WECRD receives $10,000 donation.

Friday, February 13, 2009

The Recreation Foundation of Elmore County, an arm of the Western Elmore County Recreation District, has received a donation of $10,000 from a supporter of the WECRD community center.

The donor was not identified.

"As president of the WECRD Foundation board," David Borgholthaus said, "I and the board members are very grateful for community members that believe as we do that building a recreation center will enhance the lives of all members of Mountain Home and the surrounding area.

"We are thankful for the recent incredible generosity of civic-minded citizens who are willing to put their 'money where their mouth is.' This will help ensure that this worthwhile project will come to fruition for the benefit of all our people."

The Recreation Foundation of Elmore County was established to generate fundraising activities and to accept donations and endowments.

The first of the donations, $1,000, came in 2004 from the Mountain Home Junior High Leadership Class after a fundraising activity.

Other fundraising programs include the sale of the historical tapestries that depict the history of Elmore County, which are available at Mulberry Place, Stoecker Jewelers, and the WECRD office for $50.

"Through the generosity and dedication of many caring residents, Elmore County will realize the vision of building a Recreation Center," said WECRD spokesperson Betty Ashcraft.

"This $10,000 donation comes at a time when the WECRD is moving forward with an all-inclusive design for the recreation center based on the suggestions of knowledgeable professionals. If you, too, want to be a part of the vision, donations in any amount are accepted at the WECRD office, 140 N. 3rd East St.. Together we will create a worthy recreation center that welcomes everyone," she said.

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I wonder if that came from the person that will do their alternate energy plan in this town. The only person who would donate to this is someone who has money to gain by doing so. Once again...follow the money. It is always about the money. Come on 2,600!!!!

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Feb 13, 2009, at 1:10 PM
Why are you such a negative person. I hope I never get like that what a miserable way to live ones life always thinking the worst in everyone. Obviously it is not only by people who will gain something that donate because the Jr. High had a fund raiser a few years ago and donated. Maybe the person who donated has the money to do so and feels it is a worthwhile cause.

-- Posted by small town on Fri, Feb 13, 2009, at 3:05 PM
Smalltown you are wasting your time trying to reason with OpinionMissy. She refuses to acknowledge that a lot of people support the WECRD and their goal of building a recreation center. In her mind, there is always going to be a sinister agenda for anyone supporting the rec district because she is so against it. You can gain nothing trying to reason with closed minds.

-- Posted by boomerbeth on Fri, Feb 13, 2009, at 6:32 PM
Riddle me as to why the foundation president and the newst board member have the same last name? Also riddle me how Ms. Marsh was able to select a replacement for the board member that resigned and it did not go to vote?

OM, keep plugging away and showing the faults of the WECRD board. When we had our house built, if we increased the sq footage the price went up. I think the same would apply to the WECRD but they seem to have a magic formula that allows them to build more for the same price. Maybe we should use them to build our mansions for us.

-- Posted by B Mullen on Fri, Feb 13, 2009, at 10:02 PM
Old Guy,

So the the foundation president and newest board member have the same name. So What? Your point is what? And, just like with any government or political post, if a board member resigns before their term is up, a board can select someone to fill that post for the rest of the term without having an election.

-- Posted by boomerbeth on Sat, Feb 14, 2009, at 12:01 PM
BB,

I may be silly but to me that is like giving the prisioners the key to the prision and telling them to not leave their cells. How was the replacement selected and why was the vacancy not opened up for anyone to apply? Just seems very odd to me is all I am saying.

-- Posted by B Mullen on Sat, Feb 14, 2009, at 2:48 PM
A debate with BB is like talking to a wall. She can make all that those people do okay---she is one of them and their voice so they do not have to respond directly. The building designer (Stan Olson) is supposed to be at the next WECRD Board meeting at the end of this month. Should be an interesting meeting. Come one come all as it should be a good time for all. BS shall be the theme of the night. Oh, there is also a meeting on Weds. during the day---that provides for some interesting info as well.

