Admission increase on horizon at Cape Splash

Admissions increases at a local water park, trash collection fees and amending city ordinances on leasing and renting are among the main issues to be considered by the Cape Girardeau City Council at its first meeting of 2015.

Today, the council will vote on an ordinance that would raise admission rates to the Cape Splash Aquatic Center. The new pricing structure would increase the cost of daily admissions and group pricing packages by $1 per person. Prices for season passes also would increase.

For the 2014 season, daily admission for children 13 and younger was $5. Adult prices were $6, except for those 60 and older who paid $5 for admission. According to reports from city staff, the park has maintained the same admission and season pass rates since its opening in 2010.

The request to increase prices comes at a time when Cape Splash is preparing for an expansion. Construction of a five-lane drop speed slide and mat racer, designed to attract young adults, is expected to be complete when the park opens in May. The estimated cost for the new attraction, which was funded by a 1 percent restaurant tax, is $730,000.

It's because of the improvements and anticipated maintenance and upkeep requirements that staff recommended the increase of fees.

"Typical water park attractions begin to experience increased maintenance and repair expenses after five years," said the staff report. "Cape Splash has been no exception, as last year, pool repainting cost almost $28,000 for the lap and zero depth portions. ..."

Repainting of the lazy river is scheduled this year and is expected to have a similar price tag, the report continued. It also said even with the increase in fees, Cape Splash remained in the "middle tier" cost range compared to similar facilities.

The increase is expected to generate an additional $60,000 to $90,000 in annual revenue.

Other business

• The council also will vote to amend sections of the rental licensing ordinance. Amendments proposed by city staff include a revision to the definition of "code official" to allow a deputy or designee to assist with administration and enforcement of the ordinance. It also revises the definition of "violation" as "failure to meet any requirement set forth in any section or subsection of this chapter as determined by the code official or his deputy or designee." Staff expects the revisions to make enforcement of the ordinance simpler and more efficient.

"Currently, the Rental Licensing Inspector must refer citable offenses to the Code Official to take action," the staff report said. "The proposed change will allow the Rental Licensing Inspector to send Rental License Suspension letters and various other enforcement actions which will streamline the process."

• Another adjustment to be considered by the council is a change in the fuel surcharge calculation for residential solid waste collection fees. Currently, the monthly collection fee increases when the previous month's average per gallon of diesel fuel price exceeds $2.75. Should the council approve the new calculation, the fee for customers would increase when per gallon price exceeds $3.75. The charge would be increased by 25 percent of the difference between the previous month's average per gallon disel fuel price and $3.75.

The existing calculation increases the charge by 44 percent of the difference.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.