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City Council Minutes Page 10 <br /> July 16,2018 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Mayor Dietz explained that the fund was receiving a significant return on <br /> investment. Currently,if every fire fighter retired tomorrow there would still be <br /> money in the account. He believes it is a good idea to reward fire fighters and the <br /> increase may act as an incentive for fire fighters to stay the 20 years. <br /> Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Olsen <br /> to approve an increase for the Elk River Fire Relief Association (ERFRA) <br /> benefit level to $7,120 per year of service effective January 1, 2019. Motion <br /> carried 5-0. <br /> Councilmember Ovall made a motion for a short recess. <br /> Council recessed at 8:37 p.m. <br /> Council reconvened at 8:43 p.m. <br /> 8.3 Select Recreation Facility Option for the Local Sales Tax Referendum <br /> Mayor Dietz asked each Councilmember to choose one of the two options, Option 1 <br /> a $35,000,000 referendum and Option 2 a $25,000,000 referendum,and give a reason <br /> behind their choice. <br /> Councilmember Olsen chose Option 1 because it satisfies the conditions of Lion <br /> John Weicht Park as well as the rink and a repurposed the activity space. It is a long- <br /> term solution. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard chose Option 1 because it covers a broader base of <br /> community interests. It offers a multipurpose recreational facility and is a better <br /> project going forward in long-term planning for the city. <br /> Councilmember Ovall stated concerns that there were some missed opportunities <br /> which he hopes do not result in a failed referendum. He hopes there are no issues <br /> with the Lions' support. He wishes an economic impact study had been done and <br /> feels the currently proposed plan is landlocked for future expansion. He felt a <br /> community survey would have been beneficial after additional projects had been <br /> added to gauge resident support. Having too few fields and rinks can wear things out <br /> prematurely if they are overused and the proposed plan includes a solution for future <br /> maintenance. Councilmember Ovall supported Option 1. <br /> Councilmember Wagner was happy all five Council members seemed to be on the <br /> same page and supported Option 1 taking into account future growth within the city. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated he had previously proposed cheaper options and would have like <br /> to have seen a community survey. However, doing a community survey now would <br /> delay the projects another two years. He reviewed each item on the proposed project <br /> and how it would benefit all residents. The 0.5% sales tax would equate to a 50 cent <br /> tax per $100 spent. If the referendum does not pass, the money to make the repairs <br /> would have to be acquired through property taxes. According to a study from the <br /> P 0 W I R I U 9 Y <br /> otmaA UREJ <br />