3/14/2009 1:48:00 PM Ice arena main topic
at council meeting
CHRIS STALPES
Becker/BL Ice Assoc. President
By Bill Morgan, Staff Writer
Finance Director Corey Boyer mentioned to council he had received a letter of request from the Becker/Big Lake Ice Association (BBLIA) to consider affirming the city's intent to take ownership of the proposed Big Lake Ice Arena facility.
The BBLIA informed the ice association committee that Senator Lisa Fobbe has submitted a bill to obtain funding for the ice arena in Big Lake. Fobbe is suggesting the city update the resolution of support and commitment for ownership so she can make a proper presentation at the state hearing. This type of resolution was originally approved in 2008 when Betsy Wergin was senator.
The funding allotment from the state would only be available to the BBLIA if the intended ice arena was owned by the city, which prompted the resolution proposed.
BBLIA President Chris Stalpes gave a presentation to council showing the latest proposed architectural drawings for the arena, the breakdown of the financials needed for the $3 million structure and a timeline necessary to abide by for state funding.
City Administrator Scott Johnson presented a new resolution regarding the Northstar Commuter Rail Project which included a rate hike from $7.50 a rider to $8. The Metropolitan Council had originally proposed a $6.50 fee per rider for Big Lake, but the fare increased from $6.50 to $7.50 to $8.00largely in part to the rise in fuel costs. Johnson said the Metropolitan Council proposed an increase to the initial fare structure in February of 2009 and they will be holding three public hearings in April to receive comments on these proposed fare rates.
Council Member Chuck Heitz is against the hike in the fare and invites the public to join him in the fight to get it reduced back to a more reasonable price. The first step would be to show up at the April 8th meeting at the government center to give input.
Community Economic Development Director Jim Thares shared with council the news of the city receiving a $940,676 Neighbor-hood Stabilization Program grant from Minnesota Housing. The money will be used for home foreclosure recovery and restabilization of effected neighborhoods.
Minnesota Housing staff will be meeting with communities in the next 30 days to refine both the target areas and the level of activities. Thares mentioned the city will be making informational materials in the near future available to help the general public and prospective home buyers better understand the focus of the program. Thares stresses that people who are interested in participating in this program should show up at city hall and get signed up on a waiting list immediately.
Thares presented a resolution to council asking them to approve supporting the city's participation in joint efforts with local developers and governmental agencies to obtain resources available to pursue the development of the Big Lake Rail Park.
Dynamics Development is currently pursuing development of a large rail-served industrial park, about 150-180 acres, to provide opportunities for firms desiring rail service.
