After reading some of the recent comments in the last posting, it seems quite a few people have suggested that an audit would be in the best interest of everyone. I agree with this.
An audit by independent auditor would give the whole city a look at the books of the golf course. As others have mentioned, everyone would gain from an audit. An audit would provide financial transparency. We would be able to see how well the golf course is doing and see where there needs to be improvements to get the most out of our tax dollars. It is our tax dollars being spent to run the golf course (as well as being owners of the golf course), in the least we should be able to see how sound our investment is.
Finally, I would like to thank Kendra for mentioning the recent column in the Fort Dodge Messenger regarding blogging. The column can be found by clicking on the following link:
http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/515918.html?nav=5089
I think an audit would be great. It would answer a lot of questions
ReplyDeleteAn independent audit would be the best for everyone. If everything turned out good then, great. If areas of concern were noted then they would need to be addressed and a plan of corrections completed, usually plans of corrections included ongoing monitoring of corrections.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea and would help set everyone's mind at ease.
I received information from the Mayor tonight reference the "8 suggestions". He visited with me at great length reference his attention to these suggestions as well as other issues at hand. I would encourage people that want to know what his responses are to attend the city council meeting on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 pm. This is something that you may want to ask during the citizen comment portion of the meeting. I felt the responses were not only sincere but more than that, were truthful. Answers cannot always be black and white....there are alot of things to be considered. Truly, I am not weaseling out of posting the information on this blog but when so many posters do so anonymously, I don't feel comfortable doing so. Again, I encourage all of you to attend the city council meetings to get the information firsthand, ask the city clerk for public information if you have questions. Please don't rely on information from people who may not have all the facts or who may distort them to promote their own hidden agendas. I don't mean this to be a negative posting.....I feel good things may be coming if we can all work together and get through this.
ReplyDeleteRespectfully,
Cindy Corson
I hope that good can come from this. I will see if I am able to attend the council meeting tomorrow evening as I do have other commitments.
ReplyDeleteI do not rely others to get my information. I have seen in black and white information that shows me that I think the city should have an audit. Also when questions cannot be answered because of accounting practices that raises a red flag. I do not have any hidden agenda's and I certainly do not approve of the so called quote of "half truths". I have a very open mind. At some point I will come forward with a communication in black and white. I may also add some color to accentuate any points I want to make clear.
I do disagree with one point that answers are not always black and white. Honesty promotes black and white answers. I do not believe that questions can be answered in a grey area. I also believe a business should be ran this same way. My answers will always be 100% truthful and honest. I will not give excuses. I will say that I take this as a question to my intelligence and integrity.
This is also not a negative post but my opninon, and yes I will be open minded to honest answers.
Thank you Cindy for your ongoing fellowship in working towards the healing of Dayton.
Cindy, get real, answers to questions have to black and white. We have been told answers in grey areas forever. Our mayor and the city attorney are masters at thinking in the grey. Until we get back to truth and honesty, we are not going to get better. I don't believe you are the kind of person that would like to be lied to, so wake up. Answers have to black and white.
ReplyDeleteI think this is exactly why the golf course needs an audit by someone independent. There can be no talk of half-truths or hidden agendas. We can see where the golf course stands financially by somebody outside the whole situation. If it is good news, great, it not, than we can see we need to go.
ReplyDeleteSorry, it should say we can see where we need to go
ReplyDeleteAs it states, the tax payers of Dayton own the golf course. It is our tax dollars that are being spent. We deserve to know what is going on. The parks and rec board answers to the city council, let the citizens know what is going on. We don't deserve to be treated like dummies, we are intelligent people.
ReplyDeleteWe hear rumors and half truths on the street, how many memberships are there? Are we breaking even, losing money, how indebt are we? I don't believe these are answers that need to be kept from us. Where is the transparency that needs to be addressed? Let's get organized and demand this from our city leaders. Nobody seems to care about money being spent and on what.
ReplyDeleteThose that post anonymously can say what they want with no repercussions......What I meant by answers are not always black and white is this.....there are always reasons why or why not something can or cannot be done about some of the things mentioned here. An audit is expensive, costs ranging in the neighborhood of $3000-$4000 and may show no more than what the City Clerk could tell you, if you were to ask. I too am guilty of not attending the park and rec meetings and seeing first hand how things are handled.something that I may try to do in the future. I cannot speak for the council but I do believe they would prefer that people come to the meetings and see and hear firsthand the information given and you would also have the opportunity to ask questions during the public comments portion of the meeting. I, for one am going to try to stay positive.....and real!
ReplyDeleteCindy Corson
An audit can be expensive, but it can also save businesses money in the long run. In any business there needs to be checks and balances. I know that the city clerk can only use the figures that this person is given. The information they receive is entered into the software program used by the city. The clerk can only go by the information given to them. In an audit receipts and many different things are looked at. The accounting practices are reviewed. In my opinion there is no way that the city clerk would have time to review all of this information. I believe it is given to the clerk as a report not receipts and paper work that backs up the business.
ReplyDeleteI do know from experience that there has been conflicting information given to the clerk. Then it was given to a city resident and then corrected several different times by others.
I am not saying that employees of the golf course are dishonest; I am saying that good checks and balances prove honesty and protect your employees. So this post is not meant to call anyone dishonest. What I am saying that an audit can be a good working tool, by reviewing business practices you can save money, show the public that you have the interest of the running of the golf course in your best interest. An audit should not be reviewed as a threat but a good working tool. I have personally conducted several internal audits and have found several thousands of dollars in lost revenue just because of rules not being followed; people get busy and get lax with following policies and procedures. This does not make them bad people but with continued monitoring can save huge amounts of money. This is the reason I feel $3000 to $4000 can be money well spent.
A miscellaneous account should be rarely used as most things can go into the general line items. Most companies and businesses of any type DO NOT encourage that account to be used. Those items are not usually auditable. I have noted the golf course has a rather large miscellaneous account.
Money could be used to complete an audit if the attorney fees were reduced. If people felt that they were being told the whole truth and nothing but the truth, then such a big attorney fee would not be needed. You wouldn't have to contact him/her all the time to cover your a___s. Before anyone goes there, it is not several peoples fault that these charges are so large. If everyone felt that honesty was being used at all times questions would not be asked regarding any of the issues at hand. Yes I still feel I am being given a snow job so that I will just shut up and accept things the way they are. I will not do that.
ReplyDeleteThank you
Who is using the city attorney so much? I heard him say two council members were'nt. What is he charging, and what questions are he answering. I heard the mayor was using him as his own personal attorney. Maybe the city shouldn't pay him and get a REAL audit of the golf course.
ReplyDeleteIn the grand scheme of things $3,000 - $4,000 is not that much money to have an audit conducted as it is approximately only 2-3% of the purchase price of the golf course. On the flip side, we will be able to see where it stands and what needs to be worked on. I believe this would be beneficial to the Rec Board in going forward with future planning.
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for a post from DO about the last council meeting to say this, but none so far and I'm feeling verbose, so here goes: I think way too many people see this strife and conflict as "fun." The last council meeting went fine, actually. There was some minor conflict, but we got through business without major problems. At the end, one of the "audience" members said "You told me it was going to be fun tonight--nothing happened" to another person in the crowd. He obviously came to the meeting for entertainment--to stir up the crowd/council and watch the fireworks. I feel this is just wrong and hurtful.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of negative comments on here about the mayor and the council. However, I feel there are some citizens that need to be addressed as well. If you are hurting people, yelling, etc. for "fun" perhaps you should reexamine your motives.
I was sick to my stomach all day Wednesday for fear of what might happen at the council meeting. By 8:30 PM I felt just fine. The venom spewed at these meetings (much (but certainly not all) coming from the citizens) is what I fear. Political disagreements--fine, bring it on. Nasty, personal attacks and deliberate disruptive behavior--HATE IT. This isn't "fun" for me and shouldn't be fun for any Christian person. Sorry to bring in the whole God issue--but we need to start following the golden rule and do unto others, etc. I'm trying--but it is hard when people make snide comments about you at meetings. First instinct--say something rude back. Second instinct--for me, is to either cry or get sick. I have to wait for that third instinct to take hold and keep quiet and forgive. Perhaps all should do this as well.
SO--tirade over :-) Have a great day and GO EAGLES TONIGHT. kendra
Perhaps we should just have an audit and get all the information out in the open to see how things are going. I have never seen this as fun. Fun to me is not watching taxes being raised and then being called negative for quesioning what some perceive as wastefulness in our city government. So far I have never posted negative comments about the Mayor or council per se. Just that I don't think he is acting in the best interest of Dayton taxpayers. Since the comments have been back up, there have been no attacks on anyone. I hope there are not more as well. Nothing gets settled by name calling, however we do need to see some response to the 8 suggestions. I say start with an audit and go from there.
ReplyDeleteKendra:
ReplyDeleteI was very happy to see that the council meeting was, for the most part, a civil one. Yes, there are a few citizens in the community that seem to thrive on the chaos (and appear to actually try to bring it on) but I believe there are many more citizens that are tired of the chaos and want to see Dayton get back to business........and not even to 'business as usual' but just back to business.
