Eldridge gives OK to fitness center loan

By Deirdre Cox Baker | Tuesday, August 07, 2007

ELDRIDGE, Iowa — This Scott County community decided Monday night to step firmly into the world of physical fitness and use a bank loan to purchase the North Scott Racquetball and Fitness Center.

The Eldridge City Council voted 3-1 to obtain a six-year, $500,000 loan from U S Bank, Davenport, in order to buy the facility.

About 45 citizens packed the council chambers, with several on either side of the idea speaking out. The city and the center’s owners actually signed a purchase agreement for $585,000 on July 2, but Monday’s meeting included a public hearing before the council authorized the loan agreement.

Advocates such as Patricia Campana said the facility’s fine programs have boosted the quality of life for many, including her husband.

But Tim Charles said owning a fitness center is a risky business venture that would be better left to private enterprise.

Former Eldridge Mayor John Strazewski said the fitness center serves only about 10 percent of the population and is not essential to the city’s mission. “It’s like in Minnesota where they ask citizens to fund a billon-dollar stadium. Now it appears they should put that money into bridges,” he said.

But Kevin Swanson, a business owner, said former center owners Dan and Kathy Kilen operated a profitable business and there is no reason to think the city will have a different experience.

Former council members Tom Knapper and Bob Wiese both questioned the city’s decision. Wiese suggested Eldridge lease the facility to an entrepreneur who could turn a profit. He also noted that the center, built in the early 1980s, does not have the same services available as more modern facilities do.

“Times are changing,” said Kim Wilkins, a center member since 1981. “We need this place. Progressive communities are doing things like this. In 15-20 years we’ll wonder why anyone would oppose it.”

Council members Steve Mohr, Marty O’Boyle and Brian Wood approved the loan, while council member Jim Curtis voted against it. A fifth member, Steve Puls, is on vacation, but he left word that he favored the purchase.

Eldridge now joins area cities such as Bettendorf and DeWitt, Iowa, as owners of a fitness facility.

The Bettendorf Life Fitness Center experienced a financial deficit of about $1,000 per month in 2006 and officials considered selling it late last year. However, the Bettendorf City Council eventually voted to increase its funding level and made more efforts to re-brand and reinvent the facility. Membership has since increased and expenses have been reduced.

Deirdre Cox Baker can be contacted at (563) 383-2492 or dbaker@qctimes.com.