Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02.13.06Minutes ______________________________ City of Falcon Heights, Park and Recreation Commission Meeting February 13, 2006 6:30PM _____________________________ Meeting Chair: Chuck Long Minutes By: Lisa Anderson Present: Pamela Harris, Greg Hoag, Chuck Long, Annie Green, Lisa Anderson, Pat Dolan, Gene Ozasky, Kimberly Kuhens, Paula Mielke Absent: James Evans Guest: Greyton Becker Meeting called to order 6:28 PM Approval of agenda Motion made by Green, seconded by Harris Long asked that item number six on the agenda- Review Summer Program Fees and Open Gym Fees be moved up to the first item. Greyton Becker is attending tonight’s meeting to express his concern on the current fees for Saturday Open Gym. Approval of minutes December 12, 2005 Meeting Motion made by Kuhens and seconded by Dolan Review Summer Program Fess and Open Gym Fees Open Gym Fees: Anderson provided the Commission with an Open Gym Fee comparison with surrounding communities along with the Open Gym’s attendance numbers from previous years up to current date. Anderson and Hoag noted that numbers from 2004-2005 have been misplaced and may have gotten misplaced during the Recreation Supervisor’s position transition period. Greyton Becker a resident of Falcon Heights attended the meeting to express his concern on the fees currently being charged for Open Gym. Greyton has been attending Saturday Morning Open Gym for numerous years and feels that it is a great environment for kids to come run around and develop their skills. Having a back ground in finance Greyton is recommending that we try lowering the fee to see if we can get more participants. Greyton also added that for some families three dollars can be steep when they are paying per child and then for themselves to have family enjoyment. Harris asked if there could be any other factor that could be affecting attendance. Greyton responded that he knew of some families that came from towns miles away so with the increased gas prices, they may not be attending this year. Hoag and Mielke also responded with the fact that most of the basketball associations or traveling teams have their games on Saturday Mornings during the time of Open Gym. Along with that, Hoag stated Hockey as well as other sports usually has games or practices on Saturday. Harris then asked about changing the days and time of the program in hopes to get more participants. Harris also suggested looking at Roseville’s Family Open Gym that currently meets on Sunday’s and how their numbers compare to Falcon Heights. Mielke reported that the Lion’s Club has subsidized the program in the past and should look to them for help or if they will continue to help out. Kuhens then made a motion to drop the fee for them remaining 6 weeks to $1.50 for youth and $2.00 for adults. Dolan seconded the motion. This change in fee will be in effect as of 2/18/2006. Review Summer Program Fees Anderson provided fee comparison sheet with summer programs that are similar to those we currently offer to show what other cities are charging for the program. Hoag then reported that the city is taking on a new web server which would give us the opportunity to provide online transactions for program registrations. This however, would come with a convenience fee attached with the service. Instead of having the customer pay the extra fee to do an online transaction, Hoag is recommending that we add that in to our program fees along with the three percent increase for cost of living. Each year we would then raise program fees only three percent each year instead of a big increase every few years. The Commission agreed that two dollar increase would be appropriate for 2006, and a three percent increase as a guideline each year. Staff Report Dead of Winter Anderson reported that the Dead of Winter Inspirational event had an average turn out but not as good of one compared to past years. Anderson thought that this could be due to the number of Super bowl parties this year and also the cold weather. The event did receive $775 in donations from local businesses and will use the excess money for the summer Ice Cream Social. Anderson had composed thank you letters that will be sent to them for their donation to the event. Anderson recommended the Commission set some time in the future to discuss next year’s event, the date and possibly a name change for the event. Upcoming Programs Anderson reported that another session of Yoga will be starting February 23rd and running into April. So far the Thursday evening class has almost filled and the others have a few registered. The summer 2006 Activity Brochure is almost complete. Anderson’s goal is to get that out to residents before the end of the month. A change from last year, the brochure will reach all residents along with kids at most of Roseville Schools and then the regular private schools we currently distribute to. Anderson reported that a Babysitters Training course has been set up with the Red Cross and will take place mid April here at City Hall. Finally Anderson and Harris gave a brief overview of a program one of the city’s Neighborhood Commission members is looking at holding this coming May. Laura Kwong is having a “Treasures of Falcon Heights” event, much like a parade of homes tour, residents will be given a list of events or sites to visit on May 13th where they can learn about what “stuff” is in Falcon Heights. Sites mentioned were Gibbs Farm, homes in the Coffman neighborhood, our city parks, historic homes, the TIES building and much more. More information is to come as Laura continues to plan and seek help for the event. Rinks Hoag reported that is has been a difficult winter in regards to the ice rinks. So far this winter we have had 40 days of 32 degree or warmer temperatures, 4 days where we our low for the day was not below 32 degrees. Hoag also reported that the way the rinks are set up at Falcon Heights Elementary and Community Park could have an effect on the ice conditions, these rinks have long sides on the north end and they receive full sun longer each day. At Curtiss Field, flatness and shade has saved the ice. Staff is continuing to flood rinks as the weather permits. If the high temperatures predicted for 3-4 days are above 32 degrees we will stop maintaining rinks for the season. Miscellaneous Harris updated the Commission on the Active Living Ramsey County Study and the Grant Blue Cross Blue Shield is giving cities for their programs, initiatives, or events that promote people to get out and get moving. Harris felt that since so many people getting out and using our rinks that we could possibly incorporate grant money into the rinks or related items. Review Scholarship Program Anderson reported that the current scholarship program or criteria is very unclear and should be more specific for this summer’s program. The form currently used does ask people to demonstrate why they need a scholarship but question whether some families are abusing the system and doing one scholarship after another. The Commission felt that asking for financial history or income is too invasive so staff will continue with the same form but limit the amount of scholarships a person can receive. The Commission’s decision was to offer scholarships to Falcon Heights residents only and each child could receive 3 scholarships per year at 50% off of the program fee. The resident would then make the decision on which programs to use the three scholarships. A binder of scholarships applicants would be kept so the participant’s use of them could be kept track of. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Green and seconded by Dolan. Meeting ended at 8:45 pm Minutes respectfully submitted by Lisa Anderson. If there are any corrections or additions, please contact Lisa Anderson by phone at 651-792-7616 or by email at lisa.anderson@ci.falcon-heights.mn.us.