Henry Raymond

Fairfax News => Current News & Events => Topic started by: Henry on December 20, 2010, 12:12:22 PM

Title: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Henry on December 20, 2010, 12:12:22 PM
The latest selectboard minutes for December 13, 2010 are available for you to read by clicking on the following link:

http://www.vtgrandpa.com/fxtown/past-sbminutes-index.html (http://www.vtgrandpa.com/fxtown/past-sbminutes-index.html)
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Papi on December 20, 2010, 12:55:13 PM
According to the minutes: "Christmas Party: A budget of $225.00 has been allotted for the party out of the office expense line item." 

Tough economic times for many, but the party goes on...   Am I being too petty or too much of a Scrooge?
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Stand Alone Defense on December 20, 2010, 03:22:23 PM
Well I obviously have a sided view on this but I say a little petty.  I am not going, nor have I gone to it in the past, but a lot of the town employees work really hard to make our town a safe and good place to live.  They don't get bonuses or anything at the end of the year and its not like they are getting rich off their hard work.  So in my opinion $225 really isn't a big deal but like I said it's just my opinion.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: cedarman on December 20, 2010, 04:13:57 PM
I agree with Josh, and I don't have a biased interest (neither I nor any family members get an invite to the party).  It seems like a very reasonable amount and a very small token of appreciation, especially in light of the information that they don't get any kind of bonus.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Mummy on December 20, 2010, 09:05:41 PM
I agree with Papi.    My Christmas Party we all prepared or baked something and had a great time!   I work hard VERY hard also!  What was the $225.00 spent on?  Does anyone recall this being in the Town Report?   NO because there is SO MUCH fluff in the Town Report! 

Does anyone believe .... having a job requires you to hum .... work hard?  It use to be the Selectboard would treat the Town Employee's to a dinner out and the Selectboard PAID for it!
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: MikeF9 on December 21, 2010, 09:21:20 AM
$225 for a Christmas party for the town employees. Whoop-dee-doo.
And people want to piss and moan about it.
How much did you spend on your family for Christmas? I spent a lot more than that.
When it comes time for the school to hold The Prom, how much money do parents spend on their kids to have a good time? Tuxes, dressses, dinner, some do limo rides.
$225 means each household contributed, what a nickel, a dime? And you payed how much in property taxes this year? And you want to haggle over a nickel?
Please, people, it's Christmas. Everyone is entitled to celebrate.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Henry on December 21, 2010, 09:31:15 AM
Mike, I try not to get involved in these types of discussions, but when I hear our Town Trucks out at all hours of the night, or go down to the town office for something from one of the people there, there is never any hassle as to "That's not my job" or anything like that.  These people do not get paid outrageous salaries or get bonuses and I think that we as a town need to get a little Christmas Spirit and at least offer them some token of our appreciation.  Maybe someone out there could figure out just what the actual cost per taxpayer is because of this $225 Christmas Party.

I won't be saying any more, but just had to make a comment.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Thor on December 21, 2010, 09:44:31 AM
Henry,

     Couldn't agree more with you. Lots of work, most of it odd hours and thankless, although the people here in the small town are generally pretty good about showing appreciation for community effort. With that said, Mummy has a point. We all work hard and so on. And as much as I agree with her point, I would have to say that I believe some good discussion about whether or not funding $225 dollars for the Christmas party was appropriate or not. And I am sure there was no malintent on anyones part other than to have a gathering to say thanks and celebrate the season. So Henry, if you can contact me via email, we can sort this problem out. Thanks.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Henry on December 21, 2010, 09:57:34 AM
I just need to clarify one thing and that is there is no reason for people to agree with me just because it is my forum - This happened to be something I felt strongly about and just couldn't let it ride without speaking my side of the story, so feel free to express your honest opinions, whether they agree with mine or not.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Stand Alone Defense on December 21, 2010, 10:10:59 AM
It would be about 10 cents per tax paying resident(Property) if it was spread evenly across the board.  Come on!! your not willing to give 10 cents as a thank you to the guys that plow and fix our roads at all hours of the night and in bad weather. Or for that matter come pick up dead animals or clear trees from your driveway for you(NOT THEIR JOB) when you need it. I feel that its pretty low in my book!! Really if it is that big of a deal I'll take the 300 dollars a year I make as constable and donate it for a Christmas party for them. Pretty sad when people bitch about 10 cents to buy food so our town employees can have a 2 hour Christmas party!!  
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Margie on December 21, 2010, 10:21:29 AM
Okay...here's my two cents.

