7.2. SR 11-20-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk River REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Agenda Section Meeting Date Administration November 20,2006 Item Description Discuss YMCA Membershi Rates for Elk River Residents Item Number 7.2. Prepared by Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator Reviewed by Introduction At the November 6 worksession, the City Council discussed in detail the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOD) between the YMCA and city, including the benefits Elk River residents would receive for funding part of the building to be leased to the YMCA. The Council provided input and direction to staff on most sections of the MOU but deferred providing direction on membership benefits for Elk River residents. The Council requested that YMCA representatives come to a future meeting to discuss membership rates for Elk River residents. Discussion During the initial phases of discussion of the MOU by YMCA representatives and city staff, attorneys, and Council representatives before the Council authorized placing the YMCA financing question on the ballot, membership rates were discussed. Discussions ranged from having special Elk River resident rates to charging a premium rate for non-residents. The city's original request was for resident membership rate reductions of between ten dollars per month up to twenty percent off the monthly membership fee. Another option presented was increasing rates for non-residents to offset lower rates for Elk River residents. The YMCA stated it could not provide special membership rates but would waive the joiner's fee and provide guest passes to residents. The YMCA's proposal is the language that was included in the MOU presented to the Council on July 17 before the question was placed on the ballot. The information provided to the public before the election was exacdy as oudined in the draft MOU presented on July 17. The language included in the current draft MOU is as follows: G. The YMCA will use memberships that entide members to services as a part of the membership fee and access to additional programs on a fee basis. The YMCA will offer a package of services and programs similar to other suburban YMCAs. The YMCA will also provide Elk River residents benefits such as a one-time waiver of the membership joining fee, periodic family events at a nominal cost and four guest passes per household per year. The city wants the YMCA to be successful and to cover its expenses. Both the YMCA and city understand that community support is vital to the success of the YMCA and that success hinges on memberships. Memberships and annual contributions from Elk River residents playa significant role in the success of the YMCA. The city and YMCA need to work together to encourage memberships so that the Elk River Community YMCA flourishes. S:\Council\Lori\2006\ YMCA Membership 112006.doc