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Post by theotherside on Jan 26, 2013 14:16:50 GMT -5
I'll start by posting questions Mr. Canfield asked me and how he stated that there was no proof. Here's the post:
Posted by gregcanfield on Today at 7:34am
other side:
on Oct 5th you referenced papers that you were going to attach proving your statements.
On Jan 13th I requested a copy of these documents.
On Jan 18th you stated that the union was more than happy to give you copies of the proposed contracts.
On Jan 18th I asked to see a copy of these contracts, with several means of getting them to me anonymously. You say you have these documents yet you have not shared them with me. why?
I still don't believe anyone is being asked to take a paycut .
Your post on Jan 19th has several inaccurate statements that I will respond to after I confirm the facts as I remember them. to Posted by gregcanfield on Today at 7:34am
other side:
on Oct 5th you referenced papers that you were going to attach proving your statements.
On Jan 13th I requested a copy of these documents.
On Jan 18th you stated that the union was more than happy to give you copies of the proposed contracts.
On Jan 18th I asked to see a copy of these contracts, with several means of getting them to me anonymously. You say you have these documents yet you have not shared them with me. why?
I still don't believe anyone is being asked to take a paycut .
Your post on Jan 19th has several inaccurate statements that I will respond to after I confirm the facts as I remember them. to be continued.
Now I want to let everybody know the truth so here is my post:
Oh Mr. Canfield I like how you are trying to turn this around on me.
But ok I will play your game. On Oct. 5 I spoke of the wages that some of the non union workers make that were not published in the hand out. You didn't believe me so on Jan. 18 I told you exactly what they made and how much of a bonus they received. If I am wrong, which I am not, then publish ALL employees wages and performance pay increases (bonuses) and prove me WRONG! I will be waiting.
Then I referenced how the CITY and LL&P was proposing pay cuts as high as 31%. If you want to know here it is: The city mechanic/water treatment operator/equipment operator makes $27.22hr. Can't deny that, it was in your (the city and LL&P) flyer. Now the city has proposed that if he runs a plow truck or any piece of equipment he would make the wage of an operator. That proposed pay rate is $18.69hr max. That is a 31.33% pay cut. Don't believe me than the city can publish what they are proposing and PROVE ME WRONG!
(Which I am not).
On the Oct. 13th you requested these papers. You can get them yourself. You are the chairman of the board and can see any paper that LL&P has. And if you don't want to ask the IBEW union for the other papers then ask the city under the Freedom of Information Act. Everything the city does is public and anybody from the public can get them. How do you think the union got some of its papers from the city? Then when you get them publish them and PROVE ME WRONG!
As far as the 18th refer to the previous statement.
Now lets move on to your last statement about the "inaccurate statements".
1. Illegal for public to know the proposed contracts. If that is true why did the union asked 3 residents to sit in on one of the contract negotiations? And showed then the proposed contracts? And why do I and other residents have copies? Because it ISN'T ILLEGAL for the public to know everything. It is the CITY and LL&P that doesn't want the public to know!
2. Next topic, questions not answered: Residents and rate payers wrote to the Ledger in "letter to editor" and asked questions, no answers. Residents and rate payers went to council meetings. They were told that the public could only say something during public and the council "does not comment or respond for the public comments".
Residents and rate payers went to your board meeting when the two apprentices were fired. They had questions about the reasons they were fired, you said the board will not comment. Also at the 9-13-12 meeting Peggy Covert and Barb Barber asked very specific questions that were not answered.
3. Sending flyers: The city and LL&P did. No question there.
4. Sitting in same room for negotiations: the union ask repeatedly ask to be in the same room with the mediator, the city manager, the general manager of LL&P and their attorney that represents both the city and LL&P. They (the city and LL&P) for many meetings until those 3 residents showed up at a negotiation!
4. Larry Dyer: I apologize if I miss spelled his name, I don't know him. You said multiple times in the Ledger that LL&P never let anybody go when the cable was sold. He showed up at your board meeting of 9-13-12 and proved you wrong again! You said that your comment in the Ledger "was written from your perspective as an individual not a board member". You are the chairman of the board for LL&P and when you state something about LL&P in the paper you are a board member. Stating that "as an individual" is a scape goat. Also Perry Beachum was proven wrong by one of your employees during that same meeting when he said that since he has been a board member they have always approved merit raises.
