Metea Valley moving forward ..DH 3.5.08

[d204mom]

Daeschner scoffed at Andrews' allegation and questioned the group's motives.

Well, I guess shuffling around public comment then calling parents names and locking them out in the cold won't shut them up. So maybe scoffing willl work. Surely if the school board AND Daeschner scoff at everyone's concerns in unison, this will all go away.

[Arch]

chicoryowl said:

brad204 said:

From what I have read, it does not sound like the group has created an action plan as of yet. Here are some of my ideas..

I would donate $204 to a group that would continue to test the AME/MidWest Gen site along all parameters. I do not care if that testing included a test for EVP to see if the ghost of Metea is running around.

I would donate $204 to a group that would rent some busses so we could do some timed dry runs. I will ride around with the Doctor all day to check out the different times. If the times are as posted then so be it. If the times are not as promised the district should make changes. It’s simple.

I would donate $204 to a group that would collect all the financial information on what we have spent so far on this effort. I would also like a listing of all the presented facts and how these have played out over time. This includes the bloody beginning in 2005 up to now. I would like to publish this document as a reference for the next elections. This does not need to be a witch hunt. Just a non-bias fact based document.

I would donate $204 to a group that would lobby either the country/state/federal government to get the overpass over the EJ tracks at 95th built.

Until I see an approach that has an achievable goal, I will be writing a check for $204 to WVHS booster club. Errr, can someone pm me and tell me where I go to do that...

I'm not donating to a group that either wants it built at BB or not at all.

I would be interested to see dry runs on the buses.

I'm still waiting to see where they decide to take it. If they become something other than safety, I'm staying out.

In the meantime, here's some good reading:

www.corrosion-doctors.org/Pipeline/Introduction.htm

Keep in mind, some of the pipes there around (and under) the site are approaching 40 years old.

Particular interesting was the internal corrosion problems in gas pipelines.

I don't want a letter from the gas company saying "It's safe". I want documentation of their process and procedures and records of their inspections, testing, preventative techniques, etc. Notwithstanding that, there's always the possibility for a "OH CRAP". It's the sad nature of that business. Putting a school there, IMO is a dumb risky thing to do because if the unthinkable were to ever happen we would be perfect candidates for the Darwin Award.

[sushi]

I was unable to attend the meeting but I can say without hesitation that the majority of residents were WE and TG. I agree, slp, I DO NOT want to be labeled with this group. There is one reason ONLY for this suit - we don't get the shiny new HS we wanted.

At one time, WV was the ONLY highschool in 204. Kids traveled from Bolingbrook to go to WV. That would be a long commute; but it was what you did. None of this is perfect and I do sympathize. I don't see another choice. BB is dead, how many times do we have to say it!
No way to do BB. Macom has similiar problems, almost the same environmental, road, tenants in perpetuity and park district to contend with. The tenants don't have to move. The road does. It is just one hurdle after another, with similiar environmental concerns.
I don't buy the "caring" attitude of this group, they could give a rats-a** about the rest of the district.

It is very disappointing the BB didn't happen. NOW WHAT? What possible good could this lawsuit do. What is the point of slowing down? As long as all the proper testing is done, lets move forward. I don't believe for a second that a SB would "hide" problems and risk damage to our children.

This lawsuit is a black mark on our community and the division it creates will last for years to come. Meanwhile, Shawn Collins is dreaming of his Barbados vacation with your $204 donation. I will cough up money to defend this lawsuit, as will you. Nobody wins.

[d204mom]

"We'll react when they do something for us to react to," school board President Mark Metzger said.

WOW. That really says it all. "NO we WILL NOT reach out and try to address parent's concerns. WE will sit back and be reactive. I'm not a big fan of proactively trying to make the situation better. I'm much better at throwing gasoline on fires, hasn't anyone noticed?"

[we4]

brad204 said:

From what I have read, it does not sound like the group has created an action plan as of yet. Here are some of my ideas..

I would donate $204 to a group that would continue to test the AME/MidWest Gen site along all parameters. I do not care if that testing included a test for EVP to see if the ghost of Metea is running around.

I would donate $204 to a group that would rent some busses so we could do some timed dry runs. I will ride around with the Doctor all day to check out the different times. If the times are as posted then so be it. If the times are not as promised the district should make changes. It’s simple.

I would donate $204 to a group that would collect all the financial information on what we have spent so far on this effort. I would also like a listing of all the presented facts and how these have played out over time. This includes the bloody beginning in 2005 up to now. I would like to publish this document as a reference for the next elections. This does not need to be a witch hunt. Just a non-bias fact based document.

I would donate $204 to a group that would lobby either the country/state/federal government to get the overpass over the EJ tracks at 95th built.

Until I see an approach that has an achievable goal, I will be writing a check for $204 to WVHS booster club. Errr, can someone pm me and tell me where I go to do that...

To bring the district back together and work as one.......priceless

[sleeplessinnpvl]

There is an article in today's Sun but I can't seem to access it online to post it.

The article seems to say they are leaning more towards the "slow down" and "we want to be heard" approach.

Also, if anyone wants to hear audio from that meeting Tuesday night, it is also somewhere on the napersun.com site according to the paper.

Later edit: I have posted this article in a new thread if anyone is interested

[WeBe204]

sushi said:

No way to do BB. Macom has similiar problems, almost the same environmental, road, tenants in perpetuity and park district to contend with.

