Aldermen bar temporary field lights after debate over usage and upkeep

The Board of Aldermen voted to prohibit temporary lighting on city soccer fields for the Riel Soccer Club, allowing the club to continue renting fields for daytime use but not to bring or operate portable lights. The motion to disallow lights was made by Alderman Hills and seconded by Alderman Jokers; the roll call produced a 4-4 split and the mayor broke the tie in favor of the motion, and the motion carried. The vote followed more than an hour of discussion at the Aug. 14 committee meeting focused on the condition of non‑irrigated fields, storage and movement of the portable light rigs, and whether permitting lights would create a precedent that would encourage other groups to seek extended after‑dark use. Staff said the club had provided insurance documents; parks staff recommended a limited trial if the board were inclined to allow lights, but several aldermen said they preferred to deny lights altogether. Alderman Mazurang and Alderman Lang voted against the prohibition and called for a trial period; Alderman Rogers, Alderman Harrell, Alderman Hills and Alderman Breitscherft voted to prohibit lights in this instance. City parks staff described the club’s request as use of four fields for several hours, four nights per week, with temporary lights placed September–October and again February–April. Parks staff and aldermen raised concerns about the fields’ lack of irrigation, vehicle traffic required to move the lights, how fields would be rested or aerated between heavy use, and whether the city could enforce terms if renters later contracted their own users. The parks director noted other municipalities had mixed experiences: Valley Park reportedly had problems previously and later contracted with a different user. The board distinguished between the club’s right to rent fields during daylight hours and the separate, board‑controlled question of allowing temporary lighting on city property. The decision is limited to denying the portable lights; it does not prohibit daytime rentals or future proposals brought back with revised terms, a shorter pilot period, or additional enforcement language. Board members directed staff to keep records of field conditions and to report back if renters or field performance justify revisiting lighting policy.