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Special WECRD Board MeetingPosted Thursday, June 4, 2009, at 11:19 PM
It's summer time and I haven't had much time to blog. I am posting this a day late... but it's better than nothing. I also didn't take notes the entire meeting because it was going a bit slow and I had to get home to go to bed!
Here's the agenda: June 2nd 2009 I. Quorum II. Mission Statement III. Consent Agenda (Part of the new meeting structure) -approval of minutes - Treasurer's report -Bills totaled approx. $355. IV. Reports -Secretarial:There is a military affairs committee meeting sometime this month that Jana and her husband will be attending. -Legal: Brian was not present -Technical: Laptop battery is dead, John will be checking. -Public Liaison: Overview of City council meeting. Jim Everett is eager to set up a meeting with himself, Tom Rist, Billie B., the directors and the mayor of Caldwell (Where most recent YMCA was built) to discuss importance of aquatics to recreation center. Waiting on a time for all of them to meet. V. Continuing Business -YMCA: Jana will be meeting with Billie B. Mr. Hiddleston and Mr. Bermansolo(sp?) on June 9th to discuss who will be on the CDLG Committees. It is estimated that 6-9 people will be on each of the three committies. This is not a public meeting. -Federal appropriations: There was a meeting with Brandt Butler to discuss the accuracy of the Bionomics Environmental Assessment. Brant apparently was very satisfied with the report. Bionomics has given 1 million dollar insurance on the assesment. Brant apparently said he would be pleased and comfortable if the County would become the responsible entity to recieve the money. There will not need to be any more envrionmental assessments to collect future appropriations money. -Land Lease: Mr. Preston wanted to change the land lease so he could store hay on the property. Brian was not present to update the status on the lease. -Meeting format:Consent agenda and 'public comment period' is at the end of each meeting. During the meeting, there are comment cards to fill out. After you fill it out you give it to Judy and she moderates(?) the questions. The maximum time limit to speak is three minutes. -Public Awareness: -Youth walk & Flyer I left the meeting at this point. VI: New business -Old Document policy -Requests: AFAD, Parks & Rec, and Building usage -FY 2010 WECRD Budget: Alan Bermansolo was on the agenda but not present. VII: Public comment Period VIII: Gemeral Discussion IX: Adjournment Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
I would like to blog about the WECRD updates and news. I would also talk about MHHS news. And any hot topic issues that come up in town.
I am a 17 year old junior. I love to write, read and have fun. I am the debate captain, I am a staff reporter for the Tiger Tribune. I an a National Honor Society member. I love living in Mountain Home and hope to live here or in Glenns Ferry when i am older. When I graduate I want to go to college, but travel as much as I can.
Hot topics Funding Cutbacks in Idaho Schools(10 ~ 2:55 PM, Feb 1)
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What was "Special" about this meeting?
jtrotter, it was a special meeting because it was not one of the normally scheduled meetings as the one at the end of May was rescheduled to this date. That makes the meeting special. At least they now allow public comment.
Is it November yet? Let's get on with the vote to dissolve the WRECD WECRD!!! OM, Please tell me there are enough signatures to get it on ballot.
We have 1,600 (or so) signatures. We are still obtaining more because once we hand it in...that is it. We do plan to turn it in in September but it could be sooner. We obtained the list of voters (for $20.00 when we began) and have decided to get 2,300 total signatures to be safe (1,600 were required). I am also ready for this chapter of my life to come to a close. The petition has been very hard work and has been expensive. If you have not seen us out yet...you will soon. Take care.
That is completely off subject.
yob your subject Line Special WECRD Board Meeting
So that opens the door for any comment on the WECRD plus you can't tell people what to say on your blog anyway.
YoB,
So tell us all what we are allowed to discuss on your blog about the WECRD. I know I would like to know what your rules are so we do not violate them and upset you in any way. So put your rules out for all to see and try not to make them up as you go along. Or is asking against the rules as well?
