Gennaro A. Marino A.K.A. Jerry 2-25-09
To Friends of the Borough,
All I do is question the Borough Council’s finances and a bunch of no names attack me personally on my Blogger to defend the Council. Why doesn’t the Council defend themselves? The Borough has high priced attorneys, Borough Solicitors Timothy Dietrich and Keith Mooney but they allow no names speak for them. The last time I looked the Solicitors billed the Borough about $120,000 for a year.
I will say this, no one can take away my pride, my dignity or self respect by attacking my character or my personal life, especially cowards with no names. You attack a retired senior citizen engineer who is guilty of questioning the Borough Council’s mishandling of our money.
I have all my wits about me. I am welcome in businesses everywhere and I am ready willing and able to take you on. If anyone has any knowledge of me being asked to leave a business or any other such type incident please step forward and make your charge stating the time and place of the incident. I can not and will not be intimidated and when you make your charge against me make sure you bring your name with you.
If any one would like to speak to me personally you know where to find me in Kutztown. And I can also be found at Renninger’s Farmer’s Markets, Schuppe’s Grove and Black Angus on Saturdays and Sundays, Leesport Market on Wednesdays, Fair Grounds Farmer’s Market on Thursdays or Fridays and Perkiomenville on Mondays. I will also be available in nice weather polishing my 1990 Red Corvette Convertible (license plate KMAYOR) with 25,000 miles on it or my 1985 Buick Regal in my garage. In nice weather I can also be found dining on my side porch. Come and sit at my table of wisdom and I will serve you a refreshment. I am here to stay and I will continue to question the Borough’s handling of our finances despite unfounded and fabricated personal attacks. Thanks everybody, I love you all.
Sincerely, Gennaro A, Marino AKA Jerry
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Answer Jerry's Accusations and Questions 2-23-09
Answer Jerry’s Accusations and Questions 2-23-09
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
To Concerned Citizens,
The comments to my last blog were answered as usual by anonymous individuals who solely attack me stating I have no proof of my statements. The proof is in the Borough records. My statements are all based on Borough records and newspaper articles. These anonymous individuals question my credibility, how can anyone with no identity question the credibility of a person that puts his name on everything he states? And why don’t Borough Officials correct my facts and figures or at least disagree with them? They do not address or question any of my statements because my statements are all true. And they have a bunch of no names fabricate stories about me and attack me personally. In fact I think some of those that comment and attack me personally are Borough Officials who do not have the courage to be identified. Attacking me does not change the financial or chaotic status of the Borough.
I am ready, willing and able to defend myself against any one who disagrees with my blogs and anyone who will come forth with their absurd fabricated personal comments and stories about me. I will defend myself against any one with a legitimate identity, address and phone number. But if anyone of you think you can silence me or discourage me and make me go away you, I promise you that it will never happen. I have never lost a battle in my life and I will not lose this one. TRUTH, HONESTY AND INTEGRITY WILL PREVAIL. For me to win this battle will be easy, all you have to do is come forth and identify yourself. Thank you.
Sincerely, Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
To Concerned Citizens,
The comments to my last blog were answered as usual by anonymous individuals who solely attack me stating I have no proof of my statements. The proof is in the Borough records. My statements are all based on Borough records and newspaper articles. These anonymous individuals question my credibility, how can anyone with no identity question the credibility of a person that puts his name on everything he states? And why don’t Borough Officials correct my facts and figures or at least disagree with them? They do not address or question any of my statements because my statements are all true. And they have a bunch of no names fabricate stories about me and attack me personally. In fact I think some of those that comment and attack me personally are Borough Officials who do not have the courage to be identified. Attacking me does not change the financial or chaotic status of the Borough.
I am ready, willing and able to defend myself against any one who disagrees with my blogs and anyone who will come forth with their absurd fabricated personal comments and stories about me. I will defend myself against any one with a legitimate identity, address and phone number. But if anyone of you think you can silence me or discourage me and make me go away you, I promise you that it will never happen. I have never lost a battle in my life and I will not lose this one. TRUTH, HONESTY AND INTEGRITY WILL PREVAIL. For me to win this battle will be easy, all you have to do is come forth and identify yourself. Thank you.
Sincerely, Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Jerry's Summary 2-22-09
Jerry’s Summary 2-22-09 Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
To Concerned Residents of Kutztown,
I have been stating for the past 8 years that HU loses about $1 million a year, the Borough has secretly transferred about $13 million into HU, the borough is falsifying the Budget, publishing fraudulent financial reports, has never published a financial report on HU and I have never received any type of reply from the Borough.
The Borough then votes $20,000 for a consulting expert who gives a report of words on Hometown Utilicom based on the information given him by the Borough. He does not produce one set of numbers, figures, statistics, charts, graphs, revenues, expenditures or facts to support his statements. I then state that all comments and questions to him were not noted in the Council meeting minutes and this is the continuing policy of the Borough to limit facts of HU to the public. This set off a firestorm of comments personally attacking me from a bunch of no names that have 3rd grade arithmetic and reading levels. This blog is all about the finances of the Borough and has nothing to do with me.
The Borough and the comments should address the following questions:
Does HU lose about $1 million a year?
Does the Borough falsify the Budget?
Does the Borough publish fraudulent reports?
Has the Borough ever published a complete financial report on HU?
Has the Borough ever replied to any of my correspondences?
These questions simply sum up all my inquiries and if someone should answer these questions honestly and produce a complete report on HU I will stop my criticisms of the Borough. Please confine your comments to the above questions.
Sincerely, Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
To Concerned Residents of Kutztown,
I have been stating for the past 8 years that HU loses about $1 million a year, the Borough has secretly transferred about $13 million into HU, the borough is falsifying the Budget, publishing fraudulent financial reports, has never published a financial report on HU and I have never received any type of reply from the Borough.
The Borough then votes $20,000 for a consulting expert who gives a report of words on Hometown Utilicom based on the information given him by the Borough. He does not produce one set of numbers, figures, statistics, charts, graphs, revenues, expenditures or facts to support his statements. I then state that all comments and questions to him were not noted in the Council meeting minutes and this is the continuing policy of the Borough to limit facts of HU to the public. This set off a firestorm of comments personally attacking me from a bunch of no names that have 3rd grade arithmetic and reading levels. This blog is all about the finances of the Borough and has nothing to do with me.
The Borough and the comments should address the following questions:
Does HU lose about $1 million a year?
Does the Borough falsify the Budget?
Does the Borough publish fraudulent reports?
Has the Borough ever published a complete financial report on HU?
Has the Borough ever replied to any of my correspondences?
These questions simply sum up all my inquiries and if someone should answer these questions honestly and produce a complete report on HU I will stop my criticisms of the Borough. Please confine your comments to the above questions.
Sincerely, Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Jerry's Comments 2-21-09
Jerry’s Comments 2-21-09 Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
Seventeen comments in one day and still climbing on one post that’s great and it is wonderful that none of the comments refer to my questions or comments in the post. Thank you friends. Now that I have your attention the main reason I printed a copy of the minutes of the HU meeting was to point out that the comments and questions to Mr. Dawson, of CCG Consulting, by the residents were not noted in the minutes. None of the comments to this post mentions this fact even though it was highlighted in capital letters. The Borough does not want to any one to know the facts, the finances and the truth about HU by publishing the opinions of the residents who are shareholders in HU. They want you to hear Mr. Dawson who was voted $20,000 to tell the Borough Officials what they want to hear, that HU is a viable venture.
While I have your attention please note Mr. Dawson stated in the minutes:
1) HU should come close to breaking even 2009. I say this is a lie and he does not show any figures or statistics backing this up.
