HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/08/92r LTX COUNCIL WORK `SIGN
June 8, 1992
4:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Roll call: Mayor Manning, Angel, Dell, Budak, Wright, Lemke, Fox
and Buck.
Mayor Manning noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss
improvements at Municipal Stadium.
Members of the Board of Directors of the Waterloo Diamonds were
introduced including the General Manager, David Simpson, noting
that the deadline for the improvements to the stadium is April 1,
1994 pursuant to an agreement signed with the Diamonds in November,
1989. There may be some flexibility on this date if the city shows
intent to make the necessary repairs, although this is not a
definite.
George Spelius, President of the Midwest League, noted that
Waterloo is one of 60 cities in the United States with a minor
league baseball team. He noted that he was very closely connected
with the Beloit team who has done extensive work to retain its team
by seeking foundations and private money to make the necessary
stadium improvements. He also urged the city to contact the State
Legislature for possible funding. Rick Tagtow, Director of Parks
and Forestry, noted that by 1993, the city will have expended
$325,000 over four years on various improvement items.
Approximately $193,000 has been spent on lighting repairs and
engineering services. Of the $131,000 left for improvements,
approximately $104,000 will be needed to meet safety and structural
code requirements. He provided a laundry list of additional needs
at the stadium including repairs to the club house, restrooms,
ticket window, box, clock, fencing, painting and many others.
It was noted that the average crowd size for any one evening is
approximately 900, ranging to a maximum of 3,500.
Councilperson Dell stated that the council should be looking at a
major recreational facility and not just baseball. He also noted
that there may be other economic factors to keeping baseball
besides improvements to the stadium. Mayor Manning noted that Mr.
Tagtow has been instrumental in attracting other events to the
stadium in addition to baseball.
Councilperson Wright stated that she wants very seriously to retain
baseball in Waterloo. Councilperson Dell stated that the city must
decide the priority of baseball and not piece -meal a solution.
Councilperson Budak stated that if brought to the voters, local
option sales tax receipts could be used following the five year
expiration of the current referendum and that hotel/motel tax could
be used for stadium improvements. Barry McCammon, Park Board
Member, noted that Beloit, Wisconsin has used many other options
for funding besides the city and suggested that this may be an
option for us. A member of the Diamonds noted that they are
operated at a very low margin of profits and that all proceeds are
put back into the stadium. It was noted that many volunteers are
needed to run the facility. Park Commissioner Sheryl Annette
suggested that the city council issue bonds to cover the cost of
the improvements rather than asking for private donations.
Councilperson Dell noted that the city has made a large investment
in the local highway program and that the city should also place a
high priority on recreation. Councilperson Wright urged concerned
individuals to put together a plan, market it and sell it.
Mayor Manning suggested that cost estimates be prepared for a
phased approach to repairs to the stadium. He noted that the city
would continue to work with Waterloo Baseball Inc. to address said
problem. No official action was taken by the council at said work
session.
With no further business before the council, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor