Not everyone is on board with a proposal to privatize Mielke Arts Center and Mielke Park.
Shawano County Board Chairman Tom Kautza reported at the March 26 board meeting that at least two Mielke family members have come forward in opposition to the plan.
NEW Media first reported about the proposal after it was discussed at the March 13 public property committee meeting.
“That flushed out a few members of the Mielke family,” Kautza said of the newspaper story. “One side says that the Mielke family was supportive of it and all for it, and now two members of the Mielke family said they don’t support it.”
Jim Davel, administrative coordinator, was scheduled to hold a conference call with family members to determine who was in favor and who was not.
“We’ll see if they really do have support for it or if they don’t have support for it,” Kautza said.
Kelli Penfold, from Sakom Netanak LLC, and Lori Mathwich, from Fire Fitness Camp Shawano, established Mission 1st Event Management LLC with plans to reform the Mielke Arts Center into a private venue for local groups and individuals.
The 31.5-acre park hosts a 250-seat theater, picnic area, playground, outdoor amphitheater, shelter with restrooms, and parking area.
Mission 1st Event Management is proposing a two-year lease of the site, during which it would assume all responsibilities and upkeep costs of the theater and park.
All profits during those two years would be reinvested back into the property and used for maintenance and improvements.
Upon successful completion of these two years, Mission 1st Event Management would obtain complete control over the property.
“I was told from the beginning the Mielke family was all behind this,” Kautza said. “If they (Penfold and Mathwich) don’t have support for it, we’ll probably just let it die then, but if they do support it, and they do want to make a change, we’ll most likely pursue the matter again.”
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
Categories
