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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-11 05-124 ORDERItem No ns -r za Date: 4-11-05 Item/SubjeQ: Order, Authorizing the Establishment of SYdmming Fees at Dakin Pool Responsible Department: Parks and Recreation Commentary: The attached Order would establish swimming fees at Dakin Pool. The issue of establishing such a fee structure was recently ralsed and discussed at both the Committee and Coundl level as part of a larger discussion regarding the pool's future. Based upon those discussions, Parks and Recreation staff developed a proposed swimming has structure for consideration. This concept appeared to have support from those Interesting in defraying the cost of pool operations as well as providing more reliable attendance figures than previously available. It should be noted that the projected cost of a gate attendant to collet need and track attendance is $2,300 for the season. It Is estimated that $1,400 could be collected in fee revenue, based upon 2003 attendance figures . Thus, without an increase in projected attendance or the proposed fce, it is likely that expenses associated with collecting the fee and tracking attendance will exceed revenue collected. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee endorsed Me proposed fee structure and the Government Operations Committee also recommended approval at its March &h meeting. Department Head Managers Comments: dw Cdy Manager Associated IMormation: Order, Memo From Frank Comeau, Minutes from Previous Meetings Budget Approval: Il/l.iY�a.F CI Flnance Director _X Passage _ First Reading Page _ of Referral 05-126 AsaigM.dro Cvvncilar Greene April Il, 2005 CITY OF BANGOR (TITLE.) Order, Authorizing the Establishment of Swimming Fees at Dakin Pool BE R ORDERED BY THE CRY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR, THAT the following fee structure for swimming at Daldn Pool be implemented effective with the commencement of the Spring 2005 swim season. $ .50 for resident youth 16 and under $1.00 for resident adults 17 and older $1.00 for non-resident youth 16 and under $2.00 for non-resident adults 17 and older AND, BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT any season passes purchased for the Pancoe Aquatic Center at Hayford's Park be honored at Dakin Pool. - IN MIT COMCIL April 11, 2005 Notion Rede and Seconded for Passage Notion Wade amA Cecomdea to Amend to make the Pee$ the Came as at the Panne Pool Vote: 6-3 yes: Casbvell, Have$, Stone. Councilors voting no: Allen, Farrington, Gratrick Ameoduent Passed Mtion Made am Seconded to Footnote Indefinitely Vote: 2-I Constitute voting yes: Allen, GraMck; -.a.C. Councilors voting no: Casbvell, D'Errico, Greene, Dawes, Stolne, Failed Doubted 6-3 lots voting yes: Faebvell. co. Cream, Haves, Stowe, . voting no: Allen, R 05-126 (Illl.B) Buthorizin¢ the 8atablieheevt of Swimming Peen at Della Pool Assigned to coun�mgorr cc446181 05-126 GIgLb] To: Government Operations Committee From: Frank Comeau, Director of Parks and Recreation Subject: Proposed Fees — Dakin Pool Dale: March 24, 2005 During the February 15v Govemment Operations Committee meeting and again at the City Council meeting on February 2e, the concept of establishing a fee structure at Dawn Pool was mused and discussed. The general consensus from those Councilors and some members of the public who spoke appeared to favor consideration of implementing fees for the upcoming swim season. Given this interest, Parks and Recreation staff has prepared the following recommendation for your consideration: Empased Rates —Dak'n Pool $ .50 for resident youth 16 and under $1.00 for resident adults 17 and older $1.00 for non-resident youth 16 and under $2.00 for non-resident adults 17 and older Additionally, it is recommended that season passes for Panoce Pool be honored at Dakin Pool. For background and purposes of comparison, current rates at Pancoe are as follows: Current Parcae Pool Rates Day Passes $1.00 for resident youth 16 and under $2.00 for resident adults 17 and over $2.00 for non-resident youth 16 and under $4.00 for non-resident adults 17 and oyer Season Passes Resident - Non -Resident Youth $10 $20 Adult $20 $40 Family - $50 $75 On March P, the recommended fee structure for Dakin Pool was reviewed with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. After review, the Committee endorsed the recommendation of Parks and Recreation staff. Both staff and the Committee felt that users should pay a fee, but that it should be less than Pancoe, gven the limited amenities offered at Dakin. b5-124 The proposal to establish fees appeared to have support from those who believed that charging a minimal amount would help defray the cost of pool operations. Additionally, charging a fee woulci require swimmers to be checked in and counted, which would provide more reliable attendance figures than previously available. In terms of projected revenues, it is estimated that approximately $1,400 could be generated based upon the proposed fee structure discussed above. The calculation presumes 25 youth