03-05-2018 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes March 5, 2018 Page 7 Mr. Femrite presented the staff report. He discussed the Corridors of Commerce projects and the possibility of some of its funding being used on this project near Dodge Avenue and 5`h Street. Council further questioned the Corridors of Commerce project and how it relates to the traffic patterns for Dodge Avenue and 5`h Street and the access to Line Avenue. Mr. Femrite explained how modifications will be needed to handle changes in traffic patterns. He stated he expects the 5th Street access to close if the Highway 169 improvement is funded by MNDOT. Council expressed concerns with traffic utilizing 5`h Street and stacking back onto Highway 169 once Line Avenue has the cul-de-sac in place. Mr. Femrite stated the peak hours of the turning movement were low for the 51h Street intersection and the traffic study estimates didn't show the patterns changing to the 5`h St. movement but staff would review the matter with the consultant. Council consensus to move forward with the Line Avenue improvement. 11.3 Arena/Civic Center Referendum Mayor Dietz read a 3 -page statement that is included as part of the record. He stated he doesn't feel the arena, activity center, and Lions Park Center should be combined but rather prioritized into separate projects. He presented his option for the arena at a cost of $15 million. He stated he didn't feel the city would need a voter referendum for the arena and could bond for $12 million of the funding. He stated he would like to have a sales tax referendum on the November 2018 ballot. Mayor Dietz stated $1.5 million of the GRE Fund could lower the cost of the project and Youth Hockey/Figure Skating Club could contribute another $1.5 million. He suggested items to remove from the arena building to reduce the cost as noted in the record. Councilmember Wagner stated she appreciates the research completed by the mayor but felt the previous project wasn't communicated well. She discussed her plan as outlined in her handout, which is part of the record. She stated Council needs to understand and determine a policy for field use fees. She stated the associations currently don't feel the fees are being paid fairly. She stated Council needs to determine long-term goals of the Parks and Recreation department and how the city can provide capital to fund them. Councilmember Wagner stated the city needs action plans before moving forward. She stated she likes the idea of considering the YMCA as a partner and giving them an opportunity to expand their horizons with an activity center, a climbing wall, or an extra gym specifically for residents or the Parks and Recreation department. She suggested a Council lead a community-based task force to reevaluate community needs. She noted this work would be a lot of what the city has already done but a better job needs to be done. She further questioned if the city is meeting the needs of today or for the future. POmEAEO AI AWRE