Council adopts new RACK fee schedule; San Bruno Community Foundation grant to subsidize resident memberships

Deputy community services staff presented the first‑year operational review for the new Recreation and Aquatic Center (RACK). Staff said the facility opened in July 2024, now serves roughly 1,700 members with about 300 daily visits, and that the projected annual operating expense is roughly $4.2 million with a general‑fund subsidy expected for ongoing operations.

To improve affordability and usage, staff proposed a formal fee structure that sunsets introductory promotional rates, creates new age‑based membership tiers (including youth and senior options), adds monthly membership without annual commitment, raises nonprofit and resident rental discounts, and implements a 3% market adjustment to other program fees. Staff said the San Bruno Community Foundation has offered a resident access grant that will provide a 20% incentive for resident memberships in FY2025–26; staff plans to evaluate usage and recommend adjustments for FY2026–27.

Members of the public and council asked about including more classes in membership (the staff response: staff are adding more city‑led instructor classes to be included in membership) and about scholarship/subsidy options for low‑income residents; staff said the foundation grant will be used for access programs such as subsidized memberships and scholarships, and that staff will work with the foundation to roll funds forward as needed.

The council adopted the fee‑schedule resolution (amending the master fee schedule to include the RACK rates and the market adjustments) by unanimous vote.