tennis courts colorThe Charlotte City Council voted 4-to-2 Monday, April 27 to spend up to $75,000 to reconstruct tennis courts at Bennett Park. The project, brought forth by councilmember Yvonne Ridge, will utilize approximately $15,000 from the parks and recreation budget this fiscal year. The remaining $60,000 will likely come from the city’s general fund during the 2015-16 fiscal year, said Charlotte City Manager Gregg Guetschow.
Councilmembers talked at length about the merits of the project, citing the need to provide recreational activities for the community members and an adequate space for Charlotte Public Schools tennis team to practice.
Guetschow, however, cautioned the council about its obligation in providing tennis courts.
“Citizens in this community had an opportunity to vote in favor or against a tennis court project in this community a few years ago when there was a bond issue requested for that, and they voted it down,” Guetschow said. “I think we’ve offered a community tennis facility that is adequate to meet the needs of the community for resident play and they’ve fallen into disrepair. You ought to consider whether or not there is still a need for those four courts.”
Mayor Carrie Burch suggested the vote be tabled until the next meeting. Ridge, however, responded that tabling the issue would make it a dead issue.
“We’ve been working on this since February,” Ridge said. “The community support is there.”
Councilmembers received details of the proposed project in their agenda packets, which are distributed the Friday before a council meeting.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $125,000. The remaining $50,000 would be generated through a Patronicity Grant, an online crowdfunding source similar to GoFundMe or Kickstarter. The difference with Patronicity is that it will match community donations up to $100,000. The grant goal, however, is established by each organization seeking the grant. The Charlotte Area Recreation Cooperative has applied for a $25,000 matching grant wherein the local community must raise $25,000 in 60 days in order to receive a $25,000 match from the Michigan Economic Development Council (MEDC).
“I think it is more advantageous to go for the $25,000 to get the $25,000 match,” Ridge said when asked if the community and the grant should fund more of the project. “It would be very difficult to raise $50,000 in 60 days. I believe the community can raise the $25,000 and people I’ve spoken to, they are very for the project.”
Councilman Brad Johnston, who voted against the project, said prior to the vote that he would like to see the city’s portion of the funding reduced. Mayor Pro Tem Corey Sanders, the other “no” vote, agreed with Johnston.
“That’s quite the sum of money to take on,” Sanders said. “The tennis courts do need a lot of help. $75,000 is a lot of money that could go towards our roads and paving our parking lots.”
Councilman Branden Dyer, who said he would like to see more of a balance between the city and community in terms of funding, made a motion to spend up to $50,000 for the project. His motion did not receive support. Ridge then made a motion to approve the $75,000 as presented, which passed with yes votes from Burch, councilmembers Mary Jean Baker, Dyer and Ridge.