Today's Feature

Commissioner’s Retirement Approaches.

Street Commissioner Tom Shelley announced in August that he would be retiring from his position on October 1 of this year. Shelley has worked for the Street Department for 36 years, and last week attended his final Public Works Committee meeting.

The Street Department and Public Works Department are scheduled to be restructured following Shelley’s departure, in a manner that has been approved by the City Council Public Works Committee and City Council.

Currently the Street Department and the Public Works Department are two separate entities, though they operate from the same building. After the departments are restructured both will be under the direction of the Public Works Director, Chad Wampler. Under the new organization the Street Department would retain the same number of employees that it has had for the past 20 years.

Shelley’s final Council meeting as Commissioner will be held tomorrow evening. A retirement party is scheduled to be held on September 30 from 2-4 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mornin'

I hate it when I’m watchin’ one a those specialty channels on TV and get interested in the show, then discover that apparently advertisers think only kids under 13 are watchin’.

If you’re watchin’ a show and an ad for Mountain Dew comes on, you may be overestimatin’ the average intelligence of the viewers. It’s not the drink, it’s the commercials.

I really get annoyed when after watchin’ a commercial, I have no idea what I just got sold. Maybe a subconscious memory that will pop out next time I pass by a Gap store. I have no idea.

I have found lately I get the urge to buy a pack of Double-Bubble and jump on a skateboard. Undoubtedly, too much TV.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Silent Leak Can Damage Foundation.

Q: I have a finished basement in my house that has stayed dry through the years. However, three years ago our town was flooded in heavy rains and so was the basement. It was drained and repaired quickly. Last week, though, I noticed a big "blister" in the paint on one corner of the basement wall. I poked it and water drained out. Do you think the flood damage wasn’t totally repaired? -- Jaime C., Lowell, Mass.

A: If it’s the first water you’ve seen in three years, then the repair work is not necessarily the culprit. I do think there is a slow leak near and maybe above where you found that blister.

Head outside and check the foundation on that side of the basement, nearest the blister. Are there any cracks at the base of the wall or in the foundation? Does water runoff occur in that area? Is there any vegetation growing right up against the foundation?

Water runoff striking the foundation directly will eventually seep through. If there are cracks in the area, it will happen even faster. Vegetation growing right up against the wall can develop deep roots down which water will trickle. Those roots also can slowly cause damage to the foundation, over several years, just as constant water runoff can.

Direct runoff away from the foundation by extending your gutter downspout. Digging a downward-grade trench and filling with gravel will further protect the foundation.

Remove plants that butt up against the wall, and as much root as possible; refill the area with the same material as the rest of the ground surrounding the house (dirt, gravel or concrete). Repair cracks in the wall or foundation, and check periodically.