5. Perry Beachum's response: On the meeting of 8-9-12 the board unanimously passed cut to new workers and to be included in the proposed union contract. This conversation started 3:20 minutes into the meeting. Then on the 9-13-12 meeting Perry Beachum did admit that it was voted in to the contract but was only "intended for new workers".
To add to this, Laponsie stated that contract negotiations are not open to the public. Once again this is wrong, if LL&P and the city wanted, they could show the public ALL proposed contracts.
This sums up my "inaccurate comments". I don't see any inaccuracies in them. But by all means PROVE ME WRONG! I welcome it.
As a matter of fact I'm going to start a new thread so this topic is fresh and everyone will read it. That is how confident my information is.
Thank you.
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Post by gregcanfield on Jan 26, 2013 17:22:17 GMT -5
I'll start by posting questions Mr. Canfield asked me and how he stated that there was no proof. Here's the post: where did I state there was no proof? I asked for copies at that time. I continue to ask for copies of these documents/proposed contracts that you refer to but you don't produce them.
Posted by gregcanfield on Today at 7:34am other side: on Oct 5th you referenced papers that you were going to attach proving your statements. On Jan 13th I requested a copy of these documents. On Jan 18th you stated that the union was more than happy to give you copies of the proposed contracts. On Jan 18th I asked to see a copy of these contracts, with several means of getting them to me anonymously. You say you have these documents yet you have not shared them with me. why? I still don't believe anyone is being asked to take a paycut . Your post on Jan 19th has several inaccurate statements that I will respond to after I confirm the facts as I remember them. to Posted by gregcanfield on Today at 7:34am other side: on Oct 5th you referenced papers that you were going to attach proving your statements. On Jan 13th I requested a copy of these documents. On Jan 18th you stated that the union was more than happy to give you copies of the proposed contracts. On Jan 18th I asked to see a copy of these contracts, with several means of getting them to me anonymously. You say you have these documents yet you have not shared them with me. why? I still don't believe anyone is being asked to take a paycut . Your post on Jan 19th has several inaccurate statements that I will respond to after I confirm the facts as I remember them. to be continued. I have stated previously my involvement and comments are limited to LL&P as I am not as involved in the City /DPW negotiations. I will highlight all my responses in blue for clarity. Greg Canfield
Now I want to let everybody know the truth so here is my post: Oh Mr. Canfield I like how you are trying to turn this around on me. But ok I will play your game. On Oct. 5 I spoke of the wages that some of the non union workers make that were not published in the hand out. You didn't believe me so on Jan. 18 I told you exactly what they made and how much of a bonus they received. If I am wrong, which I am not, then publish ALL employees wages and performance pay increases (bonuses) and prove me WRONG! I will be waiting.
my understanding of your post was that you had documents showing the proposed pay cuts. Those are what I was asking to see as I don't believe they exist. The point of the handout was to inform the public of the current wages of the union members. I'm going to try to attach papers proving these statements as soon as I learn How to. There is also a lot more to be published so stay tuned.
above is a copy of your Oct 5 post in Red, these papers you refer to are what I was asking for in my Oct 13 post.Then I referenced how the CITY and LL&P was proposing pay cuts as high as 31%. If you want to know here it is: The city mechanic/water treatment operator/equipment operator makes $27.22hr. Can't deny that, it was in your (the city and LL&P) flyer. Now the city has proposed that if he runs a plow truck or any piece of equipment he would make the wage of an operator. That proposed pay rate is $18.69hr max. That is a 31.33% pay cut. Don't believe me than the city can publish what they are proposing and PROVE ME WRONG! (Which I am not). My comments are relating to LL&P, not the city, two different animalsOn the Oct. 13th you requested these papers. You can get them yourself. You are the chairman of the board and can see any paper that LL&P has. And if you don't want to ask the IBEW union for the other papers then ask the city under the Freedom of Information Act. Everything the city does is public and anybody from the public can get them. How do you think the union got some of its papers from the city? Then when you get them publish them and PROVE ME WRONG! As far as the 18th refer to the previous statement. Apparently you are less interested in resolving this situation and more interested in continuing the internet sparring. My time is limited and I ask why you can't drop me a copy. because you don't have one.Now lets move on to your last statement about the "inaccurate statements". 1. Illegal for public to know the proposed contracts. If that is true why did the union asked 3 residents to sit in on one of the contract negotiations? And showed then the proposed contracts? And why do I and other residents have copies? Because it ISN'T ILLEGAL for the public to know everything. It is the CITY and LL&P that doesn't want the public to know! I was involved in a Union Organization campaign very similar to this 35 years ago, as an employee who was the point man for the union. We were overpromised on what the union could do for us and the union ended up walking away after 2 or 3 years, leaving wounds and scars that cause a lot of pain, still, to this day. There are federal regulations regarding how these contracts are settled and I will not interfere with negotiations, as advised.
