PUBLIC HEARINGS

Staff reported that Resolution 8879, approved October 21, 1997, and Resolution 8991, approved December 15, 1998 established fees for the Community Recreation Center. These were the initial fees established when the City began the operation of the Center.

Over the past years, the Center added necessary staff for additional programs and expanded hours. This past year, the Center realized an increase in utility costs. The proposed FY 02/03 budget includes increases to compensate for the additional staff to cover the facility during all hours of operation to meet rising operating costs.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of the proposed Resolution. Susan Waddell, 401 2nd Avenue SW, expressed concern over the impact that the proposed rates would have on the home-school program.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9234.

Motion carried 4-1 (Commissioner Hinz dissenting).
 

Staff reported that Resolution 9150, approved by the City Commission on April 17, 2001, established the 2001 swim pool rates. These changes were necessary due to the opening of the Flow Rider at the Electric City Water Park.

Revenue from the swim pool budget is generated through fees and charges, in addition to a $128,896 subsidy from the General Fund. Staff stated that the swim pool fund may have a deficit in FY 01/02 due to the significant increase in utility costs, particularity natural gas.

In the past, the operation of the neighborhood pools, Jaycee and Water Tower, has been subsidized by revenue from the General Fund and the Mitchell Pool. Current projections for FY 01/02 show revenue at these pools of $18,374 while expenditures are expected to be approximately $55,347. The fee increases are needed to generate additional revenue for the operation of these neighborhood pools.

The last fee increase for admission to the neighborhood pools was prior to the 1994 season.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to Resolution 9233. Mayor Gray closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9233.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

The owner of property at Lot 1, Block 19, Great Falls Fairview Addition, was issued a "Notice of Hearing" to appear before the City Commission on May 21, 2002, at 7pm to show cause why the owner of the property should not be liable for the costs incurred for clean up of the property known as 1500 12th Avenue South. The following expenses were incurred:

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Hinz, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9225.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

OLD BUSINESS

Resolution 9168 contains proposed rate changes for use of Civic Center event areas, equipment, and other services provided. At the June 19, 2001, meeting the City Commission postponed the adoption of Resolution 9168. Resolution 9168 has been amended. A schedule of proposed fees was submitted for Commission review and approval.

The main changes in the proposed rates included establishing the Convention Center rates as a flat rate that includes main room, caterer's corner (formerly known as the Kitchen/Concessions area), and facility surcharge. The alcohol fee would remain as a separate fee as not all events serve alcohol. The increase to the renter would vary. Those already paying a higher facility surcharge and already renting the caterer's corner would realize a savings. Most users would see an average increase of $100 with the exception of those who have not rented the caterer's corner in the past. They would see a larger increase.

The change in the Theatre rent would raise the room rate from $600 to $660 and the rehearsal rate from $25/hour to $35/hour. (The users of the Theatre pay an additional fee to cover labor costs; users of the Convention Center have labor included in their rental fee.) The proposed rate for the Missouri Room would make it a flat rate of $375 to all types of events. This rate also reflects an increase of $45 from $330 to $375. The rate for Gibson Room would be $137.50 and eliminates the non-food and beverage rate of $66 as almost every event serves at least coffee.

The new rates would also offer a discounted rate for setup and tear-down in the Missouri Room at a 50% discount from the regular rate. It was recommended that weekend events pay a minimum rate of $150, and holiday events pay a minimum rate of $350 (rooms such as the ‘dam' rooms rent for $30 and do not begin to cover the cost of having a staff person on duty in the building). All other room rentals would remain the same. There are some minor changes in support services charges, but they are minimal.

Staff stated that rate increases were essential to meet the expenses anticipated in the next fiscal year's budget. The increases were related to utility costs and salary increases.

While developing the fees, staff and the Civic Center Advisory Board weighed the covering of rising costs against the loss of business. The Civic Center Advisory Board unanimously approved the proposed fees.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioners Hinz and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9168 as amended.

Randy Kuiper, 3328 Eagle Court, and member of the Civic Center Events Board encouraged the City Commission to adopt the proposed resolution.

Commissioner Beecher stated that Staff needs to book more activities into the facility in order to spread these costs out and to explain to the public better that the overall operation of the Civic Center Events runs in a deficit that needs to be addressed and that the City is not out to make a profit on the facility.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS

The City Manager is authorized by the City Charter and by City Ordinance to transfer, eliminate and add to departmental functions. During the past year, City Manager John Lawton made several changes to the administrative structure of the City. Ordinance 2825 was written as a housekeeping ordinance in order for the City's code book to accurately reflect the current structure of the City.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

CONSENT AGENDA

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher that the City Commission approve the Consent Agenda as printed.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS

ADJOURNMENT