NATHAN DYER is adamant Swansea team-mate Michu will rediscover his goal-scoring touch against Tottenham today.
We've had goals from all over the park while the rest of the players need to defend and make chances for the goals.
Michu burst on to the Premier League scene with 14 goals in just 22 games for Michael Laudrup's men, after signing from Rayo Vallecano.
Michu has scored 15 of ninth-placed Swansea's 40 Premier League goals this season.
But Dyer has rejected claims that Laudrup's men have an over-reliance on the 27-year-old.


text:
British Impressionists
LISS LLEWELLYN
[1 of 1]
Hover over the painting to magnify (there may be an initial delay while the magnified image is loaded)
Gilbert Spencer (1892-1979):
Trees at Garsington, mid 1920's
Framed (ref: 10137)
17 3/4 x 25 in. (45 x 65 cm)
See all works by Gilbert Spencer oil landscape TOP 100 trees
Provenance: Christie's London, British and Irish Traditionalist and Modernist Paintings, 3 & 4 March 1988, lot 220; Private collection.
Exhibited: Fine Art Society, London, Gilbert Spencer, July 1974, no.15. Fine Art Society, London, Men and Memories, 1972, no.118. Royal Academy, London, Gilbert Spencer Memorial, 1979.
In 1922 Spencer started teaching at The Ruskin School of Art (University of Oxford). and Lady Ottoline Morrell, with whom Spencer was friendly since before the war, found him a room in the village of Garsington near Oxford. Morrell offered him easy access to her own house, Garsington Manor, which was frequented by many illustrious guests including the Bloomsbury set. While living there, Spencer painted Trees at Garsington (Ashmolean Museum, Oxford), Garsington Roofs and The Sheep Fold at Upper Farm which are described by Catherine Martineau as having a characteristic directness of line and clarity of colour.
Copyright © 2020 Liss Llewellyn Ltd. All rights reserved.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Day by Day Current Affairs (April 30, 2018) | MCQs for CSS, PMS, NTS
President inaugurates sports city in Narowal
President Mamnoon Hussain on April 29, 2018 inaugurated National Sports City in Narowal.
On the occasion, a friendly match was also played between PCB Eleven and President Eleven
PM may open new Islamabad Airport on May 1
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is expected to inaugurate the New Islamabad International Airport on May 1.
According to Civil Aviation Authority, first incoming flight of Pakistan International Airlines from Karachi will land at the new airport at 11am on the same day while first flight of the national airline will depart for Karachi at 12.30pm.
Complete operation will commence from 3 May. All the domestic and foreign airlines have been conveyed directives in this regard.
Indian, Pakistani troops to take part in joint drills
Even as a worried world heaved a sigh of relief with the historic embrace of estranged Korean leaders, there could be good news with groundbreaking developments in nuclear-armed South Asia when Indian and Pakistani troops for the first time participate in a joint exercise in Russia under the aegis of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in September.
Troops from the two countries have sometimes come together in peacekeeping assignments with the UN but they haven`t been in a military exercise like the one they would be participating in with Russia and China among other SCO members.
Reports quoted officials as citing Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as confirming India`s presence in the anti-terrorism exercises during the SCO defenceministers` meeting in Beijing last week
N Korea offers to shut nuclear test site in May, invites US experts
North Korea has promised to shut its atomic test site within weeks and invite American weapons experts to verify its closure, as new US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had an "obligation" to pursue peace.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un – who may meet US President Donald Trump as early as next month – also said Pyongyang would have no need for nuclear weapons if it were promised it would not be invaded, according to Seoul.
After historic meeting saw Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in agree to pursue the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula.
In first for Tunisia, police and soldiers head to polls
Police and soldiers went to the ballot box for the first time in Tunisia on April 29, 2019, casting votes in municipal elections after the lifting of a longtime ban.
Most Tunisians will vote on May 6 in the municipal polls – the first since the North African country's 2011 revolution – but members of the security forces cast their ballots a week earlier.
Under the long rule of ex-president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, authorities outlawed voting by soldiers and police, insisting security forces remain outside of politics.
Pompeo talks tough on Iran in first trip to Mideast allies
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lashed out at Iran during a rapid tour of Middle East allies on April 29, 2018 ahead of a crucial White House decision on whether to quit the nuclear deal with Tehran.
After setting off on his first diplomatic trip only hours after being sworn in, Pompeo met with Saudi and Israeli leaders, two countries with especially close strategic bonds with the United States.
Both also have a common enemy in Iran, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly called for the nuclear deal to either be altered or scrapped, though most world powers see it as key to preventing Tehran from obtaining atomic weapons.
Saudi oil company Aramco appoints first woman to its board
Saudi national oil giant Aramco on April 29, 2018 had been appointed five new members to its board of directors, including the first woman in the firm's history.
Lynn Laverty Elsenhans, 60, is the former head of US oil company Sunoco Inc. and has been director of oil services company Baker Hughes since July last year. She has served on the boards of several major oil firms. Forbes ranked her 10th on its list of the world's 100 most powerful women in 2009.
The new appointments come as the oil-dependent kingdom, faced with persistent budget deficits due to low crude prices, prepares to sell up to five per cent of Aramco in an initial public offering either this year or in 2019.
Syrian govts, rebels reach deal to evacuate fighters form Damascus area
The Syrian government and rebels have reached a deal to evacuate opposition fighters from an area of southern Damascus near the site of a regime offensive against jihadists, on April 29, 2018.
The announcement comes more than a week into a regime assault to oust the so-called Islamic State group fighters from the capital`s southern suburbs, including the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmuk.
On April 29, 2018, a deal had been reached to evacuate opposition fighters and members of their families from rebel held areas east of Yarmuk.
Rampant Nadal cruises to 11th Barcelona title
Rafael Nadal won his 11th Barcelona title on April 29, 2018 when he breezed past Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-1 in the final.
It was world number one Nadal's 55th career clay-court title while he also extended his winning streak on the surface to 46 consecutive sets.
The 31-year-old Spaniard won his 11th Monte Carlo Masters last weekend also without dropping a set. This victory reinforced his status as the overwhelming favourite to lift the French Open for an 11th time in June.
Nadal now has 77 titles overall while his career clay-court match record stands at 401 wins against just 35 defeats.
Japan's Momota stuns Chen for Asian badminton title
Japan's Kento Momota shocked Olympic gold-medallist Chen Long to be crowned Asian badminton champion on April 29, 2018, a year after his return from a gambling ban.
Momota, who was barred ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics and returned to action last year, floored the Chinese favourite 21-17, 21-13 at the Badminton Asia Championships in Wuhan.
The 17th-ranked left-hander had never previously won a game against Chen but he dominated the final, reeling off seven straight points to clinch victory when the world number three netted.
April Current Affairs Current Affairs MCQs Day by Day Current Affairs
Day by Day Current Affairs (April 29, 2018) | MCQs for...


