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City Council Minutes Page 10 <br /> June 4,2018 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Councilmember Olsen stated they should figure out the total number and then <br /> prioritize the project. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard felt that there wasn't really any new information from the <br /> listening sessions and that the right target audience was not reached. It seemed that <br /> people were in support of a LOST but with the caveat that it must encompass a <br /> broader scope than just an ice arena. Whether the project is one large facility project <br /> or multiple smaller projects,he outlined the combined costs of all of the proposed <br /> projects would probably be close to $30 million. He asked if a half cent sales tax <br /> would support a $33 million project. <br /> Mr. Portner stated it would. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard would like to address the three facilities and then get top <br /> priorities from the Park and Recreation Commission. The Council can then decide <br /> how much more they want to add. There are projects such as dredging Lake Orono <br /> and YAC initiatives that maybe should be included. <br /> Councilmember Olsen agreed that they needed a priority list. <br /> Councilmember Ovall felt what we are looking at today is different than what was <br /> discussed in 2016. Residents are more in favor of a LOST than property tax increase. <br /> The Council has one shot to get it right and need to examine our goal and vision and <br /> engage community stake holders. Selecting the right project for community value is <br /> being financially prudent. <br /> Mayor Dietz said, currently,people seem in favor of two of the plans but there is not <br /> time to develop an entirely new plan before the election. He felt a $30 million cost <br /> seemed too high. <br /> Councilmember Wagner asked what the goal of the Council was. Is it three facilities <br /> and that's it, or three facilities plus additional projects? Elk River is at a pivotal point <br /> looking at the broader vision. If LOST is desired,then the Council should look at <br /> future needs and have a broader vision. <br /> Mayor Dietz felt the top priorities are the Elk River Ice Arena and the Activity <br /> Center. He isn't sure how else the city would pay for these projects besides a LOST. <br /> If additional projects are included,they need to appeal to more people. Currently, the <br /> number seems too big no matter what it is for. How much of the total cost should <br /> be spent on the recreational facility improvements?He requested staff provide costs <br /> to the City Council. <br /> Mr. Portner offered to provide sample referendum language from other cities. <br /> Mayor Dietz doesn't know if the Council can get everything on the ballot. He <br /> suggested limiting the options to 1 or 2 for the recreational facilities improvements <br /> and create a list of priority projects to also include. <br /> POWERED 9r <br /> UREJ <br />