Cindy Corson
I also heard this comment. It was certainly not said by me or to me. I would hope that it meant as a catty comment and someone would not enjoy conflict. My feelings
ReplyDeleteabout going and leaving the city council meetings have not been “fun”, they have been shock, disbelief and extreme sadness. The thing that I hate most in life is conflict. It is a necessity at times in the real world that we live in.
It is o.k. with me to bring up and talk about Christianity. I do look to my faith and belief to live my life. When I am attacked my first reaction is anger but I have conditioned myself to wait and not speak or react until I have time to think about the whole situation and say something I can never take back. Once something is said no matter how awful you feel that you said this thing and even an apology is given it is never completely gone in the mind of the person whom we said it to. So saying that I still do mess up sometimes because I am human but it’s usually dumb comments not angry comments.
I am going to talk about my father, he was always my role model. He worked very hard. He grew up in a very difficult situation. I won’t go into that but it molded him into a person that never had an enemy. He helped everyone. Where ever we went it took along time because he always saw someone he knew. As they say the good die young and sadly this was the case for him. What he taught me was one of greatest gifts anyone could get, he taught me that being honest and kind is the only way to live your life. He once told me don’t even lie to yourself.. He also said when you take a stand stick to your convictions and remain honest.
My stand has been concerning raising of taxes by the city owned golf course. I have gotten information from the city and have asked questions so that I have my information correct. I do not take information that I may hear as gospel, I check for the true facts and figures as they are written in black and white. At this time I think the issues have become much more towards a “witch” hunt than the issues at hand. I do agree with a need for an audit. I also think this money spent would not be for a lost cause. I agree with several of the earlier posts and their reasoning for an audit. I think this would put to rest many of the questions and concerns that there are about the issue at hand.
In life we will meet many different types of people, one type is the antagonist. I truly believe that the majority of people are not antagonists, there will always be this type of person around and I have found it is best just to listen and make your own determinations. If you become angry and react then you are feeding their behavior.
Enough of my ramblings. I still think healing needs to take place and I hope that this can happen. I know that if I were in charge of this healing I would start by showing compassion and understanding to everyone. If you remain calm (going back to a quote from my father) if you have a 5 gallon bucket full of s__t you don’t want to stir it or it will smell worse.
reference the council meeting remark .I do believe that the person that made the remark was the one that Kendra asked at one meeting if she was using to big of words for his small little mind. I do believe this person is upset with the council. But what do you expect from someone that was treated like that.
ReplyDeleteI was upset about how the gentleman who has a hearing problem was treated by the mayor. If we treat people with handicaps like that, what can we expect in return.
ReplyDeleteTo: 8:01 AM
ReplyDeleteI guess that is our answer to #7 of the 8 suggestions.
I felt terrible for that comment and publically apologized less than a half hour later. And--you didn't quote me quite correctly! Even the Mayor (who is so often criticized) called me on the inappropriate comment. I made the comment after being attacked by him on several fronts--but I still shouldn't have (the golden rule--remember).
ReplyDeleteMy son--who is legally deaf--attends most meetings and can hear every word. I think there is more to the "can't hear things at meetings" issue than simply not being able to hear things at meetings.
Kendra:
ReplyDeleteI believe you have hit the nail on the head stating there is more to the story than not being able to hear things at meetings. I remember that at a prior council meeting the Mayor offered for that person having difficulty hearing to move closer to the council if that would help him. He declined. I also remember the air conditioner being shut off at the last meeting so that those attending the meeting could hear better. I don't believe the Mayor is indifferent to people with disabilities at all but people won't get the whole story here.
Cindy Corson
Kendra,
ReplyDeleteI did hear you apolgize to the gentlemen at the meeting. I did notice you were not quoted correctly.
I'm sorry I did not know your son is legally deaf. It would be a hard thing for him to deal with.
The air conditioner was shut off, but I have to be honest that I had difficulty hearing the meeting. The accoustics are not very good when you are sitting back under that lowered ceiling.
Maybe some (or better) microphones could be purchased.
ReplyDeleteI believe the hearing impaired gentleman is a nice good man. I certainly sympathize with his disability.
We should encourage him to start accepting the accomodations that have been offered to him to improve his ability to hear, such as sitting closer to the front. Maybe he does not see that his shouting out is very disruptive and prohibiting everyone from hearing at the meeting.
He's a nice guy and hopefully he'll do it so we all can hear the meetings with minimal disruptions.
