Some 40 Wellman area residents were on hand Tuesday to hear updated information about the Wellm…

By News Dept.

Some 40 Wellman area residents were on hand Tuesday to hear updated information about the Wellman Activities Center complex, its design, costs and finances.

The session was moderated by Mark Schneider who kept the meeting to an information session.

Allen Leichty, Wellman Area Foundation (WAF) president and Mallory Heinz, WAF director, outlined history and goals of the center, stressing the need for the center to help provide activities for seniors and children alike and how it would help attract families and businesses to the community.

Kim Kral and Craig Kreman also stressed the importance of construction of the center.

Steve Rohrbach, Iowa City architect, detailed the building design, noting it will be flexible for a variety of uses including recreation, civic and family gatherings. He added it will be designed for future expansions such as a swimming pool and racquetball courts.

He estimated total cost of the project at $785,000, and projected bids to be open by December 1, awarded by mid-December so construction could start by April 1, with completion by October 1.

City Councilman Max Lewis reported that the city has committed $467,500, primarily from Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Leichty said that WAF has $255,000 on hand and is committed to raising another $127,500 to fund its share, plus $60,000 first year operating costs.

Robert Josten, Des Moines bonding attorney, explained that the TIF program is a way for the city to get funds for economic development and infrastructure construction without increasing taxes. It allows the city to capture all taxes as a result of private improvements in an urban renewal district. “No money can be raised unless there is new private development,” he said. The city plans to generate TIF funds from new construction in the Deer Meadows Additions.

Councilmember Jelene McCain said the complex would be operated as part of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

In answer to questions submitted at the end of the meeting, Leichty said that WAF is there to support the complex and other development for the long haul. He added that membership fees would help cover costs.