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Feb 14, 2009, at 3:49 PM
And that's the problem, OM. While most of the posters present their opinions as opinions you present your opinions as facts. They are not facts. The opposition has done plenty of "spinning" and distortion of the facts and a lot of your support is based on misinformation. And I bet you would like the taxpayer's money to go to a horse arena - you're a horse person. That would just benefit the few here who have horses and ride as opposed to an indoor rec center with a variety of activities and components planned to try and satisfy the interests of the most number of people and also give people a chance have year-round physical activities.

-- Posted by boomerbeth on Sat, Feb 14, 2009, at 4:25 PM
First of all BB, if you are going to say that I spin and distort info and provide false information regarding the WECRD, I wish you would provide your "facts" in print because the information that has been put out there comes right from your pals at the WECRD. It is not my fault that when they add 2 + 2 they get 5. All of my figures, and you would know this if you did the research, come directly from THEIR information. If that is not "good" info, they are to blame on that. I do not misrepresent information to mislead anyone. However, since you have not done the research and do not know the "facts" (only what you are told) you are hardly the person to debate my data, which I have in print.

As far as a horse arena...more would benefit from that then some disease infested pools. Who wants to be inside all of the time? It is nice to have outside things to do as well. So, it is only your OPINION that a horse arena would benefit the few, not fact. The school could use it, 4H (many kids are involved in that) and more than a "few" people in this area own horses.

Post the numbers and facts Beth to prove me wrong on how this will work and how we will be able to build 29,000 sq. ft. for $75.00 per sq. ft. POST your darn facts already. We are all waiting. I just got done with the 2007 financial statements...why would a P & L differ from an audit?

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Feb 14, 2009, at 8:10 PM
Just curious OM,

What diseases are you talking about that would be infesting the pool? Do you have some issues with therapy pools? Where are your facts for these 'disease infested pools??'

Isn't Optimist Park still being used for the horse functions? Who want's an indoor arena for rodeos and 4-H? EEWWWW I can just imagine all the disease infested flys and not to mention the smell from all the BS! That's a fact.

-- Posted by LongTimeListener on Sun, Feb 15, 2009, at 7:12 PM
More food for thought;

If the land, that is directly across the street from the MHJH, on the flood plane, then wouldn't that mean the land the MHJH is built on in the same flood plane? I've never heard of any problems they've had with flooding. In fact, the only time I've ever seen Mountain Home flood was in Spring of 1986 after record snow levels. The water was at least 2-3 feet high in some places on Beaman, but the water on American Legion was about a foot deep. That's a fact. My husband helped fill sand bags at that time.

-- Posted by LongTimeListener on Sun, Feb 15, 2009, at 8:10 PM
http://www.mountain-home.us/floodplain.htm

FYI

-- Posted by LongTimeListener on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 12:33 AM
Sas212,

Your questions about the floodplain are good ones. For answers, I think you will have to go to either the City or the ECCs. The point that is being overlooked is the WECRD selected this site years ago, had studies done, bought it and after all this time ahd no idea that it is in the floodplain. When my spouse I looked at houses to buy in this area, the floodplain was clearly depicted on almost every map we looked at. So how could the WECRD miss this vital point that will ADD to the construction costs? While I do not know the exact costs associated with raising the ground to 1 foot above the 100 year flood level, I would assume that this is not done for free.

-- Posted by B Mullen on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 9:02 AM
SAS12, right on! Good points. I've also wondered about Om's incessant chanting about "disease-infested pools" and where she gets her info from. I guess all those Boise residents who belong to the Y and numerous other gyms with pools are all disease-laden. And she talks about the pools like they are going to be the only thing the rec center will have when there's going to be a whole variety of activities offered that will try and meet most people's interests. An indoor rodeo arena will only interest the few residents here who have horses. FYI, the costs for extra fill dirt for the rec center has already been figured into the budget. If the rec center is in a flood plain, just like you said, so is the Junior High, the Nazarene Church that's going to be built there, and the newly built Mtn Home jail. My understanding was the site for the rec center was chosen because it was close to most of the schools so the kids could walk there after school, and right off Amer Legion so all residents could have easy access to it. Those are also the facts.

