FINANCIAL BUSINESS REQUEST (FBR)
Motion/Request:
title
MOTION to recommend the townspeople appropriate up-to $16,082.00 from CNR Account #20360101-53335 (Parks and Recreation Capital Non-Recurring Fund - Site Improvement) for the Pfizer Field Improvement Project.
In addition, set a Hybird Format (In-Person and Remote) Special Town Meeting date for October 10, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. to be held in the Council Chamber, Annex Building to consider, discuss and vote upon the following:
"Shall the Town appropriate up-to $16,082.00 from CNR Account #20360101-53335 (Parks and Recreation Capital Non-Recurring Fund - Site Improvement) for the Pfizer Field Improvement Project”.
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Background:
The Ledyard Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizens Department is requesting $16,082.00 out of the Parks and Recreation Capital Account - Site Improvement (20360101-53335) for Pfizer field improvements.
Background:
We have a unique opportunity where little league and the BOE are funding repairs to the High School field that will allow us to shut down the Pfizer Senior baseball field this fall to make needed repairs/ upgrades. Little League has funded other improvements at Pfizer that include bringing power to the property and installing a score board. The proposed work will address safety concerns, improve drainage, and increase the overall quality of the field with the intent of being able to host state tournaments in the future.
Improvements:
1. Bring in loam to level and hydro seed a large indent located in right field.
2. Bring in red clay and sod to level the infield and eliminate any elevation change “lips”. The transition from infield to turf should be flat.
3. Additional seed to increase the overseed rate. Overseeding is part of our turf management contract, and the additional seed will allow us to seed at higher pound per square foot than what is included under the contract. This will allow us to take full advantage of the field closure to establish new turf and fill in bare spots.
Safety/ Liability Concerns:
1. Elevation/grade changes on a baseball field are a tripping hazard and can lead to sprained/rolled ankles.
2. The ball interacts differently with uneven turf causing the ball to change direction suddenly or cause a ground ball to become airborne.
In accordance with Ordinance #200-012 “ An Ordinance Creating A Municipal Park And Recreation Capital And Non-Recurring Expense Fund For The Town Of Ledyard” Section 4 (see below)
Section 4. Expenditure of Funds
(a) Upon authorization by the annual budget meeting of the Town or upon authorization by a special Town meeting of the Town, the monies in said fund may be used for capital and non-recurring expenditures incurred for any of the following:
1. Acquisition, development, improvement, maintenance and expansion of park and recreation lands;
2. Acquisition, erection, installation, maintenance, improvement, repair and replacement of park or recreation facilities and equipment;
3. Development, establishment and improvement of Park or recreation programs;
4. Any other capital or non-recurring expenditure incurred for park or recreational purposes. (see attached Ordinance)
Department Comment/Recommendation:
(type text here)
Finance Director Comment/Recommendation:
Account 20360101-53335 (Parks and Recreation CNR - Site Improvement) has a current, encumbered balance of $117,158.
Mayor Comment/Recommendation:
Given the circumstances of the temporary shift of field usage, I support this additional appropriation to allow the field to receive improvements and allow for growth ahead of spring use again.