2008-04-09 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEllI TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Kim Stephan DATE: April 3, 2008 SUBJECT: St. Paul Fire Soccer Clnb Requesting Use of Acorn Creek Park & the City Lot Adjacent to the Trio Inn Mr. Bob Johnson made an appearance to discuss a proposal for the St. Paul Fire Soccer Club to use open spaces at Acorn Creek Park and the City owned lot adjacent to the Trio Inn for soccer practice. The club has seven (7) girls' teams ranging in age from 13-17. The Soccer Club would provide the following: . Goals and nets at each location. . Appropriate insurance coverage removing any liability to the City. · The soccer club would be responsible for the lining of fields, unless that is a service which could be purchased from the city? . The soccer club would anchor the goals in accordance with recommendations put forth by the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. The time frame being requested would run from approximately April 15 - June 30, 2008, Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until dusk. The nets would be left in place for anyone to use the rest of the time. As for Acorn Creek Park, there would be minimal infringement on the open space because the nets would be spaced 100 yards apart. Mr. Johnson also suggested the additional traffic representing kids and parents should benefit local businesses during this time frame. Vice Chairperson Amundsen stated the City lot on Centerville Road is not in any condition for sports activities and would actually be dangerous. Council Member Lee stated he would not support using the vacant City lot as it is not a designated park or green space, it's mostly dirt (mud) and most importantly, there isn't a fence to keep soccer balls from flying into the traffic on Centerville Road. Council Member Lee did suggest the large grassy field at Tracy McBride Memorial Park and felt the green space at Acorn Creek Park should also work. It was suggested Mr. Johnson contact Mr. Doug Porter, Centennial Soccer Club as they do not use the fields at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park 100% of the time they have them reserved and maybe St. Paul Fire Soccer Club could pick up some additional field time there. Mr. Johnson had looked at Tracie McBride Memorial Park and felt it was not a large enough area for the club's needs. Chairperson Seeley also stated this park will be under construction this spring. Chairperson Seeley was concerned about parking at Acorn Creek to which Mr. Johnson replied on any given night there would only be 6 - 8 vehicles as many of the players car pool or are drop offs. Ms. Stephan had talked to Public Works regarding the possibility oflining the fields and was told this is not