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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br />APPROVED <br />179 <br />180 Mayor Rafferty noted an update to the information that provides an option for a lower tax <br />181 rate. He'd like to begin the discussion at that lower rate of 40.95. He suggested that <br />182 tonight's discussion is about moving forward a preliminary budget and tax rate — not a <br />183 final one. More discussion can be had. <br />184 <br />185 Councilmember Lyden said he is grappling with this on many levels but he is okay with <br />186 that figure becoming the maximum. <br />187 <br />188 Councilmember Cavegn said he'd like to have the parks and recreation funding included <br />189 even it raises the rate a bit. Mayor Rafferty suggested that he's comfortable that can be <br />190 worked in and that this maximum will still work out. <br />191 <br />192 Councilmember Ruhland said he's okay with 40.95. <br />193 <br />194 Councilmember Stoesz is fine as long as total revenue is accurate. <br />195 <br />196 Mayor Rafferty noted outstanding discussions: <br />197 - Warming houses; <br />198 - Blue Heron Days; <br />199 - Rec Center. <br />200 <br />201 6. Rec Center Update — Public Services Director DeGardner reviewed his written <br />202 report. He noted Mr. Bourassa's generous assistance in bringing parties and talent <br />203 together. Staff is trying to continue on the process of moving toward an eventual <br />204 opening of the rec center based on the recommendations of the ISG report. <br />205 <br />206 Councilmember Stoesz asked how marketing can be done when the product isn't exactly <br />207 clear. Mr. DeGardner suggested people have a good idea of what this will be, at least <br />208 from staff s perspective; he feels that the council expects staff to keep moving forward. <br />209 Mr. DeGardner remarked on the importance of rebranding the facility for success in the <br />210 future. Staff thinks the majority of the city council is on board with that direction. <br />211 <br />212 Councilmember Lyden suggested a rebranding following the concept "Lino Lakes Life <br />213 and Sports Center". <br />214 <br />215 Community Development Director Grochala noted that there are components necessary to <br />216 move forward — branding is an important element. It even gets into monetizing the brand. <br />217 <br />218 Director DeGardner noted that they don't know exactly what this will entail but it's <br />219 important to keep moving toward this phase — to see what these people can come up with. <br />220 The proposal is three different phases. The total cost was noted. <br />221 <br />222 Councilmember Stoesz noted the ongoing bond expense (monthly) and suggested that is a <br />223 steady expense so it's important to get things going. <br />5 <br />