Loading...
7.19.22 HR Meeting Minutes-FINAL ROLL CALL Present- Committee Members: Committee Chair Tom Kiddoo, Committee Vice Chair Pat Nolan and Committee Members Nancy Tashman, Kathy Ryan, Lisa Post, Kevin Hyatt, Pam Warren (virtual) and Jose Chavez. Staff: Recreation Director of Recreation Michael Labagh, Recreation Services Superintendent Jerrica Miller, Aquatics Superintendent Kacy Carmichael, General Government Manager Ineke de Jong and General Government Intern Emily Myler (virtual). Absent- Town Council: Councilors Lindsay Hardy, Scott Prince and Mayor Sarah Smith Hymes. Committee Chair Tom Kiddoo opened the meeting at 10:05 a.m. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Committee Vice Chair Nolan made a motion to approve the agenda for the July 19, 2022 meeting and Committee Chair Kiddoo declared the agenda approved. APPROVAL OF THE MAY 2022 MEETING MINUTES Committee Chair Kiddoo made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 17, 2022 meeting and declared the minutes approved. PUBLIC COMMENT No public comments were made. BUSINESS ITEMS TOA Hats for Committee Members Recreation Director Labagh passed around hats for the Committee Members to select. 5.2 Recreation Department Update Recreation Director Labagh went through the Rec Center Update slides available in the packet materials at Avon.org. He covered visits and revenue for 2022 so far. He asked the Committee if they had thoughts on types of classes the Center could offer. He also updated the Committee on summer programming like summer camp, drop-in sports, the beach volleyball league, park game rentals and the sports courts reconstruction project. Looking forward to the fall, he went over upcoming programming including afterschool care, sports tournaments, swim lessons and new fitness programs. The Committee commented/inquired: How do you calculate the average monthly admissions revenue number? How is the staffing for fitness class instructors? What is the rhythm walk class like? What qualifications are required for lifeguards? Minors don’t have the maturity to handle lifeguard duties Recreation Superintendent Miller said that the Center has increased to over 30 classes per week and has a good variety of classes and instructors, including rhythm walk. All of them are included in the membership rates. Recreation Director Labagh said it’s great to have good people on staff, and he hopes that the aquatics program can begin to grow more soon. Aquatics Superintendent Carmichael said all lifeguards need to be at least 15 years old and be certified by the American Red Cross. There is a State grant that helps them pay for certification if they aren’t already. Recreation Department Admission Rates and Program Fees Analysis Recreation Director Labagh showed the current fees for admissions, programs and as well as his proposals for 2023 and how they compare to peer communities. He asked the Committee to weigh in. The Committee commented/inquired: How does Avon’s offerings compare to peer facilities? Who’s involved in the analysis and what was their approach? Is there a projected revenue target to hit? Are there any discounts for military, teachers etc.? The admission rate increases seem appropriate Are children with special needs able to attend childcare programs and is the Center prepared to offer them additional care? Recreation Director Labagh said Avon lacks some of the indoor facilities other communities have, but in terms of programming they are comparable. Himself and the Guest Services team conducted the analysis by comparing rates to peer communities and increasing cost of operation. The last time rates increased was 2018. The first concern was to maintain affordability and overall revenue didn’t factor in as much as staying in-line with peers. A deeper cost recovery analysis is slated for 2023. Military, teachers, and Vail Resorts staff get discounts as well as students that qualify for free and reduced lunch in the School District. The Center is considering working with Vail Health to offer discounts for healthcare workers, as well as scholarship programs for swim lessons. They will opt into as many fee-reduction programs as they can manage. Recreation Superintendent Miller said many parents do not identify their children’s special needs, but staff can work with parents to offer the best care or take additional training for special needs children. 5.4 Recreation Center Survey Results Follow Up Recreation Director Labagh went over operational adjustments the Department is making based on results from the Survey. The Committee commented/inquired The Fit Court needs some maintenance What happened to the exercise machines which were down last time? Can there be spray bottles for wiping down some equipment rather than wipes, which can be hard to use? Recreation Director Labagh said only one treadmill is still down and they are just waiting for parts. He also informed the committee that we received a quote to repair the Fit Court and will investigate providing spray bottles to clean certain equipment. 5.5 La Zona Planning Project Update Recreation Director Labagh updated the Committee on the La Zona project. Currently, the Town is considering what is possible to build in the area, working with contractors to compile ideas and engaging with the public. There will likely be upgrades to the existing building, and potentially expansion. The Committee commented/inquired: Underground parking, a gymnasium, and more aquatics space Housing in the fire station Parking should be high priority It’s important to get input from the community A space for birthday parties or other rentals with amenities for kids like foam pits More multi-use spaces for things like community gathering, art and other activities as well as a space for teens to hang out Consider what isn’t available anywhere else in the valley A space for higher level swim meets to bring in tourism A deeper pool to attract diving programs Consider how easy it is to take public transit to the Recreation Center How should parking be protected for patrons and not ski traffic during the winter? Recreation Director Labagh said the first community meeting is September 20th and will be only part of a larger community engagement process on this project. He agreed that parking is a priority regardless of what other expansions happen. ADJOURNMENT Committee Chair Kiddoo motioned to adjourn the meeting and Committee Member Lisa Post seconded the motion. Committee Chair Tom Kiddoo declared the meeting adjourned at 11:52 a.m. Respectfully Submitted by Emily Myler General Government Intern