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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA031 - Letter from City Manager to Council dated June 12, 2007 - recommendation to name aquatic center after Don and Ruth Furman 30 Memo City Manager's Office r (515)239-5200 FAX(515) 239-5355 TO: Mayor and City Council 'Ad FROM Steven L. Schainker, City Manager DATE: June 12, 2007 SUBJECT: Naming of Park and Aquatic Center On May 30, 2007, Mayor Campbell held a press conference announcing that Don and Ruth Furman had given her a letter(attached) stating that they will donate $2 million to the City of Ames, if residents pass a bond issue on July 24th for the development of an outdoor aquatic center. The Furman's tremendous gift will allow 1) for the proposed 25-yard lap pool area to be expanded to 50- meters, 2) for other facility enhancements during the initial construction phase, and 3) for the establishment of an endowment to minimize the tax subsidy for operations and to finance future capital needs for this new facility. The City staff applauds this outstanding gesture of support demonstrated by Don and Ruth. Because of the magnitude of the Furman's generosity, the aquatic center can be built in one phase, and not incrementally. Given the significance of this gift, I would recommend that the City Council pass a resolution naming the overall site and the new aquatic center after Don and Ruth Furman, subject to the successful passage of the bond issue and the construction of the facility. +1 May 26, 2007 Ann Campbell City Hall 515 Clark Avenue Ames, IA 50010 Dear Mayor Campbell: We have been closely following the proposal for a new swimming facility in Ames. Don attended the first "pool party" at Meeker School and came away impressed with the ideas discussed that evening. We were very glad to learn that the City Council has approved the recommendation for a new aquatic center costing the taxpayers $8.5 million. We think the 131h Street location is the right place for the new pool. The total proposal is a good one and we hope the voters approve the bond issue. If the bond issue passes, we plan to make a $2.0 million contribution to the City to enhance the new aquatic center. We would like $1.0 million of our gift used to build the 50-meter length and other enhancements so that the pool will always be able to accommodate swimming lessons, fitness programs, lap swimming, and other recreational activities for children and families. We would like the other $1.0 million of our gift used to establish an endowment fund for the aquatic facility. We want the place to be a jewel in the City's park system. The endowment can minimize the City's ongoing operational costs for the pool and provide for future repair and replacement of equipment at the facility. We know the larger size of the pool will add some operating expense, so the endowment fund should provide some property tax relief to future Ames residents. We have had the good fortune to live and work in Ames for the past sixty years. It has been a great place to have a business, build homes, raise a family, and make friends. We hope this gift will help future generations enjoy Ames as much as we have. Sincerely, Don and Z urman 2819 Thompson Drive Nancy J Carroll/COA To Parks& Recreation-Administration, Parks& Recreation- 05/30/2007 03:13 PM Community Center, Parks& Recreation- Ice Arena, Parks& Recreation- Maintenance cc Everyone bcc Subject $2 million commitment-Outdoor Aquatic Center This morning Mayor Campbell held a press conference and announced that Don and Ruth Furman have committed, subject to an $8.5 million bond issue passing on July 24, $2 million toward the new Aquatic Center. $1 million of their gift would be used to expand the 25 yard lap pool area to 50 meters to assure that the facility can accommodate swimming lessons, fitness classes, lap swimming, etc simultaneously. The other$1 million will serve as an endowment for the facility. The interest can be used to minimize annual operational expenses to our tax payers and to pay for future capital improvements as the facility ages to assure that it remains a top-notch facility for decades. Additionally, due to the significance of this gift, Steve Schainker will recommend to the Mayor and City Council, at their June 12th Council meeting that if the bond issue passes on July 24th that the overall site and Aquatic Center be named after"Donald and Ruth Furman". If you have questions, or need additional information on this tremendous gift to the City please contact me at anytime. Nancy Carroll, Director of Parks and Recreation 515-239-5357 Voice 515-239-5355 Fax ncarroll@city.ames.ia.us CITY OF AMES = "EXCELLENCE THROUGH PEOPLE"