Draft Minutes - October 15, 2012 Work Session

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 15, 2012 3 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that many clubs, once they find out there is a fee, do not rent the field because they cannot afford the rental fee. The fee is necessary because the adult-size cleats tear up the field and require more staff time for repairs and maintenance. The intramural programs are the primary user of the fields. Councilmember Holden inquired if Northwestern and Bethel College students were utilizing the City's fields because the schools do not want them using the schools' fields. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that they are using the City fields and is not sure of the schools' policies. Councilmember Holden recommended allowing only softball and baseball field rentals and eliminating intramural field rental. Councilmember Homes agreed that only adult club softball and baseball rentals should be allowed. City Administrator Klaers stated that there are two options: not allow intramural rentals or raise the fees to address the damage caused to the fields. Public Works Director Maurer suggested not allowing adult soccer/flag football/rugby type sports on the outfields of the City's softball fields in an effort to have the fields more ready for softball and baseball players in the spring. Councilmember Tamble suggested increasing all the fees in the fee schedule by 10%. Mayor Grant said that he agrees with that approach. Staff wages and overhead have both gone up, so the fees charged to cover these expenses should also be increased. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that between salary and benefits, the increase from last year was four percent. The consensus among the Council was to raise fees on the proposed 2013 Fee Schedule by five percent. Four percent is due to the increase in salary and benefits of staff and another one percent is to offset the increase in supplies and overhead. A few exceptions were noted, such as building construction fees, which are set by state statute. Utility rates will be discussed at a work session in November as part of the utility rate study, so at this time, no increases are being proposed. The return check fee, which had been $30, is becoming $35 based on bank fees charged to the City. Finally, some adjustments are being made to the fees for false alarms. Staff was directed to update the proposed 2013 Fee Schedule and bring it back for adoption at a Council meeting in December. D. Draft Website Policy This item was moved up on the agenda because Arlene Mitchell, website ad hoc committee member, was in attendance.