Minutes - 2006/08/14 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council August 14, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 12 Economic Development Coordinator Backman responded that the childcare facility will remain a tenant and he does not anticipate any impact on the childcare’s operation. City Administrator Ulrich pointed out that the City currently allows liquor to be served at the banquet center. He also stated Marta McIntyre would address the impact of the Theater on youth programs. Mary Kay Fangel of Oops Dinner Theater stated she would not be serving alcohol any differently than it will be for a wedding or any other event in the banquet center. She stated the Theater would only be using two rooms and the banquet center when it is available. She stated she is working with Community Center Staff so the Theater will not interfere with other activities. Councilmember Thomas stated that Marta McIntyre of the YMCA programming at the Community Center would address the programming issues, but she anticipates some impact to the programming. Councilmember Gunn asked when Random Park would be completed and mentioned it could also be used for programming. Public Works Director Lee stated it should be available mid-September. Ken Glidden, 5240 Edgewood Drive, asked about the use of the Community Center for the Theater and whether it was consistent with the Community’s vision for the Center. He stated the citizens of the City voted to approve the banquet center at the Community Center. He stated that the voters authorized the expense to turn the building into a Community Center, not a business. He noted his concern that nearly half of the Community Center will be used for private enterprise and not for the use of citizens. He stated he does not approve. Mr. Glidden stated that the goal is to make the Community Center self-supporting, which he does not believe is an adequate goal. He stated it is his understanding that both youth and senior citizens’ activities will be affected. He stated he does not know of any other Community Center that is self-supporting and that the voters, when they approved the Community Center approved the expense. Mr. Glidden stated that he does not see that the City has such major budget problems to justify turning the Community Center into a for-profit or self-supporting entity. He encouraged the Council to deny the resolution and reminded them it is important that the citizens have full access to the Center Pam Docken, President of Oops Theater, pointed out that Maplewood Community Center houses the Heritage Theater, which has been quite successful and has brought many community member together. She stated the intent is not to take over the Community Center, but to bring theater to the community. She stated that their goal is to allow the community to be involved in the arts and added that Oops will provide Mounds View Community Theater space to hold performances. She stated there are several other rooms available and when the Theater is not having performances, the Center can use the rooms for various other meetings. Mayor Marty asked Marta McIntyre, about how programming will be affected by Oops’ lease. Ms. McIntyre stated her concern is with Community Room C, which is the largest room and is used very often. She stated some of the impacts would be that the after-school program, summer