Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/13/1997

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advised Anoka has solicited area businesses requesting donations and indicated a plaque would be inscribed with the contributor's business names. He indicated the City of Andover has agreed to make a $4,000 annual contribution to the pool. Mr. Lindberg requested the City of Ramsey consider making a donation of $4,000 annually for 1998, 1999, and 2000, toward the Aquatic Center, stating that many residents of the City currently use Anoka's Charles Horn pool. He said by making the contribution towards the pool, the citizens of Ramsey would receive resident rates and, if they purchase a season pass, they would receive a reduced rate for the pass and for swimming instruction. He stated Anoka anticipates attendance at the Aquatic Center will triple that of the Charles Horn pool. Commissioner Asfahl inquired what would happen at the end of the three year contribution period. Mr. Lindberg indicated Anoka would encourage Ramsey to continue supporting the Aquatic Center and would attempt to re-negotiate the agreement. Gary Gruber, Anoka Park Board Chair, stated other cormnunities with similar pools have had their pool attendance triple. He indicated the community pool in St. Louis Park closed swimming lessons to residents only, due to the large demand on the pool. He also said St. Louis Park only admits City residents on high demand days. Commissioner Johns asked what a season pass would cost. Robert Muscovitz, Anoka Staff, stated a resident pass, admitting a family of four, would cost $90 per season with unlimited entrance and a non-resident pass would cost $115 per season. He indicated a daily pass would cost $4.50. Mr. Lindberg stated Anoka intends to raise revenues for the facility via the admission, swimming instruction, the concession stand, and renting the location atter hours. Chair Cook stated that Ramsey has been approached on several occasions to subsidize recreation programs and indicated they have declined and opted for the residents using the facility to pay for their own admission. Commissioner Droegemueller questioned if the $4,000 would be drawn from the Capital Improvement Plan or the City budget. He indicated concern that park funds not be used. Mr. Boos said the money would most likely be from the general fund. Commissioner Droegemueller stated there are currently no areas to swim in Ramsey and indicated supporting the $4,000 expenditure for the first three years. Motion by Commissioner Droegemueller and seconded by Commissioner Ostrum to approve an annual contribution in the amount of $4,000 for 1998, 1999, and 2000 payable to the City of Anoka for resident status for the citizens of Ramsey at the Aquatic Center, contingent on the funds not reducing the Capital Improvements Program. Park and Recreation Commission/November 13, 1997 Page :5 of 5