NORMAL - A plan by Heartland Community College to add an athletic complex on the east side of the campus was approved by the City Council on Monday night despite a recommendation by a majority of planning commission members that it be denied.

In another matter, the council also agreed to allow the sale of liquor at Ironwood Golf Course and at catered corporate events at the Children's Discovery Museum.

City Manager Mark Peterson said town staff was surprised at the planning commission's recommendation against Heartland's athletic field.

"We thought (the plan) was straight forward," he said. "The staff supports it with a couple of conditions."

Several planning commission members voiced concerns about the impact noise and the potential of lighting from the complex could have on nearby Northmeadow Village residents.

Peterson said no one from the mobile home court expressed concerns or are believed to have attended the planning commission's public hearing, even though they received prior notice that the issue was coming to the table.

Heartland President Jon Astroth told the council that community college athletic events typically are played in the afternoon and no lighting was planned for the fields. The complex would include softball, baseball and soccer fields.

Fall sports typically run Sept. 1 through mid-October and spring sports are played from mid-March to mid-May, he said. Team practices take place in the afternoon and early evening.

Councilman Chuck Scott questioned what affect a minor league stadium might have at the site. The Heartland site is being eyed for a minor league stadium if a minor league team and an independent financing agent is secured.

Peterson said the plan presented to the council only is for Heartland's sports program and presumes no other facility will be built. If that changes, he said, another plan would have to be presented at the planning commission and be approved by the council.

"Heartland wanted the plans approved so in early April it can move quickly to get it constructed," Peterson said.

A committee studying the possibility of a Twin Cities minor league team is supposed to decide whether it's a go by April 1.

Heartland wants its own fields available for use by fall.

Meanwhile, golfers will be able to have a drink while they hit the links at Ironwood Golf Course. The council unanimously approved allowing liquor at the golf course as a way to increase revenue. It is estimated selling liquor could bring in an additional $25,000 to $35,000 a year.

Previously, liquor only was allowed at catered outings when the course was closed to the public.

Not all council members were as supportive of the idea of allowing corporate groups who rent the Children's Discovery Museum to have liquor. Councilman Jeff Fritzen voted against the idea. Currently, liquor is allowed at catered events sponsored by the museum or at fundraisers for a town program or activity.