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MCC Advisory Board Minutes 12-16-2004.1COMMUNITY CENTER ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2004 - 4:30 p.m. Board Members Present: Harvey Kendall -Chair, Richard Quick -Vice Chair, Sandra Theros, Bob Grabinski and Bruce Thielen. Staff Member Present: Kitty Baltos-Director l . Meeting called to order by Chair Harvey Kendall at 4:34 p.m. 2. Consideration of adding items to the agenda: a. Internship for the community center #7 b. Swan River Montessori School #8 C. Community Center five year anniversary celebration #9 3. Consideration of approving the minutes from the November 18, 2004 regular meeting. MOTION by Richard Quick to approve the minutes as submitted, SECOND BY Bob Grabinski, MOTION PASSED. 4. Updates Items: a. 2004 Budget surplus and plans for use: Kitty reported to the Board that she had just been able to get financial information from the finance department to determine where the community center expenses were. Because of the lateness of the year, the items that they were going to be able to purchase was limited by the ability to get the items in before the end of the year. The items that she is looking at are; draperies for the Mississippi Room as previously approved by the Board, window covering for the River Room, freezer for the kitchen, fitness equipment, electrical work for the gymnasium and the front counter, pool storage cabinet, one security camera added to the pool and two cameras switched to color cameras, a ping pong table, and ornamental trees for the Gallery Hallway. The Board seemed pleased with the suggestions and Kitty will move forward as able before year end. b. Community Center usage totals through November 2004 and financial information through October 2004: Kitty Baltos reported that the users numbers are well ahead of expectations and should top 130,000 by year end. The Board reviewed the financial statement through October with some minor discussion. Kitty also reported that the community center had sold 1013 memberships through November 2004. 5. Discussion and determination of how Bernick's Pepsi money will be used. The Board reviewed the list of capital purchases that had been lowered to a "B" or "C" priority and also reviewed the five year capital purchase plan submitted to City Hall for ideas. Kitty noted that she would like to see as many areas of the community center improved as possible so that a larger number of MCC customers see an improvement. Sandra Theros suggested improvements in the Romp `n' Stomp since this is one area that has not seen any changes since we opened. Sandra also suggested a palm tree for the pool and expansion of the fitness area. She will ask members and community members their suggestions. The Board asked that Kitty put togther a list of suggestions and have the Board review them at a future meeting. 6. Review of the Wheel Park history for the past five years and discussion of future plans for the parks. Kitty Baltos provide revenue, employee costs and usage numbers for the wheel parks for the prior five years. The history is showing a trend of less users, less revenue, however, higher employee costs. The Board felt that even though this area was not covering all of it's costs, it was an important asset to the community. The park provides a place for an age group that often does not have a place to go, it takes a dangerous sport off of the sidewalks and is a point of pride for the Monticello community. Kitty Baltos further agreed that she is not ready to throw in the towel. She would like to explore other communities wheel parks and see if they are also experiencing lower attendance numbers and try to put together a multi -park package to encourage a renewed interest the parks. The Board felt that perhaps wheel park use was cyclical in its usage and are hopeful that we will see the interest renewed, however, they want to stay on top of the numbers to cut their losses if they don't see renewed interest. The Board asked that Kitty look into partnerships and other ways to improve the parks use and return to the Board with suggestions. 7. Added item: Internship for the community center: Kitty received a call from a student at St. Cloud State, Clint Lumley. He is working towards his degree in Recreation Administration and is interested in doing an internship at MCC. Kitty informed Clint that she had no budget for an intern at this time and he indicated that he is very interested in doing his internship at MCC even if there was no payment. Kitty will be meeting further with him and following through on the paperwork to be approved as an internship site and if approved, Clint Lumley will begin his internship on January 10, 2005. 8. Added item: Swan River Montessori School: Kitty reported that at the last Council meeting that the Council voted not to proceed with an agreement with the Swan River Montessori School. She was unsure at that point what would be the status of the building in the near future, however, would keep the Board apprized if that changed. 9. Added Items: Discussion about February 7t" five year anniversary for community center: Kitty Baltos suggested discounts on membership or concession give away items. The Board suggested that it would be nice to see a larger event happen. Kitty expressed concern about the fact that if they did anything the weekend before the 7', it is already so busy in the building and specifically the pool, that it would put a tremendous strain on the facilities amenities and people would be disappointed with the crowds. The Board felt that something away from the pool might be the best idea and directed Kitty to look into other ideas with her staff. Some suggestions were free popcorn, guests free for the day, etc. Kitty will bring their ideas to the next meeting. 10. MOTION by Bob Grabinski to adjourn the meeting at 5 :25 p.m. SECONDED by Bruce Thielen, MOTION PASSED, meeting adjourned with everyone's thanks to Bruce Thielen for his service on the Council and on the Advisory Board.