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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 06/27/1990CITY OF FORT COLLINS CULTURAL, LIBRARY AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES: Regular meeting of June 27, 1990 President Cathy Mulcahy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the University Park Holiday Inn, Idaho State Room, following a reception that began at 6:00 p.m. honoring retiring Board Members Bob Aukerman and Cathy Mulcahy, and welcoming new Board members Bob Alexander and K-Lynn Cameron. All Board members were present, as was Parks and Recreation Board Council liaison Gerry Horak. Poudre R-1 School District Representative Keith Goosman called to say he could not attend. Cathy introduced Bob Alexander and K-Lynn Cameron. Agenda Review: No changes to the printed agenda. Jerry P. Brown distributed additional reports and written materials for the budget discussion later in the meeting. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the regular meeting of May 23, 1990 were approved unanimously (9-0) as submitted, on a motion by Elery Wilmarth, seconded by Roger Tarum. Citizen Participation: No citizen participation. Discussion of 1991 Budget Issues Mike Powers briefly discussed the Cultural, Library and Recreational Services Area Analysis report noting that the three policy issues for 1991 are the Library Five-year Plan, the Recreation Fee Policy, and the SouthRidge Greens Debt. With regards to the Recreation Fee Policy, Mike described the "community good" concept to be paid for by the General Fund, and the "direct purchase" concept to be paid for through user fees. In past years, we have been overcharging some customers and they are in effect paying for those who cannot afford full fees. We also believe we are losing customers because of fees. The existing fee policy states Recreation is to recover at least 50% of its costs through fees and charges, etc., however, today Recreation actually recovers 63% through user fees. The major problem created by this policy is that when fixed costs (such as salary and benefits) rise, user fees increase with no corresponding increase in service level to customers. Council's reaction to the new policy was generally positive, but they have asked us for more information concerning implementation and strategies to implement over a period of time such as three to five years, to achieve option #4 where programs pay only 100% of their costs and the General Fund pays for the "community good" costs. The General Fund will also pay for subsidizing special programs over -and -above their proportionate level of generated fees. Mike stated that Staff will thoroughly examine at least five levels of support, including direct costs, indirect costs, support costs, facilities costs, and debt/deprecation costs. We must very clearly define direct and indirect. Councilman Horak asked for a better understanding of why we decided on certain costs, such as registration clerical costs, are not defined as direct costs? Bob McCluskey asked why we don't consider some of our supplemental requests as Parks and Recreation Board Minutes June 27, 1990 Page 2 a part of the base operating budget? Mike and Jean Helburg explained the erosion process. Roger Tarum feels that fees may also need to cover other costs. Mike said we want to treat the Recreation Fund direct (fixed) costs like all other General Fund departments. Cathy Mulcahy said this new system is easier to understand than the old system. Karen Schubert is concerned that Mike really needs to "market" our community good portion. Mike said we must either raise prices or get more people to participate to raise additional revenues. Mike described the budget time table process and the definition of base budgets and supplementals, including on -going and one-time supplementals. In order to add any supplementals, we either can change revenue assumptions or cut existing programs. Council wants us to make sure we have taken a 'good hard look' and we are doing things efficiently. Roger asked about what kind of things really get cut, not just deferring maintenance, etc., but really cutting programs? Roger also asked about the real or total true costs of programs, such as softball. Jean and Jerry briefly explained the current budget system. Election of Temporary Officers President Cathy Mulcahy and Vice President Bob Aukerman will no longer be on the Board after June 30. Board By-laws call for annual election of officers in September. We will need to elect temporary Board officers to serve from July 1 to September 26, 1990. Nominations were opened for President. Roger Tarum nominated Bob McCluskey, Jr., who was seconded by Mary Ness. There were no further nominations and the Board voted unanimously (9-0) to elect Bob McCluskey as Board President. Nominations were opened for Vice President. Cathy Mulcahy nominated Elery Wilmarth, who was seconded by John Barnett. There were no further nominations and the Board voted unanimously (9-0) to elect Elery Wilmarth as Board Vice President. Other Business Bob Aukerman gave a brief farewell speech stating his ten years on the Board was all worth it and a very positive thing. Cathy Mulcahy noted much has changed in her eight years on the Board. The system changes have been wonderful. She is very happy and the relationships have been great. She said (as in the movie The Terminator), "I'll be back". Elery asked about the status of the trails. Mike said he would prepare an update. Jerry noted that Board members received in the mail the "Four -Year Trail Schedule" memo and a copy of Administrative Order No. 3 banning liquor in City Park on July 4. Mike mentioned a new trails acquisition. Parks and Recreation Board Minutes June 27, 1990 Page 3 - Cathy asked about the status of the property on Prospect for our Poudre River trail and Mike replied that Light and Power is potentially seeking some land in that area and may be able to help us. - Mike updated on the rails -to -trails issue stating we are working in conjunction with PRPA. - Karen asked about the status of the church parking lot on Drake on our Open Space site? Jerry said they are still in the planning process. - Jean updated on the Downtown Community Indoor Pool project. Rene' Clements Cooney asked her exactly what the project entailed? Jean replied the entire structure is being analyzed. - Jean noted the Northside Aztlan Center will be closed for a period later this year for floor work and to add air circulation units. - Karen asked about the fourth of July and Jean responded. Gerry Horak expressed the appreciation of the entire City Council to Cathy and Bob for their combined 18 years of service to the Parks and Recreation Board. He said Council always wants the Board's honest opinions as it advises Council. He asked Board members to lobby the Highway Department, Governor Romer, Ray Chamberlain, Peggy Reaves etc., on the North College Avenue Bridge for a trail crossing. The Board will write a letter. On a motion by John Barnett, seconded by Rene' Clements Cooney, the Board adjourned at 8:27 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Jerry P. Brown Assistant to the Director/CLRS Meeting Attendance Board Members Staff Guests Cathy Mulcahy Mike Powers Councilman Gerry Horak Bob Aukerman Jerry P. Brown Bob Alexander Roger Tarum Jean Helburg K-Lynn Cameron John Barnett Rene' Clements -Cooney Bob McCluskey, Jr. Mary Ness Karen Schubert Elery Wilmarth