-- Posted by boomerbeth on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 1:14 PM
BoomerBeth,

Please email me when you get a chance. sas212@gmail.com

I'd like to talk to you about helping out at the WECRD.

Thanks!

-- Posted by LongTimeListener on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 1:24 PM
BB,

So you are saying the despite not knowing that the site is in a floodplain, the WECRD already planned for the extra cost to have the building raised? How is that possible?

And you are correct that the pool is not the only thing going into the rec center but insisting upon having it has caused many of the current problems. The WECRD says that it is wanted by all but on the web site, they state that 44% of 0-14 year olds took swimming lessons. That means that 56% of 0-14 year olds DID NOT and that is a majority. How is having a pool serving the needs of the MAJORITY when the MAJORITY already stated they have no need for it?

I would like to see a second multi-purpose installed first as it will allow for more participants. When I was younger, I played in a volleyball rec leauge held at Hacker. We had two games going on at once and it was rather difficult. Imange if the rec center had the ability to hold these games and the revenues it could generate.

-- Posted by B Mullen on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 2:28 PM
Yes, OG, imagine if we could have a Rec Center that could accommodate those things that would generate a revenue, but if the WECRD is dissolved, we may never have that chance!

I'd like to have an update on the progress of the guidelines WECRD was working on in order to have the Federal Appropriations fund of $294,000 received. Any word on that Boomerbeth?

$294,000 is a HUGE bonus!! I'm sure that is what Mollie and the rest of the board have been focusing on this past year.

IN MY OPINION, all those things that the 'petition group' is focusing on is water under the bridge-it happened, get over it. Let's move on and focus on getting this thing built!

-- Posted by LongTimeListener on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 3:21 PM
Sas212,

It would be nice to see some sort of building going on after so long. The problem as I see it are many. First, how can the WECRD expand the building without any increase in costs? Second do the math as OM has pointed out and there is not enough money collected to build what they have proposed. Third, if they missed the floodplain how much else have they missed even with the help of experts. Fourth, the pool is being built to serve a small portion of the population (44% or 0-14yr olds per WECRD website), how is that serving the needs of many? I say take a drive out to one of the parks and actually speak to the kids and see what they would like to see. Everytime I drive by, I see many kids playing basketball or skateboarding. Maybe the wishes of those from 10 years ago has changed and to be successful, the WECRD needs to address these issues. Lastly, there has been little current information provided to the public by the WECRD. Even on their website they state that the public relations spot is vacant yet when I went to a City Council meeting a lady stated she was the public relations spokesperson for the WECRD. Also we have seen NO response from the WECRD in the paper. WHY?

-- Posted by B Mullen on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 4:45 PM
One last post for today. SAS212 I will e-mail your ASAP., and also update you on the status of the $294,000 federal appropriations money. Thanks for your interest in helping the district. We're so grateful for any help. The district relies heavily on volunteers as they're on a shoestring budget. OG, I understand your concerns. If you haven't already done so, you should go in to the office and talk to them. There's has been a lot of difference in opinion about the pools. Nobody can all agree on what needs to be added and what needs to be deleted but, in my opinion, its too important a project and too needed in this community to let a group of people try and dissolve it. I know you disagree and that is okay. Its discouraging to me that we (the people on this site) haven't been able to voice our opinions and politely disagree with each other without getting into major heated battles. I feel that the majority of posters here think this banter box is their exclusive domain to trash the WECRD and attack any opposing viewpoints but I'm going to keep plugging away and post my opinions because that is my right as a fellow citizen and I don't want this to become just the anti-WECRD website. Also, the directors did write a lengthy response for the MH News but the paper has not seen fit to print it yet. Have a good night.

-- Posted by boomerbeth on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 6:55 PM
Old Guy, I've taken your last post and have tried to answer all the questions you put 'out there' for an answer. These are my own answers and theories. FYI, my answers are in all caps to differentiate from your questions.

"It would be nice to see some sort of building going on after so long. The problem as I see it are many. First, how can the WECRD expand the building without any increase in costs?"

I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION BUT I AM WILLING TO FIND OUT.

