09-27-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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