9.c EDA Community Center project recommendationSCANDIA
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: July 16, 2019
To: Scandia City Council
From: Brenda Eklund, Deputy Clerk
Re: EDA recommendation for Community Center Assessment Study and Capital Improvement
Project
Background: At its July 811 meeting, the EDA was briefed on a report from Mayor Maefsky, a
member of the Community Center Task Force Committee. The Committee is recommending
that a needs analysis study be done as a first step in updating/revitalizing the Scandia
Community Center. The study will look at what expectations and expansions would meet the
needs of the community going forward in the next 20-30 years, and offer pre -design work
based on the needs analysis. The committee reviewed proposals from 3 firms, at a cost range
of $6,000-$10,000 which could be funded in the 2020 budget. Further, the Committee
proposed earmarking $100,000 in the CIP for an architectural design firm to prepare blueprints
in 2020, and $600,000 for construction improvements in 2021.
The EDA discussed the potential economic benefits a redesigned and repurposed Community
Center could have as a catalyst for the downtown businesses. A more vigorously used Center
would draw people in, add vitality to the Village Neighborhood district, and spur economic
development in town. The EDA supported funding the project.
The following motions were made at the meeting:
Motion by Borg, seconded Ray, to support an expenditure of $6,000-$10,000 for a Community
Center Needs Analysis study because of the potential economic benefits a revitalized
Community Center could provide. Vote: 5-0. Motion carried.
Motion by Ray, seconded by Porubcansky, to support adding a CIP project of $100,000 for
preparation of design blueprints based on the needs analysis for Community Center
improvements in 2021, and $600,000 for a 2022 project for construction. The motion carried 5-
0.
If the Capital Improvement Committee adds the Community Center project to the 2020-2024
Capital Improvement Plan, it will be included in the Plan for which a public hearing is held by
the Planning Commission in September for recommendations to the Council as part of their
budget approval.
The Council is preparing the 2020 budget which will be finalized in December 2019.