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As public testimony heard on Domes, former director said action should`ve been taken sooner
As public testimony heard on Domes, former director said action should`ve been taken sooner
MILWAUKEE -- For the first time, on Wednesday evening, February 24th, the public had the opportunity to weigh in on the future of the Mitchell Park Domes.
The Arid (desert) Dome was closed on January 29th — after a fallen chunk of concrete was discovered. On February 5th, officials said all three Domes would be closed for the weekend due to safety concerns. Then, we learned all three Domes would remain closed indefinitely.
Mitchell Park Domes
There were emotional comments from members of the public on Wednesday evening, who said Milwaukee County officials should do whatever it takes to reopen the Domes, and keep them open. That included remarks from one informed citizen who said Milwaukee County leaders should've seen this coming.
Mark Tiegs
As citizens lined up to offer their opinion, Mark Tiegs watched, believing Milwaukee County leaders should've acted sooner.
Tiegs was the director of the Mitchell Park Domes 10 years ago.
"I proposed to our parks director back then, in 2006, that the Domes probably have between 10-15 years of useful life without any major maintenance to it and guess I`m right on the target at 10 years," Tiegs said.
Public hearing on Mitchell Park Domes
The meeting began with some political gamesmanship.
Theo Lipscomb
Theo Lipscomb, chairman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors was sure to note Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele wasn't at the public hearing.
"Hundreds of people have shown up and one of the things they wanted was to hear from their county executive about his vision, his commitment," Lipscomb said.
Lipscomb issued this statement to FOX6 News:
The Milwaukee County Executive's Office said Abele was out of the state at a national meeting for the Boys & Girls Club.
Senator Chris Larson, who is running against Abele for Milwaukee county executive, was present for the public hearing. He issued this statement to FOX6 News:
As for the Domes, we got some insight Wednesday evening into the scope of a full replacement.
"It is my opinion that anything short of full repair or complete replacement will lead to even greater costs in the future," John Dargle, Milwaukee County Parks director said.
Milwaukee County's facilities manager said that would include replacing the concrete system, as well as the aluminum framing and glass. He said the rough estimate cost for doing that in all three Domes ranges between $60 million and $71 million.
Mitchell Park Domes
On Monday, February 22nd, Abele presented a $1 million short-term plan that involves wrapping the "connections" in the Domes with a wire mesh.
The County Board has already allocated half that amount for Domes repairs.
Citizens like Linda Carlson say the county should make its decisions knowing the Domes are recognized as far away as Japan.
Mitchell Park Domes
"I don`t read Japanese, but I certainly recognize the pictures and asked my host to translate what the article said and it said 'if you get any place in the United States, you should try to get your tour to include a trip to Milwaukee because the Domes are so fabulous,'" Carlson said.
The Milwaukee County Board's Parks Committee will take a closer look at the suggestions.
It could act on a short-term plan at its March 8th meeting.
Abele has said his hope is for the "Show Dome" to open by May 1st.
Mitchell Park Domes