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