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Council schedules follow-up with I9 after members raise cost and access questions for youth sports
Summary
City board members invited an I9 youth-sports provider for a presentation and will convene a follow-up meeting to review costs, program exclusivity and contract terms; staff said the city will also pull existing vendor contracts for review.
Board members scheduled a follow-up session with youth-sports provider I9 to review a proposed youth programming partnership and to examine costs, exclusivity and contract terms for vendors that use city facilities.
The group said I9’s presentation will describe programming for ages roughly 3–13 and that the provider’s model may offer expanded access for families. Board members proposed a focused session next week (weekday evening) to discuss the I9 proposal; staff said the meeting could be held virtually if needed and that the city would publicize the session.
Members also raised revenue and wear‑and‑tear concerns from tournament and league users, noting that many users of city fields come from outside Lawrence City. In response, staff agreed to pull existing multi‑year vendor contracts (for groups such as FC Pride and other organizers) and bring them to the corporation counsel and the board for review to determine whether fees should be adjusted to better cover maintenance costs.
Staff emphasized they will not turn children away and that the city will still run clinics for interested kids while discussions about vendor partnerships continue. Board members urged the city to consider affordability and accessibility when reviewing program fees.
A focused meeting with I9 was proposed for next week and board members asked colleagues to check calendars for a Tuesday or Wednesday 5 p.m. slot. Staff said they will circulate public notices and program materials in advance of that session.