2) Services to the Borough should be billed at market rate. What he did not say that more HU revenue is realized from Borough Services than from HU subscribers. I say in other words the Borough is the best customer HU has.
3) The current HU technology works fine but is obsolete and should be replaced in 3 to 5 years. I say he did not say where the funds would come from to replace the obsolete technology.
4) Although HU has 50% of the customers in town, the fiber is not evenly distributed, so customers can not be added in some areas. I say where will the new customers come from?
5) System bandwidth is limited because of the way it is being used. I say why wasn’t it set up properly to begin with?
6) Add local programming. I say I thought HU had all programs available.
7) Increase data speeds because H is “vastly superior to competition”. I say he said this after he stated the technology was obsolete.
8) Have more open discussions about rates and sensitive issues. I say in 7 years since its inception there has never been any discussion or financial report on HU.
Mr. Dawson made all these statements after he stated and I quote “the current business is run really efficiently”. All of the statements listed above by Mr. Dawson are taken from the Borough Council Meeting minutes. Finally Mr. Dawson was a $20,000 paid shill for the Borough. What is the profit or loss of HU for 2007?
Another example of how the Borough Council is mishandling our money is on page 17540 of the minutes. I quote,” MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. SEYLER, SECONDED BY MR. SCHLEGEL, RESOLVED, TO TRANSFER MONEY FROM THE ELECTRIC REVENUE FUND TO MAKE UP FOR A SHORTFALL IN THE GENERAL FUND. AN AMOUNT WAS NOT AVALABLE SINCE THE BUDGET HAS NOT BEEN FINALIZED”. PASSED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
How can the Borough Council vote on a transfer of money without an amount and discussion? I welcome comments on this one. Thank you.
Sincerely, Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
Seventeen comments in one day and still climbing on one post that’s great and it is wonderful that none of the comments refer to my questions or comments in the post. Thank you friends. Now that I have your attention the main reason I printed a copy of the minutes of the HU meeting was to point out that the comments and questions to Mr. Dawson, of CCG Consulting, by the residents were not noted in the minutes. None of the comments to this post mentions this fact even though it was highlighted in capital letters. The Borough does not want to any one to know the facts, the finances and the truth about HU by publishing the opinions of the residents who are shareholders in HU. They want you to hear Mr. Dawson who was voted $20,000 to tell the Borough Officials what they want to hear, that HU is a viable venture.
While I have your attention please note Mr. Dawson stated in the minutes:
1) HU should come close to breaking even 2009. I say this is a lie and he does not show any figures or statistics backing this up.
2) Services to the Borough should be billed at market rate. What he did not say that more HU revenue is realized from Borough Services than from HU subscribers. I say in other words the Borough is the best customer HU has.
3) The current HU technology works fine but is obsolete and should be replaced in 3 to 5 years. I say he did not say where the funds would come from to replace the obsolete technology.
4) Although HU has 50% of the customers in town, the fiber is not evenly distributed, so customers can not be added in some areas. I say where will the new customers come from?
5) System bandwidth is limited because of the way it is being used. I say why wasn’t it set up properly to begin with?
6) Add local programming. I say I thought HU had all programs available.
7) Increase data speeds because H is “vastly superior to competition”. I say he said this after he stated the technology was obsolete.
8) Have more open discussions about rates and sensitive issues. I say in 7 years since its inception there has never been any discussion or financial report on HU.
Mr. Dawson made all these statements after he stated and I quote “the current business is run really efficiently”. All of the statements listed above by Mr. Dawson are taken from the Borough Council Meeting minutes. Finally Mr. Dawson was a $20,000 paid shill for the Borough. What is the profit or loss of HU for 2007?
Another example of how the Borough Council is mishandling our money is on page 17540 of the minutes. I quote,” MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. SEYLER, SECONDED BY MR. SCHLEGEL, RESOLVED, TO TRANSFER MONEY FROM THE ELECTRIC REVENUE FUND TO MAKE UP FOR A SHORTFALL IN THE GENERAL FUND. AN AMOUNT WAS NOT AVALABLE SINCE THE BUDGET HAS NOT BEEN FINALIZED”. PASSED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE.
How can the Borough Council vote on a transfer of money without an amount and discussion? I welcome comments on this one. Thank you.
Sincerely, Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Comments on 12-3-08 Special HU Meeting
Comments on 12-3-08 HU Special Meeting Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
Kutztown Borough Council
Dear Elected Officials,
As you can see the post previous to this post is a copy of the minutes of the 12-3-08 HU Special Council Meeting from the Borough website which was published almost 2 months after the meeting. Before reading this post please read the minutes of the meeting. The minutes were witnessed by Assistant Secretary Wiand and were reviewed and accepted by you unanimously at the January 20, 2009 Council Meeting. My repeat post of 12-22-08 points out all the false profitability and engineering statements by Mr. Dawson and I also point out Mr. Dawson did not show any hard facts or figures to back up his statements.
The reason I am commenting on these minutes is that after Mr. Dawson completed his presentation several residents commented and questioned Mr. Dawson and the minutes state “and lengthy conversations ensued and all questions and comments were addressed by Mr. Dawson, Borough Council, Borough staff and Solicitor Mooney”.
THE MINUTES DO NOT CONTAIN ONE QUESTION OR COMMENT FROM THE LENGTHY CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN THE CONCERNED RESIDENTS, MR. DAWSON, BOROUGH COUNCIL, BOROUGH STAFF AND SOLICITOR MOONEY. The questions and comments were deliberately omitted from the minutes on your orders because you disagreed with them.
This again confirms that under your orders and direction the Borough is deliberately withholding the facts and finances about Hometown Utilicom. How can the comments and questions on Hometown Utilicom be withheld at a meeting that was advertised as a Special Meeting on Hometown Utilicom?
This post in conjunction with my 2 previous posts exposes you for what you are and what you are doing. How much longer are you going to hide the fact that Hometown Utilicom loses about $1 million a year. If you read Mr. Dawson’s report carefully you will see that HU is not a viable venture and should be shut down.
Sincerely, Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
Kutztown Borough Council
Dear Elected Officials,
As you can see the post previous to this post is a copy of the minutes of the 12-3-08 HU Special Council Meeting from the Borough website which was published almost 2 months after the meeting. Before reading this post please read the minutes of the meeting. The minutes were witnessed by Assistant Secretary Wiand and were reviewed and accepted by you unanimously at the January 20, 2009 Council Meeting. My repeat post of 12-22-08 points out all the false profitability and engineering statements by Mr. Dawson and I also point out Mr. Dawson did not show any hard facts or figures to back up his statements.
The reason I am commenting on these minutes is that after Mr. Dawson completed his presentation several residents commented and questioned Mr. Dawson and the minutes state “and lengthy conversations ensued and all questions and comments were addressed by Mr. Dawson, Borough Council, Borough staff and Solicitor Mooney”.
THE MINUTES DO NOT CONTAIN ONE QUESTION OR COMMENT FROM THE LENGTHY CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN THE CONCERNED RESIDENTS, MR. DAWSON, BOROUGH COUNCIL, BOROUGH STAFF AND SOLICITOR MOONEY. The questions and comments were deliberately omitted from the minutes on your orders because you disagreed with them.
This again confirms that under your orders and direction the Borough is deliberately withholding the facts and finances about Hometown Utilicom. How can the comments and questions on Hometown Utilicom be withheld at a meeting that was advertised as a Special Meeting on Hometown Utilicom?
