Yellowknife (Apr 16/03) - Council has tackled one of the last, but not least, big decisions for the Multiplex -- what kind of seat sports fans will have to park their butts.

Coun. Robert Hawkins tells councillors to wait another week before deciding to install concrete bleachers in the new arena. Kevin O'Reilly, foreground, disagrees. - Darren Stewart/NNSL photo

Committee members chose on Monday to install the more expensive concrete bleachers over aluminum ones for the new arena despite the reservations of two councillors.

The concrete bleachers will cost $70,000 more but will be more durable, easier to clean and may save money in the long run according to city administrators. The lifespan of the two options is approximately the same. Councillors Robert Hawkins and David McCann asked that the priorities, policies and budget committee do more research before they go with the more expensive option on the already over-budget facility.

"I'm asking for further information to make a better decision," said Hawkins.

Councillors Wendy Bisaro, Ben McDonald and Kevin O'Reilly said they were comfortable to move ahead with concrete bleachers as recommended by city staff.

"These people know more than I know and more than I'd ever want to know about bleachers so I'm happy taking their recommendation," said O'Reilly.

Hawkins was dissatisfied and suggested city staff should call different cities that use either style of bleachers and ask for feedback, rather than rely on the recommendations of city contractors.

"We're talking about a $70,000 decision here," he said. "And we're taking recommendations from people who already haven't run this project properly."

Both bleacher options allow storage room below the seats and Coun. Blake Lyons said he'd support the concrete installation as long as council looked at the possibility of charging user groups different user fees depending on how much storage they require.

"That way we can recoup some of this money," he said. "They could pay some and we could pay some."

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said another perk of installing concrete seats is that the material can be purchased locally.

Council agreed to look at user fees at a later meeting. City administrator Max Hall said the total cost of the two seating options won't be made public until the tender process is complete.