2005 - 11-07-05 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOOK 20 PAGF 683 Mr. Payne stated that installation of backstop poles and netting should be completed in 3-5 days after poles are received. Once backstop poles are installed, concrete walkways and pads will be installed, and the installation of dugouts and the field house will complete the project. Infield work on athletic fields, installation of landscaping and grading for the trail around the pond will be completed in mid-late November. Mr. Payne further stated that installation of the boardwalk area around the pond will be completed in the Spring of 2006. Mr. Jimmy Batchelor and Mr. Rex Brown from the Sanford Area Home Builders Association were present and stated that their organization is trying to raise funds from contributions to assist with the project. They are soliciting support from the community in the form of money, materials, equipments, and/or labor in order to assist with completing this project. Mr. Payne stated that he had met with the regional Parks and Recreation consultant Jennifer MacDougall to review the application. Ms. MacDougall stated that site analysis needed more detail and soils and topography sections in particular needed to have more detail as well as maps. The Soil and Water Conservation Office along with Strategic Services assisted with maps and soil analysis. Another area of concern was the fact that no public input meeting was held. This area of concern was addressed at the August advisory board meeting and a formal public hearing will be scheduled for the December Commissioners meeting. Numerous presentations have been made to local public and civic groups in the past several weeks. Letters of support, a resolution, and Club News section of The Sanford Herald are available to assist with scoring criteria. No action was taken on the matter. Parks and Recreation Director John Payne gave the Board an update on Byrd Optimist Park on Wilkins Drive Extension. Mr. Payne told the Board that the Sanford Optimist Foundation owns twenty acres of land that they are willing to donate to Lee County to construct two soccer fields, restroom facilities, parking area, walking trail, and a small picnic area. The land is valued at $155,000 and is to be donated to Lee County and used as part of the local match, along with $20,430 in cash from the County. Cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $350,860. Mr. Payne further stated that a grant application was submitted in 2005 through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund but denied. Recreation Resources Services has notified Mr. Payne that there will not be a 2006 funding cycle; however, unfunded 2005 applications will be considered for funding of the $650,000 remaining in the 2005 fund from unfunded projects. No action was taken on the matter. County Manager David Smitherman updated the Board on the FY 2002 CDBG Scattered Site Rehabilitation Project. He stated that a recent meeting was held with the Project Manager from Benchmark CMR and City staff to discuss complications that have arisen from the project. Staff from the Community Development Office feels that Division of Community Assistance (DCA's) involvement and directives have caused undue difficulties with the project. Staff feel that DCA's inability and unwillingness to permit local administration to perform their duties has caused confusion and disruption of the project. It is felt that the consequences of these difficulties could potentially reflect Lee County's desire to accept further projects. Community Development staff 3