I have posted two pages from the most recent attorney's bill to the city. The interesting parts from these two pages, in my opinion, is that Mr. Hemmingson charged the city 1.75 hours to talk with The Des Moines Register as well 16.5 hours to draft answers to the Civil Rights Commission questionnaire. That is a total of $1825 ($100 per hour) charged to the city.
In lieu of the $1650, the city could have purchased a pretty nice sound system or those Sonic Earz devices that we see on TV all the time for each attendee of the city council meetings.
Is this the way our city officials are spending our money? I thought the golf course was a joke but this tops that, who gave the mayor all the power to call the attorney that much, can't he make a decision by himself, if he can't do the job, get out of office.
ReplyDeleteWOW
ReplyDeleteWell I guess I'm glad he didn't charge the city for the editorial he wrote to the Dayton Review.
ReplyDelete1)A well written reasonable and attainable business plan by the park and rec board.
ReplyDelete2) An audit of the golf course because there seems to be ongoing questions of what has happened financially. This audit should solve the questions. If everything is o.k. then good, if not then it would need to be fixed.
3) The city attorney be replaced, I do not think after his “personal tirade” that he could or should continue to represent Dayton.
4) That several completely unbiased individuals be on the park and rec board.
5) The council work together to get along, possibly some apologies with the council it’s self and to some others closely involved.
6) An up front open and honest movement by the mayor, council and park and rec board. When things are not perceived as easily answered or information easily and quickly given then it is questioned as to the valid and truthful of any answers or information. This is human nature.
7) Sometimes appeasements to people, ie: arrangement of tables at council meetings, purchasing cheap microphone. These are just examples. If you try to meet very simple requests it will make people happier. It’s usually the small pebbles that irritate people the most, and then these things multiply and become boulders.
8) Have a community healing potluck picnic as suggested by Cindy Corson
The way I see it is if #7 of the eight points would have been followed we would have not had such a large attorney bill. We would not have also added to the hard feelings in our community.
It is time that we all wake up and learn from history. Witch hunts have never worked. It
s time that we come together as a community and stop all of this crap.
Honesty and truthfulness needs to come and not have people being punished for disagreeing with others. We are all different and see things in a different light. I for one have only been concerned with the higher property taxes. I guess I wanted the best of both world's have lower taxes and have the golf course.
If the eight points were followed and excuses not given I feel that this could be accomplished, for example a business plan, an audit to show why and where the money is being lost and plan of action made and followed could give us this.
It's time we all wake up and see the light before something worse happens. Please can we stop this madness.
Are ther more pages to this bill?
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have heard there are more pages to the bill.
ReplyDeleteCity government 101: The mayor is suppose to run the meeting, the council ia suppoaes to set policy, I see from some of the bills, the mayor is really trying to set policy and using taxpayer money to use the city attorney as his cohort. Time to change this people, wake up!
ReplyDeleteI think by doing #3 or the eight points this would solve some of this.
ReplyDeleteI have heard some of the council members think he is doing a good job, I wonder if they think that now. I don't want my money spent paying his bill, let the mayor pay it, it seems he is the only one that has used him.
ReplyDeleteOnce again I ask the Mayor for his opinion and or answers to resolve these issues we are dealing with. He seems so involved in trying to use his position as Mayor to retaliate against those who question him that he is willing to spend as much as he has to in legal fees. Of course we as the citizens have to foot the bill, not him. Many cities have sound systems to help people hear at the meetings. Again I hope I am wrong, but I would bet he will not give a reasonable and direct answer to anything. Come on Mr. Mayor, stand up and address these problems. Of course he will probably say this blog is not the place. Why not? Many in town and some out of town are reading it. Whatever he writes will be a permanent record. Nothing could really be taken out of context as the whole thing would be here.
ReplyDeleteI am so very very sad AGAIN. I insist on thinking the best of ALL involved--even though both sides tell me the other side is retalitory and self-centered and childish. I don't believe this about anyone involved--I feel everyone wants what is best and not just for them, but for all of us. I thought things were getting better . . .
ReplyDelete1) I am working on the sound system. Give me a little time, please. That would be a good solution. I am also looking into the accoustics of the room we hold the meetings. Is there any way we can arrange the tables so it isn't so prohibitive for people to hear?
2) OF COURSE the Mayor calls the attorney all the time--with all the complaints brought to ombudsman, councils, boards, commissions, etc and all the constant questions of the open meeting laws, etc. he is constantly having to check on things. I don't blame him one bit; I would do the same thing in this litigious age. The city is CONSTANTLY threatened with legal action and he is doing his best by ALL MEANS to follow the law--even when the law is unclear (as it often is). If you want the big legal bills to stop, people need to stop making often unfounded complaints to every governmental place that takes complaints. AND--if they continue to make countless phone calls and file countless forms--the bills will continue. That's the only way to handle it in this day and age. If you threaten the city with legal action, the city must consult an attorney. It's sad--but it's true
3) Thirdly--there are several positive things in Dayton that need some of this energy. Can we try to redirect some of this into more positive things like the Festival of Lights (which has no leader at this moment), the Community Club, Horizons, etc--all of which NEED US. I'm planning the ribbon cutting party at this moment--anyone want to come help????????
I am very fond of people on both sides of the fence and it makes me sad when there is so much rancor. AND--we are better than this. We all are. How about taking July off from the recriminations???
kendra
And another thing--we can debate all day whether a golf course is a draw for new people in town. I think it is; others not so much. So bit it. I can tell you for certain what is a DETERENT to people moving in town--the impression that this city is at war and full of angry, crazy people. My church is currently calling a pastor. When a young family is looking at a place to move and googles Dayton, Iowa and finds some of the horrible press--do you think that is more or less likely to attract them to our community?
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying there aren't valid points on both sides. I'm saying we can handle the disagreements SO MUCH BETTER.
Ask yourself this: If "crazy, unreliable, off the chart, in your face Kendra" thinks some people need to back off and rethink--what do "normal" people think? If I'm the "voice of reason"--OMG--what has happened???
My role in every group I've ever been in is NOT the swing vote in the middle. I'm the one that wants Dayton to build a gay marriage chapel and ban styrofoam from our neighborhood stores. I'm the one with the temper that very publicly gets out of control sometime. How come can I see that this environment is TOXIC and more "sane" people cannot??
HMMMM
food for thought
Another deterrent to people moving here or building here is the highest tax rate in Webster County, of which $1.35 per $1,000 is a direct result of buying a money losing golf course so a few can have a virtually private country club. Also, if the Mayor is not worried about all these attacks and if he has nothing to hide, why not order an audit and why consult the City Attorney constantly? If I knew I did nothing wrong or was not even close to skirting the legalities of my office of Mayor, I certainly wouldn't need the constant advice of council. One other thing, why not just look into buying a sound system for the council, instead of spending $1,650.00 in attorneys fees to find out if we have to get one.
ReplyDeleteI am looking into a sound system (said that already) and I think you can accidently violate a law without any evil intentions. But--as they say "ignorance of the law is no excuse" so in this day and age you check and double check and triple check Like I said--I'd do the same thing as the mayor in this situation.
ReplyDeleteKendra….I am SAD too. I have tried to remain positive and focused on the issues at hand but I must say that it is becoming increasingly difficult. I agree with you that the Mayor really has no choice but to consult legal counsel when the allegations and threats continue to be made by those “concerned citizens”. So really, who is to blame for those increasing legal bills? I have lived in this community for 40 years and have never considered moving from this community ………….until now. It is not because of the possibility of increased property tax but rather because it is not the friendly community where we raised our children and hoped our grandchildren would call home. I don’t think I am alone in feeling just plain tired of the whole mess. How can I help with the sound system issue? I would be happy to help with the ribbon cutting party……the gay marriage chapel may be a little over the top for me though I respect your opinion.
ReplyDeleteCindy Corson
Well, if I was the Mayor, I would at the very least address the things brought up in regards to all this. Whether or not anything is going on the least he could do is address it. He hasn't even voiced his concern that there seems to be much bitterness because of all this. A month ago there were I believe 8 points brought forth by someone. Correct me if I am wrong on the number. Cindy talked to the Mayor and was nice enough to share his thoughts with us. So why have those ideas just disappeared? Plain and simple the Mayor wants them to go away. That way he will not have to make any concessions in his appointments and will not have to put out an easy to understand balance sheet. He doesn't even have the decency to come out and talk about any of it. No matter his opinion or desires he could at least acknowledge these problems. By the way I wouldn't as Mayor call the City Attorney with every little issue. By law elected officials cannot be held liable unless there is an outright attempt to commit illegal acts while in office. Otherwise most of our politicians would be in jail. Personally I think most of them should be, but that is another story. so if the Mayor accidently through no malice goofs he cannot be held liable. I think he has personal vendettas to keep his agenda going. As I said before, this is my opinion only and not necessarily those of the Dayton Observer. Now a little what I hope is taken as humor. Kendra, the gay thing would not really help Dayton. I don't think I would like other towns calling us Gayton
ReplyDeleteI don't see a problem if the mayor is using the city attorney for legitimate reasons. The problem I see is charging us for talking to the Register.
