Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Minutes Page 3 <br />August 8, 2005 <br />----------------------------- <br />Councilmember Motin indicated that this was not a large concern of his, but if we are <br />renting City property, should the funds go into the General Fund rather than into individual <br />departments. Also there is the issue of a sign being placed on City property for another <br />profit-making business versus non-profit events. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dietz indicated that he did not think we should get into the business of <br />leasing City land for any use. He felt that we should not be providing an opportunity to <br />create an uneven playing field for businesses like the driving school in Lions Park Center. <br /> <br />It was the consensus of the Council that the City should not lease City-owned land in the <br />future. <br /> <br /> <br />5.5.City Financial Participation For YMCA Building <br /> <br />City Administrator Pat Klaers reviewed the information provided in regards to funding a <br />YMCA building in Elk River. <br /> <br />Three representatives from the YMCA present were: Northstar YMCA Community Board <br />Chair Bill Helliwell; Vice-President of Development of YMCA Anita Lancello; and Arthur <br />Jackett. <br /> <br />Bill Helliwell updated the Council on what has recently occurred. He stated that he met with <br />County Administrator Brian Benson two weeks ago and has asked him to set up a meeting <br />with the County board members. He stated that he thought the City would make the <br />commitment wanting to have at least matching funds from the County. He stated that if the <br />County could come up with $8 million and the City with $2 million, they could have a very <br />satisfactory building. He stated that the YMCA also is willing to make a significant <br />contribution towards capital for construction and equipment. The Council held a discussion <br />on this topic with the following points coming forward: <br /> <br /> <br />? <br />Council is not convinced that the County does not feel that this is just for the <br />benefit of Elk River <br /> <br />? <br />The City could have a tax levy if we issue a lease revenue bond and meet related <br />legal requirements including having a lease agreement with the YMCA indicating <br />that we are partners with them <br /> <br />? <br />Everyone needs to realize that it takes at least three years for the revenues to be <br />generated in order for the YMCA to start paying for itself <br /> <br />? <br />Not all Councilmembers are comfortable with the process since there have been <br />problems in the past coming up with the small theater payments <br /> <br />? <br />Councilmembers are concerned about not having future reserve funds available for <br />payments <br /> <br />? <br />The City needs to meet with the County and have the offer put out there so that we <br />know what the County plans to do and what the actual project consists of <br /> <br />? <br />The Council recognizes that to have a YMCA in the City would be great for the <br />City, great for the citizens and would answer the community center need; however, <br />money is a factor <br /> <br />? <br />The feasibility study done in the past indicated that the YMCA would be able to <br />raise $2 to $3 million dollars for construction capital <br /> <br />? <br />If the County wishes to build the YMCA on their land, that would free up land for <br />the City in the Northstar Business Park which would benefit the tax base <br /> <br />? <br />When the YMCA meets with the County an emphasis must be on the benefits to <br />the County as a whole. <br /> <br />