HomeMy WebLinkAbout13.C.1. Consideration of Contributing Toward Red Oak Elementary School Field Irrigation
/3.C.1.
CITY OF SHAKO PEE
MEMORANDUM
To:
Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
From:
Mark Themig, Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Director
Meeting Date:
May 15, 2007
Subject:
Consideration of Contributing Toward Red Oak Elementary School
Field Irrigation
INTRODUCTION
This agenda item seeks Council's consideration of an opportunity extend irrigation that
the School District is installing at Red Oak Elementary in order to irrigate the second
play field.
DISCUSSION
The School District is preparing to irrigate one of the two fields at Red Oak Elementary
School in order to improve the turf conditions. As you may be aware, the fields at Red
Oak are in poor condition due to the overall soil type found in the area (sandy with low
organics). The District has tried to use portable irrigation, but found it to be ineffective.
The District is irrigating only one field because they have determined that one good field
meets their physical education needs. When I became aware of this project, I
approached Superintendent McBroom to discuss the possibility of irrigating the second
field. Superintendent McBroom was open to the concept, but since they have
determined that they do not need the second field for physical education, they could not
justify the costs. If the City would help fund the irrigation on the second field, the District
is agreeable to do the work under their contract. (Incidentally, the District is irrigating
both fields at the new Eagle Creek elementary, the new High School, and additional turf
areas at the existing High School.)
The condition of the fields at Red Oak Elementary has required us to take several steps
that impact City activities:
1. We originally offered our Micro Soccer program at Red Oak. However, since the turf
is in such poor condition, we had many concerns from parents and coaches about
potential injuries and no longer use this site.
2. For other sports, we only schedule practices at this site. This eliminates two
additional fields for regular games.
3. Residents in the South bridge Area must drive to other parts of the city for many
activities.
By irrigating one field, we will be able to return some activities to the site. However, two
fields would double our capacity and would better serve the area residents.
I do want to note that I have had calls from residents in the area about the condition of
the fields, the fields were discussed during review of the Cambridge-Whitehall trail
connection with the adjacent residents, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
previously discussed concerns about whether or not the fields should even be used for
City activities due to their condition.
If the Council is agreeable to the work, the District will proceed with installation of the
irrigation system now, and will come back later this summer with additional turf
enhancements. However, by doing the work now, we should have better fields for this
summer. (Also, by doing it now with the Schools contractor, we will get a better price.)
BUDGET IMPACT
The School District has received a proposal from their contractor for irrigating the second
field at a cost of $8,460.
This is an unbudgeted cost. I discussed possible funding sources with Mr. Voxland, and
he suggested that if City Council wants to contribute, we fund this cost from the
Recreation Fund 2006 fund balance. The fund balance in the Recreation Fund from the
past three years is as follows:
2004 $ 48,015
2005 $ 55,043
2006 $151,206 - $12,816 (diving board) = $138,390
If the irrigation is funded by this method, the 2006 Recreation Fund fund balance would
be $138,390.
RELATIONSHIP TO VISION
A. Active and Healthy Community
B. Great Place for Kids to Grow Up
REQUESTED ACTION
City Council is asked to discuss this opportunity. If you are inclined to move forward,
move to authorize contributing $8,460 toward the Red Oak Elementary school irrigation
project, and direct that a budget amendment be prepared.
May. 11. 2007 8:31AM
City of Shakopee
No. 2078
P. 1
l
Red Oak Elementary North field
5/10/07
SU11lmit Irrigation
8147'U\ Ave E.
Sbakopee,~ 55379
(952)292-8742
~RrtB List
..Five SepBIate watering zones
..Five 11A Hunter POV Electranic valves with flow control
~2S Hunter I~40 rotating sprinkler heads with 75' spray capability
..2100' of 2" PVC latenlline
..500' of2 Y.z PVC mainline stubbed off of edsting 3" mainline
..~dditional wires will alteady be in place during iJ1stallation. of south field
':'Qui~ connect for additional hose
Note: We will J8D1Qve sod with 804 Clltterprtor to tzeI1cblng line, then sod will be
replaced upon completion allowing for field use immediately upon completion of
itrlgatlon system.
If you have any questions feel free to cell me at (952)292-8742.
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