09-10-2001 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes Page 3 September 10, 2001 parking lot expansion at the HAgh School there was no need for the students to park at Lion's Park. Chief Zerwas requested Council authorization to post signs at Lion's Park that state "No Student Parking on School Days." Mayor I43inzing questioned if this type of verbage would be a discrimination issue. Discussion was held whether it would be best to enforce a 3-hour parking limit, issue permits, or to use signage to keep the students from parking there during the school hours. Councilmember Tveite indicated that he was opposed to posting a 3-hour limit because it would send a wrong impression to the city's park users. The City Administrator requested that staff be allowed to get input from the City Attorney prior to the Council making a decision on this issue. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO LIMIT PARKING TO THREE HOURS AT LION'S PARK FOR ONE MONTH. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 3-2. MAYOR KLINZING AND COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER VOTED NAY. Chief Zerwas discussed the traffic issues at the end of the school day. He noted that a CSO is directing students from the parking lots and that a police officer, when available, would be stationed to stop students who fail to obey the CSO. 4.4. Request for Funds by School District for Small Theater Dr. Allen Jenson and Principal Jim Voight addressed the Council regarding the little theater. Dr. Jenson that the proposal is being made as the School sees this as an opportunity to save this community space. He noted that the cost to save the theater is $563,000 and that costs to replace the theater are cited to be over $2 million. Dr. Jenson stated that the School wishes to provide the City with an Elk River Theater so that the City would have a facility to use on a furst priority basis. He stated that there would be no rent or charges for use of the small theater up until 11 p.m., however, there would be a charge for the use of the new large theater. Dr. Jenson indicated that there would be some use of the little theater from the high school but it would not be a priority. Discussion was held regarding scheduling of the theater. Dr. Jenson indicated that the school and the city could work out the details of scheduling. Councilmember Dietz discussed the limited timeframe to make the decision and funding options. Dr. Jenson apologized for the short amount of time in which to make this decision. As for the funding, he noted that he felt something could be worked out. Dr. Jenson stated that he is basically looking for a commitment from the Council at this time. Councilmember Dietz suggested that if the City pays for the theater, that the payment option include $55,000 per year for ten years. Councilmember Tveite indicated that $563,000 is a lot of money. He noted that he does not see any partnership in the effort from the school or the community or arts. Councilmember Tveite stated that if the City goes ahead with the project, he would be agreeable to 10-year payments. Councilmember Motin indicated his concern with the amount of money. He also questioned whether the small theater would be able to handle the demands of a groxving student and city population.