Marysville officials want more information before making a decision on purchasing the local YMCA.
City Manager Terry Emery met this morning with the YMCA executive committee to discuss the city’s desire for more information. Last month, YMCA Board Chair Chuck Dyas asked the city to purchase the YMCA building and property for $3.8 million — $2.3 million for the building and another $1.5 million for needed repairs at the facility. Dyas proposed that Marysville lease the facility back to the YMCA organization for 20 years to continue operations.
At Monday night’s work session, Emery said that based on information from the public and council members, he wanted to “take a step back right now.”
He proposed a comprehensive analysis of the city’s park master plan.
He suggested the city hire a consultant to look at the wishes of the residents as expressed in the parks and recreation survey completed as part of the master plan, then create a series of options, including cost and funding mechanisms.
Mike Andrako, public service director, explained that the master plan asked the community what members wanted in general. The study would create specific options and plans. He said the study could look at options including but not limited to buying the YMCA building, constructing a new community rec center, expanding the trail system, creation of additional ball fields. Additionally, he said the consultant would look at locations for potential facilities. Equally important, the study will look at who should manage programming at city facilities.
“This study is not just about the Y,” Emery said. “It is about everything that is contained and recommended in the parks and rec master plan.”
Council member Scott Brock said the master plan is just a wish list until there are dollar amounts.
He said it is much easier to get more useful public opinion, “once those price tags are associated with these options.”
Andrako said a part of the analysis would be public input and meetings. He said the options would be presented to the public.
“We would ask, ‘Is that what they want?’ and if not, ‘What do they want changed?’” he said.
Council member Mark Reams said he like this approach better than simply purchasing the YMCA.
“You don’t just make a decision because somebody came to you and asked for funding for their project first,” Reams said. “You don’t just make a decision because somebody comes and is the loudest.”
Council member Henk Berbee said the survey showed 77 percent of respondents would be “very likely or somewhat likely” to support a park levy.
Berbee explained that in the past the city has focused on debt elimination. He said Marysville is changing and quality of life issues help draw and keep residents.
“It is something we need to make part of the equation,” Berbee said.
Emery and others agreed.
Emery said the cost of the study would change depending on its scope, but said he believes it would be, “well worth the investment to really get more specific, and really see we get community buy in.”
Officials said the process could take several months.
“Its probably not what the YMCA wants to hear, but they can probably make it work while we go through this process,” Rausch said.
Following this morning’s meeting, Emery said representatives from the executive committee “have a good understanding of a need to do this next step.”
He said that just because council is going through the process does not mean there is no avenue for the city to buy the YMCA.
“This is just something we need to go over all the options and answer all the questions the public might have moving forward,” Emery said.
Council member Nevin Taylor, said he is appreciative of the input he and other council members have received.
“I would encourage citizens to keep talking to council,” Taylor said.
He stressed that council members want to hear the pros and cons of plans.
“Our decision is what they tell us,” Taylor said.
Emery also had another request.
“All I am asking for from people is for everybody to be patient,” Emery said.