Agenda Packets - 2005/10/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council July 25, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 8 they would be discussing tonight. He acknowledged that the bids came in much higher than 1 anticipated and agreed that the costs should be reviewed. He stated that the air conditioning costs 2 are a minor issue noting that he does not want to say that a $5,000 to $7,000 cost is a minor issue, 3 he is not saying this, but, if the intent is to add the air conditioning in the future the retrofit would 4 be more expensive than including it now as a part of the construction process. He stated that this 5 building and Hillview, in comparison to the Community Center, where there is a lot of activity, 6 would provide an ideal location for events such as wedding parties and reunions. He noted that 7 people would not want all of the activities around them during these events and this building 8 could provide that avenue. He explained that the rental fees could be structured and tiered to 9 compensate for the use and the energy used. He stated that the air conditioning makes the 10 building a better asset for the City than a liability. 11 12 Mayor Marty closed the public hearing at 8:02 p.m. 13 14 Council Member Thomas agreed with Mr. Aukee noting that whether they include or exclude the 15 air conditioning for this project means absolutely nothing when you think of the overall costs. 16 She stated that the air conditioning would be great and probably is a necessity for events. She 17 stated that Council has to consider the overall costs of the building. She stated that she cannot, in 18 good conscience, agree to this project. She stated that she would have been fine without the 19 letter from TKDA, which was the biggest piece of BS she has seen in quite some time. She 20 stated that the Council has to re-evaluate this proposal adding that she cannot support $300,000 21 for this building. 22 23 Council Member Flaherty stated that he would like to table this discussion until they can get 24 further clarification on the information provided. He stated that at this point no one has been 25 able to justify the costs for this building noting that it is his hope that the parks are not trying to 26 compete with each other for activities and events. He stated that this is a community and what 27 they are talking about is one neighborhood and he wants to see the costs for stick construction. 28 He suggested tabling this discussion until the Council has all of the answers on this project. He 29 stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission has a meeting scheduled for this Thursday and 30 recommended that they include this issue on their agenda. 31 32 Council Member Stigney stated that $330,000 for a cement block building at a park is 33 outrageous. He stated that as far as the air conditioning is concerned, the price for the unit is 34 only about 2-percent of the total and asked why the building would cost so much. He stated that 35 the Council should take a serious look at what is being spent for this project adding that whatever 36 they determine for the cost, he is not in favor of the 35-percent funding from the Special Funds. 37 He stated that he would not have a problem with loaning the funds but he would want to see it 38 paid back. He stated that if they want it that bad they can pay for it but he is uncomfortable with 39 the $330,000 figure. 40 41 Council Member Gunn agreed that this is way too much. She stated that they should look at an 42 alternative to the masonry, as it is a lot of money to spend. 43 44