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Mayor Ramsey stated the Council has already discussed this proposal and it was agreed to <br />construct a building; however, it was to be a multi - purpose building and not a single -use <br />building. <br />Angela Olsen, Park and Recreation Commission Vice Chair, stated this is not a one -use building <br />but there may be a space for storage of soccer equipment. She stated she had at least ten <br />telephone calls of support for a playground and bathroom facility. Ms. Olsen indicated this <br />would be a community building and there is a call for its need from the neighbors who have been <br />anticipating its construction for a number of years. <br />Mayor Ramsey asked whether there has been any investigation of other sporting activities that <br />can take place besides soccer. <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted much of the area is used for <br />soccer in the spring and fall but the City is seeing an upward trend in lacrosse. In addition, the <br />recreation program uses Central Park on Saturdays so the amount of use can be expanded <br />through more versatile facilities. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he supports a multi -use building and soccer is the main <br />stakeholder at this time so he does not want them excluded. He noted future activities could <br />include baseball or hockey. Councilmember Tossey stated this facility is needed and he has also <br />received questions from residents so he is supportive of moving forward as long as other <br />stakeholders besides Northern Lights Soccer (NLS) are involved. <br />Councilmember Backous noted this would be a City -owned building, not soccer owned, and <br />there could be many uses but soccer will also be using it because it has fields in this park. He <br />noted that the baseball program built its own storage shed, which is great since times have <br />changed and City budgets are tighter. Now the soccer program has realized that is the case and <br />is willing to make a contribution and also maintain it. Councilmember Backous noted when <br />lacrosse is using the facilities, it can do the same and make a contribution. He stated he supports <br />moving forward, noting it has been ten years and now is the time to get something done. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he read in the case report that soccer would run it and he wanted <br />to make sure that other sports organizations also do their part to help. He stated it would not be <br />fair for soccer to make a contribution alone and all should be involved and approached for a <br />contribution if using the facilities. Councilmember Tossey agreed that neighbors in this area <br />want the project done. <br />Councilmember Strommen stated there was a lot of discussion on this topic at the joint meeting <br />as well as whether athletic associations should be asked to partner towards the building. She <br />agreed that the boy scouts and snowmobile club or others who may want to use the building can <br />be approached. Councilmember Strommen noted the residents of Silver Oaks moved in with the <br />understanding there would be a facility and building, this is a resource that people value and it <br />attracts residents to the community. <br />City Council Work Session / July 31, 2012 <br />Page 14 of 18 <br />