The nature of the encroachment upon American constitution is such, as to grow every day more and more encroaching. Like a cancer; it eats faster and faster every hour. The revenue creates pensioners, and the pensioners urge for more revenue.The seekers more numerous and more corrupt, and every day increases the circles of their dependents and vanity, luxury, foppery, selfishness, meanness, and downright venality swallow up the whole of society.
John Adams
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Tuesday, May 24, 2011
May 23, 2011, City Council Meeting.
64 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I just want to say how badly behaved most of the crowd was at the meeting. I was impressed with the behavior of only two people.
First, Mayor Fischer for his patience in the face of incredible rudeness. Next, the firefighter in uniform (I don't know his name) who was polite, rational and had a well-thought-out list of reasons. The rest of the fire dept. turned out like a batch of sullen and surly gang members who I wouldn't let touch me if I was dying. And I mean that in all sincerity.
I would also wish that Lance had attended some budget meetings and learned like many others of us why these drastic steps are being taken. His belligerence is unnecessary and adds nothing to the conversation. He's just being a willful child for not understanding that the fund has dwindled from a reserve of 400K to a negative balance. Billing is not a "minor" thing. If it had been done in a timely matter, perhaps the fund would not be negative. But it is and something has to be done about it.
I, for one do not want the fire dept. chief let go nor do I mind the potholes or turning off some street lights. I do mind ignorant comments about money for boats when a citizen has not comprehension of budgetary spending restrictions and Lance needs to learn the difference between an auditor and an accountant.
We are ruled by laws and not by man. For as in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king; and there ought to be no other. In 1780, John Adams enshrined this principle in the Massachusetts Constitution by seeking to establish "a government of laws and not of men”. Yet I witnessed violations of our very rule of law by all sides in this issue. I witnessed the budget committee refer the loan issues to be an agenda item, not a volunteer fire chief agenda item. I never witnessed this council discussing this issue before this meeting. I witnessed city employees along with volunteers put aside the rule of law and speak with disrespect, not on the question of why this was brought before the council, but for purely personal reasons not associated with the violations of law, as well as the negative cash flow occurring in that department. I also witnessed citizens demanding the rule of law be ignored as that was what they wanted and basically saying to hell with the law and the rest of our city and those who think otherwise. Well putting aside that entire BS, I want to know who is responsible for the emergency services budget along with the reasons why that department cannot live within that budget. Then if that leads to this type of action by council so be it. But one thing is clear to me from all I witnessed. I recognize when I am tyrannized or receiving justice according to the 'rule of law' and I witnessed tyranny from all sides.
What I saw was a city employee lead an orchestrated attempt to intimidate our city council by any means possible. I guess when your an admitted falsifier of public records, miss-appropriator of public funds, irresponsible "professional" you have limited options to try and protect your income.
That would be an EX-employee along with his enabler ex-mayor boyfriend. Bromance in the office. I think BS is worried that if Jeff is let go he has no one current with the city to give hi a reference. BTW, Is he bleaching his hair, now?
Okay, okay. Sorry for the unnecessary hyperbole and fantastical wondering.
But seriously, Brad is trying to make George look bad and is going to run again. Bernard is angling for a job with Nestle - or has one already. They both show poor judgement, not showing up at meetings (they have that right) but talking as though they still run the town. The nerve of Bernard to talk about processes that he is no longer handling! The nerve of Brad to try and talk about what our budget is at the Nestle meeting! The audience reaction was the strongest of the night and says the message may have gotten through at the Council meeting; we are in budgetary trouble.
Neither of them seem to understand the damage they did to the town, hell, half the town doesn't understand the damage. We have to now pay for an overbuilt sewer system plus an overbuilt fire station. The loss of our reserves, the half-million in debt, the downward spiral of our property tax revenue are all coming home to roost.
The B Boys remind of the old Peanuts poster: if you can't be right, be wrong at the top of your voice.
Why was there no city rep. at the Nestle meeting? Maybe of someone from the city was there "The B Boys" as you putit, would not needed to answer.
The Council is put missinfo. out to the public. I don't think it deliberate but it is happing. That is why people don't understand.
And where does Don H. come off speeking for the volunteers? By saying its wrong to use voluntreers for profit. Has he talked to any of them? NO!!! Come on give me a brake! That's why you have volunteers! Cheep laber! Besides shouldn't that be up the the volunteers to deside that?
First, you need to return to school and learn to spell. You just come off as ignorant, which does no good for your argument. A brake is exactly what someone should put on you.
Second, you need realize that council members are also volunteers. Most (not Lance or Eva) of them attended the 2 and 1/2 hour budget meeting on the previous Wednesday. They put in a grueling 3 and 1/2 hour meeting the night before. You left as soon as you were done insulting them and trying to pick a fight in the audience.
Third, if you are so against misinformation, then why would you accept it from the ex-Mayor and a disgraced city Manager who got away with 18,000 of our money?
Be specific. What misinformation has the council put out to the public?
As for Don H., he is one of the seven elected citizens that are responsible for setting policy on city matters. He has every right to express his opinion concerning the use of our volunteer EMS to operate an enterprise fund in order to generate revenue for the city.
As an experienced business man, he understands "profit" and "loss" a whole lot more thoroughly than probably any of you volunteers do. So it might pay you to listen to his ideas, especially when your enterprise fund is operating at a huge loss.
And finally, a challenge for you. Find a city in Oregon that has the same population as Cascade Locks that also has a paid fire chief and makes a profit with their EMS department.
The proof is on this very blog. Here's the link: http://whoscityourcity.blogspot.com/2010/12/administrator-resignation.html
By January 31, 2011, the City will pay Seeger a lump sum of $18,112.50 as severance pay. Seeger shall not receive any additional compensation for accrued unused sick leave, vacation or administrative leave.
Actually, I wasn't but I could see and hear the whole thing. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Well its seems the city can't decide if the Fire Dept. is $450,000 or $51,000 or $30,000 in the red.
Who is responsible for paying off the fire hall? The city or the fire dept?
I'm open to hear Don's idea's on make money for ES. But I have not heard of any from him.
As far as I know the EMS side has always been fine finatualy. But don't qoute me on that. I need to look in to that more. And you can't have EMS suport fire.
I will check into your challenge. But comparing population only. Would not be a fare comparison considering of our geological location. Would you not agree?
