Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
City Council goes back to land issue
Monday, January 31, 2005 - BY DIANA CAMPBELL, Staff Writer
One city councilman wants to give city land to the borough for free but with the condition that it only be used for sports and recreation.
The land, at the corner of Lathrop Street and the Mitchell Expressway, was offered for sale with the asking price of $430,000 last year. The Fairbanks North Star Borough made an offer of $400,000, but the council rejected the offer.
Now Councilman Jeff Johnson thinks the land would benefit the public more as a permanent park or for recreational use than proceeds from a sale.
"My primary mission is that it fits very nicely in that South Davis park," Johnson said.
Johnson set conditions that the land be restricted to a picnic area; dog park; and a bicycle, moto cross or skateboard park; or for sports such as baseball, soccer or tennis.
The ordinance will be introduced tonight during the City Council's regular meeting and will either be moved to a public hearing or tabled.
Among other topics are proposals to reduce drinking in public to an infraction from a misdemeanor and the sale of city land to The Salvation Army for $327,000. The City Council is set to vote on a contract with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the city's capital appropriations budget of about $1.3 million.
The Salvation Army of Fairbanks is seeking a $70 million grant from $1.5 billion left to the parent organization by Joan Kroc, the wife of Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald's hamburger chain. The gift is intended to establish community centers run by The Salvation Army to provide educational, artistic and recreational opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
If the local Salvation Army is successful in securing the grant, it would build a 120,000-squre-foot center where they are currently located. The grant would allow them to purchase nearby city and borough land.
In the capital appropriation budget ordinance, a proposal to spend $150,0000 for five new police cars and about $1 million in the public works department for garbage and packer trucks, a loader, a grader and a dump truck. The fire department is slated for $212,322 for a new pump truck and Jeep. The building department is seeking five laptops and accompanying software for $32,500. Another $111,750 is penciled in for equipment and a system replacement plan for the city information technology department.
The City Council will decide whether to agree to spend $270,000 of hotel/motel tax funds on grants to 22 nonprofit organizations ranging from $708 to the Alaska Interior Marksmanship Committee to the $78,183 to the Fairbanks Arts Association, which will then further distribute money to its members, such as the Fairbanks Concert Association.
The City Council will also vote on a contract with IBEW that gives some city workers a 3 percent raise and asks the employees to pay for health insurance costs above $800 a month.
Another ordinance seeks to change conditions for conveyance of property to Dennis Wise, who originally intended to provide construction sites for Habitat for Humanity. Now he wants the land to construct the Center for Non-Violent Living, which would provide services for victims of domestic violence including counseling, day care, computer and culinary classroom instruction, living space and meetings.
Mayor Steve Thompson is introducing an ordinance that provides paid leaves of absences for employees on military leave.
Tonight's City Council meeting is proceeded by a work session at 6 p.m. where the Fairbanks Economic Development Corp. will present its budget and The Salvation Army will make its presentation about the Kroc grant application.
The regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in City Council chambers in City Hall, 800 Cushman Street. Both meetings are open to the public.
Diana Campbell can be reached at dcampbell@newsminer.com or 459-7523.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
IBEW Local 97 (Syracuse, NY) Fights for Members' jobs against Utility Giant Constellation Energy
From the Oswego Palladium Times
CONSTELLATION: LAYOFFS NEEDED TO STAY COMPETITIVE
By SEAN TREACY, Staff Writer
SCRIBA - Constellation Energy's recent 51 layoffs are not a sign that its two nuclear plants will be abandoned, according to a company representative.
Constellation spokesperson Jill Lyon said the site would not shut down. She pointed out that Constellation has filed to extend its 40-year operating licenses by 20 years, which she said demonstrates a "desire to stay" in Scriba.
According to officials, Constellation Energy has cut 51 jobs at Nine Mile One and Two nuclear plants and plans to eliminate more. All the positions removed so far are non-union.
"We have had layoffs in order to remain competitive and ensure the viability of our nuclear station," Lyon said.
She said there have been 85 "involuntary reductions" at Nine Mile Point and Maryland's Calvert Cliff combined. She said 150 jobs have been cut when including positions removed by attrition.
"All the employees impacted received severance benefits, including two weeks notice, severance pay, out placement service and employee assistance benefits," Lyon said.
