1999-02-01Special Called Workshop of City Council

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e e Relocate Girl's Softball Report, page 2 c. Proposal to Complete Field 4 As shown in the attached financial status report, the commitments for this project exceed the available resources by $5,945. The value of the commitments include a contingency of $9,973, therefore, if the contingency is not needed, a surplus of $4,028 would exist. Included in the Current Budget are enough funds to bring field 4 online, with the exception of lights. LPGSA has indicated that the addition of lights to the new field is so important, they are willing to relocate fencing from the Lomax fields to the new field, which would save an estimated $40,000. Because of their willingness to do this, we are recommending that the City approve an additional $45,000 be budgeted for this project (out of the available fund balance). This would provide us the opportunity to complete Field 4 this year. At this time staff would recommend Council approve additional funds to complete the addition of Field 4 for this project. The primary cost would be the work necessary to provide electricity to the site (see site map showing location of Field 4), This would be the major cost for the project, as the LPGSA has agreed to move the fencing from a field at Lomax Park to the Little Cedar Bayou location, as a part of their contribution to the project. In addition, they have agreed to install the cabinetry in the concession stand and to build scorekeeper's booths at Fields 3 & 4 as a part of their contribution to the project. The Planning Department has begun work on a grading and drainage plan for Field 4. Public Works has been enlisted to assist with a portion of the drainage work as their workload allows. The remainder of the work would be Parks and Recreation force account. If Council agrees to increase the budget for lighting Field 4, we would be able to proceed with the installation of the lights for Field 4 and have it operational for their fall season. D. Summary The La Porte Girl's Softball Association is an integral part of our community. The leagues and tournaments they schedule have a very large economic impact on the businesses in La Porte. Moving them to this more centralized location is a sound, prudent, and fiscally responsible action. It makes sense to go ahead at this time and finish the additional field for use by this organization. Future costs for electrical work, etc. will likely escalate, costing the City more in the long run. The fourth field, when completed, will begin service immediately as a practice field and for tournament play. It will allow the LPGSA to bid on regional and national tournaments as a state-of-the-art facility that few other communities can offer.