10.2. SR 12-04-2017 EGty1� ,.,�� Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 10.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session December 4, 2017 Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description Reviewed by
Lions Park Center Use Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Justin Femrite, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by
Peter Beck, City Attorney
Action Requested
Receive information from the Elk River Lions Club.
Background/Discussion
Following the failed referendum in November of 2016 for a multipurpose community center, the council
directed staff to begin preparations for the smaller,limited scope project to improve the ice arena and
modify Lions Park Center. Lions Park Center is currently in need of a number of structural and
mechanical improvements. The city-owned parcel currently containing the ice arena is large enough for
the ice arena improvements however to better suit the high school,it is necessary to swap property lines
with the school district,which would then encroach on the varsity softball field.
The proposed limited-scope project removes the high-bay community space and picnic shelter portion of
the Lions Park Center and remodels the office space and restrooms for modern park facilities,locker
rooms, concessions, and storage. The proposal also includes the construction of two fast-pitch softball
fields and a large picnic shelter on Lion John Weicht Park. The softball fields would serve the high
school and community softball needs.
During the Community Center Task Force process, the Lions Club was interviewed by JLG Architects to
discuss their needs. The current Ice Arena Design Team has utilized their input and has welcomed Lions
Club representatives to attend the weekly meetings. Lion Harold Gramstad has attended two meetings to
date.
On behalf of the Lions,Lion Willy Weicht has expressed two concerns thus far.
1) In 1995, the City Council,while discussing a plan to add soccer fields to the park,indicated at that
time they would maintain the park in alignment with Lions Club goals. Lion Weicht has stated the
current council is breaking the promise of the 1995 City Council action.
2) Concerns the city won't maintain space available in the updated ice arena for Lions Club use.
The Lions Club membership in attendance at their November 7, 2017,business meeting were informed
by city staff that the Ice Arena Design Team was including space needs for the club and that the city
would seek to accommodate the club's activities during the transition period.
The Elk River Vision
A PehoMing community 2a itb revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional POWERED By
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity INAMIRE1
Prior to the task force recommendation, the city attorney indicated the city is the proper owner of Lion
John Weicht Park and there are no legal agreements or covenants prohibiting the council to repurpose
the park and center.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
■ None
N:APublic Bodies\Agenda Packets\12-04-2017\Final\Laserfiche\x10.2 sr Lions Club.docx