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Arena Commission Minutes Page 3 August 23,2016 ----------------------------- Motion by Commissioner Madsen and seconded by Vice Chair Balabon to approve the Arena Financial Update as presented. Motion carried 6-0. 7. General Business 7.1 Multipurpose Community Center Progress Update Arena Manager Czech states the City Council approved a$30 Million referendum with $28 Million of it going to a Community Center and $2 Million going to park improvements. He adds the discussion has been opened with the school district about other location options. Commissioner Westgaard notes he and City Administrator Cal Portner met with the Interim Superintendent and the Business Director of the School District and felt the discussions went well. Currently the proposed Community Center is slated to be at Lake Orono,however that location could change if we could show a value in a new site. Bruce Watkins, the Interim Superintendent,wanted a written summary and request about what we are looking at from the City's perspective so it could be presented to the school board. The next step would likely be to have a bigger meeting with the some of the school board members, Commissioner Cunningham and Mr. Bizal to discuss what that needs and desires would be on both sides to see if relocating the tennis courts, the softball field and expanding the current site of the arena would be an option. Commissioner Cunningham states schools have what is called an Alt (or Alternate) Facilities Plan which is how they replace lights,gym floors, and other big ticket items. He adds they have been discussing their athletic facilities for years. The unofficial word is that in 2018 they are looking at a new track (the current base is cracked),bleachers (not up to current code), and fixing/updating other facilities including the courts at Salk that are at or past their life expectancy. Since they will need to be redone anyways,it opens up the opportunity to redesign or move them. Currently it costs $50,000 a year just to maintain the stadium field. Turf has been considered,however it doesn't fall under the Alt Facilities Plan. Commissioner Westgaard adds we are still early in the discussion, and both parties are more comfortable with continuing the conversation internally before going public. He also notes the School District has different rules for funding, so even if the upgrades are slated for 2018 they may be able to be moved. Chair Givens inquires if the Community Center referendum will be on the ballot without the site noted? Commissioner Westgaard responds the ballot question will be for a$30 Million referendum with another$4 Million for a programmable space. He adds it would be easier to get a decision if the Superintendent and several members of the school board weren't changing. P 0 V E R E 0 0 M