Council
hears public comments on proposed Nibley community center
By Aubreyanne
Hansen
November 24, 2008 | NIBLEY -- City Council signed a
resolution which states the willingness and intent of
the city to join with Cache County School District to
build a community center as an addition on the new Nibley
Elementary School.
The council has had several discussions in the past
two months about the collaboration. The school will
be located approximately at 900 West and 3200 South
in Nibley. Mayor Knight signed Resolution 08-08, which
says the council approves the intent. According to the
resolution, the cost is estimated around $350,000 for
1800 square feet of additional space that will belong
to the city as well as joint-use of some other school
facilities.
Councilman Larry Jacobsen said the partnership with
the school district "is a good investment because [the
deal] encompasses many things." Jacobsen said the new
room will meet conference needs, new council chambers,
as well as recreational needs for most sports.
Tara Daily, Nibley resident, asked why the city needs
new meeting space and if it was possible to expand current
location.
Jacobsen said there is not enough parking area and
the majority of the building would have to be remodeled
to fit new offices or blend the addition.
Councilman Thayne Mickelson agreed with Jacobsen referring
to the new school and said, "We don't have to pay for
the land it's on, the parking lot, asphalt, or sidewalks."
Other council members chimed in with benefits the city
receives from this deal such as use of the fields, gymnasium,
restrooms, and library.
"There are more limitations on the project than the
council recognized," said Daily.
Councilman Bryan Hansen said the taxpayers are already
paying for the facilities so the community might as
well get more use out of the building and land.
Other citizens expressed concern with tax money going
to a building that will not be fully utilized because
of after school activities.
Mayor Knight said citizens' taxes will not be raised
for this. Money will mainly come from a bond but will
also be earned back by renting the building for "get
togethers."
City Manager Larry Anhder said this resolution is
only an agreement of intent and does not agree any money
into the project at this point. More meetings and resolutions
will have to occur concerning the cost and payment.
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