| Friday, January 27, 2012 | Opelika, Alabama |
Vol. 4, No. 14 |
Is Opelika in a dangerous debt situation?
by the Opelika Observer staff
In December, the Opelika City Council voted to approve the issuance of around $62.56 million in new warrants, earmarked for the Opelika High School renovation and reconstruction project ($38.93 million), various city road projects including the widening of Frederick Road ($19.45 million) and the rest going to help pay down other outstanding warrants (around $4.19 million).
New debt issuance, in light of the debt problems currently facing Jefferson County and other municipalities, could cause unease, but is Opelika at risk of overburdening itself with debt?
Historically, cities and counties in Alabama were originally not authorized to issue debt except bonds whose issuance had to be approved by vote of the citizenry. However, the Alabama legislature saw fit to create a new way for these municipalities to issue debt for projects, allowing the issuance of warrants which can be approved by elected officials (council members in Opelika's case). The city of Opelika hasn't issued a bond in several decades, opting for the leglisatively-approved warrant issues instead.
Figures provided to the Opelika Observer from the Opelika Controller's office show approximately $152.14 million in debt spread across 14 warrant issues from the city, dating back to 2003.
The latest issuance, the $62.56 million 2011 warrant issue (largest in city history), accounts for almost 41 percent of the current warrant debt load.
Other larger outstanding warrants include the 2011 Revenue Warrants issued for upgrades to the Opelika Power Services network, including the fiber optic system and SmartGrid projects (almost $28.3 million; around 19 percent of total warrant debt); and the 2007 Sportsplex Warrants ($27.15 million; almost 18 percent of total warrant debt).
Other warrants include two sets of general obligation sewer warrants from 2003 and 2010 (totaling around $9.6 million together), two other general obligation warrants from 2003 and 2010 (around $7.7 million), four other 2010 warrant issues, including warrants issued for the forthcoming cable system to be offered by the city (around $11 million total) and a 2004 School Warrant issued for renovations and repairs to Opelika Middle School (almost $5.77 million).
Most of the funds to satisfy payments on these warrants come from general fund revenues.
The revenue warrants used to upgrade Opelika Power Services come from the Power Services fund, the sewer warrants are paid down from sewer fund revenues, the 2004 School Warrants are paid down by Opelika's $16 million property tax and the $62.56 million issuance will use the recent one percent sales tax increase as the source for most of its payment funds.
On its seven warrant issues that do draw from Opelika's General Fund, the city will make approximately $5.88 million in payments this year, a 14.3 percent debt to revenue percentage with the city's general fund revenue. Alabama state law requires that no city accumulate a debt to revenue percentage higher than 20 percent.
The debt to revenue percentage is the required annual payment compared to the revenue stream from which it will be taken, and is not the traditional debt to asset ratio individuals commonly use.‘Accredited’
Opelika City Schools receives passing oral recommendation from accreditation committee
by the Opelika Observer staff
The Opelika city school system has received “Accredited' status, based on an oral recommendation of the district presented to Opelika school board members and staff during Wednesday's school board meeting.
Quality assurance review team leader Lydia Hodges told Superintendent Mark Neighbors and the Opelika school board, during their two days of interviews, her team spoke to 131 people involved in the system, including the five board members, 29 teachers and 41 students.
The system was rated across seven standards assessed by the review team, with Opelika meeting “Operational” status in six of the seven standards. The system received “Highly Functional” status in the “Stakeholder Communications and Relationships” standard.
Hodges told school officials if even one standard had been given the lesser “Emerging” status, the system's accreditation status would have been awarded pending further review.
Hodges said the written format of her team's review would hopefully be sent to the school system within a thirty day period.
The team offered Opelika City Schools several commendations, saying the system had been “successful in initiating strategies to engage stakeholders in school activities and the education of their child(ren)” and praised system Central office administrators for “spending a part of their work day in schools to support teachers and students in a collaborative effort to improve student achievement.”
The accreditation team did leave the system with several required actions, asking the school system to develop and implement a written systematic formal framework for “Continuous Improvement,” as well as developing a “three to five year system continuous improvement plan.”
During the rest of the school board meeting, members voted to consider several personnel recommendations, including the resignation of OLC history teacher SaJason Finley. Finley was asked to join departing Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn's staff at Arkansas State, helping with strength coaching.
“We're all so proud for him,” Superintendent Mark Neighbors said. “We hope for the best for him, and hate to lose him.”
