A project to add lights to Peterson Field on the former Dana College campus will get boost from City of Blair.
The Blair City Council unanimously approved providing $25,000 in Keno funds to the Blair Cubs organization, which leases Peterson and Zimmerman fields from the city. The total cost of the project is $50,000.
“They have been working with us in partnership to help develop those two fields into fields that could be used by all,” City Administrator Rod Storm said. “Any improvements to it becomes the city's and so any investment we make with Keno funds are making an investment and improvements into city owned property.”
Matt Baughman, Cubs vice president, said the organization has applied for a note to cover the remainder of the costs, which will be paid for through fundraisers and registration fees.
Council member Mindy Rump, who is a member of the finance committee, said the committee felt this was a worthy project for Keno funds.
Mayor Rich Hansen, however, noted the Little League fields at Stemmerman Park were built without the use of city funds.
“Little League park was built without one nickel of city funds, Keno or otherwise,” he said. “It was done completely by volunteers, including the lights.”
“I'm very aware of what went on because I was Little League president, I was on the complex board,” council member Frank Wolff said. “I appreciate what you're saying, but this is a different situation.”
“What's different about it?” Hansen asked.
Wolff said the fields are city property.
“This could be used by anybody at any time as long as they aren't using the field,” he said. “Little League right now will not let anybody else use that field without charging.”
Council member Chris Jensen said it shouldn't matter what organization is requesting funds.
“It could be the Cub Scouts or the Girl Scouts or we could have the band people in front of us right now,” he said. “We give Keno money for little projects here and there for these other organizations. We've done it for soccer, we can do it for the Cubs.”
Baughman said lights would allow the teams to double the number of tournaments it can host throughout the season, which in turn would bring money to Blair.
The fields, Baughman said, would be open to all teams.
“We are 100% open. We're putting in batting cages this year that will be 100% open to the public. There are no rental fees. We don't do any of that stuff,” he said. “You're going to be able to play on our fields and use our fields. They do belong to you, we do not own them.”
