Proponents of an expansion of the Wadena Community Center approached the Wadena City Council Oct. 14 to talk about a scaled-back expansion proposal.
Ann Pate, John Paulson and Mike Craig talked to the council about the plan, which would be phased in in two parts. Phase one would include a $600,000 construction project to build more hockey locker room space, a walking track and other improvements to bring the total renovation cost to around $2.1 million.
Organizers would raise most of the money privately for phase one, then approach the Minnesota Legislature again for help with the project's second phase. The group requested $7.5 million in the state's bonding bill but were not funded. The total project cost, if the $7.5 million had been approved, would have been around $12-15 million.
"We're here tonight just to ask your blessing to go forward with it and start fundraising," Paulson said.
The group also asked that the city release $25,000 in planning funds promised and allocated in 2007. Councilman Toby Pierce reminded them that the project looked different then.
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"At the time you talked to us, you were talking about a larger project," Pierce said. "I think the $25,000 was allocated based on the idea there would be a swimming pool included, because that's how you sold the project at the time."
Paulson said the swimming pool is still under consideration for phase two.
"It's included in the plans, and it's not dead, as far as I'm concerned," he said.
The council voted unanimously to release the planning funds to the group, but weren't as united when it came to the question of the city taking ownership of the facility, which may be necessary in order to secure grants and other funding.
"That's a pretty big leap," said Mayor Wayne Wolden. "If you're hoping to break ground by spring, those conversations have to start now."
Wolden said he didn't want the city to be presented with a short time line to make a decision if a funding source is found that would require city ownership.
"I think we need to have a discussion as to whether the city is willing to own it before you go out and [search for grants]," council member Pete Phillips said. "And if we're not willing to do it, we need to let them know now."
Craig agreed it's better for the group to have a firm answer on that question.
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"We can't go out with a public, formal fundraising campaign until we have a plan in place for the ownership situation. That absolutely needs to be defined," he said. "We can't guess at that part of it once we get going on the fundraising campaign."
Council members cited the worsening economy as a reason for caution.
"I would have a real problem with the city owning it," Pierce said. "The potential for it to be a money loser is there. You won't know until you're up and running for a few years. The economy isn't going to turn around on a dime."
Paulson said whether the economy is good or bad, some people still will give to see this project get done.
"We know the economy isn't great, but there's still support for it out there," he said.
"And there's a need," Pate added.
