Council approves new Le Mars YMCA agreement

Le Mars City Council members Tuesday put their stamp of approval on a new 2 1/2 year management/operations agreement with the Le Mars YMCA.

The agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2010, follows the current similar three-year agreement that expires Dec. 31.

The new agreement has been adjusted to coincide with the city's fiscal budget year, which starts on July 1 each year.

City Finance Director Bill Cole said city officials and YMCA officials have worked closely in "a good cooperative effort" for the past three years within the initial agreement.

"We had a lot of unknowns the first year without any good numbers only estimates to rely on as to costs," Cole said, noting the YMCA's aquatic center had not yet opened when the initial agreement began.

"We budgeted less than it actually took to get the center up and running and for the need for additional equipment due to federal regulations using more subsidy than we had planned," Cole said. "Now, however, if you look at our increased revenue for the first four months of this year, you can see the progress we've made."

The total subsidy level budget for Fiscal Year 2009 which ended June 30, was $118,400 for all forms of recreation handled by the Y for the city. The actual spending level $189,166 included an expenditure of $22,446 for a new pool vacuum, new diving board, pool heat and new anti-entrapment gates, none of which Cole said had been in the budget.

The subsidy level for the first four months of Fiscal Year 2010 he said, however, was $60,505 as compared to a level of $105,250 for the first four months of fiscal year of fiscal year 2009.

"We feel this is a direct result of the efforts of the YMCA working closely with the park committee and the city," Cole said. "We're pleased with the operation and expect to see a very good next 2 and 1/2 years."

Budgets for the aquatic center, outdoor pool and recreation area will be considered during the city's future annual budget process sessions, Cole said.

The new agreement approved Tuesday was one of four options for administrating the recreational facilities and services and was recommended by all parties following review by the park committee, YMCA Executive Committee and staff and the city.

Additional options included reworking the approved agreement, city take-over of management of the recreational programs and facilities and soliciting management proposals from other possible operators.

The new agreement calls for the city to maintain and repair facilities, buildings and grounds and to set fees for special events and rentals and for evaluation of the YMCA for specified management services.

The city will pay for all operating costs and maintain exclusive rights for beverage and food sales and vending machine/snack machines and concession stand profits.

The city will provide copies of monthly bills to the Y for reconciliation of submitted invoices and will pay a management fee of $25,000 annually, pro-rated monthly, to the Y.

The Y, under terms of the agreement, will be responsible for management of all land-based recreational activities of the City of Le Mars, water programs and activities utilizing the outdoor and indoor aquatic centers.

The organization will also staff and operate on a day-to-day basis public and membership activities and programs.

Additional Y responsibilities will also include providing daily janitorial maintenance, certified Red Cross lifeguards at both the indoor and outdoor swimming pools and programming/scheduling of events for recreational programs.

The Y will also file a monthly review of financial and operating information with the city on a quarterly or as needed basis.

The agreement will continue through June 30, 2012. Complete agreement details are available at Le Mars City Hall.