Minutes - Council - 03/28/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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prefers, the agreement can be amended, but he likes the wiggle room for when the agreement is reviewed next year. Councilmember Elvig expressed concern that this agreement would suggest that anyone that wants a priority relationship with one of the City's parks would only have to pay $500 and have that relationship. He suggested findings be included in the agreement that distinguish the difference of the PACT Charter School adjacent to the park, such as the agreement the City has had early on with the school. The findings should be included so there is not a precedent set for anyone to place priority on the park. Mr. Riverblood suggested a paragraph be incorporated into the agreement that recognizes the City planned for this park space with the Charter School, and this agreement recognizes that initiative and unique planning endeavor with these two facilities. Mayor Gamec questioned what the City of Anoka would charge for field use similar to this. Mr. Riverblood replied his understanding was that the City of Anoka would be going to a per game fee. The Anoka Park Director indicated that city would continue charging the paint costs in 2006. That cost is approximately $32 per pail for 5 gallons. Mayor Garnet inquired what the cities of Champlin and Andover charge for field use. He expressed concern that the fees for youth sports will be raised due to these types of fees from the City. Mr. Riverblood replied the youth association has made contributions based upon a fraction of their real costs. Earlier this winter he completed a detailed analysis identifying specifically what the per-game cost is for softball/baseball/football/soccer, and the annual cost for all elements associated with any particular field. There are costs to the City for fields, such as irrigation, fertilizer, mowing, electricity, and water costs. The per-game cost for softball is $22 to drag and stripe, and an $8 fee is being proposed. The work on the fields could not be done for that $22 if it were not for the economy of scale that can be provided. Mayor Gamec stated there are a lot of services offered to youth, and there are a lot of volunteers and people that take pressure off the City. There will be costs associated with athletics when the City has a Park and Recreation Program. He would like to know what other cities are charging for field use. Councilmember Cook noted there is currently a charge if the youth association requests the field to be striped and dragged for a game purpose. The reason the figures are being separated is to make the charges equitable. Mr. Riverblood replied that is essentially correct. He noted the City of Anoka charges the youth association for the biffies in the parks, which did not seem to be warranted in his opinion. Staff can research what other cities charge if that is the desire. Mayor Gamec stated this could be a very controversial issue if Ramsey's charges are not in reason with other cities. Mr. Riverblood explained he did not research the charges of other cities because these fees were agreed to by the existing and past youth association presidents, because it seemed to simplify things. The other thing that was occurring is games were being scheduled where things were cheaper, and games were being overbooked. The president of the youth association felt it was good to have a fee in writing. Mayor Gamec expressed concern with individuals paying taxes as well as paying a fee to use the fields. Cotmcilmember Jeffrey expressed concern with the statement in the agreement that the PACT Charter School will perform litter control and removal on school days. He questioned if the school could be held responsible for field use over the weekend if the litter is still there on Monday, and be required to clean up the area. Mr. Riverblood replied there is one advantage in that the City's workday starts at 7:30 a.m., which is before school starts. Monday morning is trash day, and he does not think the trash element will be an obstacle. Councilmember Olson questioned if this agreement is only in effect during the school year. Mr. Riverblood replied the agreement would be in effect for the calendar year from July to July. Councilmember Olson inquired about the possibility of use by the school during summer school. City Attorney Goodrich advised there would also be the possibility of school City Council / March 28, 2006 Page 27 of 31