Middletown Forum

Other School Issues : Here They Come!

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:07:46 +0000

Author: VietVet
Subject: Here They Come!
Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 10:07am

"Many times during the evening I got the impression or feeling that the “decision” had already been made, and that the real purpose of this committee was going to be to “sell” that decision to taxpayers. (I truly hope that I am wrong about this.) That feeling or impression was reinforced towards the end of the meeting, when we were divided into three smaller groups to compile lists of “What do YOU need to know.” In our group, some of the members (retired teachers, I believe) were reluctant to list my single question/request. In fact, they seemed a little “put out” that I dared to bother them with such a request. What was it??? I asked to see “the inspection reports for the high school buildings, the Vail buildings, and the Verity buildings”. They said that “the State will make the inspections after we make our decision”. I asked them how we can possibly make a rational decision if the facilities have not been inspected so that we can know what has to be done to themto bring them up to snuff. They looked at me like I was crazy. I returned a similar expression. I finally shrugged and said if they won’t put it on our list, I would ask someone else to put it on their list. They relented, but listed it on a separate sheet, even though there was plenty of room on the first sheet".

Mike Presta

BINGO!!!!! MR. SHAFFER!...... IF ACCURATE.....MIKE PRESTA'S EXPERIENCE WITH HIS PARTICULAR GROUP, MADE UP OF TEACHERS/EDUCATORS SAYS IT ALL. ARROGANCE FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD TO THE SUPERINTENDENTS-PAST AND PRESENT, TO THE TEACHERS. THEY WILL TELL US TAXPAYERS THE WAY IT IS, WHILE REJECTING WHAT WE WANT.

THIS IS WHAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IN THE PAST WHEN I HAVE DECIDED TO ATTEND ANY EDUCATIONAL MEETING FUNCTION IN THIS DISTRICT. YOU HAVE TWO GROUPS.....THE GENERAL TAXPAYING PUBLIC, WHO ARE ASKED TO ATTEND AND PROVIDE "FEEDBACK" (BUT USUALLY IGNORED) AND THE EDUCATIONAL WORLD PEOPLE, MADE UP OF TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, BOARD MEMBERS, THE SUPERINTENDENT AND OTHERS, WHO ARE ABSOLUTELY UNRESPONSIVE TO SUGGESTIONS MADE BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC. WE ARE AN INTRUSION INTO THEIR LITTLE PROTECTED WORLD. IF A MEMBER OUTSIDE THE PROTECTED, SECRET SOCIETY OF THE EDUCATIONAL WORLD MAKES A SUGGESTION THAT DOES NOT CONFORM TO THEIR PRECONCEIVED GAME PLAN THAT THEY WANT, IT IS REJECTED TO THE POINT OF CONFRONTATION.

THAT SIR, IS WHAT HAS ALWAYS FRUSTRATED ME AND HAS MADE ME SO HOSTILE TOWARD THE EDUCATIONAL CONTINGENT THAT OCCUPIES THIS TOWN. THIS IS THE PRINCIPAL REASON I REFUSE TO SUPPORT ANY PHASE INTIATIVES NOR LEVIES. THE ARROGANCE OF THE EDUCATION PEOPLE ANGERS ME. THEY WANT MY MONEY AT LEVY TIME, BUT THEY DON'T WANT TO HEAR MY IDEAS/INPUT INTO A SYSTEM THAT I AM PAYING INTO. CAN YOU NOW SEE WHY I AM SUCH AN ADVOCATE OF RESISTANCE TO THIS DISTRICT? ARROGANCE, MR. SHAFFER, ARROGANCE.

IF IT IS OF ANY CONSOLATION, CITY COUNCIL WORKS IN THE SAME MANNER, WITH THE SAME THEME.......ASK FOR PUBLIC INPUT, IGNORE IT AND GO WITH THE PRE-CONCEIVED PLAN ALREADY DECIDED LONG BEFORE THE PUBLIC INPUT. LIKE THE CITY COUNCIL, WITH THEIR INNER CIRCLE OF LIKE THINKERS AND PRE-ORDAINED DECISIONS, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT REFLECTS THE SAME TRAITS.

