Woodbury Looks at Funding for Bielenberg Sports Center Expansion

The Woodbury City Council last week took a look at potential funding options for a replacement for the dome.

The dome is on its last legs, city officials reported during the council workshop, at times only semi-joking that a strong wind could bring it down.

The council looked at two finding options, both of which would include issuing debt but would not require the city to raise taxes for the work. However, the city would be replacing the existing debt-service levies with new property tax levies, thereby foregoing a decrease in Woodbury’s property tax levy, according to a council memo.

The council had previously discussed removing and replacing the existing field house with a larger permanent building that would also include expanded space for the lobby and food service area. There would also be the potential for the city to lease space for sports training and retail operations.

“There’s demand, there’s desire, there’s need,” City Administrator Clint Gridley said.

A proposed schedule for the project:

• Complete public-input process (second quarter 2011)
• Revise concept plans and finalize finance plans (third quarter 2011)
• Select architect and construction manager (fourth quarter 2011)
• Complete detailed architectural plans and cost estimates (fourth quarter 2012)
• Let bids and award construction contracts (first quarter 2013)
• Start construction (second quarter 2013)
• Complete construction and re-open facility (first quarter 2014)