BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Limba - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Limba X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://limba.net X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Limba REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20080309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20081102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20090308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20091101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20100314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20101107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20110313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20111106T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100226T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100226T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100226T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20100226T050000Z UID:4405-1267142400-1267142400@limba.net SUMMARY:Program Cancelled because of weather DESCRIPTION:Anticipating sever snow particularly in Nassau County we cancelled the meeting that featured Regional Plan chairman\, John Cameron. Mr Cameron will join us on May 14th and there will be some other items to report at that time. \nAnyone who was preregistered will be given credit to that meeting or another meeting. URL:https://limba.net/calendar/program-cancelled-because-of-weather/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100219T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100219T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100219T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20190315T061024Z UID:4389-1266537600-1266537600@limba.net SUMMARY:Assembyman Michael Fitzpatrick DESCRIPTION:  \nPension Reform for the Political Class \nMr. Fitzpatrick arrived this morning to speak to us about what is wrong with New York State\, and how to fix it.  In a refreshing perspective\, he described to us how the pension system for the Political Class works.  In opening\, he said if you want to change politics\, you need to change the defined benefits plan pension system. (DBP).  The path of least resistance is the road most often taken in Albany.  DBPs are the place to focus on.  Term limits are not the answer\, because as we have seen\, politicians move to find jobs within the patronage system as they are term limited out.  This keeps them in the pension system and it operates at all levels of NYS government\, from the state down to the town and village levels.  Term limits don’t remove people from politics.  Mr. Fitzpatrick handed out reprints of! several articles that appeared in the Wall Street Journal ( Henninger\, Merrick )and New York Post regarding political spending and benefits.  He also called DBPs “Fiscal Carbon Monoxide”.  Very few members of the public understand how the system works\, and we need to get people to focus on the issue.  Moving the Political Class to Defined Contribution Plans like 401K’s would clean up the system and eliminate the practice of “pension spiking”\, where an official in the system moves to a high paying job for the last three years! of their career to boost their pension. \nMr. Fitzpatrick is happy to be known as one of the most conservative assembly members and is sponsoring a pension reform bill.  Right now\, there is no incentive to be fiscally responsible in government.  The unions and the government don’t really negotiate with one another for the common benefit\, instead there is much public posturing and threats to oust the incumbent.  The reform bill is designated A.06932.  The bill would cap present pensions and introduce a Defined Contribution Plan for retirement.  Changing the rules of the game is what is needed\, and this bill will be a start on the road.  Term limits don’t change the game rules\, they simply force the players to find new spots.  He gave the illustration of an elected official moving to a patr! onage job to boost that last three years of salary\, which determines the pension payout. \nAllowing pension contributions to be amortized over time\, simply makes them more expensive and puts it on the governmental credit card.  Government is operating on an antiquated business model and the time of reckoning is arriving quickly.  Quoting Herb Stein\, “Anything that can’t go on\, won’t”.  His bill is not addressing the vast majority of public employees yet\, it is addressing the Political Class.  He is expecting a fight over the State Constitutionality of the bill around the diminishment of benefits\, and described a debate that he had with a staffer in the Comptroller’s office around this.  His assertion is that if you don’t carve out the Political Class from DBPs\, you will not change the culture of Albany.  The Political Class will no! t do anything against their self-interest unless it is forced to. \nThe Assemblyman wound up his passionate pitch by emphasizing that pension reform is the place to start.  As an ex-banker he understands the pension system\, and how it works.  The Political Class’s benefits are far outstripping the benefits available to the general public\, and it is sowing the seeds of revolution.  To have a healthy public sector\, you need a healthy private sector\, and the path that the government is on is the wrong direction.  A Defined Contribution Plan stops the gaming of the pension system.  Starting with the Political Class\, create new tiers of pension systems\, eventually moving the entire state employee system to Defined Contribution Plans.  He closed with a plea to ask candidates for office their stand on the following question:  “Should taxpayers continue to fund Defined Benefit Plans for Politi! cians?” and listen very carefully to their answers. \nThe Q&A portion of the program was excellent\, as usual. \nA question from Jovanna Little about Section 211 waivers prompted an explanation.  A section 211 waiver is something that allows a pension collector to draw a salary from a new job\, essentially double-dipping.  This is often illustrated by the case of a police officer retiring from the force in their mid-forties and starting another career in the public sector while drawing their police pension.  The Assemblyman related that the screams about these waivers will get louder as the fiscal walls keep closing in\, and that State Senator Jeff Klein is leading the effort to close this loophole. \nOnce again\, a revealing look at a subject that not many of us know about\, but affects us all greatly.  LIMBA offers you the chance to interact with knowledgeable people in positions of power for a very reasonable price.  The heaviest price is getting an early start on a Friday morning\, but it is well worth the effort. \n\nCraig Plunkett\nTest URL:https://limba.net/calendar/assembyman-michael-fitzpatrick/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100212T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100212T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100212T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20100212T050000Z UID:4388-1265932800-1265932800@limba.net SUMMARY:Presidents Day Weekend NO MEETING DESCRIPTION: URL:https://limba.net/calendar/presidents-day-weekend-no-meeting-5/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100205T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100205T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100205T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20100205T050000Z UID:4385-1265328000-1265328000@limba.net SUMMARY:Congressman Tim Bishop DESCRIPTION:Members and Friends\, \n \nThis morning we were pleased to welcome Congressman Tim Bishop\, of the 1st District in New York.  