GIVEN THIS PERCEPTION OF EXCLUSION, I TEND TO STAY AWAY AS IT BECOMES A WASTE OF TIME FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IMO. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR DECADES IN THIS TOWN.

HISTORICALLY, COUNCIL AND THE SCHOOL PEOPLE WILL SAY THAT THIS IS NOT THE WAY IT IS AND THEY ARE SORRY WE FEEL THIS WAY. (OR IN MULLIGAN'S RESPONSE, "IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT LEAVE") THAT HAS BEEN A TYPICAL RESPONSE FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD AND COUNCIL AT TIMES. THAT RESPONSE HAS NO CREDIBILITY ANYMORE FOR ME. IT IS A DISGUSTING RESPONSE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE RUNNING THE SHOW.

I WISH YOU AND THE OTHERS GOOD LUCK IN PASSING YOUR PHASE II DREAMS. I, FOR ONE, AM GETTING TIRED OF THE PIE IN THE SKY SPENDING WHEN THE COMMUNITY IS BECOMING POORER OVER TIME. THE CITY LEADERS ARE WELL ON THEIR WAY TO RUINATION OF THIS TOWN AS THEY CREATE THE GHETTO OF SW OHIO HERE, BUT THE LAVISH SPENDING CONTINUES WITH THE COUNCIL AND SCHOOL COMMUNITY PET PROJECTS AT THE TAXPAYER'S EXPENSE. BOTH ARE KILLING US FINANCIALLY, AS YOU ATTEMPT TO DRAIN OUR WALLETS. JMO

Other School Issues : Here They Come!

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:41:21 +0000

Author: ground swat
Subject: Here They Come!
Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 9:41am

Interesting article about Monroe schools, how things can change.

Other School Issues : Here They Come!

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:08:26 +0000

Author: acclaro
Subject: Here They Come!
Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 8:08am

Rick, thank you for your response. If I may, and I am being repetitive, it would be helpful if the school Board would do the following:

1) Put on their website the annual report which of course would include the amount budgeted for annual maintenance (both variable and fixed costs).

2) Data regarding the amount of money that was the basis for determining Phase 2 recommendations. As an example, I cannot fathom that upgrades to MHS, a school that is stagnant if indeed, not actually losing enrollment, is requiring 2/3's of remodeling expense of cost to replace. That is unconscionable to me to think that building, built > 40 years ago, would necessitate expenses to remodel it, that are 2/3's the cost of building a new school. It is hyper-inflated.

Turning to Mike Presta's comments, and you'll have to think of me as the typical West Chester voter mindset, and not Middletown, which voters will take a high level SWAG analysis, given macro details, and the Board say trust us, the data is it will cost us more to do this than just following our Master Plan, but as Phase 1 was derailed, and wasting money is so apparent in every aspect of government and public funds from local, to state, to the federal level, I assure you and the Board, cost justification will take on a higher meaning than the easy passage of the Phase 1 project in 2003. In other words, you'd better have the cost justification down, or your campaign strategy in place, or this will fail soundly.

My take after many questions, is the Master Plan was a wish list, a desired plan to build new buildings. It was not based upon data that gave the foundation of the expense of maintaining building, what needed to be remodeled, nor the detailed analysis of what those costs to be. Rather, the Master Plan was put in place with a grand vision the by building new buildings, more students would be coming into the system, performance improvement would be made, and teachers would be happy to be in new buildings....so life is good. Lets be honest. I could easily come up with a model/ plan for my home, which I could redo my kitchen, three bathrooms, and basement, putting in new stainless steel appliances, state of the art plumbing, and granite throughout, and have an expense that's >2/3rd' s the cost of the existing home structure. That's easy to do, and what I suspect occurred in 2003 and since, associated with Pahse 1 and 2. This isn't what is needed in comparison to keeping the buildings running, its to get the justification up for a new school building for matching funds.

In 2008, we have the housing bubble. We have the performance of the school remaining in CI today, and we have a decline in enrollment. Additionally, we have a city with the highest decline of property value and subsequent tax valuation in Butler Cty.

