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Parks department requests irrigation, mower and field upgrades; LED lighting and weekend staffing for tournaments discussed
Summary
Parks staff described phased irrigation controller upgrades, multiple mower replacements, batting-cage repairs, sports-field maintenance contracts and a plan to hire two part-time weekend workers for tournaments. Staff also proposed multi-year LED conversion for field lighting and discussed cameras and custodial staffing to address vandalism.
Darren, a parks staff member, presented capital and staffing requests for parks and recreation operations, including phased upgrades to irrigation controllers, replacement of aging walker and Hustler mowers, repair or replacement of a pitching mound and batting-cage netting, and a multi-field LED lighting conversion.
Darren said many irrigation controllers are becoming obsolete and are being shifted from radio control to cellular systems; staff proposed spending modest amounts over two to three years to complete a citywide conversion. On mowing equipment, staff identified two walker mowers and at least one Hustler mower in rough shape that are used daily, and advised replacements.
For athletic facilities, staff said the batting-cage netting has been ordered and that some fields need lip removal and regrading ahead of the season. On lighting, staff described converting the older American Legion and Spilsbury Sports Complex lights to LED for reduced power usage and long warranties; staff presented a multi-field cost scenario and discussed phasing options to spread cost over multiple years. In one reference staff said an estimate tied to Spilsbury Sports Complex work had previously been shown around $400,000 for multiple fields; staff said the contractor pricing likely changes depending on whether the entire complex is contracted at once or staged.
Staff also proposed two part-time event workers to free full-time staff during weekend tournaments and noted the city charges approximately $150 per field for a one-time prep (staff indicated the fee may be too low for current demands). Darren proposed hiring another full-time custodian to assist an existing custodian who maintains large restroom and airport responsibilities and has signaled potential retirement; staff also discussed portable or movable game cameras as a way to deter recurring vandalism at restroom facilities.
No formal votes were recorded in the transcript. Staff asked for direction on phasing and prioritization and said they would return with more detailed costs and scheduling information.