Mr. Bishop’s talk today was on the economy and job creation. You can see the entire meeting on video including the feisty Q&A session on Pro Image Studios website:  http://proimagegroupinc.com/limba/2-5-10 In his opinion\, there are three keys to recovering from the recession:\n \n\n\nPutting people back to work so they can begin to spend again and get economic demand stoked.\nStabilizing the banking system to get lending moving again\, providing working capital to business.\nForeclosure mitigation\, keeping homeowners in their homes.\n\nMr. Bishop went on to describe the stimulus program (ARRA) as a modest success against those three goals\, and a singular success at pulling our financial system back from the brink of a total depression.  It is easy to take shots at TARP\, but it worked to avoid a complete collapse.  The ARRA has served to begin the process of bringing us out of a deep hole\, with GDP swinging to a positive direction during the year since its announcement.  The Congressman provided many statistics to reinforce his assertion.  He claimed the best evidence for the ARRA’s influence on Long Island is to look at education on Long Island.  He said that the program backfilled the cuts that would have had to happen without the injection of $157 million dollars to the local education authorities.  It saved local jobs\, avoided a property tax increase\, and preserved the quality of education on Long Island. \n \nTim went on to say that until the recovery of jobs takes place\, we can’t claim to be out of a recession.  We desperately need infrastructure investment\, as these are investments whose benefits remain with us for a long time.  The ARRA didn’t include enough for infrastructure\, the Jobs for Main Street program does.  This program also has money in it to continue to backfill education cuts at the state level.  This will hopefully help us avoid a double dip recession which is possible with the upcoming negative stimulus of state budget cuts.\n \nThe congressman went on to describe the differences between the Obama administration’s budget proposal and the House and Senate versions.  The President’s budget focuses more on small business and less on infrastructure.  Four important points in the budget are tax credits for new hiring\, rebates on the employer portion of the Social Security tax\, an increase in the SBA’s 7A loan program\, and the creation of a small business credit facility from the remainder of unissued TARP funds.  This facility would be geared to small businesses of under 500 employees and administered by smaller community banks.  He described this year’s budget as a set of efforts among the administration\, House and Senate that he feels confident will be hammered out into a set of good policies to get us back on track.  Time will tell us whether it is successful\, we have begun to turn things around today.  In closing\, the Congressman said nobody s! hould be crowing about where we are now\, but he asserted that we are in a better place than where we were a year ago.\n \n\nThe Q&A program was feisty\, focusing on infrastructure investment and research. There were questions on MAGLEV\, the Gas Tax\, and the US National debt. It was punctuated by a sharp exchange between one of our guests and the congressman.  See it for yourself on your computer or smartphone at http://proimagegroupinc.com/limba/2-5-10  Come to a LIMBA meeting to participate\, network and greet our elected officials and community leaders. \nCraig Plunkett \nOur efforts to provide the video of these meetings has been very helpful in getting our comunications to our readers. This would be a high profile opportunity for you to sponsor the efforts of our video team.  Pro-Image Studios have been sponsoring the work themselves. and we thank them. Call me I’ll tell you what is involved. \nErnie Fazio 631 757-1698 URL:https://limba.net/calendar/congressman-tim-bishop-3/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100129T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100129T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100129T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20100129T050000Z UID:4392-1264723200-1264723200@limba.net SUMMARY:Neil Sieden Jan 29 Financing Challenges & Solutions DESCRIPTION:Neil Seiden gave an illuminating presentation that explored the means of financing that may not be that desirable when things are easy but are used when the going gets tough. He ticked off the various means of financing stating the pro and con of each method. He starting with traditional bank financing\, SBA Financing\, Friends and Family\, Angel Investors\, Purchase Order Financing\, Factoring\, Venture Capital\, Trade Financing\, Asset based loans\, Monetized Foreign Receivables\, and Mezzanine Financing. Each situation has its own useful niche and Neil gave an excellent walk through of each example. The lesson taken from his talk for me was that when the banker says no\, it is not the end of the road. The questions that followed indicated to me a high level of interest in the topic. \nNeil’s company is; Asset Enhancement Solutions LLC and they can be reached at 516 767-0100 or fax 516 706-0028  neil.seiden@assetenhancement.com \nErnie Fazio URL:https://limba.net/calendar/neil-sieden-jan-29-financing-challenges-solutions/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100122T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100122T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100122T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20100122T050000Z UID:4384-1264118400-1264118400@limba.net SUMMARY:Ross Ain and Harry Davitian Caithness II DESCRIPTION:We started the meeting with a remembrance of Rick Portes\, from Pro Image Group\, who started the videotaping of LIMBA meetings\, and we are appreciative of his partner Bart Pellegrino continuing this effort. \nRoss Ain opened the talk with a description of what the plant does and the technology it uses\, a combined cycle plant. He described the gas turbine primary generation process\, and then the recovery process from the exhaust gas.  The heat recovery process generates steam to power another turbine and generator set.  Taking the 1100 degree exhaust gas and cooling it to about 350 degrees makes the steam to turn the second turbine.  The capacity of the plant is 350 Megawatts\,  about 10% of Long Island’s total average demand\, and covers about  5% of peak summer load. \nCaithness also has an important difference in cooling the steam to recycle it that differs from the older plants.  Once through cooling is used in Northport\, in and out to the Long Island Sound\, killing fish and producing thermal pollution.  Evaporative cooling is used at the Holtsville plant\, which consumes a large amount of ground water.  Caithness  uses 95% less water than an evaporative cooling power plant uses.  The method is similar to a home airconditioner’s refrigerant cooling system and consumes about 35 gallons per minute. \nThe primary fuel is Natural Gas\,  but is allowed to burn a liquid fuel up to 30 days a month. \nBy far\, Caithness is the cleanest plant on Long Island\, measured in Carbon Monoxide and Nitrous Oxides by virtue of its Natural Gas fuel and catalytic scrubbing of the exhaust.  