02/13/2006 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

02/13/2006 13:19 LAW OFFICE 2140 4TH AUE 4 6519822499 LAW OFFICES oF William G. Hawkins and Associates tl • 2140 Fouanr AVENUE Nom ANOKA, MINNESOTA 55303 Norm (763) 427-8877 FAx (763) 421 -4213 E -MAIL HawkLawt( aol.com NU. *)b L, I - t SP • WILLIAM G. HAWKINS BARRY A. SuJJ VAN. February 13, 2006 Lego! Assistants TAMMI J. UvEGEs HOLLY G. PROVO Mr. Gordon Heitke City Administrator Lino Lakes City Hall 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 Re: Review of potential conflict of interest Dear Gordon: The City Clerk has provided me with some information requesting an opinion as to whether or not a conflict of interest exists for a council member to vote on an upcoming agenda item regarding city financial participation in the expansion of an ice facility in Blaine. In my opinion, for the reasons stated herein, the answer is no. As I understand the situation, an ice skating facility known as the "Super Rink" exists at the National Sports Center located in Blaine. There is a planned expansion of that facility and the City has been requested to consider participating financially in the expansion by making three annual payments of $24,000.00 beginning in January of 2007. The cities of Centerville and Circle Pines are also proposed to participate in the program. The participation of the City in the program will be coordinated by the Park & Recreation Department. The purpose of program is to provide the Lino Lakes residents with access to the ice facility predorninateiy for youth athletic activities but may also benefit all residents by promoting public skating programs including open skating, learn -to- skate, figure skating, and senior skating. One member of the Council apparently has two grandchildren actively participating in the Centennial Youth Hockey Association which may be the primary beneficiary of the program. Under Minnesota law, a conflict of interest exists for a local official if the local official, in the discharge of official duties, ".,. would be required to take an action or make a decision that would substantially affect the official's financial interest or those of an associated business, unless the affect on the official is no greater than on other members of the official's business classification, profession, or