Well, a couple of us were talking about FPD turning down the SCCA for utilizing their facilities. We're figuring since it just opened for service this week, they're going to be Conservative with their facilities. I'm hoping as time passes, they'll reconsider SCCA and the funds they'll gain by opening their facilities to outsiders. I'm unable to post any photographs of their facility, but you can go to www.fresnopolice.net and see photographs of the course in its beginning stages.
I don't know who at the Police Department provided the information but car clubs are welcome, for a fee of course. The Police Chief actually went to Council on August 26th, see below, to obtain approval to allow car clubs to make use of the facility. The type of use may be a question that has not yet been addressed. The type of usage could indeed be an insurance issue. The club would have to provide proof of insurance and would also have to indemnify and hold the City harmless for all accidents and damage. Another issue that must be addressed, is that since the facilities were built using bonds, the number of private users has to be limited so as not to cause the bonds to become taxable rather than tax exempt. The City must first secure contracts with tax exempt entities, ie., City College, CHP, other police agencies, etc. in order to ensure that primary use is by tax exempt entities. Since the facility is so new, these issues have not been fully vetted or ironed out. The Police Department has been given strict orders not to over extend private activity until sufficient tax exempt uses have been extablished. Give them some time to work out the details. The City would welcome additional General Fund revenue but not at the risk of impacting the bonds. Taxable bonds would cost the City a boat load in higher interest and could result in lawsuits by the bondholders if their bonds loose tax exempt status. Below is the summary of the item that went to Council. The entire Staff report can be found at the link below in blue. Just click on the left column under Agenda and go to the 1(B) item to see a copy of the staff report. (1-B) RESOLUTION NO. 2010-184 - REPEALING RES. 2010-12 AND AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF OF POLICE OR DESIGNEE TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS, APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY‟S OFFICE, RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF THE FRESNO POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAINING CENTER WITH VARIOUS COURSE PRESENTERS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES, PRIVATE USERS, EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS, CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS, AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES, ETC., FOR WHICH COMPETITIVE BIDDING IS NOT REQUIRED BY THE CITY CHARTER Upon question of Council member Sterling, Chief Dyer stated private car clubs, along with a number of other private individuals who have expressed an interest, will be allowed to use the training center for a fee. City Council Agendas & Minutes See Item 1(B) on page 2
I normally would have just posted a laughing guy but I had to write all this so I wont get in trouble :lol:
Hmm.... then they can get everyone's license numbers and watch for them on the streets.......I'll pass...
Well Kikimowse, that's good to hear. Hopefully, Chief Dyer meant what he said, and will follow through.
Thats to funny, enjoy a cold one :beer were off to a home game tonight and then washing cars in the morning. See you all at the rally point. Watches are in place and passes are at the gate.
We're home and resting up for driving in a car AGAIN, freaking Sacramento traffic, took 5 hrs. to get home from Reno. My butt is sore from sitting.
Glad your home and going to be able to make it tomorrow. Go rest your butt, so your up for the drive. :lol: See you guys tomorrow. Shelly :beer
Thanks to all that made this event it was a blast.. Here is a link to the photo album for uploading/downloading/emailing/viewing the photo's MobileMe Gallery Click the link or paste in your browser. Looking forward to seeing images of what we accomplished today. The squadron has a facebook page and if you search for Strike Fighter Squadron 94 you will find out more information. Some people had asked about getting shirts hats etc links are available at that page.
John thank you so much for organizing and setting up today's photo shoot. It was great seeing everyone and I will get up the pictures asap.
Fun day, lots of Mini's :cornut: Hope some people come out tomorrow and support us MidCal'rs at the car show
Thank you John and Suzie for arranging such a wonderful outing. "The Dad" and Preston had a blast talking with members of the Club, the servicemen and women and observing the car ballet. After lunch Preston commented on what a great group of people belong to the Club and how friendly and welcoming you all are. Thank you all MINI members for allowing Bitize and I to bring them along. "The Dad" and I hope to run into some of you tomorrow at the Car Show. For those "showing" tomorrow... break a lug nut or whatever is appropriate for a car.
Looks like great fun was had by all again. Sorry I missed it this time. Hey John, saw some of your birds on TV Sunday flying over Cal speedway for the NASCAR race