Loading...
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%