Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/12/2009

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Case #7: City of Anoka Aquatic Center Funding Request Parks Supervisor Riverblood reported that this item was subject to some debate at the last meeting. He explained that for the past 11 years the City of Ramsey has been providing funds to the City of Anoka for residents to obtain a reduced rate for the pool. He advised that Andover and Elk River does not offer reduced rates, as they are both YMCA locations. He stated that in terms of how specifically the resident rates are made available, it would not apply to day passes but would be offered for lessons or a season pass. He advised that some feedback was gained, including a resident that was against subsidizing the pool rate in Anoka. He advised that an advertisement flyer had been included for the Commission to review, which would be sent to many households in Ramsey and could be passed out at local schools. Chairperson Johns noticed the new punch cards but did not think that would apply to resident rates. She did not want residents to lose the swimming lesson component. Commissioner Erickson questioned how many residents of Ramsey use the pool and take advantage of the reduced rate. Parks Supervisor Riverblood confirmed that information was included. Commissioner Erickson thought that was a small percentage, as only 197 residents took advantage. Commissioner Shryock advised that many Ramsey residents attend schools in Elk River and thought that population should be included. She thought that the punch card could be utilized over the resident rate. She was not sure that she would be in favor of subsidizing at this point and thought the funds could be used in another way in the City, such as a water feature in a park. Commissioner Erickson agreed and was not in favor of the subsidy at this time. Chairperson Johns was also not in favor of the subsidy. Commissioner Shryock commented that it was not that they did not want to contribute but thought that the funds could be utilized in other ways. Parks Supervisor Riverblood pointed out that the punch card could be given to a babysitter, rather than just a membership for one person. Chairperson Johns could not get over how much the City of Ramsey has paid over the years and what could have been done with those funds. Motion by Commissioner Shryock, seconded by Commissioner Backous, to recommend that the City Council deny the City of Anoka Aquatic Center funding request. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Johns, Commissioners Erickson, Backous, Hansen, LaMere, and Shryock. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Barr. Park and Recreation CommissionlMarch 12, 2009 Page 13 of 15