04/22/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 22, 1998 If the Homeowners Association approve the items outlined in the April 20th memorandum, the easements will be brought to the City Council for their approval. If the Homeowners Association does not approve the resolution, the City will not pursue additional trail easements. DISCUSSION WITH SCOTT GOYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ST. PAUL YMCA, TOWN CENTER YMCA, MARY ALICE DIVINE Mary Alice introduced Mr. Goyer. He explained that the YMCA (the Y) was founded in St. Paul in 1856. He gave a brief history of the Y and also briefly explained their purpose and programs. Mr. Goyer explained that the Y has been looking at the northern suburbs and has discussed just how far into the suburbs the Y should go. There appeared to be an interest in a Y for this area so a feasibility study was completed and a market study was commissioned. The next step will be an investigation to determine how much funding can be generated in this community, from the City, the school district and possibly Fairview Hospital. Mr. Goyer also noted that both the St. Paul and Minneapolis Y are working together to make this branch work. This has never been done before. Kim noted that a survey was completed with the 20/20 project and the citizens indicated that they wanted a community center, the full cost going to the citizens. The quality of life survey also indicated that citizens would approve some level of funding for this type of facility. It appears that a gathering place is needed sometime in the future. There was discussion regarding what programs would be offered in the Y and the fee structure for these programs. Chris said he felt a Y would be a terrific place but the Council had many obligations. He asked that a more creative way to pay for the facility be investigated. Chris also noted the water park in St. Louis Park and asked that Mary Alice, Brian Wessel and Mr. Goyer visit this facility. He felt that this facility was a real money maker and challenged Mr. Goyer to make space for such a facility. Chris noted some other obligations the Council has to address and asked what would happen if it took the City three (3) years to raise money for the City portion of the costs. Mr. Goyer noted that it took the City of Burnsville nine (9) years to get its funding. Kim felt that this City could not wait that long. This facility is needed to encourage commercial development in the Town Center. Mary Alice also said that the City cannot just say here are 75 acres, developers come and get it. The City has to offer some amenities to encourage development. Rick asked Mr. Goyer what would happen if the City offered just land and infrastructure. Mr. Goyer said that the Y would look for alternate sites and then do another market study. John noted that a capital campaign cannot go on forever. After the initial "big splash", not PAGE 2