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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: Another ordinance violation in DCED
Goto page Previous 1, 2
00SL2
F L I N T O I D
Also noticed City of Flint website is being updated. There's a page for DCED with many document downloads available. http://cityofflint.com/DCED/dced.asp
Post Mon Feb 08, 2010 10:33 pm
Ryan Eashoo
F L I N T O I D
Thanks for sharing!
Post Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:05 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Agenda for Feb. 17,2010- resolution to reorganize and hire Wendy Johnson as Director of DCED at $80,000 salary.
What about Tracy Atkinson and her Superintendent position? If Brown had wanted to give her a key position overseeing multiple depts, shouldn't this have been considered a Department head and not an employee. Did council approve this reorganization?
Without minutes online for council meetings the public cannot see what is happening as the administration always brings the controversial stuff as add-ons, which are not on the ageda. So much bypasses public scrutiny.
Post Wed Feb 17, 2010 8:45 am
ConcernedCitizen
F L I N T O I D
quote:
untanglingwebs schreef:
It happened tonight, Eason told council he had been working 3 positions and was stretched too thin.
Maybe if Walling spent less time "Twitting" about from one social event to another, he could actually put some of that Rhodes Scholar intelligence to use to actually try and run this city!
Unfortunately, Walling has shown that his priority is to use Flint as a stepping stone to Washington. Did anybody tell Walling that if he gets recalled, or can't even get reelected, that won't help his chances of making it to Washington?
_________________
"When people fear their government, there is TYRANNY.
When the government fears the people, there is Liberty"
Thomas Jefferson
Post Wed Feb 17, 2010 1:13 pm |
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Sun Apr 26, 2015 5:46 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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| The recent OIG report on 4 cities including Flint addressed the changes in this department and the resulting deficiencies n the department. |
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Sun Apr 26, 2015 5:48 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: Metawaneenee Hills master plan
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
On Monday, Wendy Johnson of the Metawaneenee Hills Neighborhood Association will present their "master plan" for the area. I've heard that they have expanded their boundaries to Welch, Chevrolet, ML King & 10th Ave, and are pushing to get the entire area declared a historical district. I know that not all citizens in that area were asked for input, and Gooch (what happened to him?) has said that not all residents are invited to all meetings. Anyone interested should attend the council meeting to find out what they're up to. It sounds like only a few in the area are involved & everyone else is being left in the dark until it's a done deal.
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Post Fri Feb 05, 2010 7:32 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Dave- Since Wendy Johnson alleges all are in favor of the plan shouldn't th plan be made available to those who want it? I remember Lynn Waybright and others were excluded from part of the process and only a select few were involved. Gooch said the same thing.
Much of Metawaunenee Hills area will not qualify.
Post Sun Feb 07, 2010 8:30 am
Ryan Eashoo
F L I N T O I D
Does the master plan include the new historic district?
Post Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:14 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
No. There are plans created by a number of entities as you know Ryan. There is Hurley, U of M-Flint, University Corridor, Flint river Corridor etc. Simply because a group develops a plan , this does not mean they are immediately able to receive funds. Somehow Lawler thinks the mere development of a plan, that includes the future proposed historic district, enables them to receive funding.
Having a plan does not make it part of the master plan.
Post Wed Feb 10, 2010 5:29 am
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
A historical district containing houses built in the late 40's & early 50's?????
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Post Wed Feb 10, 2010 9:20 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
I know Dave. pretty ludicrous huh, especially since the other historic districts have been ignored.
Post Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:07 pm
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
Making Civic park a historical district really worked wonders for the area. Maybe it'll revert back to what it was in 1861, when 20 acres was sold for $2.83 in back taxes. (from our title abstract).
Post Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:18 pm
twotap
F L I N T O I D
I havent heard of any talk at least not yet of flint going back to dirt or gravel roads. That should put the last nail in the coffin.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/02/return_to_stone_age_reverting.html
Post Wed Feb 10, 2010 2:06 pm
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Reply with quote
ConcernedCitizen
F L I N T O I D
quote:
twotap schreef:
I havent heard of any talk at least not yet of flint going back to dirt or gravel roads. That should put the last nail in the coffin.
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/02/return_to_stone_age_reverting.html
Twotap,
After a few years of not having money to repair roads, and giving Flint's money to Genesee County for their roads like Brown did, our roads should deteriorate to black gravel. Our only hope is that Walling will be gone, then we might have a chance. Maybe Landbank can get the ordinances changed so that not only will we be able to have hoop houses and chickens in the city, but maybe we can have horses as well. They might not be as hard on the roads. Rolling Eyes
Thomas Jefferson
Post Wed Feb 10, 2010 5:20 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
I just read an article where some shrinking cities are fighting to bring chickens back into the city environment
Post Wed Feb 10, 2010 10:39 pm
ConcernedCitizen
F L I N T O I D
quote:
untanglingwebs schreef:
I just read an article where some shrinking cities are fighting to bring chickens back into the city environment
Webs,
My previous comment was in regards to an effort that Land Bank made last summer to change ordinances to approve hoop houses on vacant lots and let people raise chickens. I never did hear the results.
Personally, I don't see what the problem is with chickens. There are people in Flint that have dogs that bark continuously at all hours of the day and night. I sometimes wonder if these dog ever sleep. At least chickens wouldn't be as noisy, at least most of the time. Maybe it would even drown out the gun fire. Maybe I can even train my chickens to walk on a leash so I can let them crap in other people's yards like some of my neighbors do with their dogs in my neighborhood.
As an interesting side note, I heard that one of the people on the Nuisance Task Force that lives on Welch Blvd is one of the people with one of the annoying dogs. Maybe he should report himself. I've also been told that he takes down other people's illegally posted signs. But when he posts signs for the Metawananee Hills Block Club, he posts them in illegal locations. Mr. Caswell, hypocracy is alive and well.
_________________
"When people fear their government, there is TYRANNY.
When the government fears the people, there is Liberty"
Thomas Jefferson
Post Thu Feb 11, 2010 3:42 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: Where is the Neighborhood Stabilization Project?
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
On September 26, 2008 The City of Flint received an award for $4,224,621 in Neighborhood Stabilization funds as part of a HUD program to assist areas devastated by the effects of hign foreclosures.
Flint's funds were to be used " for establishing financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed upon homes and residential properties, purchasing and rehabilitating abandoned and foreclosed homes and residential properties, establishing land banks for homes that have been foreclosed upon, demolishing blighted structures, and redeveloping demolished or vacant properties;".
It appears the NSP plan has stalled, although the word is that progress was being made under nancy Jerkowiecz.
Does anyone know what is happening?
Post Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:58 pm
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
Is that the same 4.2 mil I hear all kinds of different people talking about? If so, it's starting to resemble loaves & fishes.
Post Wed Jan 27, 2010 2:10 pm |
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Sun Apr 26, 2015 6:01 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: socialism, Walling and the Mott Foundations
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
When 2tap first spoke of the Mott Foundations and socialism, I did not know what he was talking about. Then I read an article linking the two. I will try to find it again and post it.
Now I am concerned about this recent effort with the forums, community organizers, registering block clubs and more.
Many block clubs, such as those in the south side, have registered as 501(c)3s and don't understand this effort to require they register with the city.
The Ruth Mott Foundation is working with former Acorn organizer Nayyirah Shariff, and Franklin Pleasant to assist Walling with these forums. These 2 are said to be paid by the foundation around $12 to 14 K each.
Nayyirah was a field director for Walling in his election against Williamson and was paid by his campaign. Lisia Williams, Rafael Mojica and other ACORN staff were also employed and helped run some of his offices. Despite that Nayyirah is behind and her child support and Williams has outstanding warrants for child support and for driving with a suspended license.
Franklin Pleasant wrote a piece for Socialist Women and is identified by those who know him as a socialist. He once worked for the Flint Institute of Arts.
