Spending begins for Schroeder Park upgrades

    Promises of improvements to ballfields at the city-owned Schroeder Park have resulted in some spending in recent weeks.
    At the council’s Feb. 22 meeting, Public Works Supt. Pat Davison reported they have spent about $313,000 so far on the upgrades discussed as the 2021-22 budget was put together.
    As the mayor and council reviewed the financial report last week, major expenditures for the ball fields were noted.
    Davison said a $93,929.62 expenditure to Anderson Fencing & Seamless Gutters is for fencing for all three fields at Schroeder. The fencing is now being removed, Davison said, and costs will be included in another bill later for Anderson’s labor.
    Another $32,600 in spending was in the claims paid to DuraEdge Products, which will be doing the work to improve the south field.
    Davison said field work will include removing the grass infield, leveling and bringing in better quality dirt. While it had been discussed, the south field will not be turned a different direction, he said.
    Davison said DuraEdge reps believe their work will be completed by this year’s ball season.
    The balance of spending has been for new LED lights. Davison said new lighting for the north and south fields has been ordered, and he is preparing the order for the middle field lighting.
    The 2021-22 parks budget includes $450,000 for improvements at the Schroeder fields.
    Davison said a new concession stand and restroom will be completed in a future budget year cycle.
Other business
    The council at last week’s meeting also approved the 2020-21 audit completed by AMGL CPAs and Advisors of Grand Island.
    After a public hearing, the council ratified earlier action by the Planning Commission that replats the TTS Properties in the Cornerstone Addition.
    Owners Todd and Tammy Siverson wish to sell off a 1-acre lot to the west while maintaining the rest for their business building. Both lots will continue to be zoned C-2.