swimmers and 10 adult swimmers seven (7) days per week for the nine (9) -week season. These attendance figures are based upon 2003 attendance, which was one of the higher years for participation. The $1,400 estimate would be somewhat lower I attendance figures did not meet these projections: The cost of having a gate ' attendant on duty for the scheduled hours is estimated at slightly more than $2,300, which includes wages and mandated benefit costs. Thus, barring a significant increase In attendance or the proposed fees (which could discourage attendance), it appears likely that the expense of the gate attendant will exceed revenues collected. In conclusion, both the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and staff recommend that the proposed fee structure be established for the 2005 swim season. We have been in contact with Mike Robinson of the Dakin Pool Committee and have Informed him of this item on the Government Operations Committee agenda. RWF/jdr-t. 05-124 Bangor City Council Meeting February 28, 2005 Council Order OS -69 "Directing the City Manager to Take Necessary Steps to Permanently Close Dakin Pool prior to the 2005 Swim Season" Greene: Order 05-69 would direct that Dakin Pool be dosed prior to the 2005 swim season. Early in January, the Government Operations Committee reviewed the feasibility of continuing to operate Dakin Pool for the coming year. This review came about as a result of the opening of the Pancoe Aquatic Center and also due to concerns raised by our general liability Insurance carrier regarding certain conditions M the Dakin Pool's bathhouse and the potential need to undertake either significant renovations or to replace the bathhouse. Subsequently, a community group has formed to work towards keeping the pool open. The Government Operations Commitee met with that group recently and is now recommending that this Order be indefin'tely postponed. I would move to indefinitely postpone Order 05-69. The motion was seconded. Farrington: The motion has been seconded. Councilor Tremble. Tremble: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I dust wanted to add to the comments of Councilor Greene that while this says we will work with that group to find a way to keep the pool open mat would be long- term, we dM decide that the pool will remain open for the 2005 swim season so it will be available to the children on the eastside of Bangor for this year. it's not going to be, we are not going te have to do that a denshre work to the building this year and the consultant thinks that we can get at least another year out of it.. So the pool will be open for the 2005 season. Farrington: Councilor Cashwell. Cashwell: Yes, thank you. In doing this, I would be Interested in seeing the City with that group develop some sort of a set of goals and a timeline through which we can develop a plan and If Its going to continue beyond the 2005 season other than having an open ended discussion every year, something should be determined and concluded and put to rest by say March is of next year with a definitive plan. Farrington: City Manager Barrett. Barrett: Just to follow up an that, we had a tentative meeting scheduled today with some of the representatives of the group that is working on the pool to begin the process that Councilor Cashwell was discussing which is to outline the process that Is going to be required, what would be needed to get the project going, and to try to identify some benchmarks to gauge progress. That meeting was, we were unable to get that meeting together today but will do that in the near future and my thought was to return to the Council through Government Operations with some form of Council Resolve that would set out some of those activities that will ncetl to be undertaken and responsibilities and rough time frames. Farrington: Any other Council comment? Councilor Tremble. Tremble: Just one. One of the Issues that came up during the discussion was the usage of the eastside versus the new pool, the Dakin Pool versus Panme Pool and one other thing we decided to do for the upcoming season Is to charge a fee the same as the westside, the Panme Pool is charged. The primary reason for that is just to track the actual usage of It. It was hard 1 think last year for the workers to actually track how much usage there was so this way we will have a much better handle on how much the pool is used. Thank you. Farrington; City Manager Barrett and then Councils Allen. Barrett: I believe the Parks and Recreatlon Department will be returning to Government Operations in the near future with a proposal along those lines. Allen: Thank you. I have a question. In this Order we have before us and the new proposal that's before us, are we simply saying that we are only keeping the pool for one year and that any future use of this pool is definkehy dependent upon the relationship between the committee and the Council? Farrington: I believe an indefinite postponement does indefinitely postpone this Issue until the Council wishes to bring it up. If I'm not, perhaps the City Solicitor will correct my._.. 