By Sara Quam
Pool Commission members aren't making any recommendations on the future of the Pool and Fitness Center until the first part of next year.
At its Tuesday meeting, they looked at a draft of a letter to facility members and suggested changes. Basically, the letter will inform members of the 20-percent rate increase and give them 30 days to opt out of their contract.
As far as changing management or ownership, the commission felt it would be wise to wait until reaction from the rate increase is felt.
Pool and Fitness Center Director Darrell Huiskes suggested that the joint owners of the facility, the city of Luverne and Rock County, approve spending $110,000 from a trust fund to go toward weight room and fitness equipment.
The commission said it would be better to see what future ownership will be before extra money is spent.
Pool Commission member Laurie Ketterling said, "I think it's jumping the gun. I don't think we should put $110,000 into it just because the possibility of proposals came about."
County Commissioner Ken Hoime said that in his conversations with other facility managers, they've said customer service and program development retain and attract more members than equipment.
Damon Eisma, Pool Commission member said, "In my mind, if we do a capital expenditure, that's saying no to any other ideas."
The county and city would have to jointly approve the spending, but the commission won't recommend it at this time. The trust fund was started to go toward major expenses like new pool liners or roof work.
So far, the commission has heard opinions on all options for the facility. Some favor new management. Others would like to rid the city and county of the taxpayer contribution ($72,000 this year each) by selling it. And some people have said they'd like to keep the asset under government ownership but privately lease it.
Commission adviser Ed Bouwman said, "Whatever we do, we have to provide the best for the community, and that has two sides - saving tax money and providing a service."
After a few meetings of talking in circles Bouwman said it is time to start forming definite opinions. "Talking about employees and the future of the facility, it's easy to start worrying about being politically correct. It's a very delicate issue, and itÕs not easy to discuss, but we're not facing it."
Bouwman said that generating ideas and working with a cooperative group of employees is important if a sale or other agreement is turned down in favor of keeping the facility government-run.
The January meeting will restart discussions of whether the commission will recommend that the city and county get proposals for sale, lease or new management.