The exhaust stack is 175 feet high\, much lower than other plants.  It doesn’t have to be so high because of the lower emissions. \nCaithness has a 20 Year power purchase contract with LIPA.  45 Megawatts of their output is sold on the spot market through the NYISO.  Caithness is also twice as efficient as LIPA’s most efficient plant\, producing double the electricity for the same amount of energy consumed. \nThe buffer zone for the plant is about ¾ mile from any private homes.  Built on a greenfield site\, constructed by Siemens\,  the permanent operations staff is 16\, split among three shifts.  Commercial generation started on the 1st of August 2009.  The plant was built on schedule\, on budget with a project cost of about $500MM \nHarry took over talking about the economics of the plant and the LIPA/National Grid contract.  In 2013 the contract expires.  Going through LIPA’s on island generating mix\, 2/3 of their capacity is from the existing plants that are an average of 45 years old.  Most of those are coal plants converted to use oil and are much less efficient than the newer plants.  National Grid’s older plants are expensive to run\, and produce more emissions than newer plants. \nThe current contract is based on Cost-Plus pricing\, which is advantageous to National Grid.  Newer power purchase agreements put the onus on the power producer to maintain efficiencies and their cost structure. \nOnce again the session wrapped up with a lively question and answer session. \nTwo key questions from the audience stood out from the rest: \nQ: What are the prospects for Caithness 2?  \nA:You need a long term contract\, and LIPA’s decision about the next power contract will greatly influence that. \nQ:Will more of these plants lead to rate reductions? \nA: LIPA needs the base load power\, and they save on fuel costs.  LIPA should be obligated to pass those savings to ratepayers. \nYou can see the video of the speakers’ talk at Pro Image Group’s Website.     We look forward to having many more interesting speakers that our audience can interact with this year.  See the up coming roster at www.limba.net    http://proimagegroupinc.com/limba/1-22-10 \nReport done by\nCraig.Plunkett@cedx.com\n516-672-3146 \n  URL:https://limba.net/calendar/ross-ain-and-harry-davitian-caithness-ii/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100122T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100122T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100122T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20100122T050000Z UID:4430-1264118400-1264118400@limba.net SUMMARY:Steve Bellone -Supv -Twn of Bbylon -GPI engineers spnsr DESCRIPTION:Mr Bellone is an innovative leader in local government. Please join us for an interesting insight into local government. \nErnie Fazio \n \nGreenman-PedersenI shall be pleased to sponsor this LIMBA breakfast meeting scheduled to Friday\, October 8th. \nMayer Horn URL:https://limba.net/calendar/steve-bellone-supv-twn-of-bbylon-gpi-engineers-spnsr/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100121T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100121T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100121T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20100121T050000Z UID:4436-1264032000-1264032000@limba.net SUMMARY:energy panel for homes business and transportation DESCRIPTION:This week we will have a panel of energy use innovators that will talk about zero fossil fuel heating and cooling of homes as well as commercial and industrial buildings. One of the panel members will address low and/or no emissions transportation ideas. URL:https://limba.net/calendar/energy-panel-for-homes-business-and-transportation/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100115T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100115T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100115T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20100115T050000Z UID:4382-1263513600-1263513600@limba.net SUMMARY:No Meeting MLK Holiday DESCRIPTION: URL:https://limba.net/calendar/no-meeting-mlk-holiday/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100108T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100108T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100108T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20100108T050000Z UID:4390-1262908800-1262908800@limba.net SUMMARY:OPEN Forum Round Table Discussion DESCRIPTION: URL:https://limba.net/calendar/open-forum-round-table-discussion/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20100101T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20100101T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20100101T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20100101T050000Z UID:4386-1262304000-1262304000@limba.net SUMMARY:No Meeting New Years Day DESCRIPTION: URL:https://limba.net/calendar/no-meeting-new-years-day/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091225T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091225T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091225T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091225T050000Z UID:4379-1261699200-1261699200@limba.net SUMMARY:No LIMBA meeting Christmas day DESCRIPTION: URL:https://limba.net/calendar/no-limba-meeting-christmas-day/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091218T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091218T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091218T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091218T050000Z UID:4377-1261094400-1261094400@limba.net SUMMARY:LIMBA -Former Congressman Rick Lazio in governors race DESCRIPTION:Today our speaker was an ever-youthful former congressman\, Rick Lazio. At age 51 he is a little bit wiser and appears to be as determined as ever to serve in the political arena. Mr. Lazio will be running in the Republican primary to run for governor of NY State \nAccording to Rick the state government is dysfunctional\, no one in the room disagreed. He then proceeded to tick off a number of things to make his point.\nIn the measure of school performance Lazio stated that we were 37th among to 50 states.\n25% of our young people leave the state.\nThe governor has no power to control the budget process.\nMandates are decreed by the state\, but not paid for by the state\, and lower level governing bodies are stuck with the task of making things happen. \nHe alleges that legislation is purposefully pursued so that matters cannot be resolved\, resulting in the three kingmakers delivering the final decisions. Rick had other criticisms as well\, but he felt that there are some positive actions that a governor could initiate. \nTaxes must be reduced.\nMandates must be paid for\nEnact aggressive jobs strategies\, such as\, building infrastructure that will later make us more competitive.\nReform the state pension funds by changing all new pensions from defined pensions plans to defined contribution plans\, saving billions.\nLazio suggested that we could do a lot better with our universities by making  them a catalyst for economic growth.\nHe would increase the tuition costs for out of state and foreign students and using the surplus to create low-income scholarships for local people.