Let the Cuts Begin.

The City Council Budget/Ways Committee met last Thursday evening and worked through some of the cuts necessary to balance the budget for fiscal year 2009/2010 that starts July 1.

The Committee went through the various Department requests and culled out several capitol requests. One item left open for later discussion was the creation of what was referred to as a "paperless Council". This $12,000 expenditure would equip all Council members with a laptop computer which would be used to transfer various files from City Hall. City Administrator Tom Short said that the project would also eliminate the need for a part-time clerk that prepares packets for the Council meetings.

In a separate computer related request, the Committee indicated it would not fund a $41,500 request by Police Chief Greg Dagnan to upgrade the Police Department computer system. Dagnan, who was present at the meeting, told the Committee that he could "limp through" this year, but didn’t think the upgrade could be put off for two years. The request is mainly for software used by the Department.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

I haven’t been on a roller coaster for some time. Now if the opportunity presented itself, I’d no doubt be willin’ to go, I just haven’t gone out of my way ta be in that position.

Growin’ up we had an amusement park not far off. Class trips and special occasion would be excuse enough for kids to spend an afternoon or an evenin’ ridin’ the rides.

My favorite at the time, next to the fairly good sized roller coaster, were those cages that you can make tumble over and over again. A friend a mine used ta like ‘em also, till he and a buddy had that contest to see who would puke first. One of ‘em lost, but the winner wasn’t any too pleased as he crawled out of the cage. I never did really know which one got the sickest.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

This Is A Hammer

Protecting Outdoor Wood Furniture

Q: A friend told me that my new wooden lawn furniture would "cure" best if I just let it sit out in the yard through all four seasons. My dad told me to put waterproof sealant on the furniture. What do you think? -- Cherie in Columbia, Md.

A: Which advice to follow depends mainly on what type of wood from which your lawn furniture is constructed. A durable, usually tropical, hardwood like mahogany or teak should not be treated with anything other than the occasional cleaning with wood soap and water. Furniture made of this material will weather gracefully outside and even handles cold, snowy winters well. The wood often turns gray in a fairly short period, but as long as it’s kept clean and out of constantly damp conditions, it will stay serviceable for many years.

Redwood or cedar furniture should be protected with a clear water sealer. These woods also can be painted (with enamel paint) or stained, but most owners only do so to cover a mark or discoloration -- otherwise let the natural wood grain show through the sealer coat. Bring this type of furniture inside for the winter, or at least move to a fairly dry location and cover with a tarp.

Pine furniture also can be coated with water sealer, but painting or staining the wood is an equally good option. Store it indoors through the winter or cover up to reduce weathering problems.

HOME TIP: Cleaning those big outdoor-furniture cushions after a long winter? Scrub them with a large acrylic brush and soapy water, hang on a clothesline or fence, rinse with the garden hose and let dry.