My father was the road foreman for a very long time, and before that, was one the road crew for a number of years.  I can count on one hand the number of Christmases that my father spent the entire day with his family.  He spent most Christmases plowing snow.  More often than not, our dinner was timed for when Daddy could stop in and hurry thru eating, then spent a few minutes while us kids opened our presents.  

Most businesses allot a bit of money for office/business holiday parties and spend significantly more than $225.  As a taxpayer, I have absolutely no problem with this very small amount spent on the town employees.  However, if people are going to complain about this, someone set out a basket and I'll be the first one to throw $10 in there to stop the bickering.  The idea that people are upset about this upsets me.


  
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Papi on December 21, 2010, 10:27:05 AM
Sorry folks...  I didn't mean to stir you up that much.  Just a little!  My point was not to "bitch" as FXDHS writes or "piss and moan" as MikeF9 writes.  Those terms definitely show your holiday spirit and goodwill to all.  I was just a little perplexed as to how our tax $'s are spent.  $225 is a small amt.  But it's the principle not the principal.  How much $ is in the office expense line item?  If the money was being spent on another type of party besides Christmas would your opinions change?  If our town employees are not making enough $ for their hard work shouldn't we pay them more?  
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Stand Alone Defense on December 21, 2010, 10:42:01 AM
What if!!!? What if Butterflies had machine guns? would birds still eat them?

It's not another party its a Christmas party, and they aren't asking for a raise.  They didn't even ask for a Christmas party, it is just a nice thing for the town to do for their employees as most businesses do that for their employees this time of year.  I didn't mean to offend by the "Bitching" comment I just don't really see the issue in $225 for what in my opinion is a good thing that shows "holiday spirit and goodwill to all" town employees.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: slpott on December 21, 2010, 11:02:00 AM
OMG. It is so obvious to me that you all have plenty of time to bakes some goodies and share with thy neighbor. Merry Christmas to all. May the spirit of the season be with you. I would gladly donate. Maybe the people of the town could throw the party. Count me in.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Thor on December 21, 2010, 11:24:14 AM
Hey, I think everyone's point here is understood. No dramas. Valid points across the board. But everyone here is very much on their way to making this such a big deal, even if the folks have the Christmas Party, what the hell kind of mood will there be at it, if they think it is causing all this consternation! It's the principle not the principal. Got it. Perhaps we don't pay them enough. Got it. It's only 10 cents per tax paying household. Okay, got it. Everyone works hard. Got it. But perhaps it is not right for the town to pay for it, considering the economic times and how that looks. Okay, sure, but this is Main street, not Wall St! If we are so appreciative (and it sounds like everyone here is), then the Town should put the money back in their coffers and we pay for it. Simple, easy, the right thing to do.



Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: MikeF9 on December 21, 2010, 11:41:27 AM
Why is this happening?
Thousands and millions of dollars are spent on the town and the school, and we have to quibble about a couple of hundred bucks. I'm not quibbling. I don't have a problem with it.
It's a simple Thank You from the selectboard to the town employees for all they do all year long, be it plowing roads, running elections, dealing with with building permits, collecting taxes, balancing the budget, and dealing with the townspeople everyday.
Thank you to all the town employees for all you do, all year long.
Please, people, let it go.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: K. Greenia on December 21, 2010, 12:15:01 PM
I don't see why there would be any problem with it anyway. As it was pointed out, it's a cost of a few cents per taxpayer, and it's the holidays. I don't see an uproar  when individual companies hold a holiday party, why should this be any different? The town isn't privately owned, so yes, it falls on us. Essentially, we are the employers, and we are rewarding a group of people who work harder than many of us do.

To all town employees: Have fun, and have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: tfence on December 21, 2010, 01:13:53 PM
$225.00 what kind of party is that going to do. I vote for a lot more money allocated for this. All I can say is that I spend over 5k on employees during the holidays  (very happy doing it) to show them how much they mean to us. I am not sure how many the town employs. We only have 10.
PS, VBC restaurant put on an unbelievably great party for us. Thanks VBC.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: cedarman on December 21, 2010, 01:14:32 PM
"As of the census of 2000, there were 3,765 people, 1,222 households, "
$225 / 1222 = $0.184 per household"

18 CENTS.  We are not talking about a group of irresponsible legislators having elaborate parties on our dollars.  The issue here is One or Two grinches who don't want to reward those who work for us.  I'm glad they are NOT my boss, and I hope if they work for someone, that they DON'T get a Christmas (oops, Holiday) party, and NO holiday bonus.

