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Council renews three-year park-use agreement with Eau Claire United Soccer
Summary
A three-year renewal of the soccer park use agreement with Eau Claire United Soccer, including updated fees and per-reservation charges, was unanimously approved; staff said the changes move United toward parity with ASO's base rate.
The Eau Claire City Council unanimously approved a three-year renewal April 22 of the soccer-park use agreement with Eau Claire United Soccer.
Pat Newkirk, recreation division manager, told council the club — established in 1995 and affiliated with Wisconsin Youth Soccer and U.S. Youth Soccer — runs programs from age 4 through high school, operates competitive travel teams and hosts an annual home tournament. The current agreement updates fees to a structure with a flat base fee and an additional per-reservation charge for use beyond that base.
Council Member Miller asked about the fee increases, noting the agreement shows a 12% increase in year two and another 12% in year three. Newkirk said the adjustments were specific to this agreement and intended to bring Eau Claire United’s base rate into alignment with ASO over time; both organizations worked with staff on the structure.
Council Member Otto asked whether his family connection to United created a legal conflict; city attorney Nick responded the affiliation alone likely was not a legal conflict although a member may opt to abstain if they believed the appearance of a conflict could affect public perception.
Council members spoke in support of United’s economic contribution; Council Member Mboga said the United weekend tournament brings a substantial visitor economic impact and that the organization provides broad community access. The council voted unanimously to approve the agreement.
