Debate over Wilson Ranch lights continues

Memories differ over what was said and what was implied
at key August 5 meeting
by Greg Clementi, Sports Writer
Controversy and misunderstanding continue to swirl around the
use of the lights at the newly built Wilson Ranch Park, a soccer
facility located along Mitchell Lane in the southwest part of
town.
Much of the controversy focuses on an Aug. 5 meeting that
involved representatives from the Windsor Youth Soccer League and
Windsor High School.
In the last week’s Times story, Windsor Economic Development and
Commun-ity Services Director Marla Young was quoted as saying that
those in attendance at the Aug. 5 meeting were told, “The lights in
the park were not expected to be ready anytime soon.”
That statement in the paper set off a backlash of responses from
individuals who attended the meeting, including WYSL official
Martin Perez and WHS boys junior varsity coach Leo Mendez.
“The city didn’t say anything about the lights not being ready,”
said Perez. “The issue was really about how we could share the use
of the facility.”
Mendez agreed saying, “The lights were never an issue, all the
user groups in attendance came to an agreement that we can share
the use of the lights and we obtained permits to use the
facility.”
Windsor Community Services Manager Don Streeper was at the Aug.
5 meeting and tried to clear up the misunderstanding. “We told the
user groups all along that the lights were not ready,” he said. “I
think people made assumptions that they would be available.”
A large part of the problem apparently centers around the
permits that were issued at the time. Windsor High School holds a
permit approving use of field number one from 7 to 9 p.m. on game
days beginning in September. Each game lasts about one hour and 45
minutes, and would obviously continue after dark.
“When our administrator issued the permits, it was in the middle
of summer, with daylight lasting until about 9:00 p.m.,” said
Streeper. “The times on the permit may have been an administrative
oversight on our part,” he conceded.
As of now, the lights have not been accepted by the town and
town officials would not say exactly when they will be.
“There are still some issues remaining that need to be worked
out with the developer before the lights can be accepted,” said
City Park Manager Jim O’Brien. “I would compare it to a house being
built. You wouldn’t move into house that was 95 percent
complete.”