Wages are NOT the issue here.  This amount of money divided by the employees wouldn't amount to more than a couple cups of coffee.  If is small demonstrations of appreciation like this that mean more to most employees than a generous pay raise would mean.

As for putting money back into the "Town" fund, we all do that on a regular basis.  I'm sure a town vote would overwhelmingly approve this small (once per year) expenditure, but voting on every expenditure like this would not be practical.  That is why we elect representatives who we expect to spend funds wisely.

Thank you to the Select Board members for this wise investment (wise due to the boost in moral and therefore productivity, willingness to go the extra mile when needed, etc).

Thank you to the town employees who go the extra mile to assist all of us and keep our town running and well maintained overall.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: mkr on December 21, 2010, 01:21:01 PM
I can't believe that this is a discussion.... yes Papi, sorry you do sound like a scrooge.  So I am sending you 3 ghosts tonight and we will see how you feel tomorrow :-)

                                    "Merry Christmas/Happy New Years Town Employees and please enjoy your party!  Thank you for all you do!"


Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Margie on December 21, 2010, 01:50:05 PM
One last comment from me...they put the information in the minutes so everyone is aware of how the money was spent.  They very easily couldn't just gone ahead and allocated it to office expenses and no one would have any idea that money was spent on a very small party for the employees.  The select board is being transparent.  I thank them for that.  I also trust them to use my tax money in a rational wise manner.

Again, thank you to all the employees of The Town of Fairfax for all the work you do to keep our community running and safe.  Happy Holidays!!
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Travis on December 21, 2010, 02:42:20 PM

I can see the other side of the issue. I know there are people that are unemployed. Some so long that they can't get benefits any longer. Others that have low paying jobs and ones that don't give bonuses or have parties. Some people are working 60 hours a week or more just to make ends meet. Times are tough. I get it.

But that said, a $225 party is very inexpensive way to show a little appreciation during the holidays. Heck I think they deserve kudos for being able to throw a party for such a small amount.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: roadkill on December 21, 2010, 02:53:19 PM
If you ALL only knew, Merry Christmas. Oh, And Thank You to all the Town Employees, I appreciate everything you do.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: khort on December 21, 2010, 04:49:06 PM
Although the Town of Fairfax is where we live and pay taxes, we have to remember that the Town of Fairfax is also peoples employer. I know that at Christmas when my employer makes a small gesture of a luncheon, it is much appreciated by all the employees. I say have a "party" and enjoy as we all would!
Thanks for doing a great job throughout the year is is appreciated!
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: mrome on December 21, 2010, 06:02:12 PM
Kudos and thanks to all the town employees...both elected and hired. Enjoy the party. It's a SMALL token of appreciation.

Mummy - Frankly I am kind of shocked that you would expect members of the Select Board to pay for a party to thank the town employees. It is not the Select Board that is thanking the workers, it is the townsfolk. It should not cost members of the Select Board anything to serve the town.

My two cents....enjoy the party! And thanks again. Keep up the good work!

Margo Rome
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: GamingWeasel on December 21, 2010, 09:58:36 PM
I agree with the people who are saying that $225 is a small amount with which to show some appreciation to the town employees.  It seems stingy and selfish to take issue with it.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: roadkill on December 22, 2010, 03:44:01 PM
I have stewed over this all day, I realize that these are tough times for a lot of people. I only hope that Papi and Mummy have written Bernie Sanders and expressed their displeasure with the huge bonuses given to the CEOs of all those banks, thats your money too. secondly, the people of Fairfax need to understand that our Road Crew saves them thousands of dollars a year because of their experience, ingenuity and dedication, along with all the thankless hours our Selectboard works, even you Bob, Thank you Bob, someone has to be the man and I appreciate your service along with everyone elses, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: MSKelly on December 22, 2010, 09:52:59 PM
Quite honestly, I'm embarrassed to think of the town employees reading this thread. One holiday party totaling $225 is hardly veering into Dunder-Mifflin Paper Company territory. Yes, we should all work hard and take pride in our jobs simply because we are fortunate to have them but I don't see why a small gesture of appreciation is out of line. It can be a stressful time of year, costly and busy, and I think it's lovely for them to be able to sit down, relax and enjoy a great meal together.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Judi on December 23, 2010, 10:03:37 AM
Quote from: MSKelly on December 22, 2010, 09:52:59 PM
Quite honestly, I'm embarrassed to think of the town employees reading this thread.

