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City Council Minutes December 11, 2006 Page 2 5. Worksession 5.1. Consider YMCA Memorandum of Understanding City Administrator Lori Johnson stated that the EDA approved the Memorandum of Understanding with a vote of 5-2. . Councilmember Motin asked that his comments from the EDA minutes be included in the Gty Council meeting minutes for this evening. Comments are as follows: "Commissioner Motin stated that it is his understanding that even though the building will be designed jointly by the EDA, Gty Council and YMCA, the Gty would not be able to include specific items such as racquetball courts or tennis courts, but rather through the programming, they would have input. Commissioner Motin stated that it is his understanding that the $2 million Legacy Grant would have to be used for items which are landfill abatement for the entire project. Commissioner Motin stated that he will be voting against the proposal as a whole because he did not feel that enough information was given to the public regarding the pros and cons of the issue. H did not feel that 10-15 percent voter participation in the primary election was adequate to make a decision by the public. He stated pools and fitness centers are already available in the Gty, and a half basketball co~:'=-- was not adequate. He did not feel it was a good deal for the Gty. He questioned whether the result would be the same if all the information was available to the public, and if the question were presented at the general election. He did not feel comfortable with the project as proposed and felt a better job could have been done. " . Councilmember Farber also asked that his comments be included in these minutes as follows: "Commissioner Farber explained that only a half-court gym is included in the preliminary design of the gym and that it is the Council's desire to have a full-court gym for allow for more activities and room for spectators. He stated that he wanted it clarified in the document that the building will be designed jointly by the EDA, City Council and the YMCA He stated that he felt the four passes per year was not enough benefit for the Elk River residents, and felt the YMCA could offer more. Councilmember Farber stated he felt that some type of discount in their monthly payment or special hours should be offered for the senior citizens. He did not feel that leaving it to the health insurance companies was the answer. He stated that he supported the YMCA, but that he felt there should have been more of a "give and take" option for the residents. Commissioner Farber asked if the building could be designed for what the people in this community want or need, rather than what is successful in other cities." Councilmember Dietz asked if it was correct that two alternates would be included in the request for bids; one for an 8,000 square foot gym and one for a 12,000 square foot gym. Ms. Johnson stated that she was not sure at this time how it would be done. She explained that the goal is to provide a full size gym within the $12 million budget. She stated that the square footage may be something less than 12,000 square feet and still meet their needs for a full size court, and this will be determined through the design process. .