Kudos to Tom Cramblett he did an excellent job of informing the citizens and the press of what the situation REALLY is. It was so press worthy that it only got a small paragraph at the bottom of the front page. I would also like to say thank you to Jess Zerfing he was one of the most mature speakers that night he didnt make it political or dramatically emotional just stated his points clearly he did however revert to the old ways when muttering under his breath and rolling his eyes all night. Also thank you to Lynne Kononen for validating the action of eliminating the OEO position because it was obvious that the job wasnt getting done nice to see that you have come to the other side.
Some points of interest are:
Rob B blew a gasket, a volunteer seemed to be reading a statement written by the fire chief and stated that billings are a "minor" thing, another person who stated that these volunteers saved his home during the wildfire - very few of these volunteers were here then and we had contracted with HR so JP wasnt here either, dont have any idea what that piece of paper BL was waving around was for, the usual we will quit threat AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST my favorite is BS telling us all how our old fire station caught on fire and how unsafe it was (I wonder did he use those words when he was trying to sell it to Choi? I highly doubt it) and not only that was overheard during the break schooling the mayor on how he could get more $$ from the electric department to fund this black hole - I am sure that that won't impact the rates at all.
I think we all need to read the chiefs Mission Statement.
http://www.cascadelocksfire.com/mission_statement.htm Read how the Chief is responsible for the budget throughout this document. This also follows state law.
I also suggest we also read the fire chiefs code of ethics.
Craig, I have to give you credit for your interest in finding the facts. Most(regardless of which side they are on) just believe what they have been told and regurgitate it others as a fact.
The EMS department has been spending more than it receives in revenue for the several years.
It is against Oregon law and city policy to overspend from a government fund.
As of 1/31/11 the EMS fund was overspent by $32,129.15. this is without the fund paying for ANY debt, either on the fire hall or on the fire truck.
As of 3/31/11 the EMS fund was overspent by over $50,000
The chief's salary, overtime & benefits, $101,416, is more than all of the tax dollars the EMS department receives, $76,770.
The chief is responsible for money spent from the EMS fund.
This is all public record, it is available to anyone at city hall.
Anyone who tries to tell you anything different is a liar.
Who do you think you are Craig? In this world, other people do not have the burden of proving anything to you. If you have an issue with the facts, do your own research and YOU prove your point!
No wonder you are at home blogging in the day and at night. Too lazy to spell check. Too lazy to actually do some leg work. Too lazy to correlate the facts. Too lazy to tuck your shirt in so that your lazy butt doesn't flash and offend. Just too lazy to take seriously at all!
Kinda funny to hear someone who has been sending volunteers out for over 4 years in "dangerously outdated bunker gear" while he spends huge amounts of money polishing his ego with dress blues and command vehicles get praised for finally paying attention to the safety of the firefighters. What a load of B.S.
EMS funds do not pay for the fire engine. It pays for EMS. Fire funds pay for Fire. Fire funds do not pay for City buildings. Even if a fire survice occupies it. If the fire dept. buget is x dollar a portion of that go's to EMS.
So is the $32,129.15 the amount owed in the current budget year? Does this reflect revenue from medical insurance which have not been received for services in the previous months? When the insurance companies do pay their bills realistically what how much will remain if any of the $32,129.15? Is this something the auditor would take into consideration or does that responsibility fall to another position? I hope this can be addressed in the next council meeting as it would sure make a difference to see the actual income and prospective income so the community could be better informed.
I suspect that there is confusion about the fire department debt due to poor record keeping and accountability on the part of the previous city council, city administrator and budget committee and it could be that they are in debt by all those figures.
As to who should pay off the debt, the citizens of Cascade Locks will ultimately pay it off through the taxes they pay into the general fund. Now if the EMS department ever makes a profit then IMHO that profit should go towards the debt. Also, if the old fire hall should sell then that money should go towards reducing the outstanding balance on the loan at the time of the sale.
And yes, similar population was a condition of the challenge.
If you want to read the auditors report it is on line. Just go to the city web site and go to budget committee agendas and packets. You will see a link for the auditors report. After you read this can you tell me how you would address the budget violation for last year, along with the beggining negative fund for this budget period. Just what would you do if you were a council member?
To all who blog, call me or catch me in town asking where's the video. Understand 4 hours of video is a very large file to upload. Google only takes it so fast. It is hard enough for me to have my internet crawling like dial up in this age, because I set my equipment to grant youtube all availible bandwidth and I have to live with that for your benefit. So please live with the fact that it takes time or tell me you do not care about the quality that the city has as I can degrade it worse than that and compress it to around 900 meg if you like. But you really will not like that as I tried it already and the quality left a lot to be desired. Iam doing the best I can as a service to you all.
Emergency Services Fund: - Each year there has been EXCESS of expenditures OVER revenues. - In 2010 there was a fund DEFICIT (which is in VIOLATION of OREGON LOCAL BUDGET LAW).
Now what do you have to say Chief??
Notice, when asked about this and his reports he has nothing to say. Your egotisitcal smirk will only get you so far.
If my bookkeeper neglected my billing for only a month I would have to let him go. I couldn't operate. Don't eliminate the position, fire he who is not performing his required duties. Hire a more experienced (maybe older) and more fiscally and morally competent person for the job. Jeff may be a wonderful EMT and the volunteers may rally around him but the position of Fire Chief requires far stronger business skills. It should be far more simple than everyone is making this, turning it into a popularity, hidden agenda, don't fire my buddy, etc, etc battle. If you do your job you get to stay, if you don't do your job you get replaced. Simple.
Billing insurance companies is far different than billing for most services. A tutorial on insurance billing would be very helpful to the councils understanding the complexity of medical billing. A new Fire Chief will not improve on that particular issue. Insurance companies are notorious for doing all they can to avoid payment. I continue to feel as if this is a personal issue which rather than a question of competency. I don’t know the Fire Chief and I don’t know most of the players in this current upheaval, but from where I sit it seems as though there is a lack of understanding from all sides. Having said that, I also feel it is the Mayor and the Council who must do the work to repair the budget. As well as the riff this historic battle over the Fire Hall and money has caused to this town. I do think there is an answer I do believe it is possible to create a comprehensive budget and to keep our volunteers and Fire Chief.
Greatest idea so far. Let's move the fire station back to the old fire hall and turn the new one into a water park. Big revenue, jobs and so much fun!!