I agree and I hope the scrooges haven't ruined their party! Merry Christmas and thank you for your service to the town of Fairfax.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: ohhman on December 23, 2010, 01:16:48 PM
Gary, I also have stewed over this! What an embarrassment to the rest of us for a few scrooge comments!  Hats off to our road crew, our water dept. guys, constables, animal control officers, town office people, select board, Planning Commission & DRB & all else who serve our town! Thankyou for the jobs you do so well!  May you all have a wonderful Christmas & a Happy, Safe New Year!!
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Shadylane08 on December 23, 2010, 02:21:16 PM
Honestly if the Town offices have had a good year and there is money left in the office expense budget then go ahead and have a party, and yes $225 is a very cheap holiday party for what? 20 something employees?  I think a lot of you would be very very surprised where a lot of your tax money gets spent, if you knew half of it you would be happy with $225 going to something that actually made sense!

To all the Town Employees reading this Have a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday!  You all deserve it and enjoy! ;-)
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: mirjo on December 25, 2010, 12:46:38 AM
It's always the "taxes" part that gets people's panties in a twist. I think taxes should be changed to pledges and then it would seem more like donating to a good cause like, PBS or Muscular Dystrophy. We could hire a celebrity to do a telethon once a year from the town office and and the town clerk can ring a cow bell as people call in with their pledge of (enter amount of tax bill) then they receive a town calendar or something.

If the process of collecting revenue for the town were more entertaining and the language used had a more positive spin than taxes, a Christmas party for the town employees would seem like just another nice thing that Fairfax does for its employees.

On a different note: Yes, all that has been said about tough times et-al is true, but GOOD GRIEF CHARLIE BROWN--are we ever going to stop harping on it? All of the basic costs of living are too high and continue to go up, as do the pledges we have to pay at the state and federal level, blah, blah, blah. We work hard, we don't get paid enough, some don't have jobs, some have to many jobs, some can't make ends meet...it just goes on and on. I'm not making light of it, I'm in the middle of it.

I just think it's time to stop giving this recession or whatever it's morphed into all of our energy and attention and be more positive in spite of it. I'm ready to believe that things are going to improve, even if they aren't. I can't deal with the gloom and doom any longer!

Henry, I think you noted elsewhere that people seemed friendly this year--perhaps it's a matter of being sick and tired of the mood that has been so pervasive in this country in the past couple of years.

So, have a Merry Christmas all and many thanks to the town employees and most especially the road crew who are out at 2am in this kind of weather and around the clock making sure the roads are clear. And also when needed if rescue gets into a jam in the middle of the night! (Mummy--most work hard, but we all aren't on call and aren't going out in the middle of the night when someone calls)
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: slpott on December 25, 2010, 01:45:00 PM
Mirgo, I am going to steal Ed's words from a previous thread. "I don't know you but I think you're my new best friend!". I personally do not make light of life either but I am a true believer that we all are in charge of our own life.  Each of us have a choice (many choices). We live a positive life or we live a negative life. Our glass is either half full or half empty. I tend to think of my life as the glass always being full.
Title: Re: Latest Selectboard Minutes For Dec 13, 2010 Are Available
Post by: Mike Raburn on December 26, 2010, 03:20:56 AM
splott,

Don't steal Ed's words.
It will cost you $226.00.
He served me papers once for stealing his words.
My people are in contact with his people.

Hope the Fairfax Public Employees had an AWESOME Christmas party!

Was there a pole there for Festivis for the Restofus?




Quote from: slpott on December 25, 2010, 01:45:00 PM
Mirgo, I am going to steal Ed's words from a previous thread. "I don't know you but I think you're my new best friend!". I personally do not make light of life either but I am a true believer that we all are in charge of our own life.  Each of us have a choice (many choices). We live a positive life or we live a negative life. Our glass is either half full or half empty. I tend to think of my life as the glass always being full.