2/24/2007 3:43:00 PM Council hears report
on Becker/Big Lake Arena
By Dave DeMars Staff Writer
The Becker City Council heard from a variety of interests during an unusually lengthy session Tuesday.
Mark Kolbinger moved to correct the minutes from the previous meeting saying that the in section seven, which dealt with the Metzger property, the wording should properly read “Kolbinger/Rieland moved to permanently dedicate this property for this purpose.” The motion was agreed to and the changes accepted.
Chris Stalpes representing the Becker/Big Lake Ice Association (BBGLIA). Stalpes presented outlined reasons for the Becker City Council to get involved and help in getting an ice arena built in the area. Stalpes outlined the longer term goals of the BBLIA which is ultimately to break ground on the BBL ice arena within the next three years.
Stalpes presented reasons for the involvement as well as projected costs and ways to get the ice arena paid for. Projected costs were $3-$5 million for a 500 seat arena. The arena could be paid for through debt service of $1 million, $1 million raised from business and community from contributions, and $2.3 million to be contributed by state and local government in the form of bonds and grants. Government included the city and township of Becker, the city and townships of Big Lake, Sherburne County and the State of Minnesota.
The benefits of this investment is to keep local dollars at home rather than going to surrounding sites now used to play hockey and other ice sports, he said.
Currently the BBGLIA owns five acres in the Big Lake Market Place granted them by a developer. They cannot sell the property but use it only for development of the ice arena. That makes it the preferred site for building. Other options have been advanced including the building of an ice sheet by the county at the proposed fair grounds site; as part of an athletic complex off Hwy 25 and the airport road in the City of Big Lake. “BBLIA is looking for the path of least resistance to reach its goal…,” said Stalpes.
Mayor Paulson commented that this was a difficult time for anyone to bring new proposals to the fore, given the fact that the city has a number of major projects going forward and having dedicated land last week to the development of the Becker Athletic Complex. The council thanked Stalpes and moved on to other business.
Brian Bensen from the Sherburne County EDA appeared before the council asking for the support and participation in the county wide EDA “…to achieve the economic development goals of the county and the municipalities within the county.” The county EDA would seek to compliment, rather than compete with the local efforts. After a short presentation and some questions the council voted to approve support and participation in the county EDA effort.
Karla Eggink presented the council with the next steps in the construction of the trail along Co. Rd. 24 and the installation of flashing crosswalk lights. The original cost of the trail, $240,000 has been reduced by the securing of a Safe Routes to School grant that will pay the city $170,000 for establishing the trail. The council approved plans and specifications and ordered bids to be received for the construction of the trail and the warning lights. In a related action later in the meeting, the council entered into a Joint Powers Agreement with the county to obtain the easement necessary for the construction of the trail. The trail will be in the right of way of Co. Rd. 24 and is owned by the county.
Greg Pruszinske presented information on the employee quarterly meetings. At one time, the city held an annual “holiday party” where employees were honored and received expressions of appreciation for good work throughout the year. The State Auditor issued an opinion saying that “…we are at a loss to locate authority for expenditures of funds for in-kind awards or social occasions of the type described.” However, the county has specific authority from the state to hold such “wellness and employee recognition programs…”
So as not to have to endure the criticism of the Auditor, the city has implemented the Quarterly Employee Meeting Mission. Its express purpose is to show appreciation, recognize employees and keep employees informed. Employees will be asked to attend meetings and receive updates on benefit programs, current and upcoming projects, department head presentations, and so on. Recognition and appreciation would be shown at these gatherings and be in compliance with state law.
Pruszinske presented information on the compensation study and indicated that the personnel committee would like to do a review in consultation with an outside professional in 2007 to suggest changes. The last review and implementation was in 1999 and 2000.
Joe Rudberg informed the council the county assessor has set Tues., April 17, 1 p.m. as the date for the meeting of the Board of Equalization for 2007. A quorum of council member will be needed to attend the meeting.
Finally, Chief Brent Baloun presented a request for a new squad car to replace the present 2004 Ford Crown Victoria. The vehicle has 102,000 miles on it and has been the car used to transport the K-9 Raven. The plan is to remove the present car from daily use as a squad using it sparingly and getting two to three more years of use from the car. Cost of replacement for the car would be within the $24,000 budgeted for a new squad. The council approved without objection.
