Today's Feature

Let It Slide.

The City Council Public Services committee met late last week in a rescheduled meeting. The committee discussed the upcoming transfer of assets from Cox Communications to Cebridge Acquisition Co. LLC.

This transfer of customers and service was prompted by Cox and was presented before Council in January. The transfer is to be completed 120 days from its presentation regardless of whether or not the Council supports it. However approval of a Council resolution supporting it would expedite the process.

City Administrator Tom Short told the committee that the resolution has been provided by Cox, and it states that the City has read and understood the application and has "examined the legal, financial and technical qualifications of Cebridge."

Short told the committee that he and City Attorney David Mouton have both looked at the over 100-page contract and without a specialized knowledge of the telecommunications act, neither were fully qualified to assure the soundness of the contract. Short also said that with only 120 days from the original announcement until the transfer completion, time was limited from the beginning.

The committee discussed potential ramifications of taking no action on the resolution, as the transfer would be completed either way. Acting as committee chair in the absence of Jim Woestman, Claude Newport asked if Cebridge would consider the lack of approval of the resolution a hostile move by the Council. Tom Short acknowledged it as a possibility.

Short told the committee that if the transfer goes into effect without approval, the City would have less culpability in the case of legal problems.

Committee member Larry Ross recommended a motion to take no action on the resolution.

"I’d say let it slide," said Ross, adding that the committee could explain to Cox representatives that there was not enough time to thoroughly research the material provided.

The committee approved the motion to take no action.

Representatives from COX were made aware of the meeting but none were in attendance.

According to Cox representative Maryce Cunningham during the January Council meeting, Cebridge intends to retain a local office and does not anticipate any changes to the service.

Stench Report:
Thursday,
3/10/06

No Stench Reported

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’

Preparation Is Key When Moving

Spring is just around the corner, and for many people that’s a signal to find new digs -- whether that be an apartment, condo or house. Before even deciding where to live, begin preparing for a potential move so that in the flurry of activity that goes with moving out and moving in, you’ll have that much less to worry about.

Finances: You may have the money for the down payment or the security deposit for the apartment, but do you have enough cash to cover an unexpected deposit or an appliance repair? Sit down and develop a "Murphy’s Law" budget to cover life’s little surprises.

Children: Prepare your kids, even if you’re just moving down the street. Talk to them about your decision, what the new home will be like, and what will be happening before you start to pack.

Sort-and-Toss: This fun little weekend activity is critical before a big move. Go methodically through every room in the house and separate items you wish to take to the new home from items that can be thrown away or donated. Quite a bit of clutter can be eliminated this way, and it will make packing much less stressful.

Make a schedule: Like most people, you’ll probably have to complete the move while working a full-time job and taking care of the kids. So give yourself several weeks to pack, putting least-used items into boxes first. A calendar hung in plain view (on the refrigerator, for instance) can remind you when to do certain tasks, such as scheduling the transfer of utilities.

Identify essentials: How many times have you moved and, the morning after settling in, can’t find a toothbrush or change of clothes, or your daughter’s favorite toy is missing? List items that need to be immediately accessible and place them in a separate area, box or travel bag.

Communicate: Keep family and friends up to date on the move before, during and after. Send out change-of-address information as soon as you have it. Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed, or just call regularly to maintain that connected feeling.

Relax: Take time out each day to rest and relax a bit, eat, watch television or spend time with the kids. You’ll recharge quickly and run less risk of burnout.