If all these copies of the proposed contracts are indeed floating around, why can't somebody get one to me. This would be helpful and give credibility to your claim. 2. Next topic, questions not answered: Residents and rate payers wrote to the Ledger in "letter to editor" and asked questions, no answers. Residents and rate payers went to council meetings. They were told that the public could only say something during public and the council "does not comment or respond for the public comments". A) I'm LL&P and B) I will not interfere with negotiations, as advised Residents and rate payers went to your board meeting when the two apprentices were fired. They had questions about the reasons they were fired, you said the board will not comment. Also at the 9-13-12 meeting Peggy Covert and Barb Barber asked very specific questions that were not answered.
The apprentices were terminated weeks before the 9-13-12 meeting.
The meeting was held to disclose the results of an appeal of the termination of two employees. The confidential nature of that information cannot be discussed in an open public meeting. 3. Sending flyers: The city and LL&P did. No question there. 4. Sitting in same room for negotiations: the union ask repeatedly ask to be in the same room with the mediator, the city manager, the general manager of LL&P and their attorney that represents both the city and LL&P. They (the city and LL&P) for many meetings until those 3 residents showed up at a negotiation! 4. Larry Dyer: I apologize if I miss spelled his name, I don't know him. You said multiple times in the Ledger that LL&P never let anybody go when the cable was sold. He showed up at your board meeting of 9-13-12 and proved you wrong again!
I was wrong the one time that I made that statement in a letter to the editor. and I apologized to Larry at that meeting. That statement was made in defense of the attacks on outsourcing certain projects (which again to the best of my knowledge) which has never resulted in a loss of employment to a LL&P employee. After that meeting, I was informed that Larry, I believe, turned down an offer to transfer to another position with the city and instead chose a severance package. Whatever it was, it was a result of the Cable Co being neglected to a point where the Board in place at that time felt that the best resolution was to salvage the investment by selling the Co to Comcast.
Under current management and staff, LL&P IS thriving, investing for the future, and will provide reliable, economical and sustainable power for the Lowell community for many years to come.
You said that your comment in the Ledger "was written from your perspective as an individual not a board member". You are the chairman of the board for LL&P and when you state something about LL&P in the paper you are a board member. Stating that "as an individual" is a scape goat. Also Perry Beachum was proven wrong by one of your employees during that same meeting when he said that since he has been a board member they have always approved merit raises. Since I don't want to hire an attorney for every statement I make, I make them as an individual, I stand by what I say, but it is as an individual. I don't want to risk LL&P being sued over my personal statements in this wonderful litigious (law suit happy) world that we live in today.
