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City Council Minutes Page 4 <br /> May 30,2018 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> A youth commission member stated Council can't delay the decision and not allow <br /> time for messaging to reach the community. He stated he'd like the city to be able to <br /> provide them with a message they can blast out to their families/members. <br /> Councilmember Wagner questioned if the groups in the audience felt their needs were <br /> being served or if Council is missing anything as they take a broad look at the future. <br /> A member stated they will not support a referendum if Council goes with fixing the <br /> arena. He stated every field needs some type of work. <br /> Mayor Dietz expressed concerns with spending over$25 million and getting a <br /> referendum to pass. He stated even with add-ons,he is concerned many people will <br /> still think this referendum is only for an arena. He stated the budget needs to be <br /> manageable so people will vote for it. Mayor Dietz stated he'd like staff to bring a list <br /> of items and their associated costs so Council can choose referendum add-ons. <br /> Garrett Christianson (currently running for Councilmember Ward 1) stated it is <br /> expensive to live in Elk River and he doesn't want to see property taxes increase. He <br /> stated a decision is needed without rushing into it and the referendum needs to appeal <br /> to a broad base. <br /> Councilmember Wagner asked youth commission members if they could support <br /> Option 2. <br /> A youth commission member suggested Council buy back (or buy out the lease) the <br /> YMCA facility. He stated many community members feel they were screwed by the <br /> YMCA deal and now they can't use the facility like they expected. He suggested <br /> kicking the YMCA out and using the facility to earn revenue for the city. <br /> Councilmember Olsen felt the YMCA appeals to a much broader base than Elk River <br /> and reaps economic benefit from people utilizing it. <br /> It was suggested to add on to the YMCA facility amenities similar to the Andover <br /> model. <br /> Councilmember Wagner questioned if the city could expand off the YMCA or have <br /> discussions with them about its usage or the running of the facility. She stated more <br /> conversation is needed in this area. <br /> There was discussion about the open gym program at the YMCA. Councilmember <br /> Wagner stated she has attended the open gym program and it is not fun. She noted <br /> open gym nights are also frustrating to YMCA members. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard discussed the long-term notice requirements for the <br /> YMCA building. <br /> It was suggested if any members had ideas to email them to Mr. Williams. <br /> P U w E H l U 9 Y <br /> 1`4Af <br />