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree with the 8:15pm that perhaps charging to talk to the Register (unless requested by the city) should not have been charged to the city. It would appear to me though that most of the other charges were for defensive actions required due to 'concerned citizens' attempts to discredit city departments and some elected officials.
ReplyDeleteCindy Corson
I am new to this area and I was told about this blog, let me state my intentions, I am going to vote this fall for the city council people that take a pledge to lower the taxes and quit spending money foolishly. I don't care about their personalities or their status in the community, I care about the actions they promise they will take.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we wouldn't have such high attorney fees if we didn't have such a vindictive mayor. Did you ever learn in school, 1 plus 1 equeals 2.
ReplyDeleteMisc. matters is a scape goat for talking about something that they want to cover up. I don't think the city should pay for a lot of those items on the attorney bills, just to let the council know, Iowa has a binding arbitration with disputed bills with attorney related bills. Don't pay him!
ReplyDeleteQuestion for SamAddamms, what happens to the Mayor if acts with malice?
ReplyDeleteI have personally read all of the bills from the lawyer. If you know some of the background they make more sense. I know I do not know all of the background nor have heard from the mayor and all involved but, it does appear that if you disagree or are considered a "concerned" citizen then problems are being found and the attorney is being contacted so that you will either shut up and go away or that you can be removed from the picture. Pretty silly, scary or just plain awful. Probably would be a good idea to get a new attorney so that this doesn't look quite so bad especially after all the happenings late.
ReplyDeleteThen maybe we can get back to trying to make money at the golf course, keep it running provide jobs and not have higher property taxes.
I agree with Kendra and Cindy, I am sad and disappointed again. I also agree with Kendra that I do not dislike people from either side of these issues. Kendra I know you are probably hearing all kinds of comments about the people involved in these issues. I think a sound system would be great. As far as the acoustics of the building I’m not very knowledgeable in this area. I do know someone who conducts meetings very similar to the city council and could have the potential of even being more volatile. I’m sure this person would be more than happy to talk to you about how they arrange their tables.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with certain legal issues the city does need to contact an attorney. I do think that maybe this had exceeded what is really needed and has become a gottcha game by using the attorney. I also think there have been some gottcha moments on both sides and this does not work. I do agree with #3 of the eight points about possibly having a different attorney, this could soothe some of the feeling of lack of trust with the attorney/mayor relationship. I am not attacking either gentleman personally just trying to solve issues.
Kendra it is interesting the position you are in. I’m glad you are taking it in stride. I have always been the person who tries to fix all the problems and keep everyone happy. I do think we probably agree on many things but are worlds apart in some things. Liberal/Conservative. The thing I respect is that you can handle my views and I can handle yours without anger.
Samaddams, I agree I wish the mayor would address some of these issues. With answers not generalized appeasements. I also agree that these are my opinions and not those of the Dayton Observer or anyone else involved in this fiasco. I did copy and paste the eight points at the beginning of this thread and do agree that if these were truthfully looked at that it could really help. I love your humor it helps.
To the person who posted at 4:52 am, either you are a night owl or early riser. I have also read all the invoices from the attorney and I also have to be honest I do have some questions.
So with all of this I didn’t solve anything with this post but wanted to give my opinion. Please anyone with any answers or possible solutions please add them here. It has to start somewhere.
Dayton Taxpayer what do you think of all of this? Do you have any ideas?
Oh I forgot I wanted to tell you Dayton Observer I liked your idea about the Sonic Earz device. I think the commercial for this is really funny, I would never want to get one for personal use because I don't think I want to over hear what others are saying about me. What a hoot.
ReplyDeleteAm I being provoked out of retirement???
ReplyDeleteI'm going to sound like a broken record here. The city council has been elected. Participate in city politics by telling them CONSTRUCTIVELY how you feel and by attending meetings. Come election time, vote your opinon, then RESPECT THE VOTE. We elect people to review the financials and make policy...let them do what they are elected to do. As American citizens, participate in the Democratic process and exercise your right to vote and respect others' right to vote with differing opinions.
I think if someone threatens the city with legal action routinely, regularly goes off half cocked with accusations about city departments,and is making frequent calls to the state ombudsman- then I think I that person bears equal responsibility for the calls to the attorney.
Samaddamslite, you are upset with the Mayor for not going on record on this blog answering questions. Similarly, me and you post on here anonymously not wanting to go on record or be accountable for our comments. I don't think you can criticize the Mayor until you sign your name. Yes, he's an elected official - but we're regularly outspoken on city topics in an open forum (this blog).
Dayton Tiger and Cindi Corson; I continue to applaud your effort for positive solutions. I'm just not feeling real positive after some other posts I'm reading. Ridiculous...
