would this be going into the old macy's? lol
I say NO.
I say NO.
Citizen Feedback Sought, Pro or Con, for a New Rec Center
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Last: 5 mo ago by woodiewood
Stupe said:Basketball courts, racquetball courts, pickle ball, and a general fitness weight room would not be a lot of competition for the Golds Gym and Cross Fit market.Quote:
It may offer different services but it still has a gym and would absolutely compete with local gyms.
You do realize that there are several other gyms in town other than Golds and cross fit.
This also goes back to my first comment. Build a facility similar to Legends that has all of the stuff that you mentioned without a gym.
Tailgate88 said:Quote:
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - The Brazos Valley might be getting a YMCA here soon, with the founder's group now halfway to their goal.
Bringing a YMCA to the Brazos Valley has been in the works for years, dating back to even before the pandemic. While COVID-19 might have slowed the process down by two years, CEO and President of YMCA of Central Texas, Jeff Andresen is surprised at how much The Brazos Valley YMCA Founders Group has already raised. According to Andresen, the group has already raised over 50 percent of its $300,000 goal. Once they reach their goal the YMCA of Central Texas will match it.
Andresen said when the founder's group reaches 85 percent the YMCA will look to hire someone who will start running programs and activities.
"At the rate they're going we plan on posting a job somewhere in that March April time frame to hire a staff person and place them in that College Station, Bryan, Brazos Valley area," Andresen said.
While the founder's group has been working on funding, Andresen said the YMCA has been doing a Gap Study to find whatever activities might be lacking in the area.
"What our Gap Analysis has found is there is a definite need for additional after-school child care, if there are school needs then that means there are summer day camp needs," Andresen said. "We also know there are a variety of activities across parts of your community where there are activities in this section of the community but not in this section. So there may be youth sports activities that are needed or youth aquatics activities."
Market research done about four years ago has shown that the Brazos Valley demand for the type of services that a YMCA provides was much higher than the national average and that demand is expected to grow along with the area, Andersen said.
"You have a much higher population of young families and then you got folks who may have gone to the university that are coming back to your community and are looking for things to do in retirement," Andersen said. "That sweet spot for YMCAs is that young family that needs things as a family to go to. That other sweet spot is for that senior and active older population."
https://www.kbtx.com/2024/01/23/brazos-valley-ymca-founders-group-is-over-halfway-reaching-its-fundraising-goal/
Mr. Yancy, with this report coming out, what exactly is the purpose of this survey and feasibility study? From the looks of it, this is pretty much a done deal.
COCS is gathering info on whether the city should build one. The YMCA is a separate deal.
Bob Yancy said:
https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/city-of-college-station-recreation-feasibility-study
This is where you give feedback
This is the part the City of Bryan does not advertise. its always buried in the fine print. Legends Event Center is not run by the city; nor does it even fall under their Parks & Rec department. the city just paid $41 for construction plus whatever else in marketing and 'feasibility studies'.ChampsAg said:
Legends is an amazing facility and there is no denying that. As part of an organization that started using it day one, I can attest to the fact that it was desperately needed.
On another note, the fact it is run by the city and needs to turn a profit has already made scheduling events difficult. Space is becoming increasingly difficult to rent for local organizations as bigger events come in.
Don't get me wrong, I love the facility and I'm there multiple days a week usually with my kids sports teams. I do think another facility similar is already needed. While traveling for basketball games around other state I've seen it is obvious that multiple facilities can work in a community this size.
Sorry for the rambling post
A lot of people think of Legends Event Center as a 'Rec Center'; it's an event center. It is managed by a 3rd party "Sports Facilities Management corporation".
Its purpose is to bring in out of town visitors (primarily basketball & volleyball) to generate Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) dollars for Destination Bryan and Sales Tax from out of towners. Just ask the general manager (not a city employee) , he will tell you.
This is why scheduling for locals takes a hit. Their goal it to fill it with tournaments from people out of town and let the locals play only if there is any free time.
The closest thing College Station has is Lincoln Rec Center. Its not terrible, however their open gym times (only $4 a day or $16 a month) are not very convenient. I think the city of CS should first beef up high use amenities at existing parks. Add covers and lighting to basketball courts. Then build additional covered & illuminated basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts.
