In a continuing effort to appease neighbors and provide lighting for sports at Carroll Senior High School, the school board Monday night capped the number of nights the lights can be used.

The ball field lights, though, still require a variance from the City of Southlake. The City Council is scheduled to act on the matter Tuesday — the Planning and Zoning Commission already has recommended against approval.

The question of lighting the baseball and softball fields at the school has drawn crowds of parents and neighbors to school board and city meetings since November.

Neighbors say the lights will reduce their property values. Parents of softball and baseball players say the athletes have to miss class to attend practices during the day, and also argue that the teams should be able to have night games at home.

After hearing that the number of night games for both teams was likely to be about 18 this year, plus any UIL playoff games, the board voted unanimously to cap the night events at 20, plus any needed playoff games. The board also approved unlimited evening practices, with a mandatory 8 p.m. cutoff.

Initially, the board considered leaving the number of games open to include all UIL games, but trustee Fred Stovall warned that probably would be "unpalatable" to neighbors.

The board also approved $100,000 Monday for screening the fields with trees and other vegetation — contingent on City Council approval of the variance.

Tuesday's council meeting begins with a work session at 5:30 p.m. The lights item is last on the agenda.

To see the agenda, go to www.cityofsouthlake.com.