Yes, Ridiculous. The attorney bills are ridiculous, the city has spent well over 10,000 dollars in attorney fees in the first half of this year. Blame concerned citizens, blame renegade council people, put the real responsibility where it lies with the mayor, it is because he is vindictive, lies, will go to any length to get his own way, and use taxpayer money to fund his golf course, and use taxpayer money to pay a city attorney to make up shit so he can manipulate others. Yes this ridiculous to let him get away with it. The buck has to stop somewhere, and it has to stop with him. If the council lets him continue to make a mockery of the legal system, then as what was said before on this blog and the city attorney said in his editorial in the Dayton Review, we truly have a travisty of justice here. Yes, ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteDayton Taxpayer: Thank you for responding. I still am hoping for a solution to all of these problems. I think this is escalating to the point where it is starting to be somewhat frightening. Try to remain positive, I know this is easier said and done for all of us. There have been times throughout all of this I could have really became very angry and gone off half cocked. I have not. I am still very happy that we have democratic process.
ReplyDeleteThe Mayor is someone who is known by everyone and is in the public eye so to speak. He has been asked things as a public servant and will not respond. If I was in the office I would at least say something. To tell you the truth I will continue to be unknown in name as I do believe there is a pattern of selective enforcement as well as general harassment of people that don't agree with him. Tell me the snow tickets last year were not given to certain people who just happened to not agree with him. By the way he tore up and or dismissed them. I do not want to rehash that, just reminding you that I do not trust him to accept critisism without recriminations. And you are 100% right about exercising your right to vote. I also respect anyone who votes no matter who they vote for. Positive solutions would be great also, if we could get some. I think that starts with openess from all in the city government. By the way I am on record on here. Just not in name. Why would that help? I have no idea who you are and really don't need to know. Can you imagine how this town would be divided if we knew who everybody was on here?
ReplyDeleteWho shares responsibility for the 1650.00 bill for a human right violation when the mayor would not address concerns about hearing from a citizen, then at a meeting, he treats this person like a second class citizen, his treatment of this man was atrocious. And then they put it on the agenda so they could make him mow his grass, they didn't fix his property like the mayor told him they would do. And now certain council people want put in a sound system that they should have done a long time ago. Get real council, do your jobs and quit wasting our money.
ReplyDeleteI noticed the tax rate in Dayton was high - and I noticed it long before the city purchased the golf course.
ReplyDeleteI've seen a lot of different explinations and criticisms about it. There was an explination that there were things needing repaired (the well comes to mind) that piled up. Instead of complaining about it I see this as a learning opportunity for the future about not putting off repairs and purchases until they all need replaced at once.
I don't want to pay high taxes. On the other hand, once some money becomes available before lowering the tax asking I'd rather see it put toward street repair and payroll of some positions within the city to retain and recruit the best possible employees. After that, yes - I would like to see the asking go down by the city.
Different people are attracted to different things in community. I personally want to live in a community where I feel well protected by law enforcement, fire, EMS; good schools and good opportunity for community growth. I'm willing to pay a little extra for it. With that said, we need to have good job opportunities in town to keep people in town throughout the day to support a volunteer fire and EMS and keep school enrollment high. What would business and industry be looking for in a community to locate?
I fully acknowledge there are good people looking for a low tax rate, don't use the school, feel they can wait for an ambulance or fire truck, and job opportunities in town are not a personal priority to them. I also know from living in one of those communities in Webster County that 'Cheap livin, no cops and not a lot of people around to know your business' attracts some people who are not so good.
And, sorry to say we're in a national (global to some extent) recession that the Dayton Mayor and City Council can't fix. The "concerned citizen" isn't going to fix it either.
We all can spin our wheels all day, every day, complaining and rehashing. Wheel spinning gets you nowhere fast. Turning this into positive energy looking for community growth and strength is better time spent.
First of all, it was a CIVIL rights issue--not HUMAN rights--there is a huge difference. We aren't living in Darfur here.
ReplyDeleteSecondly--the man was angry and wouldn't mow because the city planted bluegrass instead of rye. This is pretty petty, don't you think?
Samaddamslite - I don't think it's important for you to know who I am and I it's not of importance to me to know who you are either.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to post my name either if it's just constructive debate of opinon.
However, I think if you are asking a specific person to be accountable to go on record to answer some questions; the person asking also needs to be accountable and go on record as the person asking the question.
I'm not going to debate the retaliation thing. It goes both ways and I've heard too many differing stories.
If you went up to the Mayor and asked, "Richard, I was just wondering your opinion on...." and there was nothing accusatory or defensivness about it; how would he even know you disagreed with him? You wouldn't need to be worried about retaliation. Then you would also have direct answers to your questions. Cindi did it, she doesn't always agree with him, and I don't believe she has voiced any instances of being retailated against.
