Alderman Bill Elliott and Attorney Bryce Schoenborn spoke with My Price County about another proposal suggested by Lyn Ludwig of PCUL at the recent city meeting.
Lyn Ludwig suggested that if the city did not want to pay $180,000 per year for the .8-acre section of the Elk Lake Park parking lot, perhaps that cost could be divided in three ways. She suggested that the city pay $60,000 per year, the county pay $60,000 per year, and five major businesses from the area, which were not identified, could pay the remaining $60,000 per year. PCUL suggested drafting a letter to assist in fundraising, and the city agreed to review that letter, but the city attorney has yet to receive such a draft.
Attorney Schoenborn said, "I think that the general response from the city was that it is unlikely that local businesses, the county, or the city could/would come up with $60,000 per year for this parking lot."
He added that right now the city is trying to work cooperatively with PCUL to find a solution that will make everyone happy. However, other options can be on the table, at the decision of the Common Council, if a solution cannot be reached. "Time will tell," he added.
Community members have voiced their concerns, mostly on social media, but some have also contacted city aldermen. Some residents are concerned how a $180,000 lease will affect their taxes, why the City of Phillips included PCUL's ideas in their Comprehensive Plan and is assisting PCUL in their projects if PCUL is not wanting to sell at a reasonable cost or donate the parking lot to the city, what will happen if PCUL increases the rate at each lease renewal, where are these "non-profit" funds going, why are all the buildings being bought by PCUL and Lyn Ludwig and then left vacant curtailing business and growth, among other questions and concerns.
To voice some of their concerns, community members showed up at PCUL's meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2025. About 30-some people were in attendance at the meeting (and some others joined via video). Those in attendance were encouraged to sign the check-in sheet, which is used for the grants to show there is community interest, regardless of the interest being positive or negative. Some grants require "community involvement." A recap of the meeting will soon be published by My Price County. (Please watch our website, Facebook page, and sign up to our free News Highlights e-mail by sending "Subscribe" on the subject line to contact@mypricecounty.com to get free news in your inbox once or twice per month.) Update on 3-10-2025: An article has been published, PCUL MEETING RECAP: 1 MILLION SUGGESTED AS PARKING LOT VALUE; RESIDENTS ASK QUESTIONS.
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JUSTIN LINDGREN, PHILLIPS SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE: Justin Lindgren feels he is qualified to be a school board member because he has been a teacher and has completed coursework in school administration. He feels he has the insight on both sides to see what needs to be fixed. He is calling for change, transparency, and communication on the school board. "I have spent 12 years serving both the community and the school district, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue this." "Like" Justin's campaign page on Facebook to learn more about Justin.
Whether you have positive or negative views on the parking lot situation, let your voice be heard. This topic will likely be talked about at the next city meeting on Tuesday, according to Attorney Bryce Schoenborn. You can also contact city aldermen, county board members, and PCUL to express your thoughts.
To view a list of city aldermen, visit this link.
County board members can be found at this link.
PCUL members include Lynda "Lyn" (Marschke) Ludwig, veterinarian; Blake Pluemer, vice president of operations at BW Papersystems; and Cheryl Moore, Village of Catawba president. The job titles listed came from PCUL's website.
Articles about PCUL can be read at this link.