HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-14 11-101 RESOLVEACTION
Item
Date: March 14, 2011
Item/Subject: Resolve, Supporting the Referendum to Authorize Construction of a
new Arena at Bass Park
Responsible Department: City Counal
If approved, the attached Resolve would indicate Council support for the construction of
a new arena/meeting complex at Bass Park. This has been discussed on many
occasions and over many years and the construction of this arena/meeting center has
the unanimous approval of the Council.
Department Head
ManageYs Comments:
Asaoclated Infonnadon:n
Y\f5>�U�C
Butlget Approval:
Finance Director
City Solicitor
y Passage
_ First Reading Page _ of _
Referral
21 101
March 16, 2011
Assigned to Councilor - Bronson
z "~ CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.) Resolve, Supporting the Referendum to Authorize Construction of a New Arena at
Bass Park
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR:
BE IT RESOLVED, THAT
WHEREAS, the Bangor Auditorium was built in 1955 and the Civic Center was built in the
1970's; and
WHEREAS, the existing Bangor Auditorium and Civic Center is out -dated and in need of
expensive repair or replacement; and
WHEREAS, in February 2008, the City Council appointed a Special Committee to review the
existing facility and make a recommendation as to whether the City should
rehabilitate the existing facility or build a new Auditorium and Civic Center; and
WHEREAS, the Committee recommended to the City Council that a new Auditorium and Civic
Center be constructed; and
WHEREAS, Policy -One Research of Scarborough, Maine, conducted a study which indicated
that building a new Auditorium and Civic Center will generate new Jobs and
stimulate sgniOCant economic activity in the Bangor region; and
WHEREAS, after reviewing facility, assessment studies and cost estimates and holding
numerous public meetings, the City Council has determined that it is more cost
effective in the long-term to build a new Auditorium and Civic Center; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bangor has received a proposal for the construction of the new
arena/meeting complex; and
WHEREAS, the proposal will cost approximately $65 million; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has identified the sources of funding for the construction of a new
auditorium which includes revenues generated solely by Hollywood slots; and
WHEREAS, the City has deposited all slot funds received from Hollywood slots since 2005 in a
Special Revenue Fund designated for replacing the existing facility; and
11 101
WHEREAS, the Finance Director has reviewed financing for the construction of a new arena
and determined that revenues identified could reasonably pay for construction
costs up to $65 million without any general tax revenues; and
WHEREAS, a group of citizens obtained the required signatures of at least 2,236 registered
Bangor voters as required by the City of BangoYs Initative/Referendum Ordinance
to have a vote on whether the City should build a new arena at Bass Park; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a Public Hearing on February 28, 2011 to obtain public input
. on the ballot question and date for the election on the arena; and
WHEREAS, based on the input received at the public hearing, the City Council has determined
that it is appropriate to hold a referendum "Supportng the Construction of New
Arena a< Bass Park;" and
WHEREAS, the election for the referendum Is scheduled for May 4, 2011; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that it is In the best Interest of the City of Bangor to
construct a new arena/meeting complex to replace the Bangor Auditorium and
Civic Center.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR THAT
the City of Bangor supports the passage of the referendum authorizing the construction of a
new arena at Bass Park.
I8 fin fMAWIL
!larch 14, 2011
Motion Made avd Seconded fax Postage
Mell Gll Vote equeeted
vote: q
Gosncllote voting Yes: Man'ehette,
grmsm, Murgfn. Grata ick, Largo,
Haves. Mself", Palver d Weston
Councilors Voting Mo: Mom
Pasted
cm
IYff"ll
structical f'a weli
Atom At Bass Park
Mlgoed to Couaelloe� S lJ:'Nx%