2004-04-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Session 1916 April 19, 2004 A.qenda Item #2 - Neiqhbors' Use of Heman Pool The City Manager recommended admitting non-residents to the Heman Park Pool on the same basis as to other University City Park and Recreation facilities and programs, namely by payment of full fees and adherence to all rules and procedures. The current rule is that each non-resident must be accompanied by a resident. The Park Commission majority recommends against this policy change. We have substantial unutilized capacity and we need increased revenue to offset operating expenses. It has long been recognized that Heman Pool is an underutilized p.r. treasure of a show-place now more than ever following restoration and upgrade. This recommendation is consistent with the larger general policy expressed by City Council that we encourage cooperative relationships with neighboring communities and other partners in the development of programs and facilities. Mr. Wagner expressed his view that this is a very controversial step and also that he was disappointed that the City Manager made this recommendation when the Park Commission opposed the policy. He mentioned receiving many telephone calls from citizens relating to the matter. He does not regard recreational programs as sources of revenue; they are available and affordable services for the citizens of University City. He stressed the need fro care in setting fees for the facilities and encouraging their use. Another consideration, he mentioned, is "quality of usage." He favors a public hearing on the issue, to promote public opinion on the various aspects of this very complex question. Ms. Brot agreed with Councilmember Wagner on this issue. She regards the renovation of the pool as an opportunity to encourage the citizens to use the pool more frequently, especially on weekends. She favors non-residents, if admitted, using the pool on Mondays through Fridays, reserving weekends for resident use only. She feels the public should contribute their views and that Council needs to learn the Park Commission's objections to adopting the measure. Ms. Welsch supported Councilmember Wagner's request to delay consideration of this matter until a public hearing takes place, which she hopes will be at the next Council meeting. However, she does assert that Heman Pool "offers excess capacity which can be used: and she understood the "non-resident use of the pool to be extended to communities contiguous with University City where there are no pools." She saw this measure as a test of how well such an extension of use would work, and if successful, there could be contractual agreement with contiguous communities, which would generate substantial sums of money to be used for enhancing University City's recreation department. She pointed out that she is not "as adamant against non- resident use as some of her constituents are," however she welcomes the opportunity to hear from them and the opportunity to work with the City Manager to change slightly, the recommendation before this meeting. Page 9