HomeMy WebLinkAbout[10a] Contribution to Whitney Senior Center 11 Council Agenda Item 10a
MEETING DATE: October 17, 2016
AGENDA ITEM: St. Cloud Whitney Center- Membership
SUBMITTED BY: Administration
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City has received information from the City of St. Cloud
regarding membership fees for the use of Whitney Center that will start in 2017. The City of St. Cloud
has established a S 50.00 annual basic membership fee and will waive S 40.00 for St. Cloud residents.
Residents from other communities would be charged S 50.00 for a basic membership unless the City
would subsidize the membership as does St. Cloud.
In checking with the area Cities, I am not aware of a City that has agreed to the subsidy but Waite Park
will be considering the use of gambling funds next month, St. August denied the request and Sartell has
not taken any action.
I have sent an email questioning how many St. Joseph resident use Whitney Center and have not heard
back. Hopefully I will have a number before the Council meeting.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:
ATTACHMENTS: Request for Action
Letter of Request
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Provide direction
CITYOF AGING SERVICES
S�. � �O� D Whitney Senior Center
MINNESOTA
��������
September 29, 2016 �C-� p � 201h
Dear City Administrator Weyrens,
C9T�!�`� ��° ��S�PH
Whitney Senior Center is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of providing senior center service to the St.
Cloud area region. In 1976 the main terminal for the former St. Cloud airport began extensive
renovation to repurpose the space as a senior center. Three subsequent additions over the course of 40
years provide over 15,000 square feet dedicated to providing service and programs to our area's 55 and
older population. In 2015 we had over 16,000 user's visiting over 160,000 times throughout the year.
Additionally, with grant funding we took programs out to satellite locations in surrounding communities
of St. Joseph, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Waite Park and St. Augusta.
The St. Cloud City Council voted on September 12 to institute a basic membership fee for Whitney
Senior Center users, beginning January 1, 2017. This annual basic membership fee of$50 will go on sale
December 1, 2016. Members will receive a card and reduced rates for certain fees. For example:
Member Non-member
• Classes 12 scans $42.00 $60.00
• Classes 6 scans $21.00 $30.00
• Fitness Center Annual $90.00 $150.00
• Woodshop Annual $90.00 $150.00
• Garden Plots $20.00 $ 50.00
The St. Cloud City Council has voted to "buy down" city residents' membership by $40 to $10 out of
pocket per year as those citizens pay for the operation of Whitney Senior Center through their city
taxes. This arrangement is extended to the surrounding local cities and townships. It is estimated that
30% of Whitney Senior Center users are from outside of the St. Cloud area. If you as a city wish to "buy
down" your citizen's membership to Whitney Senior Center we would need to enter into that written
agreement by November 21, 2016. Whitney Senior Center would then invoice your city for the $40 per
member balance.
Whitney Senior Center has been an important amenity for older adults for over 40 years. It has
provided a forum for life-long learning, engagement, socialization and focus on health and wellness. All
of this enhances quality of life for your citizens and most importantly supports successful aging in place.
The end result is a larger savings to the person and public as Whitney Senior Center activities promote
prolonged independence in later life.
I am available to speak to your council or meet with you individually, please do not hesitate to call me if
you would like to schedule a meeting (320-255-7245). I am happy to answer any questions you may
have. I have included for your review the most recent Whitney Time magazine which lists all of our fall
offerings.
Best Regards, �
Laura Hoo
Aging Ser ' e Director/Whitney Senior Center
1527 Northway Drive > St. Cloud, MN 56303 > 320.255.7245 > www.ci.stcloud.mn.us/whitney