City looks to avoid softball field problems

The Mount Ayr city council discussed the future of adult slow pitch at their regular meeting Monday, July 15.

Public forum
Colton Bolles and Korey Beaman were in attendance to discuss the possibility of using the ball fields at Judge Lewis Park for another adult slow pitch season. City Administrator Brent Wise had asked for a representative to come and explain how they would handle the league this summer.
Wise reviewed the history of the slow pitch league arrangement with council members.
“Just to get everything out in the open, I think it’s a good time to convey…last year, the field was played on when it was too wet. And that caused issues,” stated Wise. “And then, second, for the past two seasons, there hasn’t been a payment put back into the City of Mount Ayr.”

Wise went on to explain that prior to slow pitch being on their own, a recreation director was contracted through the full season to oversee the slow pitch league. It was also generally understood that all slow pitch teams paid $150 each and $50 from each team was given to the city to help pay for field upkeep and maintenance.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, my understanding is you guys use the mower and whatever equipment out there,” said Wise, “I think we supply the chalk and the paint and that sort of stuff, and that’s the reason for the fee.”

However, Wise noted he was not able to find records of any money coming back to the city over the last two years.

The council inquired about the number of teams interested in playing, what days they expect to play and whether or not they would be using both the east and west fields.
Bolles stated that five teams had expressed interest, noting they could possibly just play on one field, but using both for Sunday games starting around 5-6 p.m. would be better.

The council then asked who was running the league in order to maintain a good working relationship. Bolles noted that Kevin Trullinger had expressed he would be willing to be in charge if needed, but no one had been designated yet.
“We were just going to take care of the fields and Tanner and Lance said they would help with the scheduling part as far as that goes,” said Bolles.
“Just up front somebody needs to be listed as appointed,” stated council member Matt Henle, “That way we have someone we can directly talk to versus trying to, you know, contact 10 different people.”

“I was almost ready to say I’m going to do it,” said Beaman, “I didn’t know KT wanted to try to do it.”

“Well, I don’t think it matters to us who it is,” said Henle, “It’s just someone needs to be listed as the contact.”

Bolles and Beaman both stated they were willing to take the lead so they could play.

“If you’re going to be in charge you’re the one who’s going to collect the money,” stated Mayor Steve Fetty.

“We’ll just make it you have to pay before you play,” said Bolles, “and if you don’t pay, you won’t play, and that’s the end of that. It’s 150 bucks.”

The slow pitch league was given permission to start at any time and both Bolles and Beaman were given a copy of park guidelines and rules for conduct.

Budget Amendment
The council held a brief public hearing for a budget amendment due to building repairs as a result of hail and wind storm damage, road repairs, tree removal, and little league.
No comments were received, and the council took no further action as the approval of the amendment was not included on the agenda.

Other business
In other regular business, the council approved:

• Resolution 2024-856 authorizing City Clerk to pay specified vendors on a regular basis as the billing cycle requires the claim to be paid prior to the next council meeting claims cycle;
  Set a public hearing on Monday, August 5 at 6:00 p.m. for sidewalk replacement project on East Madison Street;
• Resolution number 2024-855 to replace resolution 2024-854 that was inadvertently duplicated;
• The sale of an old used tornado siren to the City of Kellerton for $1;
• A request from Mark and Tara Steinbach for a trio of chickens, three breeding rabbits for a meat source, and a trio of Muscovy ducks to provide additional eggs and meat. Council members Mack Greene and Chandra Poore made a motion to approve a 1 year permit for chickens and the council unanimously agreed.
• Resurfacing one block of Jackson Street that was previously missed by the contractor. After reviewing quotes from two different contractors, the council approved the low bid of $12,640 to have Blacktop Service Company return to complete the job.

Administrator Update
Wise discussed an upcoming work session set for July 22 to review the street report from ten years ago and different strategies for nuisances.

Wise also requested the council consider some compensation for two individuals who both provided some assistance with the summer little league program. He asked the council to think about what amount would be appropriate for Anna Neathery, who got the season started, and Amy Shields, who stepped up to help coordinate the remainder of the season. The council requested more information and agreed to put it on the next council meeting agenda, August 5.

Wise also noted he is in the process of getting bids for both hail storm damage, and curb and gutter work.