5. Perry Beachum's response: On the meeting of 8-9-12 the board unanimously passed cut to new workers and to be included in the proposed union contract. This conversation started 3:20 minutes into the meeting. Then on the 9-13-12 meeting Perry Beachum did admit that it was voted in to the contract but was only "intended for new workers". To add to this, Laponsie stated that contract negotiations are not open to the public. Once again this is wrong, if LL&P and the city wanted, they could show the public ALL proposed contracts. This sums up my "inaccurate comments". I don't see any inaccuracies in them. But by all means PROVE ME WRONG! I welcome it. As a matter of fact I'm going to start a new thread so this topic is fresh and everyone will read it. That is how confident my information is. Thank you. Click Here To Make This Board Ad-Free This Board Hosted For FREE By ProBoards Get Your Own Free Message Boards & Free Forums! Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Notice | FTC Disclosure | Report Abuse | Mobile Read more: voiceoflowell.freeforums.net/index.cgi?board=general&action=post&thread=17&page=1#ixzz2J7L145bN |
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Post by theotherside on Jan 26, 2013 22:34:21 GMT -5
Once again I'll make it simple. I provided you with exact information from these documents,
And I told you how to get them. You are answering like a politician. The flier that was handed out was about both LL&P and city workers. You didn't have a problem not differentiating then but now you can only talk about LL&P. Next thing, you are not interfering with LL&P contract negotiations? Then step down from the board because if the board of LL&P can't control negotiations then you are not in control of your own company. Who runs it Greg Pierce? Why are you having updates of what is happening if you can't interfere? This is ridiculous, the city council directs the city manager what to do and the board of LL&P directs the general manager what to do. Then finally if all else fails you resort to 35 years ago when you were disappointed with the union you joined. That way you have another opportunity to speak badly about unions. These workers joined the union out of necessity. They have no hope of defending themselves alone. You said that you don't want to hire a attorney for every statement said, well these workers can't afford to hire a attorney all alone to defend themselves as you alluded to when you said the phone book is filled with them. This is the core of a union. Average workers unite to protect their rights. I didn't want to get rude but you are not providing any precise information like I am. It is easy to stand there and say these documents don't exist. Once again I have pointed out many problems with links to board meeting minutes and EPA web site and direct quotes. You just say you cannot do anything, it doesn't pertain to you, you can't interfere or you would like someone else to get papers for you. Now you can either answer these real questions or just keep quiet. Citizens and rate payers have asked real questions and they want answers. They asked about contract negotiations, you avoid it. I asked about the money spent on the decommissioned generators with facts. Are you saying your own board minutes and the EPA are liars? I asked about the combustion gen project shut down by the DEQ and no answer. I called the Grand Rapids DEQ office and they verified it. And it goes on. What I'm saying is once again, answer the people, don't be a politician. I want to apologize to the readers for the way I am coming across in this reply but I am running out of patients.
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Post by gregcanfield on Jan 27, 2013 22:16:57 GMT -5
Once again I'll make it simple. I provided you with exact information from these documents, you keep referencing these documents but fail to attach them or drop off a copy to me, regarding the alleged pay cuts being proposed to LL&P workers.
even though you posted on Oct 5 you would be attaching them.see below
I'm going to try to attach papers proving these statements as soon as I learn How to. And I told you how to get them. You are answering like a politician. The flier that was handed out was about both LL&P and city workers. You didn't have a problem not differentiating then but now you can only talk about LL&P. I did not write that handout but I (and the board) was consulted before it went out. I feel that it was helpful for the ratepayers and citizens to see what the union members were being paid prior to joining the union. It was more efficient (less costly) to do it one one document for both groups. Next thing, you are not interfering with LL&P contract negotiations? Then step down from the board because if the board of LL&P can't control negotiations then you are not in control of your own company. Who runs it Greg Pierce? Why are you having updates of what is happening if you can't interfere? This is ridiculous, the city council directs the city manager what to do and the board of LL&P directs the general manager what to do.
I (and the board) feel that the GM is following the policies and procedures established by the board. Then finally if all else fails you resort to 35 years ago when you were disappointed with the union you joined. That way you have another opportunity to speak badly about unions. These workers joined the union out of necessity. They have no hope of defending themselves alone. You said that you don't want to hire a attorney for every statement said, well these workers can't afford to hire a attorney all alone to defend themselves as you alluded to when you said the phone book is filled with them. Actually, if a persons rights have been violated there are pages of attorneys that will represent them on a contingency basis, which means that there is no money required, the attorneys receive a percentage on settlement. Should there be a frivolous, or unfounded case without merit, then the attorneys need to be paid up front, as they realize there is not likely to be a settlement. what type of case do you feel these workers have? This is the core of a union. Average workers unite to protect their rights. I didn't want to get rude but you are not providing any precise information like I am. It is easy to stand there and say these documents don't exist. Once again I have pointed out many problems with links to board meeting minutes and EPA web site and direct quotes. you must have missed my response in the Dear Voice post, even though you responded to it. here it is copied from that postOur current Diesel Generators, in place on Water St at the main office, have rarely run in the last 7 years. Due to the age, 50+ years old, they are inefficient, with high operating costs and would only be called upon in brownout, peak demand load situations. In 2008, with the new President and Admin, stricter rules were proposed and implemented and the Board & GM discussed the repair costs and decided to invest $250K so that the generators could be operated.
