Skate park losing more money

The park, never intended to produce a profit, lost about &#e6;25,000 in fiscal 2008; it was projected to lose &#e6;22,000.

After the price cut, revenue for the skate park in Watkins Park dropped from &#e6;1,821 in May 2007 to &#e6;555 in May 2008 and &#e6;1,385 in June 2007 to &#e6;529 in June 2008, the Town Council learned during its meeting Monday night.

Councilman Gary Nelson, who also sits on the Parks and Recreation Commission, said the group looked at the price and does not support the &#e6;1 admission fee.

"We want to return it to &#e6;5," he said. "After three months, we're very clearly losing money."

After consulting with town staff, Johnson cut the admission rate due to skate park users skateboarding downtown instead of the park. Skaters complained the price was unreasonable.

"If I have to donate half my mayor's salary to the skate park, I will," Johnson said of his &#e6;8,500 stipend.

Resident Diane Gleason spoke and said the council had reduced the discussion to petty conversation. "I don't believe the skate park originated with the idea of it being a profit producing thing," she said. "You need to come to a decision, and drop it. This is about kids and that's all it should be about."

Further discussion on the issue is planned for the September meeting.

Town recreation position discussed

The Mount Airy Town Council continued talking Monday night about adding a recreation coordinator to the payroll.

After the council rejected Mayor Frank Johnson's recommendation of a candidate at the July meeting, Councilman Gary Nelson mildly restructured the job description by asking that candidates have marketing and public relations experience.

Nelson said he would like the part-time contract position to be reviewed after a year to determine whether it should become a permanent position.

Johnson expressed concerns on how viable hiring for the position would be. "The funding is there for this year, but you need to be looking forward," he said.

"The reality is a lot of other towns are tightening up. Fiscal year 2010 is shaping up to be a tough time."

Johnson also questioned how youth-oriented the position would be, and said it should be included in the description if there was going to be emphasis on it. "If it's going to be helping out with teen centers or volunteers, we need to be clear on that," he said.

The council shelved discussion for the September meeting.

Recycling rates

remain high

Recycling participation is going well, said councilwoman Wendi Peters at Monday's Town Council meeting.

"I'm happy to report we're still at a high participation rate," said Peters, adding the commission was still evaluating enforcement rules. "I think it's essential that everyone participate in the program."

Frederick County residents in Mount Airy had an 82 percent participation rate compared to 74 percent of Mount Airy Carroll County residents. Peters reported that the total of yard waste collected for July was roughly 20 tons.

"This is yard waste diverted from the landfill," she said.

Upcoming yard waste collection dates are Saturday and Aug. 23.