PROJECT TIMELINE
June 2016
A feasability study on a proposed Regional Wellness Center was authorized. A referendum during the 2016 General Election proposing a half-cent local option sales tax was also authorized.
October 2016
The City hired Bolton and Menk to complete a feasibility study for a Community Center. The study was then presented in October 2016 and Council made a motion to accept the community center feasibility study.
November 2016
The community voted on the local option sales tax for the purpose of funding recreational amenities, trails, and/or a Fairmont Community Center. Results: Yes: 3032 and No:1923
February 2017
The Fairmont Community Center Action Committee was formed to perform due diligence on the project. The city sent out letters to citizens interested in the project.
October 2017
$125,000 for a community center business plan was approved.
January 2018
The community center committee hires an architect/engineer.
February 2018
The community center committee hires a construction manager.
September 2018
A feasibility report was delivered. A discussion was held on a business plan, ownership, operations, construction and funding options.
December 2018
A public forum was held at the Fairmont Opera House.
February 2019
Entered into an agreement with the YMCA of Albert Lea and Worthington. The YMCA was authorized to research the current status of recreational programming in Fairmont and develop potential programming for the community center.
December 2019
The City of Fairmont commits $14,000,000 to construction of the community center when the committee raises an additional $6,000,000 in pledges. The council also approved up to $50,000 for a YMCA operating budget for 2020. The committee presented a plan that included a pool, fieldhouse, meeting/classroom space and fitness area in phase 1. Phase 2, including ice, wasn’t included in the presentation.
June 2020
YMCA pulled back from programming and the project was delayed due to COVID.
March 2021
A city council work session reviewed work done to date, design/cost estimates of phase 1. The plan included expansion for ice in phase 2 contingent on finding additional funds.
May 2021
A City council work session was held to review the local option sales tax. Both the Fairmont Hockey Association and the Community Center committee were invited.
June 2021
The community center committee clarifies that the vision is for both the YMCA and FYHA to co-exist in one building. RFPs are initiated for updated numbers, final design, and construction plans.
August 2021
The Rosen Family, the Krahmer Family and Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont commit $4.5 million in funding.
SEPTEMBER 2021
The Fairmont Area Community Center Foundation is formed.
January 2022
Council approves a 2-step Owner’s Representative Contract with Tegra. Step one will work with a design team to develop a schedule and budget.
March 2022
The YMCA entered into a consulting agreement with the Fairmont Area Community Center Foundation.
April 2022
Council approves to move forward with contract negotiations with 292 Design Group as Architect/Engineer and Kraus-Anderson as Construction Manager.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
YMCA Consulting Agreement
The YMCA entered into a consulting agreement with the Fairmont Area Community Center Foundation. This begins to give the YMCA a physical presence in Fairmont and let’s them start deciding on what programming is a need in Fairmont.
Architect/Engineer & Construction Manager Contracts Signed
The contract with 292 Design Group and Kraus-Anderson were approved at the May 23.
September 2022
Design elements finalized and costs formalized.
October 2022
Public engagement and review of designs and costing components.
November 2022
City Council approves final design, components and cost.
COMMITTEE PROGRESS
ACTION COMMITTEE FORMATION
- The committee was formed February 2017.
- City Sent out letters to citizens interested in this project.
- Committee formed to perform due diligence on community center project as sales tax started to come in.
PUBLIC INPUT
- Initial 1590 surveys – over 2000 responses
- Stakeholder meetings
- Fair booth
- Articles in paper
- Updates to City council
- Public meeting at Opera House
YMCA
- City first contacted YMCA to gauge interest
- YMCA performed own due diligence
- YMCA brings national programming and resources, expertise to running these facilities
- YMCA is willing and eager to come to Fairmont
BUDGET
- Experts believe $20 million for a town our size is typical
- City commitment $14 million, private fundraising $6-7M as needed
- Worked with experts to get actual costs to build various designs.
FOUNDATION
- YMCA requested an initial fundraising effort for a “founder’s fund.” This would be money set aside to support the YMCA.
- A foundation will be established to raise money every year to support YMCA efforts. Will be made up of local volunteers.
OPERATING COST & OWNERSHIP
- YMCA will be responsible for its own operating budget. YMCA will cover any losses it might incur.
- The city will own the facility and enter into an operating agreement with the YMCA to run the facility.
- The city will have no responsibility to fund losses.
- Capital improvements will be funded by some combination of the city and the foundation.
- Goal would be to transition facility to the foundation after some period of time when YMCA is fully established.
- City would receive land from Mayo with stipulation that it must be used for a community center and if the city ceases to do so, the building must be transferred to the foundation.
LATEST UPDATES
Setting the Record Straight
We had a great time at the Fair! Thanks to all of you who stopped by our booth and chatted with us about the Fairmont Area Community Center project. We appreciate all of you who came in support of the Community Center and to those of you who came with questions. A common question we received was about the Citizens 4 a Strong Fairmont proposal and how this proposal relates to the Community Center project. First and foremost – the Foundation and the YMCA are interested in collaborating with any...