With ACORNs link to socialism you have to wonder why the Mott foundations are linking themselves with this process. If it is purely a political thing to be used as a means of identifying block clubs that will be used later in elections, then this is worse than anything Williamson did. ACORN is a political organization operation and the involvement of so many ACORN affiliated people raises doubt in the community about the motives of the process. Franklin has told prople the process will be videotaped. Is the city paying for this?
Also why has the Ruth Mott Foundation allowed Raynetta Speed to involve politics in the meetings? This is not what philanthrophy is about.
Post Tue Jan 26, 2010 10:23 am
View user's profile Send private message Edit/Delete this post Reply with quote
00SL2
F L I N T O I D
quote:
untanglingwebs schreef:
Many block clubs, such as those in the south side, have registered as 501(c)3s and don't understand this effort to require they register with the city. | If it is purely a political thing to be used as a means of identifying block clubs that will be used later in elections, . . . | Also why has the Ruth Mott Foundation allowed Raynetta Speed to involve politics in the meetings? This is not what philanthrophy is about.
Where is the information about requiring 501(c)3s to register with the city? This is the first I've heard about it and I'm sure our group will want the information--yesterday!! 501(c)3 organizations cannot be involved politically.
Post Tue Jan 26, 2010 12:24 pm
View user's profile Send private message Reply with quote
andi03
F L I N T O I D
quote:
00SL2 schreef:
quote:
untanglingwebs schreef:
Many block clubs, such as those in the south side, have registered as 501(c)3s and don't understand this effort to require they register with the city. | If it is purely a political thing to be used as a means of identifying block clubs that will be used later in elections, . . . | Also why has the Ruth Mott Foundation allowed Raynetta Speed to involve politics in the meetings? This is not what philanthrophy is about.
Where is the information about requiring 501(c)3s to register with the city? This is the first I've heard about it and I'm sure our group will want the information--yesterday!! 501(c)3 organizations cannot be involved politically.
Um....I have to know this too, as I have to dissolve a 501c3 and the monies are to be distributed to charities in Flint....PLEASE e-mail me privately if you find out any info. Although ours is not in Flint....why do I have a headache comin' on....feh.
Post Tue Jan 26, 2010 4:01 pm
Post Tue Jan 26, 2010 5:09 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Calls are reaching certain individuals in the north end. The callers want to register block clubs and say they are from the Ruth Mott Foundation and/or Keep Genesee County Beautiful. They want to make sure all block clubs can receive funding. This sounds like a comment Tanya Meeks made at a meeting many months ago.
Where will the money come from, if there really is money?
Is this a scam to use for political purposes later on? After all ACORN is a political organizing organization and that is who is being hired.
They have refused to give call back numbers and sometimes don't even give a first name.
Many block clubs have registered as 501(c)3 and don't feel they should have to register with the city.
Post Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:46 pm
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
Haven't received a call yet, but people have told me that when they ask questions they get hung up on.
Post Wed Jan 27, 2010 2:08 pm
Post Wed Jan 27, 2010 3:36 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Wallings flyer indicates he is indeed working with these groups. Brian Ross stated at the budget review that the city could not give money to a charitable organization without a contract as it is a violation of state law. The city is allegedly paying some of the expenses and the Ruth Mott is paying the organizers and yet Walling has never gone to council.
Erin Caudell, Lynn Larkin, Nayyirah Shariff and Franklin Pleasant led the function. It was a repeat of the previous session and angered many of the participants. The participation was also down and some areas were not notified. Paul Herring videotaped.(how much is he being paid? PSA?)
Complaints were the facillitators refused to truthfully use what was said. The wording was altered to suit the facillitators and not accurately reflect what was being said. Participants at earlier meeting stated their comments were omitted.
How can there be progress if the truth is ignored?
Post Tue Feb 02, 2010 9:10 am
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
Paul also said to be careful if you whisper to someone next to you, as his camera picks up everything. I wonder if he zoomed in when I was writing notes to the person next to me?
See the ward organizer thread for more comments.
Post Tue Feb 02, 2010 9:44 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
www.Intelius.com The Decline of Progressive Policy and the New Philanthropy
Some prefer socialism as a governmental system -- not communistic socialism, ... The Foundation Center reports that 44000 foundations existed that same year. ... Seventh Generation Fund, Ruth Mott Fund, C. S. Fund/ Maryanne Mott ...
http://comm-org.wisc.edu/papers2003/bothwell/theorigins.htm - - Cached - Similar pages
Paving
“So broad and so deep are the objectives of the Mott Foundation ..... “In socialism — what Westerners call 'communism' — the state ...... Ruth Rawlings Mott Auditorium. Phelps-Stokes Fund. Washington, DC. $200000 - 12 mos. ...
http://www.mott.org/~/media/pdfs/Current/Annual%20Reports/AR%202007%20high.ashx - - Cached - Similar pages
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 8:34 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: Flint City Budget quandry
00SL2
F L I N T O I D
Let's continue the budget discussion in its own thread. Posts about budget started in Terry's blog:
http://www.flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=52264#52264
Sat Jan 30, 2010 12:03 pm
through
http://www.flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=52326#52326
Sun Jan 31,2010 11:03 pm
and
Josh Freeman's response to Dave Starr's request:
http://www.flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=52286#52286
Sat Jan 30, 2010 8:33 pm
quote:
Shoot me an email (jfreeman@cityofflint.com) and I will send you a copy of the budget to actual that we were provided as of 12-31-09.
Below is a list of the Major Funds and what they include.
101 - General Fund - Police/Fire/911/Administration/City Council/District Court/Human Relations/City Clerk
202 - Major Street Fund
203 - Local Street Fund
207 - Neighborhood Police
208 - Parks & Rec Fund
213 - Senior Milage
542 - Building Dept
226 - Garbage Fund
402 - Public Improvement
591 - Water Fund
590 - Sewer Fund
Post Sun Jan 31, 2010 11:59 pm
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
Scanning over the document, I found the listings for the community centers. Interestingly, Haskell was not listed. At the time the budget was set, it wasn't in the plans, but Walling made the big announcement that it was open, and a ministation. So, where's the money to operate it coming from? I know it's open; I see the PAL van and some cars there every day.
_________________
Post Mon Feb 01, 2010 8:56 am
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
The city also needs to be very careful with the grant money for the south side task force. There are very specific requirements attached to the money, & if not followed, the city will have to repay it. So far, it doesn't appear that the requirements are being adhered to.
Post Mon Feb 01, 2010 10:21 am
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
I see the Mayor's hard at work on the budget deficit. From his twit site....
# At the Senior Winter Games of Genesee County, kickoff at Pierce center, joining into the pie eating contest, chocolate cream about 2 hours ago from web
Also, if you want to see the Mayor's office section of the budget to actual document presented to the Council on Saturday, it's here -
http://flintspotlight.com/?page_id=73
.
Post Mon Feb 01, 2010 3:14 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
to
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
The city also needs to be very careful with the grant money for the south side task force. There are very specific requirements attached to the money, & if not followed, the city will have to repay it. So far, it doesn't appear that the requirements are being adhered to.
________________
Kincaid was correct . The task force is not being run as a cohesive unit and they are not having meetings with the FBI, Prosecutors office and Sheriff Dept to rectify this. Bossman may have been a prophet when he predicted the task force would be on paper only. City will have to pay back money if this problem is not corrected soon.
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 7:31 am
Bossman
F L I N T O I D
Webs, I'm no prophet, just seeing the operations "first hand". Now we have layoff threats.....er.....mistakes. This administration believes it can do the same kind of underhanded dealings as all the previous administrations and get away with it because they aren't perceived in the same light. I believe that is starting to change. Until they stop wasting money on political and personal favors, we are headed toward receivership or bankruptcy on a fast track.
