DATE: February 5, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Baseball Field Improvements for Lakeside American Little League

SUMMARY:
Overview
Today's proposal will provide funds to complete improvements on the last of five ballfields at the Lakeside American Little League park in Lakeside.

Recommendations:
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB: Find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301. Allocate $23,850 from the District Two Community Projects fundto the Lakeside American Little League to provide fencing, backstops and dugouts for one baseball field at Lakeside American Little League Park. Authorize the Chief Financial Officer to execute an agreement with the Lakeside American Little League, establishing terms for receipt of the funds described above.

Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact of the proposed recommendation is $23,850. The funding source is FY 2001-2002 District Two Community Projects. This action will result in the addition of no staff years and no future costs.

BACKGROUND:
On May 22, 2001, the Board of Supervisors approved an allocation of $61,500 to the Lakeside American Little League for ballfield improvements and installation of a well at the Lakeside American Little League park. Over the past nine months, an amazing renovation of the ballfields at this park has taken place. Grass and irrigation have been installed on four fields. One field, which was completely unusable, has been rebuilt, and the well has been installed. Fencing throughout the park has been either repaired or replaced, and the equestrian trail, which used to run through the property, has been cleaned and reconstructed around the outer edges of the park. A tremendous amount of time and effort on the part of dedicated volunteers has been spent turning this park into a first-class facility for Lakeside youth, and they have made a little money go a long way.

However, due to circumstances beyond the Lakeside American Little League's control, more funding is needed to complete the project before its scheduled opening day on March 2. Private funding has not been able to bridge the gap, and the youth still need a place to play baseball. The additional funding provided by this action will be used to provide fencing, backstops and dugouts for one existing baseball field.

Allocating another $23,850 to complete this project is well worth the investment, for the kids who play baseball at the Lakeside American Little League park, and for the community as a whole.

I urge your support.

Respectfully submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District