Minutes - 1998/11/09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 8 November 9, 1998 Mounds View City Council Pam Starr, Park and Recreation Commissioner, asked for the following clarifications: 1. What will the staffing levels be at the Community Center which are dedicated to park and recreation activities? Pat Reimersma stated there would be two full- time employees for this purpose. 2. What do you think that the fee levels will. be, do you think that they will be the same, increasing, decreasing? Pat Reimersma stated the fee structure would be established with the input of the Park and Recreation Commissioners and staff. It is the YMCA's intent to cover the expense from staffing and run a quality program. 3. What happens if the YMCA's budget doesn't deliver the type of service that the City currently has? Scott Goyer stated the expenses and incomes for programs will be handled just as they are being handled now. If there are surpluses they will be shared with the YMCA and the City. Kesel stated the programming would be identical to what is currently being offered by the City. 4. If the level of service is less, will the YMCA's budget make up for any short falls? Kesel stated the projected cost for the YMCA to operate identical programs is the same as the City is expending now. Savings will be realized in overhead and administrative costs. Ms. Starr stated the Park and Recreation Commission wants to see fees and the level of service remain the same. She asked for an itemized budget for the YMCA's proposal. Richard Sonterre, 5060 Red Oak Drive, expressed his concern that the YMCA could effectively operate Mounds View's Park and Recreation programs. He said he was concerned with the YMCA's lack of experience in handling this type of program in other communities in the area. Whiting said if the YMCA and Mounds View do enter into a management agreement for the Community Center, maintaining the current level of services will be an ongoing effort for both the City and the YMCA. "The City's intent is for no cut in services; although, realistically, it will be different. The people will have to judge for themselves whether it is better or worse," he added. Mr. Sonterre asked if some of the Parks and Recreation work load is shifted to Public Works, will they be getting additional help to offset their added responsibilities. Whiting said the two individuals that are currently Park employees would be shifted over to the Public Works Department. Again, the City staff would be responsive to public input in regard to the level of service and whether the current level of service is being maintained.