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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP June 4, 2003 ~ Cl/,l) C I T Y o F ~f.t¡-n-D3 NDOVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923. WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT Council Chambers June 4, 20cg - 8:30 p.m. AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approve Agenda 3. Detennine Appropriate Project Financing Methodology 4. Order the Community Center Project 5. Authorize Schematic Design Phase 6. Approve YMCA Memorandum of Understanding 7. Approve Community Center Project Budget 8. Other Business 9. Adjourn ", CITY of ANDOVER SPECIAL ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JUNE 4, 2003 MINUTES The Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, June 4, 2003, 8:32 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel, Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, John Erar AGENDA APPROVAL Councilmember Jacobson asked if they should discuss the size of the field house. Councilmember Trude indicated she would like there to be discussion on that point. Mayor Gamache asked that it be added as item 2A to the agenda. There was some discussion concerning the order of some items, however the agenda remained in the order presented. Motion by Orttel, Seconded by Gamache, to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSS AND APPROVE THE SIZE OF THE FJELD HOUSE Mr. Kronholm stated they have talked about doubling the size of the field house, and have attached a figure of$2.1 to $2.5 million to that. He indicated they have also had discussion of making it longer or wider without actually doubling the space. He has heard that the desire would be to have two soccer fields or five basketball courts. He stated he went through to see what soft costs could be eliminated, but they are still talking about $65 - $68 per square foot. He indicated the field house as they are discussing now is about 85 by 180 feet, or one soccer field. Mayor Gamache asked if that was official size. Mr. Rozeboom stated there is no official size. With what they have now they could accommodate the Y8 and younger groups. He stated the span is what causes problems; when you double it, you end up with a structure needed down the middle, which would be detrimental to the use. In his opinion $65 to $68 per foot is low when getting into 140 feet or longer. There is a need for different trusses, which are more expensive. He stated in scheme D you have to worry about encroaching on the baseball fields also. Mr. Erar stated that if they enlarge the field house there will be parking requirements that increase also, as well as the storm water runoff and the addition of impervious surface. Mr. Dickinson added Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2003 Page 2 they would also be talking about moving baseball fields, maybe eliminating one. With the current pro forma, the field house is a subsidized endeavor; increasing the size would increase the subsidy. He believes it may put them out of the current tax estimates per home as well. Mr. Erar agreed, indicating they would be out of the $39 to $46 per year per household range. If the Council was comfortable with that it is [me but he wants them to be aware of the situation. Mr. Kronholm stated one thing they could do is look at expanding in the future to the west, so when the City moves the baseball fields, the field house could then be expanded. Councilmember Trude asked if that would work for track and field events. Mr. Kronholm stated there was a big difference between track and field events and a running track. He indicated he has done seven or eight field houses and usually it comes down to track and field. The number oflanes needed and various other requirements for track and field events is greater. Councilmember Trude indicated she was only discussing school-age events, not high school or college level. Councilmember Knight stated Mr. Kronholm had mentioned the possibility of shifting other things, and asked what would be affected. Mr. Kronholm stated if they built the field house for expansion in the future, they would do a nice temporary wall that would allow for easier expansion. Mayor Gamache stated he likes the idea of future expansion, but if they moved the field house out on scheme D, it would be in one of the ball fields. CounciImember Orttel asked if he was correct in believing a lot of field houses are being built in domes. Mr. Kronholm stated many of the larger ones are, but he does not know the cost. Mr. Rozeboom stated those are usually used for baseball and football practice. Councilmember Orttel stated there seemed to be some misunderstanding of the floor. He heard that the softer floor cannot be used for competition, only for practice. Mayor Gamache stated he believes they would prefer the harder floor, but the softer floor can be used for practice courts, which the City also needs, as well as soccer and other activities. Mr. Rozeboom stated the floors could be used for everything but high school tournaments. Councilmember Trude stated they had mentioned $65 to $68 per foot. She noted they have not reached the point where they can do value engineering without a design decision, but asked if as they move to the next stage there would be an opportunity to do value engineering. Mr. Kronholm stated they will look at that, but he still is in favor of building the field house for future expansion, as it would be less expensive. Mayor Gamache stated he is comfortable with that too. He indicated it would allow them to see how it functions and add on if it is right. It would also give them the opportunity to compare the pro forma with actual performance. Councilmember Trude stated in that case, does it make sense to have the track on the floor instead of suspended. Mr. Kronholm stated they could stripe below and still have a track above, and then it would serve both purposes. Mayor Gamache noted he has seen that use as well, and thinks it is a good solution. Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2003 Page 3 Mr. Erar asked to qualify Mr. Kronholm' s statement, stating the cost per square foot does not include parking, internal costs, etc. Mr. Kronholm agreed it does not. Councilmember Trude stated they talked about the revenue side, hearing people would be more likely to rent a larger facility, as then they can have two events. She has also heard the rents go up more than double. Mr. Dickinson stated they would go up, but not double. Councilmember Trude asked what the impact would be on the tax burden. Mr. Dickinson stated he has not completed an analysis on all, but for one field it would be $150,000, for double fields, close to $250,000. Councilmember Knight indicated by agreeing to one field they are wiping out soccer tournaments being held in the field house. Mr. Dickinson stated the problem with soccer and volleyball, etc., is everyone wants to play at the same time. They are looking at which sports pay more, and usually it is soccer. Councilmember Jacobson stated the original cost was $12 million. The last they heard was $16.5 million. Now he understands if they increase the field house it would go to $17.1 million, not considering additional parking and pond costs, or running into the ball field which would be another $175,000 to move. If you include all the costs, this is up to $18 or $18.5 million without the bonding costs or the YMCA extra water park costs. He indicated an hour ago they talked to the residents about $16.5 million and it is going up already. He stated if the west wall could be taken down in the future, it makes sense to keep the size as it is now. Mayor Gamache agreed. Councilmember Orttel stated his question is if the field house will become more valuable by being larger, or if it makes more sense to leave room on the site for a dome facility if that makes sense in the future. DETERMINE APPROPRIATE PROJECT FINANCING METHODOLOGY Mr. Dickinson stated the Council has two options; G.O. bonding or Lease Revenue bonds. He noted that going back to the construction schedule, he does not believe it would be possible to do G.O. bonds within that schedule. Mark Ruff quickly reviewed each option. He indicated both of the options would count against the City's debt limit, which only applies to debts totally funded by taxes. He does not see this as an issue. He explained that Lease Revenue bonds are like any other tax, where a $500,000 business and a $500,000 home would pay a different amount, whereas with G.O. bonds they would pay the same. Councilmember Jacobson asked what the debt service cost would be with Lease Revenue bonds. Mr. Ruff indicated about $1.5 million. Councilmember Orttel stated they were told at a previous meeting that Lease Revenue bonds are rare to see for projects over $10 million, however there are some. Mr. Dickinson agreed it was fairly rare on larger projects. Councilmember Orttel stated as they went into this he thought G.O. bonds were the only way to go, but as he has received more information, he believes this is exactly the type of project where Lease Revenue bonds are meant to be used. He noted in this case they have a non-government partner that would pay rent, exactly as .~ --- - Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2003 Page 4 the Lease Revenue bonds were designed. He added if they used the G.O. bonds it would not show the City had a partner, and it would appear the taxpayers were paying everything, which could affect the outcome of the vote. He feels the Lease Revenue bonds are ideally suited for this project since the City has a partner. Mayor Gamache agreed that with the information the task force has supplied, and having a non- government partner, the Lease Revenue bonds are the best option. He indicated with the G.O. bonds they would have a statement on the ballot that means nothing. Mr. Ruff agreed, indicating they could put language on the ballot, but what the residents saw would not be a meaningful amount. Councilmember Trude asked if the City was, in essence, being a banker. She noted Little Canada did something similar with strip mall revitalization, and asked if that was what this entailed. Mr. Ruff stated it was similar. What they are doing is driving the cost down for the taxpayers. Councilmember Knight asked if the language would say that the YMCA is responsible for a percentage of the costs, or will they be responsible for the areas they use, which is not necessarily the same. Mr. Erar stated the Memorandum of Understanding, as discussed with the YMCA, says their portion of the costs associated with the facility are based on total cost associated with construction of the facility, which includes the entire square footage, multiplied by the YMCA's percentage of space. He indicated they have specific spaces and shared space, which will all be part of the lease agreement. Councilmember Knight stated they do not, then, know the YMCA's amount of participation. Mr. LaSalle, YMCA representative, indicated they will take the exact space and pay rent on what it costs, amortized. He stated they have done several reviews with City staff and have ended up around 50/50, but the fmal