12-10-2007 CC MIN - JOINT - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes December 10, 2007 Page 3 . Councilmember Farber questioned if the estimate seems high. Councilmember Gumphrey indicated that the cost for construction around $200 per square foot is reasonable. Mr. Maertz stated that the arena expansion could be designed around a budget if the Council desires. Councilmember Gumphrey stated that he believes it is time for the city to step up and help the arena program. He noted that construction costs are not going down and he believes once the arena expansion is complete, the arena would experience a substantial increase in revenues. Mayor Klinzing indicated that she believes the arena expansion is a great project but she does not see moving forward at this time due to financing issues. She noted that she is not interested in seeing this project being funded through a tax levy. Councilmembers Zerwas and Moon also expressed concerns over this project being financed through a tax levy. Councilmember Farber stated that he would be interested in seeing more concrete estimates. Ms. Johnson indicated that staff will obtain quotes for architectural services needed in order to get a more concrete price estimate and present the quotes to the Council for further discussion at a future meeting. 5.3. Consider Donation Amount for Elk River Area Arts Alliance Ms. Johnson presented the staff report. Councilmember Gumphrey stated that he would like to increase the donation amount to the Arts Alliance by an additional $2,500. Councilmember Motin indicated that he does not see increasing the amount that was budgeted. Ms. Johnson noted that the HRA is providing the Arts Alliance with free rent in their downtown building. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO INCREASE THE DONATION TO THE ELK RIVER AREA ARTS ALLIANCE BY $2,500 TO BE FUNDED FROM COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUNDS. MOTION FAILED 3-2. Mayor Klinzing and Councilmembers Motin and Zerwas opposed. 5.4. Council Open Forum There were no items for discussion under open forum. 6. Joint Meeting with County Board of Commissioners 6.1. Ut~date on Government Center Property County Administrator Brian Bensen indicated that the County recently hired BWBR to work on a master plan. He stated that the goal is for the master plan to be completed in the spring and they hope to have a good idea of the next phase of building by the end of 2008. Mr. Bensen noted that the County hopes to-have an idea of whether or not the Veteran's Clinic is a possibility within the next six months. Councilmember Moon questioned if any remaining property would be transferred or sold. • Mr. Bensen stated that they will have a better idea after the master plan is complete.