03-26-2002 PTRC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Arden Hills Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting 4 February 26,2002 • Committee Member Henry asked for clarification of the attendance counts. Ms. Olson stated that the Rink Attendants provided the counts. She stated that the season was not good and that everyone did their best to maintain the rinks. She stated that the intent was to keep Freeway and Hazelnut Park open an extra week adding that they tried but it was not possible due to the weather. Ms. Olson stated that they are working on the budget noting that the City Council has been very supportive of the programs and in providing assistance in the funding process. She stated that she is presently working on the City Events and Task Force Committee and that the Spring/Summer Recreation Guide will be available around March 8, 2002. She explained that it would be a scaled down version of previously issued guides stating that they are doing the guide in-house to save on expenses. Chair Straumann asked if the budget information provided was for informational purposes only for the Committee. Ms. Olson confirmed that the information provided in the packet was an FYI to the Committee stating that the budget is presently in the revision process. She stated that she would provide the Committee with an update on the revised numbers upon approval from the City Council. Committee Member Henry asked where the deficit comes from. Council Liaison Larson • explained that it comes from the General Fund. He stated that the Recreation costs have increased over the years and explained that they have not had the revenue income to match the costs. He explained that the Council knows that they need to do more stating that they met with Mr. Moore and Ms. Olson in January to address the needs of the department. He explained that they addressed the issues noting an increase of 5% for fees charged and that they changed the distribution of dollars in the charitable gambling fund. He further explained that the split increased the amount of money going into the Parks and Recreation department by 5% and the Fire expenses were decreased by 5%. He stated that City Council is trying to address the needs for this year. He stated that Ms. Olson came up with the recommended program reductions and that they are trying to maintain a good recreation program. He agreed that over the long term they should find a better source for funding. He stated that this was a stop gap measure to address the immediate needs for this year. Mr. Moore explained that they surveyed five Cities, of the basic same size, stating that what they found was that all of them have a different funding process. Ms. Olson explained that the goal is not to make money but to be able to fund quality programs. Chair Straumann asked if they have considered other funding options. Council Liaison Larson stated they are open to all ideas and suggestions. Council Liaison Larson mentioned several large businesses that could be approached and suggested that Mr. Moore and Ms. Olson research that possibility. He acknowledged that there • are many options available that haven't been considered yet noting that Mr. Moore and Ms. Olson would continue to research all options.