CC_Minutes_2008_0609 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, June 9, 2008 Page 15 Mayor Klausing concurred with the comments that it was not good policy to ex- clude the public in decision-making, but noted the numerous ways the public had access to voice their opinions to the City Council and the length of time this issue had been debated. Mayor Klausing however, disagreed with the opinion that unless the City Council went to the public with every decision the Council was not involving the public. Mayor Klausing noted that the public had provided their comments through several different opportunities, and their support of environ- mental and green development, and their support of community assets such as the OVAL. Mayor Klausing opined that the public expected the City Council to ex- ercise good decision-making and judgment, not timidity. Mayor Klausing opined that there was not advantage to waiting; and recognized the proposal recom- mended by staff, offering his support of the project. Councilmember Roe concurred with the majority of Mayor Klausing's comments. Councilmember Roe opined that, while it may seem prudent to wait for a year and go before the voters with a bond referendum, he saw no indication that costs would be reduced next year, and that by waiting a year, costs could further esca- late. Councilmember Roe noted that this was for maintaining and enhancing an existing facility, rather than a new facility of addition, and that staff had identified costs and provided a funding mechanism for the project. Councilmember Roe opined that the City Council needed to be careful that they remained stewards of • taxpayer money and avoid cost increases; noted the potential risk with a possible breakdown with existing equipment; or temporary replacement of the chiller and those costs, in addition to potential cost increases by waiting another year, he spoke in support of moving forward with the proposed funding plan. Roe moved, Klausing seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 10633 entitled, "Resolution Authorizing the Funding Plan for the Replacement of the Arena Re- frigeration System." Councilmember Ihlan opined that the City could wait until next year to determine the parameters of risks; that full costs were unknown for completion of the entire project; precise risks were unknown; that indications were that operating the ex- isting system could continue for one more year with funds available for any an- ticipated repairs. Councilmember Ihlan noted the need for inclusion of this item in the CIP to provide rationale for taxpayers and to determine how it fit into other CIP priorities. Councilmember Ihlan, while supporting the overall project, opined that she didn't feel this was the right thing for the City Council to commit to at this time; but that by waiting a year, more pieces would be in place, and provide additional opportunity for public comment. Councilmember Willmus noted the minimal difference in the costs fora conven- tional system and geothermal replacement for the arena; and further noted that one year ago, the City Council made a conscious decision to go with geothermal, and that the current system at the arena had been patched up to keep it running.