Usage fees increased in city parks

After repeated trips back to the drawing board, the Polson City Commission last week passed a pair of stripped-down resolutions establishing increased security deposits and shelter reservation fees at city parks.

The measure originally included additional fees for holding special events on city property, however that proposal was nixed after encountering strong opposition from community-based organizations.

Instead, city officials approved an increase in security deposits to cover any damages incurred by Polson’s parks and streets departments. Fees were also established for reserving shelters at Riverside and Boettcher Park as well as the Sports Complex.

Shelter use will require a $50 security deposit and fees will run between $10 and $50 for a half-day time period.

Paärks use deposits were raised from $100 to $400 for events that feature tents with stakes. A $250 vehicle access fee was also established, as well as a $150 street use deposit.

While the resolutions passed unanimously, there was discussion surrounding the scheduling of shelter reservations, resulting in some on-the-fly amendments.

The original time slots included in the resolution were divided into three periods running from 6-11 a.m., noon-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.

Mayor Heather Knutson raised concern that this would result in conflicts for groups attempting to hold lunch events.

“This is going to be a problem for them and they’re not going to like it” she said.

At Knutson’s suggestion, the time periods were changed to 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The exchange reflected a common theme throughout discussion on the resolution.

Parks and streets department officials originally proposed charging fees for special events due to cover their expenses. According to a presentation prepared for city commissioners, damages and clean up from events cost the Polson Parks Department $30,000 per year, or 17 percent of its annual budget.

Commissioners and citizens alike criticized the move, however, stating that the fees would punish local groups and drive events away from Polson.

After a contentious April 17 city commission meeting, officials came together to support a gradual approach toward the issue. Commissioners agreed that requiring reservations instead of first-come-first-serve policy for shelters at the Sports Complex and Riverside Park would prove beneficial during the busy summer months.

“You won’t have to sleep there all night anymore,” City Manager Mark Shrives said.

Following the passage of the resolution, Mayor Knutson praised Parks Director Pat Nowlen’s patience during the process.

“Thank you for being flexible with this,” she said. “We look forward to further discussion with you and hearing how everything goes over the summer.”