07-12-1999 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 28,1999 COiiMrii MltETlNQ JUL 1 2 1999 cityofohono 3 ROI-L The Council met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Mayor Gabriel Jabbour, Council Members Charles Kelley, Barbara Peterson, Richard Flint and Bob Sansevere. Representing Staff were City Administrator Ron Moorse, City Attorney l orn Barrett, Assistant Zoning Administrator Paul Weiitberger, Director of Public Seivices Greg Gappa, City Engineer Tom Kellogg, Senior Planning Coordinator Michael GafTron, and Recorder Jackie Young. Mayor Jabbour called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. (#1) 6:30 p.m. - Presentation Regarding Potential Westonka Area Communitj' Center Tom Reese addressed the City Council regarding the potential Westonka Area Community Center and requested that the City Council consider becoming a partner in this community center. Brad reviewed a number of facilities where different communities and organizations have joined together in developing community centers, noting that they have met with great success. Brad stated they would like to construct a new community center to accommodate the growing needs of Mound and the surrounding communities. Brad stated they would like to include additional gymnasium space, walking/running track, racquetball courts, bathing rooms, and other facilities. Brad remarked that a subcommittee has been formed to review their financing options as well, noting that this structure is estimated to cost approximately $16.2 million. Brad stated that additional work will continue to be done to build support for this project as well as the financial feasibility being further defined. Mayor Jabbour noted that the Mound-Westonka School District held a ten million dollar referendum to renovate an old building in 1998, noting that the City of Orono is no longer obligated under that referendum. Jabbour stated that approximately 40 percent of the school-age residents of Orono attend Westonka. Kelley commented that the residents of the City of Orono may be somewhat reluctant to enter into another referendum at this time, noting that they have reeently passed a new school referendum which will increase the residents' taxes. Kelley suggested that Lifetime Fitness Center be contacted as a possible participant in this project. Reese stated the Lifetime is involved in the Plymouth facility and that ♦he demographics might not be in their favor to support the Westonka Area Community Center. Reese commented in his opinion there is more than 20,000 people in the surrounding communities which could help support this center. Reese inquired whether the City of Orono would be willing to draft a letter indicating th'»t they are Page 1