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text:
Mayor Roe called to order the Roseville City Council regular meeting at approximately 6:00 pm, welcomed everyone and made introductions. Voting and Seating Order as called by Interim City Manager Trudgeon: McGehee; Willmus; Laliberte; Etten; and Roe.
City Attorney Mark Gaughan was also present.
Councilmember McGehee moved to reconsider a previous vote on authorizing the Eureka Recycling contract term for further discussion to extend the contract from three (3) to five (5) years. Councilmember McGehee opined that all points were not sufficiently covered in determining the length of the contract term.
Due to the lack of a second, Mayor Roe ruled the motion failed.
Mayor Roe noted removal by staff of Business Item 13.d entitled, "Perform an Abatement for Unresolved Violations of C city Code at 170 County Road B," as the item had been resolved.
Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of the agenda as amended.
Ayes: McGehee; Willmus; Laliberte; Etten: and Roe.
Mayor Roe announced upcoming Roseville Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) co-sponsored evening seminars scheduled on September 18, September 25 and October 16, 2013 at the Ramsey County Library with topics related to protecting home values and making life easier. Mayor Roe noted that the seminars were free, but registration was required by calling 651-792-7078.
Councilmember Willmus requested that staff make sure those seminars are posted on the City's webpage or linked as applicable; with Interim City Manager Trudgeon advising that he would follow-up to ensure they were published and posted in as many media sources as possible, if not already done.
Councilmember McGehee advised that she and Interim City Manager Trudgeon had attended a meeting last week related to aging and dementia, that included staff from various assisted living and care facilities in the immediate area. Councilmember McGehee advised that she would continue to move forward with the group as they looked at other opportunities to provide more assistance to the community's older residents and their caregivers; including looking to other communities for their models.
Councilmember McGehee expressed her disappointment that the City Council majority had not voted in support of further discussion of the Eureka Recycling contract, opining that it would have had the potential to save residents a significant cost over the next five (5) years, as well as reducing staff time and ensuring rates would not increase exorbitantly after the initial three (3) years of the contract.
As City Council liaison to C-TV and the Access Corporation, Mayor Roe distributed, as a bench handout, a list of free services provided by the North Suburban Access Corporation (NSAC, or CTV) for the ten (10) member cities of the group. Mayor Roe noted that the City of Roseville was almost up to 100 hours of services provided for 2013, which would total $7,800.00 in services received at no cost based on rates and costs of C-TV that were charged for production services, noting that those costs would be even more if obtained in the private market place.
a. Proclaim Hispanic Heritage Month
Mayor Roe read a Proclamation declaring September 15 to October 15, 2013 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Roseville.
Willmus moved, Etten seconded, proclaiming September 15 to October 15, 2013 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Roseville.
b. Accept Donations for Replacement of Fire Department Flammable Liquid Response Unit
Fire Chief Tim O'Neill represented the Fire Department in seeking acceptance of the donation, as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated September 9, 2013; with the unit displayed for inspection in the City Hall parking lot prior to tonight's meeting. Chief O'Neill noted that this equipment was more versatile and efficient and provided a significant cost savings.
Chief O'Neill introduced Mike Broderick, a representative of NuStar, present for tonight's meeting; and Mr. Broderick reviewed the partnership of the parties in protecting the safety of the community and affected companies. Mr. Broderick noted that the NuStar Terminal and the Roseville Fire Department have had a long history of working together with related equipment and training; and expressed their company's pride in being a partner with and part of the Roseville Community.
On behalf of the community, Mayor Roe thanked NuStar, Lubrication Technologies, and Magellan Midstream Holdings for their partnership and generosity.
Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, acceptance of donations from Lubrication Technologies, Magellan Midstream Holdings, and NuStar Corporation, for the purchase of a new utility truck and foam trailer for and in conjunction with the Roseville Fire Department.
a. Approve Minutes of August 26, 2013 Meeting
Etten moved, McGehee seconded, approval of the August 26, 2013 Meeting Minutes as presented.
. At the request of Mayor Roe, Interim City Manager Patrick Trudgeon briefly reviewed those items being considered under the Consent Agenda.
Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of the following claims and payments as presented.
Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of a Massage Therapist License application for the period of one (1) year, for Taylor Rolloff-Fellner at Massage Xcape, 1767 Lexington Avenue N.
Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of the submitted list of general purchases and contracts for services presented as follows:
AMR data collector antenna (part of the automated meter reading system)
Park & Rec.
Buckthorn removal at Langton Lake (in conjunction with the Conservation partners Legacy Grant Project and the Parks Renewal Program)
d. Approve an Amendment to the Lease Agreement with AT & T Wireless (formerly Cingular) for Additional Ground Space at the Water Tower Site
Interim City Manager Trudgeon clarified a typographical error on line 18 of the RCA, with the lease amount actually $280.00 per month, not annually as indicated.
Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of a lease amendment (Attachment A) with AT & T Wireless for additional ground space at the Water Tower Site (2501 Fairview Avenue).
e. Approve School Liaison Office Contract
Two bench handouts were provided as they related to this contract, including a "Position Responsibility Write-Up for the Police Liaison Officer," and "Recommended 2013-2014 School Calendar for Roseville Area Schools dated February 89, 2013;"
Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, approval of the 2013-2014 Roseville Area School Police Liaison Officer Agreement (Attachment A) as presented; and authorizing the Mayor and Interim City Manager to execute the document.
f. Authorize the Transfer of Tax Increment Funds between Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts
At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Interim City Manager Trudgeon clarified various legislative changes governing tax increment financing (TIF) districts and transfer of funds from one to another, depending on the age of the districts and provisions at that time dictating rules in their operation. Mr. Trudgeon advised that staff would be bringing forward several other districts in the near future for City Council consideration of potential adjustments. At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Mr. Trudgeon confirmed that of $6 million in TIF transferred from District 11 to District 17 had all been spent for actual construction and infrastructure costs.
Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11090 (Attachment A) entitled, "Resolution Providing for Transfer of Tax Increment Financing Funds relating to Tax Increment Financing District No. 11 and Tax Increment Financing District No. 17;" formally authorizing the re-categorization in accordance with State Statutes.
g. Approve a Resolution for the Final Acceptance and Maintenance for Public Improvements Constructed for Birch Park
Etten moved, Laliberte seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11091 (Attachment A) entitled, "Final Acceptance and Maintenance for Public Improvements Constructed for Birch Park."
a. Approve Zoning Text Changes to Section 1004 (Residential Districts) of the City Code to Clarify the Intent of Certain Requirements Related to Storm Water
Associate Planner Bryan Lloyd briefly summarized the request to clarify particular provisions in one- and two-family zoning districts that address hard surfaces and rain water runoff as it is intended and applied; and as detailed in the RCA dated September 9, 2013
Councilmember McGehee requested further clarification for homes of a certain age that appeared to be excluded from mobility-impaired provisions; opining that the language needed to be worded more clearly. Councilmember McGehee further suggested that, on page 2 of Attachment A (line 49), "pools" be added as another structure in Section 3.C (Improvement Areas).
Mr. Lloyd advised that the intent was that there may be some circumstances with properties less than twenty (20) years old on small lots that were maximally developed, that could not meet City Code requirements for setback and other storm water management provisions, but still needed to provide handicapped access. Related to rationale in not listing pools in Section 3.c, Mr. Lloyd advised that the language was left intentionally vague to avoid defining a set of circumstances when there may be instances when something may occur outside those circumstances, therefore indicating general language that was left open-ended.
Interim City Manager Trudgeon suggested language in the first section related to age as follows: "…for homes newer than twenty (20) years…" retaining the remainder of the language (page 1 of Attachment A, line 25).
Councilmember McGehee clarified with Public Works Director Duane Schwartz in the audience that a pool was considered part of the impervious surface calculation for a property.
At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Mr. Schwartz advised that the Planning Commission had reviewed this, but that the Public Works, Environment, and Transportation Commission (PWETC) had not weighed in on the proposed language. While supporting this ordinance revision, Councilmember Willmus requested that in the future, the PWEC be consulted for recommendations with such issues under their realm of expertise. Interim City Manager Trudgeon concurred and duly noted that request.
Discussion ensued regarding whether or not to defer action until the PWETC had a chance to review the language or to adopt the revisions tonight, allowing for them to have some input after the fact.
Interim City Manager Trudgeon suggested that, if the City Council was willing to adopt the ordinance, the PWETC could be consulted, and if they had no major concerns, the ordinance could stand as approved tonight, or if there were major concerns of the PWETC, the ordinance could be brought back to the City Council for further review and consideration.
McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, enactment of Ordinance No. 1452 (Attachment A) entitled, "An Ordinance Amending Improvement Area Regulations of Chapter 1004 (Residential Districts) of Title 10 "Zoning Code" of the Roseville City Code;" as amended in Attachment A, Section 2.C, line 12 and Section 3.C (line 49) to include "pools" in the list of footprints within an improvement area; and Sections 2.C.2 and 3.C.4, line 62 to revise language from "Exception: For properties at least 20 years old,…" to "Exception: for homes newer than twenty (20) years…" with remaining language to remain; and guiding staff to provide the proposed ordinance as amended to the PWETC for their input, and if no major concerns or recommendations from that body, to proceed with the enactment process.
Willmus moved, Etten seconded, enactment of Ordinance Summary No. 1452 (Attachment A) entitled, "An Ordinance Amending Improvement Area Regulations of Chapter 1004 (Residential Districts) of Title 10 "Zoning Code" of the Roseville City Code."
a. Joint Meeting with the Police Civil Service Commission
Commission Members present were Chair Brad VandeVegt; Zoe Jenkins; and Janet Henquinet.
Chair VandeVegt reviewed vacancies in the Police Department, noting that the candidate pool had been very good with over 400 candidates applying, including internationally, for the vacancy in the department last fall. Chair VandeVegt opined that this supported the respect given Roseville as a premier community and its Police Department as an outstanding law enforcement agency. During the hiring process, Chair VandeVegt noted that additional streamlining had been enacted by the Commission, Chief Mathwig and his leadership team to further expedite the process, including implementation of an international officer test. To-date, Chair VandeVegt advised that this had proven very effective in reviewing potential candidates.
Chair VandeVegt reviewed upcoming work of the Commission in keeping the Police Department fully staffed, and keeping the Police Chief and team staffed with the most qualified candidates possible. Chair VandeVegt noted that, from date of hire, it took six (6) months, regardless of a candidate's background, to bring them up to the rigorous standards of the Roseville Department. Chair VandeVegt noted that meeting those training needs, and keeping them the best available remained a large part of attraction and retention for the Department. Chair VandeVegt further noted that a large percentage of that training was done in off-hours time, requiring overtime payments; however, he noted that such training made the department shine beyond individual candidate skills. Chair VandeVegt opined that current equipment needs were now looking good.
Mayor Roe thanked the Commission for their attendance, report, and ongoing work.
a. Consider Approving an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Fantasy Flight Game Center at 1975 W County Road B-2, Suite 1, Roseville, MN
Finance Director Chris Miller briefly reviewed this requested liquor license, as detailed in the RCA dated September 9, 2013. Mr. Miller noted that this business was a unique model in the City of Roseville; and advised that staff's review and analysis of the application materials indicated that they were consistent with City Code requirements.
Councilmember McGehee questioned current operations versus those planned, with Mr. Miller indicating that the liquor license would be good from approval date, if applicable, through the end of 2013, with the applicant then going through any renewal process similar to other licensees within the City. With concerns expressed by Councilmember McGehee's related to staff training in serving liquor and how to monitor ages of patrons, Mr. Miller advised that the City would treat this application like any other, with City Code not distinguishing whether or not a business's patrons were under age 21 or not, with no other restaurant having such restrictions imposed. Mr. Miller reiterated that the applicant met all City Code requirements, and would also need to adhere to all state laws as applicable.
Brian Bromeiler, Fantasy Flight Game Center Representative
Mr. Bromeiler advised that the firm was renovating this new space, with the intent to move from their current Oakcrest address; and currently serve Zee Pizza and soda; but intended for full restaurant/bar service if approved. Mr. Bromeiler noted that most of their games were in the range of $60.00 to $100.00 with extensive rule books, and primarily of interest to adult clients.
Mayor Roe opened and closed the Public Hearing at approximately 6:43 p.m.; with no one appearing for or against
McGehee moved, Etten seconded, approval of the request of Fantasy Flight Game Center, 1975 W County Road B-2, Suite 1, Roseville, MN for an On-Sale and Sunday Intoxicating Liquor License, for the period through December 31, 2013.
Mayor Roe welcomed the expansion of this business in Roseville; and noted that the applicant would need to provide and retain evidence of staff training on file and available for verification and review by the City's Police Department at all times; expressing his confidence that the applicant was well aware of those requirements and their willingness to meet those standards.
Mayor Roe recessed the meeting at approximately 6:46 pm to address technological issues, and reconvened at approximately 6:47 pm.
a. Receive Public Comment and Adopt a Preliminary 2014 Tax Levy and Budget
Staff Note: You may wish to include Finance Director Miller's September 9, 2013 Power Point presentation with RCA for permanent record.
