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Ross Council Backs Targeted Repairs for Ross Common, Asks Staff to Prioritize Drainage and Fundraising
Summary
Council discussed full restoration estimates for Ross Common (up to $800k–$1M) and directed staff to pursue near‑term drainage fixes (estimated under $100k) while exploring fundraising and school/RPOA contributions for a larger, future restoration.
The Ross Town Council discussed options to restore the Ross Common playing field after a public presentation by Public Works Director Rich Siminich outlining decades‑long wear, damage from earlier construction staging, and recurring drainage problems.
Rich Siminich presented the history: compaction and debris from portable classrooms installed during the 2011 school renovation left sections of the roughly 2.5‑acre field distressed; previous irrigation work improved coverage but did not fully restore the turf. Full restoration estimates range from about $600,000 to over $1 million depending on scope; a smaller pilot to restore one‑third of the field was estimated at $250,000–$300,000 but carries drawbacks (patchwork effect, irrigation bypass costs). Siminich said a full project would take about 2–3 months to construct.
Public comment came from Jeff Koblick of the Ross Property Owners Association, who said RPOA members would be willing to contribute and asked the school to consider support; Koblick suggested a near‑term fix to the corner drainage that becomes impassable in storms. RPOA indicated it could raise roughly $50,000 and encouraged joint fundraising with the school and PTO.
Council members weighed priorities and constraints: some favored doing the whole field at once to avoid a patchwork outcome, while others—including the town manager and several councilmates—urged caution because the town has significant competing capital needs (including a deteriorating public safety building) and limited staff capacity. Public Works pointed out that some drainage repairs could be funded from the town’s drainage fund and that a targeted drainage fix for the worst corner would likely cost under $100,000.
Council consensus was to pursue near‑term drainage work and to continue outreach with RPOA and the school for fundraising; staff were asked to return with refined scopes, costs, and funding options during the budget process and before committing to a larger restoration.
