34 South Main St., Attleboro, MA - (508) 222-7000
News
Mayor plans bailout of Attleboro Redevelopment Authority
Top Headlines The plan, which Dumas unveiled Monday night to The Sun Chronicle, aims to get a handle on the park's finances, save the ARA cash and improve relations with the city. The cash-strapped ARA has been battered with bad publicity and actions which threaten its financial stability, including an inquiry into its spending by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a jury verdict putting the ARA on the hook for $1.2 million in an eminent domain case. Under the plan, ARA offices would move into the city hall annex; a five-member panel of financial experts would be appointed to analyze park finances, and the city's public works superintendent would be directed to oversee the building of the park's Roadway D, which is crucial to moving businesses in the park. Bringing the ARA into city hall will save the authority $18,000 a year in rent and is intended to create closer ties with the administration, Dumas said. The appointment of a special panel is intended to establish the park's current financial condition and develop recommendations to put it on a solid financial footing. Meanwhile, the appointment of DPW chief John Clover to assist with the construction of Roadway D would free up ARA personnel and reduce funding needed for the project. Dumas said the action is needed to get control of a situation that seems to be disintegrating. "Even though I recognize the ARA as a separate and independent body within the city, as mayor I owe it to the citizens of this city to step in when necessary," he said. Dumas said he wants the problems solved and solved fast. He has not appointed the panel, but has people in mind. When appointed he wants a report in six weeks, he said. "Time is of the essence," Dumas said. ARA Chairman Benton Keene III has discussed the plan in detail with Dumas and supports it as does city council president Frank Cook. "I'm in agreement with all three of those things," said Keene Monday night. "It's a step in the right direction." Cook has no reservations. "I think it's definitely needed. Taking this action is appropriate," he said. ARA executive director Michael Milanoski said he's glad the city is stepping up to help. "We encourage any and all assistance from the city," Milanoski said. The ARA board is slated to talk about the plan this morning at a regular meeting.
Post Your Comments citywatch wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:34 AM: " PAY ATTENTION ATTLEBORO.... Foxboro Chief: No more fire engines on lunch runs BY FRANK MORTIMER SUN CHRONICLE STAFFThursday, August 28, 2008 9:05 AM FOXBORO - Fire Chief Gerald McNamara said he has asked his captains to pass the word: Firefighters can use a fire department car to fetch their lunch, but should not use the town's fire engines on food runs. McNamara said he spoke to the captains after Town Manager Andrew Gala sent him a copy of an Aug. 12 letter from a Norfolk man, who reported seeing two firefighters parking a Foxboro pumper behind Stop & Shop while picking up their lunches. The Main Street supermarket is located a few hundred feet from the public safety building. In response to rising fuel costs, Finance Director Randy Scollins circulated a plea several months ago to all town departments asking employees to conserve fuel whenever possible, including not leaving vehicles idling unnecessarily. McNamara said he believes his staff would turn off an engine when making an inspection, for example, but might appropriately leave an engine running when stopped on an emergency call. The chief did not try to justify using the big vehicles on meal runs, and said he spoke with his captains during a recent officers' meeting. Charles Jones of Norfolk said in his letter to selectmen that he asked " citywatch wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:50 PM: " MY POINT EXACTLY !!!! Atticus wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:05 PM: " citywatch wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:15 PM: " Lets see.....John Clover does not have the credentials to run the position he is now in, Yet your putting him in charge to oversee something else that he is not qualified for ...OK???? " I once has an 11:30 appointment with John Clover, on a matter of some importance to me. The clock struck noon, he looked at me and said "Luch time for me", and walked out. " ricknkim wrote on Aug 21, 2008 10:03 AM: " Atticus - not sure which Mansfield business park you are referring to as being empty. I work in the Cabot park and although it is not 100% full of tennants with some bldgs vacant, it has many, many companies including the billion$ medical company Covidien. As for the service centers and warehouses, who cares if they aren't true "manufacturing industry", they still employ people and generate tax revenue for the town???? I think by not raising some of your points to the council at the meeting is a disservice to the community and perpetuates the lack of accountability that these "public servants" continue to enjoy. I think complaining about an issue and not trying to add to the resolution adds no value. Not bashing you at all, I'm just upset with society's general lack of interest in resolving issues and instead, simply complaining all the time. " Atticus wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:05 PM: " citywatch wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:15 PM: " Lets see.....John Clover does not have the credentials to run the position he is now in, Yet your