Finance Director Chris Miller provided a presentation of the Preliminary 2014 Budget & Tax Levy; cautioning that numbers be kept in context, with not all spending coming from tax-supported revenue sources. Mr. Miller referenced items detailed in the RCA dated September 9, 2013, and related attachments. In summary, the 2014 City Manager Recommended Budget for the tax-supported programs is in the amount of $23,008.060, an increase of $1,223,258 or 5.6% over that of 2013. Of that amount, Mr. Miller advised that this represented a tax levy of $18,028,721 (programs, services and debt service), an increase in that levy of $758,895 from 2013, of a levy increase of 4.4%, with monthly impact to median value homes $4.47 per month.
Mr. Miller reviewed some of the reasons the City's tax levy had outpaced inflation, including the recent recessionary period of stagnant or declining non-tax revenue, reduced interest rates, the reinvestment of additional asset replacements during 2008 to 2013 to address a lack of investment in capital improvement areas of the City over a ten (10) year period, including a significant street replacement and park facility construction program. Mr. Miller noted that these redevelopment cycles were not unique to the City of Roseville, bur proved common among communities.
Mr. Miller provided additional information, including comparisons with peer communities; a context of events over the last 15-20 years; ongoing deficit funding for the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), with application of unanticipated Local Government Aid (LGA) funding in 2014, but not yet meeting long-term sustainability of the CIP and requiring further discussion. Mr. Miller noted that, aside from a few select items, this budget did not include additional funding for City Council strategic plan or directives in continuing to address community visioning for Imagine Roseville 2015, but basically retained a status quo budget.
John Kysylyczyn, 3083 N Victoria Street
Mr. Kysylyczyn opined that the first page of the RCA and subsequent pages were misleading as to the actual levy increase.
Mayor Roe clarified that the 5.6% on page 1 was the increase to the spending side of the budget, as explained by Finance Director Miller during his presentation, with the 4.4% representing the increase to the tax-supported levy.
While not yet having an opportunity to review the proposed budget in detail, Mr. Kysylyczyn expressed his concern with the proposed 4.4% levy increase serving to grow government larger than the rate of inflation, with this proposed levy increase on top of previous annual levy increases, indicating a growing pattern. While budget materials attempted to show a minimal monthly impact for taxpayers, Mr. Kysylyczyn noted that it added up to hundreds of additional dollars annually coming out of his family budget. As a small business owner, and given the economy, Mr. Kysylyczyn advised that he was unable to raise his rates for his clients accordingly to meet those increases.
Specific to the proposed employee compensation adjustment also on tonight's agenda, Mr. Kysylyczyn provided a bench handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof, referencing the City of Lexington and their intent to make an employee COLA of 2%. Mr. Kysylyczyn advised that he was troubled by the proposed funds for employee compensation over a 2% COLA. Mr. Kysylyczyn opined that his concerns were generally based on having tax-funded employees using taxpayer funds to generate a report to get more money for taxpayer paid employees, which appeared to be a conflict of interest to him, with no third party doing the study. Mr. Kysylyczyn noted that the City of Lexington had used a labor management attorney for their study, and expressed concern that this study was biased, and did not provide any factual, hard-core information saying City of Roseville employees were not being paid enough for the jobs they were being asked to perform.
Mr. Kysylyczyn stated that some 1uestions that he wanted answered included: does the City currently have a problem recruiting people to work; is the City retaining employees; does the City advertise jobs with no one or few applying; is the City retaining employees, and if so for how long. Mr. Kysylyczyn opined that the study provided no information to address those questions; however, he noted that the previous presentation by the Police Civil Service Commission indicated that the Police Department, which was not part of the study as they were union, seemed to have an ample group of applicants and a good record of employee retention, suggesting that the City was paying a good wage and attracting too many qualified people. However, Mr. Kysylyczyn opined that the study provided no information on non-union employees, while yet requesting that the City Council approve one of three significant options to increase employee compensation. Mr. Kysylyczyn further opined that there was no evidence provided on competitive communities and their positions, or evidence to further support this request; again further opining that just because neighboring cities pay more, the City of Roseville shouldn't. Mr. Kysylyczyn opined that the study told him nothing, but the taxpayers were being asked to pay more, with a levy increase above the rate of inflation, just to give City employees a pay increase based on a study with no information to support it, and whether recruitment or retention is actually a problem.
No one else from the public appeared to speak.
Mayor Roe advised that specifics of the compensation study would be discussed when that item came up on the agenda; and focused this discussion on the three requested actions and resolutions for the budget itself, as outlined in the RCA.
Councilmember McGehee expressed her preference to address the questions brought up by Mr. Kysylyczyn at this time. Councilmember McGehee clarified that the Employee Compensation Study had been done, not by a labor attorney, but by Springsted, a third party consulting firm. While also noting that the Police Department appeared to have a great many applicants for vacancies in the department, Councilmember McGehee noted that as a union, they were operating at a 100% average with peer communities for their salaries/benefits unlike other City employees. Councilmember McGehee stated that she agreed with Mr. Kysylyczyn that all of the factual information on employee retention and other numbers had not been provided, even though it would have been helpful to have available; however, she noted that the City did have evidence that one of its long-term employees had recently left employ at the City of Roseville for another metropolitan community at a very substantial salary increase. Councilmember McGehee further stated that a majority of the levy increases being experienced by Roseville taxpayers right now were coming through as debt service for improvements and addressing infrastructure needs and improvements neglected during the periods when the levy was less than the Consumer Price Index (CPI), causing the City to now have to play catch-up for its reserve funds and other areas.
At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Finance Director clarified the proposed employee Compensation Plan as recommended in the 2014 City Manager Recommended Budget, as detailed in the highlighted box on page 1 of the RCA.
At the request of Councilmember Etten, Mr. Miller confirmed that the 2% COLA related to all City employees, including those under union contracts, some of which were already in place for 2014 with others still to be negotiated.
At the request of Councilmember Etten whether it was possible to show union contracts to which the City was already bound, Mr. Miller advised that to his knowledge, only one (1) union contract had been approved for 2014 at this point, a status that was confirmed by Interim City Manager Trudgeon; with two (2) others yet to be approved but already in ongoing discussions.
At the request of Councilmember Etten, Mr. Miller opined that the 2% COLA set aside in the proposed budget was consistent with other union settlements for 2014, as well as those of other cities.
At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Miller advised that part of the negotiation process was the review of peer cities, clarifying that unions were already at 100% of average peer cities, so their main concern was inflationary increases; thus management's rationale in advocating for 2% COLA for all employees to keep them from falling further behind union compensation and attempting equity without further disparities.
At the request of Councilmember Etten, Mr. Miller confirmed that $400,000 was proposed to come from cash reserves toward the budget, as detailed in the RCA. In referencing an e-mail from Mr. Miller to the City Council, Councilmember Etten questioned the percentage rolled into the levy increase; with Mr. Miller advising that recent public information provided by the State Department of Revenue several weeks ago somewhat changed the assumptions of available levy limits that the City had based their budget plans on, creating an increase. However, Mr. Miller noted that, to his knowledge, staff was not advocating that the levy or budget increase significantly to take advantage of that available levy amount; but were retaining the City Manager Recommended Budget as originally presented.
Councilmember Etten stated that he was interested in the City Council, as a more honest way in his opinion to budget moving forward, moving some of that cash reserve amount to the levy, with additional levy or cash reserves in 2014, recognizing that this was not sustainable long-term, but providing a more open policy for transparent budgeting.
Mayor Roe noted that projections from 2013 through 2020 (page 4 of the RCA – Proposed Tax Levy & Estimated Impact) indicated an assumption of a 3% increase in operating costs, or $787,282 levy increase and that would incorporate that $400,000 in reserves.
Councilmember Willmus stated that he had no objection to using the $400,000 to off-set the levy; however, he agreed that it was not something that the City Council would want to do year after year and remain sustainable. However, Councilmember Willmus opined that it would provide an opportunity to limit the burden on taxpayers, as the City just started to roll into full debt service payments, allowing use of the $400,000 to keep the non-debt portion of the levy in pace with inflation. Councilmember Willmus clarified that he was not supportive of rolling the $400,000 into the levy.
Councilmember McGehee stated that she would not be supportive of it, as there was no point since the City was still continually underfunding the CIP going forward, if the figures provided by Mr. Miller were used to make the fund sustainable by 2020, the City was still not meeting the need, and she didn't see any value in such a proposal. Councilmember McGehee stated that she would support using some of the Recycling Fund reserves, removing $2 per residence in monthly recycling payments in addition to spending some reserves to offset impacts to individual homeowners. Under that context, Councilmember McGehee stated that she would be happy to discuss the full $400,000 or any portion thereof; but reiterated her interest in bringing the City back to full funding of a minimum of $275,000 for its CIP.
Councilmember Laliberte stated that she would be open to the use of reserves, concurring that it was a more honest way to look at the levy for items needing continuing funding; and seemed more appropriate. Councilmember Laliberte opined that the City's reserves appeared to be healthy, indicating another plan and review of current reserve policy going forward. Councilmember Laliberte stated that she was open to going through each item listed to determine a more honest approach between the levy and cash reserves.
Mayor Roe stated that he was not supportive of using reserves for ongoing costs, opining that at some point you eventually had to pay. Mayor Roe stated that he was more comfortable using reserves this year, since reserve funds were healthier, even though they were not all up to the highest point of the current policy range. Mayor Roe stated that he would consider using reserves from the Recycling Fund if that helped with the issue of which reserves were stronger and from where to take the money. However, with $560,000 debt service going on line in 2014, Mayor Roe opined that it did make sense to use reserves for some expenses until 2014, because this City Council would have the ability to follow-through.
Etten moved, McGehee seconded, applying $200,000 from cash reserves to the Preliminary Levy, thereby increasing the taxpayer levy by $200,000.
Councilmember Willmus spoke in opposition to the motion. Councilmember Willmus noted that the healthy reserve funds were due to overtaxing in the past, creating a level beyond what was needed to build those reserves, he opined that the responsible thing to do is to spend down in some of those accounts. Councilmember Willmus opined that this levy as proposed served to keep pace with inflation; and stated that he would not support further increases as proposed with this motion.
Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of the motion, stating that she believed Councilmember Willmus was incorrect in his assessment of reserve funds. Councilmember McGehee opined that, even though the City Council had a policy for reserves, they were insufficient creating the need to bond for a new fire station. Councilmember McGehee further stated that this lack of planning and reserves also created the need for $200,000 in the CIP for the skating center as well as nothing in reserve for a new club house at the golf course. If the City had funded its Park Improvement Program (PIP) sufficiently in that past, Councilmember McGehee opined that the City would probably not be facing this debt service now, but could have maintained the City's park system. With at least two (2) members of the current City Council having chosen to fund for these items without a public referendum, Councilmember McGehee opined that this had created the current need for paying this debt service. In her personal review of reserve fund policies several years ago, Councilmember McGehee stated that she had found all but one fund to be in line with the recommendations of the State Auditor's Office. With that excess in the Recycling Fund, Councilmember McGehee opined that she had no problem using those reserves; but not to continue to underfund the CIP. Referencing a comment made by Mayor Roe related to the City always bonding for buildings, Councilmember McGehee opined that this would not be necessary if funding was set aside.
Councilmember Willmus asked staff to provide additional information on total reserves versus specific reserve levels.
Finance Director Miller advised that previous information provided to the City Council was as of December 31, 2012, opining that not much had changed over the last nine (9) months, estimating the total City reserve level between $26 to $27 million.
Councilmember Willmus indicated that showed that the current reserves totaled $10 million above the current levy. Mayor Roe clarified that the reserve levels totaled about $8 million above the $18 million levy, not $10 million, of the $18 million levy, there was $8 million in reserves, with Councilmember Willmus opining that this resulted in some room to work with those reserve accounts.
Councilmember Laliberte expressed her appreciation for this discussion; stating that she would not support the motion, opining that it would be dishonest of her to take $200,000 and push it toward the tax levy, which she could probably not support as proposed. Councilmember Laliberte opined that the City Council should support additional funding of the CIP..
Councilmember Etten recognized the positions of other Councilmembers, but stood by his proposed motion, opining that it allowed more openness, serving to eventually reduce the 2015 levy compared to current projections. Councilmember Etten recognized that a number of the reserve funds were targeted toward specifics and not all available to spend, but opined that if the City Council chose to be upfront with the budget, it was appropriate to use those reserves as proposed.
Councilmember McGehee concurred with the comments of Councilmember Etten; and questioned Finance Director Miller on the percentage of reserves were earmarked and targeted as to how they could be spent.