You stated the Paid Fire Chief position was created. The law specifies that it must be "Duly Authorized" (Charter, Ordinance, code). It’s not in the charter so can you tell me what ordinance number that is?
Being a new member to this community (less than 2 months), I happen to turn on the city council meeting. A couple of observations from a newbie in town:
What kind of government did you have in the past where they are not paying off their debt? It's very similar to our national problems, there is a debt that needs to be paid legally and everybody wants to protect their “pork barrel” program. For all of you wonderful citizens that got up there screaming, yelling, and clapping – not one of you talked about how your elected officials are to balance the budget. All I have to say Cascade Locks, is - man up, grow some you know whats, and get your house in order.
Dear Newbie, Thanks for blogging. Welcome to town, sorry you had to witness that embarrassment. Maybe we can remove channel 23 for the new guys and break them in slowly! Yes it is a beautiful area to live. Please don't think that our little community was always like this. I can remember when we had a huge fire at the east end of town and I watched my neighbors load their belongings into their rigs and evacuate, I remember neighbors helping neighbors no matter who you were. We had thought that houses were lost but we couldn't see for sure because of the smoke. I also remember when firefighters from all over the state came to our aid. When it was over and our neighbors drove by with their furniture hanging out of their trucks returning to their homes, my family stood by the road waving and cheering to everyone as they drove by welcoming them home. The town ended up being divided over whether or not to build a costly fire hall. It was put to the vote of the people who voted no, however past administration did some fancy and in my opinion illegal footwork to build a fire hall and leave the town almost broke. Here we are three years later and no payments being made but plenty of money still being spent. That's the short version. You are right about everyone ranting and screaming and no intelligent ideas to balance the budget. It was sort of like hey I haven't been on TV for awhile so it's my turn to grandstand!
I agree with Darlene in that the building of an over priced and over sized fire hall has divided our town.
I would like to add that we are also divided over whether or not the city should obey all applicable laws, codes and regulations when conducting city business.
The group that believes in the old adage "the ends justify the means", is willing to ignore, bend or break the law as long as they get the outcome they want.
This group was well represented at Monday's meeting. Let's hope that there are at least 4 members on the City Council who won't be intimidated by Monday's comments and attempts to bully them into conducting their business with the same disdain for rules as the previous council, planner, and administrator.
Well said Gary, It seems that ignoring the law has become city policy. It is nice to see this administration reading and making reference to the ORS's. What a refreshing change!
25 citizens behaving like they are still in junior high at a council meeting does not equal a divided town.
Douglas, The problem is that we don't do insurance billing. We pay someone else to do that. All we have to do is send them the call sheet. Not that complex.
Douglas, Medical billing cannot be that complex when my dentist and doctors' offices all seem to have cute little 23-year-old girls handling it.
When this is not done in a timely matter, all the other bills have hit the patient (or their estate) first and we end up waiting in the back of the line for the money.
You are both absolutely right. Our former government’s had the opinion they were above the law. That abuse and mismanagement is now coming to fruition. The problem is the fruits those governments left us, is rotten to the core. I give big KUDOS to this Council and this Budget Committee, for the hard work they have been subjected to and the commitment they have shown, knowing they had to put aside their own personal lives for the challenge I know it must be for them. But I sincerely thank each and every one of them. Now Gary the group you referred to as “The group that believes in the old adage” is just going to have to wake up and realize that there is nothing this city council can do but comply with the law any longer. They need to realize that complaining to the council is not the place to complain as this council has no other options available to them. If they have complaints, I suggest that they make their complaints in Salem as these are the only legislators who have the power to change these laws. And Darlene those past administrators you refer to in the quote, “hey I haven't been on TV for awhile so it's my turn to grandstand!”, must surely realize that after the effect of what they did after our trust in them and the damage they did to our city coming to light more so now, makes many more of us sick than all those present at the last Council meeting. Because the fact of the matter is had those previous city officials, done their job in accordance to the law we would not be in the financial crisis we are in today.
On to something else. I do not care how many signatures can be raised by our former mayor. That group that signed it made way to many references, to pressure council to commit illegal acts, to comply with that group’s personal agendas, that it would not have a chance in hell of going anywhere now. Can you say bye-bye to those 35 signatures on any initiative petition?
I would add that that petition was circulated with Brad and Jeff giving people the "stink-eye" when it was passed to them to ensure they signed it. Sandra loudly and rightly announced that there was no one in this row who would sign it before passing it to Craig in the front. I know, maybe Craig should have stuffed in the back of his pants to stop giving the back 3 rows a view of at least 6 inches of butt crack every time he stood up to applaud.
Blind mob behavior is so uncivilized, isn't it?
Was anyone aware that BS was sitting in the hallway, prepping both BL and JP during the meeting?
We just had two elections, one in November, the other a couple of weeks ago. Why didn't JP or any of his minions come up with a fire district initiative?
I wonder if BS knew that JP tattled on him to save his job in a public meeting, when JP revealed that BS ordered him to change the dates on the billings so they could conspire together to hire the temp EMT before council approved it.
Take advantage this city's missed opportunity to capitalize on 'OUR BRIDGE, highway 84." EVERYTHING in a 30 mile radius, trails, forest and the water! all this with world famous JP our fire chief. Its a win, win! The city, for their contribution and in exchange for local coverage can provide the fire house and contribute $25,000 towards the rental of the equipment they should provide. Rent shall not exceed the annual depreciation cost of the equipment. This way, the city would contribute approximately the same amount they are suppose to be paying now. $50,000 for the fire house and $25,000 for equipment rental. They pay way more than that now (fools!). So they should be happy.
Then, we can take all of this opportunity, form a non-profit, and grow, grow, grow! Now tell me what fool wouldn't want to invest in a great deal like this?
