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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 October 14, 2009 8. Action/Discussion Items 8.1. P~ Issues 8.1.A November Meeting Date Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz stated that the November Parks and Recreation regularly scheduled meeting will fall on November 11 `h which is the Veteran's Day holiday and suggested to move the meeting one week later to November 18`h MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BOESE TO HOLD THE NOVEMBER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING ON NOVEMBER 18, 2009. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 8.1.B. Non-Resident Fees Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz stated that at the August 10, 2009 budget workshop the Mayor requested a review of non-resident use of recreation programs. Staff pulled usage numbers for recreation programs and fee-based community events. A review of the 2008 registration numbers indicates the non- resident percentages of fee-based programs are approximately 32%. This is an estimate, based on available data. Mr. Maertz shared that if assuming 2009 non-resident participation in fee based programs is at 32% then the program budget subsidizes non residents by approximately $11,539. Staff estimates that total participation in fee based programs, free community events and warming houses for 2009 will tota128,789. Assuming 32% non-resident participation than the program budget subsidizes non residents by $1.25 per participant and the recreation administration budget and recreation budget combined subsidizes non-residents by $15.35 per person. Mr. Maertz shared some options staff could follow; one, charge non-resident fees for all recreation programs and fee based special events; two, seek sponsorships from businesses in neighboring communities for special events in order to reduce budget impact of these programs and third, pursue agreements with surrounding communities to offset the subsidy to their residents. Mr. Maertz shared some other points to consider. Charging anon-resident rate is consistent with how other cities are addressing this issue. In some cases substantial fee increases could actually reduce revenue or cause program cancellations which would impact Elk River residents. Other externalities should be taken into consideration. Over 9,000 non-resident participants in programs and community events generate customers for Elk River business. Current registration policy reserves the first week of registration exclusively for Elk River residents. Local businesses that sponsor events and partner with Parks and Recreation do not want to