I say give it a try.
9:48 Anonymous
ReplyDeleteEXACTLY! Thank you.
Dayton Taxpayer.....You are absolutely 100% correct. I do not agree with the Mayor on everything....and by the way, I believe he knows it. I also believe there will be issues in the future that I will not agree with and will feel the need to address. I have not been retaliated against for not agreeing with everything he believes or says. People need to have the intestinal fortitude to ask questions without blaming, threats, and their own form of retaliation and perhaps they will be surprised by receiving the same respect back. I get the impression that some spend a lot of time trying to think up ways to cause trouble, cause dissention, and making employees and elected officials lives miserable when they could be channeling that energy into making things better and more positive. They might feel a little more respected in the community too......something they are certainly not now. I believe all of the city employees (City Clerk, Maintenance and Police) are severely underpaid. I also don’t believe some of those departments have the equipment necessary to do their jobs in some cases. Look at other communities salaries and you will see the cold hard facts. Gowrie’s lowest paid maintenance worker makes $5.00 more an hour than most of our maintenance employees and they don’t have to deal with such negativity while trying to do their jobs. Gowrie’s police chief makes $10,000 more per year than our current chief and again doesn’t have to endure the wrath of accusatory citizens. It will be difficult to retain current employees and/or recruit new employees with the current salary/wage structure and negativity within our community. I personally have gone to bat for my employees to increase their wages based on the most recent workforce development wage survey while my salary was frozen due to the economy. Things need to start looking up folks or we will lose a lot of good people.....employees and residents.
ReplyDeleteCindy Corson
I have never approached the Mayor in person and for reasons previously stated I won't. Everyone on here knows my position on what I consider very wasteful spending for the golf course. Along that point, it has been pointed out and not refuted that the golf course books were unauditable before the city purchased it. Why would the Mayor or anyone push to buy a business that you cannot even audit? That to me is not in the best interest of the community. That aside I have asked the Mayor on here many times for his opinion on the very least the 8 points that were getting rave reviews from all. Cindy was kind enough to talk to him in person and post his answers and I thank her for that. But since I did ask him, albeit on here, why did he not feel the need to at least state his opinion on them. As far as me being upset that he won't answer on here, I am not upset in the least. I just think it would be good if he did make a comment for all on here to see. Just because I disagree with him on issues does not mean I would not be happy to see a response from him. Trust me I don't lose sleep over this either. I would just appreciate his personal take on the situation. Anytime anyone has asked me about anything on here, I try to respond in a polite and professional manner. To all those who post I have the upmost respect for your opinion even if we disagree at times. So all of you please keep posting, it is nice to read all of your comments.
ReplyDeleteThe matinence worker and the police officer knew what the wages were when they were hired didn't they, if they don't like what they are getting, have them quit. I bet there will many that will apply, and be happy to have a job.
ReplyDeleteTo the people that talk about the man being mad about rye grass or blue grass, the man is a land owner in Dayton, and he was treated very disrespectful by the mayor.
Cindy--I have been meaning to talk to you in person but I never seem to get around to that. Could you be responsible for the food part of the ribbon cutting--community potluck/ice cream social/whatever you want?? I don't have a date yet because it isn't done yet--but can you stick that in the back of your mind? THANKS.
ReplyDeleteStill need someone to help with the music part--I have some ideas. Anyone want to jump right in???
kendra
Kendra: I would be happy to help with the food portion.......and I'll enlist help from my sister who also lives here......Hope she is reading this, cuz I just volunteered her :-). If anyone has ideas about food please give some input. Wouldn't it be great if we all could put our differences aside to heal our community?
ReplyDeleteCindy Corson
As far as music goes...would be great if some local talent could be used...we have lots of talented people right here. I also know quite well, a former graduate who might be willing to come back to her home town to do a little something....I think you know who I mean.
My computer is only is good as the person running it.....
ReplyDeleteCindy
Ok, I'm lost, what's the ribbon cutting for? Is the gay wedding chapel already open for business (LOL).
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I don't know what the ribbon cutting is for.
The ribbon cutting is for the new well
ReplyDeleteThe ribbon cutting is my little summer celebration for the well and tennis court projects FINALLY being done. Big pair of scissors--the whole works :-) I'm kind of hoping it can be a fun, community-uniting thing. kendra
ReplyDeleteCIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE:
ReplyDelete1) Gentleman said he could not hear at meetings.
2) Told he could set closer so he could hear. I did not hear a question posed to anyone else if they had an issue with hearing.