Therefore, I believe from what I have read, the responses I have received, reflects significant flaws on the initial analysis used to sell Phase 2. Undoubtedly, there is a budget which is within the current budget which is set aside for maintenance. And, it is apparent the only selling point is the system will spend $110 Mm, and hopes to get $40 Mm in return. Its a consumer buying something not needed, but the perception of the sale so good....it is simply to good to pass up.

With that said, I do not believe there are the details nor analysis available or ever done, which would reflect a need and justification for Phase 2 to move forward. And I believe I would speak for > 50% of voters, that would agree with that, and would soundly defeat attempts to pass a levy upon the notion the .50 discount at the Polo store justifies writing a check for a product not required based solely on a perception of benefit that is not tangible. Even Middletown residents are beginning in this economy and downward city spiral to realize its time to evaluate expenditures based upon proven need, and not an easy spin of recouping the state funds, or the Polo outlet fire sale, so lets spend away as the price is lower than otherwise would be had.

I am appreciative of your time to respond. If I may offer anything constructive, I would recommend some numbers be put forth that justify this attempt, than articulating we got to do Phase 2, to get $40 Mm from the state. Those arguments worked in the past, but I assure you and the Board, they will be woefully inadequate in the future. But, I'm sure the decision to move forward with Phase 2 has been made, and the architectural firm is being paid to sell this. But they don't have the numbers to sell it, other than lets take advantage of the annual after Christmas markdown at the Polo outlet.

But, there is at least 5 years or > for residents to prepare and leave Middletown before the levy comes forth, but it is coming. I will keep an open mind however, if the quantitative basis is actually presented to move Phase 2 forward, in contrast to a broad overview that is premised upon a notion the Plan is for a new building because it cost 2/3rd's or more to remodel, when no remodeling details for any of the schools have been provided.

There are other issues to consider when combining two middle schools. There is a large population of students. Do they have the maturity to be combined in one building, will that lead to more problems, does it cause problems for transportation, getting them back on the west end, et al. These are not your problems of course, but Board considerations. This is addressed to the school Board, as I believe the consolidation represents serious issues associated with the large student population at an age of immaturity, potential violence, and a sheer volume that will actually drive more students out of the system at middle school and beyond, than bring them in, or retain them. I also realize the thoughts were Miller Ridge would be thriving (it is not), Franklin would be a tax-haven for increased students (it wasn't), and that with the new high school over by Miller Ridge, more students from Franklin would be attracted (they won't).

In the final analysis, with what has transpired since 2003, I would recommend to the Board the following:

1) Cut back on your scope, Phase 2 is just too large. Vail may have a justification for replacement only, keep it separate, and maintain two middle schools, not combining it with move into high school and build of new high school. The cost would put the district over the hump to get the $40 Mm, but is practical. this project has "scope creep: and the creep is much too large, and is not justified upon the scenario done in 2003. it was a plan, but i don't think then the numbers were realistically justifying Phase 2 as outlined.

or...

2) Maintain the schools as they require. Wait another 15-20 years, and see what Middletown's direction to be. The student population and growth obviously is not a problem nor impediment.

Thank you Rick for your response and professionalism in providing the details as you have them in a timely manner.

As Mitt Romney told Newt Gingrich in the Florida debate, on Gingrich's pandering for NASA votes, if an executive came with a request for $200 Bb for a moon colony, Romney, the consultant minded business executive, stated he'd fire that person. Likewise, from what I have reviewed and what has been presented, I am confident > 50% will fire Phase 2 as presented. I'd go back to the drawing board and reconsider what has transpired in Middletown since 2003 and tweak this approach, before it is voted down even in the city that typically doesn't skim the details much below the surface. This go around, they will.

Other School Issues : Here They Come!

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:23:25 +0000

Author: Mike_Presta
Subject: Here They Come!
Posted: 04 Feb 2012 at 2:23am

Well, since I was also in attendance at Thursday evening’smeeting, I guess it is time for me to weigh in with my thoughts andimpressions.

First, I must say that I wish this meeting would’ve beentaped, so that I could review the proceedings and be 100% accurate. It was not (at least not to my knowledge), solet me preface my remarks by saying that I will try to be as accurate aspossible, but I am relying on memory, notes, and especially impressions.

