Fenton Ice Rink Dispute Spills Over to City Council Meeting

A skated from the ice to Monday.

Fenton resident Bob Campbell, who has placed complaints about the rink, addressed the Fenton City Council during a call to the audience that he is not against ice rinks or youth recreation, but rather against how the situation of an Andover Woods subdivision ice rink has been handled.

Campbell has said he believes the rink is not aesthetically pleasing and lowers property values. He also said he believes it violates Homeowner's Association infraction of aesthetics and city ordinances.

He said the ice rink was ruled against twice by the Homeowner’s Association and reversed for reasons not clear to him.

“Our dispute is not with one person, but with our Homeowner’s Association,” Campbell said. “We don’t oppose youth activity, outdoor recreation and we don’t want to ban hockey in the city.”

Councilman Michael Piacentini, who also serves on the Andover Woods Homeowner’s Association, said the case of the ice rink was decided and agreed upon by the association. Campbell said there had not been an agreement. Campbell said Piancentini used his city influence in the Homeowner’s Association case, which Piacentini denied.

Many City officials said it is a Homeowner’s Association issue and not a council issue.

“The city often get asked to get into dispute between neighbors,” City Attorney Stephen Schultz said. “Our power is limited with our ordinance or charter.”

City Manager Lynn Markland said the city has never regulated ice rinks.

“It sounds like this is between you and your association,” Councilwoman Pat Lockwood told Campbell.  “I don’t think we should be regulating ice rinks not on city property.”

Campbell said he has lived in the community for 12 years and has deep roots in the city. He added that his son plays sports and that he has been involved in youth activities.

“I’m not here to advocate the city to write an ordinance,” said Campbell, who added he believes the Andover Woods rink has gone from private to community with the amount of people that use it.

He did say the city should look into making a public rink, something Lockwood said city officials have been talking about for a couple months.

 John Jones, the owner of the property with the ice rink, said he agreed with the Homeowner’s Association to shorten the rink and have the lights off and children off the ice by 8 p.m.

“I believe one of the most valuable attractions to Andover Woods are the children. For years, homeowners from all over Fenton have appreciated the ice rink,” Jones said. “I believe this indirectly helps bring in additional young families looking to settle.”

Councilwoman Cheryl King said she is glad there is a rink for children.

“I’m happy children are having fun and have a place to go,” she said. "Some kids don't have mom or dads that can take them to an ice rink."