Trappe council rejects motion to submit Little League grant application for Home Run Baker Park field

A motion to submit a state grant application for a softball field at Home Run Baker Park failed at the Trappe Town Council meeting on Aug. 7.

Cheryl Lewis presented an almost‑complete application and said contractor quotes were still pending; she estimated the project cost at $100,000–$150,000. The County owns the park and would need a revised joint‑use agreement that keeps county maintenance responsibility; Lewis said a draft joint‑use agreement can accompany the application but must be approved by the state and the county before final acceptance of any awarded funds. She also said grant funds are paid on a reimbursement basis, typically with about a 30‑day turnaround.

Commissioner Michael Sullivan moved to submit the application and President Schmidt seconded. Commissioner Rose Potter voiced concern about the application’s incompleteness and the lack of a finalized joint‑use agreement. The roll call vote was Sullivan — yes, Schmidt — yes, Potter — no, Chase — abstain; the motion failed and the town did not submit the application.

Planning Commission and the County Parks and Recreation Board had previously given favorable recommendations for the project. The application deadline reported in the meeting was Aug. 21. Because the motion to submit failed, the town took no further action that night; council members indicated the project could be revisited if the joint‑use agreement and required documentation are completed.