City Council Study Session: Sports Center Options, Comprehensive Water Plan, and UMR Growth Preview

This was a study session with three main agenda items: a presentation on indoor recreation needs and facility options for the Rochester Regional Sports Center, a draft of the Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan, and a preview of the University of Minnesota Rochester's strategic growth plan. No formal votes were taken, but council guidance was provided.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting.

Discussion Items: Rochester Regional Sports Center & Indoor Recreation

• Community Engagement Results: Jenna Bowman presented results from surveys and open houses. Key findings included: strong desire for indoor turf and track (38% and 36% of respondents), weekday evening access, improved communication, and more pickleball and walking/jogging options. A common theme was low awareness of existing facilities. Over 1,500 survey responses were received.
• Option A (RCTC Expansion): Aaron Parrish reported that a 15-year ground lease limitation on a key portion of RCTC's campus makes this option untenable for a capital investment of approximately $55 million. The city would need a ground lease of at least 50 years to secure financing.
• Option B (RCTC Seasonal Dome + Expansion): This option would preserve the existing dome and build a four-court expansion (~$55 million). It would face similar ground lease challenges and offers only two prime evening hours for community use due to RCTC scheduling priority.
• Option C (Year-Round Dome on South Site): This option proposes a 200,000–250,000 square foot, year-round dome on the city-owned Regional Sports & Recreation Complex site, also at ~$55 million. It would provide 12-month turf access, flexible programming, and is controlled by the city. A decision to reserve the site (adjust utilities/parking) is needed by June 1, 2026 to avoid future costs. Councilmembers expressed support for this option, citing greater city control and addressing community needs.
• Council Concerns: Several councilmembers raised concerns about the partnership with RCTC, citing challenges with ground lease terms, scheduling priority, and perceived lack of willingness. Councilmembers also emphasized the need for affordable access, clear operating cost projections, and potential levy impacts. Councilmember Palmer expressed wariness after past project cost overruns.
• Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended pursuing an RCTC-focused option (B or C) but needing legislative approval for a 50-year ground lease. If not achieved by May 25, the council should direct staff to proceed with Option C on the South site.
• Guidance: Councilmember Keene confirmed that staff had received sufficient guidance to proceed, which was acknowledged by the council.

Discussion Items: Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan (Draft)

• Aaron Luxtein and Troy Erickson presented the draft plan, the first update since 1999. The plan covers 10 drainage districts and aims to guide capital investments, align with regulations, and improve climate resilience.
• Key Plan Components: An integrated stormwater management approach (using green and gray infrastructure), risk-based evaluation of 87 subwatersheds in the Cascade Creek district, and an asset management program using the Envision rating system.
• Council Questions: Councilmembers questioned funding mechanisms, noting that new developments pay for their own retention ponds while older areas lack them. Staff clarified that no fee changes are proposed now; a utility rate study is planned for 2027. Councilmember Palmer asked about downstream impacts of new flood control projects, and Councilmember Keene inquired about the model's ability to simulate future storms. Staff confirmed that the model can simulate design storms and that the plan prioritizes projects based on risk (property damage vs. nuisance flooding).
• Next Steps: The final draft will be provided to council. A request for adoption is expected at the last council meeting in May. Subsequent drainage district models will be brought forward for each area.

Discussion Items: University of Minnesota Rochester Strategic Growth Plan Preview

• Chancellor Lori Carrell presented a three-part vision for campus expansion to accommodate growth from 1,100 students to 2,500. UMR currently operates at capacity in seven leased buildings. The plan includes: 1) Immediate expansion of lab classrooms in Discovery Square (30-year lease, opening fall 2027); 2) A new academic building to serve as a campus centerpiece (location undetermined, RFP for design to be released soon); 3) A residential and recreation district near Soldiers Field via a public-private partnership (RFP in 2026).
• Funding: The lab classroom expansion would use remaining city sales tax funds from the 2013 authorization. The academic building and residential district would require additional funding requests (DMC funds and potential city investment).
• Council Comments: Councilmember Keene expressed disappointment that UMR had not yet constructed its own buildings as originally envisioned. Councilmember Palmer supported the downtown core location but opposed the Soldiers Field site for the residential/recreation district. Councilmember Miller praised the urban integrated campus model and its benefits for downtown vibrancy and workforce development. Councilmember Wall received clarification that the sales tax funds requested are already allocated from the 2013 authorization.

Key Outcomes

• The council provided informal guidance to staff to proceed with due diligence on Option C (year-round dome on the South site) for the Sports Center, while continuing discussions with RCTC. A formal decision to adjust the South site is needed by June 1, 2026.
• The Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan draft will be delivered to council this week, with a request for adoption in late May.
• The council will take a walking tour on May 11 to further discuss UMR's proposed residential/recreation district and downtown integration. The UMR funding request for DMC funds will go to the MCC board on May 21 and to the city council on June 1.