Alpine officials are refusing to sign a joint recreation agreement with Highland and American Fork, saying they are not happy with the arrangements and want changes.

Last year American Fork gave Highland and Alpine notice they should establish their own recreation programs. Since then, the three cities have been in negotiations to continue their programs together but with a more equitable financial agreement.

Because Highland is growing faster than American Fork, the percentage of youth participating from Highland and Alpine was greater than that from American Fork. Alpine has benefited from a joint program for several years and has used neighboring American Fork facilities to accommodate recreation programs, most notably the Junior Jazz basketball program.

According to a draft agreement, both Highland and Alpine will assume an expanded role in handling the recreation programs and will contribute additional funds -- increasing from $30,000 to $60,000 for Alpine -- to pay for more personnel.

Alpine School District has agreed to let the cities continue to use the district's outdoor facilities for the city recreation programs.

Alpine City Council members expressed concern about a clause that would allow American Fork first priority in booking Alpine sports fields ahead of Alpine-sponsored sports teams and leagues.

"With the strain we put on their programs, we need to reciprocate (by collaborating on a program) but they should submit their needs to Alpine like everybody else," said Alpine City Councilman Hata Puriri. "We have the best facilities in northern Utah County, and I don't want our own independent groups to get set aside. I don't want American Fork to run our recreation programs and priority scheduling."

Alpine city administrator Ted Stillman, who has been negotiating the agreement with Highland and American Fork, has said that this is the first year they are asking for priority in scheduling and it is not intended to be disruptive, but rather to streamline scheduling.

Stillman said the agreement would go back to American Fork with proposed changes that allow Alpine teams first priority to home teams and leagues before being opened up for other teams to book.

Derric Rykert, director of recreation for American Fork, said American Fork is in the position to provide the services and facilities Highland and Alpine don't have yet.

"We are trying to make arrangements that are win-win for both the city government and the communities," he said. "I think we have come up with something that is fair and equitable. We have simplified the process and cleared it up."

Not everyone agreed the cities should work together.

"Last year they asked us to wean ourselves from their recreation programs. Is this just postponing the inevitablefi" said Highland Councilman Steve King.

"No, it is mutualism and good for all parties," City Administrator Barry Edwards said. "Together it costs less than separate programs."

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D1.