HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.e. Approve Erickson Park Fence Project Bids � �
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TU. Steve Jilk - City 1�cinrinistraLor :
FROM: David J. Dechtold - Director of Parks & Recreation
DATE: March 6, 1989
ItE: Al.terations to Fences in �rickson Park
I�ive years ago fences were purcliased and installed at three of Che fields in
Erickson Park (FIELDS 1 - 2 - 3). At that time the contractor
had inadvertenCly installed the outfield fence on the ouCside of the posts
ieaving the posts "directly" exposed to the playing area of the fteld.
Investfgation into installation practices at that time indicated that it was
a common practice ta inetall the fences on either side of the posts. 4ne of
the main reasons indicated for installation of the fence material an the
outside of the post area was that the tension of the wire was more easily
maintained.
A21 considerations were given ta the issue. It was noted at that time that,
although it may be an acceptabl.e manner of installation for the fence ta put
on the outside of the posts, it was the preference af the department and the
city ta not make this type of installation a common practice. I
The pro�ect was accepted as completed and payment was made to the vendor.
Athletes appear to be getting more a�gressive each season`. We now find the
outfielders attemptin�; to catch fly balls by running into the fence and
��snagging" the ball high ahove that f3' barrier. This action causes two ma3or
problems that need to be addressed.
Running into the fence material causes the ties holding the fence material
ta the post to stretch and/or to break. This resu7.ts in the fence material
coming loose from the post. The once accepted method of installation that �--
produced a tighter fence that retafned tension longer now is proven to be
autdated.
' An outfielder running into the post directly would appear to possibly have
the same results whether the fence material was on the inside af the post or
on the outside of the posC. The second major problem with the construction
ae it presently exists is in�uries cause from outfielders hitting the fence
anci glancing into the �ast. Tlie post now becomes a solid obstacl.e that
breaks the natural turnin�. The fense material on the inside of the post
would allow additianal turnin� and spinning of the body thus helping to
prevent ma�or in�vries euen to the most aggressive player. '
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� The situation as it now presents itself t�as caused me to seek informal
c�uates from various fence companies relatfn� to the cost of taking down the
fez�ce material, installfn�; bottom rails, instalZing t�ie fence materfai on
the inside of the posts, supplying all ties ana materials necessary to
complete the pro�ect.
We have received four (4) quotes. The fallor�ring are the amountss
Dakota Fence of Minnesota, Inc. $ 12 366.OU
F'en — Co i,50d.00
Mfdwest Fence 6,500.00
Crawley Fence 4,950.00
The request that I have at this time is to obtain approval for Crowley Fence
Company to fallov through �ith this fence project with funds to come from
the revenues from "user fees" related to adult softball programs. ( 49SO.OQ}
This "user fee" was initially supported and vated into affect by the
Rosemount Softball Association about three years ago. The fee was also
accepted and charged to the City Lesgue teams that same season. Initially
the fee was set at $40.00 and now is at set at $60.00 per team. mhe purposes
of the fees were to:
1. off set over runs on projects related to Erickson Park softball aress
2. assi.st with pro�ects that were taken fxom the budget due to other items
being placed higher in the priority list
3• aseist with projects that are identif3ed during the season that will
afd in uggrading the quality of the park for use by the little Zeague,
gfrls softball, etc.
4. assist in some fashion with �arC time salaries if the need arises
(NOTE: some of these fee are being used in 1989 to pay for the salary
of Jane Mallman, our 3/4 time employee working with Lisa Jost.
Uecember 30, 1989 the remainin� balance of the "Self Sugporting Funds"
listed under softball was transferred to the Park Dedication account. The
total� on that date was $14,240.78. Since that time appraximately $3,000 was
approved by the city council to be used to pay for the additionai costa
related to the fence pro�ect on fields number four and five af Erickson
Park• (maCerials and installation to raise the fence from a 4' to a 10')
This pra�ect does meet the criteria for the inCend�d use of the "user feeB".
It is �3sa a project that has been requested by the softbali teams. A much
safer playfng area will be generated with the completion of this pro�ect.