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 8:44 am
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
Did the "mistakes" come from the Human Resources department?
.
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 9:18 am
FlintCityMole
F L I N T O I D
I thought Dayne Walling would balance our budget and keep us in the black?
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 11:05 am
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
I wonder if he balances his checkbook at home, or does he have his wife do it?
"I can't be overdrawn; I still have checks left".
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 11:17 am
Bossman
F L I N T O I D
Dave, 2 separate emails from 2 separate people. Both in the Labor Relations/Human Resources Department. One was from Poplar herself.
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:39 pm
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
Sounds like City Hall has turned into a clusterfark.
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:55 pm
Bossman
F L I N T O I D
Poplar blamed the "mistake" on too many people getting involved in the contract negotiation process. I haven't quite figured out how others were to blame when one of the emails came from her personally. 
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:37 pm
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
That's easy - it ALWAYS someone else's fault.
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Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:42 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: City attorney to litigate against Judge Hayman
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Discussion item 100086 Finance Committee
"Referral by Councilman Bernard lawler and Delrico loyd to CITY ATTORNEY/FINANCE/MAYOR/ADM: They would like a copy/interpretation of the Michigan State Statute on procedures for hiring magistrates. They would also like to know how much funding is left from the funding source for this current magistrate. They are also asking for a definition of what constitutes a temporary/contractual employee."
See the thread in open chat on 68th District Court. Ted Jankowski has filed a complaint with his councilperson Josh Freeman and with the Judicual Tenure Commission regarding the hiring of a temporary contractual hiring of a 68th District Court Magistrate who did not live in the city and was not brought before Council.
When this matter was addressed in council committee,City Attorney Peter Bade announced he would like to plan an executive hearing to discuss potential litigation against Judge Archie Hayman. When a stunned council asked how he could do this without going into Circuit Court, Bade stated the city could ask for superintending control of the Administrator of the Supreme Court. Bade said he had just discussed this issue with Hayman and they continued to disagree .
Post Thu Mar 04, 2010 12:04 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: review Flint CDBG-R (recovery) grants
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
This web site will lead you to info regarding stimulous grants in Flint and Genesee County
www.MIHud.com State of Michigan- CDBG-R Program | Grant | StimulusWatch.org
MICHIGAN STRATEGIC FUND. Grant: $9583308 - Department of Housing and Urban ... to the state to be distributed to non-entitlement communities in Michigan. ...
http://stimuluswatch.org/2.0/awards/view/16625/state-of-michigan-cdbg-r-program - 14k - Cached - Similar pages
There will be a blue square on the left-click on "Browse by State/City"
Then you can either enter zip code at the top of page or go to Michigan and click
Near top of Michigan listing in blue is "Click here to see a list of cities in Michigan"
Click on Flint and you are there.
Post Thu Feb 18, 2010 9:21 pm
View user's profile Send private message Edit/Delete this post Reply with quote
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Interesting to note the COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) shows $1,446,800 to Flint to rehire 8 officers and shows 3 have been rehired. The recipient is City of Flint.
Project Description: The officer positions that were re-hired from layoff under this grant award, (Cool are currently deployed using the Community Policing strategy. The eight officers funded under this recovery COPS program are assigned to our Community Policing Division. They focus on the implementation of community policing strategies. Daily these officers form new and strengthen exisitng community/ law enforcement partnerships. This is accomplished thru attending community meetings, responding directly to service requests and being assigned to a specific area consistently so relationships and partnerships can be identified, developed and fostered. The service requests that these officers respond to are received at the COPS office and assigned to the respective COPS officer assigned to the specific neighborhood affected. These officers identify and solve problems for the citizens within their specific COPS areas. This is a great tool for initial contact and overall relationship and partnership building between the community and the COPS officers. This committment to the Community Policing strategy has an effect on the entire department. Routine patrol officers not assigned to the COPS unit can realize achievments made thru this program by a more cooperative and trusting community as these relationships develope. The COPS officers under this program, identify and prioritize areas of concern learned from the community within their repsective COPS areas. These neighborhood concerns are addressed and responded to accordingly. The officers re-hired after lay off under this grant have worked a combined total of 1784 hours during this reporting quarter. These COPS funded officers have only shortly been deployed under this program. Their achievements, while effective thus far, shall be increased upon during the next quarter and beyond. The community shall be engaged further thru meetings and contacts to identify and address concerns to further crime reduction and prevention.
Jobs Summary: The COPS CHRP grant that was received by our agency allocated amounts to re-hire (pre-application Lay-off) eight (Cool positions. At the time of this report, the entire eight (Cool officers have been called back from Lay-off and are 're-hired' and deployed in the Community Policing Program. (Total jobs reported: 3)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
Post Fri Feb 19, 2010 10:00 am
whiteknight
F L I N T O I D
After reviewing the web page I clicked on "see other for this recipient" and noticed all the energy and window improvements. Each one states that the project hasn't been started and most were awarded last year. So nothing has been done since Nancy left? Sounds like someone needs to hurry up and learn the job they are suposed to be doing. Hey I have an IDEA there are funds available from Job Central for on the job training where they will pay 1/2 the wages for an employee while they are learning how to do their job. Sounds like something that the Mayor could use for some of his apointees.
Post Fri Feb 19, 2010 12:04 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
I was just informed that a number of copies that were distributed of the original proposal submitted by Kate Fields on behalf of Advanced Solutions listed Greg Eason as her financial manager for the company.
Her company was not the original low bidder and Brown attempted to award the contract to a reputable company.
Post Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:56 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: Countrywide Settlement mishandled?
Author Post Post new topic Reply to topic
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox today announced a major settlement between the State of Michigan and Countrywide Financial, the nation's largest mortgage lender, resulting from allegations of predatory lending. The settlement will provide relief for more than 10,000 current and former Michigan homeowners who are struggling with the national home foreclosure crisis.
"Through our negotiations, we have provided a helping hand to thousands of Michigan families who are struggling with the foreclosure crisis," said Cox. "And, unlike the Wall Street mess, this was no bailout. Countrywide is paying, not the taxpayers."
Cox conducted national negotiations with Countrywide and other state attorneys general due to allegations of questionable lending practices. Those lending practices included misleading marketing techniques and incentives for selling loans with risky features, which may have contributed to the national increase in foreclosures.
As a result of the negotiations, Countrywide must offer to refinance thousands of Michigan mortgages, provide millions in financial assistance and stop questionable loan practices.
Under the terms of the settlement, Countrywide will:
Refinance as many as 9,700 mortgages in Michigan, giving families an opportunity to keep their homes, and saving them approximately $129 million as a result of more favorable terms.
Pay more than $9.8 million to assist Michigan homeowners who lost their homes to foreclosure. These funds will also be used for borrower education programs and neighborhood rehabilitation efforts.
Pay relocation assistance payments to certain homeowners who go into foreclosure after the date of this settlement, costing Countrywide up to $70,000,000 nationally.
Stop selling subprime and option ARM loans in Michigan for two years, and impose new limits on the sale of low or no-documentation loans.
Cap the amount a broker can earn to 4% of the amount borrowed.
Stop an automatic foreclosure process until certain details regarding the mortgage holder's situation have been verified.
Report quarterly to the Attorney General on the status of its troubled mortgages and what it is doing to keep them from going into foreclosure.
Maintain a specified number of staff focused on helping troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure proceedings.
Homeowners who acquired a loan from Countrywide Financial can call the Countrywide hotline for more information at 1-800-669-6607.