3) Gentleman told to raise his had and that everyone would be told to speak up, I saw his hand go up but was not acknowledged nor did I hear anyone be told to speak up.
4) Apparently became Civil Rights Issue.
5) Same person's land at some point dug up due to a leak or something. Person asked to be put on adgenda, removed from adgenda.
6) Addressed at council why not mowing, what I heard was ground very bumpy, rocks in it and was asked about type of grass.
The way I would have handled it, was address the problem right from the start. Try to be understanding even if you feel differently and this problem probably would not have escalated to a Civil Rights Issue. Nor after it did would I be hashing over the area of grass that is not mown. Squeaky wheel gets the oil, and preventative maintenance does work.
After reading this blog today, I see there is GO in Gowrie (their sign). Maybe our Mayor and council should job shadow Gowrie's. It might be alittle uncomfortable since one of their council members is the person that was hired but was not hired at a council meeting.
ReplyDeleteWas this the member that was hired for ground's keeper as per the minutes posted in the Dayton Review? But then was not hired by the park and rec board. I did hear this person is on Gowrie's City Council.
ReplyDeleteI hope he isn't as vindictive as our mayor.
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't spend taxpayer monies on the ribbon cutting, I think you have spent too much on the golf course, need to buy a sound system, and attorney fees. Tax and spend, tax and spend, keep spending and you are going to bankrup this town.
ReplyDeleteCan't imagine the ribbon cutting will cost a thing. Hey--I have an idea---why don't YOU (9:13 PM) help us out and find us some FREE musical entertainment for the event. Instead of being negative--be positive and help. Now there's an idea worth looking into!
ReplyDeleteWhen Hell freezes over.
ReplyDeleteReally nice 2:05 AM.......We would like some positive vibes going on for a change and you might just have a good time, free of charge of course!
ReplyDeleteCindy Corson
Hello all,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to share my thoughts on some things that are going on. I think Dayton needs to do a better job of coming together to get things done. I think there are good examples of better run citys around us. All we have to do is look down the road for a better run city. I really do worry about the taxes we have to pay. I hope it is not true that the golf course lost alot of money again because that probably means higher taxes for us. I do hope a decision gets made on what should be done about this soon. I don't want to see Dayton go bankrupt! Lets pull together and see a better run government.
As someone mentioned earlier, I also think it would be great to give some city employees a raise. The only problem is how much do we have tied up in other stuff? I worry that our situation may be like what is happening to our state government, we get overextended and then have to cut back because of our overextension. I really hope we start to become more fiscally responsible in the coming months.
ReplyDeletePutting a spin on something. That is what is happening in Dayton. You can put a spin on anything but not on the figures from the golf course. I saw someone posted that there was a loss of about 32,384.00. If this is an incorrect figure please correct me. What is going to be done about this loss? I do not know if this included the 25,000.00 loan, that will need to be paid back to cover the payment for the purchase of the golf course. If it is not then isn’t this like putting your house payment on your credit card, lower interest of course. Cities need to make money not be in the red. With the golf course included in the city then sooner or later the money will need to be made up somewhere. So far it has been with the purchase of the golf course a tax increase, and no money for road repair.
ReplyDeleteI have read here with Dayton being compared with Gowrie. Gowrie is a very nice community also. I searched and found their web page and it is really worth looking at. Very well done, not a cookie cutter site with pictures of who knows. I know that there should be some one well versed in this area that could do this for Dayton. I was very impressed with the amount of businesses that were highlighted. What a selling point for someone researching an area to move to. In this day and age the internet is helping some make this decision. As far as wages I am for anyone to make more money. You do need to take into consideration years of service and job specifications/qualifications. You also need to think about where money is being spent. Since Dayton cannot print money to get by. All areas need to be looked at.
I looked back today at many past posts on this blog. It is interesting to do. It’s seems like everything escalated with the speech from the attorney and Des Moines Register.
It’s to bad all of that had to happen. I read the article regarding Dayton being a credible government. Since everything that has happened since then I have to agree. I think it is time for all to look back and reflect on what has happened and see if it was all really worth it. I think what most want is an honest government of our tax payer money being used wisely.
TO: 8:37 EXACTLY!!!! Thank you. Do you notice no one wants to talk about this.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, we need street repair, looking at some of the holes, if they are not fixed by Labor Day, we might lose a horse in one. Also if it is true that the figures are right that 8:37 quoted, our city government needs to address the problem instead of looking the other way. If these are incorrect, someone please speak out and address the right figures. Is it that you don't want us to know for sure, please don't put any more spins on the issues, address them and then try to fix them, that is the responsible thing to do.