number will be determined when the bids come in and the design decisions are made. He indicated it will fluctuate when this moves to the next step, but both sides, the YMCA and the City, believe they can make it work. Mr. Erar further explained that whatever amount is attributable to the YMCA construction costs and shared spaces will be their portion of the lease. There is no public subsidy for the YMCA space. Councilmember Knight asked if the shared space would be split 50/50. Mr. LaSalle stated if the YMCA would be using the space 50 percent of the time it would be, which they will see in the design phase. Mr. Dickinson stated this would not affect the pro forma. He stated they had talked about 60/40 at one time, and the City can handle some fluctuation. What they have been trying to do is make sure with the fluctuations both sides can still afford to make it work. Mr. Erar stated they will see more substance during the design stage, but reiterated whatever costs are attributable to the YMCA, they will pay. There will be no public subsidy for the YMCA. He added architectural design needs to take place before staff can give the Council more specifics. Councilmember Knight confmned the fluctuations would be minimal. Mr. LaSalle stated the numbers will not change much, and the range of taxes presented will not be affected. Councilmember Jacobson stated that they are saying right now it could be up to $45 per household. ~ ..-- Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes-June 4,2003 Page 5 He asked if it was true that with G.O. bonds, over the life of the bond, that amount could go up or down, and the City Council has the ability to change it every year if they so choose. Mr. Ruff confIrmed that was correct. Motion by Orttel, seconded by Trude to approve the use of Lease Revenue bonds to fund the Andover Community Center project in the amount of $16,500,000 plus debt service costs. Further Discussion Councilmember Jacobson stated he believes the Community Center would be great for Andover, but he is going to vote against this because he believes the residents should vote on an issue like this. He indicated the City Council has to order fIre stations and police stations, and this would be a nice thing to have, but he believes the people should be able to vote and say yes or no. Councilmember Trude stated one major concern she has is they do not have an ice arena, but they have a high school. She commented people are driving all around town trying to fmd ice time for their children. She stated it is scary being the banker, but she thinks everyone is confident that the City will pay half and the YMCA will pay half, and the project will work. She indicated Champlin partnered with Lifetime Fitness on a project, but Lifetime Fitness is a for profit organization. She stated they have heard there will be scholarships for the elderly and maybe for those who cannot afford it, and she thinks the City needs this. She believes the needs of the children are what have kept this project alive. She feels it would be a slap in the face to those who have worked so hard if the Council did not approve something that would give them their ice arena. She indicated they did not hear negative comments tonight from the residents, and the feedback they have received was from families with kids of all ages. She thinks if they had a vote, it would be yes, and she does not want to delay another year. Councilmember Orttel stated the YMCA has been talking about an extensive water park that is not included here, so when they set the budget it will have to be noted. He indicated he had a tough time getting on board with this because he wanted to see something and get a feel for what they would be getting, but he has never seen a project take off like this has, and knows that Andover needs it. Councilmember Trude stated she is nervous about the $16.5 million; it was a difficult jump for her from $12 million, and she would like to see this fust and add on to the field house if needed. She noted St. Louis Park has added onto their community center several times, and Shoreview is adding to theirs, so she feels it is bound to happen. Councilmember Knight stated he sometimes wishes the process were different for these types of projects. Councilmember Trude thinks the City Council should remain very involved and get all the information as the project progresses to keep the constituents informed. Mayor Gamache stated the issue of the waterpark is a big one, as it would be part of the YMCA's revenue stream, but could increase the budget even though it would be part of the YMCA's costs. -. Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2003 Page 6 Councilmember Orttel stated he is not saying no to a waterpark, he is just trying to get this off the ground. Mr. LaSalle stated in the last meeting they were asked to look at the costs for including a waterpark. He indicated when this project fIrst started they were looking at $250,000 to $350,000 in rent, now they are looking at $600,000 to $700,000. They still need to go to the YMCA board, and it will be difficult to get approval without showing them this is a different way of doing business. They also need to determine a way to finance $1 million in equipment. He does not have board approval, but feels he will have a difficult time getting it without the waterpark option. Councilrnember Trude asked what amount would have to be added for the waterpark. Mr. LaSalle stated it is the difference between $16.5 million and $18 million. Councilmember Orttel stated he thought $18 million was with the bonding