City Council discusses $75K feasibility study for Menard Center expansion

The Wasilla City Council convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss the potential adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, with significant focus on a feasibility study for the Menard Center. The meeting highlighted the need for a comprehensive analysis of current usage and demographic data to better understand community needs and improve facility offerings.

Council members expressed concerns about the necessity and cost of the proposed $75,000 feasibility study. Questions arose regarding whether sufficient data already exists from user interactions and previous assessments. Councilman Graham emphasized the importance of understanding what services the community desires and whether the city has been effectively collecting this information.

The mayor responded, indicating that the city does possess a wealth of data, including user counts and revenue statistics. However, the feasibility study aims to compare this local data with broader market trends to ensure the Menard Center remains competitive and meets community demands. The discussion also touched on the ownership of the data generated from the study, with assurances that it would be public information.

Additionally, the council addressed the challenges of conducting a cost-benefit analysis for new facilities, acknowledging that while some projects may not be financially self-sustaining, they could still provide valuable community benefits. The feasibility study is seen as a critical step in determining the future direction of the Menard Center and ensuring it serves the needs of Wasilla residents effectively.

As the council moves forward, the next steps will involve further discussions on the budget and the feasibility study, with an emphasis on transparency and community engagement in the decision-making process.