YoB,
I did find your rule "I would like to blog about the WECRD updates and news. " So any status update about the petition or anything going on with the WECRD is not off subject as you stated. I suggest you review your "rules" before you tell us what we can/cannot comment on. Your comment makes me think you are getting nervous about the petition and would rather not hear about it.
yoB, cant justwatch asked a question. I responded so that you would not say (as you have before) that I do not respond to questions. I am sorry that my response was not what you wanted to hear but I do not feel it was at all off topic since it was about the WECRD. Regarding some of your notes above. "Mr. Preston" is not "Mr. Preston" he is Preston Lord.
"III. Consent Agenda (Part of the new meeting structure) -approval of minutes - Treasurer's report -Bills totaled approx. $355." Was the "approx." added by you or did the WECRD Board not give an actual total? What was paid and how much to whom?
"-Federal appropriations: There was a meeting with Brandt Butler to discuss the accuracy of the Bionomics Environmental Assessment. Brant apparently was very satisfied with the report. Bionomics has given 1 million dollar insurance on the assesment. Brant apparently said he would be pleased and comfortable if the County would become the responsible entity to recieve the money. There will not need to be any more envrionmental assessments to collect future appropriations money." I will assume that the Brant/Brandt Butler you refer to is really Brent Butler, Director of Planning and Zoning (he replaced Bonnie Sharp). If you are going to report the "facts" at least spell names correctly so people can figure out who you are talking about. It is those "small details" that count at times (you know...the ones that you already know).
Good day to you Ms. Smith and thanks for allowing your journalism skills to shine. A truly proud moment for MHHS I am sure. Thank you for your meeting notes.
OG, good/valid point. Guess we forgot about that pesky petition which I am required to finish and submit because it is what I promised I would do for those that were willing to sign. Maybe Mollie could come up with a way to derail this like she did that GreenPlay Report prior to the election. Nothing like full disclosure and honesty! Oh wait...yoB never felt it was important enough to research those details and claims to not know anything about the GP situation and what Mollie did. (once again here is the link to Sandy Pitts letter to the MHN PRIOR to the election) and the article by the MHN regarding the GP Report and other info:
http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/14...
http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/14...
Once again it is those "little details" that are pretty important in life and those are normally the things that come back to get you in the end.
"Bills totaled approx. $355." Was the "approx." added by you or did the WECRD Board not give an actual total? What was paid and how much to whom?" That was mine. It was $355 and some change.
I'm sorry I don't spell names correctly sometimes. If I was writing an article for the news paper I would have double checked the spellings. I was in a rush, and left before the meeting was over so I couldn't get the spelling. My appolgies or Mr. Butler and Mr. Lord (My dad and him went to high school together and I don't remember hearing the last name mentioned by Ms. Sellers at the meeting.)
Feel free to write about anything any of you want on my blog. This is a public forum on the internet and everyone has the right to post.
OG, Of course I am nervous about the dissolution. There are many tax payers in this town who are confused and have gotten wrong information and missleading information. There are also tax payers who aren't looking at all sides.
Ms. Lauric... I honestly cannot make an excuse about the GP Report, but once again... If it was such a bad thing that Mrs. Marsh did, why weren't people applying for those board positions when they were available? If there were wrongdoings... people should have been in there trying to change things for the WECRD. That is, if we all truely do 'support' a recreation center.
It really frustrates me that you go on rampages about the WECRD when you really had the chance to change things the way you would have liked and you didn't take it.
YOU DIDN'T APPLY YOU DIDN'T APPLY YOU DIDN'T APPLY.
Give me your excuses, you didn't want to be associated with the board because of the 'mess' they have made... Pardon me, but I believe that is a cowdardly excuse for not wanting to take any responsibility in the project. You have to be the change you want to see. And the change you are causing, shows you do not support a recreation center. Many of you had the same opportunity and didn't take it. It is so easy to take on the criticism role when it comes to government and agencies. But when it comes to being responsible, very few want to do it.
Your quote yoB, Of course I am nervous about the dissolution. There are many tax payers in this town who are confused and have gotten wrong information and missleading information. There are also tax payers who aren't looking at all sides.
