Item 15 - Early Direction for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget

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Early Direction for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget March 18, 2025 Page 8 One potential investment includes adding 2,077 seats including a beer garden or refreshment area, which would improve both capacity and amenities. The estimated cost for this expansion is $5,270,175, covering construction expenses and approximately 10% in soft costs. The addition of a beer garden would also complement the city's recent decision to allow alcohol sales at the stadium, enhancing the game -day and event experience while creating an additional revenue stream. Expanding the stadium's seating capacity from 9,000 to 11,000 seats would position it to qualify for a broader range of high -profile events. Many collegiate championships, professional soccer matches, boxing events, and concerts require a minimum seating threshold of 10,000 or more to be considered as host venues. Increasing capacity would make Santa Ana Stadium more competitive for events such as CIF soccer championships, international soccer, regional boxing promotions, Lucha Libre (wrestling) events, and mid -sized concerts, further boosting its ability to attract major events and generate additional revenue. In addition to these upgrades, a review of the fee structure would be necessary to ensure the stadium generates additional revenue for the city, helping offset costs and maximizing the return on investment. Shall staff include one-time funding for the stadium in FY25-26? Investing in Road Improvements to Support Business Growth The area around Majestic, MacArthur Place, and Columbine is home to a vital business community that contributes to the local economy. However, deteriorating road conditions have made it difficult for businesses to attract new tenants, resulting in lost leasing opportunities and limiting economic growth. To support the business community and strengthen the city's tax base, addressing these infrastructure issues is essential. Investing in these road improvements aligns with the city's commitment to fostering a strong business environment and promoting long-term economic stability. Staff seeks City Council concurrence regarding one-time funding of $1.5 million for road improvements in the specified areas to enhance business retention and attract new businesses. Cross -Connection Control Program Compliance The City of Santa Ana is required to implement a Cross -Connection Control Program in compliance with the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Cross - Connection Control Policy Handbook and Santa Ana Municipal Code, Section 39-29: Protection of Public Water Supply. This program, managed by the Water Resources Division, is essential to preventing contamination of the public water supply from back siphonage or backpressure hazards. A key requirement of this program is the annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies, with any failing units requiring repair or replacement within 30 days. The City currently maintains over 470 City -owned backflow