HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.05.97 Work Session Minutes
City Council Workshop Minutes
March 5, 1997
Parks Referendum
1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ristow at 7:03 P.M.
Members Present: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Gamer and Strachan.
Also Present: Administrator Erar, Finance Director Roland, Parks Director Bell,
Consultant Neprash, Parks and Recreation Commission Members and concerned CitIZens.
2. P ARAC member Gerten presented to Council the proposed referendum packet
including the two proposed questions, He stated that the commission asked the consultant
to provide estimates for a totally completed facility and that the estimates were about 6
milli'on C "'H__:__:~" .__~___t.___ .._..1- -. '. ~~+ ~,,~un tn tJ,p nr"n""p~ 1 ""-'ll'lll'on
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Various members of the audience voiced concerns about the cost of the referendum and
others supported the referendum at 3.5 million.
3. Administrator Erar and Finance Director Roland presented the referendum's impact
upon the budget and the city tax capacity. The impact of question 1 would have little
effect on the tax capacity. Question 2 would however increase the tax capacity to about
38%. This is 4% more than the Council has indicated the tax capacity should be in 1998.
Administrator Erar indicated that taxes would go up as a result of a favorable vote on the
total $3.5 million referendum.
4. Councilperson Strachan recommended that the land purchase be taken off question 1
~nn r'hrpn nn f}llestion 2 with all the other Ballfield Complex costs. This was proposed to
give voters a clear understanding of the issues and to provide a more separate cost for the
ballfield complex.
5. Mayor Ristow asked the Council for their opinions on what questions should be asked
and if the P ARAC should continue with the referendum. Three members supported asking
both questions, one member indicated that if the referendum should be approved it should
be one question for 3.5 million only, and one member supported no referendum at this
time. It was determined that Council would review the referendum question at the March
17, 1997 meeting and officially vote on the status of the referendum.
Question 1 asking for support for the playground upgrade, neighborhood park
construction, trail construction, Rambling River Ballfield rest rooms and Middle School
Rink Complex sewer / rink improvements.
Question 2 would include land acquisition, Preserve / Ballfield Complex, Ice Rink
Complex, Shallow Wading Pool and Youth Park.
6. Motion by Fitch, second by Gamer to adjourn at 9:52 P,M.. APIF. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
James Bell
Parks and Recreation Director
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