11-18-2009 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5 November 18, 2009 ------------------------------------ Shoreview charges non-resident fees, it is looked at as residents covered the cost of the parks and Community Center and therefore should receive a discount as compared to non-residents. Farmington does not charge non-resident fee, their computer program system does not screen between residents and non residents. It is considered that general funds covers administrative costs, programs need to cover direct costs so they want as many participants as possible. New Ulm does charge anon-resident fee, 10% is added on to the program fee. Currently, 50% of Elk River's recreation program registrations are done online. Our software does have the ability to charge anon- resident fee. This would need to be on the honor system because we would have no way of verifying residency online. Mr. Maertz stated that if the Parks Commission wishes to recommend anon-resident fee to the City Council, staff recommends the following: • $5 non-resident fee for programs that cost under $50. • $10 non-resident fee for programs that cost over $50. Mr. Maertz shared that it is difficult to predict what price-point would result in driving people away and result in reduced revenue. If these fees are adopted staff would recommend a review of non-resident registrations be conducted after the first year. Council Member Zerwas shared that his thoughts on the issue have not changed since the October Parks Commission meeting. While looking at cut across the board and still needing to provide the highest level of service to residents and non-residents who want to participate should pay more. Commissioner Jaker is in line with the staff recommendation. It is a principle of "cost-sharing", which can be used in diffusing any arguments about the non-resident fee. Commissioner Anderson likes the idea of a one year check up and questioned if the non-resident fee with extend to other programs outside of the recreation programs. Mr. Maertz stated that at this point it would only include the recreation programs excluding the adult softball league which is not a subsidized program. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JAKER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO IMPLEMENT A $5 NON-RESIDENT FEE FOR PROGRAMS THAT COST UNDER $50 AND $10 NON-RESIDENT FEE FOR PROGRAMS THAT COST OVER $50 FOR RECREATION PROGRAMS AND TO REVIEW PROGRAMS REGISTRATION FEES AFTER THE FIRST YEAR. MOTION CARRIED 5-1.