Minutes - 20070413 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

as hotels and restaurants. He asked about the core mission for building soccer fields in the County. Patrick Sullivan made reference to item 9-b, page 3, which shows that there is $650,000 for building and furnishings, $150,000 for goals, etc., and $150,000 for start-up equipment. He said that this is $950,000 that most of the soccer community would say is not necessary. He said that $950,000 could build two artificial turf fields. He said that most fields have port-a-johns and no bleachers. He said that bleachers, buildings, and scoreboards are not necessary. He said that they really need playable surfaces. Laura Blackmon said that the County would be required to put in restrooms. There would also have to be a facility to house the equipment for maintaining the field. She agreed about the goals, bleachers, and benches, but these were going to be put under the naming rights to have donated at the time that they were needed. Lori Taft made reference to changing the program and said that the County has had discussions with Sports Endeavors about this program of six fields. She is not sure if the interest would stand if there were a reduced number of fields. There has also been notification of a U. S. Soccer Foundation grant, which was with the program of six fields. She thinks that some of the funding would be in jeopardy with reducing the number of fields. Mike Strand made reference to the Smith Municipal field and said that it has already been discussed as a joint project to turf this. He asked if this was a jurisdictional issue. Lori Taft said that there is a four-way partnership with the Smith fields because the property is owned by another entity and leased to the school district. She thinks that it is something that could be discussed. She said that field 1-A is supposed to be used by the community, but it is under the jurisdiction of the school district. Patrick Sullivan said that one artificial turf field would translate to between 6-10 natural grass fields with regards to percentage of play. He said that the initial investment is high, but long-term it would be saving money. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the maintenance of West Ten and asked if the County could work with the school system and share the equipment. She does not understand why this could not be shared. Lori Taft said that they have tried working with the schools and it is difficult. They have tried to use school gyms, and there are a lot of obstacles. Commissioner Nelson suggested contracting with the school system to do the mowing. Lori Taft said that when the County builds a park or complex, she wants it to be the best it can be and she does not want to rely on someone else that the County Commissioners do not have any authority over to follow up. She said that she has looked at outside contracting for fields, but it does not pay off because it is expensive. Mike Strand said that no one is against adding soccer fields anywhere, but some of them are hesitant to see all of the fields built at West Ten, when just a little reallocation could be done to Southern Park. He said that they are looking at an equitable balance. Lori Taft said that the objective is to put fields in the ground for practices and games in the immediate future. Mike Strand said that they would like some of the money to be reallocated, build 2-3 fields at West Ten, and take the rest of the money and bring Southern Park online with three fields. Commissioner Nelson asked about the problem in doing this and Lori Taft said that it would take away from the program and she is not sure how it would affect the potential sponsorship. She said that she knows that it is very important to the County Commissioners to see Southern Park completed. She said that the County Commissioners are working with the Manager right now to make sure that all three of these fields are built. Ghair Carey returned at 3:47 PM. Patrick Sullivan said that he would like to walk away with some sort of commitment from the County Commissioners that they would find a way to help the southern part of the County