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Special Meeting/Park & Recreation Commission Page 3 <br /> May 21, 1997 <br /> Mr. Morris noted with surprise, the strong support for a community center. He <br /> noted that the public will support almost any facility in a community center with <br /> the exception of the strong opposition to a community theater. Facilities of the <br /> highest support level from the public include a teen center, a gymnasium, large <br /> community rooms for banquets, parties, meetings, and other rental purposes, an <br /> aerobic exercise and fitness room, an indoor pool, a senior center, and an arts <br /> and crafts room for instructional classes. The support for an indoor pool jumped <br /> significantly since the 1989 survey as did the support for a teen center. Mr. Morris <br /> indicated that the people liked a "grab bag" list of facilities, but would not <br /> support a theater. The big increase in support for a gymnasium was also noted as <br /> compared to the 1989 survey. <br /> Discussion took place regarding why the citizens in Elk River would be supporting <br /> a community center and a lot of the discussion centered on the Becker facility <br /> and how well received it has been by the public. Discussion took place on <br /> whether or not the public would support a community center with user fees and it <br /> was noted that this question was not part of the survey. <br /> Mr. Morris spoke to the wide gap between what people want in a community <br /> center and what they are willing to pay for. The citizens were willing to pay only <br /> $20 per year in increased taxes for a facility and this would generate slightly more <br /> than $2 million based on today's tax rates. The type of facility that could be <br /> constructed for$2 million is uncertain, but clearly could not contain everything <br /> desired by the public. An education campaign and very clear plans of a facility <br /> need to be in place before any referendum would be approved by the public. A <br /> • community center issue appears to be as valid today as it would be in a number <br /> of years after an educational campaign took place. <br /> The Commission thanked Mr. Morris for the presentation and indicated that they <br /> are looking forward to the formal presentation before the City Council some time <br /> in June. <br /> 3. Adiournment <br /> There being no further business, the meeting of the Park and Recreation <br /> Commission was adjourned by consensus. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Patrick D. Klaers <br /> City Administrator <br /> • <br />