Citizens who feel they are victims of questionable lending practices can file a complaint with the State of Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation at 1-877-999-6442 or the Attorney General's Consumer Protection hotline at 1-877-765-8388.
http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164--201239--,00.html
Post Thu Mar 04, 2010 8:41 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Flint received a $250,000 settlement from the Countrywide lawsuit. The letter was initially sent to nancy jurkiewicz when Brown was interim mayor as the money was intended to help with housing related issues. The letter was very specific about how the money could be used. The city attorney and staff were working on a program to use the money when Atkinson replaced the director of DCED,
Atkinson took over and disregarded the AG letter as to how the money could be used and in resolution 090784 assigned the money to be used for a magistrate in the 68th District Court. This was not a permissable use of the funding and the money was reprogrammed.
When Judge Hayman came to council, he still believed the money for the magistrate was from his settlement. As this money has allegedly been used for a magistrate since last summer, what account is going to take the hit for money already spent?
The AG's office declined the city request to use the money for this but allegedly allowed the money to be used for code enforcement.
Scott Kincaids resonse was to say he was confused as Tracy Atkinson was not in charge of code enforcement and no one could explain how the money came to DCED.
Kincaid knows grants and asked Tracy Atkinson how much of the money was to be used for administrative costs such as the accounting procedures and reporting to the AG Cox. He was surprised when she said none. I wonder how the department will charge this time off. General Fund?
Post Thu Mar 04, 2010 8:57 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: Wallings jobs for friends?
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Flint has posted 3 new jobs and the word is there will be a total of 7 new jobs. I said before these jobs would be created under the guise of reorganization to eliminate the current staff of DCED. Walling wants folks who are beholden to him.
Normally these administration positions would have been opened internally, so current staff would have first chance to apply before it would be opened to the public.
When I see level 37 Exempt positions with salaries starting at nearly $71K and rising to $over 82k in 4 years, I expect higher qualifications then the specs show.
Economic Development Administration level 37 exempt
This person is expected to develop programs and shows FAEC. I hope this is the FAEC zone and not the corporation, as the mayor has no control over the corporation.
Community Development Administration level 37 exempt
This position sounds like a contract compliance officer in many communities. Also responsible for day to day operations.
Business Manager Level 22 E exempt
This position wants a real estate license and starts at $44k nearly $46 K at the start of the second year.
Flint is already red flagged by HUD as a troubled city. Will Hud appreciate all of these administrative changes?
The current staff has gone through major upheaval. Previous administrators did not always do their job and left a backlog of problems for existing staff. Starting with some HUD findings that were not resolved for nearly 17 years. The office had to be shut down for nearly 2 weeks at a time in order to meet compliance with HUD.
The worst administrator appears to have been Alex Thomas, who was part of the OK Industries and Crawley 108 loans. When indicted he stated he knew very little about the department.
The department was beginning to dig it's way out of the hole under Nancy Jurkiewicz-Rich when Brown appointed Tracy Atkinson in her place. To further ptotect Atkinson, Brown created an exempt position of Superintendent for her. The city council was remiss in not challenging the creation of this position, which was written so current staff could not apply.
This is why Walling needs Donna Poplar, to rubber stamp his decisions. And this is why we have a woman with a Masters in Social Work running more than one dept, including DCED. This superintendent job is more like a department head and I don't remember it being approved by council.
Post Mon Mar 01, 2010 10:21 am
Derrick1965
F L I N T O I D
www.tellwallingno.com
Post Mon Mar 01, 2010 10:38 am
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
What gets me is the council seemingly doing nothing about this.
.
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Derrick1965
F L I N T O I D
Can someone make a chart of the connections between appointees and donations/campaign help?
Steve Montle was high up in the campaign.
Rhoda Matthews couldn't even run Flint club but got a job
Greg Easons job was basically thru at jobs corp?? problems there??
Dean Yeotis supplied monies to walling then settled quickly on the sewer lawsuits shortly after walling getting into office.
Patrick Gerace long time friend of walling went to school together?
Post Mon Mar 01, 2010 11:05 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: HUD Swat Team coming to town?
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untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
My South Side friend who talks to HUD a lot,says HUD will be in town next week. He calls them the HUD swat team and says Jeannette harris will be taking the lead. Under Nancy Jurkiewicz Flint was a leader in moving the money. My friend received the last HUD monitoring report and said it praised Nancy.
HUD gets a little touchy when pj's (participating jurisdictions) don;t move money, because the onus falls on them. When no money is in the streets, they catch heck from their bosses. Flint may lose some stimulus money because there is no leadership in the community and economic development office. Tracy Atkinson and Greg Eason have failed to move the projects and are said to be more interested in helping some special interest groups.
Eason is married to Karen Aldridge, daughter of the founders of Foss Avenue Baptist. Foss Avenue is also the church of Nolden and Lawler, Word is this group has been promised a Foss Avenue Economic Development Coporation.
Could this be the reason that Jackie Poplar rebuked Neeley and criticized the Flint Econmic Development Corporation and loan offficer Robert Goodman. Neeley sits on the EDC board. Goodman knows his stuff and is helping clean up the mess left behind at FAEC by CCDC. Unless you know state and federal rules regarding such funds and are privy to such loan packages, then you can't sit on the sidelines and second quess the activities.
Poplar wanted to know why Alvin Miller of the Clio rd Tailor shop didn't get a loan. She made other accusations regarding a pizza loan, whose owner had a heart attack and falsely attributed to him ownership of 2 other pizza franchises, including one in Fenton. Perhaps she should have reviewed the minutes of the loan committees and not just the default list. She also took off on Katoola again. She doesn't seem to like this man.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Wed Feb 10, 2010 5:22 am; edited 1 time in total
Post Tue Feb 09, 2010 5:12 pm
Furnitureguy
F L I N T O I D
I am hearing it has something to do with the opening of Witherbees market? Anyone know if there is any truth to this??
Post Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:33 pm
FlintCityMole
F L I N T O I D
Anyone realize that people at the land bank are jumping ship? First Dan Kildee and now the urban planner guy Jeff Burdick. Who is next?
Post Wed Feb 10, 2010 2:12 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Jeff Burdicks wife got a job in another city and he left with her. His skills will enable him to work anywhere. He was not pleased with the move and he will be sorely missed by many in Flint. He did not jump ship.
No, this was not about Witherbees. It is more about the lack of leadership in the department and the current inability to move the money and draw down funds. Eason himself made reference to issues of slow draw downs in the department. Nancy trained Karen Morris and Glenda Dunlap on how to manage the office, but changes in the structure have not allowed them the chance.
With the help of Nancy and her tremendous leadership skills the department shed many of the problems created by poor management. But it is difficult, if not impossible, to overcome the number of years that the city has failed to answer the HUD findings. The OIG audit covered a 17 year span, and they could do so because some of the unresolved problems went back that far.
A second OIG report will be forthcoming in the near future.
Post Wed Feb 10, 2010 5:20 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
When my friends requests for the annual monitoring report went unanswered and council indicated they did not have a copy, then he sent a Freedom of Information to HUD.
Last year when Nancy came back from HUD meeting in DC (paid her own way) she teared up every time she recalled the praise heaped upon her by HUD. They had a room set up for her with a banner that read "Flint Rocks".
Nancy has been in this line of work most of her adult life and she never deserved the abuse she has taken.
Post Thu Feb 11, 2010 9:03 am
ConcernedCitizen
F L I N T O I D
quote:
untanglingwebs schreef:
Nancy has been in this line of work most of her adult life and she never deserved the abuse she has taken.
Webs,
You are so right. That is the problem with the Brown and Walling administration. They were and still are so intent on getting rid of anybody that was even remotely associated with Williamson that they failed to notice that SOME PEOPLE WERE DAMN GOOD AT THIER JOBS!
I must admit that I myself have an issue with Mrs. Jerkowitz, but it is something that could have been easily dealt with in one conversation. And that was an issue that is easily overshadowed by her ability to do her job in getting this city grants.
