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Council introduces $5.7 million bond ordinance, discusses using leftover funds for pickleball courts
Summary
Council moved to introduce bond ordinance 2614, appropriating $5.7 million for capital projects including dam repairs and a ladder truck; the mayor and residents discussed using about $48,000 of leftover bond proceeds for community pickleball courts and asked council direction to proceed with design and bidding.
The Vernon Township Council introduced a bond ordinance (2614) at Wednesday's meeting that appropriates $5.7 million for various municipal improvements, and members spent substantial time discussing a separate proposal to build four pickleball courts using leftover project funds.
The bond ordinance was introduced on first reading and carried on a roll call. Council members and the mayor described line items read into the record, including roadway improvements, a ladder truck allocation, a communication system for first responders and a $963,000 allocation tied to Conway Dam repairs. The ordinance will return for final adoption at a later meeting after statutory public-notice requirements.
Separately, the mayor said funds remain from an earlier capital project (ordinance 21-12) and that the CFO identified roughly $48,000 available to be used only for that project area. "We have $48,000 change there," the mayor said, and suggested the council discuss whether to use remaining funds as part of constructing four courts across from the pump track. The mayor estimated the cost to build four pickleball courts at roughly $200,000–$250,000 and said any construction would require a separate bidding and award process.
Residents speaking in favor called the courts a popular, low-cost amenity. "I've been playing for 10 years now ... the courts are excellent and it's filled every single day," said Al Ren (who noted people call him "Buddy"). Jean Buffalolino, a long-time resident, said courts would help keep local residents and taxpaying seniors in town.
Council members and staff clarified funding sources and asked the CFO to provide a written breakout of how the earlier bond funds and open-space allocations were spent and what remains; the mayor said he would forward the ordinance and detailed accounting by email. Council members also noted that some funds were not grant money but bonding proceeds that represent taxpayer liabilities.
Next steps: council asked staff to supply a written funding breakout for ordinance 21-12 and for the CFO to email details to councilors and interested residents; if the council approves moving forward on pickleball, competitive bidding and a formal award would be required.
