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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Special Meeting/Park & Recreation Commission <br />Mav 21. 1997 <br /> <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />Mr. Morris noted with surprise, the strong support for a community center. He <br />noted that the public will support almost any facility in a community center with <br />the exception of the strong opposition to a community theater. Facilities of the <br />highest support level from the public include a teen center, a gymnasium, large <br />community rooms for banquets, parties, meetings, and other rental purposes, an <br />aerobic exercise and fitness room, an indoor pool, a senior center, and an arts <br />and crafts room for instructional classes. The support for an indoor pool jumped <br />significantly since the 1989 survey as did the support for a teen center. Mr. Morris <br />indicated that the people liked a "grab bag" list of facilities, but would not <br />support a theater. The big increase in support for a gymnasium was also noted as <br />compared to the 1989 survey. <br /> <br />Discussion took place regarding why the citizens in Elk River would be supporting <br />a community center and a lot of the discussion centered on the Becker facility <br />and how well received it has been by the public. Discussion took place on <br />whether or not the public would support a community center with user fees and it <br />was noted that this question was not part of the survey. <br /> <br />Mr. Morris spoke to the wide gap between what people want in a community <br />center and what they are willing to pay for. The citizens were willing to pay only <br />$20 per year in increased taxes for a facility and this would generate slightly more <br />than $2 million based on today's tax rates. The type of facility that could be <br />constructed for $2 million is uncertain, but clearly could not contain everything <br />desired by the public. An education campaign and very clear plans of a facility <br />need to be in place before any referendum would be approved by the public. A <br />community center issue appears to be as valid today as it would be in a number <br />of years after an educational campaign took place. <br /> <br />The Commission thanked Mr. Morris for the presentation and indicated that they <br />are looking forward to the formal presentation before the City Council some time <br />in June. <br /> <br />3. Adiournment <br /> <br />There being no further business, the meeting of the Park and Recreation <br />Commission was adjourned by consensus. <br /> <br />~ctfUIlY submitted. <br /> <br />. ;,! -aWCuA..S L J <- <br />PatriCK D. Klaers F..... <br />City Administrator <br />