04-01-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

18. Commission Minutes--April 1, 1996 1453 St. Anthony's Middle School; Tom Holtey, Pastor at Hope Lutheran Church; and Rob Johnson, ARC Executive Director. Speaking in opposition to the MIDA Bond funding request were Steve Clute and Derrick Black of All American Athletic Clubs; and Doug Duran, General Manager of West Acres Sports Center. They believe the YMCA already has an unfair advantage over private health and fitness clubs because of their tax-exempt status, however, they agreed there is a need for additional youth facilities and programs. Mr. Ness and Kathy Hogan, Cass County Social Services Director, met with Mr. Finstad last week to identify their concerns and talk about a possible compromise on the issues of child care for Iow-income households in Cass County, as well as specialized child care for high risk children, such as physically/mentally disabled or vulnerable because of child abuse/neglect; and the prospect of dedicating gym space for youth or family activities between certain hours each weekday afternoon into the evening. In order to give the opposing sides an opportunity to work together on a possible compromise, Mr. Ness suggested delaying a decision on the MIDA Bond request for 30 days. The three groups said they are willing to meet and see how they might better work together. Mr. Wieland said a number of letters he received, of which there were about 100, indicated there is a need for more quality day care centers in the Fargo area. He asked how much of the facility would be dedicated to day care of the $3,000,000 YMCA project, and Mr. Finstad said it would be between 50% and 60%. MOTION, passed Mr. Ness moved and Mr. Eckert seconded to delay a decision for another 30 days on the Fargo-Moorhead Family YMCA request for MIDA Bond funding, at which time the three groups would bring back a proposal acceptable to all of them. Discussion: Mr. Eckert said he supports the three groups working together and hopes a decision can be reached at that time rather than another delay. Mr. Wieland was concerned about the delay, and Mr. Ness said the reason for delaying it 30 days is because he will not be in attendance at the next Commission meeting. Mrs. Schneider was also hesitant about the delay but could see potential for the private clubs and the YMCA working together on a compromise. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. ABATEMENT APPLICATION, Approved for Reed Nudell MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Ness seconded that Abatement #.4021 be reduced to $140,000 as recommended by the Director of Equalization. Mr. Nudell was present, and Mr. Klein said this valuation meets with the applicant's approval. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.