CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES
SPECIAL SESSION
224 S. Jefferson Street
Perry, Florida
July 10, 2001

MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Scott, Bill Alexander, Don Cook, Doug Everett

MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Frith

Mayor Frith was absent to serve on the canvassing board for the city election.

STAFF PRESENT: Bill Brynes, Barney Johnson, Billy LaValle, George Stamos, Bill Blue, Annette
Anderson

Vice Mayor Scott called the meeting to order and led those attending the meeting in prayer. Vice
Mayor Scott led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The secretary then called the roll.
PRESENT ABSENT
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

SUBJECT OF MEETING:

THE CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF
DISCUSSING A LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) PROGRAM
APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT TWO BASEBALL FIELDS AT LOUGHRIDGE PARK.

Vice Mayor Scott opened the public hearing. City Manager Bill Brynes began discussion saying the
City has looked at the possibility of constructing two baseball fields in this area for some time and now
has the opportunity to apply for a grant to help provide funding for such a project.

Briefly reviewing the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program application, Mr. Brynes said one of
the requirements is that the City hold a public hearing solely for the purpose of discussing the project.
Mr. Brynes said another requirement is that the Five-Year Capital Improvements Program (Fiscal Years
2001-2006) be amended to include the two baseball fields. Mr. Brynes told the Council if the City
were successful in obtaining the grant, it would be a (50/50) matching grant of $118,000.

Glenn Ratliff, Director of Recreation, briefly reviewed proposed plans for construction of the baseball
fields. Mr. Ratliff told the Council the construction would be similar to the ball field at Catharin
Norman Park. Mr. Brynes noted to the Council that lighting for the ball field park would be included
in the project.

Councilmember Everett said there has been discussion about Suwannee River Water Management
District (SRWMD) with the Florida Fish and Game Commission combining monies to build a sports
complex. Buddy Humphries, Taylor County Development Authority, said there has been discussion of
an area for such a project but the Florida Fish and Game Commission is not involved. Mr. Humphries
said this issue would go back to the Taylor County Board of County Commissioners for further review.
Page 2, July 10, 2001, City Council Minutes - Special Session

Councilmember Everett said he had concern there may be duplication of ball fields. Mr. Humphries
explained that once (and if) the sports complex is built, ball games would be held there but there would
still be a need for ball fields at Loughridge Park. Mr. Humphries explained the community would also
be in a better position to host state tournaments, which would be good for the economy.

It was the consensus of the Council that the City proceed to make application for the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Program application for the purpose of constructing two baseball fields at
Loughridge Park.

Vice Mayor Scott suggested that if the City is not successful in obtaining the grant, the City could ask
the County to match the funding needed. Councilmembers agreed.

As there was no further discussion, Vice Mayor Scott closed the public hearing and ended the meeting
at 6:40 p. m.

AGENDA ITEM (10)…ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to come before the City Council at this time, the meeting was
adjourned at approximately 6:40 p. m.

ATTEST:

_______________________________ _________________________________
William E. Brynes, City Manager Richard D. Frith, Mayor

Recorded in Official Minute Book:

___________________________ _________________________________
Annette Anderson, Secretary Date