Minutes - 2006/06/26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council June 26, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 29 Councilmember Stigney asked what should go on the ballot, and said he believes that citizens should be asked if they want a fitness center that will cost "X" numbers of dollars. Councilmember Flaherty asked that this come up for discussion again, and asked if the fitness center really should be the issue the market analysis tackles. Councilmember Flaherty stated he agrees with Councilmember Thomas that the research should be done before a question is put on the ballot. Mayor Marty said they do not have to determine the question tonight. He reiterated that numerous questions have been raised to him regarding the Community Center. He stated he wants to make it citizen -friendly and wants to slow down and take another look at the project. Councilmember Thomas asked if the City has enough information to make a decision and Mayor Marty stated Staff could do the work. Councilmember Thomas asked if there is enough information, and if not, how would the Council get the information. City Administrator Ulrich stated the issue is right for a work session, including discussion about a ballot resolution. He said there could be other quotes for market studies, consideration for RFPs, as well as looking at interim alternatives before a decision is made. Mayor Marty said there is not enough information to ask questions about any alternate uses, and asked if there really is enough information to start the fitness center. IIe stated his concerns about such questions. Councilmember Thomas said there is enough information to warrant a market study. Councilmember Stigney pointed out that the $636,000 is a capital cost and does not include operational costs. IIe asked about the costs to the residents. Mayor Marty stated he does not want to fault the Community Center Task Force and thanked them for their work on the issue. He questioned, however, if the fitness center is the direction in which the City wants to go. Mr. Amundsen said that one of the exercise centers in town took over a year to get to 400 members. He said that he doubts the Community Center will have an easy time drawing people away from the professional exercise center to the public center, and that if it does, it will put the professional center out of business. He stated he believes it should be a banquet and meeting center. Councilmember Thomas responded that all of those things would be maintained; potluck rooms, banquets, and that will be continued regardless of the fitness center. Councilmember Thomas said that without a market study, the City would never know whether or not a fitness center is feasible. She said any other opinion is just a guess.