Finance Director Miller clarified that all reserves were segregated in specific funds, with some legally restricted to certain applications, and estimated $5 million to be within those outside legal restrictions, with the rest having City Council discretion. Mr. Miller advised that the General Fund had $5.5 million in reserves, with the other reserves segregated for other City programs and services, and cautioned that any reduction in those reserves would serve to impact those operations.
At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Mr. Miller confirmed the reserve in the General Fund was at 42% of the current reserve policy range of 35 – 45%..
Ayes: McGehee and Etten.
Nays: Laliberte, Willmus; Roe.
Motion failed.
Willmus moved, Roe seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11092 (Attachment A) entitled, "Resolution Submitting the Preliminary Property Tax Levy on Real Estate to the Ramsey County Auditor for the Fiscal Year of 2014;" set at $14,328,721 for programs and services and $3,700,000 for debt service for a total tax-supported levy of $18,028,721.
McGehee moved, Etten seconded, a friendly amendment to the motion to add an additional $50,000 to the levy specific to the CIP.
Councilmember McGehee stated that she made this amendment, since 2 years ago, CIP funding was set at $275,000 and this would be an example of the City Council doing what they said it would do.
Councilmember Laliberte agreed that CIP funding should remain on track to avoid the reinvestment/redevelopment cycle every ten (10) years as addressed by Mr. Miller. However, Councilmember Laliberte spoke in opposition to this amendment, as she had previously moved for the City Manager to provide a flat budget, not only looking at things that were wanted for addition, and allowing for conversation on what could be done more efficiently or better. Even though that budget scenario didn't materialize, Councilmember Laliberte advised that she would continue to support a flat levy budget as stated in July of this year.
Since the City Council was at the preliminary phase of setting this levy and only starting discussions that would continue through the remainder of the year, Councilmember Willmus advised that he could support the amendment.
Mayor Roe stated that he would not support the motion. As a member of the CIP Task Force having made the recommendation for an annual CIP funding at $225,000, Mayor Roe advised that he was comfortable knowing that funding was reduced in 2014 as proposed in the CIP Task Force recommendation, opining that the delay would not set the fund up for a disaster in future years.
Councilmember Willmus recognized Mayor Roe's comments, opining that he had swayed his original thoughts.
Councilmember Etten noted that this put another $50,000 in 2015, totaling $400,000; and questioned if this had that assumption built into it, with Finance Director Miller responding that it did include that assumption.
In writing off $450,000 this year, Councilmember Etten opined that this made the 2015 levy even larger; and questioned how the City could win long-term with this one-year deal creating a harder hit in 2015; further opining that it didn't make sense to him to budget in that manner.
Councilmember McGehee concurred that it didn't make sense, and further expressed her lack of understanding in the remark made by Mayor Roe. Councilmember McGehee opined that if the City Council made a commitment, and what was the point of government commitments if they were not supported just two years and development and one year after reaffirmation.
In response, Mayor Roe reiterated comments he'd made several meetings ago to which Councilmember McGehee had also objected, opining that the City was only sustainable by the amount the City Council policy decisions made for building and pathway spending. Mayor Roe clarified that the plan recommended by the CIP Task force and adopted by the City Council several years ago, as well built upon and reaffirmed last year required an annual review of 20-year projections.. Mayor Roe advised that he had recently performed his own analysis and was preparing a report for the City Council and public for presentation in the near future, supporting that the proposed 2014 funding would not significantly or negatively impact the CIP.
Councilmember McGehee, as a rebuttal, opined that it still didn't make sense because all that had been funded was three (3) parts of the picture: the Police and Fire Department and Parks.
Mayor Roe clarified that the funding also included Water, Sewer, replacement of HVAC and mechanicals; all funded through phasing in fees over the last two (2) years with tax and base utility fee adjustments. Mayor Roe opined that to categorically state that they were not funded because they were not part of the levy was incorrect.
Councilmember McGehee reiterated that she didn't understand Mayor Roe's rationale; and spoke in support of sustainability, opining that it had yet to be achieved nor was it within the City Council's sights.
Nays: Laliberte; Willmus; and Roe.
Roll Call (Original Motion)
Ayes: Willmus; Etten: and Roe.
Nays: Laliberte.
Abstentions: McGehee
Willmus moved, Etten seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11093 (Attachment B) entitled, "Resolution Directing the County Auditor to Adjust the Approved Tax Levy for 2014 Bonded Debt;" revising the 2014 tax levy for General Improvement Debt by $85,330.67.
Abstentions: McGehee; Laliberte
Specific to the proposed budget resolution (Attachment C) and whether the City was statutorily required to adopt it at this time, Finance Director Miller advised that to not do so would be the first time he heard of a City not doing so. Mr. Miller clarified that it provided the public with a context when receiving their taxpayer statements and public hearing notices for how the levy related to the overall budget. Mr. Miller further clarified that the City Council had the option of adopting or modifying its budget at any public meeting throughout the year and to appropriate or un-appropriate those monies at their discretion.
Willmus moved, Etten seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11094 (Attachment C) entitled, "Resolution Adopting the Preliminary 2014 Annual Budget for the City of Roseville;" with a budget amount of $50,690,725, of which $23,008,060 is designated for the property tax-supported programs.
Councilmember Laliberte spoke in opposition to the motion, based on her rationale previously expressed with the previous motions.
Mayor Roe thanked Councilmembers for tonight's good discussion, and stated that he looked forward to conversations going forward between this preliminary and the eventual final budget and levy.
a. Adopt the 2014 Preliminary Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Tax Levy
Finance Director Miller briefly summarized the 2014 Preliminary HRA Levy request, as detailed in the RCA dated September 9, 2013.
For clarification, and with confirmation by Finance Director Miller, Councilmember and HRA Member Willmus noted that the HRA had the statutory authority to make adjustments to its annual HRA budget, with the City Council approving the levy.
At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Miller advised that the HRA had sought its maximum levy authority in 2012 and again in 2013, as it was doing this year to support initiatives of the City Council and HRA.
At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Mr. Miller advised that the total impact on a median single-family home for the City and HRA combined levies would be $66 per year, or $4.47 per month, an approximate percentage increase of 4.6% total.
McGehee moved, Etten seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 11095 (Attachment A) entitled, "A Resolution Submitting the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, in and for the City of Roseville, Special Property Tax Levy on Real Estate to the Ramsey County Auditor for the Fiscal Year of 2014;" authorizing the amount of $703,579 to be collected in 2014 for purposes as outlined in Minnesota Statute, Chapters 469.001 to 469.047.
Councilmember McGehee noted the positive marketing by the HRA, and ongoing discussions of marketing and branding for the City; asking if there was any chance of co-mingling HRA and City funds for a total marketing package.
As noted during previous discussions, Interim City Manager Trudgeon noted that the HRA budget included $30,000 allocated toward City marketing efforts, as part of that cooperative marketing approach, with the HRA directly contributing those funds to the City of Roseville.
Councilmember McGehee expressed her support of the marketing efforts and process used by the HRA on the Dale Street project and other recent activities.
Councilmember Laliberte also credited the HRA for their ongoing efforts, and thanked them for putting money toward the City's communication efforts going forward. Councilmember Laliberte stated that she would be voting in support of this motion; and while always uncomfortable setting a levy at the maximum allowed, she hoped it could be reduced between this preliminary amount and its final iteration.
b. Perform an Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 1693 Ridgewood Lane N
Permit Coordinator Don Munson reviewed violations at this vacant single-family detached home, located at 1693 Ridgewood Lane N, as detailed in the RCA dated September 9, 2013; with the current owner identified as Francis A. Johnson, but in foreclosure and in redemption at this time set to expire in the near future.
Mr. Munson provided an update, including pictures, of current violations, including pool fending and building in disrepair (violation of City Code, Section 407.02.J) and accumulation of junk, debris and brush on the property (violation of City Code, Section 407.02.D). Mr. Munson estimated that total abatement cost for removal of junk, brush and debris and repair of pool security fencing would be approximately $2,000.00.
Mr. Munson clarified that the abatement request was not intended to address all the violations, just those indicated in the RCA and visible to the public or addressing safety hazards. Mr. Munson advised that the rationale for this limited abatement was based on discussions with the bank and their intent to make repairs at the end of the redemption period once they take ownership, and staff's preference to avoid performing wasteful work. Mr. Munson noted that this was a very nice home, and if it proved not to be marketable by the bank, staff could return at a future date seeking further action as applicable.
A brief discussion ensued regarding the extent of repairs intended for the fencing around the pool, with new posts intended to make it safe and presentable.
Laliberte moved, Willmus seconded, authorization to the Community Development staff to abate the public nuisance violations at 1693 Ridgewood Lane N by hiring general contractors to repair pool fencing and dispose of junk, brush and debris at an estimated cost of $2,000.00; with actual abatement and administrative costs billed to the property owner; and if not paid, staff is directed to recover costs as specified in City Code, Section 407.07B.
c. Perform an Abatement for Unresolved Violations of City Code at 170 County Road B West
As previously noted, this item was resolved prior to tonight's meeting.
d. Implement an Employee Compensation Adjustment
Mayor Roe noted that this item had been tabled from previous meetings for staff to provide additional information, as detailed in the RCA dated September 9, 2013, and related attachments.
Interim City Manager Trudgeon briefly reviewed the previous numerous discussions based in part on the initial Springsted Employee Compensation Study Update authorized by the City Council for non-union employees in 2012, with the bottom line indicating that the City of Roseville's employee compensation were on average 4.6% below peer communities.
Mr. Trudgeon asked that tonight's discussion focus on two (2) specific items: whether or not the City Council wished to have a policy for employee compensation, and if so what it should look like and options to proceed. As part of that policy discussion, Mr. Trudgeon noted that other city models were reviewed and provided in tonight's RCA (Attachment A), noting that the research indicated that cities didn't seem to have formal policies, finding a broad spectrum. Mr. Trudgeon noted that the City of Roseville's Employee Handbook specific to mentioned compensation without any ranges or percentages provided, but at the discretion of the City Council and City Manager as dictated by state law, etc. Mr. Trudgeon noted that the current policy was at approximately 97% with additional compensation for merit pay, with the City currently paying about 95% rather than the 97% indicated. Mr. Trudgeon advised that Mayor Roe's original draft - without any language revisions as addressed at past meetings – had also been included as part of tonight's discussion (Attachment B).
At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Trudgeon advised that he continued to recommend a 4.6% increase as outlined in the report, with a staged approach in January and July of 2014; but was open to looking at other options as suggested by Councilmember Laliberte.
Mr. Trudgeon advised that one option looked at by staff was to tie the compensation to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with purchasing power based on the rate of inflation, and as provided in the RCA (pages 2 and 3), as well as staff providing an analysis on page 2 of the cumulative CPI versus non-union COLA for the City of Roseville. Mr. Trudgeon advised that one staff recommendation was to track compensation with the CPI.
Mr. Trudgeon noted that he and management staff continued to recommend a 2% COLA for 2014 as proposed in the budget to ensure that the City remained competitive with external markets, no matter what the decision made by the City Council on the compensation study results. Mr. Trudgeon advised that this 2% COLA was also anticipated as union settlements were finalized, which also provided more import for not providing more inequities between union and non-union employees. Mr. Trudgeon advised that he recognized perceptions and budget issues; however, he suggested that the City Council not lose sight of the bigger picture long-term.
Mr. Trudgeon advised that the proposed options provided all included part-time firefighters, even though they were not included in the compensation study. Mr. Trudgeon opined that it was his recommendation to include them and treat them as any other employee, without reverting to another external study; therefore he had lumped employees together, as he had gotten no sense of interest from the City Council in performing another study specific to firefighters.
Mr. Trudgeon referenced three options in the RCA (lines 68 – 103) for City Council consideration, and as further defined in lines 113 – 129; asking that the City Council give serious consideration to one of those options, and urging them to attempt resolution tonight or in the near future. Mr. Trudgeon noted that considerable amount of time taken to-date by the City Council and staff in resolving the issue; opining that some resolution would be greatly appreciated by all parties.
At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Mr. Trudgeon confirmed that his 2014 City Manager Recommended Budget had provided for the "Competitive Plan (lines 119-123). However, Mr. Trudgeon clarified that the numbers won't match comparable numbers in the past that did not include the previously segregated firefighter numbers, with them needing to be added into the equation in updated figures.
At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Mr. Trudgeon advised that Human Resources Manager Eldona Bacon currently and internally tracked and weekly reported to him open positions and reasons for those openings, number of applicants, and other information. Councilmember McGehee requested that the information be shared with Councilmembers as an annual summary as they made decisions on employee adjustments during the budget process.
Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of the Competitive Plan, as she had supported it from the beginning of these discussions.
At the request of Councilmember Etten, Ms. Bacon advised that annual merit pay allotments generally did get spent; and if she had previously led the City Council to believe they were not being used, apologized for that misconception. Ms. Bacon addressed the inconsistency portion, suggesting that if the merit pay was continued going forward, those inconsistencies (e.g. how dollars were utilized, varying personalities of supervisors and Department Heads) needed to be addressed.
