07-19-10-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JULY 1% 2010 5 2.C National Guard Training& Community Center Proposal for the Arden Hills Army Training Site (continued) Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated that while the National Guard has expressed interest in participating with Arden Hills to construct the TACO, the situation in Arden Hills is somewhat unique because the National Guard has access to Federal funds for 100% of the project. Therefore, the building has to be built to their specifications, which does not include a community center component or a local partner at the start of the project. However, there are options for the City and National Guard to partner to create a TACC after initial construction is completed. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated if the project were funded jointly before construction started, the City would be responsible for 12.5%, the State would pay 12.5% and the Federal government would pay the remaining 75%. The City's portion would be $2.35 million. Staff was seeking direction from Council on how to proceed with this project. Councilmember Holden questioned if the State of Minnesota would be held to pay for their 12.5%portion of the project. Mike Ramfeld indicated the MSABC would go through and has bonding authority up to $60 million. Mayor Harpstead stated if the joint effort proceeded, the total project cost would be higher than $2.35 million. He questioned what the expense might be. Mr. Ramfeld stated this was correct as the $2.35 million covered the expense of the armory alone and an additional million may be needed for extra space, gymnasiums, ball fields, etc. He reviewed with the Council projects that were completed jointly in Cambridge and Faribault and the amenities included. Councilmember Holmes expressed concern about the City proceeding with a community center jointly as neighboring communities already have these amenities available as well as a nearby YMCA. She recommended the County partner with the National Guard to complete this initiative. Mr. Ramfeld explained the community center would not include the same amenities as the New Brighton or Shoreview Community Centers. He stated the community center would not be a fitness club, but instead a gathering place for the community,with park and recreation activities. Councilmember Holmes recommended a pool for the community center as this was something lacking in the district. She suggested the school district and County be asked to partner and assist with the City's financial portion for the community center as this space would be available to them. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated that a regulation with State financing would not allow the school district to partner on this initiative.