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City Council Minutes Page 3 <br /> November 4,2019 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Mayor Dietz asked Mr. Staley if he has an estimate of the annual revenue. Mr. Staley <br /> explained there are too many variables to estimate at this time. He indicated he will <br /> bring a couple different concepts forward in the future to gauge the Council's taste, <br /> impressions, and values and then actual sponsorship values will be determined and <br /> matched with what the marketplace will support. He added he believes Elk River is a <br /> community that will support this facility. <br /> Councilmember Wagner expressed concern with local businesses getting upset about <br /> fundraising being spearheaded by an outside organization rather than local officials <br /> and staff. Mr. Staley stated it's more of a partnership and he believes, by being an <br /> outsider,he learns a lot more during his interviews businesses and individuals. <br /> Councilmember Wagner also expressed concern with the contract amount indicating <br /> it is a lot to spend for preparation without any actual fundraising. She explained she <br /> believes the city is behind on beginning this process. Mr. Staley stated there is a lot of <br /> background and work that goes in to this process and he believes he can be <br /> successful. <br /> Councilmember Christianson questioned if anyone has come forward inquiring <br /> about sponsorships. Mr. Hecker stated not that he is aware of. He noted he spoke <br /> with representatives from the City of Shoreview and they are organizing a capital <br /> campaign without outside assistance and it has not been as successful as they had <br /> hoped. <br /> Councilmember Ovall indicated he is struggling with this contract as he would like to <br /> see additional options and feels putting together a request for proposals may be the <br /> best way to see other options. <br /> Councilmember Christianson stated he feels like the city is jumping in the deep end <br /> with the cost of this proposal without knowing what the market will support and <br /> questioned if it will be worth it in the long run. He added he would like to see more <br /> than one proposal. <br /> Mr. Staley indicated his experience includes service as a parks and recreation director <br /> and he believes this experience will be valuable to the project. <br /> Councilmember Wagner stated her concern is in no way a reflection of Mr. Staley. <br /> She explained her concern is with the cost of the proposal and having someone from <br /> the outside approach local businesses and individuals for sponsorships. She indicated <br /> she has been offering to use her advertising background to assist for a few years now <br /> and believes we may be behind on this. She stated the Council requested staff put <br /> together a request for proposals at the last meeting and expressed disappointment in <br /> staff not taking the time to put together the RFP. She believes it is a disservice to the <br /> community to not go out for proposals and she wants to be able to tell the public the <br /> Council compared costs. <br /> P O w E R E U 9 1 <br /> UREJ <br />