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ajm3s

The foundations do provide many benefits for the specific city programs as they do contribute to the support of the community and the Parks and Recreation Foundation is raising money. There is valid reasoning in replacing the current recreation building and that will be a responsibility that will need to be addressed either now or in the future. It is in need of a major overhaul and is currently functionally obsolescent as it can not meet the desires of the community.

The bad economy makes this a good time to take a serious look at the project in so much as suppliers are offering low prices and contractors are in need of work. The hiring of Marco Island contractors could make it more desirable.

The questions that still remain are:
1. Is this the right time?
2. Is the project to large?
3. Is this the best price?
4. Would we be better off spending money monies to repair the old?
5. etc.

I remember Mr. Murphy’s position in regards to shell driveways as not so much in opposition to shell driveways but in providing safety to his personnel without increasing the need for additional personnel and needing a hard tired gurney with larger wheels. Ambulance gurneys are for the most part standard small soft wheeled gurneys not suitable for the natural, "soft" shell driveway. Larger wheeled gurneys may also be difficul to lock down in a standard ambulance. Putting additional Fire/Rescue personnel on site ties up valuable equipment from other responses and creates additional expenses.

Also Chief Murphy is certainly one of the most respected Fire Chiefs because of his extensive knowledge of the Fire/Rescue Service. Chief Murphy certainly does do everything possible to insure the safety of his men.

If you are a recently retired Fire Chief, you would understand the importance protecting the health and safety of your men. One of the first things a Fireman learns or should learn is personal safety, because if you are injured you will create problems in helping others.

Wayne Waldack