This post in conjunction with my 2 previous posts exposes you for what you are and what you are doing. How much longer are you going to hide the fact that Hometown Utilicom loses about $1 million a year. If you read Mr. Dawson’s report carefully you will see that HU is not a viable venture and should be shut down.
Sincerely, Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Repeat from 12-22-08 Post
Hometown Utilicom and CCG Consulting Report
CCG Consulting was paid $20,000 to conclude and state what the Borough Council and Mayor Sandy Green wanted to hear, that Hometown Utilicom is viable. Nothing is further from the truth. No Business Plan or Marketing Plan was presented by Mr. Dawson as was agreed upon at the February Council Meeting by Mayor Green and the Borough Council. Mr. Dawson’s report was based on falsified budgets and fraudulent financial reports that he received from the Borough. The only revenue of HU should be the revenue from the subscribers and not include the funds the Borough is moving into HU through so called rentals, services, subsidies and transfers. Mr. Dawson neglected to state that funds moved into HU were included as revenue.
HU has never produced one financial report and Mr. Dawson stated it was well run. He stated the Electric Fund would help finance HU, but he neglected to say residents pay double the rate for electricity than the surrounding area.
It is strange that all my blogger (www.marinoreport.com) comments and supporters of Hometown Utilicom are nameless and do not include any statistics or financial information to support their comments. It is also strange that the Borough Council, Mayor Green, Borough Solicitors Dietrich and Mooney, Auditor Long and Barrell and other Borough employees do not dispute or respond to my statements and comments.
The Borough has not published or included any information on the Borough website of the details and vote of this Special Hometown Utilicom Council Meeting of December 3, 2008.
It is a known fact that the HU Internet System is outdated, over loaded and can not compete with our competitors. The sweetheart deal with Apex has been broken and the Borough should shut down the Hometown Operation immediately. The last time I looked HU was losing about $1 million a year.
I think it is time for the Borough to defend their actions and explain to the Borough Residents the financial status of HU.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E. December 22, 2008
CCG Consulting was paid $20,000 to conclude and state what the Borough Council and Mayor Sandy Green wanted to hear, that Hometown Utilicom is viable. Nothing is further from the truth. No Business Plan or Marketing Plan was presented by Mr. Dawson as was agreed upon at the February Council Meeting by Mayor Green and the Borough Council. Mr. Dawson’s report was based on falsified budgets and fraudulent financial reports that he received from the Borough. The only revenue of HU should be the revenue from the subscribers and not include the funds the Borough is moving into HU through so called rentals, services, subsidies and transfers. Mr. Dawson neglected to state that funds moved into HU were included as revenue.
HU has never produced one financial report and Mr. Dawson stated it was well run. He stated the Electric Fund would help finance HU, but he neglected to say residents pay double the rate for electricity than the surrounding area.
It is strange that all my blogger (www.marinoreport.com) comments and supporters of Hometown Utilicom are nameless and do not include any statistics or financial information to support their comments. It is also strange that the Borough Council, Mayor Green, Borough Solicitors Dietrich and Mooney, Auditor Long and Barrell and other Borough employees do not dispute or respond to my statements and comments.
The Borough has not published or included any information on the Borough website of the details and vote of this Special Hometown Utilicom Council Meeting of December 3, 2008.
It is a known fact that the HU Internet System is outdated, over loaded and can not compete with our competitors. The sweetheart deal with Apex has been broken and the Borough should shut down the Hometown Operation immediately. The last time I looked HU was losing about $1 million a year.
I think it is time for the Borough to defend their actions and explain to the Borough Residents the financial status of HU.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E. December 22, 2008
HU 12-3-08 Special Council Meeting
December 3, 2008 Council Meeting Minutes
17537
December 3, 2008
Kutztown, PA
A special meeting of the Kutztown Borough Council was called to order at
7:30 p.m. in the Kutztown Municipal Building by the President, Mr. Malcolm A. Eidle,
with other members of Borough Council present: Mr. Edwin K. Seyler, Mr. James F.
Schlegel, Mr. Mark R. Gangewere, Mr. Kevin J. Snyder, Ms. Amy Bray and the Mayor,
Ms. Sandra Green. Mr. Keith Mooney, Borough Solicitor; Mr. Gabriel Khalife, Borough
Manager/Treasurer; Mrs. Gina M. Wiand, Director of Marketing Communications and
Customer Relations/Assistant Borough Secretary; Mr. Frank Caruso, Director of
Information Technology; Mr. Russell Samilo, Director of Finance/Assistant Treasurer;
Mr. Robert Toth, Student Ambassador to Council; Mr. Joe Haughey, Student
Ambassador to the Mayor; residents Lisa Ladd-Kidder, Brendan Strasser, Dave Remaley,
Kenneth Kern, Joe Quinlan, Milton Kern, Art Goldberger, Jeri Carroll Coliccio, Craig
Koller, James Carroll, Jay Druckenmiller, Martin Smith, Mark Arnold, Tracy Arnold,
Evelyn Adams, Carl Lobb, Jan Crooker, Paul David; Kutztown University representative
Jerry Silberman; and Ms. Lisa Mitchell, reporter for the Kutztown Area Patriot were also
present.
After introducing himself and CCG, Doug Dawson presented the CCG report
relating to the review of Hometown Utilicom (HU). He began his presentation by stating
that the two major tasks of this study were profitability and engineering. Mr. Dawson
reported that the overall conclusion of the report is that “the current business is run really
efficiently.” He also remarked on his surprise that HU is “very near to break-even
condition,” considering the size of the business and the price competition in town.
December 3, 2008 Council Meeting Minutes
17538
Regarding profitability, Mr. Dawson made several points:
• HU should come close to breaking even in 2009.
• Although it may not be “wildly profitable,” the system will pay for itself.
• Services to the Borough should be billed at market rate.
Regarding engineering, Mr. Dawson made several points:
• The current HU technology works fine, but it is obsolete, and should be
replaced within three to five years, using old equipment as spares.
• Although HU has 50% of the customers in town, the fiber is not evenly
distributed, so customers cannot be added in some areas.
• System bandwidth is limited because of the way it is being used.
Mr. Dawson proposed some short-term improvement ideas:
• Add local programming.
• Increase data speeds because HU is “vastly superior to competition.”
• Initiate door-to-door marketing.
• Have more open discussions about rates and sensitive issues.
Mr. Dawson proposed some long-term improvement ideas:
• Add digital services.
• Add IPTV.
• Expand outside of the Borough’s boundaries by “cherry picking” certain
areas.
• Take back voice services by amending the arrangements with D&E.
President Eidle asked if there was anyone who wished to address Council
before proceeding with the agenda.
Kutztown University representative Jerry Silberman and Borough residents Joe
Quinlan, Paul David, Milton Kern, Jan Crooker, Lisa Ladd-Kidder, Art Goldberger and
Craig Koller all asked questions and made comments regarding HU. Lengthy
December 3, 2008 Council Meeting Minutes
17539
conversations ensued, and all questions and comments were addressed by Mr. Dawson,
Borough Council, Borough staff and Solicitor Mooney.
Under Personnel Committee, President Eidle called for an Executive Session at
9:26 p.m. to review 2009 wage proposals for salaried and other nonunion employees.
Mr. Gangewere left the meeting at 9:45 p.m. The Executive Session ended, and the
meeting reconvened at 10:01 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Mr. Schlegel, Resolved, To
approve a four percent wage increase for all salaried and other nonunion employees in
accordance with the provided list of employees. Passed by a majority vote with Mr.