\nRick admitted that these measures might get him an early retirement from politics\, but that would be Okay with him.  \nTo see entire meeting  go to this link     http://proimagegroupinc.com/limba/12-18-09 \n*** \nErnie Fazio \n  URL:https://limba.net/calendar/limba-former-congressman-rick-lazio-in-governors-race/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091211T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091211T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091211T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091211T050000Z UID:4378-1260489600-1260489600@limba.net SUMMARY:Holiday Party DESCRIPTION:Jimmy Graseck on his fabulous violin and Vintriloquist Vince Dantona and his sassy puppet make the Holiday Party a well attended and enjoyable event. \nPlease join us for a real fun time. It’s early in the morning but it’s a great day to begin with a smile. URL:https://limba.net/calendar/holiday-party-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091204T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091204T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091204T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091204T050000Z UID:4376-1259884800-1259884800@limba.net SUMMARY:Hon. Ed Romaine Suffolk County Legislator (cancelled) DESCRIPTION:Due to the death of Mr. Romaine’s son Keith\, he has cancelled all appointments. there will be no meeting URL:https://limba.net/calendar/hon-ed-romaine-suffolk-county-legislator-cancelled/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091127T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091127T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091127T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091127T050000Z UID:4373-1259280000-1259280000@limba.net SUMMARY:NO MEETING Thanksgiving week DESCRIPTION: URL:https://limba.net/calendar/no-meeting-thanksgiving-week/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091120T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091120T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091120T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091120T050000Z UID:4375-1258675200-1258675200@limba.net SUMMARY:John Waffenschmidt- Covanta Power DESCRIPTION:This morning we had a presentation from John Waffenschmidt\, Vice President of Covanta Energy. Covanta is an energy from waste\noperator. The plant in Hempstead is a state of the art facility that converts some of Long Islands waste stream into energy. The recovery of electric power from waste has been done successful elsewhere. In Europe they are way ahead of us in various conservation measures. According to John\, the pollutants from energy to waste are substantially less than that which would be emitted by trucks if the waste stream were carted off-island and landfilled. \nThe plant is able to segregate metals and recover them. One of the most cost effective recovery of metals is aluminum. Making new metal from recovered aluminum uses 85% less energy than making aluminum from bauxite ore. But other metals are successfully and profitably recovered as well\, and metal coins are found every day in the recovery process and that too is part of the salvage stream. \n The co2 that is emitted in burning is of course a by-product of the process\, but no methane is created. This is important because landfills do create methane\, and methane is many more times more damaging to the atmosphere than co2.\nMr Waffenschmidt did not limit his talk to his project but spoke about the larger problem of global warming and the potential for improvement. The United States has the potential of reducing greenhouse gasses by a giga ton. That’s a huge amount\, but it also tells us that we have not been doing as good a job as we could. Waffenschmidt made these remarks after going through the dangers of global warming\, and the exposure this area has to it. \nCovanta is building an extension to it’s present operation and made reassurances that the new plant as well as the old one will not contribute to producing odors in the surrounding area. The plant contains odors by creating a negative pressure inside the plant. As air is sucked into the building it is fed to the burning process. The air leaves the plant after the burning has taken place. \nThe existing facility creates a net of 600KW/ton and the new facility will produce 675KW/ton. The plant itself uses a lot of power to operate all its equipment\, but these figures are net after all that is considered. \nTo see this entire meeting on video go to http://proimagegroupinc.com/limba/11-21-09 \n  URL:https://limba.net/calendar/john-waffenschmidt-covanta-power/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091113T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091113T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091113T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091113T050000Z UID:4374-1258070400-1258070400@limba.net SUMMARY:No scheduled meeting DESCRIPTION: URL:https://limba.net/calendar/no-scheduled-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091112T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091112T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091112T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091112T050000Z UID:4371-1257984000-1257984000@limba.net SUMMARY:LIMBA Networking and Karaoke night at Dave & Busters DESCRIPTION:This event is always a big hit. The last time we had John Kominicki and Richard Kessel sing. They rocked the house. John will likely sing again and we have a surprise celeb waiting in the wings.There will be some of the great singers in our midst that you did no know existed. \nThe media room at Dave & Busters works great for this event. there will be a buffet and soft drinks as well as a cash bar \nWe will have the always enertaining and vivacious Anita Bloom guiding us on our Karaoke songs. What a knockout\, Holy Cow! \nLIMLong IslanBd Metro BAusiness Action\nPresents the\n3rd Annual Karaoke Night\nWhen: Thursday\, November 12\, 2009\nWhere: Dave & Buster’s\n1856 Veteran’s Memorial Highway\, Islandia\nTime: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.\nDonation: $35 LIMBA Members\, $40 Non-Members\nLong Island Metro Business Action is hosting an entertaining\nevening of networking\, food and fun!\nThis after-hours event of singing & karaoke will be held in\nthe showroom at the Dave & Buster ’s in Islandia.\nYou and your colleagues are invited to get up and belt out a tune!\nGuest singers include some of Long Island’s most recognized\nbusiness leaders including John Kominicki\, publisher of the\nLong Island Business News.\nFor pre-registration: 631-757-1698\, e-mail info@limba.net\, or\npay on-line with paypal at www.limba.net.