Mr. Trudgeon clarified that it appears that approximately $30,000 was spent annually on the merit pay compensation program if fully implemented. However, Mr. Trudgeon advised that the number is actually much larger than $30,000, as the merit pay program was not being implemented to its fullest extent or as it was originally designed, primarily due to budgetary pressures.
At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Trudgeon clarified that the merit pay program was not automatic.
Some confusion was expressed by Councilmembers regarding anticipated spending in 2013, as well as future years; with some believing the proposed $30,000 reduction in merit pay was going to be used to offset costs of the compensation plan.
Councilmember Etten opined that if the merit pay program was going to continue to be used, a future large discussion was needed on how it was used and the training needed to implement it effectively. Councilmember Etten thanked Ms. Bacon for being very open about the inconsistencies; and questioned if information was readily available on how, when, or if the merit pay program was currently used.
While not being able to include a ten (10) year review for Councilmembers to reference, Ms. Bacon advised that it had been used, and costs for implementation range between $25,000 and $30,000. Ms. Bacon advised that the full amount had not yet been utilized this year. Ms. Bacon advised that each director is typically allotted a certain amount of dollars per department annually for those who may or may not qualify for merit pay. However, Ms. Bacon advised that directors usually waited until December to determine which employees were their "rising stars," with the supervisor then advising the Department Head, who advised her, and she advised the City Manager, who advised the Finance Director. Ms. Bacon advised that the rationale for directors to use that merit incentive were where the inconsistencies came in, with one Department Head possibly recommending one employee, and another recommendation not coming from another Department Head for the same type of achievement.
At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Mr. Trudgeon and Mr. Miller confirmed that, as noted on page 3 of the RCA, the City had a 1% COLA in 2012, and a 2% COLA in 2013.
Addressing the trend from January 1, 2012 to July of 2013, at 3%, Councilmember Willmus noted that this would track with CPI data from his personal research; and if the 3.26% increase went forward for 2014, it would actually put the City on par with inflation. Therefore, Councilmember Willmus questioned why the City would need to include another 2% increase for COLA.
Mayor Roe clarified that a different CPI number was shown in the RCA for 2013, approximately 3.6% from 2012 to 2013; and questioned staff if there was a basis for the number provided in the packet as opposed to the number referenced by Councilmember Willmus.
Finance Director Miller clarified that the 2013 figure provided by staff was based on current trending, and the local inflation index for Minneapolis/St. Paul over the first six (6) months of 2013, all extrapolated over that six (6) month period, and then two (2) times inflation for the first six (6) months with the assumption that would continue to track for the remainder of 2013.
Councilmember Willmus noted that his figure from January through July tracked with Mr. Miller's comments at 3.06%. Therefore, Councilmember Willmus suggested using the 2014 figure would allow the City to keep pace, but staff was advocating for 5.26% total.
Mr. Trudgeon clarified that the differential isn't over two (2) years, but over a period of ten (10) years; and roughly coincides with the original compensation study. Mr. Trudgeon advised that the big question was how to get caught up long-term.
Councilmember Willmus opined that, if using the CPI as the measuring stick, the City has kept pace.
Mayor Roe concurred that this was true in the very short-term, but not long-term over the ten (10) year period.
Ms. Bacon advised that the rationale in using the ten (10) year period was based on the previous compensation study ten (10) years ago that made the City achieve market rate; and using that as a starting point making the assumption that the City was at market rate, at which time the 97% and merit pay program was implemented; with it being that long ago that employee compensation was reviewed.
If looking at ten (10) years proved problematic, Councilmember Etten noted that while there was a difference, however, in some years the City exceeded the CPI, with differences occurring in 2011, but equaling out in 2012, but pulling apart in 2013. In recognizing that in 2009, the City exceeded the CPI, Councilmember Etten suggested that when salaries were frozen at that time, that was when the differentials occurred.
Mr. Trudgeon noted, based on that chart, that the City was tracking well over the years until the historic change in the economy, causing the City to freeze salaries, and then dropping even lower; with the rate of increase for the CPI going up much more during that time.
Ms. Bacon noted that both COLA and CPI made inflationary assumptions based on wages at market rate; but the compensation study indicated that they were not actually at market rate any longer; suggesting that was where the difference came in.
Councilmember Laliberte expressed her understanding of what Ms. Bacon had explained and the differences. However, Councilmember Laliberte advised that where she became lost in the discussion was the study itself; stating that over the last few months, she had lost confidence in the study. While able to have the historical discussion, acknowledge the CIP and other assumptions, Councilmember Laliberte opined that when those discussions and assumptions were based on the study it had lost its truth for her, making it hard for her to base future decisions on this particular study.
Mayor Roe asked Councilmember Laliberte to share her specific concerns or problem areas with the study.
Councilmember Laliberte stated that, over the course of previous discussions and things that were or were not included in the study, it had become unclear to her what was actually involved in the study; noting that there always appeared to be differing opinions of peer cities, with no one able to get past that. When reviewing the actual numbers, Councilmember Laliberte opined that the City wasn't necessarily off, but the study didn't provide any data on whether or not or why people may be leaving. While having the historical information available and attempting to keep pace with inflation made sense to her, Councilmember Laliberte noted that two (2) of the three (3) options proposed by staff included keeping the merit pay system in place, with one (1) option proposed to keep it even though history indicates that it isn't a consistent system. Councilmember Laliberte stated that she needed to feel confident that staff was sufficiently trained to implement such a merit program correctly before she could consider that as an option.
Mayor Roe opined that it was a valid question as to why two (2) of the options proposed kept the merit pay system in place while one (1) did not.
Mr. Trudgeon advised that it went back to the compensation study, and if understanding the thought, if an option was proposed that was not at 100% average of peer communities, there should be something in place to provide for the City's star performers. Mr. Trudgeon agreed wholeheartedly that it needed modification, and suggested that if that was what was holding up a decision on the compensation option, it be put in a separate place to work with existing staff and resurrect that to achieve agreement. Mr. Trudgeon noted that a uniform application, with buy-in and a comfort level for all members of the City Council was reasonable. Mr. Trudgeon advised that staff's rationale for including the merit pay system in the options was due to not reaching a 100% competitive option; however, if 100% was reached, there was no reason to include the merit pay system component.
Councilmember Laliberte opined that there was a reason for including or not including merit pay; in theory and in practice; with Department Heads fully aware of and knowledgeable of the merit pay system and whether or not they're supportive of it or not. Councilmember Laliberte suggested that the discussion was back to two (2) different decisions: policy and implementation.
Mayor Roe suggested that the merit pay portion should be separated from that discussion.
Councilmember Laliberte concurred, opining that it should be excluded from both conversations.
Mayor Roe recognized the need for a decision on a policy; however, he expressed his interest in returning to a discussion of the study itself, and concerns of individual Councilmembers with that study, whether those concerns are shared across the body or not.
Councilmember Etten advised that he could support the CPI approach; and while understanding there were enough questions with the study to cause some concern; he opined that the Springsted presenter didn't understand the City's compensation system sufficiently; and everyone needed to get back to the big picture for compensating employees, including healthcare and other pieces of the puzzle. Reiterating his support of the CPI approach, Councilmember Etten opined that this removed some of those questions from the process and outside the process.
At the request of Mayor Roe, Councilmember Etten clarified that he would support the CPI approach for implementation as well as a policy going forward.
Councilmember McGehee stated that she supported the CPI approach for compensation and going forward, she would support splitting the merit pay discussion from the compensation study. Councilmember McGehee stated that the reason she was supportive of the Competitive Plan option as outlined in the RCA was because it was more in line with the CPI and what had been denied in past years. Councilmember McGehee opined that the merit pay as described by Ms. Bacon and how implemented, or how slow employee reviews can be, served as an important piece. Councilmember McGehee further opined that, if the City decided to have a merit pay piece, she would prefer the HR and Administration/Finance Department to develop a draft policy to make it fair and even organization-wide. Councilmember McGehee stated that she was happy to separate this out and approve the CPI model going forward to achieve the same market rate as done ten (10) years ago; and then to separately work on the merit pay system.
Councilmember Willmus advised that he could support the CPI approach, as he'd discussed with staff for some time; expressing his appreciation for seeing the information presented in such detail.
Councilmember Laliberte concurred with the value in the detailed presentation.
Councilmember Willmus opined that both Councilmembers Laliberte and McGehee had raised good issues; with further refinement indicated in carrying forward the merit pay practice; further opining that that portion of the discussion be set aside from this portion.
Mayor Roe summarized Council consensus that the merit pay system needed to be looked at on the staff level and brought back for City Council consideration before going forward. Mayor Roe further summarized that the CPI basis had support of the City Council majority in moving forward as a policy as well as for implementation.
Council consensus supported that summary.
Mayor Roe suggested banking that consensus and building from it.
Mayor Roe clarified that a determination was needed as to what CPI basis was used and when done for implementation. Based on his personal analysis of CPI data, Mayor Roe stated that it verified the study results, and gaps when the City had not kept pace with the CPI, while recognizing that some of the gap may be a result of specific conditions having fallen through over the years.
Mayor Roe sought consensus of the body on what CPI basis to use for 2014, or the preference was to implement it earlier than 2014.
At the request of Councilmember Etten, Mr. Trudgeon confirmed that if implemented immediately, cash reserves would be utilized to do so.
At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Councilmember Etten clarified that the gap for the "Moderately Competitive" option was at 3.26%.
Councilmember Willmus opined that, when looking at the full ten (10) years, percentages needed to be used, which he interpreted at 2.6% behind if implemented versus the 5.26% creating a scenario ahead of where it was needed to be. Councilmember Willmus cautioned how things were applied.
Councilmember Etten noted that the 3.26% would bring the City back into the expected CPI in 2013, if immediate movement were made in that direction, with the additional 2% putting the City back in the marketplace.
At the request of Mayor Roe, Councilmember Etten spoke in support of immediate implementation and a policy going forward.
With concurrence by City Attorney Mark Gaughan, Mayor Roe suggested taking the actions in separate steps.
Policy Going Forward
Etten moved, McGehee seconded, basing the employee compensation policy on the CPI with an annual review; and directing staff to bring a written policy forward to the City Council for review and future adoption.
After further discussion, Councilmember Willmus opined that the City Council didn't need to draft a policy on the fly, but simply needed to commit whether or not that was the direction they wanted to go; and then provide clear direction to staff as to whether compensation should be adjusted immediately in 2013 or moving forward in 2014.
At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Mayor Roe confirmed that this eliminated his previous draft policy in its entirety.
McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, to accept the "Moderately Competitive Plan" as detailed in lines 113 – 117 of the RCA; providing implementation of a 3.26% adjustment, to be implemented effective January 1, 2014 at the next pay period; and to reclassify eight (8) positions as previously indicated; and including part-time firefighters in the plan.
Councilmember Etten spoke in support of an immediate increase, noting the eight (8) identified job classifications that were so far behind; and to effectively show those employees that the City Council understood the situation. Councilmember Etten opined that it was pretty clear in those few areas that the City was well out of line with averages, and would serve to send a clear signal to staff.
Mr. Trudgeon confirmed the language of the motion and City Council intent to adjust salaries at 3.26% for all non-union employees, including part-time firefighters to be implemented immediately, and to adjust the previously identified eight (8) positions for supplemental adjustment.
Mayor Roe concurred that this was the intent of the motion.
On behalf of the City's employees, Interim City Manager Trudgeon thanked the City Council for their unanimous support for this action.
COLA for 2014
Mayor Roe suggested that this item could be taken up during budget discussions and deliberations.
Laliberte moved, Willmus seconded, to consider 2% COLA as part of the broader 2014 budget discussions.
While part of him wanted to get it accomplished now, Councilmember Etten expressed confidence that it would be accomplished eventually.
Mr. Trudgeon opined that it made sense to consider it as part of the budget process.
Merit Pay
McGehee moved, Laliberte seconded, directing staff to work on the preparation of a policy and procedure for merit pay distribution that staff can demonstrate as being equitable and enforceable; with part of that analysis whether or not staff wants to continue or discontinue the program and rationale for their recommendation.
Councilmember Willmus requested that staff provide the preliminary budget information on the finance page of the City's website as soon as possible.
For the benefit of the public, Mayor Roe clarified that anticipated discussion of organized collection was not to make a decision, but to respond to a 2012 request from the PWETC for direction. Interim City Manager Trudgeon advised that, should the City Council choose to move forward with organized collection, staff was prepared to provide recent changes in legislation related to organized collection.
Mayor Roe expressed the City's best wishes to former Roseville City Engineer Deb Bloom in her new employ with the City of St. Louis Park, MN; and thanked her for her positive work with the City of Roseville and its residents over the last fifteen (15) years.


