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COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 8, 1994 <br />FACILITIES STUDY <br />evening. <br />Mr. Schumacher explained that he and the Financial Director did <br />put figures together for a new city hall. He noted that Elk <br />River recently completed a new city hall at the cost of <br />$2,300,000.00. Space requirements for Lino Lakes would cost <br />approximately $4,000,000.00. This would not include the cost of <br />land or furnishings. Council Member Bergeson said that would <br />provide a building that is needed 10 years from now. The need at <br />this time is for approximately 34,000 square feet not including <br />Public Works. Total costs would be approximately $5,000,000.00. <br />Mayor Reinert asked how such a project would be financed. Mr. <br />Schumacher outlined several areas from which to pull financing <br />including TIF, MWCC SAC refund, and a lease/purchase situation <br />similar to what was used to finance the new fire station. <br />Mayor Reinert asked if a Town Center is a realistic project. Mr. <br />Schumacher said yes. A financing plan covering a 20 to 25 year <br />period with only interest being paid for the first several years <br />would not require a significant tax increase. Mayor Reinert <br />asked that the financing plan be outlined, and then go to the <br />community and sell the plan, possibly through the 20/20 project. <br />He felt the idea of the Town Center must grow out of the need of <br />the community. <br />Mr. Wessel also noted that the plan would need strong public <br />support. He felt there is a need to focus on location and <br />obtaining the property soon. He felt that the need for a City <br />facility and a Town Center could be combined and the project <br />completed in stages with the government facilities constructed <br />first. <br />Council Member Kuether said she liked the philosophy of a Town <br />Center but felt the City Council needed to take the initiative <br />and make it happen. She felt that many businesses would like to <br />be located near city hall. <br />Council Member Bergeson felt that the City could build another <br />city hall in a different location but it would only be a city <br />hall that would not be much different that what the City already <br />has. <br />Mr. Wessel explained that the EDAAB has been trying to put <br />together a plan to "kick off" commercial development and a Town <br />Center appears to be workable. Ms. LaForest said that the City <br />could use government facilities to attract businesses. This <br />concept would be a good marketing tool. <br />PAGE 3 <br />