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Arena Commission Minutes Page 2 <br />August 21, 2018 <br />----------------------------- <br /> <br /> Regarding expenses, Czech notes the repairs that were done to the Olympic rink this <br />summer totaled $100,000 which will put the arena over budget. There will also be <br />more expenses (but also revenue) coming from concessions since the 2018-2019 <br />season hasn’t started yet. <br /> <br /> Motion to approve the arena financials as presented made by Vice Chair <br />Balabon and seconded by Commissioner Williams. Motion carries 6-0. <br /> <br />7. General Business <br /> 7.1 Community Center/Arena <br /> Arena Manager Czech states the City Council has given direction to add a <br />referendum to the November election for a ½ % sales tax to offset the $35 Million <br />project which includes a renovation to the arena. If it does not pass, The City will <br />spend $16 Million on their “Plan B”. The City has hired a firm to help get the word <br />out. Czech adds that he has gotten contact information from the youth hockey <br />participants, but is unsure if he will be able to get it from the Elk River Figure <br />Skating Club. <br /> <br /> Vice Chair Balabon adds The City should also get contact information from youth <br />softball as well as any other groups impacted. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Williams notes he is scheduled to meet with City Administrator Cal <br />Portner and Youth Hockey President Kelli Swart to develop a plan. <br /> <br /> Arena Manager Czech replies Councilwoman Wagner took the lead on the senior <br />center portion of the project as to whether the current building is repaired, or if the <br />seniors would be moved to the Arena. She is trying to determine what the seniors <br />would like in a facility, and notes that 131 signed a petition to stay in their current <br />building. <br /> <br /> Chair Givens notes “Plan B” leaves nothing for the seniors, and doesn’t effect the <br />ball fields. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Ballenger asks if the design for “Plan A” is completely decided on? <br /> <br /> Commissioner Westgaard replies no, but the 2017 plan is a starting point. <br /> <br /> Chair Givens asks if “Plan A” passes, can any work be done prior to the Governor <br />singing off on the tax increase? <br /> <br /> Commissioner Westgaard replies technically yes, as he feels based on the vote in <br />November, The City will have a good idea if it will pass at the state. <br /> <br /> Chair Givens adds it has been mentioned previously that tax increases are usually for <br />infrastructure and not recreation projects. <br />