Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/10/2008

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Civil Engineer Linton advised that the City has supported the Anoka Aquatic Center with a cash contribution for the past ten years. The issue has been addressed at the Finance Committee and Council meetings with the decision being to continue on a year-to-year basis. He stated that with the cash contribution to the Aquatic Center, Ramsey residents are able to receive Anoka resident rates for both season passes and swimming lessons. He explained that rates for the Anoka center are a bargain even at the non-resident rates. He explained that the issue is whether they would like to continue with the donation of $4,000 this year or to save that money to put towards a Ramsey community center that could include a swimming pool. He explained that the use of the funds would also be on the agenda for the Council worksession next week. Chairperson Johns advised that they consider this issue every year and stated that she would rather have a pool in Ramsey. She stated that the amount saved with. resident rates is $10 for swimming lessons and $11 for a season pass. She reported that many residents use the Anoka pool and they are not losing money on the deal because of the amount of Ramsey residents that participate. Commissioner Shryock questioned if the discount was publicized anywhere that Ramsey residents would see. Chairperson Johns reported that they do advertise the discount in the Ramsey Resident, and at the Environmental Expo. She stated that it appears that the numbers of participants are starting to decrease with the aging of the population. Commissioner Shryock advised that the previous year the Commission had stated that they would participate in the discount that year but would not do it again in the future. Chairperson Johns questioned how close Ramsey was to having a pool or community center of his or her own. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated that it would be a few years until they are at the point where they can open the door and use the pool. He stated that many are optimistic it may be sooner rather than later especially now that a community center task force is being discussed. He advised that it would be a multi-million dollar facility and they are looking at the option of a private/public partnership. He explained that Plymouth is the model when looking at that type of partnership. He stated that with the state of the economy and the fact that community centers are often not paid for by the users, Council is understandably cautious. He explained that there is steady momentum for the community center but advised that there is nothing finite at this point. Commissioner Shryock stated that by reviewing this issue, and the fact that there is only so much money that goes into the charitable gambling account, she did not feel that they should keep taking even small amounts from the account. She explained that if they continue to do so, they might not have much left in the account for something bigger. Park and Recreation Commission/ April 1 0, 2008 Page 7 of 18