HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-03-26 - AGENDA REPORTS - SWIM LESSON FEES (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manage
Item to be
CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE: MARCH 26, 1991
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF BEGINNER SWIM LESSON FEES
DEPARTMENT: PARKS AND RECREATION 1k M41'/ `
BACKGROUND
Jeff Kolin
For many years,:L.A. County offered free swimming lessons. In order to provide
funding for an improved level of service and higher quality of lessons,. staff
requested that fees be charged for swimming lessons last year. The City Council
approved a $16 fee per session for all swimming lessons except .for beginner
classes.
Last summer the aquatic staff delivered a high quality lesson program. Patrons
commented on the improved quality of instruction, decreased class size, and
positive attitudes of aquatic staff. However, the tiered fee structure had some
drawbacks. Pool Management staff noted a .decreased level of commitment on the
part of persons registered for free classes. There were substantial numbers of
persons registered for free classes who either failed to show for the class
altogether or did not attend consistently during the class session. This
resulted in :some class space -being wasted when others could have registered and
also resulted in many people on waiting lists being placed in a class after the
start of a session. . This. inconvenienced the public and took additional man
hours.
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed a report on the summer swimming
program at their March 11, 1991, meeting. Staff presented attendance and
registration statistics to the Commission, which illustrated a high rate of
no-shows for free beginner lessons. Rather than charge a fee, as staff
originally requested, the Commission recommended that a $16 deposit be applied
to beginner swim classes. The deposit will be refunded to the participants upon
successful participation within the program (less than three (3) absences unless
previously arranged). The deposit will be refunded directly to the
participants, or the deposit may be applied to another swim class. Staff will
make financial assistance available should participants have that need.
The Parks and Recreation Commission felt that the deposit system would allow
staff to effectively manage the Aquatic Program without causing an additional
financial burden to the interested aquatic participants of the Santa Clarita
Valley.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council review and approve the $16 deposit for
beginner swim classes.
APPROVED Agenda llem