#1 Discuss and possible action to add two hours to Rockport Pool and wading pools
CITY MANAGER’S MEMORANDUM
July 5, 2011
TO: City Council
FROM:Eric Levitt, City Manager
SUBJECT: Discussion and possible action on extending Rockport pool for two
additional hours and extending the Wading pools for two additional hours.
Request
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At the City Council meeting on June 27, several City Council members requested that
the staff bring back options for extending the hours for both Rockport pool and the
wading pools.
Recommendation
Although I understand and appreciate the concern to continue to maintain pool hours, I
am concerned as I look forward into the City’s fiscal future. These hours can be
extended short-term with a small budgetary impact, but long-term I remain concerned
as I look at potential cuts that face the City.
If the City Council chooses to opt with option 1 or option 2, I recommend that a count be
maintained for the night swimming to evaluate the value in the next budget.
Suggested Motion
I move to approve Option # ___ be implemented beginning the week of July 18,2011.
Background
Due to budget constraints entering 2011, one option presented and recommended to
the City Council was to reduce hours for open swim by two hours for five days per week
at Rockport Pool and reduce hours at the wading pools by two hour for seven days per
week. The savings totaled $15,200 by closing for open swim.
Rockport pool stays open after 5:00 p.m. for other activities such as swim lessons two
days per week and lap swimming. Lap swimming requires fewer life guards than open
swim at Rockport pool.
In response to the budget proposal, City Councilman Rashkin created a motion to put
back the two hours at the wading pool. This motion did not receive a second.
Councilman Brunner then requested that the City attempt to move the hours in order
have individuals who work be able to go to the pool during late afternoon and early
evening hours.
The City did amend the wading pool hours to being open from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
during the Summer.
In researching other locations, it appears that cities in Wisconsin have continued to
operate their pools in the evening. In other parts of the country, pools have seen
reduced hours and complete closures.
The City Council has several options to consider as to whether it will authorize
extending the hours at the wading pools and Rockport pool. If the City extends the
funds come from savings that have accrued in
hours, I would recommend that the
other areas of the Leisure Services Department.
Option 1:
Open Rockport Pool for two additional hours after lap swimming has concluded. This
will create a second open swim session from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Season Pass
owners would use their passes for admittance and the City could charge $1 for the
second session. The additional cost would be $4,600 due to half the season being
concluded. The revenues would partially offset the cost.
Option 2:
Do option 1 and open the wading pools for 1 additional hour. This would increase the
cost a total of $6,100 for the full option.
Option 3:
Maintain the current hours. No cost impact.
Attachments:
2011 budget reduction
Wisconsin City Comparisons