Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Minutes Page 10 <br /> October 2,2017 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Councilmember Westgaard—there was a firm that came in to help Marshall, Fargo, <br /> and Bismarck to assist in fundraising and grants,which in turn is less money put on <br /> the taxpayers. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated he had a discussion with Sherburne County Commissioner Tim <br /> Dolan regarding purchasing some land in the county and construct an arena that <br /> could service the communities of Becker,Big Lake, and Elk River by utilizing a joint <br /> powers agreement, although he was given some advice by someone to be leery of <br /> such agreements. Mayor Dietz has reached out to the mayor of Big Lake to discuss <br /> further interest. He also felt that the school district was one of the main users of the <br /> arena and didn't feel they paid their fair share and received more benefits than what <br /> they pay for. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard indicated city programming actually uses the arena for <br /> more hours than the school district. <br /> Councilmember Wagner stated the perception is that youth hockey uses the ice more <br /> but it's not all about youth hockey. She stated she also doesn't like kicking the can <br /> down the road and doesn't like getting this information Friday and Monday they <br /> have to make a decision and wonders if the Council is on the same page. She said it <br /> would help her to have a better understanding of where the money is coming from <br /> to explain to the taxpayers how's it's going to be paid for. <br /> Mr. Portner stated he doesn't have a magic bullet for this,which is why it's presented <br /> as a levy, noting perhaps there're other funding options available. He stated the <br /> proposed number is the best information he has to date, noting the timing of this <br /> was set in motion a while ago. He indicated this decision was important knowing if <br /> the Council waits, additional funds will be necessary to continue fixes and repairs. He <br /> showed the Council the marketing information piece distributed during the <br /> referendum that outlined the city's need for a solution regardless of the referendum <br /> outcome,noting each outcome has a taxpayer cost. <br /> Councilmember Ovall's stated his concerns with property tax creep and outlined <br /> upcoming burdens and needs versus the cost of the want of the arena. He also asked <br /> about making this work on the current parcel of property. He is opposed to the local <br /> option sales tax. <br /> Mr. Portner explained the current setting of the arena and land swap with the arena <br /> as well as the task force review the limited land the city currently owned and in many <br /> ways, this location is the next best option. He discussed other cities and how they <br /> pay for their projects by use of an EDA levy and fundraising campaigns. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated if the school district will have amenities in this <br /> facility, they should be vetted out and discussed. <br /> Councilmember Olsen agreed with Councilmember Westgaard and indicated the <br /> current arena status is a disaster waiting to happen. <br /> POWERED 9r <br /> UREJ <br />