Well done! You have reached our Bodyboarding level 2.
At this stage, you are comfortable with all the basics both theoretical and practical in the water.
Tricks, confidence, more tricks, perfect technique.
With the strong foundations you have built we will now focus on teaching you advanced tricks, perfecting your technique and working on your physical fitness so you can do more!
Our Bodyboarding Level 1 lesson is the best way to learn the sport.
We will share important theoretical information about bodyboarding, about the sea and all the security measures so you are fully aware and prepared.
Bodyboarding is a great sport to learn if you like swimming and the ocean.
It's a great activity to do whether you are alone, with your family or a group of friends.
Since when I was a little girl I'm in love with water.
I was very young and loved to swim in the pool of my grandmother, in Ericeira, where I spent all my holidays. At the beach it was the same. I always liked to swim far away and where there were surfers or bodyboarders I would meet them.
With 10 years my parents decided to enroll me in swimming, because they realized that the water would be my habitat.
When I was 16 my family moved from Oeiras to Parede and had to leave the pool where I used to swim. Discontent I had never competed in swimming and the fact that I had to move I tried another sport connected with water and preferably with nature.
There was already a bodyboarder in the family that called my attention to this sport, but I was a small girl I thought it was not a sport for me.
The feeling of my first wave was something unbelievable. So much that my only thought was ... "No doubt I'll do this sport forever".
That same winter I decided to buy all the material. Sad was when I went to a surfshop at Carcavelos and they told me to grow a little bit more because there was no wetsuit really fitted me.
What was in the market was a Rebel Wave board, size 40 inches, and fins Redley XS. To have an idea, I now use a board with at least 5 inches.
But wasn't the lack of material that would make me stop dreaming about being a bodyboarder.
With 19 years old I decided to study physical education, not yet with the idea of being a teacher, but to learn to be an athlete.
Since then began my life as a bodyboarder and 18 years later I'm still doing what I like most in life. Besides being competing I'm also involved in huge projects related to this modality.
The very next year after acquiring all the stuff I started competing at a national level, the Open Circuit and grooms. Was 1995 and I was 18 years.
The experience was great, but in almost all the championships I lost.
However at the end of the year, as I got into the university, I ended up having more time to dedicate myself to bodyboard and I ended up spending a whole year on the beach to train and evolve enough.
My first victory was in a small regional event at Carcavelos, in 1995.
In 1997 I participated in my 1st race of the World Tour, in Sintra. In 1998 I made my 1st trip far from home, and went to compete in the most mythical of the stages of the World Tour, at Pipeline, Hawaii.
In 2000 I ran for the 1st time the World Tour in full and managed to finish 16th place which I consider excellent.
From that year until 2005 due to lack of support and be finishing college, I could not make the World Circuit completely, but always participated in the tests of Sintra Hawaii.
In 2005 I returned to the circuit and since then couldn't managed to get out ... My 1st major victory in the World, was at home (surf in Praia Grande for over 13 years) in 2009. Victory that earned me the realization of a dream I had since I started making bodyboard.
Bodyboard lessons have emerged as a logical extension of the events Boogie Chicks.
In 2004 I decided to organize the 1st Boogie Chicks Event (a weekend of initiation and development of bodyboarding exclusively for girls) and immediately I felt something was missing to the girls, since the event is only two days a year.
Was during my studies on the degree in Physical Education that I decided it was time to work on what he liked.
In May 2005 inaugurated the 1st Bodyboard School only for girls and still today continue to convey the charm that Bodyboard can provide.


