by April Scheinoha
Reporter
A splash park may be in Thief River Falls’ future. At its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 12, the Parks and Recreation/Public Safety Committee discussed the possibility of a splash park. More discussions are expected after the cost has been further investigated.
Parks and Recreation Director Joe Amundson said the possibility of a splash park was on the back burner while the city finished the Greenwood Street railroad underpass. Since the underpass has been finished, he brought the splash park proposal to the committee. Amundson said there are several options for its location, including Annie Street Park, the beach and the Multi-Events Center.
Council Member Glen Kajewski questioned if the city was ready to construct a splash park. He recalled an estimate of $100,000 for equipment for a splash park a couple of years ago.
Council Member Jerald Brown, who also sits on the Budget/Finance Committee, said the city has a large wish list. He added that the city needs to determine how much a splash park would cost and then needs to find the money to fund it.
Council Member Rachel Prudhomme replied that it would be beneficial to construct a splash park. She questioned whether the city would be able to use funds raised for a community swimming pool. If city leaders were interested in that option, Prudhomme advocated seeking citizens’ approval before using the money.
Community pools have long been discussed in Thief River Falls. Over the years, donations have been accepted for the construction of a community pool. As of Dec. 31, 2013, the city has $237,374 in its Swimming Pool Fund.
So far, a community pool hasn’t been constructed since the council never received a clear objective from the community. A 1995 survey showed residents were split on whether to construct an outdoor pool, a family aquatic center or an indoor pool. In 2007, the council attempted to obtain state bonding proceeds to construct an aquatic center. That attempt was unsuccessful. In 2012, the council approved spending not more than $30,000 for a community wellness center feasibility study. The results of that study haven’t been released publicly.
Amundson presented six revenue options regarding special event catering at the Imperial Room. City leaders are trying to raise revenue at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
REA doesn’t have a full-service kitchen. Amundson noted it was determined to be too costly to construct a kitchen when the city was building REA. He presented the following options:
• Option A: Similar to how the city handled outside catering during the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, a percentage of audited sales would go to the city after the sales tax has been paid. A minimum bid would be 25 percent of audited net sales.
• Option B: A proposed percentage of gross revenue would be paid to the city for the use of REA.
• Option C: The city would propose a percentage of audited sales after the sales tax has been paid with no minimum bid of audited net sales.
• Option D: The city would retain a preferred caterer/bar. The city would then obtain pricing from the preferred caterer/bar and add $1 per plate for food and $0.50 per drink. Customers wouldn’t be able to choose a caterer/bar to serve their gatherings.
• Option E: Caterers and bars would pay a usage fee to cater food or serve alcohol at REA on either a per plate or total gross sales percentage. The customer chooses a preferred caterer/bar from the list that has agreed to pay the city a usage fee.
• Option F: The customer pays a higher room rental fee – $1,200 – if the customer uses an outside caterer.
The committee advised Amundson to seek information from other facilities on how they handle similar situations.
The committee was presented with the police chief position profile created by Springsted Incorporated. Police Chief Kim Murphy’s last official day as police chief is Oct. 3.
The city is seeking someone who holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. Candidates are required to have at least five years of experience as a police officer, including three years as a sergeant or supervisor. The position is expected to pay up to $85,224 depending upon salaries and experience. Resumes will be reviewed starting Friday, Sept. 12.