The meeting began with the approval of the following meeting minutes- February 11 Public Hearing Ordinance 2025-03, February 11 Public Hearing Ordinance 2025-04, February 11 Regular Meeting, and February 27 Executive Session.
Rob Dehoff, representing the Decatur County Parks & Recreation Department, returned to the council to follow up on his request from last month’s meeting, seeking a financial partnership between the city and county for the ball diamonds turf project. He emphasized the goal of covering the rear four diamonds with turf, highlighting that while the project may not be within city limits, it would provide direct economic benefits to the city. Rob confirmed that 37 tournaments have already been booked through July 2026 and stressed that, above all, the project would benefit the youth of the community. He also noted that USSSA has signed a five-year contract with the county, guaranteeing a minimum of 15 tournaments annually. Rob said that local teams will still be able to practice and play during times that diamonds are not being used for tournaments.
Council members raised several concerns about the project. They questioned the decision to install fences and lock gates, arguing that restricting access to a taxpayer-funded facility limits public use. Additionally, financial concerns were discussed, with members expressing skepticism about the project’s profitability given its reliance on a $225 per diamond per day rental fee and concession sales. Councilman Mark Carman stated, “Local teams and youth should not have to pay to play on the field(s).” In response, Rob agreed and expressed a willingness to work with the Parks Board to discuss and possible alter registration policies to allow local teams to use the fields at no cost.
Rob assured the council that the Parks Board and other stakeholders would collaborate to ensure that, if the back four diamonds were turfed, local teams would not face restrictions or limitations in their use. He also mentioned that the Parks Department plans to seek business and private sponsorships to help generate revenue for the project.
Councilman Darryl Tressler voiced concerns about SB 1 and the uncertainty of future funding, noting that the city’s Redevelopment Commission had already contributed $100,000 toward turfing the front diamonds.
Council woman Vietta McKenzie raised additional concerns, stating that turf can be excessively hot. She suggested completing the front four diamonds first to assess the project’s impact before committing to the back four. Vietta also shared feedback from residents, stating that she has heard from them stating, “They took our pool away, and now they are taking our sports complex away.” She expressed frustration that community members would no longer be able to casually use the diamonds for friendly games or family gatherings without going through a registration process and possibly a fee.
Some council members voiced concerns that the Parks Department was turning a public space into what felt like a private business. Councilman Kevin Fleetwood remarked that he believed the project was a “waste of money.”
Following the discussion, Mayor Joshua Marsh called for a motion to provide financial support for the project. No council member made a motion, effectively ending the city’s consideration of financial involvement.
Zach Wirrig, Public Projects Director provided an update on the city’s current projects. Zach stated that the city found out earlier this week that they were awarded 2025-01.
Mayor Josh Marsh introduced Joe Cain and stated that he was recently promoted to the Wastewater Superintendent and also Aaron Schwendenmann has will be promoted the second week of April to the Water Department Superintendent replacing Rick Denney as he moves onto another position outside of the city. The mayor thanked Rick for his 29 years of service to the city of Greensburg.