They also removed Arnold Brown from his position and replaced him with an individual who himself admitted had no idea what to do as head of Sanitation. At least somebody woke up and reinstated Mr. Arnold Brown. I will applaud that perfomance by administration.
And a huge travesty was that Interim Mayor Brown demoted and Walling fired John Carpenter. If you have ever met Mr. Carpenter, he is a very dedicated man. His first goal in his job with the city was to give the taxpayers the most "bang for their buck!" I sat in meetings with him and saw him take calls personally from citizens and write down the problems on post-it notes. His desk always had a collection of these notes. These notes did not remind him to get the job done, because he usually got off the phone with the citizen and immediately called one of his workers to check on the problem and correct it, or get back with him if it needed more attention Those notes were his reminders to follow up on the problems to make sure they were successfully completed.
Interim Mayor Brown did not like the fact that when he tried to bully Mr. Carpenter by telling him that he was Mr. Carpenter’s boss, Mr. Carpenter responded that the Mayor was not his boss, that the PEOPLE OF FLINT were his boss. Oh what a refreshing attitude from a civil servant! Mr. Carpenter, at one point after being removed by Walling, was replaced by 3 people. And in my honest opinion, they were not doing the job as well as Mr. Carpenter, especially at the cost of three people versus one.
Mr. Walling, as a politician and a Rhodes Scholar, you still have a lot to learn. If you were running a business, it would be bankrupt, not just financially, but morally and ethically as well. I will give you a bit of advice that could take you far in life. When you hire people to get things done, you do not necessarily have to like them, or for that matter they do not have to like you. But the important thing is that everybody acts professionally, sets aside personal feelings and gets down to business, getting the job done properly and efficiently. And believe it or not, if everyone you hire fits that mold, that makes you look better!
That would have fit with your campaign promise of hiring "qualified" people instead of people like Tracy Adkinson and Wendy Johnson. These are just more ways you have demonstrated that you are not qualified for the Mayor's job.
_________________
"Post Thu Feb 11, 2010 4:22 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Word from my south side friend is a HUD technician will be here tomorrow and more HUD officials will be here next week.
He gave me a copy of the Jan. 8,2010 letter from Louis Berra re:
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report Yr 2008
CDBG Project # B 08 MC 26 0018
Home Project # M08/MC260205
Emergency Shelter Grant Project # S 06 MC 0018
They congratulated the accomplishments of the past year (under nancy)
"The CDBG standard for program progress is that the grantee has a ratio of no more than 1.50 of the current grant unexpended. We are pleased to note that the City of Flint has met its 2009 goal and its present ratio is 1.26. This is the best ration of any Michigan CDBG grantee with an annual grant of $2,000,000 or more."
The audit for the year ending June 30,2008 contained one finding.
The city experienced an expenditure of CDBG funds on projects benefitting low-income persons of 100%.
Flint funded 9 ESG organizations and met all progress requirements.
**After a review of the data on American Recovery and reinvestment Act Programs as of the December 31, 2009, The City of flint has not drawn down any funds under the CDBG-R or the HPRP. Also little progress has been made on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
The letter was sent to Walling and cc to Eason and Atkinson.
The audit report can be found on http://harvester.census.gov/sac/.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Wed Feb 17, 2010 2:09 pm; edited 1 time in total
Post Tue Feb 16, 2010 9:02 pm
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untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Is HUD's annual visit the real reason Eason is rushing to name a Director? This is the position Brown eliminated (despite charter and ordinance) to name Tracy Atkinson the Superintendent. Freedon of Information requests stated this position did not exist.
Expect more reorganization in the future of this department. My South side friend says up to 4 Walling cronies will end up here to replace the 4 top employees. Walling will wait until the new budget and each position will allegedly have a salary that exceeds current salaries.
In other words you will have a brain drain and a loss of experience when we need it the most.
Post Wed Feb 17, 2010 8:52 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: Advanced Solutions city contract investigation?
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
After a lively discussion in City Beat regarding the contract with Advanced Solutions Old Flint Guy announced he was going to the OIG and the US Attorney. In the City Beat piece on council's new rules Old Flint Guy was questioned as to any respnse.
Here is old Flint Guys response:
Posted by DWCBOB
December 03, 2009, 2:20PM
OFG, any response from the US Attorney?
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Posted by oldflintguy
December 04, 2009, 11:56AM
Bob, and all -
I faxed over an "outline" that ran 41 pages of things that I felt should be checked out. Blessed with a title that requires people to take seriously what is above it, I have been given a personal appointment next week to present the research and file an official complaint with their office. I was assured the matter would be investigated on three seperate points of interest. Thanks to the efforts of our friend Webs, we got their attention on HUD funds, Recovery funds and a potential issue of improper influence. All in all, not a bd day's work for the PEOPLE. Will make sure to keep updated on other posts.
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Post Sat Dec 05, 2009 7:32 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
see previous thread on Advanced Solutions. Originally this contract was to go to Clean Energy Coalition out of Ypsilanti. (resolution 090709 on 8/11/09 during Brown's interim administration) but was dropped. This group has an impressive history.
Later Ananich, friend and former President of the Board of Directors of GECA, requested a resolution from the Walling administration to give Fields(former executive director of GECA) the contract.
Luckily for the citizens the ARRA act of 2009 only requires "reasonable belief" to trigger an investigan of abuses of the act. Among the violations are "contract steering" , a'inappropriately using one's position and influence in the selection of vendors with whom you have a personal relationship or interest".
[/b]I take his to mean no cronyism
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: ADvance solutions gets city deal
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Swiped from Terry Bankert's thread
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
has anyone else noticed Advanced Solutions shares the same address as Greater Eastside Community Center. (DLEG Michigan corporations) Kate was Executive Director and Josh Freeman was the registered agent of GECA. The last IRS reported 990 (nonprofit tax report) was in 2005 and showed Freeman as President of the Board of Directors of GECA. (guidestar.com gives info on all nonprofits as reported by the IRS)
Is this Wallings "change" coming to city hall. More cronyism and political payoffs.
Look at the register of deeds and see the number of GECA properties in forfeiture.
Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:32 pm
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
Some people probably feel it's ok, as long as Don's not doing it.
_________________
When seconds count, the police are minutes away.
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." ~Benjamin Franklin
Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:52 pm
back again
F L I N T O I D
freeman as president!!!!!!
well i'll just be damned!!!!!!! it's like that eh?????
_________________
The social psychology of this century reveals a major lesson: Often it is not so much the kind of person a man is, as the kind of situation in which he finds himself determines how he will act.
Stanley Milgram 1974, American Social Psychologist.
Wed Nov 25, 2009 5:05 pm
00SL2
F L I N T O I D
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
untanglingwebs schreef:
The last IRS reported 990 (nonprofit tax report) was in 2005 and showed Freeman as President of the Board of Directors of GECA. (guidestar.com gives info on all nonprofits as reported by the IRS)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would not use GuideStar as an official source. I just looked up another nonprofit I know files a 990 every year and it isn't shown. Nonprofits can register with GuideStar and provide information voluntarily. Nothing for the organization I looked up is shown now on GuideStar except their name and Flint zip code--because the organization has determined they didn't need to be listed there. They are listed in IRS Publication 78 as a nonprofit. If they don't file a Form 990 they don't get listed in Publication 78. The Greater Eastside Community Association is listed in Publication 78 on IRS website, take it from there.
Wed Nov 25, 2009 11:38 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
The irs site revealed nothing new. Foundation finder is another site. Guidestar gets the information directly from the IRS and is the source that many news agencies use. A reporter friend turned me on to the site and I have seen other reporters cite this reference.
I picked up much of this info during the lawsuit between GECA and the city.
You may be missing my point. Federal guidelines are sometimes very rigid. HUD for example,wants an agency to be evaluated for performance before issuing another HOME contract and they provide a very simple evaluation tool. Genesee County uses it but sometimes deviates from heir staff evaluations. Flint, in the past was remiss and that has led tomany of the problems.
