03-16-98 Special-2
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special City Council Study Session Meeting
March 16, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 7:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
City Council
Members Present:Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Russ Susag; Kristal Stokes, Michael Sandahl
and Susan Rosenberg.
Staff Present :James Prosser, City Manager; Steven Devich, Administrative Services
Director; Thomas Ferber, City Clerk; Bruce Palmborg, Community
Development Director; Gretchen Blank, Recreation Services Director,
Al Payne, Community Services Manager; and John Dean, City
Attorney.
Item #1DISCUSSION OF FEASIBILITY REPORT REGARDING SECOND INDOOR
ICE SHEET REQUEST. S.S. LETTER NO. 19
City Manager Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 19 regarding presentation of
information concerning the feasibility report for the second indoor ice sheet request.
Del Erickson, Delano Erickson Architects, presented a report titled “City of Richfield
Feasibility Study for Ice Arena Addition” which was prepared by Cluts, O’Brien, Strother
Architects Inc. and Delano Erickson Architects. He stated the purpose of the feasibility study
was to determine the cost and functionality of a second rink arena addition to the existing ice
arena in Veterans Memorial Park. He reviewed the program space requirements and
objectives for the addition. He discussed the following issues:
Special Study Session Minutes-2-March 16, 1998
x
building form and functional relationships
x
soil conditions
x
site access
x
parking
x
site development
x
building materials
Mr. Erickson discussed a detailed quantity takeoff cost estimate which was prepared
based on all desirable systems, soil correction, architectural/engineering fees and
contingencies for a total budget of $3.4 million. He reviewed a second cost estimate which
was prepared breaking down the overall cost to a Phase I basic bare bones arena with
necessary soil correction but minimum site work and limited existing building remodeling
without high school locker rooms with an estimated budget of $2.7 million. He then
discussed various options and upgrade costs identified for additional features or other
funding sources.
Discussion followed regarding the following issues:
x
Possibility of Richfield High School and the Academy of Holy Angels contributing
to the costs of a second sheet and/or high school locker rooms.
x
Ammonia indirect refrigeration system vs. freon refrigeration system.
x
Lobby functionality.
x
Concession stand configuration.
x
Parking demand/supply.
x
“Off season” events.
x
Scheduling: conventional bid vs. construction manager.
Ice Arena Manager Al Payne presented and discussed a report titled “Ice Arena
Usage Study”. He reviewed estimated revenues and operating costs of a second ice sheet.
Mark Ruff, Ehlers & Associates, reviewed and answered questions regarding his
memorandum to the City regarding the following financing options available for the
construction of a second ice sheet:
x
Voted General Obligation Bonds
x
General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds
x
Lease Revenue Bonds
x
Gross Revenue Recreational Facility Bonds
Mr. Ruff then reviewed and answered questions regarding the estimated revenues,
operating costs, and debt service related to the second ice sheet.
Discussion followed regarding the following issues:
x
Debt service, operating costs, and revenue base.
x
Subsidy of current ice arena operating deficit from the Golf Course profits.
Special Study Session Minutes-3-March 16, 1998
x
Financial concerns related to funding both a second ice sheet and a Community
Center facility.
x
Concern that there is an opportunity for community input and meetings regarding
the second ice sheet proposal from the Richfield Ice Group.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:58 p.m.
Date Approved:
Martin J. Kirsch
Mayor
Thomas P. FerberJames D. Prosser
City ClerkCity Manager