Resolution 1552: Setting Pool Fees – Andrew stated, this is a follow-up from previous meeting discussion. We had some public input on this topic as well. Resolution 1552 would establish pool fees at Steever Water Park in the City of Goodland. This is revising fees down some from previous discussion; this decreases the family pass to $120 instead of $150 and only increases daily general admission to $4 instead of $5. It would maintain the increase to the individual pass at $65 and hour-long swim lessons at $40. After further discussion with Barb Bedore, Pool Manager, only two punch passes were sold, therefore we could eliminate that option. I would also do away with $1.00 Friday. Commissioner Fairbanks asked, what is enrollment for Swim Lessons, 200 swim lessons last year? Assuming the number of people buying these options did not change, estimated increase in revenue would be $10,136.00. Dustin stated, as a reminder swim lesson price was not per hour that is per session, and a session includes an hour a day for two weeks. Commissioner Schields stated, I have received calls from a former teacher and other community members asking not to raise rates. I do not think raising the fees will help enough to make up for how much it may hurt some kids. Commissioner Fairbanks stated, we all know the pool is never going to make money; this is something we just need to give back to the community. Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, it is like preaching to the choir when it comes to health and wellness. We are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to health. We also have to balance the City side of it and this is another example of where things are left stagnant for so long, we have to play catch up. I believe this is reasonable compared to where it started. Commission Fairbanks stated, this is not a make or break situation, if the rates are not raised the pool will not shut down. We will find some way in the budget to make up this difference. Rich Simon asked, if you are not going to raise rates at least do away with $1.00 Friday. Commissioner Fairbanks stated, I would agree with eliminating that and the punch passes. Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, we are not stuck with the changes, we can modify the rates if we need to. Commissioner Fairbanks stated, I want to clarify changes proposed are general admission from $3.00 to $4.00, individual pass from $45.00 to $65.00, family pass from $90.00 to $120.00 and swim lessons from $25 to $40. Commissioner Garcia stated, I look at the pool as a complimentary service for the kids of the community. I believe if you raise the rates kids are going to cut back the number of times they go to the pool. I want everyone to take into consideration this may be the only form of entertainment for some of these kids. Commissioner Schields asked, are you in favor of eliminating $1.00 Friday? Commissioner Garcia stated, I am not. Commissioner Fairbanks stated, I am ok with that. Commissioner Brumbaugh stated, I would be in favor of keeping lessons where they are, bumping family pass a little and eliminating $1.00 Friday. ON A MOTION by Commissioner Fairbanks to approve general admission rate as $4.00, individual pass at $55.00, family pass at $100.00 and swim lessons at $25.00 per session seconded by Commissioner Brumbaugh. MOTION carried on a Vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Garcia casting the dissenting vote.
