HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-19-2000 Regular MeetingThe Recreation Board of the City of Fairhope met Wednesday, January 19, 2000, at
6:30 PM at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street
Present: Charlie Langham, Chairman; members Rae Jackson, Larry Thomas,
Vann Saltz, Jim Godfrey. Mike Ford, Council Liaison, Phil Rutherford,
Facilities Director, Betty Rivenbark, Secretary
Tony Caminiti was present representing the Men's Church Softball League. He first
presented a check for $500 to the Recreation Board to be used as we saw fit. He told
of the scheduled program for the year. The season will start April 3 and run until June
19. That they might have a tournament June 19 or 24 and that the Mayor's tournament
will be held He said they were going to have 12 games a night playing on all fields on
Monday's. He requested that if possible we realign the lights. He told of a co-ed league
that is also interested in playing on these fields. He was told to get with Eddie on
scheduling and work out what he can as far as the co-ed league. We have no problem
with them playing. He asked if soccer would be playing on the fields this year. No one
could answer at this point. He was told of the letter we had received from Mike Baugh
and that we are currently looking at the rules and regulations and will be revising them.
That there is a strong possibility that we will be requiring a policeman at all tournament
events as it seems to be where this is the problem. He was asked if they will be using
the scoreboards and he said maybe, if they are fixed. Phil said he will get them looked
at. He was thanked for coming and the donation.
Paul Keane, President of the Fairhope Youth Football League was present and
presented two trophies. He said they are a member of the central baldwin league which
is made up of Fairhope, Gulf Shores, Robertsdale, Summerdale, Orange Beach, Foley,
and the teams are comprised of 6-8 year old children and 9-10 year old children. The
trophies are from the league championship games. These are perpetual trophies so
each year they go to the winner and a plaque will be added. He had heard about the
concerns for them using the high school stadium and was here to talk to the board
about this. He explained how they play the games all day and that the parking lot is full
on both sides. He did not think it would be feasible to try and do this at the middle
school as proposed because of the limited facilities there. He stressed that their goal
is to do what is right for the kids, that they are a feeder program for middle school and
high school programs. He said they have 47 kids on the 9-10 yr old, 27 kids on 6-8,
25 kids 11-12 yr old. He was thanked for coming and all that they do for the youth.
Joe Sharp was just visiting tonight. He was just here to say that he is here for us and to
thank the board for all they have done and the facilities we provide. The question of
using the middle school came up again and Mike asked Jim if he had talked with the
principal, that maybe Joe could be of help. Jim said he had not talked with her but he
felt we needed to be specific when we went to talk, know what we wanted to ask for.
Joe was asked how does our football field compare to other towns and he said it is
better than any other field they played on. That soccer also tears up the field when
they play. He was just trying to say that we all share the same visions - teaching and
helping the kids. Phil brought up the problem we were having out at the field with the
paper not being picked up. He asked the coach how he was handling it and he said he
was letting the clubs be responsible for it. Phil emphasized that it was not getting
done. The coach responded that we should have gotten in touch with him and let him
know. The possibility of the youth football overlapping was talked about and that it
could have added to the problem.
The minutes were approved as written on motion by Jim Godfrey, 2"d by Vann Saltz and
unanimously carried.
The bills were approved as presented on motion by Larry Thomas, 2"d by Jim Godfrey
and unanimously carried.
Under old business, Mike Baugh's letter was talked about and Charlie said if it is all
right with everyone he and Eddie are going to sit down and work on getting some new
rules for Stimpson and then present them to the board for consideration. No one had a
problem with that.
The asphalt at the ballfields was talked about and Eddie is ready for the asphalt now.
Jim said it might be a moot point to talk with the principal but, further discussion led to
the idea it would be good for 7-8 grade football to play in the middle school stadium if
we could work it out. Jim and Joe said they would go and talk with Mrs. Thomas and
see what they could come up with.
Phil brought up that we need to get another reel mower with a grass catcher. He asked
Mike to request this from the Council on a lease purchase arrangement out of the
Improvement Fund. We would have to go out on bids but no one saw a problem with
this as we need it.
There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned.