minpw 07-27-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Aiden Lawrence of Cordova Ave. —Mr. Lawrence addressed Council regarding local sustainability. Councilmember Litten suggested that Usher Field be renovated in a separate budget year to make it eligible for ARPA funds. In response to questions by Councilmember Shachner, Mayor George and Board member Shaughnessy reviewed the current arrangements between the City and the Recreation Department. Mayor George explained that the City would have a difficult time putting out an RFP without input from the Recreation Department because it does not have the specifications needed such as distance between bases and slope of the pitcher's mound. Ms. Shaughnessy remarked that the City and Schools are working on a MOU to reflect an improved way of working together and not necessarily the way things have been done. In response to a question, Chief Storey explained the rules for use of ARPA funds. He stated that it looks like Madison Park will potentially be eligible for use of ARPA funds. AJ Magner again addressed Council. He insisted that the City has the power to make changes at the fields immediately without a MOU in place. He asked for the work to be completed this year Councilmember Neff noted that the disconnect between the City and the Recreation Department is significant. She encouraged both parties to move beyond the status quo to improve things soon. President O'Malley pointed out that there was a lot of"red tape"to schedule this meeting, when he was hoping that these matters could be addressed in a less formal manner. He expressed disappointment that the Recreation Director was absent from the meeting and questioned the level of autonomy of the Recreation Director. Ms. Shaughnessy replied that the Recreation Director was at a CREC meeting and that since she is an employee of the Superintendent, it is a courtesy that the Superintendent is involved in her schedule. Councilmember Bullock acknowledged that Council received more than 30 public comments which all expressed a desire for field improvements. He highlighted the efforts of the administration and the new superintendent to be responsive. He asked that the users of the fields (parents, coaches)be engaged before any new plans go into effect. He stated that he will sponsor a budget priority to re-do all the City's baseball fields and stated that this can be done for less than $150,000. Mayor George stated that the Fox Field renovation will cost$50,000 and so a renovation of all fields may be more than $150,000. She noted that since the City has not historically budgeted these expenses that it must start to strategically budget these expenses and possibly pull resources from other projects, if needed. She encouraged councilmembers to review the capital budget and see if there are places where funds can be pulled. 3