I know there has been at least one at some of the WECRD meeting that put it on the record about all the lie's the people with the Petition are telling. There is not as many people confused over what is going on with the rec district and some others.
Anyone that signed the Petition either knew what was going on or they were given the reports we have from the WECRD and had the chance to read all of them or sign by what they already knew.
All the changes that have gone back and forth since prior and to the last election has turned me and alot of others ever trusting that board or anything they have to say, so the people with the Petition will go forward and have it put in front of the voters to decide the outcome of the WECRD
Thanks YOB
That meeting was Loooooooooong!
How much rain have we had anyway?
Ms. Smith, funny how you use my name when I really get under your skin. Does that make you feel better or do you stress my name to make a point?
I can tell you that those of us doing this petition have NEVER lied to anyone. 99.9% of the time we take the info with us and will provide copies to people who do not have the info (all at our own cost). So, if there is info out there that you say is not correct...the WECRD put it out there. Now, back to the "wound pools." FYI for you Ms. Smith...that info came out at a WECRD BM where at least 25 people were present. A nurse asked how they would keep that pool germ free and clean. So, if you are looking for that info from a report, do not bother as it was stated at a meeting before a room full of people. It was also asked who would do the medical billing to insurance carriers since that position was not listed in the WECRD budget. Sick people in a public pool where swim lessons will be held just do not mix (please see the WECRD web page for that info...or heck how about if I just list it since yoB at one point said I had not told the truth about the warm water therapy pool being used for small children and swim lessons).
"Facility components:
Indoor aquatics: Anchoring the aquatics portion will be a warm water therapy pool with a ramp for wheel chair access. This warm pool will have room for multiple activities (therapy, swim lessons for toddlers and young children, strengthening and exercise for those who specifically need warm water. Also, the aquatics portion will have a cooler temperature fitness pool. Likewise, the fitness pool will accommodate multiple aquatic activities throughout the day: lap swimming, swim lessons, recreation and water sports..."
Second, I guess that you did not get the memo Ms. Smith and perhaps that is because you only see 1 side of this situation. I will be helping to work on a SUSTAINABLE facility. I believe that a facility that can support itself is very much needed---just about everyone in our group feels that way. So, to say that I will not do anything to help is less than truthful on your part. If a reasonable and sustainable plan can be developed---I AM ALL FOR IT. If NOT, I am ready for this taxing entity to go away. Maybe when you pay taxes and have a mortgage, you will "get it." I have donated COUNTLESS hours of MY time (by choice) to this project and the WECRD Board refused to listen. I figure my time, if paid for, to be at around $20,000 based on my hourly wage at work and my time spent on this. Funny, it seems that they got the message now and it only took the better part of a year to get here and a petition to get rid of the entire thing. Seems to me like the WECRD Board could have taken into account the FREE info we were obtaining for them (and read some of the LTE in the MHN) and got a clue BEFORE we did this petition because after all they did know this is what we would do because we had told them prior. So, what are their excuses for why we are where we are today? What are the reasons yoB? Why was that GP Report kept from the public for just about 3 weeks PRIOR to the election? Why? Because if people had a chance to review the numbers---they would have seen the black hole and the huge costs and lack of funds. Yes, that is being honest to the public.
There are reasons that I did not run for that board seat. Some have been stated and some are not clear at this point but you will have that info soon. Had I been on that board I would not be able to speak out as I do on this issue and that was far more important to me (informing the public that is). You take care and keep up the research. Those were pretty crappy reasons for your "errors" in your post by the way. Correct spellings of names are important because the wrong name/spelling could get the wrong person some phone calls or bad PR just because you did not take the time or do your research. Good journalism yoB. I hope your teacher reads some of your finer works on here. Have a very nice day.
Dreamer, what is your take/position on how/why we were forced to do a petition and why the WECRD Board was so unwilling to listen to free ideas? It is obvious that we were not wrong or incorrect given the current path of this project. So, why not post some factual info for yoB regarding some of her statements to me from a fresh viewpoint?
