Mar 27, 2023

Salina Baseball Enterprises to discuss Phase II with city

Posted Mar 27, 2023 12:36 PM

By SALINA POST

A presentation by Salina Baseball Enterprises, the continuation of the tennis complex naming rights agreement public hearing, bid awards, and design services for Fire Station No. 4 are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.

About the meeting

Study Sessions and City Commission meetings will take place in–person at the City/County Building in Room 107 and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas.

To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587.

The meeting can also be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID: 892 7598 4587 when prompted.

If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.

Citizens can also send written comments or questions to City Commissioners by visiting the City of Salina’s website at www.salina-ks.gov and using the “Email City Commission” icon on the home page.

In order for the commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, please email your comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meetings

Study session

Commissioners are scheduled to hear a presentation by Salina Baseball Enterprises at 3 p.m. Salina Baseball Enterprises is proposing a partnership with the city to make improvements to Wilbur Field and James Matson Field as a part of Phase II of improving the Berkley Family Recreation Area.

In the presentation information, Salina Baseball Enterprises reviewed Phase I: upgrades and renovations to Dean Evans Stadium and the softball stadium at Salina South High School that were completed in March 2021. Additionally, the organization noted that in 2022, baseball tournaments in Salina had an estimated economic impact of $2,812,870, according to information in the commission study session packet. 

<b>Wilbur Field at Berkley Family rec area. </b>Photos courtesy Salina City Commission study session information packet
Wilbur Field at Berkley Family rec area. Photos courtesy Salina City Commission study session information packet

Proposed improvements to Wilbur Field, budgeted at $3,060,000, include the following, according to information in the commission study session packet.

●Fully-turfed playing surface

●Turfed bullpens

●Batting cages

●New dugouts and dugout seating

●Covered grandstand similar to new South High, with pressbox

●Additional elevated fan seating area – watch Wilbur and Dean Evans

●New foul line and homerun fencing

●LED field lighting system for Wilbur Field

●LED lighting system for Dean Evans Stadium (use existing poles)

●PA system at Press Box

<b>A dugout at James Matson Field</b>
A dugout at James Matson Field

Proposed improvements to James Matson Field, budgeted at $325,000, include the following, according to information in the commission study session packet.

●Bullpens

●Batting cages

●New dugouts and dugout seating

●Improve existing bleacher seating

●Miscellaneous upgrades to existing men’s and women’s toilets

●Additional identified improvements

Salina Baseball Enterprises is proposing that it would fund 70 percent of the nearly $3.4 million for the improvements, and is asking the city to consider funding the remaining 30 percent. Additionally, Salina Baseball Enterprises is asking for the city commission to authorize the organization to move forward with installing turf at Wilbur Field, as well as make other improvements as fundraising allows. It also is asking for the city commission to authorize the organization to begin making improvements at James Matson Field as fundraising allows, according to information in the commission study session packet.

To see the study session packet, click here.

Regular meeting

Commissioners also are scheduled to continue from March 13 a public hearing concerning the tennis complex naming rights agreement and the agreement related to funding and construction of the tennis building renovations. Additionally, commissioners are to consider providing direction concerning both agreements.

Other items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday include the following.

●Consider awarding the bid for the Oakdale Avenue bridge painting project to Southern Coatings of Tarpon Springs, LLC, in the amount of $119,995.95 with a 5 percent ($5,999.80)construction contingency and authorize the city manager to execute a contract with Southern Coatings of Tarpon Springs, LLC.

●Consider awarding the bid for 2023 mill and inlay to APAC Kansas Shears Division of Salina in the amount of $1,016,049.40 with a 5 percent ($50,802.47) construction contingency and authorize the city manager to execute a contract with APAC Kansas Shears Division of Salina.

●Consider approving a proposed ordinance establishing a Turf Maintenance and Replacement Fund and authorize staff to make a $75,000 contribution to the fund in 2023.

●Consider approving a proposed resolution authorizing the city manager to execute agreements for the purchase of vehicles and equipment approved under the 2023 Sub CIP.

●Consider approving a proposed ordinance unconditionally approving the issuance of General Obligation Bonds by the Salina Airport Authority for the purpose of financing the cost of certain capital improvements located at the Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center.

●Consider authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with WSKF Architects for Phase 1 Design Services for Fire Station No. 4 in the amount of $147,760.

●Hear background and discussion of the advisability of the issuance of $21,000,000 Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for Becks Superior Hybrids of Atlanta and establishing a Public Hearing Date of April 10.

●Consider approving a proposed ordinance (repealing and replacing Ordinance No. 22-11139) amending the PC-2 (planned neighborhood shopping) district boundary and approving an amended site development plan for the former Town & Country Veterinary Clinic property at 1001 Schippel Drive.

●Consider approving a proposed ordinance changing the zoning district classification from A-1 (agricultural) to I-2 (light industrial) to allow construction of a sales office and warehouse space for property located on the west side of N. Ohio Street south of Interstate 70, directly south of Foley Equipment Company.

To see the full Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, click here.