Agenda - Council - 10/24/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Case//4: City of Anoka Aquatic Center Funding Request Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that in 1997 the City Council appropriated Lawful Gambling Funds for the City of Anoka Aquatic Center which allowed residential rates for R. amsey pool-goers. The City has received a similar request from the City of Anoka for the next three years. They are requesting $4,000 per year for the years 2001 to 2003. Chairperson Cook stated that he is opposed to the request because he does not agree with subsidizing other cities. He thinks that the City would be better offkeeping the $12,000 in the City and eventually offer the residents in Ramsey the same opportunity. Chairman Men-it, Softball Commissioner of RYA_A, stated that she agreed with Chairperson Cook. She stated that the City should be keeping the money in the City and growing their own City. She does not want to see the City spending money in another City. Commissioner Drogeumueller stated that the City orginally agreed to the orignal three years because discussions had begun regarding a Community Center and so at that time they felt it was important to offer the facilities to the residents of Ramsey. The City of Anoka has since dropped out of the community center ~cussion and for that reason he would not be in favor of giving the City of Anoka an~Pd,dit~'~al $12,000. Chairman Merrit, stated that she supl~s~ s~er fields complex at Elmcrest Park, because it would not do any good to ha~}~nDg'oftball field. In regards to a usage fee she felt that the City of Ramsey has not done"'a lot for the youth in the City of Ramsey and to add a usage fee for the only youth benefit would be wrong. She stated that until the City brings in more things for the youth they cant' start requesting more fees. Motion by Commissioner Droegmueller, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to not recommend continued funding for the City of Anoka Aquatic Center. Motion carded. Voting Yes: Chair Cook, Commissioners Drogumueller, LaMere Johns. Voting No: None. Parks,©'tilities Supervisor Boos pointed out other things that occur for the children in the City of Ramsey. Commissioner Droegrnueller stated that he is not in favor of the City chargin user fees to the athletic associations in the City of Ramsey, but would not minimize the amount of work that Mark Boos and City staff does for the associations. He stated that he dose not. think that the City staff receives the appreciation they deserve or receive enough funding to keep up with the work that is needed. Mr. Droguemueller advised RYAA members to contact the City Council if they have any problems so that they can be made aware of the high maintenance needs of the fields. I I I I I I I I ! I I I I I I I I -258-