At the start of the meeting, everyone in attendanceintroduced themselves. Then representativesfrom Fanning and Howey, Inc. (F/H) gave a brief presentation before asking aseries of multiple choice questions of the group. The group responded via 19 individual,anonymous radio frequency transmitters (resembling very small remote controlunits). When all 19 responses wereregistered, the percentage choosing each of the possible answers was shown onthe screen along with the question.

I found some apparent discrepancies between the verbalresponses and the anonymous answers. Forexample, during introductions, it was my distinct impression that nearlyeveryone in the room, save four or five people, worked for the school district,volunteered with the school district, had retired from the school district, orwas employed by a contractor of the school district. Yet, the anonymous replies to the question “Areyou an employee of the school district?” indicated that less than halfwere. This may have been technicallytrue, but it seems to me that, as a poll question, that answer was somewhatmisleading and, standing alone, could indicate much less of a bias toward a “schooldistrict position” than there might actually have been. Along these same lines, only one person inthe room had a child in the school system at present. Yet, in response to one of the questions, onlya couple of us had not been “in a district classroom” in the last fewmonths. Now, since there has not been ameeting of this committee for at least six months, since only one person in theroom currently had a child in school, and fewer than half were “employees ofthe district”, why had everyone (save a couple of us) been in a districtclassroom very recently??? I wish I hadthe exact figures.

The “2003 Master Plan” was mentioned several times duringthe evening. Master Plan “options” werementioned, as was “Master Plan Phase Two”. I felt as if I was the only one in the room unfamiliar with this “masterplan” and asked if it was available on-line. Mr. Thompson promised to email a copy to me. (He has done so. I received it Friday, but have not yet lookedat it. To my knowledge, I am the onlyone that asked for it.)

Towards the end of the meeting, F/H showed a series ofslides consisting of an aerial view of Middletown with the existing schoolbuildings shown, as well as several possible options for “Phase Two”. One of the options was to leave all schoolswhere they are right now, while performing any necessary repairs/modernizationsrequired to the high school and middle school buildings. F/H indicated that there may be new optionsarising as a result of these meetings.

Many times during the evening I got the impression orfeeling that the “decision” had already been made, and that the real purpose ofthis committee was going to be to “sell” that decision to taxpayers. (I truly hope that I am wrong about this.) That feeling or impression was reinforcedtowards the end of the meeting, when we were divided into three smaller groupsto compile lists of “What do YOU need to know.” In our group, some of the members (retired teachers, I believe) werereluctant to list my single question/request. In fact, they seemed a little “put out” that I dared to bother them withsuch a request. What was it??? I asked to see “the inspection reports forthe high school buildings, the Vail buildings, and the Verity buildings”. They said that “the State will make theinspections after we make our decision”. I asked them how we can possibly make a rational decision if thefacilities have not been inspected so that we can know what has to be done tothemto bring them up to snuff. They looked at me like I wascrazy. I returned a similarexpression. I finally shrugged and saidif they won’t put it on our list, I would ask someone else to put it on theirlist. They relented, but listed it on aseparate sheet, even though there was plenty of room on the first sheet.

Oh…one other thing: earlier in the meeting, when F/H was mentioning the abandoning orpossible demolition of Vail Middle School as an option, I asked F/H if theywere familiar with Middletown’s City Ordinance 1210. They said that they were not, and asked whatit pertained to. I said that itpertained to historic structures and puts severe limitations on what may, ormay not, be done to such structures, including demolition or remodeling. Could our local history buffs overzealousnessfor all things historic stand in the way of adequate school buildings??? I doubt it. If they will “certify” junk auto hoods as “appropriate” for siding on abuilding in our “Historic Downtown Middletown”, what’s not to be found “certifiable”??? Still, if we follow the letter of the law, asour City Law Director is sworn to do…

Other School Issues : Here They Come!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:02:26 +0000

Author: rshaffer
Subject: Here They Come!
Posted: 03 Feb 2012 at 10:02pm

Pacman: just another thought. I tend to remember (I asked the question) that the cost of a new HS---it was proposed at the Verity site at the time---did not include a new auditorium. Again, an auditorium---any size---in a new facility would have to be paid for as an LFI--paid for separately by the district. I argued at the time that it didn't make sense to build a new HS (such as the Verity School location) and then have to bus or have the HS students get to Breiel and University (the current HS) for music concert practice, play practices, etc. Rick

