Administration is looking to save the city’s bottom line by shutting down the Scona Pool and making transit users pay at LRT park-and-ride lots.
During a presentation to city council yesterday, city manager Al Maurer told council that the city could save $80,000 this year and up to $400,000 each year after by closing down the indoor pool, which includes a hot tub and a sauna.
Maurer said the pool, located at 10450-72 Ave., has seen it’s usage drop considerably.
Transit users who park their vehicles at LRT stations can also expect to pay a $3 fee, said Maurer.
“This is certainly not a new concept across the country,” said Maurer, who told council the new fees could bring in another $440,000 a year.
“From what we are aware of, this will not have any implications on transit,” he added.
Coun. Kim Krushell had some problems with the plan, saying the new parking fees could make people think twice about using transit.
“It’s kind of counter-intuitive,” said Krushell. “You want people to take transit, and then you charge them a fee to park there.”
Mayor Stephen Mandel said the city must trim the “fat” to deal with a looming $35-million drop in revenues, and this includes trimming numerous levels of management positions.
Administration hopes to save $6 million through a list of measures that also includes eliminating a retainer to ensure the city has enough staff to plow the roads during a snowstorm.
