Tim NelsonThe first ever meeting of the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Sports Facilities is convening at the State Office Building. (Click on headline to see updates.)
In post-meeting presser, MSFA chair Michele Kelm-Helgen says that fixed roof language is just a place holder from the legislation, doesn’t represent a decision on whether or not the new stadium will have a retractable roof. She says that’s still up in the air, but should be decided when schematic design is finalized.
Legislative Commission on Minnesota Sports Facilities wraps up. No time certain for next meeting. Co-chair, Sen. Julie Rosen says agenda will include finance questions, testimony from Vikings.
Kelm-Helgen says that improving economy will put upward price pressure on materials as the stadium project goes forward, but she doesn’t expect extra money being put into the financing.
MSFA chair Kelm-Helgen says prep work on Vikings stadium is being funded with first $50M put in by team. Says cash flow is working for new, despite disappointment in electronic pulltab revenues.
DFL Rep. Jim Davnie: We all know that the funding model isn’t working. What’s the trigger point for whether to let the bonds or not?
Sen. Roger Reinert asks if MSFA what thought authority has given to assimilating governance of other venues if they decide to “opt in.”
MSFA presentation says guaranteed maximum price is expected in fall of 2013, about the time of October groundbreaking.
Kelm-Helgen “There’s going to be a lot of glass and light… They talk about ‘no back door.’ There’s going to be connections to the neighborhood.”
Presentation now says schematic design for stadium due in “late April, early May.”
MSFA presentation’s worker list includes 5,616 carpenters; 3,026 electricians; 4,659 ironworkers; 2,802 laborers.
Kelm-Helgen says 11.96 percent of design services work will go to women businesses, 8.89 percent minority businesses.
Powerpoint presentation by MSFA chair Kelm-Helgen to Legislative Commission lists “Fixed roof with option for retractable features” among “New Stadium Details.”
Kelm-Helgen tells legislators that new stadium will have same number of seats as Metrodome, but about 50 percent more public space. Power Point card says “fixed roof with option for retractable features.”
Michele Kelm-Helgen, chair of MN Sports Facilities Authority, testifying to commission now. Offering stadium update.
Sens. Bobby Joe Champion, Julie Rosen elected co-chairs. Both were yes votes on the stadium last year. Champion was one of two Minneapolis DFLers to cast yes votes.
Nominations: Sen. Jeremy Miller nominates Sen. Bobby Joe Champion. Sen. Roger Reinert nominates Sen. Julie Rosen. Rep. Joe Hoppe nominates Rep. Joe Atkins.
Hoppe motion fails.
Rep. Joe Hoppe (R-Chaska) moves to have one chair from each body. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-Minneapolis) says he wants chair from either party. “There’s something to be said here to the public, even if symbolically… to have someone from each party.
Sen. Roger Reinert (DFL-Duluth) proposes chair, co-chair structure. Commission approves on a voice vote.
Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont) says she thinks its more important to have chairs from either party than either body. She carried the stadium bill in the Senate last year.
Sen. Roger Reinert (DFL-Duluth) suggests commission have co-chairs. Membership is evenly split, House/Senate and DFL/Republican.
All appointed members of the commission are present. You can see them here: http://blogs.mprnews.org/stadium-watch/2013/03/27/the-clean-up-committee-lawmakers-who-may-eye-the-vikings-stadium-problem/
Convener, Rep. Jim Davnie, DFLer from south Minneapolis, was a no vote on the Vikings stadium last year.
Looks like Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis) will be handling the gavel.
Lawmakers step out of hearing room settle details about who’s in charge.