Thank you. Enjoy your night.
Ok.
I can try..
What can i say to stop the spin?
( Not just yours OM)...
Or at least start communication.
I really don't (can't) debate about the petition
cuz it's a done deal... so NEW BUSINESS...
Pleeeeeease!
What do you want?
What do you mean by "current path"?
Let's talk!
Let's come together...
Anywhere
Anytime
Your turn... to dream
Ms. Lauric
"I can tell you that those of us doing this petition have NEVER lied to anyone." I didn't mean to suggest that you intentionally mislead taxpayers. I mean some taxpayers don't take/have the time to do all of the research and look at both sides and make an unhindered decision. That isn't your fault.
"Sick people in a public pool" That is NOT what the therapy pool is. You keep making it sound like there will be extra contagious bacteria because of the therapy pool. You take the risk of germs at any other pool!
By disolving the WECRD you are erasing any progress and all money collected/raised. Starting a completely new project would be going backwards. Starting from scratch. So much has already been done and money raised that the last 10 years of countless volunteer work the board/volunteer have done would be wasted. I can guarentee it's more than your work. I will be the first to admit, the WECRD has made mistakes and needs some huge changes. CHANGES. Do not erase and start over from scratch, that would be double the time and energy... CHANGE. You could have changed. You could have made a huge productive impact on this project.
So what will your center consist of?
"Had I been on that board I would not be able to speak out as I do on this issue and that was far more important to me (informing the public that is)."
As a board member it is your job to keep people updated and to make the decisions. It is your job to speak out and inform about the project. That is completely not true that you wouldn't get to speak out. Could you please re-explain your reasoning?
"Ms. Smith, funny how you use my name when I really get under your skin. Does that make you feel better or do you stress my name to make a point?"
Ahem, you used the name first on this blog, sorry.
"Good day to you Ms. Smith and thanks for allowing your journalism skills to shine. A truly proud moment for MHHS I am sure. Thank you for your meeting notes."-- Sat, Jun 6, 2009, at 12:22 PM
And once again, you have to drag another entity into the picture. Who cares what journalistic skills are shining? Much less, why must you mention the MHHS? Just wondering???
Perhaps your skin is being gotten under
MM, just shut up and go to the other blog. And a teen does not get under my skin but an adult who pretends to be something they are not...does. You have a nice day. Go hunt the wolf.
MM, because I can and I did.
yoB, if I was on that board I would not be able to speak out as I do and you know that. There were 2 other board members that knew that GP Report had been obtained. Did they speak out? No. Why? Because they did not want to hinder Mollie and her election and get in a battle with her. Betty Ashcraft also knew that the report was done. Same story. I said I would help and I will but I will not have anyone tell me what I can or cannot say to the public if that info is based on facts and in the public record.
The WECRD Board had 6 months to listen and work with us. It is not my fault they thought they had things in the bag and were above listening to the public. They created this mess, not me. Now, the chips will fall where they may. We really did try to work with them but this is what happens when people feel as if their opinion does not mean anything...BM after BM with NO results and a room of people telling them the same things that my group had stated. We cannot all be wrong.
Ms. Lauric, you continue to post without making any new arguments. I have already admitted the WECRD needs to make some serious changes... no need to make that argument. Yes, as a board member you couldn't be as negative as you currently are. Is that why you didn't apply? Because you wouldn't be able to stir up trouble? Because you would actually be working to ACCOMPLISH something rather than stopping it?
I would LOVE to see you put all this energy into something PRODUCTIVE!! I truly believe that you could accomplish something amazing for this community that you care about so much. You say you have tried to work with the WECRD... but have you ever thought that people might be persuaded by you more if you weren't so...'my way or the high way.'
As my dad tells me, "There are certain ways to get what you want, let them believe it's their idea and not you telling them how it should be."
OM,
What you wrote below sums it up--
"MM, just shut up and go to the other blog. And a teen does not get under my skin but an adult who pretends to be something they are not...does. You have a nice day. Go hunt the wolf."