\nBecome a sponsor for only $300:\nIncludes premier event recognition and two event tickets. Call 631-757-1698\nfor more information. URL:https://limba.net/calendar/limba-networking-and-karaoke-night-at-dave-busters/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091106T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091106T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091106T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091106T050000Z UID:4372-1257465600-1257465600@limba.net SUMMARY:Gary Bixhorn Chief operating officer Eastern Suffolk Boces DESCRIPTION:This morning our speaker was Gary Bixhorn. Mr. Bixhorn is the Chief Operating Officer of Eastern Suffolk BOCES. We generally think of BOCES as the special education arm of our education system. That was its original function\, but over time it added the vocational training\, then the buying cooperative services was added. Today BOCES has a substantial mission in many areas that service the school districts in that area. It has no separate tax base for funding its operations. All funding comes from the school districts on an apportionment basis. \nMr. Bixhorn spoke about the cost of schooling on Long Island and stated that the Long Island region was not getting its fair share of state revenues that are allocated to all schools in the state. \nAs the conversation about costs were explored the questions from the audience asked; Why in hard economic times\, do the schools maintain their budgets as if all were normal? \nThe discussion revealed some important ways that savings could be realized. For example; there is little doubt that consolidation of districts would save some money when most of the $200K plus administrators would not be needed. \nWhile industry has changed the way pensions have been funded\, the school personnel have the same high cost defined benefit plans they have always had. Modifying pensions would provide additional savings. Another problem that is directly related to the multiple school districts is labor contract negotiations. Each school district negotiates its own contracts and those contracts are jack-sawed by comparing their salaries to the last contract that was signed. Each new contract is incrementally higher than the last. The solution to this never-ending escalation in costs is to have salaries and benefits. negotiated on a regional basis. \nUnfortunately no politician has had the courage to fight back. Each year goes by and the tax burden gets worse. Now we are at a juncture where we have an angrier taxpayer than anytime in my memory. The education industry has held these politicos in check by virtue of their vast campaign resources. Maybe the taxpayers will just fire these elected officials now that we are a lot angrier. \nSee video of todays meeting http://www.proimagegroupinc.com/limba/11-6-09/ \n  URL:https://limba.net/calendar/gary-bixhorn-chief-operating-officer-eastern-suffolk-boces/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091030T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091030T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091030T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091030T040000Z UID:4368-1256860800-1256860800@limba.net SUMMARY:Intermodal Freight in Brkhvn Gerald Drumm & Andrew Kauffmann DESCRIPTION:Presentation by Andrew Kaufman and Gerald Drumm  – Sills Road Realty and US Rail \nThis morning we had two speakers that gave us information on the new intermodal yard that has been proposed and permitted at Sills Rd and the Long Island Expressway. Andrew Kaufman and Gerald Drumm brought a large design plan for us to see as they spoke.\nThe facility has partners that are in the asphalt business and presently move 340\,000 tons of stone and aggregate onto Long Island. This is done using mostly trucks. This facility is designed to remove that truck traffic from the roads when this project is finished. The site has the benefit of having the LIRR tracks close-by. A short spur will have to be built to service the yard. \nThe yard will be operated by a midwestern company\, US Rail\, that has a lot of rail experience. It will still be serviced by NY & Atlantic Railroad\, the company that owns the freight franchise on Long Island.\nOne of the reasons that this site was chosen is the American Power and Light had purchased it to build a power plant\, and had spent $7 million on an extensive environmental review. They did not win the bid to build to service LIPA\,so they were interested in selling the property. Having that extensive review behind them made the property that much more attractive. It\, more importantly\, is in a strategic place to receive and distribute freight. \nThe aggregate business will be the anchor tenant\, but the facility will also be able to bring in lumber and sheet rock as well as other heavy loads. These heavy loads lend themselves to movement by rail. Removing trucks from our roads will save our roads from considerable wear and tear.\nThe facility is large enough to be able to accommodate a large train and off-load it quickly. \nThis facility is one of several that will be needed to accommodate future rail projects\, including the rail freight tunnel from Bayonne to Brooklyn that congressman Gerald Nadler spoke about when he came to LIMBA awhile back. The Port Authority of NY & NJ has expressed interest in making that link a reality and is appropriating funds to design it.\nAll of this fits into the picture that was outlined by LIMBA a few years ago of moving up to 10% of our freight by rail instead of the present 2% \n\nIf you would like to see the entire discussion by streaming video use this link.http://www.proimagegroupinc.com/limba/10-30-09 \n  URL:https://limba.net/calendar/intermodal-freight-in-brkhvn-gerald-drumm-andrew-kauffmann/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091023T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091023T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091023T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091023T040000Z UID:4363-1256256000-1256256000@limba.net SUMMARY:VHB Engineering Rob. Eshbacher - Infrastructure Issues DESCRIPTION:This morning our speaker was Robert Eschbacher of VHB Engineering. He and his firm specialize in infrastructure engineering. After a brief description of what infrastructure consisted of\, Mr. Eschbacher read a report card on the state of repair of existing infrastructure. Roads\, bridges\, aviation facilities\, rail\, and several other categories were cited. The grade for bridges was the best at C\, with an average being D. \nThe cost of repairing\, replacing and adding the new infrastructure that we presently need is $2.2trillion. As enormous as that number is\, it may be conservative. \nIt was a disheartening realization the America has fallen so far behind\, while other modern societies are in much better physical shape\, and each year we get further behind. \nIn the Q&A portion of the meeting questions of solving problems suggested that we are probably never going to build our way out of a road deficit. If we do not embrace new transportation and city planning we will always be behind in our needs. \nThis was not an uplifting and hopeful picture being painted for us. On the other hand if we don’t look at these problems honestly\, we will be less likely to be successful in the future. \nWhen we built the Erie Canal in NY State it was a boon to business. When we built the railroads we brought the country together and developed the west. When we built the Interstate Highway we facilitated commerce on a new scale. We are no longer thinking in those terms\, and that’s a shame. \nOn the other hand all of the problems we have\, present themselves as great opportunities to build great systems that work. \nErnie Fazio \nTo watch the video of this presentation\, please click HERE. \nPro-Image Studios are having a large networking event   — see  http://proimagegroupinc.com/network1.jpg URL:https://limba.net/calendar/vhb-engineering-rob-eshbacher-infrastructure-issues/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091016T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091016T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091016T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091016T040000Z UID:4367-1255651200-1255651200@limba.net SUMMARY:Marcia Bystryn\, Pres NY League Conservation Voters DESCRIPTION:This morning our speaker was Marcia Bystryn\, President of The New York League of Conservation Voters. Ms Bystryn explained the role of the organization to the LIMBA audience. NYLCV Education Fund examines conservation issues in a non-partisan forum creating a body of information to be used by voters when electing public officials. Among the issues are Smart Growth\, Energy Conservation & Climate Action\, Transportation\, Natural Resource Protection\, and Open Space Preservation.