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Parks director proposes higher nonresident pool fees, resident priority and a 'resident card' to ease crowding
Summary
Staff presented data showing nonresidents now account for the majority of daily‑pass revenue and recommended modest resident season increases, larger nonresident increases (roughly a 70% increase referenced), priority registration for residents and a possible resident ID card tied to utility accounts; council debated revenue risk versus resident benefits.
The parks director presented a multi‑part proposal to revise aquatic center fees and access policies to prioritize village residents and address crowding.
Key data presented: staff's sign‑in tally showed about 20% of daily pass users were village residents and 80% nonresidents; season‑membership composition was reported as roughly 58% residents and 42% nonresidents. The director said daily‑pass revenue from residents was about $13,500 and about $54,000 from nonresidents. To give residents priority, staff recommended keeping resident season membership increases minimal (about $5), raising nonresident season and daily fees substantially and instituting a short priority registration window for residents for swim lessons and pool parties.
Councilmembers debated the tradeoffs. One councilmember advocated more aggressive steps — doubling nonresident daily rates or eliminating nonresident daily passes — to encourage memberships and reduce pressure on capacity; others warned of enforcement burdens on front‑desk staff and the risk of a near‑term revenue drop. The parks director proposed a resident ID card tied to utility accounts to streamline verification. The fee change is before council as a first reading; staff will continue vetting options with the parks committee.