Other School Issues : Here They Come!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:56:02 +0000

Author: rshaffer
Subject: Here They Come!
Posted: 03 Feb 2012 at 9:56pm

Pacman: The last round of facilities' meetings that we had---about 6 months or so---reviewed all of the three options with dollar amounts. I believe that you are correct, that the cost to renovate the existing HS was about the same as building a new one. Rick

Other School Issues : Here They Come!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:52:57 +0000

Author: rshaffer
Subject: Here They Come!
Posted: 03 Feb 2012 at 9:52pm

SpiderJohn/Acclaro: thank you for your responses. Again, these are my thoughts, and I have no official capacity with the district except as a member of the committee. If I misstep, it is not intentional, just an error on my part. SJ: great suggestion about the AK land. That has not been proposed in any meeting that I have been in. This is what the committee is about---suggestions. In my opinion, the only driving forces have been the lack of available space in Middletown. I believe the "ideal" for a HS is 80 acres, but that would include a football stadium, ample ball fields, etc. Be aware, though, the Phase 2 proposal does not include a replacement of Barnitz Field or even an auditorium in a new HS. These are not funded by OSFC, but would have to be funded by an LFI--a "locally funded initiative". A "phys-ed. type" gymnasium would be included, but nothing the size of Wade E. Miller. A new gym like Miller would be paid for by the district. Again, I can't restate enough that nothing has be presupposed on location or need. The committee is trying to determine what the community wants. As to some of your questions, Acclaro, I've seen many of the answers (sq. ft., cost to renovate, demolition costs, etc.) in handouts from previous meetings. The information is available, just not readily available for me--I tend to keep everything (or so my family tells me) and every once in a while these things will come to the top when I stir up the pile. I'm not trying to evade the question, I just don't have ready access to it. I will say that Milt has been very good about producing these when asked. Last night someone asked for some historical documentation and he said that he would produce. I'll ask him the next time I see him sometime next week. To answer one of your questions, Acclaro, regarding the 2/3rds--OSFC only RECOMMENDS that a structure be replaced, they don't mandate it. So it is possible to renovate "Vail"; the final resolution would be in the hands of the board, and, of course, the voters. I, personally, think that it would be an interesting challenge to be involved with, but that's just me. Believe it or not, having monitored these blogs for several years, I think that this has been the most civil and rational look at this concern for all of us. I wish to thank you for your positive ideas. We all know that the entire city/community/school problems concern us all. Hopefully, we can move forward with the educational factor for our good, whether that means a new Phase 2 or updating Vail, MHS and Manchester. Thank you, gentlemen. I look forward to our next blog. Rick

Other School Issues : Here They Come!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:32:47 +0000

Author: Pacman
Subject: Here They Come!
Posted: 03 Feb 2012 at 9:32pm

Rick,

The last time I recall the subject of to new schools being built in Middletown concerned the HS and JHS. The bottom line for the HS was that it would cost the same to remodel the current HS as it would be to build a new JHS. Is this still correct? If I remember right the citizens voted to remodel the HS which makes little sense to me.

Pacman

Other School Issues : Here They Come!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:15:09 +0000

Author: acclaro
Subject: Here They Come!
Posted: 03 Feb 2012 at 8:15pm

Rick, please forgive my questions which were redundant pursuant to the evening discussion. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. From what I read, the following seems to be a quick summary:

1) Utilizing Vail today is fine in its square footage. There are three choices for it---maintain it going into the future, which seems logical because of a declining overall enrollment, or move it to the current high school. Consolidation with the two middle schools eliminates two schools, into one, but which will remain standing, comparable to the eyesore on Central, the old school that has been attempted to be auctioned on countless times.

2) The district must rebuild when the cost is 2/3 of renovation.

3) The district is on pace within 5-7 years to be in a position to recoup 26% of an approximate $150 Mm expenditure from the state, give or take a few $ Mm.

I do apologize with my questions, many of which will be covered in the future I'm sure at the meetings.

