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Council tables decision on Rosenberg FC park contract after residents, club leaders urge more information
Summary
Council postponed action on a staff recommendation not to extend Rosenberg FC’s facility-use agreement after multiple parents, coaches and club owners described years of investment in city parks and raised concerns about affordability and scheduling for youth programs. The item was sent to the next workshop for further review.
Mayor Ben opened discussion of Resolution No. R‑3937, the staff-recommended action that would not exercise the optional extension of a facility‑use agreement with Rosenberg FC and would allow the agreement to end on Sept. 30, 2025. City staff summarized the original contract (commencing 10/01/2022) and noted that staff did not recommend renewing because of demand for field use by other organizations. "Staff recommends city council approve Resolution No. 3,937," a staff member said during the executive summary.
Members of Rosenberg FC and residents urged the council to reconsider. Shay Sweeney, a Rosenberg FC parent and coach, said the club is a "lifeline for our youth," urged council not to "shatter their dreams" by removing local practice fields and noted the fall season begins in September. Dr. Hector Weir, a coach and director with the club, asked council to "consider renewing our agreement for at least 2 more years" and described the club’s low‑cost model that provides opportunities for families who cannot afford high‑cost programs. Club co‑founder Rafael Benitez and co‑owner Darren Weber recounted investments by the club in goals, plantings, pedestrian access and lights and said the club spends roughly $33,000 a year on maintenance.
Council members questioned schedule transparency, resident-vs‑nonresident usage and outstanding payments. Staff reported they had asked Rosenberg FC for schedules, fee breakdowns and resident-count data and that the club was behind on payments for two to three years and remedied those payments after receiving the city's termination notice. Asked whether users would pay comparable fees if the city opened reservations to other groups, staff said outside groups would rent by the hour under the standard park process. Given missing details, Councilmember Hector Trevino moved to postpone the matter to the upcoming workshop; the motion carried by voice vote and council directed staff to provide the requested scheduling, fee and residency data and to contact the club ahead of the August 26 follow‑up meeting.