Sushi, I agree oddly enough with some of your comments. But at the same time I can see why people are going off. Take the note below from the Park District in regards to Macom. Sounds like they are a bit surprised the Park District was a road block. I know, I know it does not solve the other issues. IMO, it has become tiring when facts are put out and they are not true.

<start PB note>
Thank you for your comments regarding the relationship between the Naperville Park District and Naperville Community School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204. The success of the Naperville Park District is in part to the excellent working relationships between our organization and the local school districts.

I would like to respond to your comments about property located in District 204 and intergovernmental communication. The Naperville Park District was a very willing participant in discussions with District 204 regarding site options for the proposed third high school. I personally had conversations both over the phone with School Board President Mark Metzger and sat down with President Metzger and Board Member Curt Bradshaw to discuss land swap options (we also discussed future partnership opportunities that exist for our organizations). Additionally I met with representatives and attorneys for Macom Corporation to discuss what alternatives would exist to accommodate the development of a third high school in District 204. Many members of our staff and Board Commissioners had similar conversations. Our final communication to President Metzger was that the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners stood ready to meet with his board regarding land swap options -- they never contacted us for a meeting. I do not know why the preparer of the report you referenced chose not to list the Naperville Park District as an advantage. I find it equally disappointing.

The Naperville Park District will continue to strive to be a collaborative partner of both the Naperville Community School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204. It is only with those efforts will we provide services that truly benefits the Naperville residents overall.

Please do not hesitate to contact me again should you need anything.
<end PD note>

[sushi]

I agree it is a HUGE mistake for the board not to respond to this.

One of the issues that keeps coming up is that the MWGen site was not suitable two years ago. The truth is this. Two years ago, the church was NOT interested in selling, MWGen was still using the plant. It was know there were environmental concerns, and BB was an easier alternative. Well, BB is dead, folks. The church is willing to sell, MWGen is willing to sell so it all works. No, it is not perfect, far from it. It is all we have. To delay this further, as long as the site is safe, will cost us in construction, materials, and maybe loss of the site. We need a new HS now. If the ref had passed the first time, we wouldn't be talking about this.

[sushi]

Brad, I did read this post yesterday, and thanks. I meant to say that "even with the park district".....yada yada.

[slp]

I think many people don't believe that BB is dead because the total costs involved with BB are not made clear to the public. Once the BB damages are known, it might be wise of the school board to release complete costs regarding BB. If it is true that the costs are greatly in excess than AME I think it would go a long way to ease the mis-trust of many angry people.

[d204mom]

sushi said:

One of the issues that keeps coming up is that the MWGen site was not suitable two years ago. The truth is this. Two years ago, the church was NOT interested in selling, MWGen was still using the plant. It was know there were environmental concerns

Are you guessing or do you know this for sure? We were TOLD that the church was not interested. Others have said this is not true, Howie didn't really try.

Also, do you know for a fact that there was no official assesment of the unsuitability of the site?

The site selection report does not discuss the peaker plant danger. The site selection report discusses the switching station danager. That has not changed.

[sushi]

I really think the SB should tell us what went down with BB, in detail. Why did it go so far the other way? The public wants details, an explanation. I think it would have stopped a lot of people from being so angry. If they screwed up, then admit it. If it was the jury, the judge, whatever, we need to hear it to have closure. I also think their silence about the issues raised by NSFOC does no good. They need a PR person. I know they are sick and tired of us whiners, but give us a bone, take the high road. Admit mistakes or assumptions were made, be humble. I think it would do a lot to defuse the hatred and mistrust.
'
I agree,slp, give us the dets!

[d204mom]

slp said:

I think many people don't believe that BB is dead because the total costs involved with BB are not made clear to the public. Once the BB damages are known, it might be wise of the school board to release complete costs regarding BB. If it is true that the costs are greatly in excess than AME I think it would go a long way to ease the mis-trust of many angry people.

Why use the jury award price in the financial analysis? I have heard that they came down a bit in price from the jury award. Is this true? I have NO idea but other things that have been rumors have turned out to be true. And I don't trust Daeschner or anyone currently on the school board to give us the straight facts.

I absolutely have my suspicions that they already know AME will cost the same or more than Brach-Brodie in the end. And then their argument for the switcheroo is invalidated. oops.

[slp]

sushi said:

I really think the SB should tell us what went down with BB, in detail. Why did it go so far the other way? The public wants details, an explanation. I think it would have stopped a lot of people from being so angry. If they screwed up, then admit it. If it was the jury, the judge, whatever, we need to hear it to have closure. I also think their silence about the issues raised by NSFOC does no good. They need a PR person. I know they are sick and tired of us whiners, but give us a bone, take the high road. Admit mistakes or assumptions were made, be humble. I think it would do a lot to defuse the hatred and mistrust.
'
I agree,slp, give us the dets!

I couldn't agree more.

I have always been a supporter of the school board but even I feel that the way they have been diseminating info (or lack thereof) and the way they have addressed the public at the 2 recent sb meetings was only asking for trouble.

Sometimes saying you made a mistake and being humble about it can go a long long way. I can see the arrogance that many spoke of 2 years ago (at a time when I did not see it) now in our school board and how they are treating the public concerns.

Whether or not I agree a lawsuit will do any good (or infact do more harm) I can see why many have felt that is their last resort. The school board needs to open a dialogue and release all info to the public. That would go a long way, IMO.

[sushi]

There was no reason for Howie to try when we had BB, a more desirable site. If you remember, many people didn't like BB either, but the board said it was the best of what parcels were available. Whether the church was interested in selling or not, MWGen was still using the site.