Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Minutes <br />December 4, 2017 <br />Page 10 <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 />PItIRII II <br />MATURE <br />