BRITTON CITY COUNCIL: BALL PROGRAM SEEKS FUNDING

    A seven-person delegation from the Britton Baseball/Softball Association met with the Britton City Council at its regular meeting on Monday to discuss field improvements and request funds, and that triggered a council discussion of needs vs. wants for a variety of city facilities.
    A special meeting is planned for Monday, Aug. 26, to begin discussion on next year’s budget, and parks and recreation will be a primary focus of those talks.
    “When it comes to the budget, we’re out of balance with parks and recreation and recreational activities,” said Mayor Clyde Fredrickson.  “It’s an issue we’re grappling with.  As a city we can’t afford it, and as a community we’re going to have to figure out how to do it.”
    The baseball/softball delegation noted that about 200 youth participated in the program this summer, playing 84 games at the local field on 25 days.  Estimates are that next year there will be 110-120 games o n 35-40 days as the program grows.
    Delegation members stressed that they want to be a partner with the city in promoting the program but need to know the level of support they can expect from the city. A total of 1,000 volunteer hours have been documented in work done to refurbish the ball complex, but work remains to be done and repairs made following the recent wind storm.  The group also asked that the city provide a $50,000 annual budget for field maintenance and staff.
    Fredrickson brought up the issue of charging for admission to games to help fund the field and also indicated that a major fundraiser should be closely looked at.  He stressed that the council is certainly in favor of the program but questioned where city funding would come from.  He did note that it will be important for the city to help with the lighting at the field to take advantage of a $100,000 grant that must be matched.
    The mayor also noted that the city is looking at major costs to replace aging equipment at the swimming pool and has a significant commitment to the library.  
    Other meeting agenda items included a report from an ISG representative on city projects.  He said that all the pipe is installed and the trenches filled with gravel.  The gravel will be allowed to settle before paving later this fall in addition to grass seeding.
    The board approved a payment of $494,271.96 for the sewer project and has a balance of $540,000 to finish the project.  An amendment to the construction service contract for ISG was also amended with the addition of an estimated $26,500 for time and materials to finish work on the sewer system and a lift station.
    The first reading of an ordinance providing requirements for storage containers on commercial or residential property was approved.  Containers would not be allowed after 30 days unless they meet the listed requirements which would include a four-inch concrete slab. 
    The council approved a variance request from Cheryl Loebs for building a new garage that is less than the required 15-foot setback from the property line.  The new structure will be five feet wider but sit on the same location as the current garage which has not cause any previous issues.
    Board members will have a discussion on water and sewer rates at its upcoming meeting but it did approve a required surcharge of $5.55/month for the sewer project and also approved the bond for the project.  
    A resolution promoted by the South Dakota Municipal League was approved that says the city is against a proposed amendment that will be on the November ballot to not tax groceries in South Dakota.  It is estimated that the city would lose $215,000 if the amendment passes that would likely have to be made up with additional taxes.
    The board discussed food trucks that have been setting up in the city this summer and considered requiring licensing.  Finance Officer Jennifer Athey said she would check to see how the issue is handled in other communities.  City Attorney Justin Scott updated the board on the status of dog and property complaints. 
    An executive session was held to discuss the vacant position on the council previously held by Austin Sasker and no action was taken upon resuming the regular meeting.
    The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, Sept. 9.