Recreation

$34.00 amonth for an annual family pass! That is $408.00 per year. Where did you get that figure ($34.00 per month)?

"Providing adequate recreation facilities for public use..." when? In 10 years or 20 years of taxing people? Please define "adequate" since for the last 9-10 years there has been NOTHING but empty, $500,000 land with a pretty picture that is not even what will be built. So, what is "adequate" and what time frame are we talking? Just wondering.

"Adequate" recreation seems to be helping the youth yet that was not done...

..."The purpose of a recreation center is to provide a better alternative to the recreational drug/alcohol use. To provide a different option for a Saturday afternoon."... (posted by yoB on this blog).

So, which report are you reporting figures from please? Thank you.

I would like to think that having a rec center in town would be a nicety. Let's try and be a little realistic here. I would guess that if high schoolers are recreationaly using drugs and alcohol, a rec center isn't going to put and end to that. I would think, and you can disagree with this all you want, its just my thought. A rec center could provide for a more centralized location for the aledged drinkers and drug users to meet. What, if any, plans are in place to prevent this from happening? I would'nt let my children go to a place that has become a hangout for drug dealers. I don't want you to think that I'm assuming that will happen. I'm just stating an opinion. How can anyone say it wont happen? We won't know for sure until after the place is built and opened to the public. That raises another question, when is that supposed to happen? So far, as stated by OM, all we have to show for our money is a piece of land and a sign. Why has'nt anything started, other than meetings by the WERC Board? How do we know the money is still there? How can we be sure that this rec center is actually going to be built? Who's going to run the place? What types of activities are going to be in place for all citizans to enjoy? So far, all I've read in these blogs about rec center is pools and hot tubs. If thats the case, why not just spend the money and buil an enclosure for the pool we already have? I could be totally wrong about this, like I stated earlier, we won't know anything until the place is up and running. Are our property taxes going to go up to fund the payroll for this place? Please feel free to enlighten me with answers to these questions. I am open to this, if there are actually programs for all to enjoy.

Not only would a rec center give teens an alternative to just partying, it would tremendously benefit all age groups. Despite the anti-rhetoric of some of these bloggers, it is an undeniable fact that most towns of Mtn Home's size have some kind of community center to offer its citizens. Not only does an activity center give people an opportunity to keep their exercise program going year round, it also provides a way to meet and socialize with other people in this community. That may not be important to some people, but it is very important to a lot of others. That's why a recreation district was formed by voters in 2000. As YoB and others have stated numerous times, it takes time to accumulate enough money to build a center debt-free. A little research on time frames for other town's building their community centers would prove that. This center is going to be offering a lot more than "pools and hot-tubs". As YoB also stated, do a little research besides just reading blogs.

No one is blaming the community. The law says the purpose of a recreation center is "assists in correcting or eliminating many social ills such as delinquency, crime, excessive use of alcohol, drug abuse and discrimination." It's law, not my opinion.

"I (heart)my boys": I think you're being naive to think that a recreation center wouldn't help with the teen drug/alcohol problem here. The world is a much different place now than when you or I grew up. With most families nowadays, both parents have to work to make ends meet. That means a lot of free, unstructured time for lots of kids here. I wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard "There's nothing to do in this town". There are things that could be found to do here but I bet most of them would rely on transportation to and from. How about if the kids don't drive and parents are working so can't drive them there? That's where a rec center would come in. And with the site location that's been selected, it would be easy to get to for most kids. As far as the rec district needing a "new direction", I kinda thought that's why they were trying to get the Y involved.

"In Mountain Home, young people are big on recreation drug/alcohol use. There aren't a lot of facts on this because there aren't a lot of arrests. Underage alcohol and drug use is very prevelant in Mountain Home though. In fact, I'll count how many kids at school will admit to me they have tried alcohol/drugs."

I beg to differ on your statement about "there aren't a lot of arrests". I think you should look at the police log a little closer in the newspaper, or visit the court house on Wednesday mornings and afternoons. Wednesday is arraignment day; all new arrests are arraigned at that time. Wednesday afternoons are set aside, usually, for juvenile arraignments. If they request the public defender then their next stop is with me. :-)

The law says the purpose of a recreation center is "assists in correcting or eliminating many social ills such as delinquency, crime, excessive use of alcohol, drug abuse and discrimination."

posted by yoB on Thu, Apr 30, 2009 1:04

I couldn't have said it better. "ASSISTS" is the keyword. The WECRD is a great idea, but not the "Be all end all". You are right, it's a different world than when some of us grew up. It's hard I know it. I'm a single Mom with my last kid in college. Don't for a minute think I'm naive or just don't get it. I personally worried myself sleepless at nights, wondering how I was gonna make it. This Rec center wouldn't have been for me when my 3 kids were growing up, due to expense. I work an 8 hour day to support my children, and then came home to them. They knew good and well that their chores/work needed to be done, and we would then have family time. They walked home from school, and walked back to town or school for any activities they wanted to do AFTER their chores were done and not a minute before. I picked them up if they were in town, and went home to cook dinner and whatever else needed to be done. They weren't exactly perfect, but IMO darn close to it. When things went wrong, it wasnt anyone's fault but ours. Not lack of a Rec Center or any such thing. It took dedication on my part to instill dedication on their part. My kids are now part of this community also, and those of you that know them, I bet you like them!

