Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 28 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
Council RTC vote disappoints
Published Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Fergus Falls City Council dropped the ball Monday when failing to approve a movie deal on the grounds of the Regional Treatment Center.
The council failed to show strong leadership in taking a risk on a proposal that had the potential to benefit the community in both the short term and the future.
Frankly, we’re disappointed in the city council’s actions. So are the nearly 200 readers of our online edition who have posted comments on our Web site at www.fergusfallsjournal.com.
Filming a movie at the RTC could have been a unique opportunity for Fergus Falls and would not show Fergus Falls or the RTC in an unfavorable light as council members have suggested.
Truth be told, the movie would have been a bright spot for area businesses at a time when the economy is sagging.
Movies are big business and the economic boost it could have provided would have been welcomed by area businesses.
Movies bring production crews and actors to town that would fill our hotels and restaurants.
Taking an unscientific look at the movie’s potential we predict the movie could have brought a minimum of $1.4 million to the local economy in hotel and meal expenditures alone had crews been here 30 days as suggested.
Here’s where we get our conservative numbers: Producers estimated they would have 70 people in Fergus Falls for 30 days, dining around town and sleeping at motels. Seventy people times $100 day equals $7,000 per day and $7,000 per day times 30 days equals $210,000. They say a dollar turns over seven times in a community. Therefore: $210,000 times 7 equals $1,470,000 — and that’s just from hotels and dining.
Figure in the shopping at the Fergus Falls stores and the figures could rise by huge amounts. The city, owners of the RTC, could possibly generate some revenue from the rental of the facility.
In the long term, success at the box office or on video could give our community one more reason to be a tourist destination. Pulling off I-94 to see the location of a film could be, to many, a pretty neat thing.
We’ve said this before: There are plans in the work to someday make the RTC the home of a learning program for Chinese students. But to date, the RTC sits empty.
You gain nothing if you don’t take a few risks. Taking a slight risk on the movie deal would have filled the coffers of Fergus Falls businesses and in turn employees would had more income from increased hours at their jobs.
Fergus Falls would have realized a ray of light and some excitement that it hasn’t experienced in quite a while.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by Mel (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you for the very good letter.
I have a feeling that some on the council want all or nothing.
All being the Chinese, and nothing being the demolition of the RTC. People have written that the building is in poor shape. The exterior is in pretty good shape. The artifacts that have disappeared from the interior should be returned, no question asked. The asbestos can be sealed in place. The heat does not have to be on full blast all winter.
In other words it will not cost nearly as much to keep it up as the pro destroyers would have you think.
The historical society should be there. The Kirkbride being part of the display.
Save the Kirkbride!
Posted by thinice (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If the movie had been of another genre it may have been a different outcome.
The people running this boat need to loosen up and understand that having a movie made in town is free exposure for the city - and just plain fun! Re-read, 'FUN'.
I don't need a movie to give me the heebie jeebies when I look at the place... but it doesn't mean I hate the buildings.
There's an ironical link between fun and success in almost every aspect of business.
Posted by TKay (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Definitely an opportunity lost! Thanks again to Mr. Jensen and Mr. Stumbo for voting for the movie proposal and trying to increase business in our community.
Posted by FFSSG (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 2:16 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by rodentboy (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i am suprised that the FFDJ is speaking up against the council, showing some backbone finally.
as for the heating pipes i heard that they are so old also they don't dare to turn them off, it is full blast or nothing.
Posted by ferguslifer (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am surpised Dj... Speaking against the city council, who do read your paper.. GOOD JOB!! The council is stupid. I have toured places where movies had been shot. One movie even was even up for an EMMY.. Its just the location, and the scenery, thats all that matters. Many have spoken of the movie "Fargo", where it was shot. Many different places, you would even know they under your own nose. I have also done a little checking online, and the Fergus Falls City Council, are being heckled as a bunch of fools, for voting this down. Time to VOTE THEM OUT!
Posted by worthy01 (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The building needs to be kept at a certain temperature or the plaster starts to fall off the bricks. Case in point the fourth floor of the the wing still in use lots of plaster falling off the wall.
Posted by puddlejumper (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As I was speaking to a friend last night I was telling him how I could see both sides of the issue. We don't want to scare the Chinese, but it would be nice to have the film done here. Then he hits me with "The Real Reason" they won't be filming here. That the city wouldn't want the real horror stories about the RTC to come out for everyone to see. As if the council is protecting us from the embarrassment of a ghost story scandal.
Now I am embarrassed.
Posted by fergusfallsmom (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have had contact with several of the city council members. They are all good people with good intentions. They were just a little too cautious this time. I was glad to see this article.
Posted by hometown (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's be real for one quick minute here.
Fergus Falls cannot afford to take a pass on really anything that comes there way. If you look at what it is that makes people, businesses, and even towns healthy wealthy and wise it simple. Never look a gift horse in the mouth. Do whatever it takes to make a buck. That's the attitude the council should have because they can hardly afford not to. Now I know it sounds greedy but if there was ever a time for Fergus to be financially greedy well now's the time. The movie would have generated money plain and simple which Fergus is in no position whatsoever to turn anything down that makes money for the town. Time for Fergus to get back in the game and start going to every company, manufacturer, and plant owner and beg for their business because redemption starts on your knee's. Further I am disgusted and disappointed that the powers that be seem to have such a holier then thou attitude for the rest of the city. I wish you members luck as most of you may not have seats next election. Remeber word of mouth is more powerful then your collective pens and back door meetings will ever be. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!!!
Posted by ottergrad (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Considering that the total budget reported was only $100,000 and they would only spend $8000 on room and meals. Right from Jean Bowman of the CVB. I don't know how in the world this fantasy paper can come up with such bogus numbers.
Once again they would rather report things as they would like instead of FACTS.
Posted by brighteyes (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
such a joke. vote them out, replenish the ranks with open minded individuals that can make a change. Fergus is as stagnant as our ratty-ass, pride and joy we call lake alice. Time to look ahead of get out of the way.
Posted by pilsnerurquel (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL at your comment brighteyes. I totally agree.
Posted by BOTHEYESOPEN (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 8:41 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by TRH (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
one last comment. If the chinese don't come to Fergu Falls, then what are you going to do with all that water service going to be put in.If I understand it correctly, demolition must start pretty soon.. How much is this water project going cost, as noted in a previous article, " the city will cover the cost of water main work initially, and seek reimbursement later, Edwards said." who are they planning to get the reimbursement from, the CDG perhaps? Just thought I'd ask.
Posted by Mel (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
to the note by worthy01, Dry plaster does not fall off the wall because it got cold. It falls off because they were wet and cold. Moisture from humidifiers, or warm moist air from the weather, etc. makes the walls wet. Enough heat is needed to keep the inside air dry during high moisture cycles.
Posted by Hennepin (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ottergrad, you are the voice of reason. Where did all these negative nitwits come from? If I was Anderson I would give this town the one finger salute and take the Chinese to Breckenridge, Pelican or anyplace without blogs for mindless drones to spew their small minded slandering rants!
Posted by onlyme (anonymous) on August 21, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Would every member have had a private room - or would some have shared rooms?
The first time they said 50 would come now it is 70?
Who wrote the editorial?
Posted by TomKat9 (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a business owner off of 371 between Brainerd and Walker so I have no real interest in FF area, but I know the climate for business in Northern Minnesota. ANY AMOUNT of new bodies in town for thirty days generates cash flow for a lot of the local businesses.
This past summer has been a horror for our industry. Gas prices have impacted our food service, charitable gambling and overall customer count. Add in the no smoking ban and I have an empty tavern. We had no out of town tradesman working on building new cabins or even remodeling the old. Multiply that by the continued lack of snow to drum up any winter cash flow and many of us in the upper half of the state are thinking bankrupcy may prevail.
I would love to have this sort of adventure for my business and employees. I'll bet most of those movie people have a history of bartending, waitressing and food service- so they probably tip pretty well. They would probably bring pets, and I'll bet more than a few freinds and parents show for part of the filming. The occasional medical or dental emergency, office supplies and shoe stores. How many of these guys are going to buy some bait and hit a lake for a free afternoon or come here in the future for some hunting? Hardware stores would probably really come out well -I doubt they would haul all of the stuff needed for set building all the way up here. Let's not forget rubbish removal and beauty shops, nail parlors and barbers (although I looked at a picture of Dav Kaufman and I don't think he frequents barbers LOL).
I would venture to guess a movie release party would be held in the area after the project is done and before it is set to go straight to DVD. If so, that would bring some return business in to your town months after the film crew had left.
I see alot of comments about the film going straight to DVD, but once again GAS PRICES probably make that route a great business advantage for Mr. Kaufman. He is making a second film, so the first one probably made some money, right?
Lots of folks would find it fun for years to stop and see a movie site. We stayed two nights in a fish house in Center City MN when they were filming Grumpy Old Men -just to say we partied with the stars. We didn't meet any of them but it was fun and we spent some dough around that little town and have actually gone back to the area several times.
I think the council was short-sighted in realizing there could be an upside for local businesses, inject a little home town pride and enthusiasm into the climate. This deal with the Chinese is probably years out and in all possiblity may never come to light.
I don't understand why you can't try to have your cake and eat it too. But, I have to say the news as it looks to the world doesn't put FF in any spotlight for fun tourism.
Posted by its_sunny_here (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
How could a budget of 8000 provide for 70 ppl for 30 days? If you do the following calculations:
$8000 divide by 70 ppl is $114.29 per person, and then divide that by 30 days equals $3.80 per person per day...how would these people stay in a hotel or eat on that amount of money, even if they shared rooms??
Posted by Mel (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To me it isn't just about the movie or the Chinese. It is about saving the Kirkbride (RTC).
The movie would have been a nice boost and fun too.
Has anyone asked the city leaders what they want to do with the building?
To what extent they will go to save it?
Ask them if the Chinese don't come, what then?
How about some co-op with the county to make use of it?
Who on the council can't wait to get it wrecked, and have it over with?
Posted by brighteyes (anonymous) on August 22, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i just don't see anything negative about a movie filmed in fergus. And i would enjoy slapping some sense into the ones who voted no. These are the people who are afraid of change. Unfortunately, they did not represent the people, because if they did, there would not be such an uproar. Poor decisions were based on a country 3000 miles away..and the only negative points brought up were speculation anyway.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 23, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
just wait an see the shenanigans they will pull for the new police station.
big old empty RTC, but we need to build a new police station?
our library wants to expand?, the CDG are showing us nothing.
I say, move the historical society and museum to the rtc, move the libraries to the rtc, reuse one of the then vacated buildings for the police
they say they're considering 30 years from now for what our police will needs will be?
at the rate our elected leaders are going, there won't be a need for police in Fergus at all in 30 years.
Jamie Cooper
Posted by theweasel (anonymous) on August 23, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Jamie no one is attacking or slandering you over at Fergus forum. Over their your alter ego is begging for contributions to your so-called campaign and dovobill (the super hall monitor) is assigning threads about you with the highest rating , five yellow stars. This only happened of course after all the anti cooper posters were warned out of existence. Over there it is all coop all the time.
Posted by AmyO (anonymous) on August 25, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jamie, how many square feet to you think the expanded library, the museum and the historical society offices would occupy in the Kirkbride building?
Posted by Mel (anonymous) on August 25, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not Jamie, but I would think that all that would fit into the space, including the Chinese school, a spook house for halloween, and more.
Posted by AmyO (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't believe that is what Jamie is advocating for. Personally I've never seen any information about how many square feet of space the Chinese school would occupy up there. If they are talking about this Chinese school taking up some 400,000 square feet. Then I think you would be incorrect. If the school would only take up say 200,000 square feet, then yes, it would be smart to look at what the rest of the space will be used for. However, I believe that Jamie has consistently been advocating for using the Kirkbride as the site for the library, the museum and the historical society offices INSTEAD of for the Chinese school. This quote from his recent letter to the editor seems pretty clear... "I think I may have a solution to benefit all concerned except those who support foreign interests."
Maybe I'm wrong?
Posted by BloopTriple (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the "agreement" with the Chinese is so fragile and precarious that our city having a film shot there will kill it, it's no agreement at all. It's snake oil.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)