TO THE EDITOR:
Money could be had if some entrepreneur would market the blown down trees around us. Scores of them are in both private woods and the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, especially just south of Co. Rd. 3. While red tape may exclude the Refuge, remember it wasn't too long ago the Refuge sold permits to harvest trees from specific areas. Deer hunters and deer would experience less congestion with less downed trees. Young trees would have a place to grow.
Those downed trees are a natural resource. Surely some could be sold for lumber, firewood or wood chips. Why the waste? Why standby as a fire hazard develops?
Yes, some dead trees are habitat for birds and animals. But no self-respecting woodpecker would consider the blown down trees. Aren't the dead trees standing perpendicular to the ground and brush piles sufficient wildlife habitat?
Property owners would welcome your service. While Bruno has harvested many trees, in between saving deer and ducks, it's unlikely he'll get to all while they are still firewood quality. Marty’s chainsaw skills are nonexistent.
Please someone, dust off your chainsaw, develop your business plan and make money before it is too late.
Bruno S. Gad & Marty Meyer-Gad,
Santiago Township, MN.
TO THE EDITOR:
Yes, the Community Center does show a deficit and receives money from the Park and Recreation budget to cover those deficits.
Yes there have been deficits at Pebble Creek Golf Club. Since the hiring of the current golf pro in 2008 losses at the golf club have averaged $300,000 a year. Prior deficits (2003-2007 for example) when the city had a golf manager had been in the $100-150,000 range.
Subsidies to cover deficits came out of a $1,000,00 fund that is now empty beginning this year and in the past two years money has also been taken out of the city's general fund as well. The golf club only operates six-seven months a year and you can golf. In contrast the community center is open 12 months a year, is diverse with respect to what activities it offers and serves age groups from infant on up.
Also the community center director performs his duties year round than the golf pro, whos duties I would think become limited because the golf course is shut down five-six months a year. My understanding is the community center director is paid less too. The taxable value to the city from county records puts the community center at $7.2 million, the golf club close to $4 million. Keep in mind the word "community" and "club" as you ponder the differing opinions for each amenity and if it serves the community as a whole.
I think the citizens should make the decision as to what to do with both the golf club and the community center. To end the argument put the question on this year’s election ballot. Give the entire community a say in what happens instead of allowing five people to vote on what they think is good for the community and eliminate personal agendas and conflicts of interests.
A vote of the taxpayers will show where they want their money to go and will be a true representation of the value to the city because we are the city.
Thank You to the editor, Gary Meyer, for last week’s editorial.
Adam Maskowski,
Becker, MN.
