DATE: March 20, 2019
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Mark Hilty, Assistant City Administrator of Public Works
Lisa Clayton, Parks Director
Paige Cruse, Park and Recreation Superintendent
SUBJECT:
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*Consideration of Resolution No. 2019-24, A Resolution To Authorize The Parks Department, On Behalf Of The Board Of Mayor And Aldermen, To Submit An Online Grant Application To The Baseball Tomorrow Fund For The Renovation Of The Irrigation System At Jim Warren Park In The Total Amount Of $80,000.
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Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information to the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) concerning the Parks Department’s desire to apply for a grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund to assist with a portion of the irrigation system renovations at Jim Warren Park.
Background
The irrigation system in Phases 1 and 2 (fields 1-8) at Jim Warren Park 20-years old, and it is in disrepair. The average lifespan of a field irrigation system is approximately 12 years. There are several leakage issues that are becoming increasingly more difficult for the Parks Department to repair. The disrepair is leading to an increased expense of time and funding, as well as increasing water utility costs. Baseball Tomorrow Fund offers grant funds to municipalities and non-profit organizations to support youth baseball and softball. The Parks Department intends to apply for a grant to assist with renovating the irrigation system in Phase 2 (fields 5-8). These fields were selected as they meet the grant’s criteria for age of players (approximately ages 9-11) and number of fields (maximum of four). While matching funds are not required, organizations who can provide a 1:1 match have a greater chance of being awarded. The deadline to apply for the grant is April 1, 2019.
Financial Impact
The approximate cost of the renovation to the Phase 2 irrigation system is $80,000. The Parks Department seeks to request $40,000 from Baseball Tomorrow Fund and is asking for the remaining $40,000 in the Parks Department budget for 2020 fiscal year.
Recommendation
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Staff recommends the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approve this resolution, so the Parks Department may submit an application for grant funds from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund.