Marion leaders discuss funding for ball-field improvements
Written by Jerry Engler
Tuesday, 08 November 2005
Members of Marion's recreation and baseball commissions were directed by the City Commission Monday to see how much the school board might want to share on $8,000 to $10,000 in improvements to be built at the ball fields this fall.
Speakers noted that it is usual for the school to participate in funding with payments for such things as lighting paid by the city during baseball season and by the school during football season.
Casey Case said the work could include replacing a dugout on "A" ball field, a concrete bunker for red shale and aggregates, a concrete pad for the handicapped, and adding 10-foot lengths to existing bunker fences.
He said the estimate for concrete from Hett Construction Co. is $5,742 with fence materials estimated at about $2,600. The school may be asked for $2,500.
Rodney Richmond and Margo Yates reported for the Marion Recreation Commission that this year's basketball program will include nine Marion teams, one each for fourth-grade boys, fourth-grade girls and sixth-grade boys; and two teams each for fifth-grade boys, fifth-grade girls and sixth-grade girls.
At least 21 out-of-town teams will participate-possibly 22 teams if a McPherson team comes-including Abilene, Brookville, Chase County, Centre, Emporia, Hillsboro, Newton, Peabody, Southeast of Saline, Salina and Valley Center/Benton.
They said baseball registrations were up 20 percent this year, softball registrations up 6 percent, and a new blast ball program had 20 participants.
The commissioners and City Administrator David Mayfield all said the sports commissions will need to develop new regulations to replace 2000 regulations that are obsolete.
Commissioners Max Hayen and Jim Crofoot approved a tax abatement ordinance for Mid-America Marble that must be renewed annually, in the absence of Mayor Martin Tice.
To have the abatement, Mayfield noted the business must do such things as provide employment.
The commissioners approved a budgeted transfer from the electric fund to the general fund for $72,500.
They approved a transfer from the electric fund to the bond and interest fund for $87,374, which Mayfield said will provide the final payment on street bonds.
They closed the session with a 10-minute executive session for personnel with no announced results.