ReplyDeleteThe Gowrie website is very nice....and I like that they put ordinances (okay, one that I saw) on the website. It would be great if Dayton could do that and then everyone would have access to them. I'd like to see ours also have the council meeting agenda on it. Absolutely there is room for improvement on our website. I'm sure there is someone out there locally that is a whiz-bang on the computer. In fact, I believe at one council meeting there was discussion on doing the website but not sure what happened with that. But you are right, there are bigger issues than the website that need attention.
ReplyDeleteI have let everyone know what the responses were that I got from the Mayor........I believe that the Mayor would/should respond to other citizen questions when appropriately directed to him.
Cindy Corson
The website is a great suggestion. Is there someone who can volunteer to make an easy to update website? I bet there's a highschool kid who could do it as a volunteer project.
ReplyDeletePositive ideas!!!
And, we don't have to wait for the Mayor or City Council to hold our hands through positive changes. Not everything takes an ordinance or vote to happen.
Who owns the Gowrie Swimming Pool?
ReplyDeleteWhat are the financials on that and how is it supported?
Oh my gosh.......I love that! Where are the high school computer gurus? You could make a positive impact on the city!
ReplyDeleteCindy Corson
Gowrie’s swimming pool is a municipal pool. I am sure it is supported by the city. The pool is always very busy and I’m sure does quite well on its own. The golf course and the skating rink are privately owned.
ReplyDeleteIf you notice their web site is done by using a web company that designs these sites. I noticed at the bottom that appears that local business helps support this. To keep a web site up it does take some work. There are some cookie cutter programs but they are not the same. To have an informative web site it must be updated very frequently.
Does anyone remember the adopt a pot hole from years ago? That wouldn’t work today because you would have to adopt a street. LOL Seriously this didn’t work very well then and the streets were not in the condition they are in now. I do agree with possibly loosing a horse this Labor Day parade. I do hope that something can be figured out pretty soon or the streets will have to be gravel again.
The other evening I heard the story about Gowrie’s fireworks. It seems that is was always going up to the wire on if the show would go on because of cost. Two gentlemen went together and bought a dog run and put a top on it and asked for can donations for the fireworks. They thought if this didn’t work they would get a dog. It did work and the person to whom I was speaking with said they were sure the fireworks are completely funded from this pop can donation with a small donation from a local organization. I asked how much the fireworks cost and it is between 5,000.00 to 10,000.00. What a nice thing.
Seriously I believe in helping our community, but I think that our community needs to help its self. We do need to get the loss with the Golf course in line and have a plan. I think this would bring the community together more and let things happen like the fireworks fence. You can not make all the people happy but it sure doesn’t hurt to try.
So please Mr. Mayor and council, think about this. It’s the little things that make people happy. Work with all your citizens even those you do not agree with. Look each pop can is only worth a nickel but it can put on one heck of a beautiful fireworks display.
Thank You
Correction: They were not sure if a donation was needed or not from the local organization. Either way the majority or all is paid for from the pop cans.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the mayor should pay the bill himself..after all the attorney is the mayors private attorney.
ReplyDeleteNice article written today on the front of the Dayton Review. It is also written by a lady who I respect very much. In reading it I agree that everyone should be positive. But I after reading this and thinking about everything I think the best thing to do is at this time is to start planning to move to another community. I took the survey online and truly hope that this ISU project will help the community. This is not the Dayton of old nor is it the Dayton of 20 years ago. It’s to bad it’s not just one side or the other or not just one or two people who are negative it is a whole lot more. I am very strongly contemplating moving to a community probably larger that will have more things accessible that I may need. I know it won’t make a bit of difference to very many people if I leave, some may even rejoice. It may take some time to accomplish this. I just can’t afford to financially or mentally live here any longer. I drove around Dayton today and really tried to look at it with open eyes, not bias. It has changed. You do see many more dilapidated buildings and the streets are awful.
ReplyDeleteJust one more of my opinions and I will be done. I do not know that the attorney is the Mayors personal attorney I have not seen any proof of this but, I do know that it seems that the attorney has became to personally involved in this situation and even let his personal emotions show. After working with many attorneys and having several as friends I do not think this is a good idea. So Mr. Hemmingson is you feel the need to point your finger at someone and tell them what they are thinking or what they mean when taking a stand, you don’t need to shake it at me.
I'm on vacation--what article in the Dayton Review???
ReplyDeleteI don't know about Gowrie's Pool--but the Stratford Pool loses TONS of money each year (thousands and thousands--I have the figures at home)--but the citizens there think of it as a good thing for the community and support it. I am assuming Gowrie is the same.
kendra
I have asked about the Gowrie swimming pool. I will not disclose who I spoke to as I wanted them and I to remain anonymous as you tend to get true answers. The person whom I spoke with is a very reliable, respected citizen and business person.
