PUBLIC HEARING

A Public Hearing met concerning the Fairbank Aquatic Center on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at the American Legion Hall. Mayor Welsh called meeting to order at 7:13 PM. Members present: Suckow, Woods, Kayser and Plaster. Absent: Frost. Also present: Ted Vorwald, Utility Superintendent; Dave Ryan, Assistant Public Works Director; Pool Committee and Janece Silva, Deputy Clerk.

Motion by Kayser, second by Suckow to open the Public Hearing. Roll call vote-Ayes: Kayser, Suckow, Woods and Plaster. Nays: None.

Councilperson Kayser started the meeting by reviewing the agenda and thanking USAquatics for participating at the hearing.

Mayor Welsh introduced the Pool Committee. He talked about their trip to the Vision Iowa Meeting in Des Moines. INRCOG’s Fred Saul helped with the application and Mayor Welsh secured $45,000 in donation by the meeting. Welsh, Vorwald, Ryan, Kayser, Paul Anton and Brenda Dryer went in front of the Vision Iowa Board. They were awarded $81,000. A funding request of $20,000 was submitted for a McElroy Grant.

There were no comments from Mayor or Council Members.

Pat Miller talked about the letter campaign. 3518 letters were mailed to all residents in Fairbank, Oran, Readlyn, Dunkerton and to all alumni of Wapsie Valley High School dating back to the 60’s. He explained the different donation clubs. Plaques will be hung in the entrance of the Aquatic Center for all donation acknowledgments.

Dave Ryan discussed the coming season at the pool, setting a tentative opening date of June 1, 2003. They are looking into ways of scheduling swimming lessons so they can close by the end of July.

Paul Anton presented the financial portion of the hearing. The Fairbank State Bank could loan a maximum of $750,000 over a 10 ten year period. Between TIF, ½ of Local Option Taxes, CAT Grant, McElroy Grant, bank loan and donations, the total amount needed to fund this project is 1 – 1.2 million dollars.

USAquatics spokespeople Tom and Ben Schaffer gave a background on their company’s history and projects. They discussed the general construction for the new pool, highlighting the unique design of the pool and the money making potential it could have. They will start taking bids in June of 2003, construction beginning in August 2003, finishing by May 2004 and hoping to be open by June 2004.

The floor was then open for questions and comments. Councilperson Suckow asked: "Will this new pool support itself?" USAquatics answered: "It should come close.

It depends on what will be charged for admission and concessions. With a new pool like this it could triple your attendance." USAquatics stayed afterwards to answer any other questions that might arise.

Motion by Kayser, second by Suckow to close the Public Hearing. Roll call vote- Ayes: Kayser, Suckow, Woods and Plaster. Nays: None.

Motion by Woods, second by Suckow to adjourn at 8:00PM. Roll call vote: Woods, Suckow, Plaster and Kayser. Nays: None.

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Maurice Welsh, Mayor

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Janece Silva, Deputy Clerk