03/29/1978 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mr. Lieuallen said in regard to the organizational management, he would prefer to have it under the City Manager's Office, resulting in more ease for use of room tax money. He cited the public contract law and the public bidding process. Mr. Dykstra reiterated ERA was recommending phasing for financing because of the financing alternatives available. The Civic Center Commission was encouraging commitment to develop the total project. He said there seemed to be some sense of urgency for use of GO bonds, but ERA was recommending to the maximum extent possible that tax allocation bonds, EDA funding, and fund raising be used. He noted a problem with time constraints. Phase I would be a very usable facility, but the total complex will be much more usable. Mr. Bradley noted the center will be a county-wide use facility and wondered if there had been any discussion with the County for financial assistance. Mayor Keller had been in discussion with Commissioner Weinstein and found that the County's room tax money is going to be used to payoff the fairground's building; there is no chance for the City receiving any 0 & C funds. One opportunity might be in the County providing additional parking, and Mayor Keller will continue to pursue assistance from the County. - It was noted that May 18 is the latest date for Council decision. Mr. Williams questioned the time frame for the process of funding the three phases. Mr. Dykstra said the EDA funding would take approximately one year in the application process. The fund raising stage could be evaluated by a specialist relatively quickly to get a reasonable estimate. Tax allocation sources depend on negotiating for the development of a hotel, which might take a year. It was noted that the use of GO bonds was one of the best bargains for taxpayers as the impact decreases in time. Mr. Hamel expressed concern with the escalation of the cost and the project, noting it started out as an auditorium estimated at $11 million and now is a major complex for $24 million. He commended the work that had been done to date, but wondered if this were not becoming a monument. He felt uncomfortable with the $24 million price tag. Mr. Obie noted the motion passed by the Civic Center Commission on a 5:4 vote did not indicate the entire commission was not supporting the entire civic center project, but rather was concerned regarding the approach to financing Phases I and II as they relate to Phase III. He felt Council should delay any decision in order to allow the commission to review its motion and bring back any further information to Council. Mr. Lieuallen agreed the commission vote was not a position on whether or not the project should be built, but rather whether it should be phased, which elements should be included in the phase, and what would be the most advantageous approach to financing. He said there was some general feeling that all three phases should be included in GO bond financing. e 3/29/78--6 205