Citing rising costs, members of the Trenton Park Board approved an increase in admission and private party prices for the Trenton Family Aquatic Center during a meeting held Wednesday evening at city hall.
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The aquatic center finished the 2006 season with expenses exceeding revenues by $54,212.27, not including the $164,986 annual payment on the center. While board members indicated there is no way to make up that kind of deficit by increasing admission fees, they were in agreement that even a minimal increase would help the center’s bottom line. Pool Manager Daniel Gott said that even with an increase, the aquatic center is a bargain and patron Randy Schroeder said that a minimal increase would not stop people from using the pool. Schroeder said most people understand there has been an increase in minimum wage as well as the cost of supplies and chemicals. After a lengthy discussion, the board voted to set the 2007 daily admission prices at $5 for adults, $4 for students and $1 for preschool-aged children. This is a $1 increase for adults and students, with the preschool cost remaining unchanged. Seasons passes are $150 for families (up to four persons, with another $10 per household member over four persons), which is a $10 increase over 2006. A single season pass will increase from $50 to $60 while senior citizens passes will remain at $20 for one person or $30 per couple. Also increased was the daily rate for church groups, 4-H groups and other non-profit organizations who utilize the pool during regular hours. Those groups will now pay $2 per person rather than $1.50. Counselors will still be admitted free of charge. The price for private parties was increased from $150 for the first 25 persons to $175 for a 90-minute party. The $1 per person charge over the first 25 guests remains unchanged.
First Ward City Councilperson Terry Toms, who serves as a liaison to the board, said she would like to see the board investigate what other cities are charging if they intend to raise rates again next year. The vote to increase the rates was unanimous, with board members Chuck Lankheit and Rick Hull absent.
Board President Steve Muff said he had received complaints about the condition of soccer goals and nets and Park Superintendent Jason Shuler noted that those items are owned and maintained by the Green Hills Soccer Club. Board member Dean Sager said he had received a complaint that lettering on the Burleigh Grimes concession stand designating the field as such had been painted over and not replaced. Lynda Lynch, another board member, said she will talk to the responsible party.
Sarah Schroeder, a member of the Trenton FFA Chapter, requested that the Farmers Market be allowed to operate from 7:30 to 11 a.m. on Fridays, beginning May 18. This would involve the opening of the gates in the Rock Barn area and Shuler said he would see that someone has a key to do that during the season, which runs through mid-October. She said the FFA is donating signs to be placed at the market.
In his report, Shuler recognized Trenton Municipal Utilities, which is installing four new light poles at Griffin Field, and Grundy Electric Cooperative, which has volunteered to install the cross arms and light fixtures on the poles. He indicated that the fence at that field is being straightened and ties are being replaced. He said that the fencing is ready to be done at the skate park and announced that the Chillicothe Mudcat Baseball Camp will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on June 15. Shuler said he is ready to install wiring at the concession stand at Lower Moberly Park next week, which led to a discussion about the location of the stand, which is currently situated right behind home plate. Board member Frank Kinney said the stand has to be moved due to the large number of people who congregate at the stand during games, distracting the batter and catcher and creating a safety issue. The stand is to be moved to the east, closer to the third base dugout.
In other business, the board:
• discussed a request from Greg Keuhn to change the time of games scheduled for play at the Ebbe Sports Complex on Friday, June 1, when he will be setting off a fireworks display for the Grundy County Relay for Life. Shuler said that Keuhn indicated the display will be bigger this year than last year and that he will need to set up closer to Griffin Field. Board members said he will need to wait until the games are over to begin the display.
• gave approval to the Wright Memorial Hospital Relay for Life team to hold a softball tournament at the Ebbe Sports Complex on May 19. The fields will be donated for the event.
• noted that Buddy and Karla Hannaford have reserved the space needed to hold the Missouri Day Band Festival on Oct. 20 and said that everything is in place for park facilities to be used for the Gooseberry Festival in June.
• heard a report from the pool committee concerning personnel at the pool this year. Applications are being reviewed for assistant manager, lifeguard and concession workers.
• learned that applications are being reviewed for concession stand manager, a new position. The person who is hired will be in charge of stocking all of the concession stands and keeping accurate records. Board members felt that more attention was needed to the stands to make them more uniform and profitable. Extra time will be needed to seek suppliers for the stands since Bond Wholesale has closed. Members of the Trenton Quarterback Club will continue to operate the stands.
• heard comments from Robert Williams, who discussed recent activities at the skate park. Williams was reminded by board members that music during events at the park should be kept at a reasonable level, with speakers turned to the east. Williams said he is trying to work with those utilizing the park to keep it a safe place for younger skaters to enjoy and said he is planning to hold another event during the Gooseberry Festival. Permanent signage, as well as fencing, will be placed at the park in the near future.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 6.