ReplyDeleteYes the swimming pool does lose money, it is getting old and will need major repairs or rebuilt. It is believed it is a very important part of their community and keeps many, many youth and families in the community. They are now starting a fund raising campaign to accomplish this. It is subsidized by the community but does not raise their property taxes. The skating rink is also owned by the community but it does make money. The person who I spoke to said right now they do have some projects going on that there are quite a few people competing for the donations to be able to accomplish this. They have had people leave large amounts of money to support some of their projects. I did ask this person what is utilized more the golf course or the swimming pool and they said the swimming pool by far and agreed that you cannot compare a swimming pool to a golf course as far as apples to apples.
There Golf course is privately owned. This person said that when it was not then it was a problem with keeping inventory on track and not having people just help them selves. I am not saying this is what happening in Dayton so please don’t attack the messenger. This person said they know of several golf courses that to stay open they pay their yearly membership charges and then at the end of the year they all divide up the losses and each pay their share.
From what I understood is that the people closely involved with each of these city owned proprieties is that those groups go out and raise money so that it is not expected that the city must just come up with the money. They go out and diligently work at raising the money to keep their pet projects alive and going.
The column in the Dayton Review is written by a life long citizen of Dayton who does write another column weekly. I do not want to bring up her name here because she has nothing to do with this controversy.
The person who I spoke to also kept saying they may be city owned but are community operated. Meaning that certain members to bat for what they believe is important in their community and go out and raise money and just don't expect the city to foot the bill.
ReplyDeleteA swimming pool is used by people of all ages and a great thing to have to keep kids busy and off the streets. Daytons Golf Course is utilized by a small group of "want to be" country clubers that can't afford to belong to a real one,so they use the taxpayers of Dayton to support there hobby.This is two totally different things.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea about the golf course members ponying up the losses at the end of the year. Now we all know exactly why they duped the city into buying it. Not disclosing the irregularities in the books translates into duping the city. I agree with a previous poster saying the pools in our neighboring communites are different than a golf course. The pools are busy nearly every day and it doesn't cost much to go enjoy a day at the pool.
ReplyDeleteI just interviewed a professor from St. Cloud, Minnesota about his new book for the paper. After the interview he said it was "nice to hear something coming out of Dayton besides the news about the city at war." He didn't know I was on the city council--didn't know me from Adam--and that is *all* he knows about Dayton--that we are dysfunctional. No matter what your opinion on the golf course, etc--NO small town can afford such a negative image. Ask yourself: what have you done lately to HELP Dayton become a better place? If your concern is lower taxes--what have you done constructively to help this issue? BITCHING and FINGER POINTING is not constructive and only contributes to the negativity.
ReplyDeleteThe festival of lights is looking for a chair. Anyone interested? There is stimulus money out there for small towns like ours--maybe even for the STREETS--anyone want to help us with the applications? Even those of you that think the golf course is evil--any plan with what we should do with it now that we own it (realizing that if we shut the door right now--we'd still have to pay the debt)?
When people answer "hell no" when asked to help--it gets me to thinking they aren't worried about DAYTON at all--but that they just enjoy the drama. What kind of person enjoys causing other people misery and stirring up trouble for trouble's sake?
Also--even though I don't believe there has been any "retaliation" for opposing local decision, I do believe that if you feel strongly enough about something you should sign your name even if there is a danger of retaliation. People who supported desegregation, for example, knew that if they came out for civil rights they would probably suffer economic, social, and perhaps physical retaliation. NOW--I'm not comparing Dayton's problems to segregation--but I do feel that if you think something is very important--you should be ready to take the risk.
And--Kristi--I know you read this--could you help with the ribbon cutting--I could sure use your organizational abilities/contacts in this area??? I don't have a date yet but I'm working on it. Cindy and her sister are handling food--I can do publicity/organization/etc. Maybe you could do music/entertainment???
Let me know :-)
kendra
I really wish I had water pressure to do the dishes. I wait 15 minutes just to fill my sink for dishes.
ReplyDelete1:22 pm........Did you call Randy at the Clerk's office and let him know? I know they had a main break that they fixed on Sunday. If you let them know, they should be able to help you.
ReplyDeleteI actually know the answer to all the water issues--can you believe I know something. We are painting the inside of the water tower. It takes ten days before we can use the tower again so we are pumping water directly from the old well. This is why the water is rusty and why mains have been breaking all over town--Sunday's break was the fourth one in recent weeks I think. So--I guess the only solution is to go out to eat because you can't do dishes! :-) That was how I took it. same with laundry--buy new clothes. Makes perfect sense to me. :-) kendra
ReplyDelete