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Park & Recreation Commission l-finutes October 14, 2009 Page 4~ be associated with anon-resident fee that may alienate customers. The City Council addressed this issue in 2004 and voted unanimously to eliminate non-resident fees. Mr. Maertz stated that staff is looking for the Parks and Recreation Commission to make a recommendation regarding non-resident fees. If the Parks and Recreation Commission supports non-resident fee increases, staff recommends an across the board, $5.00 per program non-resident fee. A higher rate may have a negative impact on enrollment and cause classes to close which could impact the number of offerings available to Elk River residents. Commissioner Anderson read a statement from Commissioner Nystrom stating he was not in favor of implementing non-resident fees. Commissioner Jaker shared that out of a fairness principle and the current economic time he believes there should be anon-resident fee and is concerned about the length of time residents currently have for priority registrations. Commissioner Peterson shared his concern of losing money if there were a non- resident fee. Mr. Maertz stated that he put some estimates together; however he is not confident in the numbers without knowing which way enrollments will trend if anon-resident fee was put into place. Commissioner Boese stated he was not in support of the non-resident fee. Having participants from other surrounding communities exposes Elk River residents to the opportunity of meeting and making new friends outside the community. Commissioner Anderson stated he is also not in support of anon-resident fee. He has always supported the Elk River community by volunteering and would worry about the administrative costs this may incur. Commissioner Anderson asked if we have sponsorships from outside the City of Elk River. Mr. Maertz shared a current list of Fright Night sponsorships and volunteers. He also stated that there are currently 40% of non-resident volunteer coaches in the recreation programs. Commissioner Anderson also shared that about 1 /3 of the volunteer ski group that works out at Woodland Trails are non-residents and the number of non-resident volunteers that work out at Hillside are probably higher. Recreation programs bring people into town which lead to support of local businesses. Commissioner Jaker stated that he believes that just because it may not be a good thing to do for some the issue should still be looked into more thoroughly. It is not so much about the money, as it is about the principle.