I hardly think the SJFD needs another arial truck. If I'm not mistaken we have 2 already and I see no projection for high rises in the near future. That $1 million would certainly be spent some where better.

Clubhouse expansion at Fairview? C'mon. I've been out there and it's fine. It would appear the Good Ol' Boy Network is at it again.

Not so much.

After soliciting literally dozens of projects, a citizens committee, composed of people just like you [in other words, not a Good Old Boy in the bunch] narrowed and prioritized the many down to about thirty of which maybe the top twenty, basically what you see on the list, made the cut. I believe your insinuation that politics was the driving motivation behind the selection process insults the continuing hard work this committee is doing. With that said, it also seems beside the point. These CIP projects were clearly defined long before the vote, the voters overwhelming approved them, and to suggest now the GOB network is at play appears to me to be a little sour, not to mention tardy. Nevertheless, let us move on to your specifics.

Currently SJFD has a ladder truck, Number 5 and a Snorkel truck at Number 1. Not the same thing. I believe the Snorkel truck is nearing its end of life but it doesn’t matter. The mix of fire apparatus maintained by SJFD isn’t haphazard. Fire departments answer to certification bodies and that level of certification bears a great deal on your personal life. Because SJFD fields a well maintained and properly equipped department your insurance rates are significantly less than they might otherwise be. Besides that, I’m just curious. How might the Good Old Boys prosper at your expense should SJFD purchase a new aerial truck?

The clubhouse at Fairview is less clear but still, in my opinion, a reasonable use of our tax dollars. I’m sure, if you’ve spend any time at Fairview as you claim, you are familiar with the gentlemen’s lounge facilities. Basically it is a one-holer in a cramped locker room. The ladies side isn’t even that nice. The new clubhouse will have nice locker facilities for men and women, a real snack bar and expanded retail area, but most importantly, a banquet space that will be available for hire. While I won’t pretend to suggest the proceeds from the new snack bar, retail space or the banquet area for hire will completely offset the 1.1 million dollar price tag, neither do I doubt there will be some increased revenues to help. Even if that wasn’t true, I still think the Fairview improvements would be worth it. Fairview is the only public 18-hole course in Saint Joseph. It will never be the Saint Joseph Country Club, but it doesn’t have to be the red-headed stepchild either.

on the face of things, the clubhouse looks a little fishy, unless you realize that it is part of the fabric which potential new residents look at in the overall quilt of amenities in stjo. i don't golf, but then some golfers would not attend the symphony, as i love to do. some people decry the money spent on bike and hike, although that might seem more useful to the Common Man. i don't think the good old boy network comment makes any sense, at all. i would have preferred that the city had made the sewer disaster public before the cip vote, however.

I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together.

The Walrus was Paul

Must be a slow morning at city hall - sorry to be so late joining in. Henry you surprise me; a very reasonable discussion on how some of these CIP projects evolved. Especially the point made about the aerial truck for the fire department. It is a essential piece of equipment for applicable certification with needed versatility.
Strongly agree with heritage that the sewer issue should have received greater exposure. Being one opposed to seeing fees piled on-top of taxes that are already too high, a blended solution might have been found giving everyone a little relief.

My comment comes from recent frustration in trying to obtain licenses and permits required for a small business.

It is simply ridiculous how our officials make it all but impossible to get a business off the ground for a regular Joe.

So when I see the city's proposed spending I get even more frustrated.

What's a person gotta do to get some working room in this city? More importanly, who do I need to know?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against much of anything in the way of your local emergency services. More often than not they receive less than they need. I simply don't see the need for an aerial truck. Sorry. Clubhouse renovations? No. How about funding a resource center for small businesses much like the SBA offices in Kansas City? Something that says, "we support local entrepreneurs," for cryin' out loud.

Michael - Not sure what might be casing delay in your obtaining needed permits etc. but if you have not already done so suggest you request in writing an explanation of any requirements not being met as well as cause for delay in decision if applicable. Businesses have the obligation to meet all requirements and agencies have the obligation to be responsive.

Michael,

I’m afraid I don’t have any practical advice either since I have no idea where you need to go, what you need to do, or who you need to know to handle your business licensing issues. On the other hand, I do have some other ideas for you.

If you’re looking for help starting a business, writing a business plan or developing market research I would suggest the Small Business Development Center located in the Saint Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce. The services are free and, at least back in the day, they had SCORE members who would volunteer their services as mentors to new entrepreneurs.

If you’re looking for startup money, that is an equine of a different hue. Buchanan County does have economic development programs that put actually American greenback dollars into the hands of small businessmen but, to be completely blunt, if the trials of completing the paperwork necessary to obtain a common business license confound you, you wouldn’t stand a chance jumping through the hoops necessary to get an economic development grant.

My second phone call to the Chamber yielded, "we do offer small business services for our members, would you like to hear our membership options?"

I do appreciate the advice, and I'm certainly not afraid of footwork, but please pardon the frustration of a brand new entrepeneur.

From my conversations with other small business ownersI've picked the brains of, I'm not the first person to complain.

Maybe I'm just being whiney.

If anyone has the name of someone I can call at the Chamber for some definitive answers - I'd love the help! Guess it's not really the place to go in-depth on my issues.

Call Rebecca Evans. She is the Director of the Small Business Development Center satellite office located at the Saint Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce. The SBDC isn’t part of the Chamber [actually it is part of the Small Business Association office at Northwest Missouri State] but it rents space from the Chamber. The services of the SBDC are free. Don’t get hoodwinked by the Chamber.

Nope, sorry. The classes are only available for a fee. They are not free! In fact, I recall that the dangers of human resource mine fields course was $45.00. Not a lot, but not free by any means. They could be, but they aren't free. The token fee doesn't help the average small business, but creates yet another barrier to information via the CHAMBER...