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City Council Minutes Page 9 <br /> October 2,2017 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Mayor Dietz explained his feelings that this was a really difficult issue for him and <br /> knows something needs to be done but was very concerned about the effect on <br /> taxpayers. He discussed a 1% sales tax option and asked for other ways of generating <br /> funds to help pay for this project besides the taxpayers. <br /> Councilmember Wagner stated the Council learned a lot with the process of a <br /> referendum last year,wondered if they should have waited a year to market, and <br /> engage the community. She wouldn't be opposed to vetting out another referendum <br /> and doesn't like the idea of a sales tax unless the project would be broader scope <br /> including trails and a senior center. <br /> Mayor Dietz remarked that the $23-25 million cost doesn't include the seniors and <br /> he's struggling as including improvements for seniors would make the number even <br /> larger. He is really struggling with making the taxpayers pay even though they didn't <br /> vote in favor of this. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated the Council did have those conversations and was <br /> very clear up front that the Council would still need to spend nearly$20 million to <br /> fix things going forward. Councilmember Westgaard discussed his concerns with <br /> allowing another year to put together a referendum and feels the council is at a <br /> crossroads of what are we going to do. The Arena Commission since 2007 has been <br /> talking about the facility needing replacement. Some of those are coming past to <br /> their end life. What are we going to do?How long are we going to kick this can <br /> down the road. Stated some of the projects that were listed were paid for out of big <br /> reserves that could be funded. <br /> Councilmember Wagner asked if Councilmember Westgaard was comfortable with <br /> the proposal before them. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated a 5% architectural fee is probably on the low end <br /> in his experience. <br /> Councilmember Wagner wished the senior center upgrades and trail upgrades were <br /> included but it is difficult to wait until a plan is perfect. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard didn't feel a formal, detailed financing plan for this <br /> project was necessary before moving forward with acquiring design services but he <br /> would like to have some funding mechanisms and grant options outlined. He also <br /> requested user agreements with entities such as the school district and other tier I <br /> groups especially since some of the amenities included in this plan are specific to <br /> them. <br /> Mayor Dietz felt costs for including the senior center could range from$1 -3 million. <br /> He too asked about funding mechanism such as other sources of funding, naming <br /> rights,large corporations or individuals to have the arena named after them but he <br /> wasn't sure what kind of money that would bring. Mayor Dietz stated for him it was <br /> a quality of life issue for him and wondered what other cities have done. <br /> POWERED 9r <br /> UREJ <br />