text:
Q: microsoft access Field must be blank or have a value that is a specific length I have a field on a form and I need the user to leave it blank or enter a value that is a specific length (20 characters).  Does anyone have code that may solve this need?
I have tried:
(Len([SIM / ENGRV]) = 20) or (isnull([SIM / ENGRV])) or ([SIM / ENGRV]="")

A: I assume the control (field) name in the form is Text1.
So you can use this code in the before update event .
Of course, the code can be much shorter,
But I think that's the clearest way to understand the logic.
Private Sub Text1_BeforeUpdate(Cancel As Integer)
Dim varTmp As Variant
   ' first check if [ENGRV] > 0 to avoid devision by zero error
If Not IsNumeric([ENGRV]) And [ENGRV] = 0 Then
  Text1.Undo
  Cancel = True
Else
' now avoid [SIM] is null error
    If Nz([SIM], "") = "" Then
        Text1.Undo
        Cancel = True
    Else
       varTmp = [SIM] / [ENGRV]
      ' now we know that varTmp is somthing and not empty then check the length
         If Len(Trim(str(varTmp))) <= 20 Then
            Text1.Undo
            Cancel = True
         End If
    End If
End If

End Sub

A: You can do that at the table level. Set the Validation Rule of the field to:
Len([SIM / ENGRV])=20 Or [SIM / ENGRV] Is Null

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


LOOT - Exchange Rate (Last 3 Days) Graph is not available for now.
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text:
- Different ways of implementing the Separation of Concerns (SoC) principle
- Improve the maintainability
- Improve the testability
- Reduce the complexity
- UI Code clean and manageable.
- They try to resolve issues related with
    - State / data: The current information and values of your application. The bigger the state is, the complexity of the application increases.
    - Logic: The necessary code to handle the user actions.
    - State/View Synchronization: Usually latest data has to be presented to the User and therefore, UI needs to be periodically synchronized with business objects (Models).

## Diagrams

### Clasification

![MVW Clasification Diagram](http://goo.gl/mWUfms)

# MVC - Model, View, Controller (Traditional / SmallTalk)

## Concepts

- A combination of patterns: observer, composite, and strategy
- Request first comes to the controller
- Controllers bind models with views
- Controllers uses the strategy pattern to get a view
- Controllers modifies the models
- Logic is stored in the controllers
- Views listen to models changes and refresh accordingly
- Views only read data from models (when they are notified)
- A View can contain child views

## Diagrams

### Interactions
![MVC Traditional Interactions Diagram](https://goo.gl/MthQ00)

### Sequence
![MVC Sequence Diagram](https://goo.gl/aDQbmG)

## Roles

- Models: They manage the data for an application. They encapsulate the business tier. When a model changes (e.g when it is updated), it will typically notify its observers (e.g views) that a change has occurred so that they may react accordingly. Views use their data to display it.
- Views: They display data to user. They are the visual representation of models. The presentation tier is handled by the View. It should be simple and free of business logic implementation. View invokes methods on Controller depending on user actions. They monitor the models for any state change and refresh accordingly. Model and View interact with each other using the Observer pattern.
- Controllers: Everything starts in the controller. It uses the strategy pattern to get a View. They bind Views with Models. Views uses them to handle user actions and they usually end up updating the Model.

## Implementations

- [Maria](http://peter.michaux.ca/maria/)

# MVC - Model, View, Controller (Web / JSP Model2 [Java])

## Concepts

- All requests go to a Front Controller, which in turn figures out the appropriate Controller depending on the structure of the incoming request.
- A method of the matched Controller is executed and this eventually modifies the Model and instantiates a View with certain data.
- The Controller invoked method could also render a View which will fire actions that will be catched by the Front Controller, starting again the whole cycle.

## Diagrams

### Interactions
![MVC Web Interactions Diagram](https://goo.gl/dMZXGc)

### Sequence
![MVC Web Sequence Diagram](https://goo.gl/Mlv2nx)

# MVP - Model, View, Presenter

## Concepts

- It attempts to clarify the boundaries between the Model, View, and the code that connects them (in MVC, this is the Controller, in MVP, this
is known as the Presenter).
- In MVC the Controller mediates between Model and the View, it doesn't update the latest directly.
- All communication between the Model and View must go through the Presenter (In MVC, a View can be updated based on changes made in the Model directly - the View is not as passive).
- The Presenter contains all the logic to handle user actions (UI events).
- The View exposes a contract through which the Presenter interacts with the it.
- When users interact with the view, the view invokes a method on the presenter and the presenter performs the required task on the Model and then updates the View using the contract.
- The presenter requires the corresponding view, and a model
- When the presenter gets the model, it updates the view using the exposed contract
- The presenter will register handlers in the view for any UI events that require some logic.

## Diagrams

### Sequence
![MVP Sequence Diagram](https://goo.gl/NQpKSI)

## Implementations

- [Backbone](https://goo.gl/gFWB7m)
- [Blog Post](http://goo.gl/2QPzui)

### Passive View

#### Concepts

- View is completely isolated from the model.
- The view is really passive, light weight.
- All logic of UI is stored in presenter.
- Presenter is aware of the view.
- View could or not (using events) be awared of the presenter.

#### Diagrams

##### Interactions
![MVP Passive View Interactions Diagram](https://goo.gl/TJyUVw)

### Supervising Controller/Presenter

#### Concepts

- View knows about the model.
- The View is active, it interacts directly with the Model without the intervention of the Presenter.
- The presenter is responsible for updating the model. It manipulates the view only if needed (complex logic).
- Presenter owns only the complex presentation logic.
- Presenter is aware of the view.
- View could or not (using events) be awared of the presenter.
- The Presenter listens to View changes and updates the Model accordingly.

#### Diagrams

##### Interactions
![MVP Supervising Controller Interactions Diagram](https://goo.gl/TB8dj9)

# MVVM - Model, View, View Model (Variation of PM - Presentation Model)

## Concepts

- Like MVP, it aims to completely separate the Model and View from communicating directly with each other.
- The View itself can be replaced with something much simpler and connected
(or bound) to the ViewModel via HTML5 data- attributes.
- The View is active and contains behaviors, events and data binding information.
- The View is not responsible for managing the state information, that is a task of the ViewModel.
- The viewmodel is responsible for presentation separation and exposes methods and commands to manage the state of a view and manipulate the model.
- The bi-directional databinding or the two way databinding between the View and the ViewModel ensures that the models and properties in the Viewmodel are in sync with the View.
- It allows the creation of View-specific subsets of a Model which can contain state and logic information, avoiding the need to expose the entire Model to a View.
- Unlike MVP's Presenter, a ViewModel is not required to reference a View. The View can bind to properties on the ViewModel which in turn expose data contained in Models to the View.