05-126 Heltmann: If a motion to Indeflnitely, postpone has passage that kills this Item. If we are going to discuss In the future closing Dakin Pool, it will require a new Council Order. So there are no conditions to this motion. Allen: So basically then what we are saying is that Dakin Pool is open indefinitely. Heitmann: Correct. Correct. Unless until the Council brings forward another Order at some future date. Allen: Okay. Thank you. Farrington: City Manager Barrett. Barrett: Please also keep in mind that would be subject to annual appropriation in the budget so H would be a budgetary Item that would be looked at every year just like everything else. Farrington: Councilor Cashwell's comment was to the point that there would be a continued discussion with the people Interested in keeping the pool open is from the standpoint of both coming up with funds to do this other than the current method which is solely on the Bangor taxpayer as well as a good, another year to assess the usage of the pool. Is that the substance of your thought, Councilor Cashwell? Cashwell: I would make a motion to amend this Order which requires the City to work with the committee to return with a Resolve with a date specific plan going into the 06 budget period. Farrington: We have a notion to amend and a second. Hellmann: The item on the floor is not the Order but rather a motion to indefinitely postpone so any indefinite postponement motion is not amendable. Farrington: If we indefinitely postpone it, we can do that. If it does not Postpone, the issue could have another motion. Heitmann: If it is not indefinitely postponed, than the Order is still on the agenda and can be amended in some fashion if that is the wish of the Council. If B is indeflnitely postponed, then it Is killed. 05-124 Farrington: Councilor Kemble. Tremble: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I still very much favor the motion to Indefinitely postpone this. I just wart to clarify that I attended that committee meeting, I am not a member of the committee and the Chairman could correct me if I misspeak of anyone that Was there, but It was dearly I think the Intent of the committee and those people who support keeping the pool open. I think it was a clear understanding that we were taking this, it was the intent of that group, obviously the Council can do whatever they want, but 1 think it was the intent of that group, the committee and the group there, to say okay we are going to be open this year, let's work together to see what the future holds. We may know, I dont think anybody made any long -tens commitment at that meeting. Everybody left the meeting with the understanding that we need to work together to find a solution beyond this year and no, I don'tthink anybody had the Illusion that this pool Is open for as long, you know, far into the future. Farrington: Let me ask the Solicitor to clarify the issue. Heitmann: 1 would suggest procedurally that it may be a lot simpler to do this if I'm reading the Council correctly. From what I am hearing from the comments is that there is support to indefinitely postpone this matter but the Council has also wished to have continued discussions about Dakin Pool and its future and do that through a Council Resolve or another Council Order. 1 would suggest, and of course as you know, any Councilor can sponsor any Council Resolve or Council Oder so I would suggest If my reading of the Council Is correct that we proceed with that on the next Council Agenda. We can have an Order to the effect that what Councilor Cashwell is proposing tonight. Farcington: Councilor Gatwick. Gatwick Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. But also for the Solicitor, could we not have a motion to postpone to a time certain that is April 1 of 2006, would that not have the same effect which is to say that we will keep R open this year but we are trying to come up with a new arrangement for the Dakin Pool. We're forcing ourselves and the committee to make some hard choices to do some hard work. Hohmann: Well, R dcesnt not have a bind affect because obviously everybody could simply ignore it until April of next year and then 05-124 have this discussion all over again. You can do that if you wish subject to the vote on the motion to indefinitely postpone first. Assuming that fails then you could do a motion to postpone to a date certain. That still doesn't compel anyone to take the actions that Councilor Tremble and Councilor Cashwell and others have spoken that they anticipate being taken between now and April that would still require another Council Order or Council Resolve. Farrington: Any further questions. Councilor Allen. Allen: Thank you. So, am I to understand then that in regards to once we vote on this issue, should we postpone it, it has to go back to the committee and then at that point the committee makes a decision and it comes back to the Council with a new Order. I mean anything new has to go back to the committee and then back to the Council Hellmann: if this motion to indefinitely postpone has passage and the issues that Councilors have referred