putting him in charge to oversee something else that he is not qualified for ...OK???? " I once has an 11:30 appointment with John Clover, on a matter of some importance to me. The clock struck noon, he looked at me and said "Luch time for me", and walked out. ricknkim I think raising the points I made in City Council would be a waste of time. This is an idea with no legs. If you drive through the "Industrial Park" in Mansfield, it is so empty you can hear an echo. What is left is not "industry", it is service centers and warehouses. Although I cannot be certain, I am sure that the Industrial Park got underway because it was found that Federal Funds(taxpayer's money) were availble. The idea promised a "good job, at a good wage" for a number of government people, and the taxpayers in Minnesota would fund it. There is no apparent demand for industrial space that would ever have convinced local taxpayers to fund it. I suppose that it is not too late to consider a "Dome" to compete with new Orleans and Minneapolis. " citywatch wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:15 PM: " Lets see.....John Clover does not have the credentials to run the position he is now in, Yet your putting him in charge to oversee something else that he is not qualified for ...OK???? " ricknkim wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:48 AM: " Atticus - Some very good points you have. You should raise some of them at the next council meeting August 25th. Spread the word for other concerned citizens to come. " Atticus wrote on Aug 18, 2008 11:00 AM: " The more I read of this story, the more I am reminded of the old adage "Government shouldn't do anything that you can find in the Yellow Pages". Here, we have a bunch of amatuers set to work; playing with other people's money. And, now we are going to set another group of amatuers to check up on them. There are plenty of authentic "developers" available who could handle the job. Most cities satisfy themselves with the "parcel assembly". Then, they turn to someone who "knows the business". When they don't, we end up with financial disasters such as the "domes" in New Orleans and Minneapolis. I am old enough to remember stories in the Sun about "get those smoke stack industries out of our city". Now we subscribe to "if we build it, they will come". I think the same could be said of the development around Wall Street. Does it "have legs"? The project is not so large that a private developer couldn't handle it. Is there anyone knocking on the door with an interest in taking it over? " attlebrockton wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:57 AM: " Goodboy , What does my name mean to you? How is it insulting? Am I to assume you are a former alterboy/boyscout from Norwood ?? Don't read into my name it is just that . " goodboy02062 wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:56 PM: " Thanks Ms Allard for all of your up front imformation and willingness to answer questions. attlebrockton, your little name is insulting to all of the hardworking residents of this city and I recommend you change it on these blogs. " kim allard wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:52 PM: " The "bailout" is what you read in the story today. Nothing else has been decided or finalized. As far as cutting off the money that has been done. We haven't given them a dime this fiscal year and at this point we are not going too. Again I want to assure you we are taking all the steps we can. I see the danger..the Mayor sees it we are doing everything within our power. I am not always able to check these posts daily so again feel free to call me with any questions that goes for everyone 508-222-3733 " attlebrockton wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:32 PM: " Kim, What does the bailout include? The repaying of misused HUD funds? Interest on the line of credit?Whats in it for the city to bailout the ARA? The ARA frankly sued the city over the valuations on ides hill property that so far they have yet to win in court on.The ARA has been disingenious for quite sometime now. The only thing they understand is cutting off their funds that they not ask or beg for but come into city council so often & demand from you. You have been bullied for too long ,the Mayor is kidding himself if he doesn't think the bad news won't keep coming ,you've only scratched the surface of the renewal project .They cannot be indepedent if all their misdeeds are yours to clean up . " kim allard wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:47 PM: " This is in response to questions asked today on yesterdays page. " attlebrockton I have explained that we can't get rid of him. We didn't hire him decide on his salary the ARA did that. They are a seperate entity. It is complicated but as I stated yesterday if you review MASS General Law section 121B it explains the rules and procedures of the ARA. The Mayor is taking the steps within his power. Moving the ARA into the annex is a good move. Having a city employee such as Mr. Clover overseeing the project helps the City keep an eye on what is happening. As for the panel the Mayor has not yet announced anyone whom has accepted the challenge so I think it is to early to speculate. I will also post this under todays story to make sure you see it. Again feel free to call me at any time 508-222-3733 if you have anymore questions. " " lifelonger wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:15 PM: " So the mayor is spending City (Taxpayer) money to bail out an inept private organization? Yet the City's Public Safety