Curmudgeon's Corner

Village Buzz - July 14th...

Posted by Al Campbell on Aug. 14, 2009

Village Buzz, Village Board, Political, Germantown

Farmers Market Re-Location...

I was interested in the reason for the recent relocation of the Germantown Farmers Market from The Livery in Rockfield to the Senior Center parking lot in Germantown.   The few times I saw the event at The Livery, I came away thinking that the turn-out of customers seemed less than would be desired by the vendors.

Village Administrator Dave Schornack advised me that he had received a visit from one of the owners of The Livery who advised that they were not going to host the event after the immediate-following Saturday.  Apparently the vendors were not satisfied with the customer traffic and had sought a change of venue.

The discussion included to where the Farmers Market might be moved with the Village Hall parking lot, the Senior Center and Fireman's Park as the three possibilities.  The Village Hall lot was ruled out given heavier and heavier traffic for the Germantown Library.  The park didn't seem to make sense, so the Senior Center lot became the choice.  Liability issues were solved with the signing of documents protecting the village according to Schornack.  There are some trustees that are apparently not too excited about what has become a private business-sponsored event being located on village property.  The vendors pay fees to the owners of The Livery who operate the event.  I am told that a new location could be forthcoming if one can be located.

Old Sore About To Be Re-Opened...

There is an apparently well-founded rumor to the effect that a former village employee who was released several months ago in the midst of rumors surrounding the Village President is about to bring action in that case.  While this appears to be on the immediate horizon, there is no information as to the type of action nor the content of the complaint.  The Administrator said that it is expected but that he couldn't comment beyond that.

Legal Defense Fund Discussed...

I am told that there has been a discussion as to the legality of a legal defense fund being created on behalf of the village president.  I believe that took place between the village president and the village attorney.  Given the recent insurance settlement of more than $16,000 in legal costs for President Kempinski, the possibility of a legal defense fund seems curious.  If it does find its way to reality, maybe we'll learn more.  Apparently some of the president's supporters were interested in making contributions to such a fund according to what I've learned.  Obviously, many politicians have created such funds to assist them in defraying the cost of various defense requirements.  Among the notables is that of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin.

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The Curmudgeon Blog today is titled "Recess takes Toll".