ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION FOR PARKING LOT PAVING AT THE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE 3M OPEN
Background
In 2019 a request was made by the 3M Open for the City of Blaine to financially participate with Anoka County in funding parking lot improvements at the National Sports Center (NSC). As part of the 3M Open golf tournament, the NSC has agreed to allow the 3M Open to use the facility during the tournament for general spectator parking. There are 4,700 paved and 1,170 gravel stalls available at the NSC. Parking at the airport and TPC will be available for players, caddies, VIPs, media, etc. The paving of the parking lots was part of an approval the NSC received from the city in 2014, and the intention was for the NSC to receive money from the State of Minnesota to fund the improvements; however, this has not occurred.
The tournament requested Anoka County and the City of Blaine to split the cost for paving the gravel parking lots and roadway. Tournament staff thought it was important for the tournament, NSC, Blaine and Anoka County to have the best experience possible for guests coming to the tournament and paving of the lots improves that experience. The various groups involved met several times to discuss whether it was feasible to construct the improvements prior to the 2019 tournament and whether there would be interest by Anoka County and the City of Blaine to split the costs of said improvements as these were initially expected to be paid for by the NSC. It was determined that it made the most sense to proceed with a project that included only paving of the interior roadway between 109th and 105th Ave and regrading the gravel parking lots. The paving of the roadway was completed at a cost of $257,324 which was split between the City of Blaine and Anoka County.
The tournament has requested additional improvements to occur in 2020. These improvements include paving of the three gravel parking lots north of 105th Avenue. The city fire inspections department is also is requiring fire protection (water line with hydrants) as part of any project completed. Anoka County Highway Department estimated the cost of said improvements to be $1,012,005. Broken down it is $534,964 for the large middle parking lot, $118,076 for the south parking lot, $83,965 for the north parking lot and $275,000 for the water line and hydrants. The county engineer has stated that it’s unlikely that all three lots could be constructed prior to the tournament and suggested phasing.
Anoka County has indicated their willingness to participate in the cost share. The NSC has submitted a request in the 2020 bonding bill that includes paving of the parking lots and relocation of their maintenance facility. However, preliminary information shows that the NSC is likely only to get funding for relocation of the maintenance facility and not the parking lot improvements.
At the February 10, 2020 and February 19, 2020 workshops, the City Council generally showed support to financially assist in parking lot improvements at the National Sports Center for the benefit of the 3M Open. Discussions that have occurred identify Phase I to include paving of the large parking lot and installation of the water line at a total cost of $809,964. It’s possible the EDA could choose to fund only one or both of the smaller parking lots in 2020 instead.
Any funding recommended is to be provided through the EDA general/redevelopment fund. Staff maintains a spreadsheet that identifies sources and uses for EDA projects. There is approximately $1,150,000 available in the EDA redevelopment fund, approximately $450,000 of pooled TIF, and approximately $1,500,000 available from wetland credit sales. Staff would recommend funding the improvements from the EDA redevelopment fund and/or pooled TIF.
Recommendation
Approve the attached Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, in 2014 the City Council adopted a resolution approving expansion of the National Sports Center north of 105th Ave; and
WHEREAS, the National Sports Center received legislative funding for a portion of those improvements which was completed in 2016; and
WHEREAS, the parking lots and interior road have not been paved per the approved plans due to lack of funding; and
WHEREAS, the 3M Open and National Sports Center have agreed to allow for the 3M Open to utilize the National Sports Center for parking and other various activities during the tournament; and
WHEREAS, paving of the interior road occurred in 2019 at a cost of $257,324 of which the costs were split by Anoka County and the Blaine EDA; and
WHEREAS, the 3M Open has requested from Anoka County and the City of Blaine to participate in funding the improvements for paving of additional parking lots and installation of a water line for fire suppression. in an effort to improve the overall appearance of the area and make it more functional for the tournament; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine Economic Development Authority hereby approves the expenditure not to exceed $405,000 to fund improvements at the National Sports Center and authorize the Executive Director and President to execute all necessary agreements.
PASSED BY THE Blaine Economic Development Authority this 2nd day of March, 2020.