Agenda 09/23/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 26, 2008 Mustangs' players during the summer. All those who advertised whether on the outfield fence signs, in the programs, on the pocket schedules, sponsored a night at the ballpark, or in any way contributed to the 2008 sell$on, deserve a thank-you. A big thank-you to the 30,000 fans who came out during the season to support the team, visit the concession stands, purchase souvenirs and enjoy a good baseball game on a warm summer night. Thanks to the approximate 20- member game-day staff who sold tickets, concessions, ushered people to their seats, sold souvenirs and programs, announced the game, ran the scoreboard, handled the promotions and kids' events, and who is some way had a hand in making the visit to the ballpark an enjoyable experience. And certainly last but not least, thanks to Doug and Sandy Christman for the many, many hours they put into making this season a success. Doug Christman was the Mustangs' volunteer team President, attended league meetings, prepared detailed after-game critiques (that he often e-mailed me at 3 am), and could always be found mingling in the crowd and listening to what the fans had to say. We certainly could not have enjoyed the su;cess we had without his efforts. Recommendations - As noted on Council's Agenda Summary Form, there are 3: I. Make a long-term commitment to Mustangs' Baseball with the understanding that overall funding will be considered as anv other Leisure Services progranl such as youth football, basketball, or any of the Senior Services programs andsimply part of the package of recreational and quality of life progranls offered to the citizens and the community. It is difficult to effectively operate the team on a year to year basis. The season ends in early August and last year and again this year, considerable "momentum" is lost between the end of the season and the time a decision is made regarding continuation of Mustangs baseball. 2. Allow the Mustangs' Advisorv Committee to re-convene, to re-exanline the business plan and make changes where appropriae, to review the game by game critiques !Tom the past season, and to build upon the successes of this past season that were achieved. 3. Authorize the Citv Manager to seek and applv for anv available non-matching grant funding for improvements to Hooker Field, including but not limited to covered seating, new restroom facilities, new press box and concession facilities, etc. Sources: (I) www.coastalplain.cun] (2) 2007 Season Report to Council prepared by Matthew Ilankins, 8/28/07 Council discussion points included: the $40,823 cost to the City does not include normal Hooker Field expenses to maintain the field for use by the college and high school teams; need to give ourselves time to explore all options including persons interested in perhaps buying the team; may need to wait another month; Leon pointed out this is the time to recruit quality players for next year's team; because Hooker Field does not have covered seating, we are not in line to host tournament games; administration not sure if grant funding is a likelihood, but it will be looked at on a local, state, and federal level; need to commit that we want to keep baseball and need to figure out how to pay for it; maybe others in the community can share cost in the baseball effort, including county support; city has put a lot of money into Hooker Field improvements over last 15 years; baseball has a definite impact on the local economy and is a good economic development tool, another reason for shared support; since the $40, 823 amount is a lot of money to lose, the city should look at all other options of private enterprises as well as partnerships during the next month. Mayor Lawson thanked the Christmans and all those working on the baseball committee for an excellent job done. Council agreed (1) to make a long-term commitment of 4-5 years to Mustangs' Baseball (2) reconvene the Mustangs Advisory Committee for further evaluation of improved operations (3) authorized City Manager to seek all funding possibilities to minimize financial burden to the City. Eddie Cassady updated Council on the deer management in the city noting there have only been 8 reported accidents involving deer during 2008 with complaints involving deer within the city remaining at a minimum. Figures from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries showed a total of 26 deer harvested in the