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YMCA seeks major capital campaign; Brainerd council OKs staff work and $5,000 toward pool RFP
Summary
The Brainerd Family YMCA presented a capital plan and asked the council to allow staff to work with YMCA leadership on a proposed pool facility; council authorized staff engagement and approved up to $5,000 to support RFP development.
The Brainerd Family YMCA told the City Council on May 19 it has completed feasibility and site studies and is advancing a capital campaign to replace its aging facility.
Shane Riffle, CEO of the Brainerd Family YMCA, said consultants concluded the current building is at "end of life" and estimated more than $16 million to bring the existing site up to standard. Riffle told the council the capital plan focuses on a full new facility at 602 Oak Street and that a comprehensive campaign could range from $30 million to $52 million depending on scope.
"We believe it can transform this community," Riffle said, summarizing studies that projected about $51.4 million in direct, indirect and induced economic activity from the proposed facility.
Gabe Johnson, chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee, moved to authorize city staff to work with YMCA leadership and advisors on feasibility for a new city pool as part of the YMCA's capital project and to approve an allocation not to exceed $5,000 to support RFP development; the council approved the motion. Council raised no formal objections to staff receiving a short presentation from Shane Riffle at the meeting.
The authorization is initial and procedural: it directs staff to collaborate on feasibility and RFP development, not to commit additional city capital. Riffle said fundraising, new-market tax credits and partnerships will be needed to assemble the capital stack.
