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Public hearing reveals split community views on athletic complex
Summary
Residents at the Colman‑Egan School District hearing were divided over a proposed athletic complex; supporters cited athlete safety and access, while opponents raised cost, survey process and site concerns including possible flood‑plain risks.
Dozens of residents addressed the board during a public hearing on the proposed athletic complex, delivering sharply different views on need, location and process.
Jim McGuire, who said he was neutral, urged the board to put facilities where growth is occurring, saying it would minimize disturbance to established homes. Sean Geigley testified in support: “I think it would be a great addition for the athletes here,” citing his child’s inability to access proper practice facilities locally. Opponents questioned the sufficiency of a short district survey for a multimillion‑dollar project, raised concerns about a parcel they said lies in a flood plain, and threatened a petition drive to force a voter referendum; one resident said, “I only need 58 signatures to get this on the ballot. And I promise you I will do that.”
Speakers also debated whether the district should have held a binding vote rather than treat survey results as guidance. Residents reported inconsistency in survey delivery at the household level and urged more extensive outreach. Board members repeatedly emphasized the difference between the recent school addition (which exceeded statutory thresholds and went to a bond vote) and the athletic complex, which district counsel said is expected under current estimates to fall below the 1.5% referendum threshold.
