04-22-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 22, 2015 McGraw agreed that the Veterans Memorial is an asset to the City, but was concerned about the City's fronting these dollars with no guarantee that they will be repaid. Keis indicated that he has a little of this same concern noting that the Historical Society was in the charitable gambling business at the time the City fronted the cost for the Historical Society addition onto the City Center. Therefore, they had a revenue source to repay the City. Keis asked Waite what the Committee's thoughts are on generating donations. Waite felt that it will be easier to fund raise now that people can see the Phase I project. He noted that in addition to paver and bench sales, the Committee is hoping for general donations. Waite felt the Committee has proven that it can fund raise, and informed the Council that he would keep up this effort until the dollars are repaid. Waite noted, however, that if the City does not get all of this money back, it will still have received a lot more benefit from the Memorial than the dollars represent. Waite also pointed out that while the Committee will continue to fund raise, there are no guarantees that the City will get all its money back. McGraw stated that he would rather the Committee ask the City for a contribution so that the City can make a choice over the amount it will contribute. Waite indicated that the Committee would like to proceed with Phase II rather than wait a few years to raise the money. Waite indicated that the Committee will continue to work to keep costs down. Fischer asked about the agreement between the Committee and the City for Phase I. The City Administrator reported that the City paid for the parking bay and the sidewalk. Fischer felt that the Committee would continue to show its due diligence in keeping costs down and fundraising, and felt they earned the right to ask the City to front the money. Fischer stated that his preference, however, would be that the City front the remaining money at the point that the Committee has raised $20,000. Keis agreed, suggesting perhaps 20%. Torkelson stated that he was willing to take the risk and have the City front the Phase II costs. Fischer asked if the budget could accommodate this. The City Administrator indicated that the 400 Fund could handle it on an interim basis. Torkelson asked about utilizing the Park Land Acquisition Fund. The City Administrator replied that that is a decision for the Council. Torkelson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2015-4-74 — APPROVING THE CITY'S ADVANCING THE VETERANS MEMORIAL COMMITTEE $61,100 18