Anti-George I have been looking into this already. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but a fire district is intended to provide services beyond the city limits. The City cannot form the district, only the county can, ORS 478.115. A district cannot be formed within city limits, ORS 478.010 (2) A district may not include: (a) Territory within a city unless otherwise authorized by law. Within this chapter of law or any other chapter pertaining to fire departments, I have found there is no authorization of law that can change this. The reason is, property taxes we pay are an ad volorem tax, which the cost to provide fire and emergency protection has already been determined and land owners in the city already pay. To impose another tax would be dual taxation and would violate the constitution. Our forefathers already have the tax rate at the highest rate allowed and no higher tax can be imposed on the property owners. Our forefathers couldn’t manage the city or its finances out of a paper sack with a new box cutter. What this council and the chief should be doing is going through this chapter of law as I see areas where we may be missing some revenue sources. ORS 478.300 Contracting with others to provide facilities and services for fire protection or road lighting; authority over open burning and fire permits; rules. ORS 478.310 Response to fire or public safety incident outside its own territory by district or municipality; liability for costs. ORS 478.315 Response to fire or public safety incident in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area; payment of costs. So we are still in the same quagmire we started at. More debt than we can pay and expenses far above revenue. And the sad thing is council has until June 30th to figure out what to do, as another year of deficits and serious penalties will imposed by the State. And we have our previous all knowing councils and administrators to thank for this mess they left us with, as you all see now they did not know squat. Any time you mix incompetence and money you get the perfect storm. So all we can do is batten down the hatches Anti-George as that storm is here.
Cody, what might add to the conversation is understanding which services and at what level we, as an incorporated city are required to provide to our citizens. We all seem to willing to brainstorm this yet we are unable to set aside the personal (what AGAIN!) and rationally look at what we are to and what can be cut from the budget.
Can we get this information and continue in a mature and informed discussion?
Has anyone considered that both Brad and Bernard are orchestrating this "save Jeff" bull pucky in order to hide the fact that this budget shortfall is their doing. And that they are hoping you don't remember that?
hmm, good point, they, B & B, are like bush and cheney, "weapons of mass destruction", run amok. Yet, they continue their lives the same as before they lied us into one quagmire after the next.
And like, bush and cheney, there has been NO accountability or culpability to the B(s). (only profit)
So, they continue to grandstand, bluster, bully and manipulate city affairs with assistance from the port manager and others.
Really, what ya gonna do CL?
Nothing, everyone knows that including the B(s) and their ilk.
Our forefathers might have at least tarred and feathered the vermin while running em out of town on a rail. But,today's American just wants to move ahead!
So, we move on with no real punitive measures. Of course the vermin will be back. Look at wall-street business as usual while the world's citizens march against austerity.
Looky here, "save jeff", while we're.....selling your resources, spoiling your environment, nullifying green attributes, generations to follow be damned, etc. etc. etc.
Cody you rock for providing this service. Thank you.:)
I think there is a difference between what the law requires a City provide for service and what citizens expect. The law does not require we provide Parks and Recreation yet we do - because the citizens expect. I think the discussion must include more of what we can afford along with what is required by law and what citizens expect. It's not an easy balancing act and I think for all the disagreements about who is right or wrong that our little town is a very active and lively democracy. You must admit no apathy here and that is a welcome sight to see. Many places people don't even participate in their government let alone have disagreements.
Our minimum fire standards are set by ordinance 382. It is on line under ordinances public protection.
We also adopted the Oregon fire code in its entirety by reference in this ordinance. As long as a city can meet the state standards, a city can run its department as it sees fit. Here are all the state standards not listed in our ordinance by statute.
Yes I agree expectations and reality are often misunderstood. So we have to put aside what we want (expectation). And settle for what we need and based on that what we can afford (reality).
And you are correct. This is not going to be an easy balancing act for this council or budget committee. It’s going to be hard for the citizens as well, as this is just the beginning. Do not be surprised before this matter is over to see those who challenged council in this meeting to be on the opposite side and vice versa.
I find it hard to compare our government to others with our history. The closest I could describe what we are witnessing is the fall of the oligarchies and their government. But I must say it is nice to see them on the other side of the fence for once. Even though I am divided on the paid fire chief v. volunteer issue? Only because I had a home burn to the ground here, when our department was fully volunteer. The fire alarm did not go off as it was not hooked up and by the time they found out and got there, when they hooked the hose to the hydrant there was some much rust in the hydrant it plugged up the pumper. All I could do was watch it grow and take everything I owned in life. So my reason is purely personal but well founded. But if it comes down to a last option due to money, I have to accept it as something is better than nothing at all. And take the public squirming I see by the fallen oligarchic elite as my reward for that loss.
The Fire Department's impending bankruptcy isn't due to building the new station or because the old fire hall hasn't sold. The building project has never been part of the Fire Department's annual budget. The impending collapse of this department is the direct result of one person's greed. That person is Jeff Pricher.
Jeff's ego has destroyed in a few years what took decades to build. Not only has he alienated every neighboring emergency services agency, spent the department into insolvency , now he is pitting the volunteers (one of which he is most certainly not at over $100,000 a year) against the very people they swore to serve. The fact that Jeff is inciting these volunteers to threaten their brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents ect, ect, with letting them suffer and die in an emergency so he can continue to get paid is SICK.
The fact is Jeff can't last as chief much longer. Not because anyone is out to get him but because his own irresponsibility and unprofessional actions are starting to catch up with him. You can only be a self absorbed ass for so long, even in Cascade Locks.
64 comments:
I just want to say how badly behaved most of the crowd was at the meeting. I was impressed with the behavior of only two people.
First, Mayor Fischer for his patience in the face of incredible rudeness. Next, the firefighter in uniform (I don't know his name) who was polite, rational and had a well-thought-out list of reasons. The rest of the fire dept. turned out like a batch of sullen and surly gang members who I wouldn't let touch me if I was dying. And I mean that in all sincerity.
I would also wish that Lance had attended some budget meetings and learned like many others of us why these drastic steps are being taken. His belligerence is unnecessary and adds nothing to the conversation. He's just being a willful child for not understanding that the fund has dwindled from a reserve of 400K to a negative balance. Billing is not a "minor" thing. If it had been done in a timely matter, perhaps the fund would not be negative. But it is and something has to be done about it.
I, for one do not want the fire dept. chief let go nor do I mind the potholes or turning off some street lights. I do mind ignorant comments about money for boats when a citizen has not comprehension of budgetary spending restrictions and Lance needs to learn the difference between an auditor and an accountant.
We are in financial trouble folks - all of us.
We are ruled by laws and not by man.
For as in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king; and there ought to be no other.
In 1780, John Adams enshrined this principle in the Massachusetts Constitution by seeking to establish "a government of laws and not of men”.
Yet I witnessed violations of our very rule of law by all sides in this issue.
