Minutes 10-25-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Pelissier made reference to the correspondence from HYAA (yellow sheet). Dave Stancil said that the Board asked staff during the budget work sessions to reengage HYAA. There have been conversations in the past about the use of ball fields, etc. since 2010. One of the stumbling blocks was the usage fees for the fields and to look at the cost and benefits. Staff did reengage with HYAA and created a draft agreement, which is based on the farmer's market agreement. The basics of the agreement include a lease of three fields at Northern Human Services Center, limited use of the one field at Fairview Park, and usage time and dates. He said that there is some opt out verbiage. The discussion did not include field lighting, which would be billed per usage. There is a memo from HYAA about this. Regarding concessions, it would cost the County more to operate concessions than the revenue made, so a third party vendor is being considered. The proposed agreement is for $3,000 a year. The HYAA proposal was for $1,000. The agreement is for one year to start and the renewal process could begin in the summer. Dave Stancil continued to review provisions within the agreement. Dave Stancil said that there is a staff inemo in the packet after the agreement to review the pros and cons of an agreement with HYAA. The fields need to be used and this provides a public good. He said that this would not compete with any existing County programs. Dave Stancil said that they would like to develop an evaluation template for this agreement and for future agreements. Commissioner McKee said that this organization serves many kids (around 900) and that provides a service that the County no longer provides. He thanked Dave Stancil for working toward an agreement with HYAA. Commissioner Jacobs suggested giving the HYAA representatives a chance to address the points. Chair Pelissier said that she would allow it. Jessica Adams, President of HYAA, said that from their perspective they have had an organization since the 1970's and every year they are turning kids away. They do not pay anything for the town's fields or the exchange club or Schley fields. They now need more fields because of the number of kids that want to play ball and they do not want to turn anyone away for being unable to pay. HYAA gives over $3,000 in scholarships a year. No child is ever told that they cannot play ball. She said that this would be a great collaboration. Jessica Adams reiterated that HYAA is a non-profit organization. Frank Clifton said that there is a scholarship fund through DSS for kids that may not be able to pay. Jessica Adams said that it is their understanding that the process is too lengthy for these funds and thus it is easier for the kids to come to HYAA for a scholarship. Frank Clifton said that he would follow up on this. Commissioner Jacobs asked Frank Clifton or Dave Stancil to arrange a meeting with DSS and HYAA officials to address the scholarship issue. Commissioner Gordon asked why the fields are not being used now. Dave Stancil said that the County stopped running little league two years ago because of the low numbers to support the programs. He said that when the County in 2005 jumped in and started doing baseball, that was competition with HYAA. Commissioner Gordon asked if people could use the fields for pickup games and Dave Stancil said yes. Commissioner Gordon asked about the equity issue with other non-profits that want to use the County's facilities. She said that this is basically subsidizing HYAA for $10,000. Commissioner McKee said that they should remember that these fields were built with taxpayer funds and the fields should be available for anyone regardless. He supports the fee