12-18 months later the Board was informed by the GM that additional requirements were coming that would require additional upgrades at which time the Board discussed and unanimously voted to pull the plug on them. Some of the recent upgrades, such as switching gear would hopefully be used on the new generator install. I went to the EPA website and looked at one of the nine notifications that came out in the four year period 08 to 12. About 20 pages, enough to make your eyes glaze over reading it. I didn't bother trying to read the other 8.
LL&P belongs to state and national groups that assist us in operations and advising us on where the industry and regulation is going. We consider their input also. While I don't recall every detail years later, the Board made that decision, not the GM.
You just say you cannot do anything, it doesn't pertain to you, you can't interfere or you would like someone else to get papers for you. Now you can either answer these real questions or just keep quiet. Citizens and rate payers have asked real questions and they want answers. They asked about contract negotiations, you avoid it. I asked about the money spent on the decommissioned generators with facts. Are you saying your own board minutes and the EPA are liars? I asked about the combustion gen project shut down by the DEQ and no answer. I'm having trouble keeping up with all of your accusations, especially when you ignore my response to your questions, see EPA above. There were delays in getting all the DEQ permits in place, but they are in place now, including the clean air permit. I am not aware of the project being shut down at any point. it was in a holding pattern for a bit. This is a very complicated business as I have stated before. As the project moves along, there are going to be complications and unforeseen expenses. The gas supply problem has several solutions and as board minutes show we were aware of it early on. I have to respond to your and grayfox's questions in the order that I see as highest priority. (along with trying to keep my day job)
I called the Grand Rapids DEQ office and they verified it. And it goes on. What I'm saying is once again, answer the people, don't be a politician. I want to apologize to the readers for the way I am coming across in this reply but I am running out of patients. Read more: voiceoflowell.freeforums.net/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=17#ixzz2JEXKtns8 |
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Post by theotherside on Jan 28, 2013 12:55:22 GMT -5
And again the cuts now are for the some of the city workers. LL&P did propose a pay cut but now are offering a 1% increase. You must not be reading my responses because I went into great detail about this and how much your other non union workers are making. Now don't say that you have nothing to do with the city and its workers, we know but LL&P did give huge pay increases and bonuses to its other workers or am I lying?
Next, I like your excuse for the fliers, to be helpful to the public in knowing the non-union workers. Ha Ha! Why didn't ALL the wages and bonuses get published? That would have been more helpful.
As far as the old generators. Greg Pierce should have known about the new rules and informed the board BEFORE the 250K that was spent on them. Once again, the EPA released the advisement in 2008, well before the upgrades. How much clearer can I get. I know why keep trying to put your spin on this point, you don't want to admit a quarter million dollar mistake then the board gave the first $10,000 bonus. Just admit it and move on.
And lastly, the DEQ stop the project. Call it delay or what ever you want, they shut you down from July to September. The DEQ told me. Don't try to spin it!
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Post by ratepayer on Jan 28, 2013 17:14:59 GMT -5
Mr. Canfield,
I find it very odd that you, being a Lowell Light and Power board member, are backing Greg Pierce so strongly. The board members should be stepping back, looking into, and investigating the employees and the public's concerns. You are backing this bio-digester project 110% while the public is questioning this decision.
My concern is that you may be in this for personal gain. Could it be assumed that there would be a plumbing or mechanical contract out for bid with the installation of the digester? With Lowell's idea of trying to keep things local; Could it be assumed that your company would be bidding on this contract? Maybe you would be awarded this contract?