The City of CS needs to handle the small things first before building something new.
This link just reinforces what other's have said. This is already a done deal, and now the City is looking for feedback to support the decision that they have already made.Bob Yancy said:Bob Yancy said:
https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/city-of-college-station-recreation-feasibility-study
This is where you give feedback
No questions about "if" you want or would use a new rec. facility, just where do you want it and what do you want it to include so that they can justify the expense.
Koko Chingo said:This is the part the City of Bryan does not advertise. its always buried in the fine print. Legends Event Center is not run by the city; nor does it even fall under their Parks & Rec department. the city just paid $41 for construction plus whatever else in marketing and 'feasibility studies'.ChampsAg said:
Legends is an amazing facility and there is no denying that. As part of an organization that started using it day one, I can attest to the fact that it was desperately needed.
On another note, the fact it is run by the city and needs to turn a profit has already made scheduling events difficult. Space is becoming increasingly difficult to rent for local organizations as bigger events come in.
Don't get me wrong, I love the facility and I'm there multiple days a week usually with my kids sports teams. I do think another facility similar is already needed. While traveling for basketball games around other state I've seen it is obvious that multiple facilities can work in a community this size.
Sorry for the rambling post
A lot of people think of Legends Event Center as a 'Rec Center'; it's an event center. It is managed by a 3rd party "Sports Facilities Management corporation".
Its purpose is to bring in out of town visitors (primarily basketball & volleyball) to generate Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) dollars for Destination Bryan and Sales Tax from out of towners. Just ask the general manager (not a city employee) , he will tell you.
This is why scheduling for locals takes a hit. Their goal it to fill it with tournaments from people out of town and let the locals play only if there is any free time.
The closest thing College Station has is Lincoln Rec Center. Its not terrible, however their open gym times (only $4 a day or $16 a month) are not very convenient. I think the city of CS should first beef up high use amenities at existing parks. Add covers and lighting to basketball courts. Then build additional covered & illuminated basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts.
The City of CS needs to handle the small things first before building something new.
I appreciate your suggestions on making the most of our current facilities. Sometimes, there's a fascination with new, shiny additions, but it's essential to acknowledge the accompanying costs. Updating existing facilities that might have been somewhat neglected and ensuring they meet current standards could be a practical approach.
Lastly, I don't believe it's the city's responsibility to accommodate various sports and club teams by providing year-round practice facilities. These are typically for-profit organizations and cater to a relatively small population within our city.
Yes. That's why I said "market". I'm not going to list every weight room based facility in town.Quote:
You do realize that there are several other gyms in town other than Golds and cross fit.
There are a lot of those, but nothing that is a general recreation facility.
I am with you.
The city actually has a lot of parks. Some have better amenities than others. the land is already there. I do not think we need a bunch of new buildings, that have reoccurring costs and a full time staff.
Things like adding a hard cover with lighting over a basketball court adds a lot of value with little maintenance.
For example, Sandstone Park on Sebesta has a really nice basketball court. Its in bike riding distance from a lot of kids in Emerald Forest. Its uncovered and no one uses it during the day in the summer. Its too hot.
Or add some pickleball courts with lighting and covers in Anderson Park. they have plenty of people within walking distance who would use it constantly. People from 18 to 70 play pickleball. Its just a hard surface and a net.
Here is a list of parks and amenities. It doesn't show the size, quantity, or quality of those amenities. Only if a certain amenity is present.
https://www.cstx.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=12410917&pageId=13486247
The city actually has a lot of parks. Some have better amenities than others. the land is already there. I do not think we need a bunch of new buildings, that have reoccurring costs and a full time staff.
Things like adding a hard cover with lighting over a basketball court adds a lot of value with little maintenance.
For example, Sandstone Park on Sebesta has a really nice basketball court. Its in bike riding distance from a lot of kids in Emerald Forest. Its uncovered and no one uses it during the day in the summer. Its too hot.
Or add some pickleball courts with lighting and covers in Anderson Park. they have plenty of people within walking distance who would use it constantly. People from 18 to 70 play pickleball. Its just a hard surface and a net.
