HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021.05.31 Correspondence J Sabala Fw_ LOT FundingFrom:Cami Callan
To:BessieJo Wagner; Anette Spickard
Subject:Fw: LOT Funding
Date:Monday, May 31, 2021 2:26:16 PM
For the record. Thank you,
From: John Sabala <johnsabala@ymail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2021 5:05 PM
To: Cami Callan <ccallan@mccall.id.us>
Subject: LOT Funding
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Cami,
Thank you again very much for your time today. As I mentioned, I did reach out to several others
regarding concerns I have with a person on the lot committee challenging our ice rink manager John
Barth during his presentation. This person wondered why we were not applying for grants to support
the Learn to Skate Program along with why we would not go back to Albertsons to help offset
maintenance on the Zamboni etc.. This was not relevant and was very inappropriate. I do feel it had
an effect on other committee members outlook on our needs. Our requests were justified.
Following the meeting, and for the record, John Barth inquired on grants and there were not any
grants provided this past year. In previous years there have only be six given across the country and
only to those in desperate need. A letter written by John Barth outlining this was sent to Amanda.
We (like so many in our community who give time and work hard raising dollars to support a cause)
work tirelessly to collet donations to help support the mission of my brothers foundation and the
mission to support the youth in our community. What we raise is not handed to us but instead it is
earned via trust from those that give. We are very proud of this and the fact that every cent we earn
goes back to our mission. We do not pay ourselves a dime. We are proud to support our
community. We will not stand for someone to challenge our efforts in a reckless way nor should
anyone else.
We continue to provide dollars to many folks in our community - Scholarships, Little Ski Hill,
Mountain Bike Trails, Optimist equipment etc. etc.. A significant amount of the money our family
raises supports the operation of our communities Ice Rink. This Rink has become a pillar of our
community. We have received support from LOT over the years and it is always appreciated.
However, there are years, such as this one, where we receive very little relative to the recreational
opportunity the rink provides our community and tourists. It generates thousands and thousands of
heads in beds.. One of the main purposes of the tax is to support recreational facilities that bring
SIGNIFICANT tourists and is used by SO MANY in our local community.
I received the LOT Commission recommended funding report the Council is reviewing tonight.
There was more dollars given to many that do not support the tax like our communities ice rink. We
are not unreasonable with our requests. We need assistance with the work needed to be done on the
critical piece of machinery (The Zamboni) and were not granted a dime. Not even positioned as a
contingency item. I ask for your support and the support of the council to grant this request.
Please help us understand what it is we need to do to present our reasonable requests in such a way
where they can be accommodated.
I appreciate the time you and all others give to our community and thank you for your support and
consideration.
Respectfully,
John Sabala