Published: October 07, 2008 10:43 am            

YMCA Director: Operating agreement with New Albany won’t be a problem

YMCA of Southern Indiana Executive Director Joe LaRocca said there shouldn’t be a problem finalizing an operating agreement between the organization and the city in time for the Scribner Place/YMCA opening, which is scheduled for Nov. 15.

During a Tuesday Redevelopment Commission meeting, commissioners questioned whether the contract for the YMCA to oversee operations of the aquatic center and exercise facility would be ready by November.

“Granted it’s a little bit behind, at this point in time it’s just a matter of us working out some of the finer details of it,” LaRocca said.

A memorandum of understanding and a tenant agreement was agreed upon when financing was settled, according to LaRocca.

He said parameters are in place and that it would be difficult for the city-owned aquatic center to be operated by another entity besides the YMCA.

“This is all something that will work its way out over the next couple of weeks,” LaRocca said.

Commission President Irving Joshua said during the meeting he was anxious to see something finalized.

“I’m not supportive of this thing opening up without us having some sort of an agreement,” he said.

John Rosenbarger, director of public facilities for the city, shared his confidence that an operating agreement would not hinder the YMCA’s opening.

“They are good partners and we’ll work it out, I know,” he said.

The city has received a draft of an operating agreement which is being reviewed by Rosenbarger and City Attorney Shane Gibson.

Another concern raised by the commission — availability of Scribner Place to low-income individuals — was also addressed by LaRocca.

“I think we have a very good track record of serving that population,” he said.

The YMCA subsidizes 13 percent of its memberships in Jeffersonville, at a value of $16,000 per month according to LaRocca.

The Y location in Jeff is at 4812 Hamburg Pike.

LaRocca said excitement is building around the Y’s opening in New Albany and he doesn’t feel an operating agreement will stand in the way of a successful relationship between the organization and surrounding community.

“You go to the tours and see a real good mix of New Albany coming in,” LaRocca said.

“Hopefully by the next {commission meeting} we will have a plan to work through and the commission can adopt it from there.”

LaRocca plans to be at next month’s commission meeting to answer questions and provide information.

        

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