NEW ULM - City councilors got an ear-full from several area residents about the Park & Recreation Department's proposed grant application to help fund development of primitive camping areas in Minnecon and Riverside parks during a public hearing on the subject Tuesday night.

The hearing was held on the department's plan to seek "Legacy" grant money for a project that the department feels would meet the grant requirement of having regional and/or statewide significance.

Because the Park Legacy Grant Program is one of the vehicles for dispensing monies collected as a result of a state sales tax increase for such programs, Park and Rec Director Tom Schmitz got his commission's approval for a plan to develop primitive camping areas in both parks and connect the two with a paved trail running along the river.

However, the plan - which is facing a deadline next week for submission of such plans for the first go-around in funding - quickly drew flack, not only from several people living near Riverside Park but also from Fourth Ward Councilor Ken RockVam.

His first concern was about whether there would be "fire rings" in the camping area.

"Yes, there would be, Councilor RockVam," Schmitz replied.

After several people had addressed the issue, RockVam asked City Attorney Hugh Nierengarten if he knew what primitive camping meant.

"I have no idea what the park and rec people mean [by primitive]," Nierengarten replied.

Schmitz stepped up to the podium to explain that, in essence outdoor camping without the "hook-ups" for campers that are available in upgraded camping areas. "Any kind of RV or camper can be in the area. It's just no utilities."

Dennis Born, who lives at 711 S. Front St., went to the podium to tell the council that he felt it would bring more people into the area and "police action will be required." He didn't mind the camping during River Blast, but "on a regular basis, no."

He stated that he doesn't oppose camping at Minnecon, and "I'd love to see picnic tables [in Riverside Park]. I think it should be maintained as a neighborhood park."

"It's peaceful and quiet [at Riverside Park], and it won't be that way with camping there," said Elaine Domeier, who lives at 301 S. Front St.

"We need green land, space. I can't see campers in Riverside. It will ruin Riverside," said John Fritsche, who lives at 827 S. Front St.

Then, Councilor Ruth Ann Webster, who has Riverside Park in her First Ward, asked Scott Sparlin, a New Ulm resident who is an advocate for getting and maintaining a cleaner Minnesota River to comment.

"I think camping in the [Riverside] park is alright. When a park is used, it polices itself. There's a lot of pluses to it. I think there will be a lot of people who will be drawn to New Ulm by the camp sites. You have to weigh the positives and the negatives, and there really aren't any negatives [to this proposal]," Sparlin said.

Sparling's comments brought Born back to the podium.

"To ruin Riverside Park for some imagined need is just not right. I think this will be a major downgrade for the park," Born said.

At this point, City Manager Brian Gramentz jumped into the fray.

"I don't see the camp [units[ covering all three blocks. If we don't do the Riverside [camp sites], then the trail [that would connect Minnecon and Riverside] isn't strong [for getting the funding]."

That brought Bruce Potter, who lives at 104 S. Front St. up to the podium. "I don't want that to happen to [getting camp sites in] Riverside."

After some discussion among the councilors, Councilor Les Schultz offered the resolution to authorize proceeding with submitting the two grant applications to the state. That motion fails.

Webster then offered a successful motion that laid the matter over until Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 5 p.m. when the council will take another look at the proposal which may be revised somewhat by staff.

In other action, the council:

Approved the ordinance creating an Art and Collections Advisory Board to oversee the handling of artifacts that have been presented, and may be presented in the future to the city.

Gave first reading to ordinances which set the schedule of city fees for 2010 and would allow theaters in which there are live performances to sell wine.

Ron Larsen can be reached at rlarsen@nujournal.com