pages: CityCouncil/2019-11-19.pdf, 14
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CityCouncil | 2019-11-19 | 14 | way to make up for the increases; the item should be looked at systematically; expressed support for the recommendation presented by the Recreation and Parks Director; stated a larger conversation should be had about additional ways to fund the Recreation and Parks Department. Vice Mayor Knox White expressed support for the Recreation and Parks Commission's discussion; inquired whether there is a policy to help determine the fees charged for facility use in terms of cost recovery. The Recreation and Parks Director responded it depends on the facility; stated picnic or O'Club rentals are marketed for profit to offset the free parks and playgrounds programs; facilities attempt to break even with a small net profit; typically, fees offset direct costs for facility attendants, janitorial costs, and administration; the goal is to have 100% cost recovery for field and gym programs. Vice Mayor Knox White stated having a discussion return to Council would be useful to provide direction to the Recreation and Parks Commission; fees were not increased for about 6 years; inquired the impact of smoothing out fees. The Recreation and Parks Director responded there are a couple options; stated one option is to make the tournament the same as game fees; another option is to amortize across coming years. Vice Mayor Knox White inquired whether the maintenance fund will be used. The Recreation and Parks Director responded in the negative; stated the maintenance fund is a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) fund, which is a different and funds capital maintenance projects; the Recreation Fund is already at a net deficit for this year by approximately $100,000. Vice Mayor Knox White stated there might be a way to form partnerships in order to lower costs. Councilmember Vella stated there are a number of factors related to the fee increase; the fee increase is a large jump at one time; expressed support for ramping up fees over time; expressed concern for increasing the fees without improving the facilities; stated the restrooms at the Alameda Point Gym are in an unacceptable condition; there needs to be a plan for facilities to be as nice as parks and fields; expressed support for the Recreation Department forming partnerships with concession stands to allow fundraising. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the fees have not been increased since 2013; expressed concern for not increasing fees at all; discussed restroom conditions at the Alameda Point Gym; stated many improvements are needed and the fees must increase; the Recreation and Parks Commission unanimously approved the fee increases; expressed concern for the Recreation Fund being at a deficit; stated youth sports are important, Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 11 November 19, 2019 | CityCouncil/2019-11-19.pdf |