## Diagrams

### Interactions
![MVVM Interactions Diagram](https://goo.gl/RULT7N)

## Roles

- Models: As with other members of the MV* family, the Model in MVVM represents domain-specific data or information that our application will be working with, or in other words, the business logic layer of the application.
- Views: It only contains the UI elements. The interaction between view and ViewModel happens using data binding.
- View Models: It encapsulates presentation logic and data for the view.  ViewModel contains the state of the view and they communicate through data binding.

## Implementations

- [Knockout](http://knockoutjs.com/)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Every racer needs a grade so that they ride among other racers of similar abilities. That's the best way to ride safely and avoid trouble.
You may need three different gradings: a club grade, an open grade for road races and perhaps an open grading for track. Let's deal with the club grading first.
This is only relevant for club racing, like club criteriums. Every racer at club events, regardless of which club they belong to, needs to be assigned a club grade by the host club. That's the only grade they are permitted to race in at that club's events – including restricted open events. It's not unusual for riders to have different grades at different clubs. The club handicapper is familiar with the skills and experience of riders within each grade and will sort you accordingly. It's not just about your abilities but about the other racers in that grade.
It's a good idea to have your grade sorted before you turn up to register. Since different grades have different start times, you might otherwise have to wait around for your grade to start, or worse you could miss the start of your grade's race.
Some people have the attitude that they should start out in a grade below their ability. That way they have a chance of winning right from their very first race. That's just plain wrong. It really isn't safe to have someone with no experience competing in the final sprint. You won't learn anything by beating weaker riders, and that's a pretty shallow victory. We believe that it's best to ride in the grade that properly matches your abilities – where you'll be able to stay with the group, learn from other riders and eventually make your way onto the podium.
Some personal details: Gender, age, height and weight.
Experience: How long have you been riding? What groups do you ride with?
Do you have friends who race with us (names please) and how do you rank yourself alongside them?
Other relevant factors, like are you a gun triathlete?
You can apply for a handicap by completing the application, including relevant information mentioned above.
A rider's open grading is assigned by Cycling Queensland and is used for competing in open events from the Cycling Queensland calendar, like the Anzac 25, Sizzling Summer Series or the Cunningham Classic. It's also a requirement to have an open grade to race in handicap races like the Lifecycle Classic.
There is an application form on the CQ website which needs to be completed, signed off by your club and submitted to CQ. Your open grade could be different to your club grade.
Again, this is assigned by Cycling Queensland. There is an application form on the CQ website which needs to be completed, signed off by your club and submitted to CQ. Your open grade could be different to your club grade.


Talkapedia: Do We Really Want All Stars?
I once read a book that was part of a series, but each book focused on a different couple, so in theory, should have been fine. And yes, I have talked about how I think good series stand up to entry just about anywhere, but one's where the central characters change each time should still be the easiest to jump into.
For the most part the book was enjoyable. But there were a ton of scenes that had no bearing on the current plot and it became clear to me that these were full of inside jokes and reunions between characters from prior books. And sure, I could appreciate that those might be amazing fun for long time series readers, but I found myself bored. I didn't know these characters well enough to care what they thought about the current book's couple, and they were not introduced enough for me to learn to care in this book.
And given I heard tell recently that the All Stars edition of "Dancing With the Stars" (which I do not watch, FYI) and while I don't know the ratings from the most recent "Project Runway" all stars but I know that I, super fan, did not watch, I began to wonder. I think All Stars is the kind of thing fans think they want. Certainly people clamor for more books about favorite characters, and appear to get excited for All Star type editions, but in the end, people placed in situations they've been in before often react similarly. Especially since, for some of the "Top Chef" contestants in the all season competition had barely had time to watch all their episodes before heading right back. So, in the sense of having someone return who might have had an unusual setback in their competition, sure, why not give them a second chance. But seeing people produce more of the same stuff, or use the same strategies they did before, well, in the end it's not that interesting. So, maybe we shouldn't get what we think we want in these scenarios. Or wait. Did we say we wanted this?


text:
Home Toys & Games Arcade & Rec Room
The Street Fighter Cocktail Arcade Table
This is the Street Fighter arcade cocktail table inspired by the cabinets played at pizza parlors and malls since the 1980s.
In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment.
This is the Street Fighter arcade cocktail table inspired by the cabinets played at pizza parlors and malls since the 1980s. The console provides the same gameplay, graphics, and classic sound that helped establish Capcom's Street Fighter as one of the most popular sideways fighting video games of all-time. For the table's three Steet Fighter II titles, it is the first head-to-head table to allow two players to fight across from each other on the same unit. The 17" full-color LCD screen, joystick, and buttons let you block, punch, and kick your way to victory. Includes Street Fighter II, Street Fighter II: Turbo, Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, Commando, Final Fight, Ghosts N' Goblins, Strider, 1944: Loop Master, Street Fighter II: Championship Edition, Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers, and Super Street Fighter II: Turbo.. Plugs into AC. 25" H x 35" W x 23" D. (65 lbs.)
Ships to physical street addresses within the Contiguous US and Canada. Excludes APO/FPO and PO Boxes. No expedited shipping available – ships via standard shipping.
The Atari Home Arcade
The 9' Wooden Shuffleboard Table
The Foldaway Air Hockey Table
The Genuine Whac-A-Mole Arcade Game
The Atari Star Wars Home Arcade
The Glowing Foosball Table


Exotic, tattooed looks, a supermodel girlfriend and an incredible voice: if anybody has nailed the trifecta for bad-boy pin-up status in 2016 it's former One Direction crooner Malik.
Cate Blanchett praises her Carol co-star as "profoundly self-contained." Rooney says for her, acting comes easily: "I've always been a very sensitive person," she told Elle in February. "My emotions kind of live all over my body at all times, and there's not a good way for me to hide it."
Her beauty icon is Keira Knightley ("I love her") and the Cinderella actress, 27, is from the same mould: she is a classic dark English rose with knife-edge bone structure, beyond-creamy skin and an innate elegance that mixes contemporary style with old-school class.
All amber glow and chocolate eyes, the Oscar winner, 27, is anything but a classic Swedish sculpture: "Here I go," she said. "Exploding stereotypes."
When Shaik started working in Melbourne as a teen, the 25-year-old saw little dark skin on Australian TV or magazine covers. "I get asked all the time about who inspired me growing up and I can't give one name," explained Shaik, whose heritage is Pakistani and Saudi Arabian. "I never saw anyone who related to me. Things are slowly starting to change."


text:
Q: Sending a long string to the web service c# ASP.Net I have a long Xml file and I did convert it to string so that I can send it to the web service but it is taking to long to process when i send the string,
the string length in total is 1713117 and the the Xml file it self is 1.31 MB. is taking 1 minute to process.
any Idea of what i can do to make it a bit faster? I' m using ASP.Net c#

A: Use zip methods, gzip, icsharpcode. Zip before and unzip then.


text:
Ali Zanders|December 9, 2020
As we all know, live theatre has been on hold since March due to the pandemic. But that isn't stopping the VHS Spotlight Players from producing a fall production!
Of course, this year, it looks a little different. Well, actually, it doesn't look like anything at all. This week they are presenting their first ever radio drama.
What is a radio drama? Before television, the main source of news and entertainment were radios. On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on Air presented their radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds, a novel written by H.G. Wells about Martians invading Earth. The show is set up as a normal news broadcast, and was so realistic that it actually caused nationwide panic.
The cast includes (in order of appearance) Audrey Ng, Emily Wynne, Grace McMahan, Jack McHugh, Faith Brolly, Griffin Willner, Maria Serra, Maddie Suk, Aaron Richards, Fiona Church, Sarah Wynne, Sophia Greco, James Shorten, Amanda Visone, Leila Brolly, Anthony Ostermayer, Caity Eng, Sophia Nunez, and Ali Zanders. Notable crew members include Daphne Glatter as stage manager, Stephanie Zimany and Buster Shick as assistant stage managers, and Cailan Compierchio as assistant director. Other crew members include Alyssa Abello, Krystal Costa, Colvin Kramer, Nolani Lloyd, Jimmy McHugh, Alexia Popolizio, Carly Renna, Nadine Sharabi, Maura Shea, Nixon Shick, Liv Tedesco, and Ceili VanDerzee.
Rehearsals took place over Google Meet nearly every weekday for a month, and final recordings were submitted last week. The show streams on December 10, 11, and 12 at 7:30pm with a 2:00 matinee on the Dec. 12 on Broadway On Demand. You can use this link to learn more about streaming and purchasing a ticket:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13TEIUmfvpaWsQUEoJL7Ez7M33hmQcWUSdc-h6hkJvXc/edit
The entire team is so excited to share their hard work with you and are very thankful for being able to put on a production despite all of the challenges that are being faced. The Spotlight Players extend a huge thank you to Mr. Munoz for putting this together and making theatre possible even in the pandemic! Updates on the spring production are soon to come.
Don't forget to tune in December 10, 11, and 12 at 7:30pm and/or Dec. 12th at 2:00pm to stream The War of the Worlds presented by the VHS Spotlight Players.


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See Plymouth Rock Assurance Hourly Pay, Plymouth Rock Assurance Bonuses, or check out salaries for Plymouth Rock Assurance Internship or Plymouth Rock Assurance Contractor.