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The Scottsbluff City Council has approved a modified contract with the 23 Club.
During last week’s meeting, the council was set to review a new, 10-year contract that would allow the 23 Club to use the city owned fields at a rate of $3,000 annually. In turn, the Parks Department would ensure all facets of the field and amenities are ready for the approximate 35 regular scheduled games throughout the season.
23 Club President Geoff Nemnich told the council that since the group has raised more than a million dollars for the new complex being built, he suggested the city waive the annual fee.
“The main reason is for that, due to the amount of time and effort that myself and the rest of the 23 Club has put into the fundraising for the new complex,” said Nemnich.
Council member Nathan Green objected to that idea. He says the city still doesn’t know what the annual operating cost for the new complex will be, and feels that the 10 year contract it too long.
Interim City Manager Rick Kuckkhan says that the $3,000 would be used for supplies like chalk and drying materials, and the Parks Department would handle the maintenance of the facility.
Green proposed that the council vote on approving a contract for only two years, and then let the new city manager weigh on specifics once situated into the new post.
Ultimately, the council approved a five year contract with the 23 Club, which would require them to pay $3,000 annually, with the condition that any outstanding funds owed from building the new complex were paid in full.
