Committee presses staff to revise 40-year YMCA operating agreement amendment for Snoqualmie community center expansion

The Finance & Administration Committee reviewed an agenda bill (AB 25-067) proposing amendments to the operating agreement between the City of Snoqualmie and the YMCA that would govern operation of the expanded Snoqualmie Community Center.

The proposed agreement would require the YMCA to equip, operate, maintain and repair the community center; provide recreational and social services; and make meeting rooms and other facilities available to the city. Under the draft language presented to the committee, Snoqualmie residents would receive a 10% reduction on youth program fees and a 75% reduction in membership joining fees. The YMCA would be required to provide an annual benefits report to the city. The term in the draft runs through 2065.

City staff said the agreement ties the YMCA to major capital responsibilities, including roofing and pool systems, and would commit the YMCA to support the proposed expansion with a $2,500,000 contribution toward net expenses plus additional equipment costs (audio/IT and furnishings). The YMCA’s planned YRF grant of $1,200,000 was described by staff as part of that $2.5 million commitment. The draft also adds a provision that, if an aquatics facility is built, the YMCA shall host one open community swim each week for city residents “to the extent of pool capacity and health-department restrictions,” and that the community meeting room will be available to Snoqualmie residents without requiring membership or rental fees.

Committee members raised several questions. Councilor Johnson asked whether the amended agreement would go into effect only if the expansion is built; staff replied that approval of the agreement would put it into effect immediately but that specific provisions would apply when the expansion occurs. Council members asked for clarity on whether “open” community swim means free, nominally priced, or nonmember with a charge — and whether the city could cap what the YMCA could charge for community swim days. Staff acknowledged the language hinges on the word “open” and said they would consider defining it more precisely.

Committee members also questioned the 40-year term, suggesting the city consider a clause allowing a future council to assume operation of the facility if it chose. A council member asked whether the agreement includes a buyout or a city-option to take over operations; staff said that language was not in the draft and offered to return with proposed language. Committee members asked staff to revisit insurance assumptions in the draft, which currently show a scenario using an estimated 2% increase (with 1% and 3% noted as alternatives); staff said the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) has not provided a final calculation and that the insurance section will need updating if a pool is added.

Several committee members voiced practical concerns about allowing nonmember use of meeting rooms (cleaning and staffing costs) and about rental rules (birthday parties and private rentals). Staff noted the draft requires the YMCA to offer a reasonable nonmember rental rate for facilities and that the YMCA would absorb routine cleaning costs rather than charging residents directly for community-room cleanup.

No formal vote was taken. Committee members asked staff to revise the draft to clarify: (1) whether and how the agreement takes effect if expansion does not occur; (2) termination/buyout language and options for future councils to assume operation; (3) a clearer definition of “open” community swim and whether a nominal fee is allowed or whether it must be free; and (4) updated insurance language tied to WCIA calculations and to aquatic facility operations. The committee asked staff to return with an updated draft at the next Finance & Administration meeting.

Ending: The committee did not approve the amended agreement as drafted. Staff said they would rework the sections requested by councilors and bring a revised agenda bill back to F&A for further review.