Snyder voting nay and Ms. Bray abstaining because she is Bonnie Bray’s daughter-inlaw.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Mr. Snyder, Resolved, To
approve a four percent salary increase for the two pool managers for 2009. An additional
increase will be considered contingent upon their acquiring the pesticide applicators
license, with a category 24 pool endorsement. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Mr. Schlegel, Resolved, To table
the motion to authorize the appropriate Borough officials to adopt a leave of absence
policy for Borough employees. Passed by unanimous vote.
Off of the agenda, President Eidle announced that the Borough Electric
Department was presented with a safety award from AMP-OH.
Off of the agenda, under Public Works Committee, a motion was made by Mr.
Schlegel, seconded by Mr. Snyder, Resolved, To approve the payments for the street light
and storm sewer projects. Passed by unanimous vote.
December 3, 2008 Council Meeting Minutes
17540
Under Finance, Electric and Telecommunications Committee, the proposed
budget for 2009 was introduced and reviewed.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Mr. Schlegel, Resolved,
To transfer money from the Electric Revenue Fund to make up for a shortfall in
the General Fund. An amount was not available since the budget had not been
finalized. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Mr. Snyder, Resolved, To
not increase electric rates in 2009. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Ms. Bray, Resolved, To
increase the 2009 fire tax from .15 to .40. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Schlegel, seconded by Mr. Snyder, Resolved, To
authorize advertisement of the proposed Ordinance to adopt the 2009 real estate tax rates.
Passed by unanimous vote.
Under Miscellaneous, a motion was made by Mr. Schlegel, seconded by Mr.
Snyder, Resolved, To authorize advertisement of the proposed Resolution to adopt
revised labor and equipment rates for 2009. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Schlegel, seconded by Mr. Snyder, Resolved, To
approve the preliminary list of 2009 Council and committee meetings and authorize
advertisement of meetings. Mr. Schlegel noted that the Kutztown Transportation
Authority will meet in the Kutztown Train Station. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Schlegel, seconded by Mr. Seyler, Resolved, To
adjourn the Council Meeting upon vote. Passed by unanimous vote. The meeting ended
at 10:13 p.m.
Prepared and Attested by: Gina M. Wiand
Assistant Borough Secretary
17537
December 3, 2008
Kutztown, PA
A special meeting of the Kutztown Borough Council was called to order at
7:30 p.m. in the Kutztown Municipal Building by the President, Mr. Malcolm A. Eidle,
with other members of Borough Council present: Mr. Edwin K. Seyler, Mr. James F.
Schlegel, Mr. Mark R. Gangewere, Mr. Kevin J. Snyder, Ms. Amy Bray and the Mayor,
Ms. Sandra Green. Mr. Keith Mooney, Borough Solicitor; Mr. Gabriel Khalife, Borough
Manager/Treasurer; Mrs. Gina M. Wiand, Director of Marketing Communications and
Customer Relations/Assistant Borough Secretary; Mr. Frank Caruso, Director of
Information Technology; Mr. Russell Samilo, Director of Finance/Assistant Treasurer;
Mr. Robert Toth, Student Ambassador to Council; Mr. Joe Haughey, Student
Ambassador to the Mayor; residents Lisa Ladd-Kidder, Brendan Strasser, Dave Remaley,
Kenneth Kern, Joe Quinlan, Milton Kern, Art Goldberger, Jeri Carroll Coliccio, Craig
Koller, James Carroll, Jay Druckenmiller, Martin Smith, Mark Arnold, Tracy Arnold,
Evelyn Adams, Carl Lobb, Jan Crooker, Paul David; Kutztown University representative
Jerry Silberman; and Ms. Lisa Mitchell, reporter for the Kutztown Area Patriot were also
present.
After introducing himself and CCG, Doug Dawson presented the CCG report
relating to the review of Hometown Utilicom (HU). He began his presentation by stating
that the two major tasks of this study were profitability and engineering. Mr. Dawson
reported that the overall conclusion of the report is that “the current business is run really
efficiently.” He also remarked on his surprise that HU is “very near to break-even
condition,” considering the size of the business and the price competition in town.
December 3, 2008 Council Meeting Minutes
17538
Regarding profitability, Mr. Dawson made several points:
• HU should come close to breaking even in 2009.
• Although it may not be “wildly profitable,” the system will pay for itself.
• Services to the Borough should be billed at market rate.
Regarding engineering, Mr. Dawson made several points:
• The current HU technology works fine, but it is obsolete, and should be
replaced within three to five years, using old equipment as spares.
• Although HU has 50% of the customers in town, the fiber is not evenly
distributed, so customers cannot be added in some areas.
• System bandwidth is limited because of the way it is being used.
Mr. Dawson proposed some short-term improvement ideas:
• Add local programming.
• Increase data speeds because HU is “vastly superior to competition.”
• Initiate door-to-door marketing.
• Have more open discussions about rates and sensitive issues.
Mr. Dawson proposed some long-term improvement ideas:
• Add digital services.
• Add IPTV.
• Expand outside of the Borough’s boundaries by “cherry picking” certain
areas.
• Take back voice services by amending the arrangements with D&E.
President Eidle asked if there was anyone who wished to address Council
before proceeding with the agenda.
Kutztown University representative Jerry Silberman and Borough residents Joe
Quinlan, Paul David, Milton Kern, Jan Crooker, Lisa Ladd-Kidder, Art Goldberger and
Craig Koller all asked questions and made comments regarding HU. Lengthy
December 3, 2008 Council Meeting Minutes
17539
conversations ensued, and all questions and comments were addressed by Mr. Dawson,
Borough Council, Borough staff and Solicitor Mooney.
Under Personnel Committee, President Eidle called for an Executive Session at
9:26 p.m. to review 2009 wage proposals for salaried and other nonunion employees.
Mr. Gangewere left the meeting at 9:45 p.m. The Executive Session ended, and the
meeting reconvened at 10:01 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Mr. Schlegel, Resolved, To
approve a four percent wage increase for all salaried and other nonunion employees in
accordance with the provided list of employees. Passed by a majority vote with Mr.
Snyder voting nay and Ms. Bray abstaining because she is Bonnie Bray’s daughter-inlaw.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Mr. Snyder, Resolved, To
approve a four percent salary increase for the two pool managers for 2009. An additional
increase will be considered contingent upon their acquiring the pesticide applicators
license, with a category 24 pool endorsement. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Mr. Schlegel, Resolved, To table
the motion to authorize the appropriate Borough officials to adopt a leave of absence
policy for Borough employees. Passed by unanimous vote.
Off of the agenda, President Eidle announced that the Borough Electric
Department was presented with a safety award from AMP-OH.
Off of the agenda, under Public Works Committee, a motion was made by Mr.
Schlegel, seconded by Mr. Snyder, Resolved, To approve the payments for the street light
and storm sewer projects. Passed by unanimous vote.
December 3, 2008 Council Meeting Minutes
17540
Under Finance, Electric and Telecommunications Committee, the proposed
budget for 2009 was introduced and reviewed.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Mr. Schlegel, Resolved,
To transfer money from the Electric Revenue Fund to make up for a shortfall in
the General Fund. An amount was not available since the budget had not been
finalized. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Mr. Snyder, Resolved, To
not increase electric rates in 2009. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Seyler, seconded by Ms. Bray, Resolved, To
increase the 2009 fire tax from .15 to .40. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Schlegel, seconded by Mr. Snyder, Resolved, To
authorize advertisement of the proposed Ordinance to adopt the 2009 real estate tax rates.
Passed by unanimous vote.
Under Miscellaneous, a motion was made by Mr. Schlegel, seconded by Mr.
