Port Moody is looking into several ways to either save money or create new sources of revenue.
At Tuesday's meeting, council studied a list of 14 recommendations from staff. The ideas approved for further investigation by staff include a "grow, don't mow" program, in which vegetative areas currently being mowed would be allowed to grow naturally.
They'll also look into requiring property owners who rent out or lease their house or condo for profit to have a business licence; staff noted doing so would help strata councils deal with absentee landlords but the program may also be controversial.
To save money on advertising, staff will investigate options for putting its ads on a Facebook page. Memberships at the Kyle Centre will be discontinued, and staff will investigate implementing a charge for speciality services for all patrons (including city staff and council members), such as instructor-led classes, at the recreation centre.
Other PoMo news:
PARK IT
Port Moody Soccer Club (PMSC) wants the city to move forward on plans for a feasibility study on revitalizing Inlet Athletic Park.
A project charter and terms of reference have been developed for the study but funding — about $30,000 worth of staff time — is on hold due to a capital freeze. Craig Dougans, past president of the club, and executive director Bob Flavelle appealed to council Tuesday to lift the freeze and do the study as soon as possible.
PMSC wants to see the existing gravel field on Murray Street replaced with two artificial turf fields, an upgraded clubhouse and a new access point off Murray.
Dougans noted that PMSC's membership has grown from 944 players in 2000/’01 to 1,684 in 2006/’07, making it the largest user of recreational facilities in Port Moody. The club had to cap registration in 2005/’06 because of a lack of field space.
PMSC wants to see the existing gravel replaced with turf because it lasts longer and handles more wear and tear than a grass field, and allows for more user groups, including field hockey and field lacrosse, to take advantage of the site.
The club is contributing $10,000 to the feasibility study and Dougans emphasized they can also raise funds, through provincial gaming money, corporate sponsorships and other activities, for the redevelopment work.
Acting mayor Diana Dilworth suggested there are several provincial, federal and Olympic-related funding opportunities as well.
"What concerns me is that if we don't have our house in order with the feasibility study, we're not well-positioned to take advantage" of those grants, Dougans said.
Council will review the club's request at its next meeting.
TRAINING DAYS
Personal training services at PoMo rec centre will only be provided by city staff, council decided this week.
At a meeting last month, PoMo resident Jeanette Jackson asked council to allow rec centre users to bring in their own personal trainers. After trying out several city staff trainers, Jackson settled on a private trainer because of her schedule, fitness goals and budget. Opening the rec centre to independent personal trainers and their clients would also support small business in the city, she added.
When the rec centre opened last spring, council decided to limit personal trainers to city staff and review the arrangement after one year.
The parks and recreation commission recommended training services be provided only by city contract employees because the service has been operating well, it's safe and offers greater control over maintaining trainer certification, and the scheduling is also easier to manage. The city service also generates about $2,500 in revenue each month.
spayne@tricitynews.com