Perhaps it boils down to parenting and personal & communal responsibilty, not sending your kids out into the world without a clue or any sense and then blaming the community when they fall to trouble.

-- Posted by I(heart)myboys on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 12:41 PM

Again, I couldn't have said it better. I think the general consensus is that Yes we do want a Rec Center for all the reasons argued about. There are differences of how/when it should come about, paid by what/who/when.

I am annoyed by the arguing, but I commend everyone for being so passionate about something that will hopefully bring a valuable asset to our community. Yes, we need it. Yes, we want it. Let's make it happen, and leave the arrogance and pride out of the mixture. Some that are soooo involved need to maybe step back and see if they can compromise, without feeling that they've been slighted.

But again, in the mean time, parents still need to parent and have fun with their children. Explore this beautiful State of Idaho, which has a varied history worth discovering. We have so much of value here, to treasure and save for years to come. Yes, there is always going to be drugs and alcohol and whatever else kids can dream up. Yes we know. I don't think we are probably ever going to completely rid ourselves of that. Times have changed, so now is the time to get more involved.

Jessie

yoB, thank you for your always polite response. When I asked where you got the figure you got ($34.00), I was asking which report...not the formula. I clearly figured that out in my response to you. Thank you.

"OM: 34 dollars a month came from an annual family pass cost. $400. I divided by 12 and got 33.33333333333 i rounded up to be safe. It came from their business plan. It is merely proposed."

Yep, the cost is "merely proposed." Could be higher and could be lower (more than likely will be higher). If kids want to do drugs, drink and have sex...they will do it with or without this center. Where there is a will...there is a way. If all (I said ALL) parents raised their children like Jessie and I (heart)...we would not have the problems we have. I am 37 years old and made it through all levels of my education and life and have never used drugs. It is because of how I was raised and the values I was taught. Oh, and I grew up without a rec center but I had animals. I was raised around horses, etc. and that was where my fun was. Life is what you make of it and is all about the choices YOU make not the country club that you would like to have. Nice try. If you want to use drugs and drink, that is just what you will do with or without a 2.5 million dollar rec center. PLEASE!!! Be accountable for your own actions and the choices YOU make. Kids have done with much less and turn out just fine.

I've read the above statements, arguments, etc...but can't completely agree with the original post.

I think the writer is confused about "the law" she keeps quoting. It may be technically "the law" but really it is the code and mission to why the facility should be built.

I don't think a rec center will do much for drug/alcohol use. Is the Rec center going to be open Fri and Sat. nights until 2 AM? That is when a lot of partying takes place. When I graduated from MHHS 15-20 years ago, students did drugs/alcohol then, but not for lack of something better to do. It was social experimentation. I personally didn't try anything until college... and not for lack of a Rec. Center! Plenty more to do there, living in Boise...but still tried stuff! Also, speaking of Boise where there are TONS of places to go, people to see, things to do...the drug/alcohol use is above and beyond worse than in MH...

So, I say leave the drug/alcohol argument out when lobbying for the Rec. Center. If students want to do drugs or alcohol, they will -- right after their basketball game at the Rec. Center.

$34/mo. for a family (of four?) is totally do-able, in fact I'd pay more...

AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN

I do not believe and I do not intend to argue a recreation center is going to get kids to quit using drugs and alcohol.... But when the time comes where they have a choice to sit at home alone or go 'experiment' with their friends... they are most likely going to experiment. By having a recreation center, you a providing for a better option. So, that kid who is on the border of being a 'bad kid' and a 'good kid' might make the right choice.

OM: Yes, some kids will do drugs if that is what they plan to do. There is no doubt there will be some of those kids. I'm talking about the kids who would rather swim, play basketball, and rockclimb instead of do drugs, but end up doing drugs because they have nothing better to do. It's great that you grew up with a recreation center and stayed away from it all. I commend you. Not every kid is that lucky. Not every kid gets a nice upbringing but would like to change their future?

I don't intend on convincing her of anything. I am just trying to convince the readers (my judges) that My points are more logical.

