10-15-2001 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council J\1lnutes October 15, 2001 Page 2 ----------------------------- 4.2. City Recreation Update Recreation Manager Michele Bergh discussed fees for the new city recreation department to begin January 1, 2002. She stated that city recreation would allow residents of Elk River seven days to register for programs prior to non-residents registering. Ms. Bergh stated that non-resident fees could be 50% higher than resident fees but that she would like the flexibility to change the non-residents fee depending on the expense of the program or whether it is a program subsidized by the city. Councilmember Dietz stated that there should be a consistent set amount a non-resident would be expected to pay. Councilmember Motin stated that there should be no reason to discount fees to non- residents. He stated that Elk River residents are paying for these programs through their taxes and that some of the other communities offer a reimbursement to their residents if they participate in Elk River programming. Councilmember Tveite stated that he liked the idea of a seven-day opportunity for Elk River residents to sign up for programs. He stated that the city should set the fees at 50% higher for non-residents for a year but that he is concerned about a loss of participation. It was the consensus of the Council that proof of residency needs to be established. Council also agreed that the non-resident fees should be 50% higher than for Elk River residents excluding subsidies. They agreed with the seven-day window to allow Elk River residents the opportunity to sign up for programs flrst. An evaluation of the fees should take place after a year. ----- ----- -------------- Director of Planning Michele McPherson updated the Council on the expenditures and construction of the Lions Park Center. She stated that city recreation would need $10,000 for office furniture and cubicles. She discussed the proposed Usage Policy for the Center. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE FUNDING OF $10,000 FROM THE RECREATION BUDGET BE USED TO PURCHASE NEW OFFICE FURNITURE AND CUBICLES. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Discussion was held regarding the Usage Policy for the Lions Park Center. Council raised a number of issues/ discrepancies with the policy. Staff will make the recommended changes. Councilmember Dietz questioned if the rental rate structure would balance expenses with revenues. City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that this would be the flrst time the city has operated a facility like this and is unsure how expenses and revenues will balance out. He stated that the city would need to review this issue in the summer when looking at the 2003 budget. City Attorney Peter Beck stated that the city's insurance company should review this Usage Policy and that the policy should be made into a formal use agreement.