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he sees a good fit with what Ramsey is doing in The COR and its mission statement, believing <br />that an athletic facility will enhance that vision. Mr. Dobbins proposed Phase 1 to include six <br />volleyball courts and four basketball courts with Phase 2 involving the YMCA and Ramsey <br />Athletic Association. <br />Councilmember McGlone asked about handball courts. <br />Mr. Dobbins stated he wants to promote a community effort. He stated Phase 2 would involve <br />his international connections with amateur and pro teams and provide cross - training <br />opportunities. He estimated that this type of facility, 141,000 sq. ft., would cost $22 million. <br />Mr. Dobbins stated everything would be state -of -the -art and with the attitude he would bring, it <br />would make things happen. Mr. Dobbins stated he is more than confident this can be <br />accomplished in Ramsey's new down town. He stated his main concern is the negative of what <br />happens after five years and he wants to assure long -tern synergy will occur with Phase 2. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he can vouch for the fact that gym space is needed for sports like <br />basketball and soccer, especially with schools closing around Ramsey's district. He felt gym <br />space was under rated by the general public as to economic benefit but he has noticed at the <br />Plymouth dome and other gym centers that during tournaments, the parking lot contains vehicle <br />license plates from surrounding states. Councilmember Backous stated he was not sure how the <br />City would be involved, but thinks this type of facility would draw people to Ramsey. <br />Mr. Dobbins stated Ramsey is trying to create something new so he wants to start off right and <br />be involved with a good group of people. He stated he trains because of the kids, not for the <br />money. Mr. Dobbins noted the Andover facility was constructed for the YMCA and hockey, but <br />not for basketball and now volleyball is pushing him out by paying for three years in advance. <br />Mr. Dobbins stated he has connections in place now to make this happen and wants to discuss a <br />partnership with the City. <br />Councilmember Backous noted parents of kids who train year round spend a lot of money and <br />are a captive audience so he believes they will also shop in the area. He suggested the key was <br />to make the facility as flexible and all encompassing as possible to include all sports and <br />opportunities. <br />Mr. Dobbins stated he is dedicated to basketball and volleyball but others can be put into place <br />that are dedicated to other sport disciplines. <br />Councilmember Strommen stated she agrees there is a need and asked how the public would <br />access this facility. <br />Mr. Dobbins stated the name will be "The Facility" and the public will go through his basketball <br />program or basketball /volleyball associations with offices in The Facility. He felt the need and <br />demand for gym time is huge so he wants all of that established prior to construction. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he echoes the comments of Councilmember Backous and was awed <br />with the amount of traffic such a facility will generate. He stated he thinks the Legacy will draw <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority / May 1, 2012 <br />Page 2 of 8 <br />