to that they want to further discuss regarding Dakin Pool if they still want to pursue that, then yes. There would be a new Order, that Order would go to the Committee, we would have the discussions, it would eventually find its way back to the Council for final action at some future date, yes. Farrington: Councilor Stare. Stone: Thank you. I will vole to Indefinitely postpone this Item and at the same time 1 would like to direct the City Manager to work with our City Councilor on the far end down there to put together an Order for the next meeting addressing his concems so that we can further that discussion at that time. Allen: How can you do that? Stone: I can say that as public comment. That's not an order. Farrington: City Manager. Barrett: As I indicated earlier, it is my intention to sit down with the group and representatives of the group and do exactly that. I would appreciate It if you did not be It down to the next meeting so that you would give me enough time to make sure I could get together with that group and come back with something 05-126 substantive as opposed to something that is very general. I am more than willing to do, 1 had intended to meet with them today. The individual I was going to meet with had to cancel the meeting. There was simply Trot enough time to get something on this agenda. I will do my best to get it on the agenda in two weeks but it might take a bit longer than that given that Government Operations normally meets the day after the next Council meeting. So my suggestion would be I'll try to get something for Government Operations the day after the next regular Council meeting. Farrington: I think we have had good discussion. We have a motion. We have a second. If there is no further discussion, I will call for a vote. All those In favor of the motion to Indefinitely postpone. All those opposed. It is indefinitely postponed. 05-124 Government Operations Committee February 15, 2005 Minutes Councilor Attendance: Greene, D'Errico, Hawes, Tremble, Grahvick, Farrington Staff Attendance: Barrett, Comeau, Hamer, Farrar, Wlllette, Marbial Otheres: Mike Robinson, Gerry Palmer, Kelly Cotloux, Jody McDonald, Linda Dunn, Kim Livingstone, George Burgoyne, Dawn Gagnon, News Media, Judi Perkins, Kelly Cotlaux 1. Dakin Pool Operations and Bathhouse Renovation Project- CouncilOrder 05-69 Council Order 05-69, as written, directed the dosing of Dakin Pool effective for the spring of 2005. The Order was tabled at the January 2e City Council meeting and referred back to this Committee for further review, discussion and Input from Interested citizens. Additional information regarding the cost of the bathhouse renovation project, attendance figures, options for consideration and other related material were provided to the Committee and Dakin Pool Committee leaders. Barrett talked about pool attendance at Dalin and at Panoc e. The numbers at Parma are accurate in that they are associated with an entrance fee. The numbers at Dakin were taken by employees and there is no fee. Dakin Pool averaged 15 people per day with a median of 14. Highest attendance was 81, second highest was 59. Pancce averaged 410/day with a median of 388. In terms of the hours at Dakin Pool and public access to that information, Barrett said the operating hours were advertised, and the Packs and Recreation Department sent home brochures with the Bangor elementary school children. In that brochure, it was noted that the Council was considering closing Dakin. The info was also provided on the City's web site and its government access channel as well as some radio spots. The pool was not operated on the weekends due to staffing issues and popularity of Pane. Swim hours were Increased by a half hour at Dakin. Swimming lessons were conducted at Pancce because of the pool's design and there was a higher response this year. Swimming lessons Increased from 150 in 2003 to 394 In 2004. In 2002 Dakin's attendance averaged 53, 35 in 2003, and in 2004 R fell further. Operating costs remain fairly constant at $19,000 currently. Pane operating costs are $74,500 but the fee structure recovered dose to $50,000. In late support per visit, Barnett estimated is at $.90 per visit at Pane in tax support and In excess of $25.00 at Dakin. 05-126 Barrett Indicated that the bathhouse at Dakin needs repair. The pool equipment is in a mnfined. space which muses problems for employees. Carpenter Associates provided the City with revised figures for required renovations and Improvements at Dakin in the area of a quarter million plus. The estimated price for basic renovations to the bathhouse is $90,000. The bathhouse's deck is in the Pine Street right-of-way. The bathhouse could be renovated at the current _ location but a new bathhouse would require it to be moved. Dakin Pool is approximately 50 years old. It is still useful Staff recommended the following options for consideration: building a new bathhouse at $250,000-300,000. Debt service on that amount would be $20,000- 24,000/year; Dakin could mritinue with a renovated bathhouse with an estimated 5-10 year fix at $90,000; dose