"MM, just shut up and Go to the other blog"
--Leave me alone, you're hurting my feelings and making sense.
"And a teen does not get under my skin but an adult who pretends to be something they are not...does."
--Ah, apparently she has. Please post more info about the "adult who pretends to be something they are not" I'm really wondering where the basis for that statement came from!
I think the Wolf's sleeping right now. But if I come across him, I'll be sure and let you know, twit.
Oh yoB, if you only knew. Ms. Marsh is the QUEEN of my way or no other way. Please spare me your thoughts on that. You do not have all of the facts and before you go and stick your foot in your mouth...get educated. Thanks for your thoughts there Dreamer. I am used to "no comment" or comment when it is a snow job and the questions are easy. Come on November!! I am ready for this to be done and for some money to be spent on recreation for the community as opposed to the 10 year old, outdated dream. Good night.
Once again OpinionMissy thinks she is "Queen Bee" of this BB/Blog, pretty much what I figured out from her is that she feels better putting other people down.
oh and OM...she is in HS right now getting her education...so really she is getting educated. So there was no need for that comment...but then again its OM's way or no way......We are not allowed to express ourselves freely, without OM getting all twisted like a pretzel.
We better have facts or shut up....that is pretty much OM is saying to all of us......hey OM I got a crazy Idea.....its called F-R-E-E-D-O-M OF Speech....who cares if you have facts or not....I can say whatever I want to say.....i can give a rats behind if it is true facts or not.
Maybe OM should go get E-D-U-C-A-T-E-D!
"We better have facts or shut up....that is pretty much OM is saying to all of us......hey OM I got a crazy Idea.....its called F-R-E-E-D-O-M OF Speech....who cares if you have facts or not....I can say whatever I want to say.....i can give a rats behind if it is true facts or not."
Oh, you are a bright one! I did get EDUCATED K9 which is more than I can say for you. Nothing like telling us all you are a LIAR! Still no visit from the cops on my "stolen dog" or an email from the owners that you stated had posted an ad on Craig's List. Imagine that! Good day.
Wow, this has turned in to who can be whitty? And 'Liar liar pants on fire?' Ignore the personal comments and talk about the issue. In the end, 'liar liar pants on fire' and reminding us of our constitutional rights really won't persuade anyone. If you just want to talk about eachother, go to AD's other blog.
p.s. It is my personal beleif that the more you engage in conversations about actual issues and talk, discuss, and research the more educated you become. Not only on the issue, but in general. If we all can keep up a civilized, constructive discussion we are only benefitting our own education and maybe we could accomplish something good for our community while doing it. Wheather some of us want to admit it or not, we can all become more educated.
Maybe I should write a blog about the importance, benefit, and education of debate and discussion...?
New Business ......
Anybody
Please .................
New biz...on the way. Leave no stone unturned. Be careful what you ask for.
Dreamer, name the place, date and time and I am there to assist. I have always said I am FOR a recreation center just not on this grand scale given the times (unless it is proven that there is sustainability, etc.). As for my statement on the current path...sometimes less is more. Given that a pretty fair portion of our town is either unemployed or has had their hours cut---how many people will really be able to support this grand plan? If a choice has to be made between say recreation and food or a house I am fairly sure that in most cases houses/food will win. Why not start smaller until the economy turns and add on? Get the place up and in operation (making money) and show the people there is true community support through the generation of income. What better way to prove this facility will be used and WILL NOT be a thorn in the sides of those who pay taxes until the end of time? Something is always better than nothing. Just my opinion Dreamer.
"I am FOR a recreation center just not on this grand scale given the times" The proposed recreaction center has already been downsized a LOT. Showing the directors realized the 80,000 sq.ft. facility was not within the means of our town. It scaled back over 50%.
" Given that a pretty fair portion of our town is either unemployed" How many people are unemployed in Mtn. Home right now?
"If a choice has to be made between say recreation and food or a house" I think the recreation center would be a good opportunity for families to cut back in their own personal lives. A family of 4 would spend $28 just going to a movie for 2 hours. That isn't counting candy or drinks.
