2014-08-05_PR Comm Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Roseville, MN - Official Website propose to close the operational funding gap. Even with the City of Shoreview and Maplewood community centers, and their business models, Councilmember Willmus noted the annual financial gap (e.g. $300,000 for Shoreview Community Center) and how those gaps could be addressed if the project were to move forward; or how to offset that gap to keep the facility going. Councilmember McGehee noted that, as long as she'd been a resident, this had been an issue; and that was the reason for her being outspoken with the Parks Renewal Program, that the buildings should have been funneled into a community center for one building that was available and convenient for all residents. However, since that wasn't done, Councilmember McGehee noted that now instead of one area, there were six separate buildings to support, operate and maintain, even though she didn't hear that preference expressed by taxpayers and survey data. Councilmember McGehee opined that she couldn?t see much hunger from thetaxpayers for more bonding or increased taxes following the most recent bonding effort. Having talked to the City of Shoreview about their apparent annual funding gap, Councilmember McGehee advised that she understood that it was a deliberate attempt to keep their membership at a price point so all residents could belong, and to continue to leave it as is and provide public support to promote those efforts. Councilmember McGehee opined that this discussion should have occurred earlier to respond to the community's wants, needs and expectations for a communitycenter versus the buildings being constructed. While not having heard from the community at large, Councilmember McGehee opined that the 2014 survey results would indicate to her that the natural resource component was the second highest, as in the 2011 survey as well; and many things now being financed are related to maintenance issues that have been sorely neglected to-date; and reiterated her previous concerns that a maintenance plan was needed going forward. Councilmember Laliberte recognized that this had been talked about for a long time; but noted that everyone envisioned a community center differently as to what it offered. While survey respondents indicate they want a community center, Councilmember Laliberte asked what they actually wanted, since some of those amenities may already be available in the community but not used sufficiently. In talking to a representative from the City of New Brighton recently, CouncilmemberLaliberte noted that they were looking at major improvements and investments to their community center, as they were finding that they lacked amenities, causing the community to go to LA Fitness, and other nicer, newer facilities. Councilmember Laliberte suggested that Roseville already had four community center-type buildings that are underutilized, and when someone wants a community, there was a need to determine what features they were seeking. Councilmember Laliberte stated that she needed a clearer picture of that, and such information would prove helpful to her future decision- making about a community center. Councilmember Etten noted that discussion on how to fund a community center came up a few years ago, with the actual construction discussed through a local sales tax option, which has since filtered away. Councilmember Etten stated that he looked at long-term costs differently than the actual construction of a community center; with additional information needed on how to put the pieces together. As part of the Master Planning process, Councilmember Etten noted that some components were looked at, but there was no formal survey about what pieces were most valued by residents (e.g. indoor walking track); and while some of those amenities may already be in place in other facilities, recognized that some may also have certain limitations (e.g. walking track at the OVAL). Councilmember Etten opined that the important thing was to nurture all ages in the community in different ways and bring them together in a common space. Mayor Roe echoed comments of his fellow Councilmembers, noting the difference in the upfront cost for construction and ongoing operating cost, while also understanding the high potential for a subsidy for long-term maintenance and upkeep and understanding overall benefits to the community. Regarding the City?s financial picture, Mayor Roe noted that the community had just begun paying for the Park Renewal Program bonds; however, conversely they were 3-4 years from paying off the City Hall/Public Works Building improvement bonds, which may create a potential fund to cover other infrastructure needs. As a way to address local sales taxes, Mayor Roe noted that the legislature looked at regional benefits in providing tax levy support; and suggested that shifting the OVAL to that regional support as a regional facility may open up more funding to operate that and shift available funding to a community center. Mayor Roe suggested that the Commission take those things brought forward tonight by individual Councilmembers, with the charge for them to come up with more concrete answers to look at more seriously in an effort to understand the financial impacts to residents and businesses in the community. Councilmember Laliberte suggested having discussions with communities surrounding Roseville that had community centers and/or private enterprises providing the preferred amenities, and determine http://www.ci.roseville.mn.us/Archive.aspx?AMID=&Type=&ADID=1785&PREVIEW=YES