Also, with this being the first bio-digester in the United States, Could it be assumed that people may come to see this machine? Where would these people stay? Perhaps they would be renting rooms at your Main Street Inn?
Lastly, If you were to be awarded with this contract, you would be required to resign from the Lowell Light and Power board because it would cause a conflict of interests. At that point, you would leave the board with a contract for your company to turn a profit on.
I sense that there may be some dirty politics here. I feel that you may be looking out for the longevity of your own companies, and not the longevity of Lowell Light and Power. I may be wrong but lets be honest, this some questions.
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Post by gregcanfield on Jan 28, 2013 23:25:41 GMT -5
Welcome Ratepayer, thank you for presenting questions in a civil manner. I appreciate that.
Mr. Canfield, I find it very odd that you, being a Lowell Light and Power board member, are backing Greg Pierce so strongly. The board members should be stepping back, looking into, and investigating the employees and the public's concerns. You are backing this bio-digester project 110% while the public is questioning this decision. After almost 5 years of working with Mr Pierce, I have come to know him very well. He is knowledgeable about the Municipal Electric Utility Business, and has strong financial skills. Under previous Boards and Management, LL&P was in declining financial health. As Board members terms expired, the Mayor(s) appointed new individuals to replace them. I feel previous boards just rubber stamped approved on anything the GM wanted. An example of that would be the purchase of the Newell Mfg Building on Chatham St for somewhere around one million dollars back in 2005 or 2006. LL&P sold a 40x100 pole barn on North Washington to the high bidder (me, before I was on the board) for around $20,000 to be dissembled and removed. The Chatham St building was probably 10 times the building needed and it took one million dollars off the tax roles. LL&P pays the city monthly fee's, PILOT, (payment in lieu of taxes) , which average about $20,000 per month which go into the general fund. That amount did not change when LL&P moved from Washington St to Chatham St.
A common misconception is that ratepayers believe we generate our own power here. For the last 40 years or so, the 3 generators at the Main office on Water St have been used for peaking generation, only after all available cheaper electricity could not meet the demand during periods of high electric consumption. During the Boards Annual Strategic Planning sessions, implemented by Greg Pierce, something previous Boards had not done (to the best of my knowledge), The LL&P Board set a high priority on having our own generation capabilities. Although we had done some upgrades to the generators to meet increasingly tough standards implemented by the Obama administration in 2008, additional requirements implemented or speculated to be implemented , coupled with the fact that the generators were 50 years old, and not efficient to run caused the Board to unanimously vote to pull the plug on them.
Legislation signed by Gov Granholm, in 2008 (I believe), required Michigan Electric Utilities to provide 10% of their power from renewable resources. Wind, Solar, Hydroelectric, Landfill Gas were the choices. The problem with Wind and Solar is that in most of the state they are not consistently available. Hydroelectric, just try to build a dam across a river today. Methane Gas from landfills seemed to be the best choice, from a cost standpoint and LL&P signed, after Board discussion and approval, a contract to purchase electricity from Granger Corp that would meet our 10% threshold. Unfortunately, we were notified 18-24 months ago, that due to the increase in recycling, that the landfill gas project would produce about half as much electric as originally projected, not enough to meet our needs for the 10% mandate.
At that time, Michigan State University was preparing to build a Bio-Digester and Greg Pierce met with MSU, Spart the company building the BD, the Michigan Department Of Agriculture, Department of Economic Development and discussed if this could work in Lowell. After reviewing our situation, these officials were very excited about the possibilities for Lowell. Chadalee Farms was spending $750,000 a year hauling waste away that our Waste Water Treatment Plant could not handle. Large farms in the area also were a feedstock option as well as our waste water treatment sludge. Having a easy, cost effective disposal could convince other food processors to locate in Lowell. The LL&P approved further investigation and after posted public meetings and in conjunction with the City Council, sent a group of 8 people to Germany to see several BD and do our own sniff test.
A group of investors is building the Biodigester with SPART, with LL&P having the option to purchase the project in 5 years, should the Board and City Council wish to do so. I am sure there would be public hearings and discussions at that time. LL&P has spent about $50,000 to get the project going, including the cost of the Germany Trip, $30,000 of that coming from a grant we won for a sustainable energy project. Part of the deal would require Spart to purchase their half of the building, they would be using for roughly half of what LL&P paid for the building. SO $500,000 of real estate goes back on the tax role.