workers have been working without contracts since July 1 because the City says they have no money. Hmmm....strange huh? " harry hindsight wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:48 PM: " Let's go total left field here. Hire Buddy Cianci to run the blue ribbon panel. The guy knows how to get things done. Sure he served time, but the man paid his penance and has moved on. Let Buddy run it. He will get the job done! " doug wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:31 PM: " scooterlibby...I agree with you on Jim Castro. Now realizing who Kelly was I must agree that they are all familiar faces with connections with this project. Need a new list!!!!!! " attlebrockton wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:26 PM: " scooter on the panel 4 of 5 have issues Kelly is symths boss and the line of credit might be from BCSB Robbins & Ayrassian ..city ppl ,involved no dice Jacobi is a lawyer in town might work but must have conflicts Walsh is a straight arrow although invovled with IBP project and has bought other property off the ARA in the old Industrial park. wait maybe thats all 5 .Town politics are tough ,most of the players have something that ties them in to the ARA. or city " attlebrockton wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:11 PM: " perhaps the city can put Mr. M on "double secret probation". the board won't fire him unless it reflects badly on them ,plus who is going to do all the work? Being this much of a arroagant screw up is a full time job! i'm tired of the apologist , force the ARA to vote on him and make them stand up for him or can him. " scooterlibby wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:06 PM: " Doug---Yup, like I said there are conflicts galore. But here are 5 bright people from various backgrounds who all love this City. They could unravel this mess and then collectively offer constructive solutions. If you want an accountant, I'd suggest Jim Castro who's solid as a rock. " attlebrockton wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:55 PM: " The Mayor is only moving now because the heat is on ....look at the 3 pt plan 1. save renT? if the ARA is truely independent how can he even make them move? also is there any lease issues? lastly on that 18k?????? against the 3 mil in lawsuits & the 2 mil paid to Automatic ???? hello McFly! 2. The 5 member blue ribbon panel thing ....I hope i don't know one name then i'll be impressed . 3. The DPW director ?? true he can help get roadway B ready FOR WHAT THOUGH? Nobody is coming .... " doug wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:51 PM: " scooterlibby, your list is interesting. However, Robbins started this whole thing.....bad choice in my opinion. Isn't Jacobi the person who eversees construction projects? How about Walsh? He is the contractor working on the road. Seems the three mentioned above have conflict issues. Some new faces may be best! Maybe 2 or 3 accountants would be in order.....numbers don't lie. " doug wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:43 PM: " This talk of "recall" is rediculous! The city leadership is trying to circle the wagons...now some of you want to attack it? C'mon now! This is no time to panic.. neither is it a time for those of you who may consider this a good opportunity to zing the mayor in retaliation for winning the last election. Rise above that in the best interest of our city. That's history....get over it! The mayor is in the process of making some hard decisions...best we support him, at least for the time being. We will all benefit in his success. If not....we do have options. Remember, a majority of council members agreed to allow the ARA to move out of city hall as well as appointing Milanoski as it's director.The mayor alone is not responsible. From time to time in any work environment there are those who could not think their way out a paper bag City hall is no different. I do not consider this mayor one of them. " kevin h. wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:30 PM: " If the ARA is independent, why do the taxpayers have to bail them out? I want Milanowski and the rest washing my car and mowing my lawn, the pack of incompetent scumbags. " scooterlibby wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:27 PM: " I realize there are conflicts galore but here are my picks for the blue ribbon panel to investigate the ARA: Jack Jacobi Jack Walsh Gary Ayrassian Dennis Kelly Judy Robbins " goodboy02062 wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:24 PM: " Recall Vote? Looks to me like the mayor is the only one taking this seriously. You don't recall the individual that is stepping into the fire and having to put it out. Don't forget, the ARA is a separate entity from the city and Milanowski can't be fired by the city. The ARA board members (one of which whom just got appointed by the governor) are the individuals with that power. Also, even though Keene seems to be on the mayor's side, you need a majority vote to get Milanowski out. Just the chairman alone cannot do it. Did any of you see the ARA at the city council meeting a few months back? They kiss the ground Milanowski walks on. I am sure the mayor would have fired Milanowski a long time ago if he could. Let's hope this investigation proves to give the ARA board no choice but to can Mr M!!!! " attlebrockton wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:37 PM: " If no recall then we go traditional heat on city councilors & the mayor by calling & op-ed letters. My expereince is most politicians move with the breeze ,I