I witnessed the budget committee refer the loan issues to be an agenda item, not a volunteer fire chief agenda item.
I never witnessed this council discussing this issue before this meeting.
I witnessed city employees along with volunteers put aside the rule of law and speak with disrespect, not on the question of why this was brought before the council, but for purely personal reasons not associated with the violations of law, as well as the negative cash flow occurring in that department.
I also witnessed citizens demanding the rule of law be ignored as that was what they wanted and basically saying to hell with the law and the rest of our city and those who think otherwise.
Well putting aside that entire BS, I want to know who is responsible for the emergency services budget along with the reasons why that department cannot live within that budget.
Then if that leads to this type of action by council so be it.
But one thing is clear to me from all I witnessed.
I recognize when I am tyrannized or receiving justice according to the 'rule of law' and I witnessed tyranny from all sides.
Cody
What I saw was a city employee lead an orchestrated attempt to intimidate our city council by any means possible.
I guess when your an admitted falsifier of public records, miss-appropriator of public funds, irresponsible "professional" you have limited options to try and protect your income.
That would be an EX-employee along with his enabler ex-mayor boyfriend. Bromance in the office. I think BS is worried that if Jeff is let go he has no one current with the city to give hi a reference. BTW, Is he bleaching his hair, now?
Children!!!!
video please...
Okay, okay. Sorry for the unnecessary hyperbole and fantastical wondering.
But seriously, Brad is trying to make George look bad and is going to run again. Bernard is angling for a job with Nestle - or has one already. They both show poor judgement, not showing up at meetings (they have that right) but talking as though they still run the town. The nerve of Bernard to talk about processes that he is no longer handling! The nerve of Brad to try and talk about what our budget is at the Nestle meeting! The audience reaction was the strongest of the night and says the message may have gotten through at the Council meeting; we are in budgetary trouble.
Neither of them seem to understand the damage they did to the town, hell, half the town doesn't understand the damage. We have to now pay for an overbuilt sewer system plus an overbuilt fire station. The loss of our reserves, the half-million in debt, the downward spiral of our property tax revenue are all coming home to roost.
The B Boys remind of the old Peanuts poster: if you can't be right, be wrong at the top of your voice.
Its like High school all over agine!
Why was there no city rep. at the Nestle meeting? Maybe of someone from the city was there "The B Boys" as you putit, would not needed to answer.
The Council is put missinfo. out to the public. I don't think it deliberate but it is happing. That is why people don't understand.
And where does Don H. come off speeking for the volunteers? By saying its wrong to use voluntreers for profit. Has he talked to any of them? NO!!! Come on give me a brake! That's why you have volunteers! Cheep laber! Besides shouldn't that be up the the volunteers to deside that?
Craig,
First, you need to return to school and learn to spell. You just come off as ignorant, which does no good for your argument. A brake is exactly what someone should put on you.
Second, you need realize that council members are also volunteers. Most (not Lance or Eva) of them attended the 2 and 1/2 hour budget meeting on the previous Wednesday. They put in a grueling 3 and 1/2 hour meeting the night before. You left as soon as you were done insulting them and trying to pick a fight in the audience.
Third, if you are so against misinformation, then why would you accept it from the ex-Mayor and a disgraced city Manager who got away with 18,000 of our money?
That's cheap.
wow is that the best you can do? I know you can do Better.
Where is your proof of the $18,000.
If I'm wrong show me the proof.
As for the fight! You must of been one those talking behind me when I asked you to take it outside.
And I didn't leave I was still there. I was just in the doorway.
Craig,
Be specific. What misinformation has the council put out to the public?
As for Don H., he is one of the seven elected citizens that are responsible for setting policy on city matters. He has every right to express his opinion concerning the use of our volunteer EMS to operate an enterprise fund in order to generate revenue for the city.
As an experienced business man, he understands "profit" and "loss" a whole lot more thoroughly than probably any of you volunteers do. So it might pay you to listen to his ideas, especially when your enterprise fund is operating at a huge loss.
And finally, a challenge for you. Find a city in Oregon that has the same population as Cascade Locks that also has a paid fire chief and makes a profit with their EMS department.
The proof is on this very blog.
Here's the link:
http://whoscityourcity.blogspot.com/2010/12/administrator-resignation.html
By January 31, 2011, the City will pay Seeger a lump sum of $18,112.50 as severance pay. Seeger shall not receive any additional compensation for accrued unused sick leave, vacation or administrative leave.
Actually, I wasn't but I could see and hear the whole thing. You should be ashamed of yourself.
still not your friend, big guy!
See kids this is what happens when you drink the bong water!
still not your friend, big guy!
See kids this is what happens when you drink the bong water!
Gary,
Well its seems the city can't decide if the Fire Dept. is $450,000 or $51,000 or $30,000 in the red.
Who is responsible for paying off the fire hall? The city or the fire dept?
I'm open to hear Don's idea's on make money for ES. But I have not heard of any from him.
As far as I know the EMS side has always been fine finatualy. But don't qoute me on that. I need to look in to that more. And you can't have EMS suport fire.
I will check into your challenge. But comparing population only. Would not be a fare comparison considering of our geological location. Would you not agree?
It looks to me that the $1800 was a legal transaction. So what's the problem? Please give more detail.
Why don't you stop being lazy and go back to the January blogs and find out for yourself.
The City owes the 464,000. borrowed from the electrical dept. to that dept. It is required to pay that back by state law.
As of 3/31, it was negative 32,000, currently, according to Marianne's figures it it 54,000 in the red.
Kudos to Tom Cramblett he did an excellent job of informing the citizens and the press of what the situation REALLY is. It was so press worthy that it only got a small paragraph at the bottom of the front page. I would also like to say thank you to Jess Zerfing he was one of the most mature speakers that night he didnt make it political or dramatically emotional just stated his points clearly he did however revert to the old ways when muttering under his breath and rolling his eyes all night. Also thank you to Lynne Kononen for validating the action of eliminating the OEO position because it was obvious that the job wasnt getting done nice to see that you have come to the other side.
