City Beat: Council freezes ice rink parking issue

City Council did not reach a decision regarding parking in the Jordan Valley Ice Park lot at the May 6 meeting, and tabled the bill for two weeks.

Councilman John Wylie moved to table the bill after learning that visitors to American Legion Post 69, located west of the park, have permission to use the lot on occasion and that members of the nearby Shrine Mosque would like the same permission.

"In the case with the American Legion," City Manager Tom Finnie told council, "we actually had a contract in exchange for buying land and vacating a street."

He fears patrons of the ice park may have difficulty finding parking in the 250-space lot if it is open to any downtown activities.

If passed, the bill would establish parking regulations and grant authority to tow any unauthorized vehicles. It also would allow the city to charge for parking during non-ice-park events.

City staff will use the next two weeks to reach a resolution with Shrine Mosque representatives.

Walnut Street historic designation

National Register Historic District nominations for the 700 and 800 blocks of East Walnut Street have stirred up some concern among City Council members and Southwest Missouri State University officials. Specifically, that concern surrounds the property at 700 E. Walnut St., which is currently Englenook Apartments.

Council heard a resolution stating that placement of that site on the National Register might endanger SMSU's campus expansion plans.

Greg Burris, who spoke on behalf of the university, said the school's expansion plan, devised with help from the city in 1995 and 1996, shows development occurring mostly northwest of the campus, toward downtown. He told council that site would provide a transit corridor from the campus to Jordan Valley Park, however, there are no plans to purchase it at this time.

Fred May, director of Planning & Development, said the state requests comment from City Council on any national register nominations before the state makes its recommendation. However, he added, council can't keep the nomination from going forward.

"This resolution states that council has concerns about the historic district with respect to the property at 700 E. Walnut because it has been part of a plan for the SMSU campus," May said.

Historic Springfield Inc. President Richard Burton told council the designation would not prohibit such plans, but simply make the building eligible for tax credits.

Councilmembers Mary Collette and Shelia Wright agreed, but were outnumbered 7-2.

The approved resolution will be forwarded to the state historic preservation officer.

City budget

The city of Springfield's new budget, set to begin July 1, will increase by 3 percent and total $201 million, should it be approved at the next meeting.

Finnie said its "hallmark" is that there are no tax increases and no service reductions.

"We're very proud of that fact that in a very difficult year we've been able to hold our services without increasing taxes," he said.

Councilman Ralph Manley added, "I feel convinced that we're getting the most for our buck that we can get from a great bunch of dedicated people."

Fender bender repair

Council heard a first reading bill that would issue a "use permit" for an addition to an auto body and fender repair shop at 2142 College St.

It is in a highway commercial dis- trict. Both the Planning and Zoning Commission and city staff recommend approval.

Funds for homeless

Council unanimously approved a resolution to accept $75,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant Funds with the Missouri Department of Social Services, Division of Family Services for sheltering the homeless.