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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.E.3 Authorization to Purchase Metrodome Seats for Schleper Satdium Consent Business 7. E. 3. SHAKOPEE TO: Mayor and City Council Mark McNeill, City Administrator FROM: Jamie Polley, Parks, Recreation&Natural Resources Director DATE: 01/07/2014 SUBJECT: Authorization to Purchase Metrodome Seats for Schleper Stadium (A, B, D) Action Sought The City Council is asked to authorize the purchase of 650 Metrodome seats to be placed in Schleper Stadium utilizing the Park Asset Fund. Background Schleper Stadium was constructed in 1981 in Tahpah Park to replace the historic Riverside Ballpark located along the Minnesota River that over years of flooding was in need of repair. Riverside Ballpark was officially closed in 1985. During the construction of Schleper Stadium the old Metropolitan Baseball Stadium was being taken down to construct the Metrodome. A group called Shakopee Stadium and Lighting Committee secured private funding and purchased 600 individual seats, concrete slabs and steel girders from the Metropolitan Baseball Stadium. These seats now make up the stadium seating at Schleper Stadium. The seats have been in our stadium for 32 years and many of the seats are in need of repair. We have some parts on hand however the parts are dwindling and the hardware can no longer be purchased at a reasonable price because it is not made any more. Many of the seats are also extremely faded. Beginning this January, 2014 the Metrodome in Minneapolis will be taken down to make room for a new Minnesota Vikings Stadium. The Metrodome seats are for sale to the public. Over the past few years our Public Works Superintendent has been budgeting for the replacement of the Schleper Stadium seats. The Metrodome seats are for sale to non-profit agencies for$40.00 per seat. The seats are 31 years old but have always been indoors. The seats are however outdoor grade seats. If the City purchased 650 seats, all the seats at Schleper Stadium could be replaced. The seats would then all look the same and be the same width. The current seats at Schleper Stadium are a variety of widths. For nostalgia a row or two of the Metropolitian seats would be kept somewhere within the stadium. The Metrodome seats also add to the history of the stadium as well as Minnesota because of the historical events (Super Bowl, World Series, etc.) and Hall of Fame players that are part of the Metrodome's history. Recommendation Staff has been communicating closely with the baseball entities that utilize Schleper Stadium. All entities are in agreement that the current seats are in need of replacement and are supportive of the City purchasing the Metrodome seats if it is cost effective. It is estimated that the cost to replace the Schleper Stadium seats with new seats would be $140-$150 per seat. There are currently approximately 540 seats in the grandstand of Schleper Stadium with one row available for more seats. Staff is recommending that the City cease this opportunity to purchase 650 of the Metrodome seats for$40.00/seat. Purchasing 650 seats would allow the City to add the additional row to the stadium and have additional seats to serve as replacement seats when needed. The seat would also be delivered to the City for an additional $250.00. Budget Impact The cost to purchase and deliver the Metrodome seats would be $26,250.00. However, it is recommended that staff be authorized to expend up to $30,000 from the Park Asset fund to cover ancillary or unforeseen installation expenses. The Park Asset fund is established to repair and replace existing park facilities and equipment. Relationship to Vision A. Keep Shakopee a safe and healthy community where residents can pursue active and quality lifestyles. B. Positively manage the challenges and opportunities presented by growth, development and change. D. Maintain, improve and create strong partnerships with other public and private sector entities. Requested Action The City Council, if concur, authorize the purchase of 650 Metrodome seats to be placed in Schleper Stadium utilizing up to $30,000 of the Park Asset Fund. Attachments: