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Forum
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RE: Residency and voters rights in South Dakota
In Montana small towns have the ability to enact a local resort tax. The money stays in the community and can be used for a variety of local projects. A town where I owned a park put such a tax on the ballot. The town was a major tourist town with over 700,000 vehicles visitors each season. The tax is assessed on lodging, including RV stays less than 30 days. The community population is less than 800 and the eligible voter count less than 400. Those visitors put a huge strain on water, sewer, roadways and other visitor services. Heck, over $30,000 a year was spent keeping a public restroom facility clean and supplied using mostly volunteer labor. Prior to the vote it was discovered a local non profit entity that was opposed to the tax was encouraging out of town members to change their address to that non profits location which they could then use to register to vote against the proposal. In the end it was revealed that address had 48 registered voters even though it had no lodging facilities at all. The tax ultimately passed, but the vote was much closer than projected, likely due to those extra 48 votes. The county registrar office subsequently put out guidance that falsely claiming residency to vote is fraud and a crime.
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wapiticountry
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02/17/23 10:37am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Looking for 5 star RV Park
Polson Motorcoach Resort in Polson Montana will meet all your requirements. And at prices from $140 a night to $368 a night it’s still less than the cost of one prosthetic arm or leg (one of your criteria).
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wapiticountry
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02/16/23 10:08am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Can the grid keep up with EV use?
A greater short term question is where to charge them. A significant percentage of drivers do not have access to garage charging. People live in apartments with parking lots that have no power. Other people have multiple vehicles and park on the street. The high speed charging stations are far less numerous than gas stations. And numerous people live in areas where the commutes require long ranges without the ability to recharge. That part of the EV puzzle is absolutely as questionable as the capacity of the power grid.
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wapiticountry
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02/13/23 03:48pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Brevard County Florida camping fee changes
Sounds like they actually have a bit further to go. Even with the rate increase the rate is below what the average private park charges. Allowing 90 day stays is still ridiculous, though not as ridiculous as the previous 5 1/2 months. No one person should be allowed to monopolize a public RV site for anywhere close to that long. 21 days would be my maximum.
Public parks, and their RV sites should be for use by everyone, not the lucky few who get through the reservation system and tie up sites for months at a time.
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wapiticountry
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01/30/23 04:16pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Bill giving residents priority at booking FL state parks
“Subsidized” seems to be the wrong word.
From the Florida State Parks Foundation website;
“STATEWIDE ECONOMIC DATA
IN 2022, FLORIDA STATE PARKS & TRAILS SERVED MORE THAN 32 MILLION VISITORS GENERATING:
- $4.4 billion direct economic impact on local economies throughout the state,
- Over $267 million was contributed to the state’s general revenues in the form of state sales taxes,
- More than 55,000 jobs were supported by state park operations.”
According to media reports, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees the Florida Park Service, has a budget this year of $4.2 billion.
It looks like they return far more money to the economy than they take out.Having a budget of $4.2 billion while generating $267 million in taxes implies a subsidy from the state of nearly $4 billion. Direct economic impact has no defined meaning. Is it business profit? Unlikely. Is it estimated sales? If so , the true economic impact on the community is much less. For example, if the park guest spends $100 on a camp stove made in China you need to subtract the cost of goods sold from the actual economic impact.
Those parks may have a huge impact on the micro economy of the nearby areas but they are clearly not self sufficient and depend upon continued support from the state’s general fund which is overwhelmingly dependent on taxes collected from residents.
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wapiticountry
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01/28/23 11:25am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Bill giving residents priority at booking FL state parks
If no out of state campers were allowed in state parks in Florida how much would “tourism” revenue go down? Precious little considering Disney, Universal Studio, Cape Canaveral, private parks and condos full of snowbirds, etc. Some of you seem to have the belief that as campers you’re integral to Florida’s survival and should have a vote in their affairs. I think you’re overestimating your value ($$$).
Agree 100%. The people that propose that argument are the same ones who think RVs staying overnight in the parking lot are key to Walmart’s profitability.
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wapiticountry
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01/28/23 08:34am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Bill giving residents priority at booking FL state parks
As Bucky said, Let's not forget that Floridians over 65 already get half off pricewise. That does not apply to non-residents.Half off something you can get a reservation for isn’t that great a deal.
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wapiticountry
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01/24/23 04:17pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Bill giving residents priority at booking FL state parks
Florida residents not getting sites at Florida state parks vote in Florida elections. Out of state RVers not getting a site don’t .
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wapiticountry
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01/23/23 03:58pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: RVIA Certificate?
Check with the park. No one on the forum knows why they chose that rule and how they enforce it. It’s a county park, meaning the government is involved. For all we know there was a serious accident involving a home built rig. Maybe a fatal fire or electrical issue. The county attorney defending the county does some research and decides the RVIA sticker would provide them a layer of protection in the future so it is mandated. The employees aren’t empowered to make any exceptions so no sticker, no site end of story.
