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u <br />Mounds View City Council August 23, 1999 <br />Regular Meeting Page 30 <br />G. Changing Space/Showers at MVCC. <br />Terri Blattenbauer, YMCA Program Executive, stated on August 16, the Parks and Recreation <br />Commission had a special meeting to develop a plan regarding how to maintain a safe environment <br />with the addition of showers and changing space at the Mounds View Community Center. She <br />provided the Council with three models of different facilities and how they manage their showers <br />and changing space. She stated the YMCA model represented nine branch facilities. <br />Ms. Blattenbauer provided an outline of the proposed plan to achieve this goal, and continue to <br />provide quality programs, attract more users, and maintain a safe facility. She stated YMCA staff <br />would assure that the locker room space was locked during special events, such as teen nights, <br />family nights, etc. She stated supervisors and lead staff would monitor periodically, and use a check <br />off system for monitoring. She stated signs would be posted such as: "We ask you help us provide <br />a safe and clean environment. If you witness suspicious or behavior, please report to service <br />desk. Thank you!" She explained that the YMCA staff would use the windowed office areas as an <br />advantage and monitoring tool as well. She stated that during peak times and seasons it would be <br />possible to double staff the Community Center, which would assist in building circulation. She <br />stated one staff member would remain behind the desk and the other would act as a floater. <br />Ms. Blattenbauer stated they were presently working with a construction company, in regard to <br />lowering the costs, and had been provided with estimates for good quality amenities, however, not <br />necessarily the highest quality. She stated they have been informed that TIF funds are available until <br />the end of the year, and are interested in pursuing this option. <br />Mary Benz, 8335 Sunnyside Drive, stated the Parks and Recreation Commission had received <br />complaints regarding the lack of showers at the Community Center. She stated that this addition <br />would provide for the use of the facility during peak times, when children were not in the facility. <br />She stated the showers and changing space would be a good investment, which would allow more <br />use of the facility. <br />Mayor Coughlin stated, upon his first tour of the Community Center with Council Member <br />Thomason, he had noticed there were no shower facilities available. He stated that the safety <br />concerns were paramount to this proposal, and that he felt it would balance out the needs of the <br />community. He stated it was necessary that the proposal be economically viable. <br />David Jahnke, 2848 Eastwood Road, stated the original cost of the facility was 3.4 million dollars, <br />and had gone to 6.2 million dollars. He stated that this figure continues to grow. <br />Council Member Marty stated he had noticed the gymnasium had no shower facilities. He stated <br />the TIF funding was available to the Parks and Recreation Commission until the end of the year, and <br />suggested they speak with Finance Director Kessel in regard to the funding. <br />. Finance Director Kessel stated that the Parks and Recreation fund were authorized, and required the <br />funds be spent, contracts entered into, or a plan is in place, prior to December 1, 1999. He stated the <br />30C:~ADMIN\MINUTES\CC\8-23-99.CC <br />