The board also voted to approve a budget amendment to the fiscal year 2012 budget. The amendment reflected adjusted numbers from state and other revenue sources, as well as additional expenditures that have been added to the budget.
Neighbors cited the replacement and repair of the light poles in Bulldog Stadium as one such unforeseen expenditure.
“The lights project was an unexpected project,” Neighbors said. “... We didn't anticipate having to do this for many years.” |
Photo by Robert Noles |
| Members of Fred Davis’ family gather for the planting of the memorial tree in his honor. |
Remembering Fred Davis
by the Opelika Observer staff
Opelika policeman, soldier, father, friend, patriot, accomplished supply manager/logistician, former post commander of the Nolen, Smith, Kirkland Post 152 of the American Legion at Pepperell. All these titles and more were recalled about the 22-year veteran of the Opelika Police Department, Fred R. Davis, who passed away late last year.
Fred was memorialized with recollections from a number of people who had been blessed by knowing him, including current American Legion Post Commander and long-time friend Carey (Rock) Daughtry, fellow police veteran Dan Davis, Opelika mayor Gary Fuller and John Arlington Davis, a grandson about whom more will be said later.
A Japanese maple tree was planted in Fred's honor on the campus of the City of Opelika Utilities off of Jeter Street in East Opelika.
Several of the speakers referenced Davis' 37-year career in the Alabama National Guard where he was widely-known for his expertise in supply and logistics. Fred retired as a Sergeant-Major, the highest noncommissioned officer rank in the army. According to Dan Davis, one general even credited Fred with getting him his first star, saying, “Fred did such a good job and the higher-ups just thought I was responsible.”
Daughtry said Davis spent a life-time in service to others, in a Christ-like manner and that he was the epitome of what leadership means. Mayor Fuller related Davis' commitment to retired city employees and gave several examples of his persuasiveness in their behalf.
Several speakers mentioned the Davis sense of humor but it was left to the aforementioned grandson to illustrate. Just as the proceedings seemed on the verge of becoming too serious, young Master John Arlington Davis asked his father if he could speak. Receiving the okay, John Arlington told about a family gathering where his aunt, Fred's oldest daughter Wanda Barnes, and Fred had laid in a quantity of balloons, to be filled with water and used to liven up the family gathering. John wanted to help his grandfather and Fred tricked him into holding an untied filled balloon and dousing the young man with water. John Arlington related how he turned the tables on Fred and paid him back with interest. Sounds like the apple didn't fall very far from the tree.
Opelika Planning Commission action means retailer Gander Mountain may soon be on its way to Opelika
by Greg Markley
Political Writer
Gander Mountain, a retail chain of 119 stores with the slogan “We Live Outdoors” had its plans for expansion advanced Tuesday when the Opelika Planning Commission granted conditional use for it to construct a facility near TigerTown.
The 52,000 square feet store would be located on a 5.4 acre site close to Lowe's and Microtel Hotel and Suites. The outdoor recreational goods and services store would be at the 1700 block of Frederick Road. It would be the second Gander Mountain in Alabama, following one in Huntsville. The company has stores in 23 states.
“The 2010 (traffic impact) study recommended several intersection and corridor improvements in the vicinity, most notably the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Frederick Road and the easternmost Lowe's access drive,” said City Engineer Doc Dorsey about earlier research linked to the possibility of a 14-screen movie theater nearby.
He said the traffic study was updated as a result of the timing of the conditional use request. This recent study determined that the in-place intersection traffic control and access corridors “were sufficient to accommodate traffic to and from the subject parcel without any improvements at this time.”
In other action, the OPC sent to the City Council with a positive recommendation a request for rezoning from residential to institutional land of the Lee County Youth Development Center. The center wants to enlarge the site off Grand National Parkway to include space for two more teenagers. After concerns were voiced from landowners the commissioners recommended rezoning only three acres, less than ¼ of the original proposal.
“I think I'm better protected with R2 (residential) zoning,” said Bertrand Anz, M.D., who owns land at the site. Anz did not object to the LCYDC group home; he suggested a variance instead of the rezoning. But Jerry Kelley, Opelika planning director, noted: “You cannot grant a variance for land use, so that's out of the question.”
Mike Speakman, an Auburn attorney who owns land in the area, said he was worried that some future commission, city council, and mayor, perhaps in 10 years, would not be as careful as the current officials. He said rezoning the entire 11 acres might invite unwelcome changes.