"Second do the math as OM has pointed out and there is not enough money collected to build what they have proposed."

HAS THE FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS FUND BEEN CONSIDERED IN OM'S MATH? THAT'S $294,000.000 IN ADDITION TO THE $1,000,000,700.00 ALREADY COLLECTED.

"Third, if they missed the floodplain how much else have they missed even with the help of experts."

WHO WAS IN THE POSITION OF WECRD DIRECTOR WHEN THE LAND WAS PURCHASED AND HOW LONG AGO WAS IT PURCHASED? SHOULD WE HOLD THAT AGAINST MOLLIE AND THE CURRENT BOARD? LIKE I SAID, IT'S WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE, AND IT CAN BE DEALT WITH. AS BOOMERBETH STATED EARLIER, THE COST OF FILL DIRT HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE NEW PLAN.

"Fourth, the pool is being built to serve a small portion of the population (44% or 0-14yr olds per WECRD website), how is that serving the needs of many? I say take a drive out to one of the parks and actually speak to the kids and see what they would like to see. Everytime I drive by, I see many kids playing basketball or skateboarding."

I ASKED MY 12 YEAR OLD SON AND HIS FRIENDS, WHO ARE PROBABLY THE ONES YOU SEE ON THEIR BIKES AND SKATEBOARDS IN THE PARKS, IF THEY HAD THE CHOICE OF GOING TO AN OUTDOOR POOL THAT IS ONLY OPEN 3 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR OR AN INDOOR POOL THAT IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND, AND SURPRISINGLY, THEIR ANSWER WAS AN INDOOR POOL OPENED YEAR ROUND. THAT'S MY ANSWER ALSO BECAUSE I THOUROUGHLY ENJOY WATER AEROBICS AND UNFORTUNATELY, THE CITY POOL ISN'T OPENED IN THE WINTER :-(

"Maybe the wishes of those from 10 years ago has changed and to be successful, the WECRD needs to address these issues."

I AGREE AND HAVE POSED THAT QUESTION TO THEM IN THE FORM OF AN EMAIL SUGGESTING THAT IT WOULD BENEFIT THE WECRD AND IT'S IMAGE IF THEY WERE TO PUT OUT A QUESTIONAIRE TO THE COMMUNITY ASKING WHAT THEIR NEEDS AND WANTS ARE, NOW, 10 YEARS LATER. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN ANSWER YET. I WILL BE GOING TO THE OFFICE THIS WEEK TO SEE WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP OUT BECAUSE I REALIZED THAT I AM IN A POSITION TO OFFER MY HELP. I HOPE MORE CITIZENS WHO ARE IN FAVOR OF THE WECRD WILL STEP FORWARD TO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME.

"Lastly, there has been little current information provided to the public by the WECRD. Even on their website they state that the public relations spot is vacant yet when I went to a City Council meeting a lady stated she was the public relations spokesperson for the WECRD. Also we have seen NO response from the WECRD in the paper. WHY ?"

I DON'T' HAVE THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION BUT AM JUST LIKE YOU, AND WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM THEM. I THINK IT WOULD BEHOOVE THE WECRD TO ANSWER MANY OF THESE QUESTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

-- Posted by LongTimeListener on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 7:32 PM
BB,

Just a thought but maybe the WECRD board could post their full response here on the BB and even on their web site. I would like to see it but have not seen anything yet. As for going to the office, been there, tried that many times over the past months but it hard to talk to anyone when NO ONE is there. And yes I have gone on different days and at different times in an effort to talk to anyone.

SAS12,

I may be forgetful in my older days but hasn't Ms. Marsh been on the WECRD board since it was created?

As for the grant that the WECRD has NOT received, that is like counting your chickens before they are hatched. I would do the math without that money and you will have to ask OM what figures she used.

I agree a pool can be used year round but the upkeep does not warrant it right now. I say build the darn rec center without it and plan to add it once the center is fully operational.