Greg Pierce was looking for a used gas combustion turbine generator, to meet the goal of Local generation in the event of a natural or manmade disaster, set as a high priority by the board. He found two available locally, made a bid (with board discussion and approval) and got one for half the asking price. Several months later the second one was available at again half the asking price and the board discussed and approved this purchase. LL&P had the funds budgeted and in our capitol improvements fund and was able to get a great deal on them in the eyes of the board members. Consumers Energy's line to Lowell does not have the capacity at this time to provide adequate pressure during periods of high demand (in the extreme cold). This can be solved by using a compressor to increase the pressure or there are other vendors interested in providing gas that we are working with. There is also an currently unused 6" line from Chicago to the Dependable Gas property that if viable could provide gas to Lowell and LL&P might be able to provide gas to Lowell residents at extremely competitive rates like it does electric. Twenty years ago a forward thinking board and GM started the cable company which was a great thing for Lowell until it was neglected and run into the ground.
I feel the Bio Digester and our own generation will be equally great achievements. You just can't sit on your hands and keep doing what you've been doing.
Greg Pierce set up classes for Board members, in conjunction with other Municipal Utilities on how to do our job, taught by professionals. Lowell hosted the Michigan Municipal Electric Association annual meeting this fall, Greg changed the format to breakout sessions in different subjects, including Strategic Planning, Board Governance, amongst others . The professionals teaching these classes laid out what we should ideally be doing and guess what , we already were there, even exceeding their suggestions. The 200+ Board Members and Utility employees were remarking it was the best conference they had ever been to on the state level. Greg Pierce has served on the MMEA board, including being elected President last year. In the couple of national conventions I have attended with Greg, I was proud to be associated with him as he was well known and respected there also by his peers. In closing, Greg Pierce is not perfect by any means but he does a very good job from a board perspective. In his annual reviews, the board has made suggestions on areas that could be improved on. We are not a rubber stamp board. We ask questions and are asking questions at every meeting in open and closed sessions. We welcome citizen input on current relevant topics as they occur. Being human, I am sensitive to individuals who want to rehash old decisions the board made in the past, such as the retrofitting of the old generators, when no one cared enough to show up at that time. I still feel the board has made good decisions based solely on what we felt was best for the ratepayers of LL&P. Change is difficult, and the changes that have been necessary at LL&P haven't been easy. Some of the changes probably could have been implemented more gently but they were made with the best interest of LL&P and it's ratepayers.
My concern is that you may be in this for personal gain. Could it be assumed that there would be a plumbing or mechanical contract out for bid with the installation of the digester? With Lowell's idea of trying to keep things local; Could it be assumed that your company would be bidding on this contract? Maybe you would be awarded this contract? Valid concern, but actually the opposite has happened. Prior to being on the Board, I used to do work for LL&P. Greg Pierce, since he started, hires Franklin Holwerda Co, for their HVAC and plumbing needs. Greg called me once in the last several yeas when there was a strong sewer smell about to force them to close the building for which I charged $75 to correct 30 minutes after they called. During a recent mold remediation problem, my company was a subcontractor to the general contractor, who was the low bidder on the project. My bill was less than $2000, and I was working for ServePro, not LL&P. Basically when I became a board member, it cost me a customer.