Here is a list of parks and amenities. It doesn't show the size, quantity, or quality of those amenities. Only if a certain amenity is present.
https://www.cstx.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=12410917&pageId=13486247
Was this supposed to be tonight? Because as of 5:15 pm, the doors to City Hall are locked.
It's 6:00 p.m. now, let us know if it happened.
The city's web page says 5:30 p.m. today and tomorrow
The city's web page says 5:30 p.m. today and tomorrow
double b said:Koko Chingo said:This is the part the City of Bryan does not advertise. its always buried in the fine print. Legends Event Center is not run by the city; nor does it even fall under their Parks & Rec department. the city just paid $41 for construction plus whatever else in marketing and 'feasibility studies'.ChampsAg said:
Legends is an amazing facility and there is no denying that. As part of an organization that started using it day one, I can attest to the fact that it was desperately needed.
On another note, the fact it is run by the city and needs to turn a profit has already made scheduling events difficult. Space is becoming increasingly difficult to rent for local organizations as bigger events come in.
Don't get me wrong, I love the facility and I'm there multiple days a week usually with my kids sports teams. I do think another facility similar is already needed. While traveling for basketball games around other state I've seen it is obvious that multiple facilities can work in a community this size.
Sorry for the rambling post
A lot of people think of Legends Event Center as a 'Rec Center'; it's an event center. It is managed by a 3rd party "Sports Facilities Management corporation".
Its purpose is to bring in out of town visitors (primarily basketball & volleyball) to generate Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) dollars for Destination Bryan and Sales Tax from out of towners. Just ask the general manager (not a city employee) , he will tell you.
This is why scheduling for locals takes a hit. Their goal it to fill it with tournaments from people out of town and let the locals play only if there is any free time.
The closest thing College Station has is Lincoln Rec Center. Its not terrible, however their open gym times (only $4 a day or $16 a month) are not very convenient. I think the city of CS should first beef up high use amenities at existing parks. Add covers and lighting to basketball courts. Then build additional covered & illuminated basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts.
The City of CS needs to handle the small things first before building something new.
I appreciate your suggestions on making the most of our current facilities. Sometimes, there's a fascination with new, shiny additions, but it's essential to acknowledge the accompanying costs. Updating existing facilities that might have been somewhat neglected and ensuring they meet current standards could be a practical approach.
Lastly, I don't believe it's the city's responsibility to accommodate various sports and club teams by providing year-round practice facilities. These are typically for-profit organizations and cater to a relatively small population within our city.
Actually a lot of them are 501c3 non profit.
ukbb2003 said:Tailgate88 said:Quote:
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - The Brazos Valley might be getting a YMCA here soon, with the founder's group now halfway to their goal.
Bringing a YMCA to the Brazos Valley has been in the works for years, dating back to even before the pandemic. While COVID-19 might have slowed the process down by two years, CEO and President of YMCA of Central Texas, Jeff Andresen is surprised at how much The Brazos Valley YMCA Founders Group has already raised. According to Andresen, the group has already raised over 50 percent of its $300,000 goal. Once they reach their goal the YMCA of Central Texas will match it.
Andresen said when the founder's group reaches 85 percent the YMCA will look to hire someone who will start running programs and activities.
"At the rate they're going we plan on posting a job somewhere in that March April time frame to hire a staff person and place them in that College Station, Bryan, Brazos Valley area," Andresen said.
While the founder's group has been working on funding, Andresen said the YMCA has been doing a Gap Study to find whatever activities might be lacking in the area.
"What our Gap Analysis has found is there is a definite need for additional after-school child care, if there are school needs then that means there are summer day camp needs," Andresen said. "We also know there are a variety of activities across parts of your community where there are activities in this section of the community but not in this section. So there may be youth sports activities that are needed or youth aquatics activities."
Market research done about four years ago has shown that the Brazos Valley demand for the type of services that a YMCA provides was much higher than the national average and that demand is expected to grow along with the area, Andersen said.
