Goodview finalizes utility project : Winona Daily News

To insider and others wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:18 AM:

" There seems to be allot of information that is not exactly accurate. The WDN should investigate to get the real facts. As far as the developer of the foundry property is concerned I believe he was related to the old administrator. The grants for the clean-up was for single family homes and the adjoining homes have restricted covenants, yet Goodview let the developer put in twin homes. Not following the letter of the grant. Yes the city will increase the tax base. It is very evident that the city is concerned with growth and not current residents. As stated so elegantly by Mr. Greg when asked about Woodhaven (why do we care? we already get your money). Great to live in Goodview!!!!! "

Join Winona wrote on Jun 7, 2007 6:40 PM:

" I think the time to join Winona is here. How long can Goodview survive with this leadership. Does anyone know what needs to happen and how. Can a citizen propose this ? "

should remain quiet wrote on Jun 7, 2007 2:25 PM:

" So then you admit the property around there was city employee owned and developed? A prospect much more fruitful knowing the clean up was coming. I would quite now while you're ahead. "

to: to insider wrote on Jun 7, 2007 10:50 AM:

" the cleanup was done AFTER the other land was already developed. check your dates. "

To: Insider wrote on Jun 7, 2007 8:26 AM:

" Again insider, the land AROUND the foundery was made available BECAUSE the foundery land itself was cleaned. That, my dear insider, was/is owned by Mr. Greg. The other developer is not city related--no one argued that. "

to:Foundry development info from an insider wrote on Jun 7, 2007 6:46 AM:

" Not entirely true.Dig deeper "

Foundry development info from an insider. wrote on Jun 6, 2007 7:23 PM:

" No current or former city employees or officials now have, or ever had, any financial interest in the foundry property recently cleaned up. The costs for "cleaning up" what just a few years ago was considered "clean fill" were astronomical. Without the state grants, there would be no development going on there today. Goodview's tax base would not be expanding, the contractors would not be employed, etc. Other than a little administrative support, no funds other than the state grants, and from the developers and former owners, were involved. All of the dealings on the grants were above-board and can be found in the city council minutes. Many of which can be found on-line at http://goodview.govoffice.com "

the truth shall set you free Goodview wrote on Jun 6, 2007 3:30 PM:

" Does everyone realize the Cedar Bay project was able to keep its costs down because it used bike path funds as ("co-construction") and a near $100,000 deferred assessment to the neighboring state building? Does everyone realize that project was Mr. Zimmers before he was confronted and retired? WDN, do some follow ups. Be amazed. "

Televise them wrote on Jun 6, 2007 3:21 PM:

" It's not a cover up, you can actually see how they did it because no one ever thought to check them. I would recommend that all Goodview Council meetings now be televised. "

Resident wrote on Jun 6, 2007 3:18 PM:

" So its not being cleaned up by the grant money per se, but you didn't argue the fact that it is owned by insiders and they CAN develope BECAUSE the area is now clean. Hide behind it do whatever you want. We live next door. We see what is going on as the homes are being built! Go back to work city employee X. "

Resident wrote on Jun 6, 2007 1:42 PM:

" Sounds to me like someone is getting nervous. Cedar Bay owner got out in time and I wonder if others are to follow. Most know that there has been thing done "Under the Table" and have not been exposed yet. Blogs are cool! "

? wrote on Jun 6, 2007 12:35 PM:

" That city is one big cover up. Someone needs to investigate the past 30 years.Seems that only a couple employees and one council member exist from that era. Change them and things get better and one within the law. "

To Re: Re wrote on Jun 6, 2007 11:42 AM:

" No, the adjoining land is not being cleaned up by the grant money. Check your facts. "

Re: Re wrote on Jun 6, 2007 10:19 AM:

" And the adjoining land isn't ALSO being cleaned with the grant money, which is owned by insiders and being developed as well? There is a circle of money in Goodview and all of it can be tracked to the same few people benefitting. It was getting so out of hand that it is even trackable. That's pretty bad! "

to: Nice Jack wrote on Jun 6, 2007 9:41 AM:

" The "clean up" grant for the Foundry was for the parcel that the foundry owner sold in it's entirety to the developer that is currently building twin homes.....neither of which have ever been city employees. Looks like the person who fed you this misinformation got the desired response he/she was hoping for from you. "

? wrote on Jun 6, 2007 9:16 AM:

" "Goodview Mayor Jack Weimerskirch said after 15 years of putting the Woodhaven project on the back burner, it was necessary to finally move forward." 15 years to get to this point. Your not the guy to have around if we need an answer fast. "

A sensitive man? wrote on Jun 6, 2007 8:06 AM:

" I wish the WDN reporter would have stayed around long enough last year to hear his crass comments about women at a city council meeting. He is not sensitive. What he is is backed into a corner and it is about time. "

to:Another Goodview Resident wrote on Jun 5, 2007 10:17 PM:

" When the 3 million is final I will applaud him. Until then he should think before he speaks again.Looks like an over whelming majority dont like Jack. At least that is clear. "

confused wrote on Jun 5, 2007 9:17 PM:

