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Home My WebLink About2018-02-13; City Council; ; Accept the Parks & Recreation Department Open Play Fee Report~ CITY COUNCIL ~ Staff Report Meeting Date: To: From: Staff Contact: Feb. 13, 2018 Mayor and City Council Kevin Crawford, City Manager Mick Calarco, Special Projects Manager mick.calarco@carlsbadca.gov or 760-434-2859 CA Review rfs Subject: Accept the Parks & Recreation Department Open Play Fee Report Recommended Action By minute motion, accept the Parks & Recreation Department open play fee report as presented by city staff. Executive Summary The City of Carlsbad charges an adult open play fee at Calavera and Stagecoach Community Parks. This report is presented to City Council to provide a brief history and overview of open play fees charged for indoor (gymnasium) basketball, volleyball, badminton, and pickleball play. On Feb. 28, 2017, the City Council received a request from a Carlsbad resident during public comment for a senior (55 years and older) fee waiver specifically for open play pickleball. Staff was requested to provide an open play fee report to the City Council as a future meeting agenda item. Discussion On Feb. 28, 2017, a Carlsbad resident appeared before the City Council to request a pickleball (open play) fee waiver for seniors 55 years and older. The City of Carlsbad has charged adults open play fees for indoor basketball, volleyball, and badminton for more than 20 years, and for pickleball since play started in 2007 at Calavera Hills Community Park. There has never been an open play fee charged for children or families. From 1996-2009, the city charged a $3 nonresident open play fee. In 2010, a $2 resident and $4 nonresident open play fee was introduced, and remained in place until 2013. In 2014, based on budget resolution authority, the city amended the fee to a flat rate of $3 per adult, regardless of city residency status. Since 2013, the annual City Council Master Fee Resolution provides the City Manager authority to establish and adjust parks & recreation fees to remain competitive and within market pricing for similar programs. The City Council has determined that it is necessary to recover costs (not to exceed fully burdened costs) for city services. February 13, 2018 Item #11 Page 1 of 5 The Parks & Recreation Department regularly benchmarks fees against similar Southern California cities to ensure program and facility pricing is competitive and within market range. A recent survey of nearby government parks & recreation agencies offering open play revealed fees ranging from free to $3 per adult. The cities of San Diego, Poway, and Encinitas do not charge any open play fees. San Diego County, and the cities of San Marcos and Escondido charge $2 per adult and the City of Carlsbad and the City of Oceanside charge $3 per adult. Staff was unable to document an agency formally offering an open play senior discount or fee waiver. The $3 per adult open play fee charged by the City of Carlsbad generates approximately $17,000 in annual revenue at Calavera and Stagecoach Community Parks. The revenue is applied to the city's General Fund, which supports community center operations and maintenance. The city provides an indoor, climate-controlled facility, restrooms, backboards, nets, posts, balls, paddles, and other participant supplies. Department staff supervises play, sets up, takes down, maintains, replaces and stores equipment, and provides a clean, safe and well- maintained facility. Staff believes the adult open play fee is consistent with the intent of the City Council master fee schedule resolution language and philosophy of," ... necessary to recover the cost of city services ... ," and helps to recuperate a small portion of overall facility operations and maintenance costs for the enjoyment and benefit of all users. Staff anticipates if a fee waiver exception is made for one special interest group (in this case, senior pickleball players) there may be an adverse impact on other recreational operating models such as Alga Norte Community Park, where a full direct cost recovery (revenue generating) model is the expected norm. Based on past experience, it is likely that other user groups, such as churches, community organizations, and other nonprofits will expect a broad fee waiver or modification -regardless of Carlsbad residency or type of use. Fiscal Analysis The $3 per adult open play fee charged by the City of Carlsbad generates approximately $17,000 in annual revenue at Calavera and Stagecoach Community Parks. The revenue is applied to the city's General Fund, which supports community center operations and maintenance. Next Steps Unless the City Council directs staff otherwise, the Parks & Recreation Department intends to continue benchmarking similar service providers and setting fees via the established budget resolution process. February 13, 2018 Item #11 Page 2 of 5 Environmental Evaluation (CEQA) The recommended action is not a project pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378(b)(S). This section exempts from CEQA government organizational or administrative activities that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. Public Notification This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to scheduled meeting date. Exhibits 1. An Excerpt of Resolution 2017-11, A Resolution of the City Council ofthe City of Carlsbad, California, Adopting Changes to the Master Fee Schedule (pp. 1-2). February 13, 2018 Item #11 Page 3 of 5 RESOLUTION NO. 2017-111 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CHANGES TO THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad has the authority to establish fees for City services; and WHEREAS, from time-to-time said fees are reviewed and evaluated to maintain an adequate fee structure recovering costs for City services; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined the cost of providing general and development-related services; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is necessary for the City Manager to have the authority to adjust the parks and recreation and library and arts program and classes fees from time to time to remain competitive and within the market pricing for like programs and classes; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to recover the costs for City services; and WHEREAS, the City Council has held the necessary public hearing and allowed for public comment on the establishment of said fees. as follows: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, 1.That the above recitations are true and correct. 2.That the changes to the Master Fee Schedule are for the fees shown in Exhibit 8- A and attached hereto, and as amended by determinations of the City Council at its meeting ofTuesday, June 13, 2017, as set forth in the minutes of that meeting, and as memorialized by subsequent resolution of the City Council. 3.The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager or his/her designee to set parks and recreation and library and cultural arts program, rental, and class fees that are included in EXHIBIT 1 February 13, 2018 Item #11 Page 4 of 5 Chris Hazeltine and Mick Calarco Feb. 13, 2018 Open Play Fee Report Introduction •Adult open play fees charged since 1996 •Basketball, badminton, and volleyball •No fee for children and families •Pickleball play since 2007 Budget Resolution •City Manager authority -2013 •City Council determined it is necessary to recover costs •Department staff benchmarks fees •Competitive, market-based pricing Program Details •Cost -$3.00 •General Fund revenue (approx.) -$17,000/year •Calavera and Stagecoach Community Centers •Supports community center operations Benefits •Adult fitness and wellness opportunity •Indoor, climate-controlled facility •Restrooms •Onsite staff; supervision •Supplies Considerations •Fee is consistent with Council philosophy/budget Resolution, cost recovery •Fee waiver or reduction may have a fiscal impact on citywide programs and services •Other user groups may request fee reductions or waivers Chris Hazeltine and Mick Calarco Feb. 13, 2018 Open Play Fee Report