In addition to the excellent points made by small town and others, may I add that a recreation or community center is not a new concept. There have been centers like these (think YMCAs, boys & girls clubs, etc.) for decades for kids to enjoy. Obviously, people way back thought they were good ideas to give kids healthy alternatives to all the wrong things out there. It's easy for people without kids to worry about to dismiss the great benefit of these centers for kids. Not only kids, but all of us will benefit. With the economy the way it is, making way fewer trips to Boise and keeping our money here in this community just make sense, IMO.

Idaho Code 31-4302 is a declaration by the Idaho Legislature that recreational facilities are a public benefit. It is not a law that anyone has to follow, nor is it a guarantee that such a facility will prevent drug use. A legislative declaration of benefit usually comes in handy when an entity wants to levy a local option tax, write a grant for funding or raise money.

I have to agree with Redroth, since the rec center is a benefit to the public, build the darn thing already. I was in Nampa and happened to go by the YMCA there. While I did not go inside, from the outside it seemed to be about the size building that would suit the CURRENT needs of Mt Home.

While some may think I am against a rec center since I signed the petition, that is farthest from the truth. I have stated over and over that a rec center would be great. What I am not for is the way the board has handled themselves for so long. They made promises 10 years ago to build a center and what have they done? Not much except for making more promises. I say build it now before the children of today become the adults of tomorrow.

Thanks Tracy, for your comments on my children. Yes, they are kind and compassionate towards all they come across.

As I said in a previous post, I am annoyed by all this arguing. From some of the posts on this thread, it's obvious that some have forgotten WHAT the issue is. It doesn't have to repeated AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN,

we all want the center, There is no one that needs convincing to see their point. It's pretty much unanimous .... we want it.

We also want our adult opinions to make a difference or at least be taken into consideration. It is our tax dollars, and it's darn offensive to be ignored. I don't see a resolution in any near future, if some compromises aren't reached. That is a darn shame. I am dismayed at the childishness that has come out of the woodwork.

Jessie

Fresh ideas and new views...I thought that was what the WECRD BM's were for BEFORE the rules were changed. They did not listen then so what impact would 1 "naysayer" really have had on that board (2 against 3)? They changed the rules so they would not have to listen...as opposed to accepting fresh ideas and other views from the public (and for free). So again, what is your point? You are good at the blame game but none of us "naysayers" could make it beyond number 1. Those are the facts. Have a nice night.

Jessie, sorry you see this as "arguing". I see it as debate.

"For Immediate Release:

The WECRD is committed to serving the public in a courteous and efficient manner. The Board appreciates the citizens of Western Elmore county's interest in building a sustainable recreation center that meets the needs of the area residents.

To best serve the public, the Directors and staff will place persons on the agenda who have pertinent matters to the WECRD according to the following criteria:

Submit the topic in writing, along with associated materials, to the WECRD office hours by 2:00 PM one week before the meeting.

Name, address and contact information must also be provided.

Only the submitted issue may be addressed at that meeting.

The WECRD Board hopes this meeting format will help the residents of the WECRD fully communicate with the Board and staff, as well as, help the Board and staff research and secure the needed information to address the residents' questions/information.

Adopted 3/18/09"

To speak AT ALL, you must be on the agenda.

Yep, kind of hard to dispute the WECRD Board's stand on public comment:

"...The WECRD Board hopes this meeting format will help the residents of the WECRD fully communicate with the Board and staff, as well as, help the Board and staff research and secure the needed information to address the residents' questions/information."

Yes, that rule should help the community "fully communicate with the WECRD Board and staff" in the form of a signature on a certain petition. Then it will be said that they had no idea so many people were not happy with the plan...

So, why have those groups of people not been set up yet as requested by the Y? Probably because they are picking just who they want involved and that takes more time than going down a list and just calling people. The writing is on the walls folks. See you in November where I am sure there will be record turn out---to get rid of this taxing district.

It is not like we did not give them some time. It is a sign of the road ahead, at least for me anyway.

Nobody else applied because nobody else wanted to be "on the hook" with regard to prior bad management and total lack of regard for the public. Nobody else wants to be associated with the WECRD Board. Those are the facts.

As far as attempting to work with them...we did. They chose not to listen (typical Mollie). So, now we have the petition and they had been told that was what we would do if things did not change (for 6 months prior). Well, guess what? Nothing changed. The building got larger---NOT smaller. More things were added but the budget remained more or less the same.

I am done beating my head against a wall on this. We will vote on this in November and I doubt it will be voted in again thanks to how things have been handled. You have the current and past people involved to thank for that.

After 2 months why are there no groups set up? After almost 2 months...why no change in meeting policy if the WECRD Board really wants (or cares about) public input? One really has to wonder why on Monday Marsha Sellers and Betty Ashcraft must present to the ECC's regarding the HUD money? If this was a good plan, the city would have backed them and helped them with this...but they WOULD NOT. Here is a clue. There is the writing on the wall with regard to this project. It has been 9-10 years and we have NOTHING. We have been taxed, money has been saved and we still have NOTHING! Now, 2 months after the Y was in town and asked that groups be formed to work on the facility...NOTHING. I see a pattern.