think also the ARA members need to be held accountable. So Keene,Symth,Steveson,volterra & the new woman. " Forward Observer wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:14 PM: " No recall in the City Charter? So if this guy is in jail for 2 years he is still Mayor? " ricknkim wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:04 PM: " Recall election? Easy trigger, do you know the cost of a recall election? Me neither, but it isn't free, that is for sure and that may be a bit of a knee-jerk reaction. How about we keep the heat on the elected officials, demand house-cleaning on those they appoint and keep all this in mind during the next elections? I'd say incumbents should be affraid but voter turnout is always a joke and the average citizen's interest level is nothing short of pathetic. " attguy wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:57 PM: " You can all forget about a recall as the city charter does not allow for one. " attlebrockton wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:50 PM: " if the mayor was recalled would council president cook become interim mayor? " SoxFan wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:10 PM: " It is time to vote ABI: Anyone But Incumbents. I realize that Kim Allard took time to answer questions in this space yesterday but for the most part, my view of incumbents is that they get too soon fat and too late smart. " attlebrockton wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:03 AM: " how many votes do you need for a recall petition? " Forward Observer wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:53 AM: " This is insult to injury. Save $18,000? What? Use a full-time employee of the City (for which we are already paying a rather large salary) to oversee what the ARA should be doing? If the DPW Chief has time for that perhaps his position should be eliminated from the payroll. We need a recall election and we need it now. " kevin h. wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:20 AM: " The article says:" a five-member panel of financial experts would be appointed to analyze park finances, and the city's public works superintendent would be directed to oversee the building of the park's Roadway D," Great, How much is this going to cost. All of these people, Mayor to Milanowski, should be fired. This has been the worst planning in the history of Attleboro. Now WE are going to bail out an independent entity??? That is not INDEPENDENT!!!!! Vote out everybody!!!!!! " ricknkim wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:47 AM: " Have to agree with "common sense" on this one. Patience has ended with Milanoski. You don't perform you are out, plain & simple. Making such an absurd quote to the Chronicle about not knowing about job creation is proof of his audacity. " common_sense wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:41 AM: " I say lose Milanoski and we can save another 107K on top of the rent. With more oversite and Clover stepping indo we really need him? After all someone's head should roll for this mess. Don't forget we ran a good company, and jobs, out of town. " doug wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:34 AM: " Let's give the mayor's plan a chance. Mayor Dumas and ARA chairman Keene seem to have good comunication. Bringing it back to city hall is a giant step in re-establishing control. The lesson we hope to have learned here is that we cannot put a project as important as the IBP in the hands of a group (ARA) with no relative experiance in development of this magnatude and directed by one with poor management skills. Now that Mr. Milanoski's duties have been redefined...will his salary of $107,000 be also???? " attlebrockton wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:24 AM: " Hmmm ...just a thought is the director really worth 107k plus benefits? Perhaps the panel could recommend mr Dubuc or Mr. lacasse head the operation . However if the Mayor can't get with the ARa board and force them to move Mr. m out then all is lost ,you have the 2nd highest paid city employee or agent being punshed in the basement of the old post office until somebody else cleans up the mess. " hope2008 wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:54 AM: " A panel of five financial experts to oversee the ARA - after the residents of Attleboro will have to pay MILLIONS for "mistakes" made. One will only have to look at the 5 "experts" that Mayor Dumas hand-picks, to see if this is a serious move or not. The criteria to be appointed to most Attleboro panels is just to be a friend - no experience needed. We'll see.......... " STACEYMAY wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:46 AM: " WHERE WAS HAS THE MAYOR BEEN WHEN ALL THIS WAS UNFOLDING?? JUST MAYBE A LITTLE BIRD SPOKE TO HIOM IN HIS EAR AND GAVE HIM THIS IDEA, BECAUSE HE COULD NOT COME UP WITH THIS ON HIS OWN. HE HAS NO CLUE WHEN IT COMES TO SHOWING OR LEADING THE WAY. TO BAD WE DON'T HAVE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THIS ARA MESS. " attlebrockton wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:08 AM: " All well and good ,however if the panel turns out to be a group of the same ppl from FAIR then you know the CYA has started. As for babysitting the director at the annex ,why not just pay him to stay home if you can't can him ? At least he is not around town feather ruffling & spreading his goodwill to all. This also makes me think the HUD hit is a major one. " DANDYDON wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:03 AM: " TO LITTLE AND WAY TO LATE. " or
|