As for all the posts saying they have never been questioned, they probably never have had a lot of things happen to them but have happened to others. That’s why people have insurance, door locks, bear spray etc. Just because it didn’t happen to Fred doesn’t make Barney immune.
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wapiticountry
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01/19/23 10:43am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Park pet peeves, Park owner’s turn
Yes the sewer hose is a big consideration. It is virtually impossible to disconnect and store it without leaving a trail of droppings.
That's what I figured, except the drain is often 20-30 feet from my dump valve and I have to use two hoses to reach. I'm always very tidy about dumping, but I get it.
Some people shouldn't work with the public.
Even if the sewer connection is two hoses away you can “walk” the contents down the hose from the rig to the sewer connection. In all my years of owning parks I never saw a guest crawling under their rig to walk the contents of a sewer hose from on side of the rig to the other.
As for some people not being suited to work with the public, spend enough hours doing it and I would bet everyone would have times they like to strangle a customer or two even knowing it was going to take a lot of time and effort to bury the bodies. The fact they don’t is a testament to their dedication to their job.
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wapiticountry
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01/10/23 09:37am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Park pet peeves, Park owner’s turn
Many years ago a big group of us booked a block of sites at a park in Ventura and booked an empty spot to use as our gathering area. I had originally parked my trailer the wrong direction so that I could face the empty space, but the park host came over and yelled at me and made me turn it around because rules are rules.
I never understood that one. Never saw the harm in it. I assume maybe it has something to do with not wanting the dump hose run underneath the rig, but I didn't even hook mine up (just shore power and fresh water).
They wouldn't budge though. I even re-read through the rules and that wasn't one of them, which means I wasn't technically a rule breaker.
Yes the sewer hose is a big consideration. It is virtually impossible to disconnect and store it without leaving a trail of droppings. But the bigger issue is it puts your door opening on to the neighbors yard. Even if you are traveling with that neighbor and they are fine with it problems may ensue. What happens are other guests see it as a license to park opposite of the site’s design and they take it upon themselves to reposition for various reasons. It might be to gain better views out of their windows or they think they will get better wifi reception. But that does put the entry door in conflict with the neighbors and it gets worse when awnings are extended or pets, children and the like are involved. Never allowing it keeps things simple and trouble-free
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wapiticountry
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01/09/23 03:38pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Flying J / Pilot to install megachargers for med/heavy trks
All EV's should be charged by either solar or wind power, otherwise the owners of EV's are just pretending.
Carry on.
I would add nuclear and hydroelectric power to the mix
Salmon disagree with the premise hydroelectric dams are environmentally friendly.
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wapiticountry
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01/07/23 12:55pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Park pet peeves, Park owner’s turn
What these boards appear to be afflicted with is a runaway case of "get off my GD lawn" syndrome ROFLMAO. What a bunch of kooks. Every other thread on these boards is a doosy unlike anything I've seen.
That said goodbye, have a wonderful life, over and out. Consider my account closed.After being a member for TWO whole days!!! A tremendous loss for the forum.
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wapiticountry
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01/07/23 12:35pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Park pet peeves, Park owner’s turn
As I have already posted, it is very easy to say “enforce the rules”. How to enforce those rules is the problem. I have repeated asked for suggestions and the only answer I get is a repeat of “enforce the rules”. If we kicked everyone out the first time they broke the speed limit, their dog barked, their kids got in the road, they parked on the grass, they made noise during quiet hours or ran with scissors the park would be empty and we would be broke.
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wapiticountry
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01/07/23 09:25am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Park pet peeves, Park owner’s turn
"So what do you see as proper enforcement of a speeding rule? And exactly how is the park supposed to determine who is speeding? Should the park invest in multiple radar stations to cover all the different roads? Do you enforce at one MPH over the posted speed? Or do you have a tolerance? And how does enforcing it strictly a few times prevent future problems when the park turns over its occupancy every few days? "
So if you have a guest who comes through your 10 mph CG at 20 - 25 every time you would take no action? It would be more than obvious {through the magic"sight"} the hazard they are creating in flagrant violation of your posted limit. If it happens roll by their site and remind them of the rules advise that if it happens again they will be leaving without refund and then enforce the warning.
This was a problem for awhile at one our favorite CG's until they posted a sign at the entrance stating their zero tolerance policy. Reminding folks when they check in leaves no ambiguity. After a few folks were booted the word got around and the problem all but disappeared.
Run your facility anyway you want... your park, your rules but know that if I visit a facility that does nothing to enforce basic safety/courtesy I won't be back.
:C
You are very clear as to what you feel is the problem. What I don’t see is any patheay to a practical solution. How do you implement zero tolerance without a method to determine actual speed. Would you be ok if a park employee came up to you and told you to leave because to them it looked like you were going 12 MPH not 10? Do people get warnings or is it one and you’re out? If warnings, how many and over what time period? Two warnings in a day is much different than two warnings in a summer. And while word may get around in a seasonal park, it doesn’t in an overnight or destination park where people only stay a day or two. Much as it would be great if everyone idled thru the park at ten miles per hour, they often don’t. An absolute zero tolerance, one strike and your out policy would likely put the park out of business prior to stopping all the violators.
