Some of the brief talking points from tonight's meeting:
-talk of buying a commercial icemaker and freezer boxes (thought is (in part) they could sell ice to the grocery store in town)
-cutting down on the amount of food made for buffets
-talk of possible closing the clubhouse in November if circumstances warrant (not serving food)
-looking into getting two retired citizens to be golf course cops (these two citizens would receive free memberships for compensation)
-interesting conversation about a request to buy 55 bags of fertilizer for the fairway (this purchase would have put them over their $500 expenditure limit)
Ice machines are high dollar items and in Dayton they require lots of maintenance. You need to be sure you have a really good filtrations system. Also the upkeep and cleaning is very time consuming.
ReplyDeleteWhat totally amazes me is that who ever started this daytonobserver as well as "ALL the PEOPLE" that are posting their nasty and negative comments could and should at least put their name down and act like adults rather than imature children and stop HIDING behind this stupid blog. If you can't stand behind what you have to say then maybe you should keep your mouths shut. This entire situation has totally gotten out of hand. If we had a pennie for all the negativity and nasty comments and energy that has gone towards trying to make this golf course fail it probably would have been paid for twice by now. As a business owner and a 25 year resident in Dayton we are really saddened by the way this town has become so "NASTY" and all the back stabbing that has gone on since the city purchased the golf course. We are reconsidering even opening up our business in this town again because of all this stupidity that has been going on and the lack of support that we have seen for the golf course. Our community came together when we were going to loose our grocery store and made it profitable and that didn't happen for 3 or 4 years. As I said if you can't be adults and put your name by what you have to say then maybe you should keep your mouths shut.
ReplyDeleteI have been to several council meetings and I am totally blown away at how rude certain members treat the other members "INCLUDING THE WAY RANDY IS BEING TREATED AS WELL" as I said we need to act like adults not imature children lets make pull together and make this work.
First of all I have Utmost RESPECT for Randy.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the Dayton Food Center shares were sold and this was an option for anyone in the community to do this. My family personally purchased shares. Purchasing shares is an option. Tax increases are not. I am a 30 plus year resident of Dayton and I really love this community and it's residents. I have NOT been
negative and nasty and have tried to look at this issue objectively. I have also attended meetings and was shocked and saddened by some of the behavior. This behavior is just not one sided. This is an emotional issue and has brought many difficult emotions out in many. As far as the community center having 3 or 4 years to make a profit that was possible because of the generosity of those that bought shares and others that made very large donations. Again, this was an option, you could do it if you could afford it. At this point some people cannot afford the increased property taxes coupled with all of the other uncontrollable increases that have been sustained by the citizens of Dayton and these taxes are not an option. It would not make me any happier than to see the golf course suceed and break even or make money. My goal and my opinion has never been to see it fail. But it my opinion it does need to be looked at as a business.
I noticed I didn't address the purpose of this blog. My opinion of the reason this blog was started was to educate and let all discuss the issues. At times on any blog disagreements happen and some negativity enters into the issues. I personally have gained information from this blog and just not concerning my opnions.
ReplyDeleteMost Blogs are anonymous. You can choose to use your name if you wish or to use name of your choosing or you just can remain anonymous. Throughout the recent times and the emotions of the golf course there have been some attempts at retaliation. I personally have been retaliated against because of my opnion. At this point fear has entered into my communications regarding this issue. I am certainly not an immature child hiding behind this blog. I respect you for feeling free enough to name your name, but this sadly is not an option for myself and several others.
Please note as of a few minutes ago there were over 800 posts on Des Moines Register.com. All of these posts were anonymous. Some of these posts are very emotion filled.
The Des Moines Register.com article I am referring to is the Gay Marriage Issue. I am not taking a stand on this issue on this blog but it is very emotional for many people.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I purchased a share for the grocery store and at the time we could not afford it, but we didn't want to loose the store so we sacraficed in order to purchase a share which of course was totally our decision. The store was not profitable for at least 3 or 4 years of hard work. That is all I am trying to say it will take hard work and more than a year to prove it can work.
ReplyDeleteWe do pay our share of taxes personal as well as commerical taxes and we will stand behind the golf course. We have a wonderful community and we would not live in a large community for anything in the world. We choose this small community to raise our children because we felt safe.