Sorry yoB but a HS student who does not pay property tax can "want" all they want. When you pay for it it, will be different and then you (if you are smart) will really look at things and pick things apart. My mortgage went up last month more than $200.00 dollars! That was enough to put some right out on the street and those are the facts. Enjoy your day.

Yeah....because it will not be 100% financed by a grant (the Kroc Grant). The building still went up 10,000 sq. ft. How is that skewing things? It ALL changed when we did not get the "free" money.

"Also you had to support the board 100 % in their views and plans," - where is exactly is that said? I looked at the requirements... it wasn't there. Must live in sub district 3 to be sure all neighborhoods in the city are represented.

"When it comes to working with the "Y" that has been done before and this outfit would not go along with the rules the Y put out. Now they at it again and the Y has told them they need to set up groups to get together and report back to the board on what they come up with which surely will fall on deaf ears again. They have had over a month and a half and nobody has been put into any of these groups" -You were at the meeting that Jana explained how the CDLG will work. Billie B. from the Y picks the Committee Co-chairs, at the time of the april meeting, the co-chairs were being recruited. The directors are waiting of Billie for the Co-chairs to pick the members of the committees.

"I doubt very seriously if anyone will get appointed to those groups that don't go along 100% of the board idea's and plans." - the directors are not the only people who have a voice on who is chosen for the committees.

As far as speaking to the board... I have spoke to all 3 board members on different occasions, asking questions. It was also said in the April evening board meeting, they are coming up with a new meeting structure and they hope to include public comment.

Good posts Eagle. I am sure it all falls on deaf ears...concrete wall and head...

The board is not held to any standards and there is 0 accountability. They have been in charge for 10 years and it is still someone else's fault.

Yes, I could have beat my head against the wall for another year on this and tried to talk to them but why? 6 months did no good another year would have changed NOTHING. I will be so glad to vote on this again. I cannot wait for it all to be over---and it will be. Naysayers will have their day and the ECC's will get all of the money and the over-priced land will be sold to a church. At least something will happen is all that I can say. Good night.

Take some asprin EE, she just does not get it. Take care.

ooops...that was aspirin.

yoB, it was a choice for many of us in District 3 to apply or not to apply. There are some fairly "connected" people in District 3 as well. Given what has gone on many of those people wanted NOTHING to do with the WECRD Board and really, who could blame them. It has been 10 years. Now, it has been almost 2 months and more nothing...

"Thursday March 18th marked a pivotal day for the WECRD as we took the first step in moving forward with the YMCA."

"Billie Bernesconi, Vice President of operations and chief strategic officer, for the Treasure Valley Family YMCA met with me and a diverse group representing Western Elmore County to begin the process of creating a "Community Development Leadership Group". During the meeting approximately 80 to 100 names were nominated by the participants to help with planning the future of this project."

So, now they are going to "engineer" a group of participants to help with the planning of this project...wait...that is just what was done in the Shaw Snow Report (for $21,000.00).

History repeats. I will take my chances and vote on this matter in November. yoB, if you were not so worried that the "naysayers" would get this voted down, you would stay away from the personal attacks. Once again, thank you for your points on how slanted the WECRD Board is. You make the "naysayer's" points for them. Enjoy your Monday at school.

OM: Yes, people will be chosen. Not all 80-100 people will be on the committees. The directors, Billie, and the two co-chairs will choose. Who else do you suggest put together the group? You?

I did not make a personal attack. If you took anything as one, I apologize.

"Given what has gone on many of those people wanted NOTHING to do with the WECRD Board and really, who could blame them. It has been 10 years. Now, it has been almost 2 months and more nothing..." - Then all of those who 'support' a rec center must not care that much. If you were to apply and were chosen to be a board member, it would be well known that you differ from the other two directors. "You have to be the change you want to see." I will always believe that. If you want change, you have to work for it. By dissolving, you aren't changing.... you're erasing.

Eagle eye:

Would it be better to build a recreation center with debt... like the golf course?

And it is a really big eraser! It is time. I have talked till I am blue in the face (to the WECRD Board) and now, I am done. I am ready to move on.

As far as the names/list goes...how about you start at the top and work your way down or start at the bottom and work your way up? This "picking" people is a bunch of crap, IMO. That is how this group ends up with answers that are what they want to hear as opposed to what is really needed/wanted. I do not expect you to understand what I say or my view(s). You are right yoB. Those of us that opposed the school bond and now the path of the current WECRD Board do not care. That is why we have spent our own money on this to make copies available to the public. That is why we have spent hours upon hours on research and meeting with the WECRD Board, etc. It is why we have spent our own time and money meeting with people in the community and talking. But you are right...we do not care. Have a nice night.