Mission of Peace received funding although they owed tens of thusands of dollars in taxes. MSHDA once held up funding for GECA because they owed over $3,000 in taxes.
A KEY POINT IS DUE DILIGENCE!
Kurtz should never hve given GECA or Flint West Village the large "Lame Duck" grants he did days before he left the city. I recently reviewed the bankruptcy filingsof Flint West Village.Years ago Kildee had told me what to look for with this agency. Many parcels were overvalued and the Director begged the Board of Directors to buy back parcels before the audit. The agency fought the Land bank because they needed the inflated value of their holdings to look solvent.
Kettering Vice president David Doherty was charged under the bankruptcy. When he realized the company was going under he purchased three parcels, which he later transferred to Kettering. The bankruptcy court argued the property was sld at a deflated rate. After some negotiation, Kettering paid more for the property but not the price originally demanded.
Flint continued to give Kettering money although they were losing properties to forfeiture and foreclosure with the land bank. This was not due diligence per HUD rules.
It was my understanding the federal government was going to evaluate the process for granting the stimulous money. Flint has a poor track record for using due diligenge in their grant process. In the past staff, city council, and the City Wide Advisory Council did not appropriately take HUD regulations into consideration.
Thu Nov 26, 2009 2:34 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Regarding GECA- the lawsuit with the city revealed the agency was fined by the IRS for untimely filing their 990. Their 2005 was filed over a year late as evidenced by the time date stamp on the document.
Thu Nov 26, 2009 2:38 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
http://tfcny.fdncenter.org/990s/990search/esearch.php - -
The Foundation Center has a huge data base and like Guidestar it draws from the IRS master base.
They too show the 2005 990 as the last one filed. The report is 21 pages and shows losses from Bingo. HUD requires an up to date audit to apply.
Thu Nov 26, 2009 3:00 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Searched for: GREATER EASTSIDE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
ID Num: 734766
Entity Name: GREATER EASTSIDE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Type of Entity: Domestic Nonprofit Corporation
Resident Agent: JOSHUA FREEMAN
Registered Office Address: 2804 N FRANKLIN AVENUE FLINT MI 48506
Mailing Address: MI
Formed Under Act Number(s): 162-1982
Incorporation/Qualification Date: 5-25-1995
Jurisdiction of Origin: MICHIGAN
Number of Shares: 0
Year of Most Recent Annual Report: 08
Year of Most Recent Annual Report With Officers & Directors: 06
Status: ACTIVE Date: Present
Thu Nov 26, 2009 8:49 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
http://www.eri-nonprofit-salaries.com/index.cfm?FuseAction
This is the link to the Economic Research Institute and they too get the 990's directly from the IRS master base. The information differs little from guidestar as the last 990 filed was in February of 2007 for the year 2005. This is supposed to be completed within 180 days. GECA did not reserve the money to pay for their audit and blamed the city. The audit expenses are part of the budget submitted for grants.
Your IRS 78 link also shows Flint West Village although they have gone through bankruptcy. The board dissolved a long time ago because they had no money for Board of Directors liability insurance,
Thu Nov 26, 2009 1:09 pm
back again
F L I N T O I D
this is humiliating. to think most people only focus on the economically challenged and crime as flints main problem. there is a much greater crime being perpetuated. damn....
_________________
The social psychology of this century reveals a major lesson: Often it is not so much the kind of person a man is, as the kind of situation in which he finds himself determines how he will act.
Stanley Milgram 1974, American Social Psychologist.
Thu Nov 26, 2009 1:34 pm
Post Sat Nov 28, 2009 3:35 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Check Flint City beat for story on $1.1 million dollar energy grant. Kristen Longley Nov 24
Post Sat Nov 28, 2009 8:33 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
PDF] City of Flint, Michigan File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View
City Council meeting minutes 0f August 5,2009 pg 16
Council President James Ananich asked the administrtion for a resolution for Advanced Solutions to develop an energy efficiency and conservation strategy for council review.
Also resolution 090709 for Clean Energy Coalition (CEC) and Recycling Systems $227,229.00
Ananich was former President of the Board of Directors of GECA, of which Kate Fields was the executive director.
Post Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:25 pm
Pachuco
F L I N T O I D
Hey where were you and concerned citizen during Don Willamson's tenure as Mayor?
Post Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:12 pm
back again
F L I N T O I D
what does it matter. hell i fully supported him because i believed him being out of the loop and experienced in business was a great idea.....alas........eventually i was proven wrong..stuff happens!!
Post Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:40 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Pachuco- What does it matter where I was? I'm here now.
See the Flint Journal story and see where Old Flint Guy is going to the US Attorney on this issue. He has done a lot of reseaech on Kate.
Obviously you approve of Kate and Ananich's deception.
Post Sun Nov 29, 2009 7:41 am
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untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
OldFlintguy on the Journal site may have a point. The rules on stimulus abuse within the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009 (ARRA) need only a "reasonable belief" to initiate an investigation.
Among issues to be considered:
*abuse of authority related to the use of stimulus funds Also stated as the abuse of authority relared to the implementation or use of covered funds.
*contract procurement and grant fraud
*violation of law, rule or regulation related to an agency contract (including completion or negotiation of a contract.
Oldflintguy is making a formal complaint with more than one agency.
On resolution 090709 from the */19/09 Finance committee this contract was to go to Clean Energy Coalition and was dropped.The only 2 to vote no was Hill and Nelson.
Post Tue Dec 01, 2009 8:01 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
http://cec-mi.org/ - 24k - Cached - Similar pages
Link to Clean Energy Coalition of Ypsilanti. This nonprofit compay has been in business since 2005 and in their 2008 DLEG report they show their entire Board of Directors. This is an impressive and experienced company, not a one woman show.
Who are the partners in Kates LLC?
Post Tue Dec 01, 2009 8:18 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
From Journal Story in City Beat about $1.1 million in energy grant.
Posted by untanglingwebs
November 26, 2009, 7:25PM
Kate Fields lives with her mother (Humphey) on Maryland. She married Sprague before she went to California and obviously married Fields there. Oddly enough her URESA child support case is missing from the Genesee County Clerks office.
While the land bank evicts others for nonpayment of their land contracts, Kate and GECA got a pass at least twice. Kildee always made arrangements. She once wanted to work it off at an exorbitant amount of money doing counseling for people in danger of losing their properties.
She did not take the low bidder on her two houses on Delaware. There was to be five. MHSDA alleged Kate gave Agree construction an unfair advantage in the bid process. They relented because Arrow had a conflict of interest (Electrical Inspector Jesse Buchanan was their electrical contractor) and MAR withdrew.
She added so many extras that the houses had about a 50% subsidy rate. MSHDA declined to finance any more houses and refinanced the 2 houses so Kate did not have a problem with HUD monies. There was an issue with the sale of the houses. One woman did not show her exhusband residing with her and the other owner was a GM executive retiree. Gamblin was furious (former HUD chief)because the home were intended for moderate income families. MHSDA said she overbuilt for the area. DUH!
The lawsuit referenced against GECA was the BIngo supply company attempting to get payment for about $39K in Bingo supplies given to the company. GECA 990's revealed losses from the fundraising activities. (guidestar.com) A settlement was reached but GECA quit paying so the settlement was recently thrown out.
GECA refused to work with the Land Bank and had troubles paying their taxes. Despite over $3,000 in taxes owing MHSDA gave GECA money to renovate 3 houses, 2 on Delaware and 1 on Burns. After over a year on the market, Shelter of Flint bought the houses.
Ananich signed as GECA President for a $100k loan on the bank building on Franklin across from St Vincent De Paul. It was later refinanced and was recently signed over to the lender.
