City council hears appeal for more money for planned new ice arena

Worthington Independent School District 518's retiring superintendent came before the Worthington City Council on Monday to encourage additional investment in a new community ice facility.

John Landgaard told the council that he believes the new ice arena project speaks to where the future of the city is headed, adding that he's heard no negative comments about the project. He said the city has made numerous great investments in the last decade or more to further its growth, and that he'd hate to see this latest opportunity get missed.

Landgaard told Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson and council members that bonding for the project over a 15-year period would have a minimal impact to taxpayers and suggested bonding up to $10 million. He said he hoped the city would reconsider its current commitment level toward a new single-sheet facility.

Robinson, who Landgaard said was a proponent of renovating the current ice arena at first but has since favored building new, confirmed the superintendent's comment. He reiterated that the council has already committed $5 million to the facility without identifying specific funding sources. Given current spending at the federal and state government levels — and what he perceives as the likelihood of those woes trickling down to the local level — Robinson said he thinks the council should be cautious. He did say that he would be comfortable with a commitment of $7 million to $8 million for a new ice facility.

Councilman Mike Kuhle said Monday that he's not opposed to putting more money into the project, but wants to see the rest of the city step up first, adding that there are several other entities that can make gifts. Councilwoman Amy Ernst said an increased contribution from the city would increase momentum for the project, which carries a projected cost of just below $21 million. Josh Miller, representing the Worthington Hockey Association, said Monday that $900,000 has been raised for the project so far. District 518 has also committed $5 million.  

Also Monday, the city council took action Monday to advance new housing planned for Darling Drive.

Following a public hearing, council members approved a tax abatement request from DBProperties for its planned construction of up to five, 12-unit apartment buildings on that street. Prior to the council meeting, the Worthington Economic Development Authority approved the purchase of the land from the EDA on a 20-year forgivable loan. The purchase price of the development property is $107,000 and will be financed by the city in accordance with a contract for deed.

The council on Monday also approved a development agreement for the DBProperties apartment buildings that includes financial assistance of up to $15,000 per unit for 36 units. A removal of a portion of the cul-de-sac on Darling Drive also allows for the potential for additional buildings. 

Two other economic development items were also passed Monday by the council. A conditional use permit request from Mexicano Properties Inc. to allow for the development of a warehouse center along with office space on the east side of Research Lane was approved, as was Fertilizer Dealer Supply Inc.'s CUP request to allow for the development of a fertilizer equipment parts retail center on property located south of Gateway Drive and immediately adjacent to U.S. 59/Minnesota 60. 

In another matter, council members voted to declare a vacancy on the council following last month's resignation of Ward 1 Councilman Larry Janssen. A subcommittee will be formed that will likely find and interview candidates for the open position.