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Council directs design funds for tennis courts, approves airport hangar match and concession repairs in supplemental budget discussion
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Summary
After extended debate, Mitchell councilors signaled support for allocating design funds for a tennis-court overhaul, agreed to pursue a 10% city match to add an airport hangar if bid results allow, and authorized repairs to a soccer concession stand while asking staff to return with firm costs.
Mitchell — City councilors on March 3 spent extensive time reviewing supplemental budget requests and signaled direction to proceed with several items while deferring full funding decisions until more detailed bids and designs are available.
Council members agreed by consensus to include funds in the supplemental appropriation for three near-term items: (1) pay for design-phase services to support a full tennis-court rebuild (staff suggested a design budget up to $65,000 as a not-to-exceed figure); (2) set aside the city's approximate 10% share (roughly $100,000) to accept a federal grant and add a fourth hangar at Mitchell Regional Airport if bids are favorable; and (3) authorize roughly $15,000 to repair and make usable the concession stand at the soccer complex, which the parks director said is needed for the coming season.
"Concessions, hanger, and design of the tennis courts. Correct?" a council member asked during the discussion, and staff summarized the committee decision shortly afterward: "Concessions, hanger, and design of the tennis courts. Correct?" Council members confirmed the trio of priorities, and staff said they would include them in the ordinance for first reading at the next meeting.
The tennis-court topic drew detailed testimony from Jacob, who identified himself with the Mitchell Tennis Association and urged prompt action. Jacob told the council the existing courts are well past a 20-year life cycle and present safety concerns; he said association members contribute annually and have supported past projects but would need time to arrange specific contributions and pursue grants. City staff and councilors discussed staging the reconstruction so play could continue on some courts during work, and several members proposed funding the design phase now so bids and partnerships can be completed in time for a construction season in 2026.
On the airport item, staff explained the city could add an additional revenue-producing hangar to a larger, mostly grant-funded project at roughly a 10% local cost share; the council majority supported committing the city's match if bid results make including the additional bay affordable and if the formal bid award is later approved by council.
Councilors also approved a separate agreement earlier in the meeting: a design contract with Design Arc Group to evaluate roof-repair options at the Mitchell Ice Arena at a lump-sum fee of $6,500. Staff emphasized that the $6,500 is for study and design only and that any construction cost estimates will return to council for approval.
Council directed staff to prepare the supplemental-appropriation ordinance with the tennis design, airport-match contingency and concession repairs included and to return with precise bid costs, grant terms, and any partner commitments.
