02-08-2018 CCM SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 7 February 8, 2018 Councilmember Wagner stated it wasn't enough and not soon enough. Councilmember Olsen stated the ballfields are an option to locate at Lions Park based on the Lions vote at their meeting. He stated Council can do what it needs to with Lions Park Center and take it off the tax rolls. He stated a student athlete's time is of the essence so it makes sense to keep the arena at its current location. He stated the drive from the high school to Lake Orono Park doesn't make sense. He stated his focus is the student athlete. He stated he likes Eden Prairie's model of having the activity center nestled with the school campus. He stated he is in favor of the current arena project. Mayor Dietz stated if the arena project is for the student athlete then why the city should pay for it versus the schools. He stated he needs more reasons to spend $25 million for an arena. Councilmember Wagner stated she is supportive of kids and it's the number one reason why she supports doing something here. She stated driving across town was discussed by the task force but it was noted road improvements will make it easier. She stated this wouldn't derail her from looking at another location noting other kids have to drive for their activities all the time. Councilmember Olsen requested to enter Dave Williams email to the record. He noted the city bought a used arena facility and maintained it on cheap. Mayor Dietz stated he takes offense to the comment about the arena being built on the cheap noting although they installed a used ice plant it lasted for 20 years and the city got its money's worth. He stated when the arena was built Council was told it would generate revenue because surrounding hockey groups would use the facility but this turned out not to be true because everyone started building arenas and received grants funding for them. Councilmember Wagner stated before making a motion to go back to referendum she would like to see Council lead the charge to revisit this matter. She stated if she is spending $24 million she would rather see a larger project to make a bigger difference. Mayor Dietz clarified if Councilmember Wagner wanted to revisit the project fust before deciding if a referendum is needed. Councilmember Wagner stated the city should do a referendum. Moved by Councilmember Wagner to revisit putting the community center option back to referendum. Mayor Dietz questioned if Council wanted to call this a community center because it's not really its intent. IaIIRI1 a1 NAiPURR E