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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, August 25, 2008 Page 6 Mayor Klausing thanked the Foundation for their ongoing work and scheduling of events at Central Park; and specifically thanked Ms. Nygaard and Mr. Shardlow for their attendance at tonight's meeting. On a personal note, Mayor Klausing opined his support for such a needed im- provement and his interest in the project moving forward. However, Mayor Klausing noted the problem of funding, specifically given levy limits and budget constraints currently facing the City Council over the next three years at a mini- mum; in addition to balancing needs of the Park and Recreation system with those needs throughout the City. Mayor Klausing opined that he didn't want to advo- cate removing the facility from discussion and consideration and relocating funds elsewhere; and noted that if funding sources could be identified, such a facility would make the Arboretum a more user-friendly facility, and would enhance us- age and fees. Ms. Nygaard concurred that such a permanent facility would create an enhanced revenue stream, specifically for weddings by providing a changing or preparation area for the bridal party; and suggested that building the facility in phases, starting with restrooms; or providing space for a coffee shop for a vendor would also in- crease revenues and usage. Mr. Shardlow distributed a bench handout providing a suggested design and ele- vation for such a facility. Councilmember Willmus mentioned several members of the Parks and Recreation Commission have questioned how we will pay for ongoing maintenance and ongoing support of the facility. Do you think this is something that could be a potential revenue generator? Ms. Nygaard advised that consideration of a coffee/gift shop utilizing their current caterer was being considered, with part of that venue being their provision of cleaning the facility to reduce costs for the Foundation and City. Mayor Klausing asked whether a business model, including the coffee shop or gift shop, had been updated and whether specific information was available on poten- tial fees that may eventually cover initial construction costs. City Manager Malinen advised that staff had not completed an extensive business model to determine whether the facility could eventually pay for itself through in- creased user fees and/or rentals; noting that the major concern at a staff level was tapping reserves, when items identified in the CIP were not fully funded. Mr. Malinen suggested that further analysis by staff would need to be completed to determine whether fees could cover debt service; and further consideration of ini-