To begin, I want to state that I am not anti-turf or anti-kids. I am currently the youngest member of council and probably one of the youngest members of council in several decades within SA city government. I have 2 young kids of my own and it is these two that motivate me to serve and try to form a better surrounding for our future generations. I am the chairman of the Parks and Rec committee and I spoke against the fiber project when it was up for vote. I openly favored and argued for the money to be spent in the parks. I pointed out desires for a splash pad, skate park, or some other idea for additional recreational attractions. I lost this debate and vote, but I have continued to fight on.
As for turfing the fields…I am for it because I am full stock all in for things for kids. Things that involve a ball, wheels, water, excitement, adventure, and more! I realize that the youth are our future, and I agree that our kids deserve what other towns have. 100%. But we must be responsible in accomplishing this effort. So, let’s talk about revenue and funding.
As for the $250k and the project, it is not going to be complete for this season…so let’s slow down, be responsible, and get the BEST outcome. The funding has a deadline that goes till the end of December. By this time the money has to be allocated and the project has to “start”. But it is my understanding that “start” does not mean that we have to have a shovel in the ground by the end of December, but rather that we have to have started the pre-construction tasks.
All that said, I plan to support the project. But I will argue that we need to make a legitimate effort to get off our rear ends to get in high gear to get grants filled out and try to maximize the $250k. Here, rather than settle for a rushed approach where $250k only gets turfed infields for 2 of the 3 fields, let’s acquire a grant to get all 3 turfed. Or maybe even get upgrades to concessions, or dugouts, or other features included. Maybe just focus on turfing only with help of grant money and use what it’s left of the $250 elsewhere? Whatever way… get the best outcome rather than the rushed outcome.
I hope this comes to all of you as respectfully and informative to my position on the topic.