"You have a much higher population of young families and then you got folks who may have gone to the university that are coming back to your community and are looking for things to do in retirement," Andersen said. "That sweet spot for YMCAs is that young family that needs things as a family to go to. That other sweet spot is for that senior and active older population."
https://www.kbtx.com/2024/01/23/brazos-valley-ymca-founders-group-is-over-halfway-reaching-its-fundraising-goal/
Mr. Yancy, with this report coming out, what exactly is the purpose of this survey and feasibility study? From the looks of it, this is pretty much a done deal.
Mr. Yancy, can you address this?
So, if the YMCA is halfway to their fundraising goal of bringing a YMCA here, why exactly are we paying for a study for a competitive space to YMCA? For years, local politicos have railed for a YMCA, now, we want to compete with one? Is YMCA going to Bryan? Is that it?
I believe one of the purposes of this feasibility study should be to ascertain if there is citizen support for it at all. I agree there is not much opportunity to express support or opposition on the page link I copied, but there is some.
If you scroll down on that page to "Public Forum" and click on the link entitled "Join the Discussion" you'll get a comment box. I recommend using that to express opposition or support.
Tell the consultants, city staff, and council what you think. If you oppose, ignore the question about what amenities interest you by answering "none," then give your reasoning, if so inclined.
There were several sessions today onsite at city hall but you aren't limited to such events, nor to this comment link. You can also send me an email at byancy@cstx.gov and I'll forward to staff and ask them to log your response and forward the email to the entire council to ensure your voices, pro or con, are heard.
You can do that on any issue and if you ask me to forward it, I will. It's extremely important to not just comment here, cool as Texags is… council of course can't act on your feedback if they don't have it to consider. Keep it civil please and I'll pass along.
Respectfully
If you scroll down on that page to "Public Forum" and click on the link entitled "Join the Discussion" you'll get a comment box. I recommend using that to express opposition or support.
Tell the consultants, city staff, and council what you think. If you oppose, ignore the question about what amenities interest you by answering "none," then give your reasoning, if so inclined.
There were several sessions today onsite at city hall but you aren't limited to such events, nor to this comment link. You can also send me an email at byancy@cstx.gov and I'll forward to staff and ask them to log your response and forward the email to the entire council to ensure your voices, pro or con, are heard.
You can do that on any issue and if you ask me to forward it, I will. It's extremely important to not just comment here, cool as Texags is… council of course can't act on your feedback if they don't have it to consider. Keep it civil please and I'll pass along.
Respectfully
It looks like the City is spending $180k on consulting fees for this.CS78 said:
What does a feasibility study alone cost?
https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10122023-Regular-Agenda-Packet-City-Council.pdf
As far I can tell, they never put together basic estimates of what this project could entail. How much are they looking at for capital expenditures? How much in operational shortfalls each year? For how many members? How many of those would be CS residents?
Are we talking about subsidizing each CS member $1k per year? I think that number is pretty conservative given figures that have been thrown out. But I would be open to hearing a best case scenario someone had in mind before deciding to go ahead and hire consultants.
If they didn't bother to do basic back-of-the-envelope calculations before deciding to pay consultants $180k to do this, that's bonkers. But the way the City wastes money, I wouldn't be super surprised.
Brian Alg
Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government and Moderator Restraint
Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government and Moderator Restraint
What did we give up to fund this feasibility study?
Basically because of prior councils promoting this for a decade, the momentum to investigate it has inertia and so the study is being done. I just got off the phone with a local fitness center owner that called me with concerns.
I cannot overemphasize how important it is to weigh in now with your opinions, pro or con. We have both strategic planning and budget meetings right around the corner. If you want this, speak up. If you don't, let us know.
Much obliged.
-yancy
I cannot overemphasize how important it is to weigh in now with your opinions, pro or con. We have both strategic planning and budget meetings right around the corner. If you want this, speak up. If you don't, let us know.
Much obliged.
-yancy
"What did we give up to fund this feasibility study?"
The cost of at least one police officer for a year? The cost of a sidewalk from Castlerock to the College Station high school? The cost of fixing the tennis/pickleball courts at Bachman Park? Etc, etc?