Roaring Springs:
Primary Pass $139.99+tax
Secondary Passes $109.99 up to 9 more
For a family of 4, it would be almost $500 for a season pass. (Roaring Springs is opended about 4 months a year.)
Maybe we can look at this as a way for families to cut back in their own lives. So many people are looking for ways these days.
"Why not start smaller until the economy turns and add on? Get the place up and in operation" -Which components are you suggesting be built first? I think it would be pointless to build just another gym.... What would be the FAMILY attraction?
yoB, the 80,000 SF was proposed when Elmore County was in line for the Kroc Grant/funds. To state that the directors have downsized this plan is very misleading. The building to date has gone UP in size at least 5 times.
You need to get over the all or nothing way of thinking. You saw where it got the MHSD and now the WECRD is on the same path. Something is always better than nothing and it can always be built up when the economy is better. If the facility does well people will be more than happy to see it expand...IF it were to do well.
"the 80,000 SF was proposed when Elmore County was in line for the Kroc Grant/funds. To state that the directors have downsized this plan is very misleading. The building to date has gone UP in size at least 5 times." Noooooope. The feasibility study (Which was on the original 80,000 sq.ft. facility.) was conducted in 2002... 2 years before the Kroc Funds were applied for. For those two years the directors were going to try to raise the 10 million needed, and after they didn't recieve Kroc money, decided to change the plan and down sized by over 50%!
"You need to get over the all or nothing way of thinking." Sorry, I don't see the point in building ANOTHER gym. It has no family appeal!
"Something is always better than nothing and it can always be built up when the economy is better. If the facility does well people will be more than happy to see it expand...IF it were to do well." -- What is SOMETHING that could be built to start with, that includes the FAMILY recreational appeal... that could be added on to later?
I think more GYm space is needed. Not everyone can use the schools and alot of time parks and rec get turned down from using the gyms so why not have more gyms. I think people should think about cutting back and when OM get the names turned in for the WERCD we will all have more money in our pockets when the vote it to dissolve. People are NOT going to be able to afford the entrance fee for the WERCD. I have not found one family yet who said they would by the $500.00 family pass. To many people us the base and their stuff.. So OM KEEP getting those signature and save us money.. I was so glad that I finally saw a petation last week and got to sign it. I have told everyone I can to sign it and save us money. Going to an inside pool does not seem exciting to me as a family hobby. Dont think having Bermensolo/Hiddleston on the board is going to save it this time on the election ballot.. THANK YOU OM AND HER GROUP FOR WAKING THE REST OF US UP.
Lovemthome,
I agree that more gym space is needed! I cannot believe though, it could be supported by itself.
"we will all have more money in our pockets" --Are you aware you will only be keeping the $45/year in the future... you wouldn't be recieving any money back if the WECRD is dissolved?
"People are NOT going to be able to afford the entrance fee for the WERCD." Do you by any chance know anyone who uses any of the workout places in town? They prob. pay about $35+ monthly. You know a FAMILY pass would cost about $35 a month with the proposed facility? (Not $500 a year!) Do you also know any families that go to the movies on the weekend or Boondocks? Do you know anyone who gets coffee from Moxie Java on a regular basis? They prob. spend more on their coffee every month then they would taking their family to the proposed facility every day!
"Going to an inside pool does not seem exciting to me as a family hobby." -- Are you aware that about 500 people went to open swim every day at the city pool last year?? Someone must think it is exciting.
TO anyone: I want to know how much a family camping trip costs? My family hasn't gone in awhile so I don't really know. But I'd like you to include how much it costs, how long you camp, and any activites you do while camping...
yoB- Just shaking my head with all you can do is compare apples to oranges and can't seem to come up with the right math on what it will take to use the pipe dream or the cost to even build it. I will be so glad when this mess is over and the voters get to say what the outcome is and be able to move on to other things that are surely more important.
LMH, where have you been?!?! Thanks for your signature. We are working on it. Take care of yourself.