Porterville renews Hays Field license with Porterville Girls Fast Pitch; council discusses lowering field fees

The Porterville City Council approved renewal of a license agreement with Porterville Girls Fast Pitch to use Hays Field and discussed policy options for field‑use fees and lighting charges.

Council and staff reviewed the agreement’s term and renewal provisions after members noted conflicting language in the staff report. Staff clarified the written agreement provides a five‑year term (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2029) with an option for an additional five‑year extension at the licensee’s option if they remain in compliance. Council members said that, based on the agreement language, the overall potential term is effectively 10 years if the extension is exercised.

Parks and Leisure staff reviewed last year’s field revenue and fee scenarios: the revenues from fields were about $5,272 for the prior year. Staff said that reducing or eliminating user fees (for example, reducing to $1 per day or $1 per hour) would reduce revenue by a similar amount and that the Parks and Leisure Department could absorb the roughly $5,000 impact if necessary.

Mike Rangel, president of Porterville Girls Fast Pitch, told the council the league serves roughly 250 athletes in the fall and 60–80 in summer and thanked the city for long‑standing support. "We appreciate your valuable contributions and continued support to our program as we desire to continue fostering a positive environment for the youth of our community," Rangel said.

Council members directed staff to proceed with the license renewal while taking the comments as direction to review a citywide athletic‑field use policy and fees at a future meeting. The council voted 4-0 to approve the contract renewal as presented.