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Bernstein mentioned that he envisions this proposed visitor center as a trailhead, especially with all of the trails that are in the works that would link to Hastings. Commissioner Vandehoef commented that it would be nice to create a skating loop or something different than the traditional skating rink. Commissioner Smith thought it might be good to investigate having ice skating in the winter and roller/inline skating in the summer. If any commissioners have any other comments on the Levee Park redevelopment, they’re encouraged to email Director Bernstein. 7)Parks & Recreation Scholarship Program – Staff is considering making changes to the scholarship program for 2009. When the aquatic center was established, the City received money from the Children and Family Learning Department. A stipulation of the grant was the establishment of access for low-income families. The grant had no termination clause – as long as we own and operate the facility, we need to abide by the grant terms. The scholarship program had very loose criteria from 1999-2006. In 2006, staff developed an application process with eligibility criteria based on the reduced/free school lunch program. During 2008, 75 applications were received to the total of almost $11,000, although only about $7,500 was redeemed by applicants. The number of applications received has increased by about 20 per year. Since there are no dedicated funds for this program, the money comes right off the top of the operation of the pool. The majority of scholarship funds are used for season passes and punch cards, with a couple of families using the money for swimming lessons. Staff came up with four potential options to change the program for 2009 so that low-income families could still have access to the pool but at a lesser cost to the City. The grant guidelines read that the City must “provide free or reduced rate use to families at or below 150% of the federal income poverty guidelines.” Staff’s desire is to allow access, but the way the scholarship program is currently functioning, it could end up eating up any profit that the pool makes. This would mean that taxpayers would have to foot more of the bill. Possible options to change the program included: 1) Allow scholarship funds to only be used for swim lessons; 2) Allow scholarship funds to only cover a percentage (possibly 50%) of the season pass/punch card and the individual would make up the difference; 3) Continue the program as is, but by soliciting funding from outside sources; or 4) Issue each family 2 punch cards per season, regardless of family size. All options would have the possibility of seeking funding for the program from local business or organizations to minimize the impact on the City. Commissioner Flaten questioned whether this money is actually being lost as it is being redeemed by low-income families who otherwise would most likely not be able to come to the pool at all. If the scholarships are done away with, there wouldn’t be more money coming in. Commissioner Tessmer-Tuck agreed with him. Director Bernstein agreed that in theory this is correct, but that the money still needs to be accounted for in the City’s accounts and that the money comes out of the pool budget. Commissioner Schommer added that families who are given scholarships do spend money on concessions when they are at the pool. Commissioner Flaten was also concerned that by using the scholarship money only for swimming lessons, more staff would have to be hired to handle the extra load on swim lessons. Director Bernstein explained that our swim lesson classes are already offered to our full capacity, and that they are first-come first-serve, so no additional staff would need to be hired. Commissioner Schommer stated that we do need to look at fiscal responsibility for the City. Commissioner Miller emphasized that the economy is tight for everyone right now and it is not a good time to be asking local businesses for money. If someone volunteered to fund the program, that would be great, but this is a bad time to be soliciting donations. The majority of commissioners seemed to prefer option four, but some hybrid options were also mentioned. For instance, we could offer option 4 but ask local civic organizations (Lions, Legion, Rotary, etc.) to fund the program. Commissioner Vandehoef stated that this is done in Inver Grove Heights, although now may not be a good time to ask organizations for funds. But it is something to keep in mind for the future. Another option was to offer applicants either two free punch cards or a 50% discount on their season passes. Director Bernstein mentioned that he had brought this issue before the Parks & Recreation Committee of Council on Feb. 2. The Committee requested more nd options, so Director Bernstein will bring the NRRC’s recommendations back to the Committee on the 17. If any th commissioners have more thoughts or ideas on this program, please contact Director Bernstein. MOTION to adjourn. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at the Parks & Recreation Office. th Adjourned at 7:29 p.m. Minutes submitted by Kristin Behrens