costs. Mr. Dickinson stated it would be, but this is an additional $1.5 million. Mr. Erar added that in fairness to staff and the YMCA, this is an issue they have been trying to get through with U.S. Aquatics for two to three weeks. Mr. LaSalle stated they literally received prices earlier today. Mr. Erar indicated there were previous discussions that the difference between a basic aquatic center and a water park was about $1.5 million, and the YMCA went to Wisconsin Dells to research options. Councilmember Knight stated he thinks the YMCA has to understand there are realities. To do this the project is pushing toward $20 million. Mr. LaSalle indicated he understands, but he is trying to be clear with the Council that if they cannot do the waterpark, they may not be able to do anything. He stated the YMCA costs have increased significantly from the preliminary discussions, and the City would not want the YMCA to commit to something they are not able to pay. Councilmember Orttel stated he would take $16.5 million out of his motion. Councilmember Trude indicated the real issue is they thought they were dealing with a budget of $16.5 million, and now they are not.· Councilmember Orttel stated it is not the City's budget; it is the YMCA's cost. Mr. Ruff apologized if he gave the impression that Lease Revenue bonds are only used for smaller projects, as they are not. He indicated that in many cities recreational facilities are done in pieces, which is why the amounts are smaller. Mr. Erar stated that for the record, this additional cost would be under the YMCA budget, and does not increase the $39 to $46 per household they have been discussing. This is something the YMCA has been pursuing from the beginning, and the only thing that is new is that they have recently been able to get costs associated with the waterpark. Mayor Gamache agreed, indicating that on the presentation tonight, it was depicted as $16.5 million to $18 million with the waterpark option. Mr. Dickinson concurred, stating this is something the YMCA will pay for, and the tax issue, as Mr. Erar mentioned, remains the same. Councilmember Jacobson stated he cannot vote on a blank check. Mayor Gamache indicated this is not a blank check, it is something the YMCA needs to move forward, and is not the City's costs. He stated Mr. LaSalle is right about their costs; originally they talked about $300,000 rent, -. .--- - -~ ---- ~ Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2003 Page 7 now that has doubled. He does not see how this changes anything to the taxpayer except to give them another amenity. Councilmember Knight asked if the motion could reflect $16.5 million, with anything beyond that the sole responsibility of the YMCA. Councilmember Orttel amended his motion to indicate that any increases over $16,500,000 without debt service costs for options requested by the YMCA would be bonded but fully the responsibility of the YMCA. Mayor Gamache seconded the motion for discussion. Councilmember Trude asked what the impact would be when the City goes to issue the bonds. She stated when they fIrst went to do the market study they were at $12 million. Mr. Ruff indicated the size of the debt would not detract from their level. He indicated it would probably prevent the City ITom going up to the eighth level, but would not likely keep the City from doing other things. Mayor Gamache asked if investors would look at the YMCA involvement. Mr. Ruff stated that since half the project is the YMCA, they willlikely look at the YMCA's finances. Mr. Erar clarified that with the Council's action tonight, they are not selling bonds, but only declaring the intent to sell bonds. He stated the lease agreement has to be fmalized before the bonds can be sold. Mr. Dickinson added another part of declaring intent is that a lot of these decisions are based on a successful fundraising campaign. There are still a lot of hurdles before they try to sell these bonds. Councilmember Knight asked if they would be sharing the amount of the additional bonding costs with the YMCA. Mr. Ruff indicated it would go back to their percentage. Councilmember Trude asked what the bonding costs would be at $18 million. Mr. Dickinson stated he assumes it would be $19.7 to $19.8 million. Mr. LaSalle stated he wants to defme proportionate. He clarified the YMCA would be paying the extra costs associated with their pieces of the building. Councilmember Orttel noted that in order for this to go forward, they would already have a substantial amount of donations and dedications, so they would not necessarily be bonding that amount anyway. Mr. Dickinson stated they would be utilizing the bond for construction costs, so they may not be able to reduce the bond amount. Councilmember Orttel stated he did not mean they would reduce the bond, but would have some funds guaranteed. Councilmember Trude asked if there was anyone fÌ"om the campaign committee that could address how this would affect fundraising. Councilmember Jacobson indicated what they are really saying with this motion is that they are going with Lease Revenue bonds or G.O. bonds. They are not setting the budget. He asked that they vote on the motion. Mayor Gamache agreed. The campaign committee member stated he could not speak for prospective donors, and has not had an opportunity to talk with them, but he could say with communities where he has helped raise funds previously, the more options you are providing, the better, and the YMCA's time to research this option is a benefit. Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2003 Page 8 Vote: 4 Ayes, 1 Nay. Councilmember Jacobson opposed. Motion carried. ORDER THE COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT Mayor Gamache explained what this item entailed. Councilmember Orttel asked how they could order the project when the Capital Committee has not provided the Council with more information. Mr. Erar explained that this order would give the Capital Committee and other task force subcommittees the ability to move forward. It basically allows them to start doing their work. Motion by Orttel, seconded by Jacobson to proceed on the timeline previously approved for the Andover Community Center project. Further Discussion Councilmember Jacobson asked if the tirneline previously approved put them on schedule for the ice arena. Mr. Erar indicated it does. Motion carried unanimously. AUTHORIZE SCHEMATIC DESIGN PHASE Motion by Jacobson, seconded by Orttel to authorize entering the schematic design phase of the Andover Community Center project. Further Discussion Councilmember Knight indicated he wants to make sure the Council continues to get frequent updates. Mr. Kronholm stated they have been copying everyone on the weekly meeting updates and will continue to do so. Councilmember Knight asked ifvalue engineering can be a part of this process. Mr. Kronholm indicated it could. He stated he will set up an agenda like they have now but with the changes appropriate for entering the design phase. Councilmember Knight asked if Mr. Kronholm would be in charge. Mr. Kronholm indicated he is in charge ITom this point forward. Councilmember Trude agreed the City Council involvement is a key point. She added there will be some key residents that will want to be involved also as they attempt to raise millions of dollars. Mayor Gamache stated they will provide updates to the three main task force members . and get frequent updates ITom them as well. Motion carried unanimously. - -- --~ Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2003 Page 9 APPROVE YMCA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Mr. Erar explained this is the fmal version of a draft the Council has already seen. He has received comments back, as did Mr. LaSalle, and incorporated some of those comments, but nothing has significantly changed. He noted they did clarifY the lease agreement principles more clearly. Councilmember Trude noted that on item B. it concerns her to have some language there that is meaningful in the construction world like reasonable, quality and durable. Councilmember Knight agreed, as he has the same concern. Mayor Gamache stated he understood the concern, but would hope they will have a building that is reasonable, quality and durable. Mr. Kronholm stated they are looking at materials to meet the City and the YMCA's standards. Mr. Erar stated this was an important piece to getting agreement with the YMCA. He indicated it does have to be a building with certain architectural design standards, and the YMCA has stated strongly that it needs to incorporate features that for them have appeal to the community. He stated they are simply making value statements offmishes that are durable. Councilmember Jacobson noted this is not a legal document, and when something fmal comes before them the lawyers will have read it thoroughly many times. This document is only stating the City's intent. Councilmember Trude stated she sat in meetings where it was discussed that these words have meaning and refers to more expensive materials. Mr. Rozeboom stated a way to look at pre-design is as a budget mechanism. He assured the Council they will have every opportunity during the next phase to look at materials, but the discussion at this point is more academic. Councilmember Trude indicated as long as she knew they were not excluding any choices that may help them economically she could agree. Councilmember Jacobson indicated that he thought they had talked about some instances of membership fees being waived, but item F. says something different to him. Mr. LaSalle stated in his interpretation it is not different, and Mr. Erar agrees. He indicated the purpose of the MOU is to try to get out in layman's terms what the City's and the YMCA's intent will be. Councilmember Jacobson asked about items 3A and 3B, as it appears there is double coverage. Mr. LaSalle stated the City would be the owner of the building, and would insure the building, but each party would cover liability. Councilmember Trude asked if concerning financing and the Capital Campaign, if they are going to $18 million and the YMCA may be more than 50 percent, will the YMCA take more of the fundraising money. Mr. Erar stated the YMCA is not really taking fundraising money; it goes in as a facility asset. He indicated the YMCA is participating in the Capital Campaign, and lending their name to it, which will enhance the City's efforts as well. Councilmember Orttel noted on item l.B.iv, they will want to be careful on the fmal document. This could be a far reaching item, and he is not sure what all of the YMCA programs include. - - Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2003 Page 10 Councilmember Jacobson asked if the YMCA board had received this document and passed it. Mr. LaSalle stated since the meetings were changed, the YMCA board was not able to see it yet. Councilmember Jacobson noted that if the YMCA board wanted to make changes, they could pencil them in and it would have to come back to the Council. Mr. LaSalle agreed. Motion by Orttel, seconded by Jacobson to approve the MOU, with amendments as discussed. Further Discussion Mr. Dickinson noted that moving forward on the budget and adding the extra $1.5 million, there would be an effect on the pro forma. He stated that going to $18 million and having a different percentage of revenue could have an affect on the tax amount. Councilmember Trude stated she would direct staff to continue negotiations when financing is known. Mr. Erar indicated he believes the Council is overanalyzing the document, and it is really a document of principles. Councilmember Trude commented that it affects the City's balance sheet. Mr. Erar noted they heard the task force say that when adding these features, it raises excitement. He does not want to penalize the YMCA and still take the extra money from fundraising that the amenities may provide. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVE COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT BUDGET Councilmember Jacobson asked if the dollar amount in the Financing Method motion would not cover this agenda item. Councilmember Orttel stated he believes it would. Councilmember Jacobson asked since the decision has been made to use Lease Revenue bonding, how soon the EDA will have to vote. He noted the EDA is a different body with seven members, and they have to vote 4:3 in favor for this to pass. Mr. Ruff stated it is not a legal requirement. Councilmember Jacobson asked ifhe was saying that if the EDA does not want to do it, the Council could direct them to anyway. He indicated several questions have been brought up that could change the way people vote. Mayor Gamache indicated there was an EDA meeting on June 17,2003 and it will be on the agenda. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Gamache introduced Dick Lang from the Leadership Task Force. Mr. Lang stated the decisions made tonight were a milestone for Andover. He truly feels the Community Center will be a meeting place, a place to blend families together. He stated that many times in a rapidly growing community people do not get to know each other. He believes this will help bring cohesiveness. He armounced that Tony Howard will be the leader of the Capital Campaign. - - Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2003 Page 11 Mr. Howard thanked the Council and the Leadership Task Force. He stated it will be a big time cornrnitrnent, but he is excited. He indicated he has been working with this concept for two and one-half years. He commented it is a vision he has had for the City, and it is fantastic to see the excitement starting to build. He is glad to see it coming to &uition for Andover. He noted there are many people who have been working toward this goal. He stated he can understand the Council's hesitancy, and thanked them for the good debate, noting there are a lot of tough issues. He welcomed the YMCA to the City. He indicated he wants to be good partners with the YMCA and work close with them, and indicated he thinks this project will bring a lot of good to Andover, and will show a dedication to their kids, which is where leadership starts. He thanked his family who gives him the time to do what he loves to do; helping the community. Mayor Gamache introduced the chairs of the other cornrnittees, who introduced themselves and their role in the project. He stated they have a new chairperson to take them down the final stretch, and thanked the interim chairperson, Scott LeDeu. Councilmember Jacobson indicated the Council needed to vote Mr. Howard into his position. Motion Jacobson, second Knight to appoint Tony Howard as Chairperson for the Capital Committee. Motion carried unanimously. Further Discussion Councilmember Jacobson asked if there was a need to change anything with any of the other committees now that they have a project. Mr. Erar stated there has been discussion on enlarging the stakeholder group. Councilmember Jacobson indicated if they need to make changes or go in a new direction it should be on the next agenda. Councilmember Trude stated it would be helpful to get the input of the construction manager on changes needed, and let him know who he is working with on various issues. Councilmember Knight indicated he had one issue that should have been brought up at the previous Council meeting. He stated he has received complaints about the toilets that were pulled off the fields. Mr. Erar indicated staffhas been working with groups and has resolved many of the issues. Councilmember Trude stated she believes what has happened is the interested parties have gone to staff, and are now coming to the Council with their concerns since they have not received the outcomes they were requesting. Mayor Gamache asked what the cost was per toilet. Councilmember Trude indicated $700 for the summer. Councilmember Orttel stated the problem is the Park Department does not have the money. He indicated they had heard that most of the time many of the toilets are not used, but now that they have taken them out, everyone wants them back. Councilmember Trude stated it was embarrassing as a City official to be at a park function and have to explain that they do not have them. She indicated when groups are there for several hours with younger children it is a great inconvenience. Mr. Erar commented the groups using the parks should help pay for them. Councilmember Trude indicated the Girl Scouts she was with who were cleaning up the litter -. -..._- Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2003 Page 12 should not have to pay for a toilet to be there. Motion by Orttel, Seconded by Trude, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen Whaley, Recording Secretary - ~- ---, -~ - -