I am sorry that you feel fearful for yourself in a small community that is not at all the way it should be.
Our commiunity is falling apart and we need to step back and regroup and work together to pull things back together.
I agree we need to regroup. People do need to work together. I feel that if the golf course is to succeed it can be done within this year. It may take many many hours, to do this. As I am sure that you know as you ran your own business. I just know that accruing more losses and giving the Golf Course 3 or 4 years can't be an option. At this point of time and with all of the increases everywhere there so many financial hardships that people just cannot make it any longer. It is becoming so hard for some that it just isn't a hardship anymore it's surviving. My family also could not afford the shares that we purchased but we did want to see the store survive. Could this be an option for the Golf Course if, and I hope not it doesn't break even or make money. Could shares be sold?
ReplyDeleteRobyn, I am going to bed it's late. Hopefully we can continue this conversation at a later date. Thank you
ReplyDeleteWell, to help you survive this huge economy crisis, maybe you should think about giving up the internet service. That will save you around 35.00 dollars a month. I feel so sorry for your hardships. Just trying to help you out!
ReplyDeleteSo now you are telling people to give up things to support the Golf Course. This just shows to the point in the above mentioned posts that the negativity is just not one sided. Many of the people struggling do not have internet service. I feel sorry for your attitude.
ReplyDeleteWhether some like to believe it or not there is a economic crisis in our country. You do not need to look far to see this. Has anyone noticed all of the for sale signs around town. It's not like there is a big boom on housing sales. You may not be suffering now but you never know when something can happen to change your whole world. I hope it does not happen to you but if it does I hope you can handle it, because it is not easy. It's always easier looking in than experiencing things yourself. I hope you feel happy with your assumptions about others.
ReplyDeleteTo post 1:53: I would gladly let you walk in my shoes for a week and then we could discuss
ReplyDeletethis issue again.
I don't think that you can expect the citizens of Dayton to possibly entertain an idea that they should endure several more years of losses at the golf course and have more taxes added to their debt. We should expect quick and sure action from our city council and parks and rec board. No more taxes added to our debt, take some responsibility, you are spending our money.
ReplyDelete-Breaking Even- It sounds black and white but it can mean different things.
ReplyDeleteIndulge me a little...
You go to the bank and buy a business for a million dollars on a 10 year loan.
Do you have to make a million dollars on top of all your expenditures and pay off the loan in the first year to break even? Unlikely.
If you are able to pay back a hundred thousand per your loan schedule, did you break even? You would be successful at any rate.
Many feel the golf course should be treated more like a business. I mostly agree with that. I also feel we need to use realistic business goals to determine if its turning around or has potential to make money. If we can agree on a reasonable tool of measurment, it may lead to less fighting and discontent.
A reasonable tool would be no more tax increases for the taxpayer, no more debate on that issue. We are sick of our money paying for losses at the golf course. NO MORE EXCUSES
ReplyDeleteTaxpayer, do you call borrowing money to pay the golf course payment breaking even?
ReplyDeletehttp://jeffsailor.com/jcpa/resource/budget.html
ReplyDeleteHere is link to budgets and a simple explanation of break even point in accounting and running a business.
When I ran a rather large business yes, the payment for purchasing the business was included in the break even point and profit margin.
ReplyDeleteMy theory on the simple break even principle is that if you borrow the money to buy a business, at the end of the year if you have paid your loan payment which not counting interest would be 100,000 (using Dayton Taxpayer's scenario), and you met payroll and all expenses then you have broke even. If you can show $1.00 profit then you profitted. I realize that is the simple version. All I ask of the golf course is to make all their obligations including the payment for the note to purchase the course. If the city itself pays the note from other funds such as the Light Board then it is not breaking even. I do realize this year that the Light Board did let them have the money since there fiscal year doesn't start til June 1. I hope in their new budget for the 09-10 fiscal year they put in the payment for the note.
ReplyDeleteDoes their fiscal year start June 1 or July 1? I'm used to July but maybe their arrangement is different.
ReplyDeleteIf their year doesn't end until June 31, it's really difficult to tell how its doing until then. I'm guessing that information won't be out until the earliest, mid-August. Then I would say we wouldn't be able to know what type of effect any recent changes have had until the end of their first quarter (Sept. 30) and compare to the same quarter the previous year. That information probably won't be out until mid-November.
