HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-10-14 Sports Complex Report - Committee Report 3.26.14
TOP Committee Report, 3/26/2014
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Trails,
Open Space, and Parks Committee
SUBJECT: Sports Complex application
BACKGROUND: Having reviewed the Bozeman Soccer Education Foundation and Gallatin Valley Lacrosse
League’s application for TOP funds we have determined that this is a well-qualified project. They have secured a great location at a good price. A multi-use recreation complex including
facilities was clearly identified as a goal of the ballot that created the TOP Bond. They have requested $7.5 million to complete phase one of development with the goal of developing
11 fields. Their proposal however does not budget for the necessary infrastructure improvements.
The potential economic benefits to the community as a consequence of establishing
a sports complex are substantial, sustainable, and have been clearly identified. We believe these expected economic benefits far outweigh the limited immediate leverage.
The infrastructure
costs to complete offsite roads and underground utilities around the project were estimated to be $4.3M by the TOP consultant engineering firm, TD&H. Of that amount, the City Public
Works Department estimated $1.7M would be eligible for Impact Fee funding leaving $2.55M infrastructure costs for the project. We believe that the first phase of the
project could reasonably be designed without building out all four sides, and there may be some partnering/cost sharing possibilities with potential adjacent developments. While we
are reluctant to spend money that the voters approved for trails, open space, and parks on infrastructure, such as roads, water, and sewer, we recognize that the project cannot proceed
without this expense being met. That said, our committee would encourage the city to do whatever it can to minimize the TOP fund’s contribution to the infrastructure portion of the
project costs.
RECOMMENDATION: By a unanimous vote of the committee it is recommended that the commission grant the request for $7,500,000 to be apportioned as follows:
Not more
than 2,100,000 on the land purchase
Not more than $2,500,000 on infrastructure
Not less than $2,900,000 on development of the fields
While this amount will not be adequate to complete
the project it will be enough to secure the land, improve the streets, and create a number of fields until additional funds, public or private can be acquired.
The TOP committee
recommendation represents a dedication of 50% of the original bond fund to this project. We consider the remaining balance in the fund to be prudent in allowing for flexibility as budgets
finalize and we redirect funds as needed to existing projects or others that may be reviewed.