04-15-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-April 15, 2002 2433 Doug Duran, General Manger of the Sports Center in Fargo, addressed the board at this -- time and said he is a YMCA supporter as a private citizen. As the general manager of a local sports center, however, he said the YMCA has affected his business. He feels the low interest MIDA Bond funding results in an unfair advantage to the adult fitness center that he operates and to any other similar business that does not have access to that low-interest financing. Mr. Duran said the MIDA Bond financing request of the YMCA should be denied on the same basis as it was about six years ago, citing an unfair business advantage. Mrs. Schneider asked how Mr. Finstad would dispute the unfair advantage statement made by Mr. Duran. Mr. Finstad said he believes the two agencies are fundamentally different and provided some examples, such as using any funds that may be left over at the end of the year to support other programs and activities, providing scholarship assistance to anyone who cannot afford the full cost of a membership or program, and providing activities for youth. In listening to the talk about health and fitness at the YMCA, Jeanette Stanton, Fargo, said she is reminded that the YWCA, which helps battered women and children, is without a home. She thinks an unfair advantage is given to the YMCA because of their situation and their position in the community. Mr. Wieland said the YWCA would be given the same opportunity that the county is giving the YMCA if they are eligible and would submit an application. -- Mr. Wieland asked three times if anyone else in the audience wished to address the board and since no one responded, the public hearing on the MIDA Bond issue for the YMCA was closed. Further discussion followed by members of the County Commission. Considering the amount of service provided by the YMCA, the number of people they serve and the length of time they have been in service, Mr. Meyer said he supports the resolution authorizing issuance of the bonds. Mr. Wagner said he spent a lot of time considering both sides of the issue and reviewing the century code and the county's policy on MIDA Bonds. He said he does not doubt that the YMCA is an excellent organization, however, the question should be whether the bond issue restricts competition and places undue burden on private enterprise. He feels there is an unfair advantage between the YMCA and all of the private daycare centers, as well as the private health clubs. He views the YMCA as a private non-profit organization that is engaged in for-profit activity, and said he does not support the bonding request. - Mr. Wieland said Cass County is being asked to adopt a resolution that allows the YMCA to sell bonds. The county is not providing the actual financing. He does not view this situation as unfair competition and would support adoption of the proposed resolution. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to adopt Resolution #2002-6 Authorizing the Issuance of Community Improvement Revenue Bonds (Fargo-Moorhead Family YMCA Project) under Chapter 40-57 N.D.C.C. and Authorizing the Preparation of Necessary Documents Therefore. On roll call vote, the motion carried with three members voting "Aye", Mr. Wagner and Mrs. Schneider opposing.