Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Minutes Page 8 <br /> December 18,2017 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Councilmember Ovall indicated he likes the flow to the new area with the revised <br /> option but feels the current shell area does not have good flow and has a narrow <br /> corridor for bringing equipment in and out. Councilmember Westgaard explained <br /> the proposed uses of the shell area didn't warrant creating a separate entrance but <br /> noted there are other entrances in the area that can be opened up for a large event. <br /> Mr. Betti noted the corridor is a pragmatic link to move people in and out of the <br /> space in an effort to be budget conscious and maintain a single main entrance. <br /> Mayor Dietz asked committee members for their feedback. <br /> Kevin Bergstrom, Chamber representative—believes the revised option provides <br /> more usable space for a little more money. He believes the cost difference could be <br /> covered with the additional usable space. <br /> Dave Williams, community representative, agreed the revised option provides more <br /> bang for the buck. He stated he believes baseball, softball, and lacrosse would also <br /> use the space. <br /> Mayor Dietz indicated he understands the need to work with the school but he feels <br /> taxpayers are also putting a lot of money in to this and focusing on the school is not <br /> what is best for taxpayers. He would like to see what is best for the residents of Elk <br /> River and people not affiliated with hockey. He added he feels the term "dryland" <br /> refers only to hockey use and the space should be for all to use. He noted he is aware <br /> of a 65,000 square foot facility being built in Ramsey offering practice space for <br /> softball, baseball, etc. so we will need to compete with that facility. <br /> Mayor Dietz explained he prefers the revised option but will not commit to being in <br /> favor until funding options have been discussed. <br /> Discussion took place on the ball fields. Mayor Dietz questioned the cost estimate <br /> for moving the softball fields. Mr. Portner stated this item will be discussed further <br /> in the future. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated he asked for a field house to be on the last ballot but the voters <br /> were not interested. He questioned the cost of the dryland area created by renovating <br /> the Olympic rink. Councilmember Westgaard stated RJM Construction's estimate as <br /> $1.8 million. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard explained the Design Committee struggled with <br /> terminology for the dryland areas but the intent is for it to be used by all groups. He <br /> added discussions rely heavily on the school district because of the close proximity <br /> of the arena property to the high school. <br /> Brian Recker,RJM President, explained how costs were determined for renovating <br /> the shell space from the Olympic rink. Mr. Portner added many of the costs for <br /> future expansion of a third sheet would be taken care of. <br /> UREJ <br />