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Title:
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Recreation Tax - Cultural Facilities -- #970866 (B)
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Title
Recreation Tax - Cultural Facilities -- #970866 (B)
Explanation
On March 30, 1999, the Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee requested the City Commission give staff direction on pursuing negotiations for the purchase of the Trinity United Methodist Church building. The committee recommended staff review the Recreation Plan presented last fall to prioritize the top five or six capital projects, review budget forecasts for the next two years, and determine an acceptable price for the building to make it cost effective.
Topics for funding the structure included grant opportunities, contacting other entities for donations, a possible marketing plan, and community match through fund-raising contributions, community projects or public/private partnerships. It was also suggested that Alachua County be contacted to see if they would be interested in joint use of the facility.
Concern was expressed that the City hasn't been able to take care of the current facilities and the City has a desperate need for recreation facilities.
Church representatives expressed an interest in lowering the $1,900,000 sale price and offering a payment plan to assist with overall funding options.
Fiscal Note
Funding has not been budgeted for this project.
Recommendation
The Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee recommended the City Commission: 1) hear a report from staff; 2) if the City Commission deems appropriate, authorize staff to continue negotiations to purchase the Trinity United Methodist Church building; and 3) if the City Commission deems appropriate, authorize the City Manager to prioritize the top six capital projects submitted last year in the Recreation Initiative proposal, review proposed budget forecast for the next budget cycle as it relates to the prospective purchase, determine an acceptable price for a cost-effective purchase, and return to the committee with a recommendation.