Some points of interest are:
Rob B blew a gasket, a volunteer seemed to be reading a statement written by the fire chief and stated that billings are a "minor" thing, another person who stated that these volunteers saved his home during the wildfire - very few of these volunteers were here then and we had contracted with HR so JP wasnt here either, dont have any idea what that piece of paper BL was waving around was for, the usual we will quit threat AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST my favorite is BS telling us all how our old fire station caught on fire and how unsafe it was (I wonder did he use those words when he was trying to sell it to Choi? I highly doubt it) and not only that was overheard during the break schooling the mayor on how he could get more $$ from the electric department to fund this black hole - I am sure that that won't impact the rates at all.
I think we all need to read the chiefs Mission Statement.
http://www.cascadelocksfire.com/mission_statement.htm
Read how the Chief is responsible for the budget throughout this document.
This also follows state law.
I also suggest we also read the fire chiefs code of ethics.
http://www.iafc.org/associations/4685/files/downloads/ABOUT/POLICY_STATES/IAFCpol_CodeEthicsChiefs.pdf
Now looking at previous council meetings how many violations do you see?
This is what council needs to have on the agenda.
Cody
Lets see if this code of ethics link works.
http://www.iafc.org/associations/
4685/files/downloads/ABOUT/
POLICY_STATES/
IAFCpol_CodeEthicsChiefs.pdf
Cody
youtube video?
LOC list of incorporated towns + populations counts as of 2010 census:
Coburg 1,040
Lowell 1,045
Yoncalla 1,050
Joseph 1,085
Athena 1,125
Port Orford 1,135
Cascade Locks 1,145
Drain 1,155
Lyons 1,160
Tangent 1,165
Riddle 1,185
Siletz 1,210
Gold Hill 1,220
Craig,
I have to give you credit for your interest in finding the facts. Most(regardless of which side they are on) just believe what they have been told and regurgitate it others as a fact.
The EMS department has been spending more than it receives in revenue for the several years.
It is against Oregon law and city policy to overspend from a government fund.
As of 1/31/11 the EMS fund was overspent by $32,129.15. this is without the fund paying for ANY debt, either on the fire hall or on the fire truck.
As of 3/31/11 the EMS fund was overspent by over $50,000
The chief's salary, overtime & benefits, $101,416, is more than all of the tax dollars the EMS department receives, $76,770.
The chief is responsible for money spent from the EMS fund.
This is all public record, it is available to anyone at city hall.
Anyone who tries to tell you anything different is a liar.
Who do you think you are Craig? In this world, other people do not have the burden of proving anything to you. If you have an issue with the facts, do your own research and YOU prove your point!
No wonder you are at home blogging in the day and at night. Too lazy to spell check. Too lazy to actually do some leg work. Too lazy to correlate the facts. Too lazy to tuck your shirt in so that your lazy butt doesn't flash and offend. Just too lazy to take seriously at all!
Hey, was Monday the city-wide Call you boss an ignorant P.O.S. day?
I guess I missed the memo.
Kinda funny to hear someone who has been sending volunteers out for over 4 years in "dangerously outdated bunker gear" while he spends huge amounts of money polishing his ego with dress blues and command vehicles get praised for finally paying attention to the safety of the firefighters.
What a load of B.S.
EMS funds do not pay for the fire engine. It pays for EMS. Fire funds pay for Fire. Fire funds do not pay for City buildings. Even if a fire survice occupies it. If the fire dept. buget is x dollar a portion of that go's to EMS.
LOL you all crack me up! You rather pock fun at others reather then helpping others finde and understand the truth.
poke, idiot, poke.
So is the $32,129.15 the amount owed in the current budget year? Does this reflect revenue from medical insurance which have not been received for services in the previous months? When the insurance companies do pay their bills realistically what how much will remain if any of the $32,129.15? Is this something the auditor would take into consideration or does that responsibility fall to another position?
I hope this can be addressed in the next council meeting as it would sure make a difference to see the actual income and prospective income so the community could be better informed.
crack that's a pun right?
Craig,
I suspect that there is confusion about the fire department debt due to poor record keeping and accountability on the part of the previous city council, city administrator and budget committee and it could be that they are in debt by all those figures.
As to who should pay off the debt, the citizens of Cascade Locks will ultimately pay it off through the taxes they pay into the general fund. Now if the EMS department ever makes a profit then IMHO that profit should go towards the debt. Also, if the old fire hall should sell then that money should go towards reducing the outstanding balance on the loan at the time of the sale.
And yes, similar population was a condition of the challenge.
Craig
If you want to read the auditors report it is on line.
Just go to the city web site and go to budget committee agendas and packets.
You will see a link for the auditors report.
After you read this can you tell me how you would address the budget violation for last year, along with the beggining negative fund for this budget period.
Just what would you do if you were a council member?
Cody
To all who blog, call me or catch me in town asking where's the video.
Understand 4 hours of video is a very large file to upload.
Google only takes it so fast.
It is hard enough for me to have my internet crawling like dial up in this age, because I set my equipment to grant youtube all availible bandwidth and I have to live with that for your benefit.
So please live with the fact that it takes time or tell me you do not care about the quality that the city has as I can degrade it worse than that and compress it to around 900 meg if you like. But you really will not like that as I tried it already and the quality left a lot to be desired.
Iam doing the best I can as a service to you all.
Cody
Read the audit report...
Emergency Services Fund:
- Each year there has been EXCESS of expenditures OVER revenues.
- In 2010 there was a fund DEFICIT (which is in VIOLATION of OREGON LOCAL BUDGET LAW).
Now what do you have to say Chief??
Notice, when asked about this and his reports he has nothing to say. Your egotisitcal smirk will only get you so far.
You can't hide from the truth.
If my bookkeeper neglected my billing for only a month I would have to let him go. I couldn't operate. Don't eliminate the position, fire he who is not performing his required duties. Hire a more experienced (maybe older) and more fiscally and morally competent person for the job. Jeff may be a wonderful EMT and the volunteers may rally around him but the position of Fire Chief requires far stronger business skills. It should be far more simple than everyone is making this, turning it into a popularity, hidden agenda, don't fire my buddy, etc, etc battle. If you do your job you get to stay, if you don't do your job you get replaced. Simple.
Billing insurance companies is far different than billing for most services. A tutorial on insurance billing would be very helpful to the councils understanding the complexity of medical billing. A new Fire Chief will not improve on that particular issue. Insurance companies are notorious for doing all they can to avoid payment. I continue to feel as if this is a personal issue which rather than a question of competency.