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wapiticountry
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01/06/23 10:55am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Park pet peeves, Park owner’s turn
"Define chronic. Is it a dog barks once, once every few hours, for three minutes when the owners leave them in the RV? And how do you politely enforce a rule? A park is pretty much limited to letting them stay or kicking them out. I don’t think turning off the power or disconnecting the cable for an hour effectively giving the RV a time out would be practical, polite or non confrontational. Warnings only go so far and that is a very short distance in parks where the average guest stays for only a few days. Fact is, unless there are truly gross violations of rules, rule enforcement relies primarily on the good character of the violator. "
As noted chronic speeding is a biggie as it is liable to get someone injured or worse. The CG's that enforce zero tolerance don't have to do so more than a couple of times and the problem goes away one way or the other. Dogs invading other sites with bad internet {don't get me started on those retractable 30' leashes} or no leash any all and of course the folks that never clean up after their pooches.
Relying on the "good character"of the violator presumes/assumes they have some which sadly is often not the case.
:E
So what do you see as proper enforcement of a speeding rule? And exactly how is the park supposed to determine who is speeding? Should the park invest in multiple radar stations to cover all the different roads? Do you enforce at one MPH over the posted speed? Or do you have a tolerance? And how does enforcing it strictly a few times prevent future problems when the park turns over its occupancy every few days?
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wapiticountry
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01/06/23 09:58am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Park pet peeves, Park owner’s turn
Ok I'll play... If you are going to have rules and obviously you need to, enforce them consistently for the benefit of one and all. I appreciate it when upon checking in being given a copy, usually on the back of the CG map and yes guys I actually read them every time.
Every CG/RV park is a little different and if after reading their rules you cannot comply just put your rig in gear and get on down the road. The rules are not subject to debate and I would hope they apply to everyone, not just us.
On the earlier discussion about IQ...
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
:B
Enforcing rules has to be done with discretion. It is never black and white. For example we have quiet hours, not silence hours. Barking dogs are a no go, but we don’t kick someone out for a dog’s random bark. Deal with the general public enough and you will inevitably have conflicts regarding rules and policies. It is impossible to settle then all to the satisfaction of everyone involved.
I have to disagree... especially when it comes to speeding in the CG but other chronic offenses should always be dealt with in a timely manner as well. No need to be a jerk just politely enforce them. Your other nonproblematic guests are entitled to know and expect what the rules provide for.
:C Define chronic. Is it a dog barks once, once every few hours, for three minutes when the owners leave them in the RV? And how do you politely enforce a rule? A park is pretty much limited to letting them stay or kicking them out. I don’t think turning off the power or disconnecting the cable for an hour effectively giving the RV a time out would be practical, polite or non confrontational. Warnings only go so far and that is a very short distance in parks where the average guest stays for only a few days. Fact is, unless there are truly gross violations of rules, rule enforcement relies primarily on the good character of the violator.
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wapiticountry
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01/05/23 03:54pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Park pet peeves, Park owner’s turn
Well this seems like a good place to ask a question I have been wanting to ask:
Is a tent on top of a vehicle, say a jeep or pickup or you choice, a TENT or a VEHICLE (camper}??
If a tent then can the tent drive across the campground to drive up onto the newly made and framed tent site, or park in the parking area for the camp site?
JimR
Not a tent, it’s a vehicle. It doesn’t have an RVIA certification so many parks can go to the fine print in their rules and not accept the rig if it looks like Jed and Granny pieced it together after a wild night of checkers for money down in Bugtussle.
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wapiticountry
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01/05/23 10:37am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Park pet peeves, Park owner’s turn
My advice to campground owners. If you have a quiet time starting at 11 PM, make a trip through the campground at 11:15 on Friday night and address problems. Don't wait for somebody to call the office, where most likely nobody will answer, to complain.
See item nine on my list. Do you really think it never occurred to park management that if they truly wanted to tightly enforce quiet hours they should check the park after that time? Maybe that park doesn’t care, doesn’t normally have a problem or maybe as I just posted you are looking for silence hours and they only offer quiet hours.
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wapiticountry
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01/05/23 08:40am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Park pet peeves, Park owner’s turn
Ok I'll play... If you are going to have rules and obviously you need to, enforce them consistently for the benefit of one and all. I appreciate it when upon checking in being given a copy, usually on the back of the CG map and yes guys I actually read them every time.
Every CG/RV park is a little different and if after reading their rules you cannot comply just put your rig in gear and get on down the road. The rules are not subject to debate and I would hope they apply to everyone, not just us.
On the earlier discussion about IQ...
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
:B
Enforcing rules has to be done with discretion. It is never black and white. For example we have quiet hours, not silence hours. Barking dogs are a no go, but we don’t kick someone out for a dog’s random bark. Deal with the general public enough and you will inevitably have conflicts regarding rules and policies. It is impossible to settle then all to the satisfaction of everyone involved.
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wapiticountry
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01/05/23 08:32am |
General RVing Issues
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