08-24-1976 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Information Officer Frank Blaszcak suggested that the real issue is not the Lionettes supplemental agreement, but the future of the stadium, and ultimately the development -of the proposed culture/sports center for the City. He stated that maximum visibility use of the stadium will bene- fit the City, including the Lionettes playoffs and CIP foot- ball; that future negotiations with other professional groups, including those now in progress with the Santa Aha Soccer Club, will be affected by Council's decision; and asked Council "Where do we go from here?" Dave Valentine, Athletic Director of Santa Ana College, expressed concurrence with the SAUSD representatives that the stadit~m.should be resodded and utilized as a football stadium; and added that it should be seriously considered as a facility for professional soccer. Ernie Brown, Santa Aha resident and past President of the Santa Ana High School Booster Club, stated that he represents 500 interested and irate parents in the Santa Aha High School area who basically want to cause the honoring of the original Lionettes contract and replacement of the sod as scheduled; that CIF has stringent scheduling requirements; that he is sure that the signatures of a very large number of Santa Ana citizens (parents and school officials) could be obtained expressing their desire that the Bowl be kept intact as a football stadium. At 5:50 P.M. Vice Mayor Evans closed the informal hearing; in response to the Vice Mayor's question, City Attorney Gow replied that Councilman Bricken, who was not present during the fore- going commentary, would be eligible to vote on the matter, and that four affirmative votes would be required for Council action. Council discussion follows: Councilman Ward said that he is very interested in encouraging maximum multi-purpose use of the Bowl;--however that he recog- nizes the immediate problems of SAUSD, and the City's unwritten commitment to f~otball. Councilman Brandt expressed his opinion that new sod would present a greater hazard than the skinned area; his disap- pointment with a lack of cooperation between the various groups in the interest of the City as a whole; and his regret that the problems had not been foreseen by all of the parties involved. Councilman Bricken remarked that Council has an obligation to balance the multiple needs of the community; that changing needs require adaptability and cooperation on the part of community groups; he also concurred with Councilman Brandt that multi-use of the stadium is in the City's best interest; and that the skinned area is probably safer than new sod. Further, he questioned whether the speakers for SAUSD repre- sented the official decision making position of the District. Councilman Yamamoto concurred with Councilman Ward's statements, and added that he did not support the original agreement with the Lionettes, and could not support the amendment. Vice Mayor Evans stated his commitment to honor all existing agreements. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 525 AUGUST 24, 1976