GECA has not filed a 990 since their 2005, and that was over a year late. They received a fine.
GECA was sued by Flint over three properties. HUD says construction on HOME properties must be started within one year orthe grant must be amended. Kate had spent nearly all of her administrative money and had not started construction. Two of the homes on Maryland were open and vacant. GECA did not secure them and they were condemned after they were heavily vandalized.
GECA did not reveal the third house had been sold on a land contract and GECA was buying it back from the land contract purchaser. No money had been spent on the house, so the money had to be returned to the City of Flint.
Also GECA's contract had a clause requiring them to disclose any tax or other liabilities to the city. They did not and DCED did not check.
GECA had rummage sales to try to save the organization. As previously noted they are late filing this years MIchigan nonprofit report.
Kate campaigned heavily for Walling and even did a TV 17 show for his campaign.
Posted by oldflintguy
November 26, 2009, 11:19PM
Webs - very impressive, indeed. May I assume that you are not opposed to my taking the above information to the U.S. Attorney along wiht the items I found previously? You are either an excellent researcher, a quasi-insider, or a mixture of both. In either event, thanks for caring enough about our once fair city to assist in cleaning up this mess.
Posted by oldflintguy
November 26, 2009, 11:52PM
By the way, Webs, I did find the 1979 URESA Support case in a search of the Circuit Court records yesterday evening. I am not sure why it was dismissed in 1983, and there is little in the way of information to be gathered from the online summary - http://www.co.genesee.mi.us/cgi-bin/gweb.exe
Posted by Soon to be six two
November 27, 2009, 9:45AM
Untangling -- wow!!!! Now THAT was a post!!!! OFG -- sure hope you can figure out a way to report back to us in the event the FJ does their usual, i.e., no follow-up.
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Posted by oldflintguy
November 27, 2009, 9:55AM
Not to worry, Soon to be, I will make sure to get info out on the meeting with the U.S. Attorney and on the Inspector General's investigation. I am amazed at the audacity of the Walling team paying off a political debt to anyone with such recent difficulties in her dealings with other federal agencies. We have an office in the DC area and I will be sure to have someone making the rounds with this issue.
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Posted by untanglingwebs
November 29, 2009, 3:39PM
oldflintguy- I too will file complaints with the OIG but not with US attorney. I will file with the FBI. Did you notice her partners are not shown in the Limited Liability Corporation documents. Ananich did the same thing with his campaign strategy group. Usually these documents are longer. Could Freeman be her partner?
Did you notice in the Register of Deeds how the GECA 501(c)3 was used as a pass through of property to Ben Agree?
Oh and thanks for the link on the recovery funds.
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Posted by oldflintguy
December 01, 2009, 9:44AM
webs - yes, that fact caught my eye as well. There is more than just a few missed commas and dotted i's in the way in which this lady has transacted her "business" for what appears to be a long time. I am of the opinion that she was deluded into thinking that local collusion would dispel any threats of federal investigation. I fully intend to bring all these issues to the attention of the proper authorities and press for a full investigation of GECA, Advanced Solutions, the Walling administration and the many individuals who seem to have been involved in transactions that just do not seem to pass the initial "snoff test". Between all of us, perhaps we can start to both make a difference and put on notice those that seek to abuse public funds for private gain.
Post Sat Dec 05, 2009 8:11 am
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untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/ypsilanti-based-clean-energy-coalition-lands-15-million-grant-to-help-partners-buy-clean-tech-vehicl/ - 44k - Cached - Similar pages
Clen Energy Coalition gets $15 million in Stimulus money to help cities
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: Uptown Development wants the James W. Rutherford ramp
FlintCityMole
F L I N T O I D
Just maybe this is all a effort by Scott Kincaid,Mayor Walling and others to put this parking ramp into the hands of the Uptown group. With plans of finishing the Hyatt hotel, and renovating the Bank Building ( in the works )on the corner of Kearsley St. & S. Saginaw St. parking is a must for this group.
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 11:04 am
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
quote:
FlintCityMole schreef:
Just maybe this is all a effort by Scott Kincaid,Mayor Walling and others to put this parking ramp into the hands of the Uptown group. With plans of finishing the Hyatt hotel, and renovating the Bank Building ( in the works )on the corner of Kearsley St. & S. Saginaw St. parking is a must for this group.
2nd draft
I think the ramp with all costs and obligations should be given to Uptown Reinvestment. More power to them if they can get a Mott Foundation Grant .It is not inconsistent for public money to be used to seed private investment. But we do this only if there is a long term public good, here there is.
My Councilperson Weighhill, or Council leadership Loyd or the Mayor should give us an accounting of what Upton Reinvestment has taken from the City and tax benefits recieved. How much of the DDA tax base has been diverted to Uptown Reinvestment.
Who is Uptown Reinvestment.
Who from Uptown Reinvestment will personally financially benefit.
Here is my thinking. The downtown powers to be, Kincaid and city council,Uptown Reinvestment, Mott Foundation and others set in motion the DDA/City obligation to the parking ramp to benefit their /our agenda. It will benefit us all if they are successful.
We want a successful downtown agenda. They are incontrol and should have the full obligation. That is unless there are hidden City tax dollar tax liabilities. If so the above referenced City Council and Mayor should let us know.
Speaking of agendas we need a neighborhood agenda. The only agenda most of us know about is the Land Bank programs . The council and mayor should clearly lay out their plans. There are many and a lot is under way. just remember the neighborhoods are more important to us. just lead, thats all we ask.
Last edited by terrybankert on Wed Feb 03, 2010 2:33 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 11:34 am
Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
quote:
terrybankert schreef:
Speaking of agendas we need a neighborhood agenda. The only agenda most of us know about is the Land Bank programs . The council and mayor should clearly lay out their plans. There are many and a lot is under way. just remember the neighborhoods are more important to us. just lead, thats all we ask.
They're about as clear on neighborhoods as they are on everything else. Different people are calling block clubs and telling them they MUST register, or they will not get any grant money. I just got a phone call from Officer Meeks who coordinates with block clubs. She told me this is blatantly false, registration is optional & those that register will have a "mail box" at City Hall where they can share information with other block clubs. She said registering is NOT a rewquirement for any aid. I suggested to her that she needs to contact those doing the calling & get them on the correct page.
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Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:43 pm
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00SL2
F L I N T O I D
My guess is that the "grants" being mentioned have to do with projects the groups commit to in the Neighborhood Action Sessions. Some of the "projects" I've heard mentioned are going to take money the likes of which these small groups will not have without grant funding. It may well be that neighborhood groups who haven't already, would need to organize as a unit to apply for grant money. So, is the forming of block clubs then twofold--public safety and neighborhood action projects? Is this what the administration has in mind?
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 9:34 pm
FlintCityMole
F L I N T O I D
Mr. Bankert do you realize UPTOWN 6 has received millions of city backed loans at no risk to them personally?
quote:
terrybankert schreef:
quote:
FlintCityMole schreef:
Just maybe this is all a effort by Scott Kincaid,Mayor Walling and others to put this parking ramp into the hands of the Uptown group. With plans of finishing the Hyatt hotel, and renovating the Bank Building ( in the works )on the corner of Kearsley St. & S. Saginaw St. parking is a must for this group.
2nd draft
I think the ramp with all costs and obligations should be given to Uptown Reinvestment. More power to them if they can get a Mott Foundation Grant .It is not inconsistent for public money to be used to seed private investment. But we do this only if there is a long term public good, here there is.
My Councilperson Weighhill, or Council leadership Loyd or the Mayor should give us an accounting of what Upton Reinvestment has taken from the City and tax benefits recieved. How much of the DDA tax base has been diverted to Uptown Reinvestment.
Who is Uptown Reinvestment.
Who from Uptown Reinvestment will personally financially benefit.