From your viewpoint, why would the city with all the destruction downtown, want a standing (and empty) Vail Middle School, especially getting in the way of the plans for Cincinnati State? The same for the newer middle school which will also remain free standing, it won't be torn down, so another empty building in Middletown.

Are you suggesting the costs to renovate Vail would exceed 2/3's of the cost of building a new one---and if so, what is that cost, and what needs to be renovated (HVAC, windows, doors, plumbing, roof, what)?

In sum, it appears neither growth, nor expense is driving Phase 2. Also, would there not be disadvantage for busing students that attend Vail now, from the current high school (used as the proposed middle school) back down to the area many can easily walk home from today, and what is that added cost in terms of added buses, and so forth?

Politically, just like Sunset and Douglas Park, building a new "Vail" would have consequences the district would prefer not dealing. The question many will have, is what is the necessary remodeling expenses to Vail, that push it up to 2/3% of a new building?

From what I surmise, it appears the district is combining the maintenance cost of three schools, to provide an aggregate expense for three, that justifies the 2/3rd's cost of simply building a new school, right? Neither the MHS nor the newer middle school would have maintenance costs near the 2/3rd's limit. As for Vail, what is it that it needs, that standing alone, would make it a 2/3rd's cost requiring a replacement?

If I may ask a final question, could you provide the estimated maintenance/ upgrade expense and the general need (HVAC), plumbing, etc. for:

1) Vail
2) MHS
3) the newer middle school

It baffles me Cincinnati State is renovating older buildings in downtown Middletown, and the school is desiring through Phase 2, to consolidate buildings and build a new one. Evidently, colleges and universities (state) don't have to adhere to the 2/3's rule. Rather odd.

The question remains---is it better to take $71 Mm expended with declining students, and spend X amount for maintenance over 20 years lets say, and that is a total of $80 Mm, or spend $110 Mm to get $40 Mm back from the state. I still remain confused as to why the state allows multiple schools (in the district's case-3 or 4) buildings, to aggregate maintenance costs under what you refer as remodeling, to justify the > 2/3rds expense, therefore building one new school from 3 which you may remodel.

It seems on face, remodeling and maintenance have similar connotations, as if the district put in a HVAC system, that would be remodeling. Is that the definition---any upgrade expense is a "remodel" that is measured against the 2/3rd's ratio kicking it into replacement?

By all means, if I am getting ahead, reign me in , and I can wait on the next series of meetings.

Playing Devil's Advocate (let's pretend I am a West Chester voter, not a Middletownian), would it not be better for MCSD to focus upon enrollment increases as the projections are actually declining, than worry about the $40 Mm? The voters in 2003 did not pass Phase 2 as you referenced because of the accountability to see the benefit from Phase 1- as that was not met, I'm uncertain why the district would think Phase 2 would pass now, but admittedly, I am role playing a West Chester voter).

Gee, if only Kasich would have had some restraint on SR5, and focused upon vouchers for taxpayers, fewer students would mean greater consolidation and use of existing buildings---and he would win a second term which is doubtful.

Many thanks for the clarity.

Other School Issues : Here They Come!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:03:19 +0000

Author: spiderjohn
Subject: Here They Come!
Posted: 03 Feb 2012 at 6:03pm

Intreresting

we all want attractive and effective schools in our area

surrounded by an honest, polite, communicative and responsible young generation.

reasonable expectationwe do understand the high cost of education and the facilities/manpower involved

in relation to the district's "ability to support the system

we have built nice, large geographically diverse structures, which have ample space for growth, while our base is shrinking somewhat, and by a larger % departure from the upper economic sectors

we have demolished many old school house landmarks, leaving green space and air along many old and well-travelled routes.

Vail(current title) is probably past it's usefulness as it stands.

Not the best location UNLESS

A newer could go somewhere approximate, like maybe the land donated from the old Armco/AK office sites)

Close to Rosa Parks, Vail, Wade E, Cincy St., the "Arts district" and the transit system. Easy access from many areas, and an important balance in the complex equation. Probably not a very well-recieved option though

The current HS is not at all beyond use. It has time left, and if the former Manchester JHS site can be re-habbed, could it hold the freshman school?

The Roosevelt property could also be an interesting location option.

Not a very good time to be asking anyone for more $$ for pretty much any reason.