Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Minutes <br />December 18, 2017 <br />Page 8 <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. Berri 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 />P 0 V f R I I Or <br />MATURE <br />