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City Council Minutes Page 10 <br />January 16, 2018 <br />----------------------------- <br /> Councilmember Ovall explained he likes the spirit of the festival but had concerns <br />with closing Main Street and bringing a large amount of people downtown when <br />parking downtown is already a concern. He indicated he is struggling with the <br />logistics of having a mass amount of people downtown all leaving about the same <br />time to get across town for fireworks but he will leave to the experts. He suggested <br />having events in various locations throughout the city to help disperse traffic. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Wagner noted Shiver Elk River has activities going on in various <br />parts of the city and she knows it is difficult to plan and coordinate. Councilmember <br />Ovall stated he is okay with the event downtown as long as others are comfortable <br />with the parking situation. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Westgaard questioned if recreation has proper staff and budget to <br />handle this festival. Mr. Hecker indicated most of the costs associated with the <br />festival are already in the budget. He stated he doesn’t anticipate a huge increase in <br />staffing and recreation will incorporate seasonal staff. <br /> <br />Council consensus was for staff to bring back a plan for a celebration day event to be <br />held later this year. <br /> <br />9.2 Retail Space in Ice Arena <br /> <br /> <br />Mr. Femrite presented the staff report. <br /> <br /> The Council discussed including retail space in the proposed Arena. Concerns were <br />raised regarding ending up with a vacant space if the tentant leaves. It was <br />questioned if the city has to go out for bid to find a tenant. <br /> <br /> Attorney Beck indicated the city is not required to go through the competitive <br />bidding process for tenants but suggested the Council vet the tenants for things like <br />a longer term lease and a personal guarantee. Mr. Beck suggested we make our <br />requirements clear to potential tenants. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Wagner stated she would love to be located in the Arena if she had <br />a retail establishment. She questioned if an apparel store would conflict with <br />DECA’s store at the high school. Mr. Portner indiated he can discuss with the <br />school. <br /> <br /> Mr. Femrite explained the estimate is to construct the shell as the tenant would be <br />responsible for space improvements and furnishings. He added staff will discuss <br />details on the lease and space with Springsted. <br /> <br /> Other arena locations with retail space were discussed. <br /> <br />Mayor Dietz questioned if we seek tenants prior to constructing the space. <br />Councilmember Westgaard indicated he feels the city would want to have a pretty <br /> <br />