06-16-1997 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Meeting June 16, 1997 Page 4 residents of the City of Elk River. The majority of the survey consisted of questions pertaining to the following issues: · park and recreation facilities and activities · park bond referendum · city services and public safety · community center Council discussion was held regarding the high level of support for both an outdoor recreation proposal and for a community center. It was stated that both issues could be successful if properly structured and if not presented at the same time. Bill indicated that a higher percentage of people surveyed were interested in a community center rather than park improvements. Bill Morris explained that the majority of the people that were in favor of a community center wanted a full service community center and were only willing to pay approximately .$19 per year to fund the center. He stated this would not cover the cost of a full service community center. He further indicated that the typical Elk River resident was willing to increase property taxes by $22 per year to fund park and recreational facilities and this is estimated to generate about $2 million for improvements. Mayor Duitsman informed the Council that the city has been discussing the possibility of building a teen center at Lion's Park in conjunction with the Lions Club. He stated the cost of the center would be approximately $300,000. The Lion's have indicated that they would fund one half of the cost. Mayor Duitsman indicated that he would like to see the city's share of a teen center ($150,000) included in the bond referendum. Dana Anderson, Park and Recreation Commission Chair, distributed a handout revealing the Park and Recreation Commission's ideas as to what the referendum should include. Also distributed was a park bond estimated tax impact. After reviewing the handouts, it was the consensus of the Council to direct staff and the Park and Recreation Commission to discuss the details of the referendum and to bring them back to the Council for discussion at a later date. Councilmember Holmgren indicated that the balance, price, and timing of the referendum are important. He stated he supports the referendum. Councilmember Dietz questioned the $150,000 for the riverwalk and how this fit in with park and recreation. Dana Anderson stated the Park and Recreation Commission felt that the riverwalk was an asset to the overall Park and Recreation Plan. Councilmember Dietz indicated his concern about implementation of the project if the referendum is passed and his concern about the timing of the improvement. Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals indicated it would take approximately two years to complete the proposed park and recreation improvements assuming everything was contracted out by bids. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO WORK WITH THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION, BOND COUNSEL, AND DECISION RESOURCES TO PRESENT A DETAILED PLAN TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR A REFERENDUM. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.