The cost of at least one police officer for a year? The cost of a sidewalk from Castlerock to the College Station high school? The cost of fixing the tennis/pickleball courts at Bachman Park? Etc, etc?
This was in a budget somewhere.
I think the city should have a new "common sense" department. Go and find a group of folks that may not have degrees, but have common sense. I'd imagine there are plenty of these folks already employed by the city, but are in maintenance, electric linemen, water, etc., etc.
These folks' job is to, and follow with me here, ask questions "use common sense", and spend that $180k very grudgingly, *like it is their own money* maybe pay them a bonus yearly on all the money they save us. Like "hey, do we need a fitness center?" They call 20-30 folks they know, and call a couple fitness center owners… "No, we don't need one, especially if the YMCA is coming…"
It's painfully obvious to many of us that this kind of leadership is needed.
I think the city should have a new "common sense" department. Go and find a group of folks that may not have degrees, but have common sense. I'd imagine there are plenty of these folks already employed by the city, but are in maintenance, electric linemen, water, etc., etc.
These folks' job is to, and follow with me here, ask questions "use common sense", and spend that $180k very grudgingly, *like it is their own money* maybe pay them a bonus yearly on all the money they save us. Like "hey, do we need a fitness center?" They call 20-30 folks they know, and call a couple fitness center owners… "No, we don't need one, especially if the YMCA is coming…"
It's painfully obvious to many of us that this kind of leadership is needed.
Bob Yancy said:
Basically because of prior councils promoting this for a decade, the momentum to investigate it has inertia and so the study is being done. I just got off the phone with a local fitness center owner that called me with concerns.
I cannot overemphasize how important it is to weigh in now with your opinions, pro or con. We have both strategic planning and budget meetings right around the corner. If you want this, speak up. If you don't, let us know.
Much obliged.
-yancy
Prior councils, momentum and inertia.
Sir we elected you to make decisions on our part.
Heck with prior councils. When the momentum is going a way you don't like please drag your feet.
And as far as inertia that attitude is the biggest problem with our country.
How about we buck the trend and make a few bold conservative decisions.
Edit to add: Please consider making these decisions without the benefit of 6 figure studies.
Respectfully
Bob Yancy said:
Basically because of prior councils promoting this for a decade, the momentum to investigate it has inertia and so the study is being done. I just got off the phone with a local fitness center owner that called me with concerns.
I cannot overemphasize how important it is to weigh in now with your opinions, pro or con. We have both strategic planning and budget meetings right around the corner. If you want this, speak up. If you don't, let us know.
Much obliged.
-yancy
Bob,
You would be well served to never mention or certainly feel compelled by a previous administrations " inertia" to do anything. That may be the most disappointing thing I have heard in a good while. It is amazing how fast politics can eat up and engulf very good people into believing things that simply are not so. Let me add-I do generally like most of your viewpoints on issues and do not expect anyone to always be perfect in how they express themselves, as I certainly am not myself.
The answer is no. There are plenty of private alternatives to accommodate this need. Like the mall situation, local government should not position themselves to compete in a space for which there are ample private options.
“A crowded world thinks that aloneness is always loneliness, and that to seek it is perversion.”
John Graves
Goodbye to a River
John Graves
Goodbye to a River
Hittag1492 said:Bob Yancy said:
Basically because of prior councils promoting this for a decade, the momentum to investigate it has inertia and so the study is being done. I just got off the phone with a local fitness center owner that called me with concerns.
I cannot overemphasize how important it is to weigh in now with your opinions, pro or con. We have both strategic planning and budget meetings right around the corner. If you want this, speak up. If you don't, let us know.
Much obliged.
-yancy
Bob,
You would be well served to never mention or certainly feel compelled by a previous administrations " inertia" to do anything. That may be the most disappointing thing I have heard in a good while. It is amazing how fast politics can eat up and engulf very good people into believing things that simply are not so. Let me add-I do generally like most of your viewpoints on issues and do not expect anyone to always be perfect in how they express themselves, as I certainly am not myself.
