01-21-1997 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Meeting January 21, 1997 Page 2 group developed a wish list and a draft timeline for the bond issue. Chair Anderson reviewed the wish list and time line with the Council. Mayor Duitsman indicated that the city will soon be looking at other issues such as a community center and bonding for industrial development which will all affect the tax rate of the city. Mayor Duitsman indicated that he felt a park bond referendum was a good idea, however he did not feel the community center and park bond referendum issues should be separate issues or that they should be considered separate from other city needs. He stated that the idea of a community center has to be defined by the citizens. Mayor Duitsman indicated that the Minnesota Sports Federation has no bearing on whether the city considers the need for a community center. Dana Anderson indicated that his major concern is that the timeline will be too long and the price too large if the community center is included in the bond referendum. He felt that a park bond referendum would be able to move ahead much faster alone and will show the citizens that the city is on a progressive track. He further indicated that the park bond referendum could help address some of the youth problems the city is experiencing. Dana Anderson commented that the Park and Recreation Commission would like to move forward so as to work on this issue during the summer. He further indicated that to include the community center will draw out the process. Councilmember Dietz stated that if the two issues were on the ballot together, the park issue would get lost in the overwhelming cost of the community center. He stated that the Park and Recreation Commission's wish list considers all ages of the community. He further indicated that people move into the community and expect to have these types of amenities. He indicated that he felt the citizens of Elk River would be open to a park bond referendum. Councilmember Dietz stated that the Minnesota Sports Federation building will take care of part of the community center issues. Councilmember Farber indicated that he agrees with moving forward with the park bond referendum. He further indicated that the citizens who move into the city do expect these types of amenities. Councilmember Farber indicated that the city is considering construction of an overhead bridge crossing Highway 169 which will include the need for a trail system to connect to the bridge. He further stated that there is a shortage of trails and parks on the eastern side of the city. Councilmember Holmgren stated that the wish list created by the Park and Recreation Commission must be prioritized and specific improvements identified. He further indicated that cost has not been discussed. He indicated that the citizens of the city will need to be better informed prior to voting on the issue. Councilmember Holmgren also indicated he would like to see the 1989 Decision Resources survey updated. Councilmember Thompson indicated he would like to see a more definite plan as to how the project will be completed. He suggested including the question of a community center in the survey to find out how citizens want to spend their money. He further indicated that there is a need for parks on the east side of the city.