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Councilmember Allen questioned what the fee rental would be for the picnic shelters and new neighborhood <br /> centers. Fink stated the rental rates would be more in line with neighboring picnic shelters. She noted the City <br /> would benchmark the rental rates for these amenities with surrounding communities. <br /> Councilmember Dunsworth commented she was in favor of the $10 million bond option. She believed with <br /> interest rates as low as they are she wanted to get the ball rolling in a significant manner. She stated she <br /> wanted to see Hansen Park finished. She feared the City would not be able to move these park improvements <br /> forward without a bond issuance and cash infusion. She supported the City locking in these park improvements <br /> for the benefit of the entire community. She indicated the Council had to address the years of deferred <br /> maintenance within its parks and now was the time to take action. She believed the residents of New Brighton <br /> would greatly appreciate the proposed park improvements. <br /> Councilmember Axberg discussed the differences between the $8 million and $10 million bonding options and <br /> asked if there was a way to smooth out the impact on residents. She was in agreement that now was the time to <br /> move forward with the proposed park improvements and to take advantage of the low interest rates. Davitt <br /> discussed the percentage increases within the tax levy for the two different bonding options. Massopust <br /> discussed the City's tax rate and how this would impact the median value home owner. <br /> Councilmember Abdulle agreed the $10 million bond made the most sense for the City. He thanked staff for all <br /> of their efforts on this matter. <br /> Councilmember Allen stated he supported the $10 million bond option as well. He believed this would offer <br /> the City the most bang for the buck. He indicated this would be a great investment in the community. <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas discussed how the City would see new efficiencies with the new park facilities <br /> which would create operational savings. She commented she did not want to kick the can down the road but <br /> rather wanted to see the City investing in its parks. She supported the $10 million bond issuance, but <br /> encouraged staff to rework the modeling to see how much internal cash can be maintained. <br /> Massopust thanked the Council for the discussion and feedback. He noted he would work with his team in <br /> order to bring the bond issuance forward. He explained he would keep the Council in the loop as he works <br /> through this process. <br /> Worksession adjourned at 6:40 pm <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> ,,,,,,k66,:,,,iteir,ae..., <br /> Terri Spangrud <br /> City Clerk <br />