Council presses for clearer finances, lighting and rentals at Lark recreation facility

City council members spent the bulk of a meeting pressing staff over operations and finances at the Lark recreation facility, questioning parking and lighting, rental pricing and how the facility’s revenue and free-use policies are tracked.

Council Member Bob opened the item seeking two numbers: total revenue and total expense for the recent period. Dave, a city staff member, said January revenue was about $31,000 and expenses about $42,000, leaving the facility roughly $5,000–$10,000 in the red after a likely reclassification of an $8,000 expense to another account.

The finance figures prompted detailed questions from councilors. One council member said a three-month review (November–January) produced a reported $111,250 in revenue and $431,529 in expenses; staff said earlier startup costs and one-time purchases contribute to high early-year expenses and that revenue in 2025 was limited by the facility’s phased opening.

Members raised operational issues tied to public safety and user experience. A councilor who drives the corridor daily said a block near the Lark is “pitch black” and asked whether the project will include street lighting; staff said street-lighting decisions are often handled outside the pavement project but that staff would review options. Councilors also discussed congestion in the lot during tournaments and suggested additional row lighting to help drivers see parking lines.

Rental pricing and inconsistent public information drew sustained criticism. Councilors noted a discrepancy between the rental form and the website: a single court rate listed at $30 per hour contrasted with a $150 per hour fee for four courts in another place. A council member asked staff to standardize posted guidelines and public rates, and to clarify whether event net revenue goes to the facility operator or to outside associations. “That discrepancy needs to be corrected so people know the rules and rates,” a councilor said.

Councilors also questioned the facility’s use policies. Several members said Silver Sneakers-related groups have used meeting rooms without paying the published rental rate; one councilor suggested that practice could create problems if group use does not match insurance-authorized activities. Another councilor emphasized the need to track free events: the school district’s contract includes up to six “events” per year, and members asked staff to verify how those events are tracked and whether the district’s payments cover the intended value.

Staff defended the facility’s community value while acknowledging startup challenges. A councilor noted the Lark benefited from a $6 million state grant and local half-cent sales-tax support; another highlighted the facility’s regional draw and stories of residents using the walking track and programs. Staff said they will work to standardize rental rates and website information, improve interdepartmental communications (including between the civic arena manager and facility staff), and provide additional financial detail for longer periods so the council can judge trends beyond a single month.

Councilors also asked for clearer staffing and duties. Staff confirmed roughly six to seven part-time positions plus one full-time employee (Jessica). Council members asked for documentation showing who is responsible for scheduling, cleaning and event communications so that youth hockey, tournaments and concession volunteers receive timely notices.

The council did not take a formal vote on operations beyond requests for improved reporting and corrections to public-facing rental information. Members asked administration to return with clearer financials and a plan to address lighting, parking-flow improvements and consistent rental policies.