the pool and construct a splash pad; close the pool completely at $12,000 for removal and dowre. Barretttalked - about the Cit)/s financial environment. Over the past few years, the City has Investe0 significant amounts of its undesignated fund balance In certain projects. At the present time, it is slightly under the amount the Council has set by policy (7.5% of operating budget). He also mentioned LD 1, which will have impact on the City's ability to raise property taxes. The City has made a commitment ba a new police station which, when the facility is in place, will increase the City's debt service payment by the range of $500,000tyear. Parks and Recreation staff recommend the splash pad as the preferable option. It would provide a differentt water amenity and would attract more users. his geared more toward younger children. If the choice is th keep the pool open, Barrett suggested renovating the bathhouse as the least expensive option. Mike Robinson represented the Dakin Pool Committee group. He read a letter from Bangor's Legislative Delegation supporting Dakin Pool remaining open. He opposes the idea of a "ane pool" concept at Mansfield. The general public is not aware of that plan. He feels that the staff report is based on faulty data and that the pool comparison chart Is not valid. Dakin is not open evening and weekends like Parcae so it imt a fair comparlson. Dakin Pool is not identified by a sign at the location. Parim a is at maximum capacity and closing Dakin would muse further problems. The pool at Dakin is in goad shape but the bathhouse is not. Robinson questions the City's estimated costs for renovation and demolition. Robinson asked why the City walted so long to consider repairs and renovations. Gratwkk agreed with Robinson in that the newness of Parcoe affected its high altendarrce numbers. He favored Robinson's Plan B to get the community involved in the solution. Robinson Indicated the City should come up with the necessary funding, not just the Pool Committee. He also talked about grants. He said that when the City gets it numbers together the Dakin Pool Committee would be willing to partner with the City. Hawes suggested that the Pool 05-126 Committee should provide the grant avenues prior to the Council making a decision. If the Dakin Committee is successful, will the King Foundation fund refurbish the entire pool. Robinson said it takes several months to apply for grants. He feels the Council needs to make a decision as to what they want to do with Dakin. D'Ernoo agreed with the matching funds concept. He has spoken with residents as well as the member of the Dakin Pool Committee and he fully supports meeting the group part way. He favored putting the project on hold. Barrett said that If the Council daddies to open the pool in June with some kind of additional fundraising, staff could put plan together for to following Yeas Dick Hartford from Carpenter Associates addressed the Committee. Regarding the bathhouse, he expressed concern about the addition to the structure, which sets on a slab. He didn4 feel it was anything that would prohibit the pool from being open in June but questioned how long it will last. The problem with the current equipment location concerns a sump under the middle of the building with a wooden floor over it He also mentioned the poor condition of the resbrooms. Comeau said the toss Control Consultant has Indicated the building is structurally unsafe and expressed a concern with insurance coverage. Tremble mid It comes to the point as to whether Council wants to open or close Dakin Pool. Barrett said the City needs to check with its insurance company regarding habllities that might arse for users of the building. In referencing the community support, Gratwick talked about using Habitat for Humanity, as an example, to renovate/rebuild the bathhouse. Hartford indicated that a lot of the work is electrical and mechanical related. Greene asked if a bathhouse is a necessity. Hartford said it is a State Code requirement Jody McDonald spoke in favor of keeping Dakin Pool open. She spoke about the number of pool users and the lack of appropriate signage. She questioned the statistics provided by staff. She is concerned about the original estimates provided by Carpenter Associates. Carpenter came back with lower figures and she wondered how many other City projects are financially overstated if no one raises questions. $25 to provide pool services at Dakin for ane child is well worth the expenditure. It provides exercise. Tremble spoke about the numbers at Dakin and Pancoe. Panoce's attendance reflects a high percentage of non-residents. Dakin is a neighborhood pool. Comeau said that 72% of paying customers at Pancoe were residents and 92% of the season pass purchases were residents. Tremble talked about a fee at Dakin Pool for revenue and to track attendance. 