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ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 3 • percentage, but other programs are higher. Committee Member Speggen noted some families may have several children and other families may be under the poverty level. He asked how that is figured into staff s calculation if the family cannot afford to pay the participation fee. Ms. Olson explained it is common for Parks and Recreation Departments to have a budget and the expectation to establish a minimum number of participants and calculate a cost to offer the class. She noted there are many classes where just an $8 administration fee is charged. However, she tries to meet a minimum of 40% overhead costs for the majority of the programming offered. Committee Member Speggen cautioned about using a financial basis and to be aware of the economic level that is being served. Ms. Olson stated the 40% overhead cost is a goal and sometimes a class is not canceled if the minimum number is not met, based on other considerations. However, staff does need to be accountable with the budget. Committee Member Crassweller stated he wondered if the Parks and Recreation Department was spreading itself too thin by offering too many classes considering the City's population base. He asked if it would be better to scale back the offerings to gain quality of programming. • Mr. Moore stated staff has analyzed those issues and monitor it on a quarterly basis. Committee Member Tix stated it appears that staff is analyzing the best way to get the most participants involved for the best cost. Mr. Fabel asked if a child has ever been turned away because they cannot afford the fee. Mr. Moore stated a child has never been turned away. Ms. Olson reviewed the discounts the City is currently offering. BUCK THORN REMOVAL PROGRAM - PHIL FABEL Phil Fabel extended his congratulations to the Committee on the wonderful 50th Anniversary Celebration. Mr. Fabel noted the information contained in the meeting packet related to buck thorn which has been declared a noxious plant by the State of Minnesota. He advised the State encourages communities and individuals to do what they can to eliminate buck thorn. Mr. Fabel stated some believe it is too big of a problem while others are excited about what can be done. He noted that buck thorn has not been used as a hedge plant since the 1930's but the older communities have a much larger buck thorn problem. Mr. Fabel explained that Arden Hills has pockets of buck thorn but it is not an overwhelming . problem.