With respect, I didn't. I expressed my opposition to it publicly.
https://wtaw.com/college-station-city-council-moving-ahead-with-a-consultants-study-of-a-recreation-center/
hopeandrealchange said:Bob Yancy said:
Basically because of prior councils promoting this for a decade, the momentum to investigate it has inertia and so the study is being done. I just got off the phone with a local fitness center owner that called me with concerns.
I cannot overemphasize how important it is to weigh in now with your opinions, pro or con. We have both strategic planning and budget meetings right around the corner. If you want this, speak up. If you don't, let us know.
Much obliged.
-yancy
Prior councils, momentum and inertia.
Sir we elected you to make decisions on our part.
Heck with prior councils. When the momentum is going a way you don't like please drag your feet.
And as far as inertia that attitude is the biggest problem with our country.
How about we buck the trend and make a few bold conservative decisions.
Edit to add: Please consider making these decisions without the benefit of 6 figure studies.
Respectfully
I opposed it publicly at the Council meeting.
https://wtaw.com/college-station-city-council-moving-ahead-with-a-consultants-study-of-a-recreation-center/
Every expense should be evaluated with the same criteria.
1) Is it the proper role of Govt?
-No: Do not pass Go. Do not conduct a feasibility study. Figure out how to stop ending up here, and not by changing the definition of govt. The govt has plenty of responsibility. Focus on that.
-Yes: Proceed to #2
2) Is it the best use of the money?
-No: Pick a better use and go back to step 1.
-Yes: Proceed to #3
3) Does the expense create a direct QOL and reasonable ROI for those funding it? Tangential QOL does not count and probably should have failed at the first question.
-No: Give the money back. It was collected for justifiable use, and there isn't any.
-Yes: Go. Sleep well knowing you were a good steward of our tax dollars.
1) Is it the proper role of Govt?
-No: Do not pass Go. Do not conduct a feasibility study. Figure out how to stop ending up here, and not by changing the definition of govt. The govt has plenty of responsibility. Focus on that.
-Yes: Proceed to #2
2) Is it the best use of the money?
-No: Pick a better use and go back to step 1.
-Yes: Proceed to #3
3) Does the expense create a direct QOL and reasonable ROI for those funding it? Tangential QOL does not count and probably should have failed at the first question.
-No: Give the money back. It was collected for justifiable use, and there isn't any.
-Yes: Go. Sleep well knowing you were a good steward of our tax dollars.
Come on people, it costs the CoCS a lot of money to find someone to tell them exactly what they want to hear.George Costanza said:
"What did we give up to fund this feasibility study?"
The cost of at least one police officer for a year? The cost of a sidewalk from Castlerock to the College Station high school? The cost of fixing the tennis/pickleball courts at Bachman Park? Etc, etc?
That sounds much better. I guess I did not understand the Inertia comment then more than anything. While I am sure you see what is happening around you, are the others on the council so caught up in the past dealings that they feel compelled to follow it? There is really massive push for a project like this over other projects that would clearly be much more needed/compelling when discussed together (hunger/homelessness/healthcare/infrastructure, etc.)Bob Yancy said:Hittag1492 said:Bob Yancy said:
Basically because of prior councils promoting this for a decade, the momentum to investigate it has inertia and so the study is being done. I just got off the phone with a local fitness center owner that called me with concerns.
I cannot overemphasize how important it is to weigh in now with your opinions, pro or con. We have both strategic planning and budget meetings right around the corner. If you want this, speak up. If you don't, let us know.
Much obliged.
-yancy
Bob,
You would be well served to never mention or certainly feel compelled by a previous administrations " inertia" to do anything. That may be the most disappointing thing I have heard in a good while. It is amazing how fast politics can eat up and engulf very good people into believing things that simply are not so. Let me add-I do generally like most of your viewpoints on issues and do not expect anyone to always be perfect in how they express themselves, as I certainly am not myself.
With respect, I didn't. I expressed my opposition to it publicly.
https://wtaw.com/college-station-city-council-moving-ahead-with-a-consultants-study-of-a-recreation-center/
Do not take this is any kind of criticism as it is not. It is a sincere question. I just do not see how these arguments get any kind of momentum. With the inability of the local and state governments to fully execute the basics of what their main duties are in actuality, how do projects like this even begin getting discussed past the infancy stage ahead of items that are clearly more important and also clearly a task that is what government is actually here for? It is actually appalling to think of what that cost of just the study alone is above and what that money could have done for numerous families needed food in our community right no-and that is a fact.