Non-negotiable
Dave Falletta, the President Business Manager for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 97 union, said attempts to negotiate the layoffs with Constellation were met with a "slammed door."
"On this point Constellation Nuclear did not want to discuss anything in terms of trying to stop the layoffs," Falletta said. "It's a numbers game, and they want those layoffs."
IBEW wanted stop the loss of at least 24 jobs, said Falletta. He called it "incredulous" that they "could possibly think they could layoff 24 people" while at "peak work."
"It was across departments, so there weren't any specific category of positions," said Lyon. "These are difficult decisions we have to make and we understand the impact on the people."
Falletta said by comparison IBEW has managed to negotiate with electrical giant Niagara Mohawk in the area. Niagara Mohawk wanted to layoff 120 jobs, he said, but a huge majority of those job losses were stopped by negotiations.
Constellation acquired the Nine Mile Point nuclear plants in 2001 from Niagara Mohawk, which employed 1,330 people at the facilities.
In trying to stop some of Constellation's layoffs Falletta said he "even asked them for a wish list, which is not normal."
"They haven't had much layoffs in the nuclear plants," said Falletta. "We were hoping they would be patient enough to do it by attrition. Our reaction is dismay."
Constellation has spent more than $50 million to upgrade the plants. The company also recently acquired the R.E. Ginna nuclear plant near Rochester. Its two nuclear plants in Scriba share the site with the James A. FitzPatrick nuclear power plant, which is owned by Entergy Nuclear.
CONSTELLATION: LAYOFFS NEEDED TO STAY COMPETITIVE
By SEAN TREACY, Staff Writer
SCRIBA - Constellation Energy's recent 51 layoffs are not a sign that its two nuclear plants will be abandoned, according to a company representative.
Constellation spokesperson Jill Lyon said the site would not shut down. She pointed out that Constellation has filed to extend its 40-year operating licenses by 20 years, which she said demonstrates a "desire to stay" in Scriba.
According to officials, Constellation Energy has cut 51 jobs at Nine Mile One and Two nuclear plants and plans to eliminate more. All the positions removed so far are non-union.
"We have had layoffs in order to remain competitive and ensure the viability of our nuclear station," Lyon said.
She said there have been 85 "involuntary reductions" at Nine Mile Point and Maryland's Calvert Cliff combined. She said 150 jobs have been cut when including positions removed by attrition.
"All the employees impacted received severance benefits, including two weeks notice, severance pay, out placement service and employee assistance benefits," Lyon said.
Non-negotiable
Dave Falletta, the President Business Manager for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 97 union, said attempts to negotiate the layoffs with Constellation were met with a "slammed door."
"On this point Constellation Nuclear did not want to discuss anything in terms of trying to stop the layoffs," Falletta said. "It's a numbers game, and they want those layoffs."
IBEW wanted stop the loss of at least 24 jobs, said Falletta. He called it "incredulous" that they "could possibly think they could layoff 24 people" while at "peak work."
"It was across departments, so there weren't any specific category of positions," said Lyon. "These are difficult decisions we have to make and we understand the impact on the people."
Falletta said by comparison IBEW has managed to negotiate with electrical giant Niagara Mohawk in the area. Niagara Mohawk wanted to layoff 120 jobs, he said, but a huge majority of those job losses were stopped by negotiations.
Constellation acquired the Nine Mile Point nuclear plants in 2001 from Niagara Mohawk, which employed 1,330 people at the facilities.
In trying to stop some of Constellation's layoffs Falletta said he "even asked them for a wish list, which is not normal."
"They haven't had much layoffs in the nuclear plants," said Falletta. "We were hoping they would be patient enough to do it by attrition. Our reaction is dismay."
Constellation has spent more than $50 million to upgrade the plants. The company also recently acquired the R.E. Ginna nuclear plant near Rochester. Its two nuclear plants in Scriba share the site with the James A. FitzPatrick nuclear power plant, which is owned by Entergy Nuclear.
IBEW Joins Other Electrical Safety Groups in Saying "Don't Imitate Fear Factor"
Fear Factor' Viewers Warned Not to Challenge Electricity
Monday January 31, 9:35 pm ET
ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has joined with many of North America's top utility, safety and electrical industry organizations to caution viewers of NBC's "Fear Factor" against attempting dangerous stunts involving electricity.
