Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Minutes Page 13 <br /> February 5,2018 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Mr. Hecker presented the staff report. Mr. Hecker asked Council to start thinking <br /> about the percentage of operating cost they would like to recover for the various <br /> activities. He indicated other cities charge fees to offset operations and maintenance <br /> of playfields and facilities. He said some athletic associations currently pay field <br /> rental and others do not. He stated the athletic groups are aware the city is reviewing <br /> the fees but staff hasn't formally met with them yet. <br /> Mr. Portner stated the city spends about$200,000 a year in operational costs on <br /> three complexes: Oak Knoll,Youth Athletic Complex, and Dave Anderson Athletic <br /> Complex. He stated, as a comparison for the Ice Arena, 100% of the operational <br /> costs are paid for by the user groups. He stated traditionally people didn't pay for <br /> parks or playfields. He noted there are two things to consider: how much should the <br /> city subsidize the youth associations with city tax dollars and how equitable are user <br /> fees among groups. <br /> He noted there is $9 million worth of improvements coming in the future without <br /> any funding resources. He stated,depending on Council philosophy,the city could <br /> shift the operational costs to the users and taxpayers could pay for the capital <br /> improvements. He stated this would create a long-term sustainable plan for funding <br /> facilities. He noted there are a lot of factors to discuss. He stated if the Council <br /> wants to capture 60%, they don't need to implement it all in the first few years but <br /> could work towards it over a period of time. <br /> Mr. Hecker reviewed the Activity Center operations compared to other centers in <br /> Minnesota. He noted Elk River's operating budget, at$250,000, for senior activities <br /> is one of the largest in the state,noting the activity center budget numbers presented <br /> tonight doesn't include building and grounds maintenance services. He also <br /> questioned Council about the percentage of operating costs they would like to collect <br /> from senior users. <br /> Mr. Portner stated Council may not find a number to offset the costs noting the <br /> outgoing costs are high due to the expense of the current facility and the lack of <br /> multipurpose use space available. He stated the current facility can't be rented out for <br /> new revenue without disrupting the current users. <br /> Councilmember Wagner questioned why the $250,000 activity center budget is so <br /> different from other peer cities. <br /> Mr. Hecker stated part of the reason is because Elk River has a dedicated building <br /> and two full-time staff. He stated other centers may be connected to other facilities <br /> and can be open more hours for rental purposes. <br /> Mr. Hecker reviewed the Ice Arena budget and fees. <br /> Councilmember Wagner stated she would be interested in what each association is <br /> paying for facilities based on numbers we are already using whether they are up front <br /> rental or for field improvements. <br /> POWERED 9r <br /> UREJ <br />