WORKSHOP ITEM - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
DISCUSS FUNDING REQUEST BY 3M OPEN FOR ADDITIONAL PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS AT THE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER
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 $1,012,616. 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. It hasn’t been determined what could be completed in 2020 and is dependent on whether there is interest in the city to assist in funding.
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.
Representatives from the 3M Open will be at the workshop to provide information on last year’s tournament and explain the importance of the parking lot paving improvements.
Recommendation
Determine whether the City/EDA wants to participate financially in the parking lot improvements. If funding is approved it would be funded through the EDA general fund. A formal action would be required by the EDA.