By Kellen Olshefski
Correspondent
The City of Elkhorn Municipal Services and Utilities Committee voted Aug. 28 in favor of recommending to the full council the city topdress several city ball fields next year.
City Administrator Sam Tapson said the Department of Public Works was approached by a representative of Midwest Athletic about topdressing city ball fields.
Topdressing, according to Cornell University, refers to applying a thin, uniform layer of soil or other finely granulated organic materials to level the playing field when minor variations or depressions are present, and also to help create a better growing environment for turf.
Tapson said while it’s not mandatory, it’s something suggested and recommended every two to three years. He said the cost is about $16,000, and is something the city could amend the budget this year to complete the topdressing, hold until next spring or not do it at all.
Tapson also noted he approached Elkhorn Area School District Superintendent Jason Tadlock about splitting the cost, however, had not heard anything back as of the meeting. Tapson said if the city were to split the cost with the district, it would be about a 60-40 split, considering the district does not use Tasch Park for its athletic programs.
Tapson said while it’s not mandatory, waiting to complete the project until next spring could make it difficult to play on the fields.
Alderman Cathy Bensaid asked if this is something that has ever been done in the City of Elkhorn. Tapson said it hasn’t been done with the new fields, which were completed two years ago, and he didn’t believe had ever been done in the past.
Alderman Bruce Lechner said it would help in the long term, as the city would be maintaining the fields, but if the city decided to move forward, he would like to see if there are other vendors.
Tapson said it’s something he could have the Department of Public Works look into, but noted the longer the city waits to make a decision, the more likely it would be to push back playing on the fields next spring.
“Let’s say you get some quotes and say, OK, we’ll do it next spring, maybe the ball fields aren’t ready for play,” Tapson said, noting that he’s neither advocating for or against topdressing fields.
Alderman Michael Kluck said he doesn’t like the idea of paying for the project unless it’s necessary.
City Finance Director James Heilman said at this point, there is the possibility the school district would be able to share the cost, though, as Tapson had previously noted, the district hadn’t responded yet.
Tapson said at this point, the idea of cost sharing is somewhat irrelevant, and the real question is whether or not the committee would find interest in preparing the fields in a way that is suggested and recommended.
“Need is kind of an eye of the beholder question at times,” he said. “Is it deteriorated to the point that it’s unplayable? No, if that’s your definition of need.
“If need is defined by it’s recommended on an ongoing maintenance basis, like changing the oil in your car, that’s a different level, or definition of need.”
Kluck said if the company recommends it be done every two to three years and the city has heard no complaints, he doesn’t see a problem with holding off until the third year and Bensaid agreed.
Tapson said if it’s something the city might want to do in the third year, he would suggest doing it now through amending the current year’s budget, rather than adding $16,000 to next year’s budget, which would have an immediate impact on next year’s tax levy and budget cycle.
Tapson said the city has some flexibility to fund the project this year because of its contingent account.
A motion to postpone the topdressing project until the next budget cycle was made by Bensaid, seconded by Lechner. The committee approved the motion unanimously.