I think it will be the end of the callender year until the golf courses finances can begin to be assessed. I think that will be the time both sides can agree the information is begining to be fairly evaluated.
My hope (dreaming) we could all give the golf course our best shot and promotion until that time for the best return on our money. At that time golf season would be over and it wouldn't be detering any potential business by taking a look at the successes and failures. That's the start of budget planning too
Their fiscal year ends June 31st so It would start on July 1st. I hope that someone has been working on a budget already not waiting until after the season ends. Apples and Apples need to be compared. I would certainly hope that the end of the first quarter could be reviewed almost immediately not mid-November. If reports are taking this long to be produced a new computer program is needed. You should be able to print these almost immediately.
ReplyDeleteI feel the answer to the question is that no more money will be added to the property taxes from the golf course.
ReplyDeleteI thought from the meetings that this current season would make the decision. So we really can't use the cities June 31st to July 1st fiscal year to judge the golf course. We need to look at the beginning of this golf season until the end. This should tell the story.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what the interesting conversation was about the fertilizer? Is the rec board limited on how much they can spend?
ReplyDeleteAs per the ordinance expenditures over $500.00 they need to have a "full" board to vote and of course the majority of the board to vote in favor of it for it to be approved.
ReplyDeleteHopefully something good or someone doing good will be Observed in Dayton so we can talk about that sometime.
ReplyDeleteHave a good evening. Good night!
There is still a lot of good in Dayton. People still do help out others in need.
ReplyDeleteI know I would no matter what your opinions are.
Good Night.....
So if the full board wasn't there last night then they couldn't vote to get the fertilizer because of it being more than $500.00. So what was the interesting conversation. I would think that is a pretty simple rule and one that makes sense for accountability and responsibility.
ReplyDeleteWhy do they need Gold Course cops?
ReplyDeleteI think the Golf Course cops are to drive around and check and make sure that those that are golfing have paid their greens fees and/or memberships.
ReplyDeleteI originally posted about the ice machine. I just wanted to follow up. I am not saying this is not a way to save money for the golf course but some idea's. Like I said earlier there is lots of money in upkeep of an ice machine, it's kind of like the upkeep on purchasing your own dishwasher for a business.
ReplyDeleteYou need to consider the time to keep it up, the cleaning, the cost to run it ( that depends on the size), selling to the store, would it be comparable to what they can purchase it for and does the ice company provide the store with the freezer it's kept in. I notice the name of the ice company is on the freezer and also at Labor Day the ice company brings another freezer that is outside of the store. You also need to factor in the cost of the bags and filling them. I am not saying it wouldn't be productive but just some things to think about before purchasing a really large ice machine.
Hey Taxpayer, I Observed a robin build a nest in my neighbor's tree, that was a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI like to get drunk and play golf, what is wrong with that? I say we hire multiple retired citizens and place them under forced labor contract. That way taxes will be reduced, there will be lower prices at the club due to no employee pay, and there is always an abundance of retired people. And they make for great targets on the driving range
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like to play golf and get drunk everyone needs hobbies. As far as the older people that's considered "Adult Abuse" and that's not a laughing matter.
ReplyDeleteTo the 1:42 post
ReplyDeleteI saw Robin's picking up earthworms this weekend too. I also saw some Daffodils in a yard today today also. Enough of this cold wet weather! I can't wait to get out and get in the yard and get out on the course and swing a club.
For those of you who don't golf; you still really should go out to the clubhouse when it gets warm and sit on the deck. It couldn't be more beautiful and its a great place to socialize for young and old. Even if you are upset about your tax dollars going to the course; you are helping pay for it so you should go out and enjoy it. (In a matter of speaking its kind of like if you are upset about your spouse buying a big new TV; you may not have bought it by your choice, but it's yours now so your still going to watch it.)
PS...we have some VERY GOOD elderly golfers. They could probably use the drunks for target practice. HA!
ReplyDeleteI have heard a joke about Robin's singing and earthworms but I don't think it would be appropriate to write it here.
ReplyDeleteIt's something about windowsills and necks.
