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RESOLUTION APPROVING INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY AND ADAMS 14 SCHOOL DISTRICT REGARDING REPLACEMENT/RECONSTRUCTION OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL FIELDS
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Summary and Background Information: In 2013, Commerce City Parks and Recreation Department staff recognized issues related to the deteriorating conditions of Adams 14 School District elementary school multipurpose baseball/softball fields. These fields are highly utilized for parks and recreation youth sports programming; and therefore, a plan was created to address the issues. Over 350 children participate in the city's youth baseball program, and over 120 children participate in the CCYA girl's softball program annually. Due to the city's limited field inventory, the utilization of school district fields is absolutely critical to the success of youth sport programs facilitated by the parks and recreation department.
The ballfields have not been renovated since they were originally constructed in the early 1960's. Most of the ballfields never had proper infield mix, and have received minimal attention from a maintenance standpoint over the years. Currently, 1-1.5 inches of river rock can be found on most fields, which is a safety concern. Each of the ballfields has a lip on the infield (i.e., the grass is higher than the dirt), which also creates a liability. Additionally, homeowners with properties adjacent to the fields have made complaints to the school district about balls being hit into their yards, and hitting their homes and/or automobiles.
Parks and recreation staff met with representatives from Adams 14 School District grounds maintenance to discuss the draft, requirements and procedures. The city attorney's office drafted the Intergovernmental Agreement which was reviewed by the school district board of education for approval on February 25, 2014. The next step is to have City Council approve the IGA by resolution.
The Intergovernmental Agreement will allow the parks and recreation department to repair the two fields that have been identified as being in the worst condition (SE field at Dupont and NW field at Alsup) in 2014. "Exhibit A" provides a detailed list of the repairs that will be made. These repairs will address both the aforementioned liability concerns and the homeowner concerns.
City Council approved funding as part of the 2014 budget. The city will coordinate the projects funded as part of 2014 Parks CIP Projects. The cost is $120,000 total ($60,000 per field). Adams 14 School District will allow the city to coordinate the demolition/construction. Adams 14 School District has agreed to provide more in-house maintenance to the fields once completed, and allow parks and recreation staff more time on the fields throughout the year to conduct proper maintenance.
Plans have been developed to address other ballfields in the future years, pending approval and funding.
For additional reference, attached are the previously approved IGA for Mutual Cooperation and Joint Use of Facilities between the city and Adams County School District 14 and the MOU for the Joint Use of Facilities for Public Recreation and Educational Opportunities between the city and Adams/Weld County School District 27J.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Carolyn Keith
Staff Member Presenting: N/A
Financial Impact: $120,000
Funding Source: 2014 Parks CIP Projects
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that Council authorize the Intergovernmental Agreement by resolution.
Suggested Motion: N/A