pages: CityCouncil/2013-02-05.pdf, 3
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CityCouncil | 2013-02-05 | 3 | In response to Councilmember Tam's inquiry, the Recreation Director stated the fees for the athletic fields do not cover maintenance costs; approximately $175,000 a year is spent on maintaining the fields; capital for new fields would have to be raised elsewhere, most likely through private or corporate donations; there is still a need for fields which is outlined in the park assessment; there is potentially the need for hardball fields, football, and lacrosse fields. Councilmember Tam inquired about the need for all-weather lit fields like Thompson, to which the Recreation Director responded that all-weather lit fields are beneficial for tournaments and night play; upfront cost are higher; synthetic fields will be explored; there is the potential for generating revenue through tournaments. The City Manager noted the fees will never create capital for expansion. Councilmember Chen inquired how fees compare to other cities. The Recreation Director responded Alameda is on the far low end; cities in the County have fees of $20-30 an hour for youth leagues. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired if Alameda is charging enough and whether the fees should be raised slowly and incrementally. The Recreation Director responded the goal is to change the system first and then work towards incrementally increasing fees; doing everything all at once would be unfair to the leagues. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated fees in almost all categories are going up, but the Alameda Point Gym $1000 refundable security deposit is being reduced to $500; inquired why. The Recreation Director responded $1000 is high and discourages rentals for the low risk activities of a gym rental; the amount makes more sense for something like a large wedding party at the Officers' Club because of the higher rate of damage and cleanup. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired if calculating the amount of volunteer hours is based on an honor system. The Recreation Director responded in the affirmative; stated supplies require receipts; volunteers complete a form ahead of time to estimate cost, but staff does not check on the projects; that she is open to making adjustments to either take the volunteer part off the table or lower the cost. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there are diving boards in Alameda, to which the Recreation Director responded in the affirmative; stated the diving boards are Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 3 February 5, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-02-05.pdf |