" If the project was such a hard decision for the council then why did they lie about giving the residents a choice? Wouldn't it have been better to just say we are doing it regardless of what people feel, because it needs to be done? The council didn't seem too concerned about Woodhaven residents when they allowed the city to send out inflated assessments. "

Goodview resident wrote on Jun 5, 2007 8:59 PM:

" Yes there is a proposed grant going through appropriations, but why was Woodhaven left out of plans in the past and if our elected or hired officials are doing such a good job then why is it that there are so many shady deals in Goodviews past? How is it that the assessments are already completed before the project is even started, yet Cedar Bay didn't have assessments figured out for months and months after it was completed? All with the use of the city of Goodview money. As far as the Mayor being a sensitive man, go to a meeting and disagree with him and watch how sensitive he is. You may think twice. "

to concerned citizen wrote on Jun 5, 2007 8:54 PM:

" This article is about the Woodhaven project. Please explain what kind, shape or form of context could you use the words "buyer beware" that would portray it as a positive comment about Woodhaven or the city of Goodview? "

Concerned citizen wrote on Jun 5, 2007 8:09 PM:

" I was very upset to read all these comments personally attacking Jack's reputation. Anyone who knows him, knows that he is a sensitive man who would NEVER make such a callous comment as reported in the WDN. Is a reporter not responsible to quote a comment in its context or do we enjoy misquotes because they give us more to complain and make conjecture about. "

Another Goodview Resident wrote on Jun 5, 2007 7:13 PM:

" Can I ask where all the positive comments were when a $3 million grant for water treatment passed both the senate & congress and awaits presidential approval and appropriations? I guess its easier to critize the work of our city staff and government rather than praise it. The Woodhaven project needed to be done, it was just a matter time. The council understood that although unpopular the project had to move forward or the cost would continue to rise for all Goodview residents. "

To the daily news... wrote on Jun 5, 2007 7:01 PM:

" "We will not post reader comments containing racial, religious or personal attacks, slander.........................." "

Clue--I like it wrote on Jun 5, 2007 6:37 PM:

" I think you won or are at least darn close. It could be the brick layer in city hall too. He may have used the backs of the empty promises to lower the assessments for We Valley. With any luck, they'll all be license plate makers soon. "

To:Junk comes down to it wrote on Jun 5, 2007 5:37 PM:

" Junk can only be the Mayor,city admin or public works director. This just like the game clue. My turn .I think its the Mayor who is in bed with the public works director in the house that the old city admin built in Cedar Bay. Cedar bay sits on the empty promises and under the table deals made in the Bar. Did I win. "

Valley Resident wrote on Jun 5, 2007 3:10 PM:

" Sailors addition is next as well as Woodhaven II. The WDN news is just starting its articles. They'll have a lot to write about in the coming years!! "

Junk comes down to it wrote on Jun 5, 2007 3:08 PM:

" The article says the seats were empty, leaving "Junk" to be one of 5 or 6 people there. 4 councilmen, 1 mayor, 1 city administrator, 1 public works director and a note taker. Am I missing the Partridge in a pear tree? "

To: ? wrote on Jun 5, 2007 2:43 PM:

" Good point. Only the good old boys are the problem. The old poker buddies with hands in each other's deep pockets and properties all over town. Thank you for remembering there still are good people working for the city too. "

not the WDN problem wrote on Jun 5, 2007 2:41 PM:

" It's funny Junk, the WDN does fine reporting when it sides for the city, but as soon as it releases news about the city, Winona or the School board, then it is junk. I don't think it is the WDN that is bad, it is the news they have to report that is so disturbing! If you want better news, then create it while you're sitting up making decisions at the front of the city hall. "

mo money wrote on Jun 5, 2007 2:38 PM:

" Hey maybe Goodview will cancel their police protection and go down to 2 cops like Lewiston! "

Hey Junk wrote on Jun 5, 2007 2:37 PM:

" ...you must have been at the meeting. Please tell us what he really said. "

? wrote on Jun 5, 2007 2:28 PM:

" Not all Goodview employees are bad. Its only the ones that have been around 20 years or more and made deals under the table. "

Re: Junk wrote on Jun 5, 2007 2:05 PM:

" If I want the truth, I won't look for it from the mayor, the city council or the city employees of Goodview. That's for sure! You all have caused enough damage to Goodview's reputation to last several generations. "

to: junk wrote on Jun 5, 2007 1:34 PM:

" We went to the meetings. We were still lied to. I don't really see what difference being there ever made. Oh, besides making people feel uncomfortable that they couldn't talk behind our backs. "

Resident wrote on Jun 5, 2007 1:21 PM:

" Now that the citizens of woodhaven have been pushed into this project we will have to pay more to clean up our new water supply. Need anymore help City of Goodview ?? "

Junk wrote on Jun 5, 2007 12:29 PM:

" The mayor did not make those statements all together, the reporter took different quotes from different discussion and junked them together to make it sound like it was one quote. WDN does this all the time, if you want the truth, go to meetings, you won't get it from WDN. "