-- Posted by B Mullen on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 7:56 PM
SAS, you live in an "ag" county where other things around here smeall far worse than any horse. If you keep your animals area clean, the smell is MUCH less than that of all the dairies and Simplot in the area. If you keep things clean---those "smells" are not really all that bad. As far as disease infested insects---I would worry more about a blood sucker than any fly.

As far as the pools---heard of EColi, which grows in pools? There is also staph (I do not know if it can grow in a pool but I would imagine it could) and it does grow on surfaces. Sick people in a "public" pool---not a good mix, IMO. And FYI, I do have a medical background which is why I stated what I did. "Sick" people in a pool...not my idea of a good time. Common sense on that one. I bet the insects attracted to the WECRD are greater than the insects attracted to my horses/cows!

Mollie has been on the Board since this started 10 years ago and WAS involved with the land purchase of 02 or 03 (or whenever) and was also on the BRC (that is basic info on this subject). There was a member on the Board that wanted the land valued but that person was voted over by the other 2. So, that was the deal on that. Some deal that worked out to be for the people who owned the land---they did not think they would get more than $4,000 for it (per acre). Those savings would have bought a bunch of nice stuff.

As far as the $294,000 goes...that was NOT included in my calculations for what the WECRD HAS---as they do not have the money and may never get it due to all of the Government funding cuts. Besides, if you do the math...even with those funds...it is not enough. As far as the fill being in their budget for the property, the amount is too low considering the flood zone and other work that will also need to be done (but there is a figure for it) which was either 6,000 or 8,000 I believe (not going through the binder to pull the exact figure). The WECRD will be responsible for ANY and ALL water that flows from that property. If it causes damage to the farmer in back of/next to the property---WE will have to pay. And, that area does flood at times. We brought fill (and I am not in a flood zone) in for a SMALL area (our barn 48 X 48) and our drive and it cost around $4,000 just for the fill (it was for our barn area and drive areas as well as short/small circle drive that was new). So, that gives you an idea of how off those numbers/figures probably are. Then, you have to spread it, level it, compact it, etc. and that was NOT included in my figures. And, the ECC's just announced that flood insurance has gone up---so, that is more money that will be paid out.

Add to the fact that staffing this facilty will cost a small mint, there are utilities, sewer/water and power that will need to be run and septic as well. Sidewalks, curbs and some landscape and I would imagine some type of fence maybe. Plus, they plan to purchase $40,000 in water rights from someone. How about equipment for all of this? That was not listed (as of my copies from December 2008). Hom about those industrial cleaning products, floor shiners, etc.? Too many unknowns, IMO only. I need a plan. I cannot fly by the seat of my pants---ever. I hope one way or the other it all works out but it will NOT work out if you look at the numbers, what is in print and black and white, and what the "plan" is now. The numbers just do not support the wants. There is also a grant they are working on regarding "job creation" which will also help with wages---however it is not money in the bank and they may NOT get it. Further, they will have a certain amount of time to "create" those jobs and if it does not happen, they must pay the money back as the grant is based on "job creation" (from what Ms. Ashcraft has stated anyway). We cannot count on what we could/may have. You can only spend what is in the bank.

Have a good night all.

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 9:01 PM
oh, I thought your background was in the legal field?

-- Posted by LongTimeListener on Mon, Feb 16, 2009, at 10:09 PM
SAS, use your head a little. There is life before legal and after. I guess you have always done 1 thing in your life.

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Feb 17, 2009, at 12:02 PM
I guess I was a little confused because I didn't think you were any older than myself and you've only just retired from the legal field you were in. I guess your medical background came about when you were 10? :-)

-- Posted by LongTimeListener on Tue, Feb 17, 2009, at 2:25 PM
It did...I was out of HS right around then (not really). It came during my time in legal when I was attempting to decide what to do when I "grew up." That was how I mixed legal with medical. I have 9 lives...:)

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Feb 17, 2009, at 2:47 PM
Just a suggestion that we stay on topic and not attack each other. I know I am tired of it and would much rather perfer to learn the facts and not see any mud slinging. That is just my thoughts after all these months of watching the progress on this subject.

-- Posted by B Mullen on Tue, Feb 17, 2009, at 8:18 PM

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