Snyder, Resolved, To authorize advertisement of the proposed Resolution to adopt
revised labor and equipment rates for 2009. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Schlegel, seconded by Mr. Snyder, Resolved, To
approve the preliminary list of 2009 Council and committee meetings and authorize
advertisement of meetings. Mr. Schlegel noted that the Kutztown Transportation
Authority will meet in the Kutztown Train Station. Passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Schlegel, seconded by Mr. Seyler, Resolved, To
adjourn the Council Meeting upon vote. Passed by unanimous vote. The meeting ended
at 10:13 p.m.
Prepared and Attested by: Gina M. Wiand
Assistant Borough Secretary
Thursday, February 19, 2009
December '08 Council Meeting Minutes on Borough Website
December ’08 Council Meeting Minutes on Borough Website
February 19, 2009
http://www.marinoreport.com/
Friends of the Borough of Kutztown
After 2 months the Borough has finally published the minutes of the December ’08 Council Meeting Minutes. I noticed on page 17546 and I quote “A motion was made by Mr. Gangewere, seconded by Mr. Schlegel, Resolved, To hire Professional Computer Systems Co., Dennison, Iowa, to provide a utility billing software program, in the total amount of $185, 000, CONTINGENT UPON THE ACCEPTABLE REVIEW BY BOROUGH STAFF AND THE SOLICITOR”. Passed by unanimous vote.
Page 17548 of the minutes states and I quote “Off the agenda, a motion was made by Mr. Gangewere, seconded by Mr. Seyler, RESOLVED, TO RATIFY THE AGREEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS CO”.
Isn’t it strange that the unanimous vote was based on the acceptable review of the Borough Staff and the Solicitor and 2 pages later a motion was made and seconded to ratify the agreement with Professional Computer Systems Co. Some one should explain how and when the motion was reviewed by the Borough Staff and the Solicitor in just a few minutes. Was this contract given out for public bid or was it given out without a public bid as was the case of Borough Manager\Treasurer Vetraino and New World Systems which was supposed to supply a utility billing software program. Don’t forget New World Systems, whose contract was $225,000, was located in Vetraino’s hometown in Michigan. New World Systems was not capable of billing as the utilities as intended and that is one of the reasons he fled Pennsylvania. A couple of other reasons were the shady Apex Contract and his support and lies about Hometown Utilicom which loses about $1 million a year.
I think the Borough owes the residents of the Borough an explanation about the 2 computer firms which are outside of the state and publicize the bids of the 2 contracts.
I guess there are no computer firms capable of utility billing in Pennsylvania or is this another personal bid?
I also noted on page 17544 that the Borough increased the Borough employee's monthly health insurance contribution to $30 per month. It does not state how much the increase was but it was the act of a bunch of Council desperados looking for ways to finance their pet project Hometown Utilicom which loses about $1 million a year. Recently the Borough increased the tax from $10 to $54 for any one woking in the Borough.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
February 19, 2009
http://www.marinoreport.com/
Friends of the Borough of Kutztown
After 2 months the Borough has finally published the minutes of the December ’08 Council Meeting Minutes. I noticed on page 17546 and I quote “A motion was made by Mr. Gangewere, seconded by Mr. Schlegel, Resolved, To hire Professional Computer Systems Co., Dennison, Iowa, to provide a utility billing software program, in the total amount of $185, 000, CONTINGENT UPON THE ACCEPTABLE REVIEW BY BOROUGH STAFF AND THE SOLICITOR”. Passed by unanimous vote.
Page 17548 of the minutes states and I quote “Off the agenda, a motion was made by Mr. Gangewere, seconded by Mr. Seyler, RESOLVED, TO RATIFY THE AGREEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS CO”.
Isn’t it strange that the unanimous vote was based on the acceptable review of the Borough Staff and the Solicitor and 2 pages later a motion was made and seconded to ratify the agreement with Professional Computer Systems Co. Some one should explain how and when the motion was reviewed by the Borough Staff and the Solicitor in just a few minutes. Was this contract given out for public bid or was it given out without a public bid as was the case of Borough Manager\Treasurer Vetraino and New World Systems which was supposed to supply a utility billing software program. Don’t forget New World Systems, whose contract was $225,000, was located in Vetraino’s hometown in Michigan. New World Systems was not capable of billing as the utilities as intended and that is one of the reasons he fled Pennsylvania. A couple of other reasons were the shady Apex Contract and his support and lies about Hometown Utilicom which loses about $1 million a year.
I think the Borough owes the residents of the Borough an explanation about the 2 computer firms which are outside of the state and publicize the bids of the 2 contracts.
I guess there are no computer firms capable of utility billing in Pennsylvania or is this another personal bid?
I also noted on page 17544 that the Borough increased the Borough employee's monthly health insurance contribution to $30 per month. It does not state how much the increase was but it was the act of a bunch of Council desperados looking for ways to finance their pet project Hometown Utilicom which loses about $1 million a year. Recently the Borough increased the tax from $10 to $54 for any one woking in the Borough.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
November '08 Council Meeting Minutes on Borough website
November ’08 Council Meeting Minutes on Borough website February 18, 2009
Gennaro A. Marino
www.marinoreport.com
To Those Who Care About Kutztown
The Minutes of the November 18, 2008 Council Meeting were finally put on the Borough website yesterday after 3 months. I noticed on page 17535 and I quote “Under Water and Wastewater Committee, Mr. Schlegel reported Kutztown University paid tapping fees totaling $1,058,000. Passed by unanimous vote” The Borough receives this large amount of money and votes without a discussion, comment or question from the Borough Council or any one at the meeting. This windfall should reflect a reduction in our Water Rate. Instead the Water Rate was increased. It should be stated why and when the Borough received the funds and when and if it was placed in the Water Fund.
The Borough Council is a disgrace and this typical of their policy of always being a day late and a dollar short with public information. Please note I never said I would attend the Council Meeting. I don’t have to because I can always find out what happened at the Meeting 3 months later.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Gennaro A. Marino
www.marinoreport.com
To Those Who Care About Kutztown
The Minutes of the November 18, 2008 Council Meeting were finally put on the Borough website yesterday after 3 months. I noticed on page 17535 and I quote “Under Water and Wastewater Committee, Mr. Schlegel reported Kutztown University paid tapping fees totaling $1,058,000. Passed by unanimous vote” The Borough receives this large amount of money and votes without a discussion, comment or question from the Borough Council or any one at the meeting. This windfall should reflect a reduction in our Water Rate. Instead the Water Rate was increased. It should be stated why and when the Borough received the funds and when and if it was placed in the Water Fund.
The Borough Council is a disgrace and this typical of their policy of always being a day late and a dollar short with public information. Please note I never said I would attend the Council Meeting. I don’t have to because I can always find out what happened at the Meeting 3 months later.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thank You Reading Eagle
Thanks Reading Eagle February 15, 2009 Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
Thank you Reading Eagle for printing my Letter to the Editor on Friday the 13th. I stated that the Borough has literally chased all the families out of town. For example there are about 200 university students and about 20 residents living in the 400 block of West Main Street. There is not one child in the Kutztown Area School District living in the 400 block of West Main Street.
I am also very happy that my message has reached the public that Hometown Utilicom loses about $1 million a year and that Borough residents pay double the electric rate that residents of the surrounding area pay.
Rather than comment on my website residents should comment to Mayor Green and Borough Council Members. Ask them if my statements are true and ask them to respond to this post.
It is common knowledge that the Borough is strapped for funds and is funneling funds from all Borough Departments into Hometown Utilicom.
