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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br />APPROVED <br />DATE <br />TIME STARTED <br />TIME ENDED <br />MEMBERS PRESENT <br />MEMBERS ABSENT <br />CITY OF LINO LAKES <br />MINUTES <br />December 1, 2014 <br />: December 1, 2014 <br />. 6:00 p.m. <br />. 9:50 p.m. <br />: Council Member Stoesz, Kusterman, <br />Rafferty, Roeser and Mayor Reinert <br />: None <br />Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Community Development <br />Director Michael Grochala; Finance Director Al Rolek; Public Services Director Rick <br />DeGardner; Public Safety Director John Swenson; City Engineer Diane Hankee; City <br />Clerk Julie Bartell <br />1. Potential Blue Heron Days Boat Race and Show Update- Public Services <br />Director DeGardner introduced Twin Cities Power Boat Association Commodore Arron <br />Wachholz, noting that he has been working with the group on the feasibility of <br />establishing a boat race event in Lino Lakes, most likely in conjunction with the city's <br />Blue Heron Days festival. They have determined that Centerville Lake is feasibile from a <br />size standpoint but there are issues that would have to be worked out in that or any <br />location. <br />Mr. Wachholz explained the types of power boat racing events that his organization is <br />already sponsoring, specifically noting their annual Forest Lake event. These events <br />most often involve two days because that makes it more financially feasible. The revenue <br />stream associated with the events involves people coming with their boats — utilizing <br />hotels and restaurants, etc. They do not normally charge for admittance to the event. <br />They obtain business sponsorships to cover much of the costs and he added that they have <br />raised up to $20,000 for expenses and the purse. The sponsors are allowed to set up <br />some advertising at the event. <br />Mayor Reinert asked if there are any negatives to a boat racing event? Mr. Wachholz <br />said he hasn't encountered any real problems in the years he's been involved. On <br />obtaining sponsorships, he has done the legwork for the Forest Lake event so he is aware <br />that it requires real commitment. The council discussed possible sponsors in the area <br />and the possibility of requesting some tourism funding. It was noted that access to <br />tourism dollars (Twin Cities Gateway) is legally limited to use for marketing only. Mr. <br />Wachholz stressed that the key to a successful event is to plan early and advertise a lot. <br />Mr. DeGardener remarked that to plan an event for 2015 would require moving on plans <br />very fast and that would most likely require some commitment of city funds to get things <br />going. Anoka County regulates the park on the lake and would be a key player in <br />moving ahead. <br />1 <br />