The Forest Lake City Council voted 3-2 on Sept. 8 to start the official process of issuing bonds to pay for a $9 million share in bringing a YMCA to the city. However, potential swing voter on the project Susan Young assured residents that the final approval of a deal is not yet a sure thing.
The council made a number of votes, all with Young, Mayor Chris Johnson and Councilwoman Molly Bonnett in favor and Councilmen Mike Freer and Ben Winnick opposed, to approve bond presale reports, proposed term sheets, tax abatements and the process of lining up the final bond sale for the project. Staff estimated that this process would cost the city about $20,000.
Young told the audience of more than 100 people that “we’re not selling any bonds” at that particular meeting, adding that she wants to procure some more community amenities from the YMCA and support from other cities before approval.
More information will be reported as it becomes available.