05-126 Hawes said her largest concern is safety. If the City can provide one more year a[ Dakin Pool with the bathhouse, implement the $1.00 fee, let the Dakin Pool Committee start working on their funding and grants, she would support opening It for one more season. She stressed that it needs to be financially feasible for all concerned. She recommended sending the item back to Council recommending a June opening of the Dakin. Comeau said It could be made safe for another year and he agreed with the fee. Linda Dunn asked about the attendance records. If she enters the pool area, then returns to her car and comes back in, Is she counted as two? The lifeguard would let the Individual back in. Dunn said that when the Bangor Library was being renovated, school children were allowed to bring in pennies to contribute to the project, and wondered if the same could be done for the pools. She also said that newcomers to the area have no idea about the pools and the schools could provide that Information. Barrett said that would be a question for the School Superintendent Barnett said the City has no legal right to place a sign on Stillwater Avenue for Dakin. There is a sign on Pine Street. Tremble asked about a daily "sandwich board"type sign. Barrett talked about the State of Maine informational signs. Barrett said that staff would look into the sign issue. In response to Hawes regarding pod staffing, Comeau said that if he knows early on in the process, staffing needs an be taken care of at Pancoe and Dakin. He also spoke of having the pool open on weekends. Jody McDonald stressed that the Dakin Pool Committee does want to work with the Council. She asked about looking at other avenues for cost estimates. George Burgoyne indicated that when two groups come together there needs fo be structure. Kim Lhringstone indicated she lived on French Street for 6 years pdor to finding out about Dakin Pool. She talked about the inconvenience of individuals traveling from her side of town over the Parma. Hawes expressed appreciation to the citizens in attendance and made a motion recommending to full Council that Dakin Pool be open this June. She further recommended that a charge be given to the Daldn Pool Committee. The motion vias seconded. Hawes further moved that Council Order 05-69 be indefinitely postponed. The motion was seconded. Greene stressed that the Dakin Pool Committee Is being asked to move forward to formulate funding and grants so that in a year from now perhaps something an be done on a more permanent basis. Greene asked if a pool pass could cover both pools. W llette responded that it could be evaluated. In response to a question, Barrett Mid that the Ory cannot be Involve0 in fundraising. He suggested that a group could be formed 05-126 and the Qty would assist in the process. That group would then be recognized by the Council and given some Offidal standing. Dunn said she would call Barrett for details. 2. Adopt -A -Spot Program — Keep Bangor Beautiful and Bangor Public Works Department Keep Bangor Beautiful (KBB) in conjunction with Bangor Public Works has developed a new program entitled Adapt -A -Spat. The program Is designed to reduce litter and to beautify open spaces through citizen and group Involvement. Identified spam will be -adopted -and then maintained by the Individual or group with oversight and assistance from loth KBB and Bangor Public Works. Kelly Cotiaux and Judi Perkins reviewed the program details with the Committee. Interested groups must pledge to adopt a space for a minimum of one year. An appropriate small sign will be placed Identifying the group. The program will be introduced at the Garden Show. D'Errico talked about adding competition within the project Cotiaux asked for direction in designating specific spots. Barrett indicated this would require formal Council approval, Public Works involvement as well as the Enterprise funds. Hamer suggested a policy. Perkins has worked with Public Works on a Pre'aPProved planting program worsting with the Forestry Division. Gratwkk suggested publicity on local news outlets and service organizations. A motion was made and seconded to move forward with the project. 3. Proposed Changes to Federal Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Staff has been alerted that the Commerce Department has. proposed consolidating a variety Of economic and community development programs, including the Community Development Block Grant Program, Into one program under the Commerce Department. Currently, economic and community development programs are located under Housing and Urban Development. This plan would require the development Of Federal enabling legislation, which would then need Congressional approval. The Commerce Department plans to develop the legislation over the summer. Bangor currently receives $1.21NI/yest from CDBG funds used for the downtown and waterfront improvements. Staff asked approval for adoption of a Coundl Resolve in opposition to eliminating the CDBG program. In response to Gratwidy Martzial said he has been in contact with Senators Snowe and Collins' offices. GratwIck also talked about a meeting with the Senators. Martzlal said he plans to more aggressive in promotion the CDBG Program, utilizing the dtys government access channel. A motion was made and seconded to approve staffs recommendation.