Call or write your Elected Officials and demand they shut down Hometown Utilicom or produce Borough Records and Documents that show HU is a viable venture. I would like to remind the Mayor, the Borough Council, the Borough Manager\Treasurer Khalife, the Borough Solicitors, the so called independent Auditors and Frank Caruso the head of HU that the Borough has NEVER published a financial report on HU.
Thank you for patronizing my website and thank you for your comments, the comments are very motivating and show support of the Borough Elected Officials.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
Thank you Reading Eagle for printing my Letter to the Editor on Friday the 13th. I stated that the Borough has literally chased all the families out of town. For example there are about 200 university students and about 20 residents living in the 400 block of West Main Street. There is not one child in the Kutztown Area School District living in the 400 block of West Main Street.
I am also very happy that my message has reached the public that Hometown Utilicom loses about $1 million a year and that Borough residents pay double the electric rate that residents of the surrounding area pay.
Rather than comment on my website residents should comment to Mayor Green and Borough Council Members. Ask them if my statements are true and ask them to respond to this post.
It is common knowledge that the Borough is strapped for funds and is funneling funds from all Borough Departments into Hometown Utilicom.
Call or write your Elected Officials and demand they shut down Hometown Utilicom or produce Borough Records and Documents that show HU is a viable venture. I would like to remind the Mayor, the Borough Council, the Borough Manager\Treasurer Khalife, the Borough Solicitors, the so called independent Auditors and Frank Caruso the head of HU that the Borough has NEVER published a financial report on HU.
Thank you for patronizing my website and thank you for your comments, the comments are very motivating and show support of the Borough Elected Officials.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tuesday Council Meeting Agenda Unavailable
Tuesday Council Meeting Agenda Unavailable February 13, 2009
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
To the People who care about the Borough of Kutztown
As of Friday night February 13, 2009 at 8:33 P.M. there was no agenda for the February 17, 2009 Council Meeting on the Borough website. Being I do not know what will be discussed at the meeting I decided not to attend. I do not think the Mayor or the Borough Council see the agenda until the meeting and I am sure they do not review the resolutions or ordinances before they vote on them. They do not have any discussions before the votes because they are not familiar with the subjects. They also have many off the agenda votes which are brought up at the meeting which no one knows about.
I also checked the minutes of the meetings on the Borough website and there are no minutes for the November, December 2008 meetings and no minutes for the January 2009 meeting.
This confirms the Borough’s policy of withholding all Borough activities from the public. I also think the Borough should explain why the Borough Manager\Treasurer Khalife is not driving the Borough vehicle made available to him by the Borough.
The website does state the water restriction was lifted. It also states that I as customer was notified. I was never notified and as I noted in my post some food establishments were not notified either.
The Notice states “DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED”. What corrective measures were taken and what did the Borough do to prevent this from happening again?
I think it is about time that the Borough starts to keep the public aware of what is happening in the Borough.
Gennaro A. Marino
Professional Engineer
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
To the People who care about the Borough of Kutztown
As of Friday night February 13, 2009 at 8:33 P.M. there was no agenda for the February 17, 2009 Council Meeting on the Borough website. Being I do not know what will be discussed at the meeting I decided not to attend. I do not think the Mayor or the Borough Council see the agenda until the meeting and I am sure they do not review the resolutions or ordinances before they vote on them. They do not have any discussions before the votes because they are not familiar with the subjects. They also have many off the agenda votes which are brought up at the meeting which no one knows about.
I also checked the minutes of the meetings on the Borough website and there are no minutes for the November, December 2008 meetings and no minutes for the January 2009 meeting.
This confirms the Borough’s policy of withholding all Borough activities from the public. I also think the Borough should explain why the Borough Manager\Treasurer Khalife is not driving the Borough vehicle made available to him by the Borough.
The website does state the water restriction was lifted. It also states that I as customer was notified. I was never notified and as I noted in my post some food establishments were not notified either.
The Notice states “DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED”. What corrective measures were taken and what did the Borough do to prevent this from happening again?
I think it is about time that the Borough starts to keep the public aware of what is happening in the Borough.
Gennaro A. Marino
Professional Engineer
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Kutztown Contaminated Water Supply
Kutztown Contaminated Water Supply February 13, 2009
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
To the Residents of the Borough of Kutztown,
I myself and many residents in fact food handling businesses in the Borough have never been officially notified to boil their water for drinking. The Borough does not have a procedure in place to notify residents immediately in an emergency such as this.
I have heard that surface water has entered the water system and I would like to know how surface water entered the water system when our water is drawn from deep wells. Borough Officials including the Mayor do not know when this emergency will be over.
I would like to remind every one that the Borough for many years sold about 1 million gallons of water monthly to Wissahicken which helped us draw contaminated ground water from the surrounding areas.
I would also like to point out that in 2000 Maxatawny Township was notified by the Commonwealth to build a sewer treatment plant immediately because the ground water was being contaminated by septic systems and pesticides. At one time the Commonwealth even threatened Township Officials with jail time if they did not comply. To make a long story short the Township was granted a delay by stating they would erect a plant in partnership with the Borough. The County was also going to give a grant for about 4 or 5 hundred dollars for the plant to the partnership.
The plant has been put off and delayed under the leadership of Borough Manager\Treasurers Hill and Vettraino, Council Presidents Ely, Crooker, Mantz, Eidle and Mayor Schwoyer with the cooperation of the many Borough Council Members whose votes were all unanimous. The Borough intentionally sabotaged the venture for personal reasons. The best part of the deal for the Borough was that the Borough did not have to put forth any funds for the project until they decided to use it.
I think the selling of large quantities of water to Wissahicken and not erecting a sewage treatment plant has added to the situation we have now. Presently the Township is developing plans for the sewage treatment plant 9 years after the Commonwealth ordered it built. Most of the blame for not building the plan I lay on the Kutztown Borough Officials. Not only did the contamination situation continue but the partnership also lost 4 or 5 hundred dollars of grant funds. Borough Officials never thought this would come back to haunt them. They were too busy wasting Borough funds on Hometown Utilicom which still loses about $1 million a year and has for at least the last 7 years and cost the Borough at least $12 million startup funds which are not noted anywhere.
I wish Borough Officials would comment on the facts in this post.
Sincerely,
Gennaro A. Marino
Professional Engineer
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
www.marinoreport.com
To the Residents of the Borough of Kutztown,
I myself and many residents in fact food handling businesses in the Borough have never been officially notified to boil their water for drinking. The Borough does not have a procedure in place to notify residents immediately in an emergency such as this.
I have heard that surface water has entered the water system and I would like to know how surface water entered the water system when our water is drawn from deep wells. Borough Officials including the Mayor do not know when this emergency will be over.
I would like to remind every one that the Borough for many years sold about 1 million gallons of water monthly to Wissahicken which helped us draw contaminated ground water from the surrounding areas.
I would also like to point out that in 2000 Maxatawny Township was notified by the Commonwealth to build a sewer treatment plant immediately because the ground water was being contaminated by septic systems and pesticides. At one time the Commonwealth even threatened Township Officials with jail time if they did not comply. To make a long story short the Township was granted a delay by stating they would erect a plant in partnership with the Borough. The County was also going to give a grant for about 4 or 5 hundred dollars for the plant to the partnership.
The plant has been put off and delayed under the leadership of Borough Manager\Treasurers Hill and Vettraino, Council Presidents Ely, Crooker, Mantz, Eidle and Mayor Schwoyer with the cooperation of the many Borough Council Members whose votes were all unanimous. The Borough intentionally sabotaged the venture for personal reasons. The best part of the deal for the Borough was that the Borough did not have to put forth any funds for the project until they decided to use it.