The "Fear Factor" episode aired Monday, January 31, 2005, featuring a stunt involving contestants receiving electric shocks against the backdrop of a utility substation. ESFI and other organizations and companies fear that the program sends the message to viewers that contact with electricity is something that can be withstood without serious consequences and that utility substations and electrical equipment are suitable locations for horseplay. The cancellation of MTV's "Jackass" due to deadly copycat stunts serves as ample evidence that there are those who attempt to recreate what they see on television and in the movies, sometimes with traumatic results.
"In this case, such behavior could result in tragic loss," stated ESFI Executive Director Michael G. Clendenin. "Surviving such a stunt wouldn't show prowess or toughness, but an incredible amount of luck."
Viewers should be reminded that it does not take the thousands of volts present in transmission lines and utility equipment to result in death. In the real world, electricity is a uniquely unforgiving force that can be fatal at even "low levels" of current. Indeed, a fraction of an amp can stop the heart. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 180 people were accidentally electrocuted in 1999 in accidents relating to consumer products, most at household current. Thousands more are sent to hospitals with traumatic injuries that are disproportionately disfiguring and disabling.
Viewers should be warned that utility substations are a crucial part of the electric infrastructure, containing tens of thousands of volts of electricity. "They are not a playground nor an appropriate backdrop for a reality TV show," says Clendenin.
Joining ESFI in the message are American Public Power Association (APPA), Canada Safety Council (CSC), CSA International, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), National Safety Council (NSC), and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).
Founded in 1994 through a joint effort between Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is North America's only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school and workplace. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) organization funded by electrical manufacturers and distributors, independent testing laboratories, utilities, safety and consumer groups, and trade and labor associations. ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns and proactive media relations to help reduce property damage, personal injury and death due to electrical accidents. The Foundation does not engage in code or standard writing or lobbying and does not solicit individuals.
For additional electrical safety information, visit the Foundation's web site at http://www.electrical-safety.org or call 703-841-3229.
Source: The Electrical Safety Foundation International
Monday January 31, 9:35 pm ET
ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has joined with many of North America's top utility, safety and electrical industry organizations to caution viewers of NBC's "Fear Factor" against attempting dangerous stunts involving electricity.
The "Fear Factor" episode aired Monday, January 31, 2005, featuring a stunt involving contestants receiving electric shocks against the backdrop of a utility substation. ESFI and other organizations and companies fear that the program sends the message to viewers that contact with electricity is something that can be withstood without serious consequences and that utility substations and electrical equipment are suitable locations for horseplay. The cancellation of MTV's "Jackass" due to deadly copycat stunts serves as ample evidence that there are those who attempt to recreate what they see on television and in the movies, sometimes with traumatic results.
"In this case, such behavior could result in tragic loss," stated ESFI Executive Director Michael G. Clendenin. "Surviving such a stunt wouldn't show prowess or toughness, but an incredible amount of luck."
Viewers should be reminded that it does not take the thousands of volts present in transmission lines and utility equipment to result in death. In the real world, electricity is a uniquely unforgiving force that can be fatal at even "low levels" of current. Indeed, a fraction of an amp can stop the heart. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 180 people were accidentally electrocuted in 1999 in accidents relating to consumer products, most at household current. Thousands more are sent to hospitals with traumatic injuries that are disproportionately disfiguring and disabling.
Viewers should be warned that utility substations are a crucial part of the electric infrastructure, containing tens of thousands of volts of electricity. "They are not a playground nor an appropriate backdrop for a reality TV show," says Clendenin.
Joining ESFI in the message are American Public Power Association (APPA), Canada Safety Council (CSC), CSA International, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), National Safety Council (NSC), and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).
Founded in 1994 through a joint effort between Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is North America's only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school and workplace. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) organization funded by electrical manufacturers and distributors, independent testing laboratories, utilities, safety and consumer groups, and trade and labor associations. ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns and proactive media relations to help reduce property damage, personal injury and death due to electrical accidents. The Foundation does not engage in code or standard writing or lobbying and does not solicit individuals.
For additional electrical safety information, visit the Foundation's web site at http://www.electrical-safety.org or call 703-841-3229.
Source: The Electrical Safety Foundation International
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