Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/03/2019 - Special

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Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that reservations are available online, but many residents like to call to make reservations or to ask questions. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she has provided input on potentially charging for programing to recoup some of the costs associated with the programming. She noted that other cities charge for services and that covers the cost for the instructor. She stated that a majority of residents do not participate in programming. She stated that she would be willing to support the staff position if there is some recoup of costs by those participating in the programing. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood clarified that the example that he used where the charge of$5 was reduced to free was for art in the park, which is an activity for children offered as a companion to the summer concert series. He noted that when the cost was eliminated there was an increase of 50 percent in participation. He agreed that there should be a balance between cost recovery and access. He stated that a cost benefit analysis can be reviewed to determine which programs should continue and which should not. City Administrator Ulrich stated that it appears that perhaps some of the free programs should have a nominal fee to show cost recovery rather than providing a free service. He stated that perhaps classes or programs offered by other entities should not be repeated and the City should look to develop unique programing with a method of cost recovery. He stated that there seems to be an interest in providing some recreational programing. Councilmember Kuzma stated that it has been said that interns require additional staff time to bring them up to speed, whereas a regular employee would provide a better value for the dollar. He stated that the recreation programing, specifically the music series, is popular and requires staff time. He stated that he would support this coming back to the next Council meeting. Councilmember Heinrich agreed with City Administrator Ulrich's comments. She stated that the City should be reviewing the offerings provided by churches as well, noting that many churches offer movie nights. She stated that she would not want to see taxpayer dollars used to compete with free events offered by other organizations. Mayor LeTourneau noted that a recreational specialist could do the work to determine the current offerings to residents in order to provide unique opportunities. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she would like to see parameters provided on the programing. She stated that $1,500 for a movie night seems ridiculous. She stated that she would like to see additional information before the item comes before the Council. Mayor LeTourneau confirmed the consensus of the Council for staff to bring the recreational specialist back on September 10. He noted that additional metrics could be provided. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that perhaps that additional information could be reviewed at the work session on September 10, prior to the regular meeting. He stated that part of his concern is that staff has an ideal candidate and has spent a considerable City Council Special Work Session / September 3, 2019 Page 12 of 17