I get that council members want these projects so they have an imprint long term on the community. That, however, is vanity. What the community needs that makes the longest term impact is taking care of our citizens and giving them the basics of what they need to live their lives first AND FOREMOST. Once we have that accomplished we can all look at enhanced projects like this for community enrichment and maybe even throw a town leaders name on the building. Until then, the next time someone brings this up in a council meeting simply take then to the homeless shelter, food pantry, or abused women's home and ask them which is more important. I would hope the conversation would end there.
You are a good man so I am on your side. I just see no need for government delving into this type of project. It may be needed but it is privately needed at best. Let's take care of the basics first then work our way up. Stop trying to be like every other ridiculous city government in the planet and toss that old model out the window as it is tired and has proven to be a failure/wasteful overall-and actually run one as it should be run. One designed for the citizens it is supposed to serve.
Thank you Bob and keep up the good fight. Don't forget that nobody there really knows more than the citizens they serve in the end.
Bob Yancy said:hopeandrealchange said:Bob Yancy said:
Basically because of prior councils promoting this for a decade, the momentum to investigate it has inertia and so the study is being done. I just got off the phone with a local fitness center owner that called me with concerns.
I cannot overemphasize how important it is to weigh in now with your opinions, pro or con. We have both strategic planning and budget meetings right around the corner. If you want this, speak up. If you don't, let us know.
Much obliged.
-yancy
Prior councils, momentum and inertia.
Sir we elected you to make decisions on our part.
Heck with prior councils. When the momentum is going a way you don't like please drag your feet.
And as far as inertia that attitude is the biggest problem with our country.
How about we buck the trend and make a few bold conservative decisions.
Edit to add: Please consider making these decisions without the benefit of 6 figure studies.
Respectfully
I opposed it publicly at the Council meeting.
https://wtaw.com/college-station-city-council-moving-ahead-with-a-consultants-study-of-a-recreation-center/
Thank you for that. I must have missed that at the beginning of this thread. My apologies.
What is the pulse of the ones who support the idea?
Can they not make a decision on their own?
To answer you and Hittag1492, the inertia came from former mayor and some councilmember support for almost 10 years now. They continue to pursue a recreation center on a separate track through the YMCA.
At the August '23 council meeting 3 of 7 members, including myself, opposed a recreation center study while 4 voted to move forward.
Once the study passed, my calculus changed from opposing the study to making sure the study is objective and captures the actual will of the voters. As some of you expressed, I think that sometimes these studies become self-fulfilling prophecies with preordained outcomes. I don't want that.
That's why I started this post and have stated throughout it that now is the time to be heard on the matter.
Have a wonderful day.
Respectfully yours
-yancy
At the August '23 council meeting 3 of 7 members, including myself, opposed a recreation center study while 4 voted to move forward.
Once the study passed, my calculus changed from opposing the study to making sure the study is objective and captures the actual will of the voters. As some of you expressed, I think that sometimes these studies become self-fulfilling prophecies with preordained outcomes. I don't want that.
That's why I started this post and have stated throughout it that now is the time to be heard on the matter.
Have a wonderful day.
Respectfully yours
-yancy
Third edit: Nevermind my nevermind. I didn't see about the August vote when I first posted. I am glad y'all voted "no" back then. But I don't see why the three of y'all flipped once it became clear they were talking about spending $180k on whatever this is. But I have never been on council. Maybe there are norms that require y'all to go ahead with something if the absent guy would have broken the tie.
What I wrote originally:
It does appear you and some others voiced opposition to the City getting into the gym business. Which is great. You, Wright, and Harvell spoke up and that was commendable. I hope that continues. But on October 12, 2023, you and everyone else present (I don't see Smith in the video) voted "aye" to unanimously approve spending the $180k.
Next time something like this comes up, I would be super supportive of you and anyone else on council nipping bad ideas like these in the bud. The City doesn't need to spend $180k of taxpayer money to get consultants to figure out how to best sell awful ideas.
