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Council tables updated joint‑use agreement after public outcry over gym fees for local teams
Summary
Council delayed adoption of an updated joint‑use agreement with Dixon Unified after hours of public comment from coaches, parents and local sports organizers who said district fees make practices unaffordable for city teams. Staff said the update improves scheduling and transparency; council voted to return the agreement to 2‑by‑2 negotiations and seek fiscal options.
City staff presented an updated joint‑use agreement with Dixon Unified School District on Aug. 5 that aims to clarify facility use, reservation procedures and maintenance reporting. Public Works Director Lauren Foto walked the council through the history of prior joint agreements (1997, 2010) and described changes intended to improve transparency, create a maintenance request form and institute an annual reporting calendar.
But the public response was intense and sustained. Coaches, youth‑sports volunteers and longtime residents said the update did not address the central problem that led to renegotiation: the district charges steep rental rates for gym time, and city teams have lost the historical access they once had. “We pay our tax dollars and we also have our kids come here… and now you give gyms away for fees to outside groups,” said John Morris, a longtime coach, describing high hourly rates and opening/closing fees charged by the district. Ken Odom, who runs a local kennel business, and other speakers asked the council to ensure the contract provides relief for local teams rather than shifting costs to families.
City staff responded that the agreement does not allow third‑party pass‑through rentals and that the city cannot unilaterally change district rental rates for facilities the district owns. Foto said staff can ask the district to consider non‑profit pricing or an MOU for local groups, and recommended the council use the 2‑by‑2 process to pursue equitable solutions. Council member Bogue and others said more fiscal analysis is needed.
After deliberation the council voted to table the agreement and send it back for additional negotiation and review of equity measures that could lower costs for in‑town teams. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote. Staff said the item is not time‑sensitive and can return after the 2‑by‑2 talks and any requested edits.
