Citizens back race track plan before council

It was standing room only in city council chambers Monday evening when the public took the opportunity to comment about the oval dirt race track at Optimist Park.

As the room filled to capacity, those who were unable to find a spot inside, gathered along the sidewalk and in the street, trying to listen at the open door.

As he called the meeting to order, Mayor Joe B. McNeal asked people to limit their testimony to two minutes, to stick with the subject at hand and to show respect for what others had to say.

For nearly an hour, citizens lined up to offer testimony, nearly all of it in support of the dirt race track, pointing to what they deemed to be benefits for the community.

Only Bart Eben offered a dissenting note as he asked council members to take into consideration the people who live near Optimist Park that may not be racing enthusiasts. He explained that Mountain Home is a 'bedroom' community, noted for its peace and quiet. The people in his neighborhood should not have to endure the noise of motorcycles and now the race track.

He said he resented the fact the track is being forced on people and asked the council give consideration to people who aren't racers.

He asked that the motorcycles have stock mufflers added to help reduce the noise. "They can race with mufflers just as fast as without," he said. "Just use mufflers." He noted the park site sits at a higher elevation than the residences in the subdivision. Because sound travels in a straight line, the noise carries out and over the neighborhood. "All I am asking for is peace and quiet."

While Eben found the noise disturbing, many of the others offering testimony said they found the sound to be a sign of families having fun together.

Supporters noted the racing activities do not violate the city's noise ordinance. They pointed out that decimeters showed the noise levels were well below the standards set by the ordinance.

Noting that such facilities are not available in most communities, the proponents explained they could see many benefits for the community as a result of the oval dirt race track.

"It can be one of the best things to come to Mountain Home," explained Gene Bish. The drivers and others come primarily for the track, but while they are here, they also use our restaurants, stay in our motels, and make purchases at our businesses, he said.

Supporters also said the track would be made as safe as possible, pointing out work that has been already been done to meet safety standards. The guard rails already exceed those at other tracks. They said drivers and track operators will work together to put a safety plan together.

One by one, citizens asked the council to allow the development of the track. "Why shut down a facility designed to bring people together to enjoy and have fun?"

A long-time resident pointed out the park property sat vacant for years, being used for only an occasional event. She asked the city leaders to take into account how many hours and how much money had been put into developing the facilities that will be such an asset to the city. "The land needs to be used. Don't ignore all the volunteers who have worked so hard to build something out there."

Each of the council members thanked the public for coming to the meeting and expressing their thoughts.

Council president Tom Rist explained it was never an issue in regards to racing. But because the track is on city property, it is the council's responsibility to protect the taxpayers. A single incident out there resulting in a lawsuit could spell catastrophe for the city. He noted that last week a meeting with the city's insurance agent, legal advisor, the mayor, Parks and Recreation director Stan Franks, Tagg and Robin Hawks and Councilwoman Alain Isaac was held to try to come up with some costs for insurance to mitigate some of the risk to the city.

Rist explained that he was not concerned with the 'hold harmless' agreements between the drivers and the track operator. He was worried about what would happen if a spectator was injured.

There has been no information received back from the insurance company yet and until the activity is insured, he feels we cannot have any racing taking place.

Councilman Mark Russell agreed that safety is the Number One concern. Noting it is the council's responsibility to see that all the correct procedures are followed.

Councilwoman Isaac explained that each of the council members was elected to do a job and that is just what they are trying to do -- to make sure that all the 't's are crossed and the 'i's are properly dotted.

McNeal stressed that while safety is the #1 issue, the #2 issue is recreation. The area was set aside for recreational uses, he said, but the city must follow its own procedures. "We are charged with making sure to provide recreation for the whole community, but we must keep safety in mind."