I don’t know the Fire Chief and I don’t know most of the players in this current upheaval, but from where I sit it seems as though there is a lack of understanding from all sides. Having said that, I also feel it is the Mayor and the Council who must do the work to repair the budget. As well as the riff this historic battle over the Fire Hall and money has caused to this town. I do think there is an answer I do believe it is possible to create a comprehensive budget and to keep our volunteers and Fire Chief.
http://www.waveloch.com/case-study/wet-n-wild
Greatest idea so far. Let's move the fire station back to the old fire hall and turn the new one into a water park. Big revenue, jobs and so much fun!!
Hey former City Administrator.
You stated the Paid Fire Chief position was created.
The law specifies that it must be "Duly Authorized" (Charter, Ordinance, code).
It’s not in the charter so can you tell me what ordinance number that is?
Cody
Being a new member to this community (less than 2 months), I happen to turn on the city council meeting. A couple of observations from a newbie in town:
What kind of government did you have in the past where they are not paying off their debt? It's very similar to our national problems, there is a debt that needs to be paid legally and everybody wants to protect their “pork barrel” program. For all of you wonderful citizens that got up there screaming, yelling, and clapping – not one of you talked about how your elected officials are to balance the budget. All I have to say Cascade Locks, is - man up, grow some you know whats, and get your house in order.
Beautiful town by the way.
Dear Newbie, Thanks for blogging. Welcome to town, sorry you had to witness that embarrassment. Maybe we can remove channel 23 for the new guys and break them in slowly! Yes it is a beautiful area to live. Please don't think that our little community was always like this. I can remember when we had a huge fire at the east end of town and I watched my neighbors load their belongings into their rigs and evacuate, I remember neighbors helping neighbors no matter who you were. We had thought that houses were lost but we couldn't see for sure because of the smoke. I also remember when firefighters from all over the state came to our aid. When it was over and our neighbors drove by with their furniture hanging out of their trucks returning to their homes, my family stood by the road waving and cheering to everyone as they drove by welcoming them home. The town ended up being divided over whether or not to build a costly fire hall. It was put to the vote of the people who voted no, however past administration did some fancy and in my opinion illegal footwork to build a fire hall and leave the town almost broke. Here we are three years later and no payments being made but plenty of money still being spent. That's the short version. You are right about everyone ranting and screaming and no intelligent ideas to balance the budget. It was sort of like hey I haven't been on TV for awhile so it's my turn to grandstand!
Darlene Sullenger
I agree with Darlene in that the building of an over priced and over sized fire hall has divided our town.
I would like to add that we are also divided over whether or not the city should obey all applicable laws, codes and regulations when conducting city business.
The group that believes in the old adage "the ends justify the means", is willing to ignore, bend or break the law as long as they get the outcome they want.
This group was well represented at Monday's meeting. Let's hope that there are at least 4 members on the City Council who won't be intimidated by Monday's comments and attempts to bully them into conducting their business with the same disdain for rules as the previous council, planner, and administrator.
Well said Gary, It seems that ignoring the law has become city policy. It is nice to see this administration reading and making reference to the ORS's. What a refreshing change!
Darlene Sullenger
25 citizens behaving like they are still in junior high at a council meeting does not equal a divided town.
Douglas, The problem is that we don't do insurance billing. We pay someone else to do that. All we have to do is send them the call sheet. Not that complex.
Douglas,
Medical billing cannot be that complex when my dentist and doctors' offices all seem to have cute little 23-year-old girls handling it.
When this is not done in a timely matter, all the other bills have hit the patient (or their estate) first and we end up waiting in the back of the line for the money.
Gary and Darlene
You are both absolutely right.
Our former government’s had the opinion they were above the law.
That abuse and mismanagement is now coming to fruition.
The problem is the fruits those governments left us, is rotten to the core.
I give big KUDOS to this Council and this Budget Committee, for the hard work they have been subjected to and the commitment they have shown, knowing they had to put aside their own personal lives for the challenge I know it must be for them.
But I sincerely thank each and every one of them.
Now Gary the group you referred to as “The group that believes in the old adage” is just going to have to wake up and realize that there is nothing this city council can do but comply with the law any longer.
They need to realize that complaining to the council is not the place to complain as this council has no other options available to them.
If they have complaints, I suggest that they make their complaints in Salem as these are the only legislators who have the power to change these laws.
And Darlene those past administrators you refer to in the quote, “hey I haven't been on TV for awhile so it's my turn to grandstand!”, must surely realize that after the effect of what they did after our trust in them and the damage they did to our city coming to light more so now, makes many more of us sick than all those present at the last Council meeting.
Because the fact of the matter is had those previous city officials, done their job in accordance to the law we would not be in the financial crisis we are in today.
On to something else.
I do not care how many signatures can be raised by our former mayor.
That group that signed it made way to many references, to pressure council to commit illegal acts, to comply with that group’s personal agendas, that it would not have a chance in hell of going anywhere now.
Can you say bye-bye to those 35 signatures on any initiative petition?
Cody
I would add that that petition was circulated with Brad and Jeff giving people the "stink-eye" when it was passed to them to ensure they signed it. Sandra loudly and rightly announced that there was no one in this row who would sign it before passing it to Craig in the front. I know, maybe Craig should have stuffed in the back of his pants to stop giving the back 3 rows a view of at least 6 inches of butt crack every time he stood up to applaud.
Blind mob behavior is so uncivilized, isn't it?
Was anyone aware that BS was sitting in the hallway, prepping both BL and JP during the meeting?
We just had two elections, one in November, the other a couple of weeks ago. Why didn't JP or any of his minions come up with a fire district initiative?
Anti-Debra
I wonder if BS knew that JP tattled on him to save his job in a public meeting, when JP revealed that BS ordered him to change the dates on the billings so they could conspire together to hire the temp EMT before council approved it.
Cody
Anti-Debra
I thought you knew we were a fire district.
Read resolution 1024.
It is posted in the June newsletter.
Cody
Thank you for this venue for citizen discussion. I really appreciate the site. Thanks again.
BUSINESS PLAN:
Take advantage this city's missed opportunity to capitalize on 'OUR BRIDGE, highway 84." EVERYTHING in a 30 mile radius, trails, forest and the water! all this with world famous JP our fire chief. Its a win, win! The city, for their contribution and in exchange for local coverage can provide the fire house and contribute $25,000 towards the rental of the equipment they should provide. Rent shall not exceed the annual depreciation cost of the equipment. This way, the city would contribute approximately the same amount they are suppose to be paying now. $50,000 for the fire house and $25,000 for equipment rental. They pay way more than that now (fools!). So they should be happy.
