Council orders workshop after months of disputes over tournaments, policing and fees at DeSoto parks

Council took an extended public discussion on youth sports and large‑scale tournaments after Parks & Recreation Director Tyler Agee and Assistant Chief Jesnick outlined the city’s facility‑use framework, special‑event triggers and a security staffing matrix. Staff emphasized the distinction between resident associations—nonprofit groups that partner long‑term with the city and must meet governance, insurance and resident‑percentage rules—and commercial tournament vendors that rent facilities on an event basis and generally must pay full incremental costs and permit fees.

Councilmembers pressed for consistency after residents and elected officials described situations where security, police presence and fees appear to be applied unevenly; examples cited included BMX events and multiple football tournaments. Assistant Chief Jesnick reviewed recent staffing used for large events and explained the department’s matrix for minimum off‑duty officer staffing tied to attendance and number of fields. The council directed staff to schedule a dedicated workshop in the first fiscal quarter to include youth sports organizers, the parks board, public safety and hotel partners to work toward a consistent, auditable and equitable policy.