City Says 'Not Now' to Community Center

Citing a down economy and more pressing city needs, the ended any possibility for building a community center anytime soon. 

The council unanimously approved a bill that released the ability for the city to borrow $30 million in bonds, which voters approved in 2008. 

The city planned to use the money to build a community center which would be run by , however, that plan was dissolved after the nonprofit was unable to raise the funds needed for its portion of the project. 

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Councilman Mike Klinghammer, Ward-8, said bringing a community center to the city has been a journey. 

"Now in my heart, I absolutely believe the city of St. Charles needs a community center," he said. "Is now the right time to do it? Unfortunately, I believe it is not."

During the last few months, both ShowMe Aquatics and Fitness and the approached the city to ask them to consider to build a center. was . 

Councilman Dave Beckering, Ward-7, said the city cannot afford to build a center in today's economic climate.

Director of Finance Kelly Vaughn said keeping the $30 million in bonds and borrowing additional bonds to pay for other upgrades the city needs is "almost like maxing out your credit card."

She said the city's debt is above the national average and borrowing more could affect the city's bond rating.

Residents, ShowMe Make Final Appeal

Jeff Campbell, executive director of ShowMe Aquatics and Fitness, spoke to the council before the vote and recapped the efforts his organization has taken during the last several weeks in hopes that .

He said the land at the former Kmart building off of Veterans Memorial Parkway is available, a new business plan was prepared, and the nonprofit has raised an initial $2 million to put toward the project. 

In addition, they completed a new construction estimate that would put construction of the center at $25.8 million. Campbell asked the council to forfeit $10 million of the bond money and to give ShowMe Aquatics and Fitness about 15 months to raise the rest of the money. 

Community members also asked the council to reconsider releasing the bonds. 

"You guys have a responsibility to get that community center built," said resident Joseph Kloeppel. You have up to $30 million. You don't have to spend all of it, budget something there to make it worth it to the public."

Read our previous stories on this issue: 

•  Feb. 27, 2012
•  Feb. 29, 2012 
•  March 21, 2012
•  April 18, 2012 
• May 1, 2012 
• YMCA Seeks Possible Partnership on Community Center Project  May 23, 2012
• May 24, 2012