02-13-12-R Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 13, 20l 2 2 Mr. Hromatka indicated NYFS was not involved in Arden Manor but would like to expand to serve this community if additional funds were available. Mr. Hromatka stated services were available to all residents in Arden Hills, regardless of the expense. The benefits included educational attainment, along with success in learning. He indicated his organization was teaching long-term thinking and career planning. Further discussion ensued regarding the NYFS challenges with future budget and contracts. He explained there was a new normal for non-profits and NYFS was working to expand revenue streams to remain balanced while meeting the needs of the youth and family in the area. He thanked the City of Arden Hills for partnering with NYFS. Mayor Grant requested further information on the activity center and the Peter J. King Family Foundation. Mr. Hromatka indicated the activity center broke ground in November of 2008. The expense of the center was $2.5 million and to date $450,000 has been raised. The King Family Foundation has pledged $800,000-900,000. A construction loan allowed NYFS to break ground and complete the structure. The facility was reaching the needs of those in the day treatment program through new science and technology programs. He added the activity center was also meeting many needs of the community through senior citizen and fitness programs. Councilmember Holden requested further information on the senior chore program. Mr. Hromatka stated the funding for the senior chore program comes from the Metropolitan Area Aging Program from the State. He explained that senior citizens are asked to pay for a portion of the chore, if able, and if not, the remainder is funded by NYFS. The goal of the program is to match up youth with senior citizens. He discussed services covered under the program such as seasonal yard maintenance, cleaning, shoveling, and simple home repairs. Councilmember Holmes asked for additional information on the depth of programs being provided at the activity center. Mr. Hromatka indicated the information provided in the presentation pertained strictly to the City of Arden Hills recipients. However, additional programs do take place at the activity center, but were not detailed. Further discussion ensued regarding these programs. Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Hromatka for his presentation this evening. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. TCAAP/Stadium Update Community Development Director Hutmacher explained the stadium issue has been in the media a great deal over the last few weeks. She stated the City of Minneapolis was proposing a fourth site for the stadium near the Metrodome. An analysis of the Minneapolis financing plan has revealed that plan to have a gap of$55 million.