I have to address the issue of not being able to hear, I have attended meetings and I find it very hard to hear some times but I have not addressed the issue. But I believe very strongly that something has to be done. If it is not done, I believe the city is doing a disservice to our citizens.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are disabled you do not like to have that disability pointed out to everyone. All you want is to be considered "normal". People with disabilities do not want to be on display.
ReplyDeleteI feel very uncomfortable discussing someone’s medical or disability problems and making a judgment on whether they have one. We can not make a diagnosis unless we have a Doctorate degree in medicine or are that person's treating physician.
I just saw a $325.00 sound system with two speakers and a microphone on CraigsList in Ames. Maybe we could take donations to buy this so the problem would be solved for everyone.
ReplyDeletehttp://maniacofmagic.com/soundsystem.aspx
This is the system. This one is on hold but I'm sure another one could be found.
Then at least this problem would be solved.
I guess it does not come with microphone but they do not cost very much.
ReplyDeleteTo: 1046pm. That's right let's find solutions, lets not stir that five gallon bucket.
ReplyDeleteA farmer had some puppies he needed to sell.
ReplyDeleteHe painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and
set about nailing it to a post on the edge of
his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the
post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked
down into the eyes of a little boy.
"Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your
puppies."
"Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat
off the back of his neck, "These puppies come
from fine parents and cost a good deal of money."
The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then
reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a
handful of change and held it up to the farmer.
"I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take
a look?"
"Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out
a whistle. "Here, Dolly!" he called.
Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran
Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.
The little boy pressed his face against the chain
link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the
dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy
noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.
Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably
smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat
awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward
the others, doing its best to catch up...
"I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the
runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said,
"Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able
to run and play with you like these other dogs would."
With that the little boy stepped back from the fence,
reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his
trousers.
In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down
both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made
shoe.
Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir,
I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone
who understands."
With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and
picked up the little pup.
Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.
"How much?" asked the little boy. "No charge,"
answered the farmer, "There's no charge for love."
The world is full of people who need someone who
understands.
I for one, don't expect the council meetings to be a fun event, it is a time to conduct city business. Did I hear that certain members of the city council and mayor have some fun at the bar after the council meeting, I hope they would not have a quorum and talk about city business, this would be in violation of open meetings laws, please conduct yourselves accordingly.
ReplyDeleteI think it was interesting 3:58 brought up that point in light of what happened with the Iowa Chops owners and the Polk County Board of Supervisors last Thursday. I am not saying that this is what happened in Dayton, just interesting in light of 3:58's comments.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906130340
Wow, does this mean we are getting a pro hockey team in Dayton?
ReplyDeleteOn second thought maybe the meetings should just be held at the bar, it might be more "fun". As long as it's posted 24 hours in advance and a quorum will be there.
The council members almost always go to the bar after meetings. The people that sit in the bar listen to all there gossip. Maybe they should go to the golf course to drink beer after meetings, at least then they are supporting the course.
ReplyDeleteSo what.
ReplyDeleteThere's no difference between the gossip at the bars in the evening than there is with the gossip that is going on over coffee in the morning.
As long as they are not violating open meeting laws; it's all logistics.
WOW--I go away for a day and it gets nasty again. Now--if I say something nasty back--that would be wrong, right? Then you would have the right to come to a meeting and say something nasty to me--it would be justified?? And then I'd "retaliate" somehow?? Just trying to figure out how this all works. I think instead I'll NOT say anything negative and go from there.
ReplyDeleteIf we want a sound system, we need one with six microphones. Passing around a microphone would really be a pain and slow things down even more. I'm all for a sound system. Feel free to donate away :-)
As for open meeting laws--I've read the booklet now three or four times. I almost have it memorized! I think some people would be surprised at what it says. Not only does it contain rules and guidelines for the COUNCIL but also for the CITIZENS--might want to check it out.
I deliberately made the choice to join this blog to listen to the "opposition" because I value their opinions and mine are very flexible at this point. I did not join this blog to have nasty things said to me by "anonymous" or to say nasty things to others. Please stop.
I whole heartily agree. Let's don't get down and dirty nasty. I keep saying don't stir the bucket, it's from an earlier post about an old saying.
ReplyDeleteI noted D.O. removed the negative posts, thank you.
I have read the Open meeting laws and have attended meetings, and have conducted my self with the respect that I would expect others to give me.
Let's all stay on task, give our opinions but knock off the low down negative remarks.
Kendra and DaytonTiger......this is exactly why I refrain from posting sometimes......seems whatever is said by those who do post their identities somehow gets turned around into something negative or they think I am not being totally honest. I too sometimes have questions but try to direct them to those who can answer them. I am grateful that D.O removed the negative posts as I know some were directed at me. Thank you for that......
ReplyDeleteCindy Corson