I think the selling of large quantities of water to Wissahicken and not erecting a sewage treatment plant has added to the situation we have now. Presently the Township is developing plans for the sewage treatment plant 9 years after the Commonwealth ordered it built. Most of the blame for not building the plan I lay on the Kutztown Borough Officials. Not only did the contamination situation continue but the partnership also lost 4 or 5 hundred dollars of grant funds. Borough Officials never thought this would come back to haunt them. They were too busy wasting Borough funds on Hometown Utilicom which still loses about $1 million a year and has for at least the last 7 years and cost the Borough at least $12 million startup funds which are not noted anywhere.
I wish Borough Officials would comment on the facts in this post.
Sincerely,
Gennaro A. Marino
Professional Engineer
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Hometown Utilicom and Apex Confusion
Hometown Utilicom and Apex Confusion February 11, 2009
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
e-mail kmayor@ptd.net
Kutztown Borough Council President Malcolm Eidle
Mr. President,
As Council President it is your responsibility and obligation to explain to the people of the Borough, who are stockholders of Hometown Utilicom, exactly what is going on with its subscribers and finances which you have never done.
You stated at the August 8, 2008 Council Meeting that Apex Student Housing had the potential of providing 545 new subscribers to Hometown Utilicom. After losing Apex as a customer you are quoted in the January 29 ’09 issue of The Patriot as saying “it’s a black eye to lose a customer after just a year, but that’s business”. President Eidle we did not lose a customer we lost 545 customers. These are your statements.
The article also states that we lost the TV Cable customers because of the dissatisfaction with the cable service. What you did not state was that the students were also unhappy with the internet service that HU advertised as 10 mbs for $80 a month then 3 mbs for $80 a month and today I received an advertisement with my electric bill stating you can now receive 8 mbs for $80 a month. In one year HU sold 10mbs, 3mbs and 8 mbs all for $80. You also did not state that HU was not capable of producing 10mbs. President Eidle this proves that you, the Borough Council, HU Director Frank Caruso and the people around you do not know what you are doing. This influx of subscribers was supposed to make HU profitable and help satisfy the $1.3 million loan.
The article also states that in order for Apex to break the contract with the Borough Apex would have to pay the Borough approximately $200,000 to pay for the cable company’s (HU) cost for the infrastructure. President Eidle the cable company (HU) never paid for the infrastructure Apex provided and installed the infrastructure as part of their contract which also stated the infrastructure would be turned over to the borough upon completion with no cost to the Borough. I read the Letter of Intent to Apex and it vague as to what the payment is for. You should explain to the public exactly what the $198,650 is for. I think the payment is part of the original concessions of the sweetheart contract between the Borough and the developer in which the Borough would provide the developer with sewer and water. It’s pay back time for an unethical contract.
Your above actions prove that Hometown Utilicom is not a viable business because you have no Business Plan, no Marketing Plan, no direction and financially it loses about $1 million a year.
Get rid of HU before you have to have another round of increases in taxes, fees and utility rate increases which residents can not afford with the current financial situation. Thank you
Sincerely,
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
e-mail kmayor@ptd.net
Kutztown Borough Council President Malcolm Eidle
Mr. President,
As Council President it is your responsibility and obligation to explain to the people of the Borough, who are stockholders of Hometown Utilicom, exactly what is going on with its subscribers and finances which you have never done.
You stated at the August 8, 2008 Council Meeting that Apex Student Housing had the potential of providing 545 new subscribers to Hometown Utilicom. After losing Apex as a customer you are quoted in the January 29 ’09 issue of The Patriot as saying “it’s a black eye to lose a customer after just a year, but that’s business”. President Eidle we did not lose a customer we lost 545 customers. These are your statements.
The article also states that we lost the TV Cable customers because of the dissatisfaction with the cable service. What you did not state was that the students were also unhappy with the internet service that HU advertised as 10 mbs for $80 a month then 3 mbs for $80 a month and today I received an advertisement with my electric bill stating you can now receive 8 mbs for $80 a month. In one year HU sold 10mbs, 3mbs and 8 mbs all for $80. You also did not state that HU was not capable of producing 10mbs. President Eidle this proves that you, the Borough Council, HU Director Frank Caruso and the people around you do not know what you are doing. This influx of subscribers was supposed to make HU profitable and help satisfy the $1.3 million loan.
The article also states that in order for Apex to break the contract with the Borough Apex would have to pay the Borough approximately $200,000 to pay for the cable company’s (HU) cost for the infrastructure. President Eidle the cable company (HU) never paid for the infrastructure Apex provided and installed the infrastructure as part of their contract which also stated the infrastructure would be turned over to the borough upon completion with no cost to the Borough. I read the Letter of Intent to Apex and it vague as to what the payment is for. You should explain to the public exactly what the $198,650 is for. I think the payment is part of the original concessions of the sweetheart contract between the Borough and the developer in which the Borough would provide the developer with sewer and water. It’s pay back time for an unethical contract.
Your above actions prove that Hometown Utilicom is not a viable business because you have no Business Plan, no Marketing Plan, no direction and financially it loses about $1 million a year.
Get rid of HU before you have to have another round of increases in taxes, fees and utility rate increases which residents can not afford with the current financial situation. Thank you
Sincerely,
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
marinoreport.com update
www.marinoreport.com Update
To All My Friends, Supporters and Subscribers,
With the help of the good Lord, the wonderful care of The Reading Hospital personnel and my wonderful doctors I am healthy and happy. I lost 20 pounds and I walk to the coffee shop, the pizza shop, the barber shop and the other local businesses and I can also get in and out of my beautiful Red Corvette Convertible with the KMAYOR license plate.
After one year I am satisfied and happy with my posts and from the feedback I have received I know I am doing the right thing. The feedback was very informative and I would like to thank EVERYONE who recognized my Blogger and commented over the past year.
I recently paid my Blogger fee for the next two years so I will be blogging until January 2011. Remember www.marinoreport.com is based on Honesty, Integrity and the Truth and keeps you informed about Borough affairs and finances. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Gennaro A. Marino P.E. aka Jerry
To All My Friends, Supporters and Subscribers,
With the help of the good Lord, the wonderful care of The Reading Hospital personnel and my wonderful doctors I am healthy and happy. I lost 20 pounds and I walk to the coffee shop, the pizza shop, the barber shop and the other local businesses and I can also get in and out of my beautiful Red Corvette Convertible with the KMAYOR license plate.
After one year I am satisfied and happy with my posts and from the feedback I have received I know I am doing the right thing. The feedback was very informative and I would like to thank EVERYONE who recognized my Blogger and commented over the past year.
I recently paid my Blogger fee for the next two years so I will be blogging until January 2011. Remember www.marinoreport.com is based on Honesty, Integrity and the Truth and keeps you informed about Borough affairs and finances. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Gennaro A. Marino P.E. aka Jerry
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Repeat Old Letter
AN OLD STORY WHICH IS TRUE TODAY
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Budget Appeal December 19, 2006
Kutztown Borough Council
You should not approve the 2007 Proposed Budget because it does not truthfully state the financial position of the Borough. For instance the Budget shows in 2006 $495,000 was transferred from the” Electric Fund” and” Transfer to Operations” into Hometown Utilicom and was called revenue. This proves that the Electric Fund and other Borough Operations are directly financing the HU Business Venture. And whenever funds are needed by HU it is transferred from our utilities into HU and then the rates of the utilities are increased to cover the transfers which the Budget shows as revenue. Another $155,000 was moved into HU from other services to the Borough created by the Council to further fund HU. The $155,000 comes from the General Fund and Borough Utilities and is the reason why you had to raise our Real Estate Taxes, Utility rates and Trash Rate.
