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I I I Council Meeting Minutes February 13, 1996 Page 3 Council Business Gunderman noted a request hy the New Brighton Soccer Boosters Association for additional playing fields in the City. Dennis Flahave, Booster memher, said 75% or 447 program participants have New Brighton addresses. Currently, the fields at Highview Middle School, Meadowood Park, and Innsbruck Park are available for use, but additional fields are needed. The Boosters suggest the conversion of the driving range into a soccer complex. Because the driving range has a parking lot and lighting, the conversion costs would be minimal. Over the years, the program has lost five fields and there is immediate need for two regulation sized fields and several smaller fields this season. Other options would be for one regulation field at Hanson Park and the use of the Irondale stadium field. Samuelson said the proposal states that the Booster's financial resources come from tournaments and registration fees, and asked if funds would be availahle to maintain the tlelds. Flahave confirmed that registration and tournament fees are reinvested into the soccer program and the association performs most of the field maintenance. Gunderman requested a feasibility study to review options for fields at lrondale, Hanson Park, and Long Lake Park. He noted that the season begins April 15. Benke suggested that the Twin City Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) property could be a possible location for a soccer complex. Williams noted that Rep. Vento will hold a town meeting on February 24 to discuss the TCAAP revitalization project. He encouraged the Boosters to attend this meeting. Benke asked how many soccer fields could fit on the driving range. The Boosters feel the property could accommodate two regulation fields and two youth fields. Benke noted the property is being held for future redevelopment, and questioned if releasing the site could create prohlems when redevelopment of the quadrant occurs. Gunderman suggested revisiting the Irondale issue. Gunderman and Samuelson would be willing to assist in the investigation of the issue and report back to Council. Tom Trevorrow, Park Board and Booster, said the season will begin in two months and 19 teams will he organized. Benke asked if most usage occurs in daylight hours. Trevorrow said the youth leagues use the fields during day and the adult leagues at night. Benke is more concerned that the youths are able to utilize the playing fields, and suggests that Long Lake Park may he able to accommodate temporary fields. Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Samuelson, to REQUEST STAFF RESEARCH THE NEED AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCCER FIELD FACILITIES IN THE CITY; AND REPORT BACK TO COUNCIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 4 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Fulton presented an amendment to the billboard section of the Sign Ordinance. City Attorney Charlie LeFevere stated that the amendment prohihits new commercial billboards from being constructed and deletes their permitted use in district" where they are currently allowed. Existing commercial billhoards would then be a nonconforming use, thereby restricting the owners' ability to move, expand, or rehuild in case of destruction. Current codes do not deal with signs containing opinion type messages. Council Business Soccer Fields Sign Ordinance Report 96-040 Ordinance 650