Then, we can take all of this opportunity, form a non-profit, and grow, grow, grow! Now tell me what fool wouldn't want to invest in a great deal like this?
Cody that does not mean we could not be a fire district in our own town to raise additional property tax revenue to keep our fire cheif.
Anti-George
Anti-George
I have been looking into this already.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but a fire district is intended to provide services beyond the city limits.
The City cannot form the district, only the county can, ORS 478.115.
A district cannot be formed within city limits, ORS 478.010 (2) A district may not include:
(a) Territory within a city unless otherwise authorized by law.
Within this chapter of law or any other chapter pertaining to fire departments, I have found there is no authorization of law that can change this.
The reason is, property taxes we pay are an ad volorem tax, which the cost to provide fire and emergency protection has already been determined and land owners in the city already pay. To impose another tax would be dual taxation and would violate the constitution.
Our forefathers already have the tax rate at the highest rate allowed and no higher tax can be imposed on the property owners.
Our forefathers couldn’t manage the city or its finances out of a paper sack with a new box cutter.
What this council and the chief should be doing is going through this chapter of law as I see areas where we may be missing some revenue sources.
ORS 478.300 Contracting with others to provide facilities and services for fire protection or road lighting; authority over open burning and fire permits; rules.
ORS 478.310 Response to fire or public safety incident outside its own territory by district or municipality; liability for costs.
ORS 478.315 Response to fire or public safety incident in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area; payment of costs.
So we are still in the same quagmire we started at.
More debt than we can pay and expenses far above revenue.
And the sad thing is council has until June 30th to figure out what to do, as another year of deficits and serious penalties will imposed by the State.
And we have our previous all knowing councils and administrators to thank for this mess they left us with, as you all see now they did not know squat.
Any time you mix incompetence and money you get the perfect storm.
So all we can do is batten down the hatches Anti-George as that storm is here.
Cody
Cody, what might add to the conversation is understanding which services and at what level we, as an incorporated city are required to provide to our citizens. We all seem to willing to brainstorm this yet we are unable to set aside the personal (what AGAIN!) and rationally look at what we are to and what can be cut from the budget.
Can we get this information and continue in a mature and informed discussion?
That would require mature and informed citizens, good luck.
So call me an optimist.
I never met my forefather.
Has anyone considered that both Brad and Bernard are orchestrating this "save Jeff" bull pucky in order to hide the fact that this budget shortfall is their doing. And that they are hoping you don't remember that?
hmm, good point, they, B & B, are like bush and cheney, "weapons of mass destruction", run amok. Yet, they continue their lives the same as before they lied us into one quagmire after the next.
And like, bush and cheney, there has been NO accountability or culpability to the B(s). (only profit)
So, they continue to grandstand, bluster, bully and manipulate city affairs with assistance from the port manager and others.
Really, what ya gonna do CL?
Nothing, everyone knows that including the B(s) and their ilk.
Our forefathers might have at least tarred and feathered the vermin while running em out of town on a rail. But,today's American just wants to move ahead!
So, we move on with no real punitive measures. Of course the vermin will be back. Look at wall-street business as usual while the world's citizens march against austerity.
Looky here, "save jeff", while we're.....selling your resources, spoiling your environment, nullifying green attributes, generations to follow be damned, etc. etc. etc.
Cody you rock for providing this service. Thank you.:)
our forefathers
Some were at the meeting and on that video.
Cody
I think there is a difference between what the law requires a City provide for service and what citizens expect. The law does not require we provide Parks and Recreation yet we do - because the citizens expect. I think the discussion must include more of what we can afford along with what is required by law and what citizens expect. It's not an easy balancing act and I think for all the disagreements about who is right or wrong that our little town is a very active and lively democracy. You must admit no apathy here and that is a welcome sight to see. Many places people don't even participate in their government let alone have disagreements.
Misanthrope
Our minimum fire standards are set by ordinance 382.
It is on line under ordinances public protection.
We also adopted the Oregon fire code in its entirety by reference in this ordinance.
As long as a city can meet the state standards, a city can run its department as it sees fit.
Here are all the state standards not listed in our ordinance by statute.
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/
OARS_800/OAR_837/837_tofc.html
Cody
I believe in democracy.
Yes I agree expectations and reality are often misunderstood.
So we have to put aside what we want (expectation).
And settle for what we need and based on that what we can afford (reality).
And you are correct.
This is not going to be an easy balancing act for this council or budget committee.
It’s going to be hard for the citizens as well, as this is just the beginning.
Do not be surprised before this matter is over to see those who challenged council in this meeting to be on the opposite side and vice versa.
I find it hard to compare our government to others with our history.
The closest I could describe what we are witnessing is the fall of the oligarchies and their government.
But I must say it is nice to see them on the other side of the fence for once.
Even though I am divided on the paid fire chief v. volunteer issue?
Only because I had a home burn to the ground here, when our department was fully volunteer.
The fire alarm did not go off as it was not hooked up and by the time they found out and got there, when they hooked the hose to the hydrant there was some much rust in the hydrant it plugged up the pumper.
All I could do was watch it grow and take everything I owned in life.
So my reason is purely personal but well founded.
But if it comes down to a last option due to money, I have to accept it as something is better than nothing at all.
And take the public squirming I see by the fallen oligarchic elite as my reward for that loss.
Cody
The Fire Department's impending bankruptcy isn't due to building the new station or because the old fire hall hasn't sold. The building project has never been part of the Fire Department's annual budget. The impending collapse of this department is the direct result of one person's greed. That person is Jeff Pricher.
Jeff's ego has destroyed in a few years what took decades to build. Not only has he alienated every neighboring emergency services agency, spent the department into insolvency , now he is pitting the volunteers (one of which he is most certainly not at over $100,000 a year) against the very people they swore to serve. The fact that Jeff is inciting these volunteers to threaten their brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents ect, ect, with letting them suffer and die in an emergency so he can continue to get paid is SICK.
The fact is Jeff can't last as chief much longer. Not because anyone is out to get him but because his own irresponsibility and unprofessional actions are starting to catch up with him.
You can only be a self absorbed ass for so long, even in Cascade Locks.
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