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Board to continue talks on long‑term field agreement with St. Louis Redbirds
Summary
The St. Louis Redbirds and city staff will continue negotiations on a field rental agreement to allow the club to secure midweek practice fields; staff will return with a draft contract after reviewing rates and utility costs.
The committee continued consideration of a proposed agreement with the St. Louis Redbirds for weekday field rentals at the Fenton Sports Complex so staff can work through contract terms, rate structure and potential utility‑cost adjustments. The Redbirds’ general manager, Eric Moser, attended and confirmed the club has rented the fields previously and would accept an annual agreement if that matches the city’s operating approach. Staff, the Redbirds and aldermen discussed whether a multi‑year contract was appropriate; several aldermen opposed a long‑term (five‑year) lock‑in because rising utility costs (notably field lighting) and evolving rental demand make annual agreements preferable. Staff suggested preparing an annual contract similar to existing agreements with other renters that could guarantee fields for a season but allow rate adjustments. The committee asked staff to return with a draft agreement and information on potential lighting and electric costs so the board can make an informed decision. No final action was taken; the item was continued to next month so staff can prepare a draft contract and rate analysis.