\nSometimes the issues have a conflict with each other. In those cases an opinion will come out in favor of the greater good. For example; we don’t want to lose parkland but if a ferry point needs to be built to remove traffic from the roads\, they may opt to sacrifice a small area for that purpose. \nThe New York League of Conservation Voters is affiliated with a national version and Ms Bystryn is a member of the national board. Her organization has the ear of all the politically important office holders because under their charter they are able to fund political campaigns. Choosing a political figure to support has a lot less to do with party affiliation than it does with policy goals. In short if a person running for office has goals that are congruent with NYLCV’s agenda\, they have a good chance at getting monetary support. \nMarcia appears to be keenly aware of the needs of Long Island’s transportation needs such as; Increased rail freight\, LIRR Third Track\, Bayonne to Brooklyn Tunnel\, and intermodal transfer yards. We brought up the possibility of supporting the building of MAGLEV and after a brief explanation she was very interested. \nWe came away from this morning’s meeting that Long Island has found a new ally. \nTo view the video\, please click here: http://www.proimagegroupinc.com/limba/10-16-09/ URL:https://limba.net/calendar/marcia-bystryn-pres-ny-league-conservation-voters/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091009T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091009T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091009T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091009T040000Z UID:4361-1255046400-1255046400@limba.net SUMMARY:Tom Cilmi- Candidate 10th Suffolk Legislator Dist DESCRIPTION:Members and Friends\, \nThis morning our speaker was Tom Cilmi. Tom is running for the Suffolk County Legislature in the 10th district. \nThat post is now held Cameron Alden. Mr. Alden is a Republican who is leaving because of term limits. Mr. Cilmi is also a Republican. \nCilmi is a political newcomer\, however he did work in the campaign of Rick Lazio in 1992. Presently he owns a small printing company which he has owned for the last 12 years. He has a fairly impressive record of community involvment and he sees governing in terms of management practices that can always be improved. \nThe issues of Long Island are pretty much the same whether you are Democrat or Republican according to Cilmi. Taxes\, bureaucracy\, public safety and protection of the environment are the issues. How we improve things is the mission. \nOne of the issues Mr. Cilmi spoke about was public safety. We now have fewer policemen than we have had in the recent past. He would like to augment the force since the quality of life issues require adequate policing. \nTaxes and bureaucracy have a detrimental effect on business\, particularly small business. The small business owner simply does not have the time or the money to wade through the labyrinth of regulations. \nUltimately we must create efficiencies rather than expect government to get smaller\, in much the same way that Toyota approaches their ability to improve outcomes. \nTo watch a video replay\, click here. URL:https://limba.net/calendar/tom-cilmi-candidate-10th-suffolk-legislator-dist/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20091002T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20091002T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20091002T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20091002T040000Z UID:4365-1254441600-1254441600@limba.net SUMMARY:No LIMBA meeting DESCRIPTION:There will be a meeting of the Long Island Business Development Council at Montauk. LIMBA will be participating. Therefore there will be no meeting on Oct 2nd URL:https://limba.net/calendar/no-limba-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20090925T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20090925T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20090925T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20090925T040000Z UID:4356-1253836800-1253836800@limba.net SUMMARY:Carol Ash\, NY State Parks Comissioner DESCRIPTION: We had the pleasure of hearing from the NYS Commissioner of Parks\, Recreation\, and Historic Preservation\, Carol Ash.  Pro Image Studios recorded the video of her talk and the Q&A\, which can be found here:   Ms. Ash is a long time champion of downstate parks and the environment.  Her most recent past position was Executive Director of the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission\, and her full biography can be found on the NYS Parks website.   Commissioner Ash\, a tireless advocate for the parks system and it’s constituency\, gave us a rundown of what is happening with the state park system\, that was both sobering and optimistic.  The 28 parks and one state! historic site ( Walt Whitman’s home ) on Long Island are some of the jewels in the system..  Mentioning Ken Burns’ newest epic on the formation of the National Parks System\,  she let us know that the model for the NPS was the Adirondack State Park\, created by then Governor Teddy Roosevelt\, and that New York state has always been a pioneer in the development of parks and historic preservation. \nOne of the misconceptions that Ms. Ash came to dispel is that the expense of Parks is a drag on the economy\, and that investment in them performs poorly.  Citing a University of Massachusetts study\, she posited that parks are linchpins of local economies\, that produce a 5-1 return on dollars invested in park improvements.  On Long Island\, that translates to a $410MM boost to the local economy\, supporting about 4000 private sector jobs.  The Long Island region has the highest parks attendance of the state.  40% of park revenue is generated by tourists\, the US Opens in 2002 and 2009 brought in over $10MM to Long Island’s economy\, in spite of the dismally rainy conditions in ’09. \nWith that\, she began her pitch for continued investments in park infrastructure to keep those tourists coming.  Times are tough\, money is tight\, but upgrades need to be done.  There is an estimated $650MM backlog of deferred work overdue in the parks to keep them in shape.  This year\, the legislature has allocated $200MM towards that.  Later today\, she will attend a ribbon cutting at Brentwood State Park\, where part of that $200MM will go to create state of the art professional quality soccer\, baseball \, and lacrosse fields\, in an economically disadvantaged community.  Disappointingly\, the NYS parks system is not eligible for Federal Stimulus Funds\, but in a creative partnership with the Department of Labor\, the Parks department was able to obtain $3.3MM to start a Civilian Conservation Corps in the Long Island and Niagar! a regions.  The first phase was to put 90 kids through a training program where they did basic maintenance projects throughout the regional parks.  The second phase will take the stars of that phase\, and move them into a more skilled trade learning program\, having them work on more sophisticated tasks. \nDespite these tough times\, the Parks department was able to hold the line on the $8.00 per car entry fee for the parks\, and the $56.00 Empire Passport is still a good bargain.  In this time of staycations\, park usage is going up. \nThe Q&A portion of the program was lively\, with some advocates from the Kings Park community and allies of the Trump at Jones Beach project in attendance.  One of the great things about LIMBA is the ability for local folks to talk to people of influence and hear their opinions and concerns\, and in turn be heard. \nMs. Ash couldn’t say much about the Trump project due to the ongoing litigation\, and it was clear from the audience questions that they were much in favor of the project. \nA question about which parks paid their ways\, was met with the response that the Golf Courses  and Campgrounds are the revenue stars\, supporting the rest of the system. \nThe discussion around Kings Park was summarized by her stance of embracing the local advocates and taking a long look at the issues\, and finding the real costs of remediating the site.  The first phase of the study is done\, the second is due to complete in about 18 months. \nOn the question of raising revenue\, the department is trying to find sponsorships for the Empire State Games\, working with the “I love NY” people to market the parks more\, and looking at creating public-private partnerships similar to the California Parks Foundation\, and the Central Park Conservancy. \nYet another productive Friday morning at LIMBA\, where regular folks get to meet movers and shakers that directly affect our lives.. \nComplete video of this meeting is available \n  URL:https://limba.net/calendar/carol-ash-ny-state-parks-comissioner/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20090918T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20090918T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20090918T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20090918T040000Z UID:4369-1253232000-1253232000@limba.net SUMMARY:Bruce Germano\, LIPA- Smart Grid Initiatives DESCRIPTION:Our speaker this morning was LIPA VP\, Bruce Germano.  Bruce opened his talk this morning by recounting his experiences with Smart Grid technology dating back to 2002.  Back then\, we were thinking Smart Grids\, but there wasn’t a name for them.  With time\, new definitions emerged\, of a power network that has intelligence built into it\, with the ability to control pushed further out to the edge of the network.  Currently\, there are limitations in the power system that prevent that control  being extended. \nAccording to Bruce\, a smart grid is a communications network overlaid on to the power network\, giving customers the ability to decide the best time to use power based on price signaling.  A Smart Grid helps bring down peak load demand.  It enables a customer and a utility to understand and control demand on a real-time basis.  In 2002 this was just a dream\, but advances in technology are making it possible.  Utilities are looking for ways to provide customer choice and one of these ways is to introduce a Smart Grid. \nTo facilitate that LIPA\, in concert with Stony Brook University and SUNY-Farmingdale\, is seeking stimulus funding to implement a Smart Grid technology pilot project.  There are a lot of technology gaps to be filled\, but if a go\, the project has the following three goals: \n\nSmart Grid Demonstration – Show that the technology to connect customer s to markets in real time is feasible\,  and allow them to control their demand according to price signals they receive.\nGreen Job Creation – The deployment Smart Grid technology will require specialized skills and custom assembly of hardware and software to build the sensor networks required and the software backend to communicate the information gathered and control signals sent.\nGreen Skill Training – To move beyond a pilot phase\, the original lessons of the project have to be translated into repeatable steps.  Developing the work force to implement Smart Grid technology on a wide scale will require educating a large number of subject matter experts that can grow the grid commercially.\n\n\nThe vehicle to achieve these goals is the building of a smart energy corridor along Route 110 from the Long Island Expressway\, down to the southern border of Republic Airport.  This area brings together a lot of partners and ties together many existing efforts.  A diverse mix of customer types exists along the corridor\, with commercial\, industrial\, residential\, and municipal located there.  SBU is looking into two areas\, load modeling systems\, and the communications security risks associated with remote control.  SUNY-Farmingdale is bringing their exiting energy research labs\, plus their investigations into sensor technology. \nThe technology gaps are being filled\, but it is an evolutionary process and all the pieces are not in place yet.  Many big players like IBM\, GE and Hitron are aiming to compete in this space.  Appliances manufacturers are integrating communications and control into consumer devices\, allowing the owner to program the timer for the cheapest time to use electricity.  The opportunity to evolve electric meters to support this exists\, but there are no standards for Smart Grids and their devices. \nThe Department of Energy published 15 characteristics of a Smart Grid\, and the National Institute of Standards is developing those specifications for devices and systems to interoperate.  Stability of the system is paramount\, as we don’t want the repeat of another 2003 blackout\, which was caused by a cascading system failure of the grid’s control structures. \nBruce wrapped up by letting us know that the stimulus application was filed about two weeks ago\, along with thousands of other applications\, and is waiting for the federal government to get through the review process. \nOpening the floor to questions\, Ernie opened the session by asking if Smart Grid technology will eliminate the need for new power plants\, and would Plug-in  Hybrid Electric Vehicles help our situation.  Bruce responded by reminding us of Long Island’s insatiable need for electricity\, and noting that although PHEV’s may help smooth out demand peaks\, they increase total demand on the grid because they are getting their stored energy from the grid rather than burning fuel. \nJohn Howell asked if every building by default be able to participate in the smart grid.  Bruce projected that the meter connecting the business would be smart and able to participate\, but it would be up to the building owner to install the controls necessary to implement variable price consumption strategies. \nPat Halpin of the Suffolk County Water Authority asked if there will be incentives for customers to interrupt their power and use off peak power.    