Here is my thinking. The downtown powers to be, Kincaid and city council,Uptown Reinvestment, Mott Foundation and others set in motion the DDA/City obligation to the parking ramp to benefit their /our agenda. It will benefit us all if they are successful.
We want a successful downtown agenda. They are incontrol and should have the full obligation. That is unless there are hidden City tax dollar tax liabilities. If so the above referenced City Council and Mayor should let us know.
Speaking of agendas we need a neighborhood agenda. The only agenda most of us know about is the Land Bank programs . The council and mayor should clearly lay out their plans. There are many and a lot is under way. just remember the neighborhoods are more important to us. just lead, thats all we ask.
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 11:41 pm
FlintCityMole
F L I N T O I D
Terry why does UPTOWN get all the goods and other folks and tax payers foot the bill?
Post Wed Feb 03, 2010 11:43 pm
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Adam
F L I N T O I D
I'm with the mole. I think we should let the DDA go bankrupt. If Uptown wants the ramp they should bid on it at auction. We should also have an investigation into this shady project as well.
Post Thu Feb 04, 2010 12:04 am
terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
quote:
FlintCityMole schreef:
Terry why does UPTOWN get all the goods and other folks and tax payers foot the bill?
That does not seem right does it?
Yet our City policy has been to rebuild downtown first then the college cooridor then the neighborhoods.
Concentrating resources has allowed success downtown. We do have a right to know who is benefiting?
However it came about,no matter who worked the deal we have a parking ramp needed for long term revitalization of downtown Flint.
The DDA/with the city of Flint has a long term obligation financial to pay off the ramp.
The City does not have the money.
If UPTOWN as a non profit organozation takes over the complete obligation for the ramp thats good for Flint.
I do not know enough to answer the questions,
1.Who is UPTOWN Reinvestment.
2.Is everthing called UPTOWN Reinvestment [UR] a non profit or is there a for profit component.
3.Are there overlapping private and public interest for the individuals on the Board of UPTOWN reinvestment?
I do not know the answer.
As long as we have arms length fair market transactions then UR is doing what we want non protifs to do, preform a public good.
In this case the Public Good is rebuilding downtown.
The greater downtown Kettering , to Mott, to U of M is turning Flint into a college town, thats good.
What we need is a focused neighborhood agenda. The Land Bank and the City are getting millions for clearance.
What we need now is to end the preoccupation with downtownn. We need to have the parking ramp issue settled.
The UR efforts will be looked back as one of Flint great success, rebuilding downtown.
The Mott Foundations involvment and funding, though I cannot tell you what it was specifically, has allowed downtown to rise again.
I work there live near by dine there, taken in theater and movies in the area. I was born in Flint from my view downtown is back.
Flint realizes the Mott Foundation is like a natural resource we have in their back yard.
I am naturally suspicious of them because they have a lot of money and I don't.
I am suspicious of UpTown reinvestment because they are putting together deals I don't understand. Buts thats life.
We should thank them and hope they continue their good work.
We always have a right to know where our tax money has gone.
So let Uptown have the ramp, just give it to them, if they can put together one of their magical mysitical financial packages with the omnipresent Mott Foundation. Thats a good thing.
It will free up city money for public saftey.
Flint today has a critical mass of private and public leadership interested in Flint. I like the current council and all its members. We have a good mayor who is in the middle of his first test of fire. I like Uptown Reinvestment. As A Flint Citizen I am grateful for the Mott Foundation and its contribution to our community.
As a citizen my preference is for the publics business to be authorized by elected mayors and councils in Flint. For the process to be fair, transparent, and free from individual enrichment not part of the public plan.
The Mayor and the City Council need to do what it takes to unburden the tax payers from the parking ramp, keep the city of Flint SAFE AND SOLVENT.
Continue to build the programs under way, citizen organization, land clearance, master plan creation and build a NEIGHBORHOOD AGENDA.
Mr. Mayor and Flint City Council when this all shakes out your political reputation and future depends on your efforts on the issues of financial solvency, public saftey and neighbothood revitalization.
posted first to Flint Talk
http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=52436#52436
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Join in the discussion here at Flint Talk , Face Book, Google Blogger " Good Morning Flint" , Twitter, Blogging For Michgian" and MLIVE.
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Post Thu Feb 04, 2010 7:20 am
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
You do not get a 108 loan without collateral, at least not since Stanley is gone. This loan had to be approved by HUD. The investors downtown have put up a significant amount of private capital. When Louis Berra, head of the Michigan HUD, came to flint he was amazed at the new growth. And this new growth and the private investments will assist us with federal monies in the future, that is if we can keep the crooks out.
Mole do not put out false info. call the Detroit HUD office and speak to Steve Spenser or Marqueritte Cox.
Post Thu Feb 04, 2010 9:38 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: 37 Million Dollars pouring into Flint.
Ryan Eashoo
F L I N T O I D
Feds pouring $37 million in grants into foreclosure-ravaged Flint to help neighborhoods
By Kristin Longley | Flint Journal
January 17, 2010, 9:00AM
FLINT, Michigan — Will an unprecedented $37 million be enough to give Flint a sorely needed facelift?
The federal government is pouring a staggering amount of money into the city in an attempt to revitalize a city ravaged by foreclosures and an astonishing rate of abandonment.
In addition to the $25 million neighborhood stabilization grant announced this week, the federal government has given the city almost $12 million over the past three years to knock down houses and revitalize neighborhoods.
“The city of Flint has a tremendous need,” said Flint Mayor Dayne Walling. “Some of the highest rates of foreclosure in the country are here, but this investment also shows there’s confidence from federal and state levels.”
Perhaps a sign of the foreclosure crisis’ devastating impact on Flint, Walling said the city received more cash per capita from this most recent award than Detroit, which has seven times the population of Flint.
The $25-million award is the largest single award that Flint has ever had access to for neighborhood stabilization, former county Treasurer Daniel T. Kildee has said.
The stimulus grant will be divided between the city and the Genesee County Land Bank to be used for demolishing and rehabilitating foreclosed homes.
The amount to each has not yet been decided, city officials said.
Walling said the dollars will be focused on four parts of the city where mortgage and tax foreclosures are high: an area bounded by Carpenter, Pierson, Clio roads and Dupont Street; an area bounded by Carpenter and Pierson roads, Dort Highway and Saginaw Street; an area around the Delphi complex, east of Dort Highway; and the University Avenue corridor area, including Hurley Medical Center.
Walling said conservative estimates show the city expects to renovate at least 100 homes in the target areas and demolish at least another 250 over the next three years.
The neighborhood stabilization grants can also be used for property acquisition.
Flint City Council members have criticized the way federal grant funds have been spent in the past.
A recent project allocated $500,000 to rehabilitate seven houses in one city neighborhood.
Flint resident Nayyirah Shariff has said the city has a history of focusing on Carriage Town, and she hopes more neighborhoods will see grant funding.
“Is there a strategy to withhold funds (from other neighborhoods)?” she said.
City Council President Delrico Loyd, who represents some of the targeted areas, said he hopes the funds are used to clean up the most abandoned neighborhoods in the city.
“Getting the money is a wonderful thing, but we need to make sure it’s spent right,” he said. “We need to tear down some blighted homes.
“Then residents of the north end will be happy they finally have some of the results as it relates to demolitions that they’ve been looking for.”
Tracy Atkinson, of the city’s community and economic development department, said up to 10 percent of the funding can be used on demolitions.
As of this fall, the city had about 1,100 on its demolition “to do” list, with about 300 of those being emergencies, officials said.
Atkinson said the administration will work with neighborhood associations in the targeted areas on how to spend the funds, she said.
“Every neighborhood and block has its own unique combination of challenges,” Walling said. “Every area is different.”
Journal staff writer Ron Fonger contributed to this report.
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