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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-06-12 00-242 RESOLVEDate: lune 12, 2000 item/Subject: Resolve, Stating Me Goals of the City of Bangor Regarding the Capital Needs and Future athe Bas Park Complmr Responsible Department: City CaurMt Commentary: Over the last few months, the Ciry Council has begun to serbusly address Me cupmal needs and future of the Bass Park Complex. At its last meeting, the Bass Park Committee spent a considerable amount of time on this and Councilor Crowley remained! that a resolve be placed on this Council ageni outlining the Council's current thinking on this subject and desgwting the first Council meeting in September as a point at which the Council will evaluate the progress which has been made and make a deterininati n as to whether to mminue W work towed replacing the complex or establishing a date by which the Audlmdum will be cksed. The alta hed Resolve attempts to outline the current thinking and position of the Cay ComrcA. Department Head Manager's Comments: arable Associated Information: Resolve Iegal Approval: iry pliamr Introduced for X Possage Rod: Reading Page_af Refeand to Finance Assigned to Councilor Crowley .race 12..2000 CITY OF BANGOR (TITLE.) Resolve, Stating the Goals of the City of Bangor Regarding the Capital Needs and 'Future of the Bass Park Complex. WHEREAS, the Bangor Auditorium opened in 1954 and is approaching 50 years old; and WHEREAS, a recent analysis by Carpenter and Associates indicates that the existing Auditorium and Civic Center can be upgraded and expanded for an approximate cost of $12,347,000; and WHEREAS, the expenditure of these funds, while returning these facilities to good condition, will not address all of the design features of these buildings which limit both its Flexibility and appeal; and WHEREAS, the cost of replacing these facilities is estimated to be approximately $30,000,000; and WHEREAS, the direct and indirect economic impact of the complex on the greater Bangor area has been conservatively estimated at $30,000,000 per year; and WHEREAS, should either upgrade or replacement of these structures be undertaken using funding sources currently available to the City, the burden of this action will fall largely on the property owners of the City of Bangor and require a significant increase in the City's property tax rate; and - WHEREAS, these buildings provitle the only venue within the City capable of hosting a variety of events such as the Eastern Maine High School Basketball Tournament, large conventions, public concerts and enterainment events, and trade shows; and WHEREAS, the events now taking place at the Complex contribute to the area's tourism and visitor industry and provide a positive impact to the region's economy; and WHEREAS, efforts are underway to educate the regional community and the State of Maine on the condition of the Complex and the benefits which it provides to the community; and WHEREAS, wide -spread support from the larger regional community and its business leadership is essential for the City to develop and implement a strategy for the future of this complex; and WHEREAS, at the same time, It is important Nat Me Council communicate its intentions clearly as to Its preferred course of action in regard to this Complex. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR, THAT: 1. We believe that the best interests of the community and our loci economy would be served by replacing the current Auditorium and Civic Center with a new structure designed N meet our area's need for a large venue to host certain events. 2. We recognize that a project of such magnitude cannot be undertaken through the primary mechanism of a tax on the property of Bangor residents and businesses alone. 3. We call upon the business community, our residents, local community benefactors, other local and regional governments, and the State of Maine to work with us in our efforts N establish a feasible strategy to replace this complex. 4. Over the next two to three months, we pledge our best efforts N work with all Interested parties to define in greater detail the nature of the facilities to be constructed and to explore the financing options available. To this end, the City intends N move forward immediately with a comprehensive planning process, including public participation, for the publicly owned space and adjacent areas from the Waterfront to the Airport, including the Bass Park property. 5. At the first regular City Connell mewing in September, we will evaluate the progress which has been made and the responses which have been received from key groups within the community. At that time, the City Council will decide whether to continue to work toward replacing this Comdex. If adequate progress has been made as shown by strong support from key groups and the identification of feasible funding sources which will provide at least 50% of the capital funds needed, the Council will make a commitment to replacing the Auditorium and Civic Center. 6. If such progress is not made, the Council will establish a date certain by which the Auditorium will be closed. IP un COMCIL Sune 12, 2000 Motion for Passage Made and seconded lbtiO6:t0 Amend by Deleting the Words "Which Would provide at least 50% of the capital funds needed", in section 85. Motion Doubted Vote: 4 yes. 4 no. l absent Councilors voting yea: Maldacci, Crawley, Farnham.fi Tremble Councilors voting m: Aube. Blanchette, Palmer 6 Vardevis Councilor absent: Raises, Nation to Amend Failed Passage Charles Curran A Gan Willims Bangor residents. encouraged passage of this resolve Votenmotion for Passage: 8 yes.I absent Councilors voting yes: Aube. m1daccl. Rlanchette. Crawley, Parnham. Palmer, Trenble A Vardwfa Councilor absent: Reason A C9.. 00-242 RESOLVE Title, stating the Goals Of the City. of Bangor Regardtng Capital needs and Peters of the Mees part Caapl¢ Assigned to