A discussion of the various ways pricing regimes could be constructed followed\, with the net result being\, we’ll see when we get there. \nThe ensuing discussion concluded yet another well spent Friday morning at LIMBA\, where you get to meet a diverse set of leaders from across Long Island industries and organizations\, and learn something valuable in an hour as you start the last day of the work week.\nTodays recap was written by Craig Plunkett \nPro-Image Studios will tape our meetings and the Q&A that follows. That video will be available through streaming video on LIMBA’s website \nHere is this week  http://www.proimagegroupinc.com/limba/9-18-09 URL:https://limba.net/calendar/bruce-germano-lipa-smart-grid-initiatives/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20090911T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20090911T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20090911T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20090911T040000Z UID:4362-1252627200-1252627200@limba.net SUMMARY:Ken Morelly\, Pres LIFT DESCRIPTION:This morning our speaker at LIMBA was Ken Morelly\, President of Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT). LIFT has been the agency on Long Island that has helped the small\, and not so small technology companies in their pursuit of bringing their products and services to market. The services provided  has has a remarkable record of being helpful. \nThis morning the emphasis was on the Homeland Security Center that LIFT has been in charge of organizing. The major players in this effort are Globecom\, Siemens\, and LIFT. The center is an elaborate array of comunications that provide information and coordination among the various entities that would be involved in major events such as a Katrina level huricane. FEMA\, the US Coast Guard\, The National Weather Service\, the Suffolk and Nassau Offices of Emergency Management\, and fire and police departments are all part of the mix. \nThe security of the unit is understandably robust with three levels of security being needed to enter the heart of the operations. But this is not just an emergency center that gears up only for the "big event". It is a working research center where the participating companies and government entities are constantly talking to each other and developing stratagies and products that compliment each others efforts. \nThe possibilities and opporetunities that are\, and will be created by this effort are in some ways obvious. On the other hand\, once we embark on ambitios plans there is a serendipity that brings us to new levels of curiosity and discovery. \nMr Morelly spent some time on discussing "green jobs". LIFT is putting efforts into developing these jobs and while all of the classifications of green jobs look  a lot like the crafts we have known\, they are now being applied to the green technologies. A welder or an electrician working on a solar array is now part of the green technology as much as the worker who designs and invents the the green apparatus. \nOn a less optimistic note we are seeinfg a shortage of engineers\, and that shortage has a lot to do with the cost of living on Long Island. The wages on Long Island have in the past been higher than the rest of the nation. We are now seeing a convergence where Long Islanders earn salaries that are similar to other parts of the country while their cost of living is much higher. \nTo see entire meeting click here \n  URL:https://limba.net/calendar/ken-morelly-pres-lift-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20090904T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20090904T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20090904T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20090904T040000Z UID:4357-1252022400-1252022400@limba.net SUMMARY:Labor Day wekend NO MEETING DESCRIPTION: URL:https://limba.net/calendar/labor-day-wekend-no-meeting/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20090828T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20090828T000000 DTSTAMP:20260422T200856 CREATED:20090828T040000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20090828T040000Z UID:4370-1251417600-1251417600@limba.net SUMMARY:Peter Maniscalco-Should LIPA buy Nat Grid generating assets? DESCRIPTION:Members and Friends  \n\nOur speaker this morning was Peter Maniscalco. Peter has been an energy policy analyst for more than 30 years. This and his experience as a professor of environmental ethics has honed his sense of what can happen if the right questions are not asked. \nThe topic was; What questions should be asked when deciding on monumental changes in policy?  LIPA is considering the purchase of the old LILCO plants that were later owned by Keyspan and are now owned by the British company National Grid. \nLet me begin by saying that\, when LIPA VP Bruce Germano was asked about the purchase of the plants at an HIA meeting he indicated that only the Barret plant was being considered for purchase at this time. \nHaving said that LIPA’s financial consultant Lazard is trying to determine the financial viability of buying all the plants. They are also are in the process of hiring a firm to determine the envirnmental liabilities. The environmental section will not be completed within the time frame LIPA set. Here is the question that situation raises. How can they determine financial aspects without knowing the cost of envirnmental liabilities? With asbestos issues\, the cost cold be substantial. \nThe question was raised about the old gas manufacturing sites. The environmental liabilities on these sites are known although the costs for clean-up are probably not known. When the question was asked about those sites being included in any sale\, we had the benefit of having National Grid’s Ed Carr in the room\, and he assured us that none of those sites were on the same footprint of the electric generating plants\, and therefore would not be included. \nTo our speaker\, and to some of the people in our audience\, there was a disturbing lack of transparency in the process\, and the time frame was too compressed to make a meaningful evaluation of the benefits of a LIPA purchase. The fear expressed is that one day we will wake up and read about the completed deal in the papers\, and it may not be a good deal for the ratepayers and taxpayers. \nHere are a few more questions posed after the meeting in an email from Shelly Sackstein; \nWhat did LIPA know a number of years ago  that caused them to not exercise their previous options to purchase the Keyspan power plants? \n\nIf LIPA did not previously exercise their options to purchase those same power plants\, what has Grid or Keyspan done in the intervening years to make those power more attractive for LIPA to now acquire them ?\nIf the previous LIPA decision was to not purchase the Keyspan power plants\, why did LIPA vote to spend additional ratepayer money to hire\, (once again with no RFP or bid process)\, financial consultants to once again evaluate the same transaction?\n\n\nPeter Maniscalco came to this meeting with no preconceived notion that some nefarious plan was being hatched\, but serious questions have yet to asked and answered. I was encouraged by the participation of so many diverse\, and well informed individuals and organizations especially Action Long Island\, Shelly Sackstein\, LIA Energy Committe Chairman Harry Davitian\,  NYPIRG’s Todd Stebbins\, and National Grid’s Ed Carr. \n  URL:https://limba.net/calendar/peter-maniscalco-should-lipa-buy-nat-grid-generating-assets-2/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR