05-10-2018 Listening Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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Meeting of the Elk River City Council ver Held at Handke Center Thursday, May 10, 2018 Members Present: Mayor Dietz, Councilmembers Olsen, Ovall, and Wagner Members Absent: Councilmember Westgaard Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, City Clerk Tina Allard, Deputy City Clerk Jessica Miller I . Call Meeting to Order The meeting of the Elk River City Council came to order at 9:30 a.m. 2. Recreational Facility Improvements Listening Session Community member Charlie Blesener facilitated a discussion about the current state of the city's recreational facilities and engaged the people in attendance about what they would envision for the future of Elk River and what role they might play in creating that future. Comments made during the Q & A session of the meeting. • Would like to see the city swap land with the holding pond land the school district owns. ■ Cost transparency prominent in communications • Number of hockey families in and outside of the community being served by the arena component of a facility. How much would these families contribute to a facility? How many other groups would be using the facility? • Types of businesses leasing space in a recreational facility. • Council's authority in making expenditures. • Future of Pinewood golf course. It needs to go away. • What are the needs of the community? ■ Like the sale tax idea. ■ How much would youth groups be contributing? • It was noted there were 67 teams playing in town over the weekend and they are spending money on food, entertainment, and lodging. • Need to consider the big picture for Elk River. • Like sales tax idea. Fifty cents on a $100 purchase is a good deal for the community and involves non -community members contributing to the costs of a facility. • Like the idea of being able to host different types of parties, such as birthdays and weddings. ■ Embarrassed to have outsiders come to Elk River due to the comparison of our community facilities compared to theirs. ■ Where is the integrated vision for the community? We keep kicking the can down the road. Need to know the funding. Want a curling rink and other amenities.