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BOOK 103 PAGE 637 <br />Becky Diaz, President of Spirit of Baseball, Inc., a new baseball organization, stated <br />that the majority of the children involved are from the South County area. They have 160 <br />kids registered and are requesting that the Board authorize a charge of $50 per team per <br />season which is the same as the City charges for their parks for other leagues. This is an all <br />volunteer organization and every penny they have is donated. <br />Pat Callahan, Recreation Department Director, explained that the South County park <br />is a regional park which serves everyone as opposed to a neighborhood park. In the <br />neighborhood parks, the volunteers do all the infield work, whereas in the regional parks the <br />County maintains the grass and the restrooms, purchases supplies and pays for utilities. <br />Commissioner Adams noted that the fees currently being charged are based on a study <br />adopted by the Board in 1989. <br />Commissioner Tippin commented that these kids are our future and we are spending <br />millions on "critters". He believed our priorities are confused and that the current policies <br />need to be adjusted. <br />Commissioner Adams felt the County is also very short of fields and hopes to expand <br />facilities and programs in the near future. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee <br />would be happy to review the policies and bring back some recommendations. <br />Mark Lehrer, 123 North 19 Circle SW, commented that the people who maintain <br />the County parks would be looking for another job if they worked for him. <br />Melissa Courtney, 2716 4911 Avenue, stated that team sports bring much to the youth <br />in the community. It is a proven fact that team sports decrease destructive behavior, teach <br />discipline, foster a sense of belonging to the community, teach decision making, goal setting, <br />dedication, loyalty, and courage. These are all attributes children carry through their adult <br />life. Every organization has to start somewhere and 160 children will suffer if the Board <br />does not waive the fees. <br />Charles Madden, 43219 Place, -submitted a petition to charge lower fees for the use <br />of the baseball fields. (CLERK'S NOTE: PETITION IS ON FILE WITH THE BACKUP <br />FOR THIS MEETING.) <br />Mr. Madden advised that he operates a concession stand and all the -proceeds go back <br />into sodas and groceries. He also requested that the Board lower the fees. <br />MARCH 16, 1999 <br />4P 9 <br />