4.1. DRAFT MINUTES 02-20-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes Page 8 February 8,2018 ----------------------------- Councilmember Wagner suggested calling it a civic center. Councilmember Wagner amended her motion for Council to bring back a multipurpose facility for a referendum vote. Mayor Dietz questioned if the referendum would be for November of this year. Councilmember Wagner stated yes. Mayor Dietz seconded the motion. Councilmember Ovall questioned what he is voting on. He questioned if he is voting for a civic center at Lake Orono Park. He expressed concerns with the many geographical issues in the city such as the highways and railroads. He questioned where the percentage of population lies between the east and north sides of town. He noted the traffic issues around Lake Orono with the fireworks. He questioned what the right place is based on the user of the facility. He discussed spin off economic development and asked if the gravel mines should be evaluated as an option. The maker and seconder of the motion both agreed the motion does not identify a site specific location. Councilmember Wagner stated the motion includes the Council leading the effort. Mayor Dietz, the seconder of the motion, agreed. Mayor Dietz stated he is opposed to the Dave Anderson Complex at Lake Orono Park and prefers the current high school site. Councilmember Ovall stated he understands it's Council's authority to make decisions on what they believe is best for the community but when it comes to discretionary spending he will always put it to the citizens. Councilmember Olsen stated the city needs a first class structure that will last a long time and he is in favor of continuing with current process and sales tax options. Councilmember Westgaard stated he is not in favor of doing a referendum because the city has been down this road many times over 20 years and has three facilities rapidly approaching or have already exceeded their lifespan. He noted every referendum has failed and Council continues to not make a decision. He asked the three Councilmembers for the referendum what their contingency plan is if there is a failed vote. He further stated there was discussion in January that if there isn't the appetite to own an arena,then sell it and get out of the business. He stated it isn't responsible to own and operate dilapidated facilities without any plan to repair them. He state Council had this discussion and said they would move forward. He stated P 0 W I R I U 9 Y otm§A UREI