In other activity, the commission…
Re-elected Keith Pridgen as chairman and Lewis Cherry as vice chairman. Their new terms are for one year.
Granted conditional use approval for an expansion of an auto repair business at 3601 Pepperel Parkway.
A building will be constructed in the rear yard, for use as an automobile “paint booth,” according to property owner Joan King.
Gave preliminary and final approval for two lots in Rowell-Shady Grove subdivision for applicants Willie and Andriette Rowell, U.S. Highway 29 North. Also approved three lots for Opelika Marketplace subdivision owned by Jim Parker Family Properties, at Frederick Road.
Additional Recipes from Ann Cipperly's Southern Hospitality
See the newspaper for the complete story, "Twentieth Century Study Club going strong after 91 years", and more recipes.
Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com
Cherry Limeade Cupcakes
Beth Brewer
3 cups cake flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. limeade concentrate
3 eggs
¾ cup milk (I used 1%)
Lime Syrup:
¾ cup limeade concentrate
½ cup confectioners' sugar
Frosting:
3¾ cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
½ cup butter, softened
4 Tbsp. (or more) maraschino cherry juice
Red food coloring (optional)
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two muffin pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl combine cake flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir together and set aside. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth. Add sugar and beat on medium-high speed until creamed. Add in limeade concentrate and mix to incorporate. Add eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl between additions. Add flour mixture in thirds, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix ingredients just long enough to incorporate but no longer.
Divide batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in pans for 5-10 minutes; remove to a wire rack over wax paper to cool.
Once cupcakes have cooled, whisk together limeade concentrate and confectioners' sugar in a small bowl to make the lime syrup. Poke several holes in the top of each cupcake with a skewer and pour syrup over cupcakes, allowing it to soak in.
For frosting, combine confectioners' sugar, butter and cherry juice in bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low speed until sugar is incorporated; increase to medium-high speed and beat until smooth. Add more cherry juice as needed to achieve desired texture. Add red food coloring, if desired.
Frost cooled cupcakes. Garnish with lime slices and maraschino cherries, if desired. Makes 24.
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Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes
Beth Brewer
3 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine (Ghirardelli 60% Cacao)
1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa (Hershey's Special Dark)
3/4 cup hot, strong brewed coffee
3/4 cup bread flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
6 Tbsp. canola oil (1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp.)
2 large eggs
2 tsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Ganache:
2 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine (Ghirardelli 60% Cacao)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp. powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350 and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk until smooth chocolate, cocoa, and hot coffee together. Refrigerate until it's cool, about 20-30 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine ganache ingredients (chocolate, cream and powdered sugar). Microwave for 20 seconds. Whisk if chocolate still needs to melt, microwave for another 10 seconds. Whisk until smooth. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes-- no more and no less!
When removed from refrigerator, you're looking for a ganache that can be formed into a soft ball with a spoon. It's not fully solid (or it'll sink to the bottom of the cupcake) and it's not still runny, as it will just disperse within the cupcake.
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
Remove large bowl of chocolate/cocoa/coffee from the refrigerator. Add the eggs, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Whisk to incorporate. Add flour mixture; whisk until smooth. Batter will be slightly runny, similar to brownie batter.
Divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling 3/4 full. Top each cupcake in the center with a rounded tsp. of ganache.
Place on center rack in the oven, and bake for 15-19 minutes, until cupcakes are firm to the touch on top. Toothpick test won't work due to ganache center. Remove from oven; rest in pan 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Makes 12-15 cupcakes.
Chocolate Icing
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Cream together butter with shortening.
Sift cocoa with confectioners' sugar; add to creamed mixture.
Mix together adding 1 Tbsp. milk at a time to keep mixture smooth.
Add vanilla. Blend until creamy.
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Hummingbird Cake
Beth Brewer
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1¼ cups vegetable oil
3 eggs
8 oz. can crushed pineapple with juice
2 cups diced bananas
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Frosting:
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 lb. butter, softened
1 lb. confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line your cupcake pan with liners.
Measure flour, sugar, soda, salt, cinnamon, oil, eggs, and vanilla into mixing bowl. Beat until smooth. Stir in pineapple with juice, bananas, and pecans. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for about 20 minutes.
While cake is baking, make frosting by mixing together cream cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Cool, and ice with cream cheese icing.____________________________________________