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
Budget Appeal December 19, 2006
Kutztown Borough Council
You should not approve the 2007 Proposed Budget because it does not truthfully state the financial position of the Borough. For instance the Budget shows in 2006 $495,000 was transferred from the” Electric Fund” and” Transfer to Operations” into Hometown Utilicom and was called revenue. This proves that the Electric Fund and other Borough Operations are directly financing the HU Business Venture. And whenever funds are needed by HU it is transferred from our utilities into HU and then the rates of the utilities are increased to cover the transfers which the Budget shows as revenue. Another $155,000 was moved into HU from other services to the Borough created by the Council to further fund HU. The $155,000 comes from the General Fund and Borough Utilities and is the reason why you had to raise our Real Estate Taxes, Utility rates and Trash Rate.
Letter to the Editor-The Reading Eagle
February 4, 2009
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
409 W. Main St.
Kutztown, Pa 19530
610-683-7977
e-mail kmayor@ptd.net
The Reading Eagle
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your informative article about the reconfiguration of the elementary schools of the Kutztown Area School District. This change was due to decreased enrollment of students. The reason for this decreased enrollment was the Borough encouraging the increase in Student Housing to increase subscribers for Hometown Utilicom the Borough’s business venture that loses about $1 million a year.
The Borough also made many concessions to home owners and absentee landlords to accommodate Student Housing and drive families out of the Borough. The Borough discouraged housing developments and encouraged Industrial Parks because they produce no students. Another reason for families leaving the Borough is the electric rate which is double the rate paid by the surrounding area. Again the rate is double to pay for Hometown Utilicom. There have been no comments about the reconfiguration from any Borough Council Members. Thank you.
Jerry Marino
Gennaro A. Marino P.E.
409 W. Main St.
Kutztown, Pa 19530
610-683-7977
e-mail kmayor@ptd.net
The Reading Eagle
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your informative article about the reconfiguration of the elementary schools of the Kutztown Area School District. This change was due to decreased enrollment of students. The reason for this decreased enrollment was the Borough encouraging the increase in Student Housing to increase subscribers for Hometown Utilicom the Borough’s business venture that loses about $1 million a year.
The Borough also made many concessions to home owners and absentee landlords to accommodate Student Housing and drive families out of the Borough. The Borough discouraged housing developments and encouraged Industrial Parks because they produce no students. Another reason for families leaving the Borough is the electric rate which is double the rate paid by the surrounding area. Again the rate is double to pay for Hometown Utilicom. There have been no comments about the reconfiguration from any Borough Council Members. Thank you.
Jerry Marino
Monday, February 2, 2009
Responsibility For Corruption
Responsibility for Corruption February 2, 2009
Gennaro A. Marino P. E.
www.marinoreport.com
To All Who Are Interested in the Borough of Kutztown,
Let it be known that contrary to the comments of the nameless, faceless, vulgar, profane and gutless cowards on my Blogger the people that are responsible for and are aware of falsifying the Kutztown Budget, altering foreman reports and publishing fraudulent reports are Mayor Green, Council Members Eidle, Seyler, Snyder, Schlegel, Gangewere and Bray, Borough Manager\Treasurer Khalife, Assistant Treasurer Samilo and the head of Hometown Utilicom Information Technology Director Frank Caruso. These illegal and irregular activities are being done with the knowledge and the approval of Borough Solicitors Dietrich and Mooney and the Borough’s Independent Auditors Mr. Long and Mr. Barrell. I can not be more specific as to who I am accusing and who is responsible for the above and I hope I make myself clear. The foremen’s reports are altered by the above after they are received from the superintendents. The foremen and the superintendents are not part of the lies and schemes to mislead the residents and for my detractors to say the foremen snitched to me means the Borough must be guilty of my accusations. You can’t snitch if there are no illegal activities going on. I am almost sure that one of my anonymous detractors is from the above group that does not have the intestinal fortitude to divulge their identity.
In addition to the above the Borough is now irresponsibly spending the $1 million from the $1.3 million loan for Hometown Utilicom without the conditions agreed upon by Mayor Green and the Borough Council at the February 2008 Council meeting. And the Borough has not revealed how they are spending the $1 million as of this date.
To further withhold Borough activities the Borough has not published the minutes of the November ’08 and December ’08 Council Meeting Minutes.
I would also like to state at this time that the video tapes of the Council Meetings and the Minutes of the Council Meetings are edited by the above.
I challenge any one of the anonymous creeps and cowards that comment on my Blogger to come forward with any information that disagrees with my blogs or my bio. It seems like I am the only with a name. The anonymous cowards and creeps have many questions for me but do not tell me to whom and where to send my answers. From now on I will ignore all anonymous comments, but please send them in.
I will not remove any comments from my Blog because I want every one to know the type of supporters the above Borough has and what their supporters are saying. I take every knock as a boost and an inspiration to carry on. I will not quit or be intimidated by a handful of cowards who I hope in the future will attack the messages and not the messenger.
For additional Borough information please check my Blogger at www.marinoreport.com
Gennaro A, Marino
Professional Engineer
Gennaro A. Marino P. E.
www.marinoreport.com
To All Who Are Interested in the Borough of Kutztown,
Let it be known that contrary to the comments of the nameless, faceless, vulgar, profane and gutless cowards on my Blogger the people that are responsible for and are aware of falsifying the Kutztown Budget, altering foreman reports and publishing fraudulent reports are Mayor Green, Council Members Eidle, Seyler, Snyder, Schlegel, Gangewere and Bray, Borough Manager\Treasurer Khalife, Assistant Treasurer Samilo and the head of Hometown Utilicom Information Technology Director Frank Caruso. These illegal and irregular activities are being done with the knowledge and the approval of Borough Solicitors Dietrich and Mooney and the Borough’s Independent Auditors Mr. Long and Mr. Barrell. I can not be more specific as to who I am accusing and who is responsible for the above and I hope I make myself clear. The foremen’s reports are altered by the above after they are received from the superintendents. The foremen and the superintendents are not part of the lies and schemes to mislead the residents and for my detractors to say the foremen snitched to me means the Borough must be guilty of my accusations. You can’t snitch if there are no illegal activities going on. I am almost sure that one of my anonymous detractors is from the above group that does not have the intestinal fortitude to divulge their identity.
In addition to the above the Borough is now irresponsibly spending the $1 million from the $1.3 million loan for Hometown Utilicom without the conditions agreed upon by Mayor Green and the Borough Council at the February 2008 Council meeting. And the Borough has not revealed how they are spending the $1 million as of this date.
To further withhold Borough activities the Borough has not published the minutes of the November ’08 and December ’08 Council Meeting Minutes.
I would also like to state at this time that the video tapes of the Council Meetings and the Minutes of the Council Meetings are edited by the above.
I challenge any one of the anonymous creeps and cowards that comment on my Blogger to come forward with any information that disagrees with my blogs or my bio. It seems like I am the only with a name. The anonymous cowards and creeps have many questions for me but do not tell me to whom and where to send my answers. From now on I will ignore all anonymous comments, but please send them in.
I will not remove any comments from my Blog because I want every one to know the type of supporters the above Borough has and what their supporters are saying. I take every knock as a boost and an inspiration to carry on. I will not quit or be intimidated by a handful of cowards who I hope in the future will attack the messages and not the messenger.
For additional Borough information please check my Blogger at www.marinoreport.com
Gennaro A, Marino
Professional Engineer
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