I do go out to eat occasionally at the golf course.
I agree there are some very good elderly golfers and even those that can't golf any more could hit some holes in one for drunks
and target practice.
I do disagree about the big screen TV my spouse would have discussed it with me before they bought it.
Taxpayer, your scenario about tne spouse and big t.v. ring true with what we are going thru in Dayton about the golf course. Apparently there was no honest communication about the t.v. Maybe the spouse spent the money with out everyone agreeing on the purchase. So then after the purchase, the family can't meet their other financial needs. There is a lot of name calling and fighting and in the end, they can't work it out and they get a divorce.
ReplyDeleteI could also use your scenario about the TV and golf course about what we are going through in Dayton.
ReplyDeleteYes, finances can be a source of fighting in a relationship. But it would be pretty sad to break up a family over a big screen TV purchace. Likewise it's pretty sad people are attacking their friends and neighbors over a golfcourse purchase. Any marraige therapist will tell you to fight fair.
I don't think I see any one not fighting fair unless you might be thinking of the ones that are going to any lengths to cover up what they have done and not really getting honest in the counseling.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow...
ReplyDeleteThe wildlife and scenery off the deck is fabulous. The deck itself is beautiful. They have great food so grab a bite if you're able. If not, just enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink. You might find an old friend to reconnect with or find something in common with a new friend. Take your spouse out and enjoy the sunset. It will only get better as the weather gets nicer.
Whatever side of the issue you are on, you may as well enjoy it and reap the benefits.
You know what really grinds my gears? When anonymous types "thru" instead of "through". Now that my fellow golfers is just ignorant.
ReplyDeleteYes it is Tom Hindley.
ReplyDeleteRemember folks, don't feed the trolls.
ReplyDelete(are just ignorant) Since we are having english lessons better yet. Maybe everyone should write in their word processor and copy and paste so we stay gramatically correct. LOL
ReplyDeleteSorry Dayton Flyer I had to throw some bread crumbs to those darn trolls because they just keep begging.
ReplyDeleteWhen are we going to get a new topic to talk about?
ReplyDeleteI asked earlier, but what was the interesting conversation regarding the fertilizer?
ReplyDeleteOh, I heard at the post office something about trying to get around the 7 member vote to spend over $500.00. I guess by calling the cities attorney. I don't know more than that.
ReplyDeleteAnd, of course, if you heard it at the post office it must be true!
ReplyDeleteSomeone call animal control. There's a beaten dead horse in town!
ReplyDeleteLooks like I need to feed the trolls some more
ReplyDeletenow they are looking at horses.
What I take it you don't want to discuss the fertilizer and and trying to get around the rules and calling the city attorney.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone in Dayton has gotten the flu shot on this blog, because your all full of green infected oooozing puss!
ReplyDeleteListen here...... not every one is infected, only some people are thats why our community is falling apart. We need to Quarantine the city of Dayton and get these problems under control...........once and for all. This is absolutely asinine and gotten totally out of control "LETS PULL TOGETHER LIKE A COMMUNITY SHOULD" put your energy towards positive energy rather than all the negative crap COME ON PEOPLE.
ReplyDeleteYes, let's pull together as a community and get some responsible spending in this town.
ReplyDelete11:36, What are you talking about? I know that we don't agree on this issue but some are getting awfully rude. Let's get back to discussing issues, not these rude short comments. Robyn, I was having a conversation with you the other night on here and it was kept very civil and I apreciate that. I don't know where some these off the wall comments are coming from. I can't even tell what their issues are. Please be a little polite. I mean everyone what ever your opinions are.
ReplyDeleteI agree we do need to do responsible spending, planning and make decisions that will be the best for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI AM BEING POLITE AND CIVIL................
ReplyDeleteUNLIKE ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE!!!! and I do put my name on here... what more can you ask for from me?
ReplyDeleteMs. Dodson, I don't believe 12:29 AM was directing the being polite comment to you. I believe this was in reference to the 11:36 PM post.
ReplyDeleteRobyn, I was not addressing you about being nice. D.O. was right. I was thanking you for our discussion the other night. You and I had a discussion where we disagreed but were being very civil. I apologize for the misunderstanding. I was addressing the oozing green pus comment.
ReplyDelete