Newsletter

September 28, 2006 Meeting

 

Opening

 

Ward Holmes led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Jan Measles cited a quote from Ben Franklin

 

Guests

  

Guest                                       Representing                                       Sponsor/Host

 

Dave Abercrombie                  Durango Fire & Rescue                      Presenter

Greg Drover                            Durango Fire & Rescue                      Presenter

Dan Noonan                            Durango Fire & Rescue                      Presenter

John Wilkin                                                                                         Bill Cartwright

Natasha Galston                                                                                  Charlie Albert

 

Visiting Rotarians -  

 

None

 

Announcements

 

Ward reported on a highly successful District Conference. Roger Tolemy was recognized with an Alumni Award for his outstanding service to the District.

 

Chip Lyle heralded the Durango Interact Club as a model for many @ the District Conference to emulate and mentioned that they were planning a conference to coincide with the Rotary District Conference that would be held in Durango next year.

 

Mark Prouty reminded us that Red Ball would be upon us soon. Mark requested members to consider working with the existing committee chairs to mentor and eventually take over the following committees: Ticket Sales, Computer, Silent Auction and Webmaster. Next meeting will be @ Christiana’s Restaurant @ 5.30pm on October 9th.

Cathy Crum announced that the GSE Team had arrived and asked everyone that could to attend the Pot Luck planned for the Recreation Center on Friday. If unable to attend, consider donating a dish. Also Cathy mentioned that Rotary was able to field 10 volunteers for Habitat for Humanity on Saturday October 7th. More volunteers were welcome.

 

Sgt. of Arms

 

Chandler Jackson reminded Sherry Tabor and Bob Geffee that they were celebrating a birthday in September. There were many Happy Dollars that included: Melissa Caskey & Angie Beach – thanking Rick Routh for taking the time to drive the Interact team to the District Conference, Jan Measles – for continuing good news on the medical front – a loud cheer followed this announcement, Phil Bryson – inviting every-one to tour his new Crossroads building after the meeting next week, Mike Burns – celebrating the upcoming move to his new building and most importantly for his 9th wedding anniversary and the news on their new baby – a boy, expected on December 24th, Dick Sullivan – celebrating a very successful fundraiser for Adaptive Sports that was well attended by many Rotarians, Mark Dold – who announced the slate of candidates for the open seat on the Board of Education that included his own candidacy, Bob Chaput -  who, in his inimitable words, announced that he had recently purchased a computer with a steering wheel. Bob also was celebrating his 45th wedding anniversary. Brian Myers – celebrating the Fall season!, Tom Brossia – thanking the Chef for today’s meal.

 

Program: 

 

Rick Routh presented Greg Drover, who was speaking on behalf of the formation of a Fire District and the following November ballot issues:

 

4A       District Formed

4B       Slate of Candidates

4C       Mill Levy

 

Greg, with the Durango Fire & Rescue Authority, reviewed the history of the formation of the current district dating back to 2001.

 

The 12 Myths cited by Greg were as follows:

 

  • There will be a surplus of $1B by 2023
  • 7.1 mill levy is too high
  • New mill levy will increase the existing budget by $2M/year
  • 7.1 mill levy too high compared with other districts
  • Money spent on a building asset was not well spent
  • District is an ill conceived idea
  • District will be controlled and staffed by city
  • City can easily provide the same service
  • Durango is subsidizing Animas & Hermosa
  • There was no independent consultant
  • This was not an issue about our fire fighters
  • The budget is bloated

 

Greg put forward compelling arguments to refute each myth.

 

We were shown a video of the Central Hotel fire. There followed a question and answer session.

 

Closing

 

Bud read his “living will”!

 

Ward wished us a great week and then rang the bell to release us.