Minutes - 2006/06/26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council June 26, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 27 Administrator Ulrich said it is strongly recommended the City contract for the preparation of a market feasibility study. He stated that the firm Maxfield Research, Inc. would charge $7,000 for such service. He also suggested doing a survey of residents, which was not included in $7,000 quote. Administrator Ulrich stated received a quote from Anderson Niebuhr and Associates, which has done work for various locations who recommend the City survey sample of 400 residents, which would cost $28,000. City Administrator stated he asked about reducing the cost, and a 300- person sample would bring the total down to $23,900 and sampling 200 would reduce the cost to $22,000. Administrator Ulrich stated Staff recommends the market study, and based on the results, the scope of the project may be changed. He said the costs to do plans and specs would cost around $36,000, which is $27,000 for plans and $9,000 for project supervision. Mayor Marty asked about the community survey and how much it cost the City to conduct it. City Administrator Ulrich said it cost around $11,000. Councilmember Thomas said the Council has discussed the issue extensively, and Councilmember Stigney has asked for market study. She said it can't hurt to have information however the cost of the survey is ridiculous. She said the City can get feedback information itself for a much less significant cost. Councilmember Thomas said the market study is necessary and that she thinks the Council should go ahead. Councilmember Flaherty stated that the more he considers the project, $600,000 is a lot of money. He said he is not even sure he is ready to go as far as a market study. He said he would like it to go back to a work session one last time to determine if there are any other possibilities, but said he would like to exhaust all avenues before the money is spent. Councilmember Flaherty said the committee was not a trained market study committee, but that before money is put into a study, it warrants further discussion. Councilmember Thomas said the City is losing $50,000 a year on the space. She said she would like to know what Councilmember Flaherty would like to accomplish that hasn't been already discussed. Councilmember Flaherty responded he does not know what would come out of it. Councilmember Thomas said it comes down to pulling the trigger and getting things done. Councilmember Flaherty asked if there is consensus if a fitness center is the best option. Councilmember Thomas replied that a market study will help determine if it is. Councilmember Stigney commented that the task force has given this recommendation. He said that selling 400 each of the memberships will only pay for the original construction costs and that the Council is not paying attention to what is going on. Councilmember Stigney said a market study needs to be done and said the survey could happen through the election in November. He said he does not believe a fitness center is a fit and that will not make any money.