election...Right?

 

The Transit workers held the day, and we're keeping the current management company. I've got to say, I didn't see a compelling reason to change, either, so I'm completely on-board with that one.

 

 

In the study session about the LaserFiche. LaserFiche is a database/scanning system that archives, and relates documents, with the ultimate goal of reducing paper usage and associated storage overhead. I'm still skeptical, and the sales-guy was really, well, sales-guy-ish (no, really, we don't want the undercoating!). Even so, City Staff was really interested in the system, and seems to have done their homework. From a technical point of view, I'm weary of taking an “all the eggs in one basket” approach. It's very Microsoft-centric; running Microsoft SQL Server, and while I didn't see it explicitly spelled out in the contract, I'm pretty sure there will be a requirement for Web servers running Microsoft Internet Server software (I forget the product's catch-phrase). I'm not a big fan of proprietary software – especially when it's really expensive and I'm paying for part of it...That said, the point of owning software (or any technology, for that matter) is to realize some tangible benefit: time or money savings, productivity improvement...Something. I'd feel better about spending $80K+ (and who-knows-how-much on new server hardware if it works) if I could see an explanation of how a realistic software/hardware-deployment of this system provides more value than it costs – for us - here in Decatur, not just a generic sales pitch. I'd also like to be reassured that we're not “married” to this particular company/technology; and more importantly to their upgrade/support schemes for the next decade or longer.

 

OK – Bedtime!

Glad you survived the terrible hours Matthew!   Weathers been too good to be inside and I've just been swamped myself lately. 

Speaking of technology - the last CONO meeting was soooo cool!!   The PD showed a demo of the new cameras up in OKO - WOW!    They are on Leafland and Union and Leafland and College drive up there and have a look.  These are some cameras- they rotate and those monitoring them can zoom them in on things - like licence plates - they said they can even zoom in enough to read the a $20.  They have lights on the top that the police can flash at someone.  They also have put up signs.  Take a drive up there and look - pretty cool and the plan is to get more.    The goal is crime prevention.   Fire had a very cute safety presentation as well - the clown - Hotshot - teaching safety is the grandson of one of my favorite neighbors! 

Also, CONO put in an apple orchard at Old Kings Orchard last week using CDBG money.  And we will be adding grape vines.  May as well use the wonderful soil this city is sitting on.....

Sue
  

Sounds like fun! 

Did anyone from the council make it?

Sue, if you want to discuss grapevines email me
Steve Payton

Matthew -   Adam Brown was there -   just to listen...  I'm pretty impressed with him so far.

Hey Steve - Thank you!   ANY suggestions you have would be very welcome!! 

I'd say we want 1.) easy we want 2.) tough as well as probably 3.) sweet since these vines will be mainly for the kids to enjoy  and adults too.

I put grapes in my tiny backyard - not sure what kind - seedless red purchased at Menards - really good.  I was also using them to block the view into my back yard from the porch next door.   I had a good harvest of them for a couple years let them get too over grown and now they have a fungus that I cannot get rid of.    I don't know much about them just learned by error not to let them get too over grown.. :-)

Any tips you can give us would be great!  

Sue

Sue, we can get you cuttings of reliance and seedless concord, ours are big enough, about hw many would you want? I think you are going to have to spray to get rid of your fungus, grapes usually develop Botrytis, powdery mildue or downey mildew. send me your email and I will send you some pictures to try and identify what you have and come up with something to spray them with. smp@sdmtl.com
Steve Payton

That's cool to hear about the apple orchard and grapes.  We should certainly take advantage of the great soil in the inner city.   My parents used to grow grapes in the backyard when I was a kid and my mom made jars and jars of jelly with them.  I hated the smell of boiling grapes in the house, but it was good jelly.  You just have to be fast to pick the grapes before the birds do.  They'll pick the vines clean within a couple hours.    

June 6^th

1^st annual Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Yard Sale Day

 

Come find bargains

From Lincoln Park Dr. to Decatur St.

And From Fairview to Powers Lane.

Visit us at 740 W. Decatur and get a sale list.

 

Over 50 sales!