116 replies to this topic

[Robert Giacometti]

I'm sure it's in the city's best financial interest to put the operation up for bid, charge reasonable rents, make sure we're getting the right bang for the buck, etc.

However, this guy's done this for what, 19 years? Who cares if he's making a profit, or that the city could be making more money? I've never heard anyone complain about the train rides, pricing, or anything about this operation!

It's a great addition to the city and not worth any sort of fuss or interference. I'm sure Mr. Gold will retire eventually (especially if he's raking it in in this all-cash business!), and the city can rethink the deal then...

For now, leave a good thing be, IMO.

One issue the city has to address is the gift of public funds. There are laws ( don't ask me to cite them) that prohibit gifting of tax money to individuals. The city is almost compelled to set up some sort of transparent process for awarding contracts for concessionaires.

Some citizens may argue by allowing a sweetheart deal with the train, it takes away funds from programs they want and their program should have the sweetheart deal. how do we as a city say yes to one and no to the other?

What about other citizens wanting the same opportunity to operate the train and make money? The city can't very well tell them, sorry he was here first. What happens if another citizen wants to operate the train and is willing to offer MORE to the city to do so?

If all other groups or individiuals operating concessions start demanding exclusive arrangements and dictating terms, the city would be in a compromising position, by allowing te train to operate under the current terms.

By NOT opening this up to bid, the City is putting itself at risk to potential lawsuits!

Its NOT about personalities, its about a fair process for everyone.

[ducky]

One issue the city has to address is the gift of public funds. There are laws ( don't ask me to cite them) that prohibit gifting of tax money to individuals. The city is almost compelled to set up some sort of transparent process for awarding contracts for concessionaires.

Some citizens may argue by allowing a sweetheart deal with the train, it takes away funds from programs they want and their program should have the sweetheart deal. how do we as a city say yes to one and no to the other?

What about other citizens wanting the same opportunity to operate the train and make money? The city can't very well tell them, sorry he was here first. What happens if another citizen wants to operate the train and is willing to offer MORE to the city to do so?

If all other groups or individiuals operating concessions start demanding exclusive arrangements and dictating terms, the city would be in a compromising position, by allowing te train to operate under the current terms.

By NOT opening this up to bid, the City is putting itself at risk to potential lawsuits!

Its NOT about personalities, its about a fair process for everyone.

He's been doing this for 18 years. Why has this just now become an issue? Has someone complained or asked to bid? Has someone threatened a lawsuit? Where does gifting come into this? He's renting from the city. The city isn't giving him money to operate.

[Darthvader]

Oh my goodness, you can't even walk 1/4 mile????? Geez, no wonder we're a nation of fat people.............

Please, walking that far to take a 15 second pee is a pain in the rear. And trust me I am in way better shape than most here, I've seen their pictures.....

[Robert Giacometti]

He's been doing this for 18 years. Why has this just now become an issue? Has someone complained or asked to bid? Has someone threatened a lawsuit? Where does gifting come into this? He's renting from the city. The city isn't giving him money to operate.

I don't know if anyone has complained or has inquired about wanting to operate the train.

This issue was discussed during the late 90's when I was on the P & R commission. I suspect it has been reviewed since then as well

If the City is not getting fair market value for the rent, then it could be considered a gift of public funds.

Here is another thought to consider, if EVERYONE was 100% happy with the arrangement, why would anyone create the public uproar over this?

[Rich_T]

Here is another thought to consider, if EVERYONE was 100% happy with the arrangement, why would anyone create the public uproar over this?

Greed? Being hard pressed for revenue sources?

[john]

By NOT opening this up to bid, the City is putting itself at risk to potential lawsuits!

Sorry Robert, but the "lawsuit risk card" is way overdone these days. Common sense really should prevail. Up the rent a little yes, but asking for exorbitant "event fees" is just greed. It's not even like it's a city event, it's put on by the Chamber of Commerce.

[MikeinFolsom]

Like I said.....just another instance where the city gets their hands in something and fouls it up. Nice going again guys!!!!!!!

[Bill Z]

Sorry Robert, but the "lawsuit risk card" is way overdone these days. Common sense really should prevail. Up the rent a little yes, but asking for exorbitant "event fees" is just greed. It's not even like it's a city event, it's put on by the Chamber of Commerce.

I agree. it seems he is fine with the city getting a percentage of individual ticker sales, but the flat $200 per night "event" fee digs straight into his profits if it's a slow night despite the event.

My question is as nothing I've read answers it. Who owns the train & tracks? I read somewhere that he has invested his money into repairing and maintaining the train. If the train is owned by him, I don't see how the city can go out for Bid for someone else to operate it.

[Chad Vander Veen]

I hope everyone who wants the train to remain plans on doing something about it

[asbestoshills]

Small town politics for small minded Folsomites...Gheez, charge a percentage of profits and be done with it.....Why all of the wasted time and money on this non-issue??? There are so many other issues in Folsom that are never addressed....Spend time on focusing on bringing another Intel like company to Folsom before they lay-off more employees or close altogether...If you think that won't bring home prices down over nite and crash the Folsom economy, you are mistaken....

[mylo]

If the City is not getting fair market value for the rent, then it could be considered a gift of public funds

I wonder how you determine fair market value for renting such a unique business opportunity. I mean, technically they could rip up the tracks and probably make more doing a farmers market or something else, but if we went around selling everything out for a buck we'd have flea markets and t-shirt shacks on every corner.

There's probably just some formality of setting that price point going on here. I only hope they're not raising the rent simply for greed. Instead because someone can guarantee to offer the same services, with the same level of city-wide appreciation, with 17 years demonstrated experience, for less money.

[ducky]

Small town politics for small minded Folsomites...Gheez, charge a percentage of profits and be done with it.....Why all of the wasted time and money on this non-issue??? There are so many other issues in Folsom that are never addressed....Spend time on focusing on bringing another Intel like company to Folsom before they lay-off more employees or close altogether...If you think that won't bring home prices down over nite and crash the Folsom economy, you are mistaken....

First of all, what wasted time and money?

Second of all, feel free to start another topic about economic development if you are so intensely interested.

Sincerely,

Small-minded (correctly hyphenated) Folsomite

[mylo]

I hope everyone who wants the train to remain plans on doing something about it

It sounds like the train is staying, they're looking for competitive bids to run it.

A better statement would be: I hope everyone who wants the train rides to continue to be cheap plans on doing something about it.

[Dave Burrell]

It sounds like the train is staying, they're looking for competitive bids to run it.

A better statement would be: I hope everyone who wants the train rides to continue to be cheap plans on doing something about it.

or how about everyone who wants the train to stay - get out and bring your kids there to ride it to support the guy's biz?

[ducky]

I hope everyone who wants the train to remain plans on doing something about it

Beyond calling the city and being fed the their hands are tied and potential lawsuit explanation, what else can we do?