Committee To Look At Hall Financing.

The City Council Budget/Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to meet this evening in City Hall at 7:30.

The agenda includes consideration and discussion concerning the proposed Memorial Hall renovation project. The Public Services Committee has recommended that the Council approve just over $600,000 in General Revenue funds to be use to match a Missouri Veterns Commission grant. The Budget Committee was asked to modify this year’s budget to come up with the money.

The Council has budgeted $400,000 for the project already. Approximately $37,000 is also in the Memorial Hall capital improvement fund. An additional $25,000 would come from street and bridge projects that aren’t expected to be initiated this year. Approximately $115,000 would come from street projects that City Administrator Tom Short feels could be obtained from Federal grants. Adding those funds together with the $30,000 the Boylan Foundation granted the American Ledgion for Hall repairs brings the total to just over the $600,000 needed to match the grant. The Council will likely vote on the proposal tomorrow night.

With ever’one concerned about loosin’ matchin’ grant funds, no one seems to notice that the street grants are put out on an 80/20 split. That is, for ever $20 the City puts in, the grant will pay $80.

The proposal for usin’ the money for Memorial Hall gives us a $50 match for ever’ $50 we put up.

Now granted, if the money we could put up was never endin’, takin’ advantage of both grant opportunities might make some sense. But it ain’t so.

There is only $300,000 of the street 80/20 funds available. We could use around $60,000 and put $300,000 of street construction or repairs into play. (Curb and gutters anyone?) There has been some questionin’ of the $600,000 deal, but not much serious consideration of consequences.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Workman's Loan

The Super Handyman

by Al Carrell & Kelly Carrell

Q: I’m thinking about installing a tinted film on my windows, but several friends have urged me not to. They say it looks bad and is hard to remove. What do you say? - R. S.

A: Window film has improved over the years. You no longer need that mirror effect to deflect the summer sun. The stuff does come with some serious adhesive, so removal is still as frustrating as ever. You should not apply the film if you have double-glazed panes or if you are using storm windows, as the heat buildup can actually blow out the outer glass.

Super Hint: An old laminated countertop will dull after years of use and abuse. A good auto paste wax can give your countertop back its shine.

Dear Kelly: I love to refinish old furniture. I have learned a great way to keep the oils and grease on my hands from ruining a newly sanded piece. It’s important, because the oils can make the finish or the stain splotchy if you aren’t careful. I keep a bucket of sawdust near my workbench, and I just stick my hand into the bucket before handling the piece. The sawdust absorbs oils from my skin. It’s also a great cleaner for sticky strippers. - T. S.

Super Hint: Shop compounds in cardboard boxes can turn into a rock because moisture gets to them through the thin cardboard. Put the whole box into a plastic bag and seal it.