If there were only 6 of y'all voting, the 3 who voiced appropriate skepticism could have killed this wastefulness then and there. In the future, I'd encourage y'all vote "no" on paying consultants to study bad ideas. Have the proponents put pen to paper and come up with best-case scenarios. If they can't or won't, then it can stop there.
The City shouldn't hire consultants to filter public opinion to try to regurgitate proponents' priors back to council.
I'd also encourage y'all to see about cutting off the study now and see if you can't get back $60k or whatever they haven't spent already. It's a s*** sandwich half-eaten. Maybe we can get a partial refund.
What I wrote originally:
It does appear you and some others voiced opposition to the City getting into the gym business. Which is great. You, Wright, and Harvell spoke up and that was commendable. I hope that continues. But on October 12, 2023, you and everyone else present (I don't see Smith in the video) voted "aye" to unanimously approve spending the $180k.
Next time something like this comes up, I would be super supportive of you and anyone else on council nipping bad ideas like these in the bud. The City doesn't need to spend $180k of taxpayer money to get consultants to figure out how to best sell awful ideas.
If there were only 6 of y'all voting, the 3 who voiced appropriate skepticism could have killed this wastefulness then and there. In the future, I'd encourage y'all vote "no" on paying consultants to study bad ideas. Have the proponents put pen to paper and come up with best-case scenarios. If they can't or won't, then it can stop there.
The City shouldn't hire consultants to filter public opinion to try to regurgitate proponents' priors back to council.
I'd also encourage y'all to see about cutting off the study now and see if you can't get back $60k or whatever they haven't spent already. It's a s*** sandwich half-eaten. Maybe we can get a partial refund.
Brian Alg
Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government and Moderator Restraint
Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government and Moderator Restraint
Brian Alg said:
Third edit: Nevermind my nevermind. I didn't see about the August vote when I first posted. I am glad y'all voted "no" back then. But I don't see why the three of y'all flipped once it became clear they were talking about spending $180k on whatever this is. But I have never been on council. Maybe there are norms that require y'all to go ahead with something if the absent guy would have broken the tie.
What I wrote originally:
It does appear you and some others voiced opposition to the City getting into the gym business. Which is great. You, Wright, and Harvell spoke up and that was commendable. I hope that continues. But on October 12, 2023, you and everyone else present (I don't see Smith in the video) voted "aye" to unanimously approve spending the $180k.
Next time something like this comes up, I would be super supportive of you and anyone else on council nipping bad ideas like these in the bud. The City doesn't need to spend $180k of taxpayer money to get consultants to figure out how to best sell awful ideas.
If there were only 6 of y'all voting, the 3 who voiced appropriate skepticism could have killed this wastefulness then and there. In the future, I'd encourage y'all vote "no" on paying consultants to study bad ideas. Have the proponents put pen to paper and come up with best-case scenarios. If they can't or won't, then it can stop there.
The City shouldn't hire consultants to filter public opinion to try to regurgitate proponents' priors back to council.
I'd also encourage y'all to see about cutting off the study now and see if you can't get back $60k or whatever they haven't spent already. It's a s*** sandwich half-eaten. Maybe we can get a partial refund.
Once the decision was made to move ahead despite our opposition in the prior meeting, this study was going to happen. I could have voted against funding it, but I decided there and then the best thing to do was ensure the study was focused on, among other things, any negative impacts a rec center would have on local private sector fitness businesses. I suppose I could have done both.
Also, going into that meeting my understanding was we were going to get two for the price of one, and that a potential convention center study would also be done. Prior to that meeting that was the discussion. If you watch the video from October 12th, 2023 this is all transparently discussed not just by myself but other members of council too.
I'm not making excuses. Yes, hard stop, I voted to fund the study after opposing it previously. My gut tells me this would not be good for local businesses. For good or ill, now we'll have a study with which to make a thoughtful decision.
I appreciate your feedback and I respect and identify with your opinion about study spending. In this instance I thought it warranted. I'm sorry if that answer disappoints you.
Respectfully,
-yancy