Increased pickleball play in Warren — and the need for more courts — was brought back before Warren City Council this week.

The Warren Pickleball Club spoke to the council about a proposal for six courts at Betts Park. Council was hesitant, though, about the management of the courts.

“(I) do not believe a private entity should have the reservation authority,” Council member John Wortman said.

Doug James, one of the project organizers, said the costs for the six courts without amenities such as bleachers, lights and a pavilion is $136,000.

Kim Mong added that the Club plans to start raising funds in early May.

City Manager Nancy Freenock said the city “as a courtesy” approached the Betts Foundation about the future of the park.

“We have not heard what their feelings are,” she said. “They were very concerned about maintaining green space there. I know they were not in favor of adding more pavilions to the park.”

She said the city’s special events process has worked well and could handle the reservation issue.

“These are public lands,” she said. “(We) have to have some public time available.”

If Betts Park didn’t work out, Mong said the group would “probably go outside the city. (We) don’t want our hands tied.”

Mayor Dave Wortman said he appreciates the engagement on this project.

“Everyone is here and engaged with city council,” he said, calling it a “continuing conversation.”

SPARRING OVER MINUTES

The council also spent at least 20 minutes sparring over the contests of past meeting minutes.

Three sets of minutes were before the council for approval, and Council member Wendy McCain took issue with all three while John Wortman raised two.

The majority of the changes were minor in nature but McCain asked to correct a statement attributed to her that she viewed as incorrect as well as to have her opposition to a loan for the parking garage included.

Freenock asked that the proposed addition regarding the parking garage be tabled.

“The minutes are not supposed to be a verbatim record,” she said. “To get into specifics of discussions, especially when a council member isn’t there, it causes me a little concern.”

Council member Maurice Cashman said it is “hard to recognize” an opinion “when you were not present.”

McCain said Wortman read a statement on her behalf.

Action on that issue — including comments from members not present in the minutes — was tabled.

The statement that she claimed was not correct also tied to her oppositio of improvements to the parking garage, specifically regarding its useful life.

Council, however, in a 4-3 vote, shot down that proposed correction.