08-29-1988 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Page 2 City Council Minutes August 29, 1988 Dave Anderson presented the proposal as reviewed by the Recreation Board. This information was distributed to the City Council. The lighting proposal calls for lights to be purchased in the amount of $39,416.00, or the lights to be purchased on a lease/purchase plan of five payments at $9,649.00 per year. It is estimated the poles for the lights would cost approximately $12,000.00 and that it would cost approximately $10,000.00 for the lighting system to be installed. Therefore, the total estimated cost of the lighting proposal is $62,000.00. The City Administrator noted that as the purchase exceeds $15,000.00 the City has a legal requirement for bidding out the improvement project. Dave Anderson indicated that the softball organization was willing to pay the City $10,500.00 per year until the total cost of the lights were paid off. However, during the time that this payment is being made, the softball organization would not be able to pay the City, at the same level as previous years, for maintenance supplies for the softball complex. The City had been receiving approximately $5,100.00 per year for the past few years from the softball organization for these maintenance supplies. Dave indicated that for any team above 45 in number that would be particiating in organized softball league activities, that the softball organization would contribute $125.00 per team to the City for softball complex maintenance supplies. Dave also indicated that with lights it is conceivable that as many as 25 additional teams could be added to softball leagues. During open discussion between the City Council, Dave Anderson, and the City Administrator, it became apparent that no firm guarantees from the softball organization could be offered to the City for future payments for the lights once they were installed. However, this was not deemed as a serious concern since the City Council could not allow softball activities at the softball complex if payment for the lights was not received on a annual basis. It was also brought out if a new softball complex was constructed in future years, that these lights were movable and could be relocated at a new softball complex. Dave Anderson indicated that in addition to seeking City financial support for the softball complex lights, that he would be approaching the Legion organization in looking for financial assistance in the purchase of the poles. The City Administrator indicated that the main concern of the City in this purchase was not future payment and the City absorbing an additional $5,OOO.00/year of maintenance fees, but the cost for the poles and installation of the lighting system in the fall of 1988 when such activity was not anticipated when the 1988 budget was approved. The City Council discussed the overall betiefit to the Elk River Community and businesses that the softball leagues provide. Also discussed was the availability of funds for recreational purposes and the fact that the City has previously invested a great deal of money in the softball complex and by authorizing the purchase of the softball complex lights, the City would be committing a great deal of future funds for softball. The issue of recreational funding and priorities for various recreational projects was debated.