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/ <br /> 15-(''' <br /> Item: 7 <br /> ilkMemorandum <br /> River <br /> To: Parks and Recreation Commission <br /> From: Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director <br /> Date: December 13,2017 <br /> Subject: Director's Report <br /> This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to collaborations, strategic <br /> planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations. <br /> Elk Rivers Ice Arena and Lion John Weicht Park Facilities Design <br /> The design group continues the schematic design phase reviewing the program areas for both the ice <br /> arena design and Lion John Weicht Park. City Council approved on November 20 RJM to oversee <br /> the planning, design and construction of the project. RJM has the greatest expenience working with <br /> ice arena projects. They came up with an idea for the ice arena that will re-shape the ice arena <br /> design and keep the current olympic east rink shell that could be used for sports turf. <br /> The Lions Club had a meeting on Monday,December 4 with City Council to discuss their <br /> opposition to the repurposing of Lions Park Center and the park being used for organized sports. <br /> Since 1983 when the park was first acquired through a gift known as the "Houlton Gift" the Lions <br /> Club has been intimately involved in the development of the park and in Lions Park Center. <br /> From the time development discussions were first talked about in 1980-83, the Lions Club made it <br /> clear they did not want organized sports at the park. The City Council agreed with this goal and <br /> when it was revisited in 1995 the Council again stated there would not be athletic fields on the park <br /> grounds 'at this time.' On multiple occasions over the past few years,the club was made aware of <br /> possible changes to the park and center as city facilities were analyzed. <br /> Staff and the city attorney have completed extensive research into discussions and decisions between <br /> the Lions Club and the city and found there is no official agreement signed by any party restricting <br /> the use of lion John Weicht Park. By state law, one city council cannot encumber another council <br /> without a formally executed legal agreement or covenant. <br /> The Lions Club will be meeting on Monday,December 11 with design group representatives to <br /> further discuss their concerns and interests and what is in the best interest for residents and <br /> taxpayers. <br /> rr1IEIED Ir <br /> N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2017\12-13-17 PRC Packet\Directors Report 12-13-17.docx NATURE <br />