This Buyer was "beware" wrote on Jun 5, 2007 11:27 AM:

" In fact, I heard of this rumbling the day after we signed the dotted line and became immediatly concerned. I called the city administrator Daryl Zimmer who told me over the phone that I had nothing to worry about... "that project will never go through... and if it does, it won't be more than 12-15 thousand." Consequently that administrator is gone. Coincidence? Toby "

WDN please look into things wrote on Jun 5, 2007 11:17 AM:

" As a Goodview reader of the WDN I am requesting an investigative report on Goodview city spending. It sounds like the people are missing a lot of information that the local paper should be looking into. It might jump start a career or two on the writer's end and end a career or two on the city end. "

Wow! wrote on Jun 5, 2007 10:07 AM:

" Wow Jack. Your comment really shows your true colors. I can see why the residents of Woodhaven fought so hard now. Would you say the same thing to us We Valley residents? "

G. Groth wrote on Jun 5, 2007 10:01 AM:

" I have read these articles over time and I don't see the residents complaining about the project itself, but its cost compared to other areas in Goodview and Winona. That is a legitimate concern in this economy. It seems now that the council has crippled a neighborhood. Sad day fo Goodview and certainly for Woodhaven. Keep your heads up. "

recommendation from Winona wrote on Jun 5, 2007 9:58 AM:

" I would recommend the council do a full review of prior expenditures that relate directly to city employees. I believe the council would find many instances of abuse and book cooking that resulted in low low assessments andlot approvals for city employee owned property in Goodview. They should do it before the papers and the state auditors do. "

Goodview Resident wrote on Jun 5, 2007 9:55 AM:

" Jack, your comment was cruel and you should apologize to the people you just gave a very high bill to. As a Goodview resident I was not real happy about paying their bill for the project but I would never be mean about it like you were in in the paper today. I have lost respect for you. "

Winona resident wrote on Jun 5, 2007 9:34 AM:

" I thought we had a stupid mayor. When looking back at all the comments by this mayor he does appear to be an idiot and a liar. Also seems like a lot of shaddy deals have gone on in Goodview. All I can say is you voted him or did not run against him. I hope both cities can change leadership in the next couple years. Will someone that is qualified run for mayor of Lewiston,Winona and Goodview. WE NEED HELP. "

A.M. wrote on Jun 5, 2007 9:04 AM:

" So instead of cleaning our poisinous water, let's instead force more people to spend thousands of dollars to get our nasty water to their houses as well. Why am I the only smart one in this region. I am An Idiot. But by comparison I am a freakin Genius. "

nice jack... wrote on Jun 5, 2007 8:18 AM:

" Funny really... how many other projects have gone through within the city of goodview with little or no fanfare over this time period though. The cedar bay project... nicely coupled with the bike path to ease the burdeon of assessments there... and more recently the foundry where the city pulled out a "cleanup" grant from some deap dark hole. Funny how both of those projects were directly benefiting employees of the city. Nice Jack... Nice. "

nice jack... wrote on Jun 5, 2007 8:18 AM:

" I realize the project is needed. It is however expensive. The attitue from the city (and a minority of woodhaven residents) of "if you can't afford it you need to move" is total BS. The city has a responsibility to look out for the wellbeing of its residence, including a neighborhood that has been neglected for 15 years despite them paying full taxes. "

nice jack... wrote on Jun 5, 2007 8:17 AM:

" After 15 years, what changed your mind now? You have been here the WHOLE TIME have you not? In my opinion, you personally should be held responsible for this debocle. Your failure to plan now consititues an emergency on 49 property owners. Nice. "

Nice Jack... wrote on Jun 5, 2007 8:17 AM:

" Buyer Beware? Who exactly is the buyer here? The city or the residents of woodhaven? The residents, despite having voted a majority "NO" didn't exacty swing the vote; however are still footing the bill. Managing the means while dictating the end is what we call that. "

Goodview Old Timer wrote on Jun 5, 2007 8:04 AM:

" Jack, I'm not from Woodhaven, but that was an unnecessary comment. That project was placed onthe back burner because of many other projects that came first. That is not all their fault. "

bad comment wrote on Jun 5, 2007 7:59 AM:

" Buyer Beware? Is that what you are warning all of the new people looking at all of the homes for sale in Woodhaven? "

That was a nasty comment Jack. wrote on Jun 5, 2007 7:57 AM:

" Buyer beware? With all due respect Mr. Mayor. Screw You! You are not the one left holding the near $30,000 bill. Instead, you are the one gaining more profits on all of your city properties that were NEVER assessed at such levels. Buyer beware indeed--I would recommend people NOT move to Goodview. "

Buyer Beware wrote on Jun 5, 2007 6:59 AM:

" The Mayors comment, "it ain't cheap, but buyer beware", kind of irks me. This is the same sorry individual who told the homeowners that they would decide on the fate of the project, not the city council. Then when the project was voted down, the Goodview council decided to go ahead with it anyway. The mayor does not seem to be a man of his word. "

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