There were PLBG & Mechanical contracts for the Bio Digester but I did not Bid, ask to Bid nor was I asked to bid this project. I live in and am proud of this community and wouldn't even consider doing this as it would be an obvious conflict of interest.Also, with this being the first bio-digester in the United States, Could it be assumed that people may come to see this machine? Where would these people stay? Perhaps they would be renting rooms at your Main Street Inn? Lets hope people come to see the BD, that was part of what the board felt made it a good fit for the community. Economic Development. I invested a stupid amount of money in the MSI. Had I not purchased those buildings, they would have been torn down, losing that tax base forever, since they would never be allowed to be rebuilt by the DEQ. The MSI allows people to stay in and experience Historic Downtown Lowell and spend their money in Lowell. Prior to the MSI, people stayed on 28th St, ate at Bob Evans , got gas on 28th st and then drove to Lowell to visit whomever. Now they spend their dollars in Lowell and that's a good thing for Lowell. Ask SpringGrove Variety, the Backwater or the Flat River Grill if the MSI is good for Lowell or not. I'm not sure if its good for Greg yet or not as I haven't made a dime there. Maybe someday.Lastly, If you were to be awarded with this contract, you would be required to resign from the Lowell Light and Power board because it would cause a conflict of interests. At that point, you would leave the board with a contract for your company to turn a profit on. I sense that there may be some dirty politics here. I feel that you may be looking out for the longevity of your own companies, and not the longevity of Lowell Light and Power. I may be wrong but lets be honest, this some questions. Nope, no dirty politics here that I'm aware of, but that's just my opinion. These comments and statements are made from memory and I'm 99% confident that they are accurate. When you tell the truth, you can just tell it and you don't have to check and see what you said last time you spoke.
Respectfully Greg CanfieldRead more: voiceoflowell.freeforums.net/index.cgi?board=general&action=post&thread=17&page=1#ixzz2JKBVhVGC |
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Post by brightlight on Jan 29, 2013 12:37:53 GMT -5
Thank you Mr Canfield for taking the time to explain the details of the business objectives of LLP. As a business man yourself, you have a perspective that likely most of the less savy voices in these posts do that attack you and Mr Pierce. If the company is moving forward with its fincial and technical goals with positive progress why would any one in this city complain? That's your jobs. I can't imagine any of them are capable and/or interested in taking over as general manager or a board member of LLP. That means they would be accountalbe for their actions and statements. It seems accountability is not something these citizens are not interested in, since another post mentioned seeing for themselves a LLP employe stopping at the Shell station 5 times during one work day to get coffee. That means that they condone employees engaging in this activity on company time since they get 2 work breaks and one lunch hour, the math here tells me they stopped 2 more times than they should have. And checking on them is harrasment??
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Post by theotherside on Jan 29, 2013 19:26:10 GMT -5
Britelite I appreciate your voice in this forum as with all other voices but I do have to disagree with you on some of your comments. Yes Mr. Canfield is a successful business owner in the community. But I would be careful when making assumptions about other peoples intelligence or should I say "less savvy voices". Only a fool would make a foolish comment like that. You have no idea who are these "voices".
You did talk about a very important issue though. The one pertaining to the "financial and technical goals" of the company. You say LL&P is moving forward with positive progression. How and at what cost.
First I have commented in the wasted $250,000 on the old generators and provided prof that the EPA advised all power companies, including LL&P, in 2008. A year before you began upgrades to the old generators.
Next LL&P has decided to engage into this new biodigester. I understand the concept and see other places doing it, like the city of Grandville but they didn't decide on a one of a kind. Oh I'm sorry there is one other one in the world. Why? And why put it in the middle of town, and why not put it next to the Waste Water Plant like Grandville. And it won't even provide us with the federal mandate of 10% green energy so we will still have to buy green energy on the open market.
Next are the other generators that LL&P has invested in for over $2,000,000. For what? When a disaster strikes? When was the last time the grid had a catastrophic failure? We spent over 2 million dollars for a possible disaster that won't produce enough power to run the city! And how will you start them when the power goes out? They take a lot of electricity to start. And what happens in the winter time when you don't have the natural gas to run them? By the way, as Mr. Canfield admitted to, the board was aware of the lack of natural gas BEFORE LL&P bought them!
What about getting shut down by the DEQ?
Another thing, the sur charges on our bills are outrageous! I now know why LL&P is profitable, they just charge more. On my last months bill these charges were almost as much as the actual cost of the electricity I used.
I can keep going but you get the picture.
And you call this positive progress? It sounds like Mr. Pierce is doing the same thing he did in Travers city that I read about. Except there he was fired. Oh I'm sorry, abruptly resigned.
Last about the shell station. What is wrong with this is that the 6 administrators can go there any time they want to but the 3 union workers can't? Talk about retaliation by management.
I use to be proud of LL&P when I talked to people from other city's. Not now with all this going on.
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