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City Council Minutes Page 10 <br /> December 4,2017 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated he wasn't aware of past discussions regarding park <br /> programming. He further noted Council has been discussing the matter for over two <br /> years and questioned the Lions as to why they are just now hearing these concerns. <br /> Mr. Brady stated the Lions were approached by the city two years ago and the Lions <br /> communicated they did not like the changes. <br /> A Lion Club member stated they were involved with previous focus groups but at <br /> that time they didn't understand how it would impact them. She further stated they <br /> received an update about the results. She stated they didn't realize the impact to the <br /> park until they had a representative serving on the current arena task force for the <br /> city facility changes. She expressed concerns with where the Lions could continue to <br /> meet and provide community events. <br /> Mr. Brady stated they were never contacted by the city and they only found out <br /> because someone came in to measure the building. <br /> Councilmember Wagner stated, as a member of the community center task force, <br /> there never once was a negative feeling expressed about the community center going <br /> in Lion John Weicht Park. She stated she worked hard to listen to user groups and <br /> was at every meeting. She struggles with and questions why the Lions wouldn't want <br /> organized activities at the park. She stated she is a strong proponent of youth <br /> activities and noted there has been some criminal activity in the park. She stated she <br /> feels it is good to keep youth busy and out of trouble. She stated the park could still <br /> have trails and green space and keep its name. <br /> Councilmember Ovall stated he has struggled with this and he voted against the <br /> arena. He stated he is a proponent of this park because it is centrally located and <br /> surrounded by high density housing. He stated when he came onboard he was told <br /> Lion John Weicht was gifted as a park and will always be park. He stated if it always <br /> has to be a park,why would the city not invest in it.After the community center was <br /> voted down he questioned where the $12 million arena option went and noted how <br /> the current project is now at$25 million with changes to Lion John Weicht Park. He <br /> stated he is not sure how we got to where we are today and he didn't feel like all the <br /> options were vetted. He stated he doesn't understand why the city has to do the ice <br /> arena following the current process and why the tennis court space has to be <br /> removed. He stated he thought the Lions were on board with the project so was <br /> surprised by the comments tonight. He stated he has a difficult time going against <br /> the spirit of the historical documents. He feels the Council is put in an awkward <br /> position due to rushing decisions. He stated this isn't about access for the Lions to <br /> put on their pancake breakfasts, but about legacy and cultural accces you don't have <br /> to pay to be involved in. He stated the arena is geared to the schools and questioned <br /> what they are contributing to the arena and the park. <br /> Councilmember Olsen stated the kids in the surrounding high density areas depend <br /> on this park. He stated he believes they will still use the park even with a few fields <br /> on it and felt there was plenty of space for all uses. He stated the park needs work <br /> P 0 W I R I U 9 Y <br /> otm§A UREI <br />