11.07 - Bobber Water Tower Electricity

Home Browse Search

N.-- .r- History of the maintenance of the bobber water tower December 28, 2011 Prepared by Lisa Paxton, Chamber CEO When the Pequot Lakes /Breezy Point Chamber merged with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, the organization was leasing its former office space to a private business. The funds generated by the lease were supporting the Chamber's $150 monthly commitment to the City of Pequot Lakes for demolition of the tower in the event it became structurally unsound, and the balance dedicated toward maintenance of the bobber tower, electricity, and expenses associated with owning the former building (property taxes, insurance, utilities the tenant didn't pay after they moved out, etc.) In a report to the Chamber board by the Pequot Lakes/Breezy Point Board in April 2006, the following was noted: • The building was leased for five years to four different tenants and rent was historically difficult to collect. The current tenant has not paid rent in seven months. • The highway expansion will eliminate the frontage road and parking, making the site unusable. • The Chamber asks that the building and site revert to the City of Pequot Lakes. • The Chamber supports the concept of the Paul Bunyan interpretive items at the base of the tower and the development of a city park. • The chamber agrees to support future maintenance through special fundraising activities with other organizations and asks to cancel the $150 /month payment to the city. The Chamber board accepted the PL/BP board's recommendation and a request made to the city to discontinue the $150 /month was accepted in 2006. The City and the Chamber entered into a new agreement, making the Chamber responsible for necessary maintenance and repairs, including, but not limited to lighting and painting of the Bobber Water Tower. (The interpretation of "lighting" was the fixtures, not the utilities). Estimated lease income of the former chamber offices: Expenses *: • Payments to the city of $150 /month • Painting of bobber tower in 2007 • Lighting repair for many years • Contribution toward new lights 2011 Total Expenses: *Not included in expenses: Annual property taxes, insurance, utilities the tenant didn't pay after they moved out, etc. $21,300 12,000 10,775 3,000 2,500 $28,275 The tower, located in the city park, is a community icon for the entire community. The Chamber has contributed well over $30,000 toward the preservation of this icon.