PUBLIC HEARING - Joe Huss, Finance Director
Title
AUTHORIZE USE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND PRINCIPAL TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Background
The City Council will be conducting a public hearing to consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing the use of up to $5.4 million of principal from the City’s Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) to provide funding for the construction of a 12,000-14,000 square-feet Senior Center. The current senior facility, the Mary Ann Young Senior Center, is located in Aquatore Park just off Cloverleaf Parkway and Highway 65. It is a non-residential 4,800 square-feet facility, constructed in 1982, that serves as a focal point for Blaine area senior citizens. The Center's staff and volunteers offer a variety of programs and social events throughout the year. The Center also serves as the home of the Senior Dining Program, which is run by Volunteers of America, and offers noon meals Monday through Friday. Because the project will be funded with funds currently on hand, the construction of the facility will not affect property taxes.
Per chapter 2, article IV of the City Code, the use of CIF principal is permissible so long as a public hearing considering the matter is conducted and a resolution is adopted by the affirmative vote of at least six (6) Council members. The public does have the opportunity to bring this item forward as a referendum for a vote at the next general election if a petition, signed by a number of voters equal to or greater than 10% of the votes cast in the last general election, is filed with the city clerk within 30 days of the public hearing.
Notice of the public hearing was published in the April 13, 2018 edition of the Blaine-Spring Lake Park Life.
In order to use the CIF, the City Council must find that the project provides sufficient community-wide benefit and is consistent with City goals, programs and policies. Per City ordinance, this finding has been incorporated into the following resolution.
Schedule of Actions
Hold Public Hearing |
May 3, 2018 |
Approve authorizing resolution |
May 3, 2018 |
Recommendation
Adoption of the following Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, Sections 2.151 - 2.154 of the Blaine City Code authorizes the City Council to approve the use of principal held in the City’s Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) for qualifying projects; and
WHEREAS, on May 3, 2018, a public hearing was held whereby Council considered the use of up to $5,400,000 from the CIF to construct a facility to serve primarily as a Senior Center with additional use for recreation programs and community meeting space; and
WHEREAS, the project has sufficient community-wide benefit consistent with other City programs and goals; and
WHEREAS, the expenditure of funds from the CIF meets all requirements of Sections 2.151 through 2.154 of the Blaine City Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Blaine that the use of up to $5,400,000 of Capital Improvement Fund principal to construct a facility to serve primarily as a Senior Center with additional use for recreation programs and community meeting space is hereby authorized.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 3rd day of May 2018.