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Recreation Commission Meeting October 6, 2003 warrant continuing the class. Mr. DiSalvo recommends continuing only until the first of the year, even though he knows this might upset three or four people. In all honesty, the program is not that great. It's more a situation where the instructor is employed and paying friends. Mr. Gareau asked if the instructors were willing to renegotiate their contracts to keep the program running based upon how many people are in it. Mr. Gareau said either the people pay more, or the instructor must be paid less. Mr. Jesse agreed with Mr. Gareau, but at the same time, there might be a way to fix it. Mr. DiSalvo said 18 (participants) a month would be needed to break even. The group meets four times a week. Another issue with this matter is that Mr. DiSalvo must book the times at the Senior Center and Cabin well in advance, making the program very difficult to run. There is nowhere at the Rec where this program can compete with gymastics. Mr. Gareau said that the Commission needs to put the program on probation and, if nothing improves within 90 days, it should be terminated. The Rec Center must not lose money on the program. Mr. DiSalvo pointed out that there is another group at the Senior Center that offers an aerobics program, so it's not like there would be nothing available in North Olmsted. In the Commissioner's opinion, the Rec’s program is not good. Mr. Gareau asked if there would be someone else who could head up the program to make it profitable; perhaps that's where money could be made. At the end of the year, either the Rec looks to someone else for contract or forget the program altogether. Ms. Jones said to wait until the end of the year to see if there's a demand to continue so that scheduling at the Cabin will not be an issue. The Commission members agreed the program should be ended. Central Playground Staff Mr. DiSalvo said that, conservatively, there was about $4,600 lost for the Central Playground Program (see graph attached). Last year it was priced at $80 for six weeks; on the Ordinance, it may be up to $102 per resident, so it was raised to $100. For non-residents it was raised to $120. The loss of $4,600 does not include other expenditures, including field trips and transportation for field trips. Rounded off, there was a loss of about $6,000. It's a popular program, but the Commissioner believes the Ordinance prices should be adjusted so the program can break even. That must be presented to Council. Mr. DiSalvo will have a more detailed analysis for this. The program is extremely under-priced. Even $100 for six weeks is unheard. Ms. Hayes asked if most of the people using the program are North Olmsted residents; Mr. DiSalvo responded in the affirmative. There are close to 120 children in the program. Also, this could be a huge success if it would be more accommodating for working parents. The camp starts at 9:30 and ends at 3:30. There should be a morning drop off and evening pick-up, with an increase in price. It would be reliable and cheaper than day care. Another problem is that the older group gets dropped off at North Olmsted Park every other day. If it rains, it's the parent's responsibility to bring the kids. If the parents don't show up, the kids are stuck under a gazebo all day. Has the Rec ever used the schools for the kids? Mr. Gareau didn't know if it would be feasible. That matter could be taken up with the Superintendent. Mr. Kelley said that the hours and locations were heated topics about two years ago, yet it was something that the community really wanted and needed. The Rec Commission knew then, going in, that Central Playground would lose money; however, if the Commissioner could update the program to be better and needs to increase the fees to make Page 9