Youth Football could have a home at John Kennedy

Posted by Philip Anselmo on July 17, 2008 - 3:56pm
Tagged in
Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionSend to friendSend to friend

Batavia Youth Football has been offered the field at John Kennedy Elementary School for at least the 2008 season. In a memo to City Manager Jason Molino, Superintendent Margaret Puzio writes:

We welcome the opportunity to work with the City of Batavia in support of Batavia Youth Football. We hope that the field at John Kennedy Elementary meets the needs of the organization and the city.

Puzio then lists the associated costs and "stipulations" the school district would require "if the field at John Kennedy were chosen as the venue for Batavia Youth Football." They include:

  • Labor charges for painting the field — $35 per hour and $30 per field marking.
  • Facility costs of $105 per game.
  • Bleachers (must be provided by the city).
  • Concessions requirements: Health permit and trash containers.

The city still has yet to accept the offer.

The Batavian left a message with Puzio this afternoon. She was in a meeting at the time, and we were told that she may not be able to return the message until tomorrow morning. We also left messages for Molino and Youth Football representative Ben Bonarigo, neither of whom were available for comment.

Posted by Anthony Beckman on July 18, 2008 - 8:42am
I hope this matter is resolved to everyone's benefit in the short term. Using one of the school fields seems like a good plan. Though I'm sure there are drawbacks - as there will be for any scenario - working with a not-for-profit such as the school district may be less tricky.

Thank you all for your efforts on behalf of Batavia's youth.
Posted by Patrick D. Burk on July 18, 2008 - 12:09pm
It should be noted that the agreement that the City and Youth Football has to consider only asks for costs associated with using the facility. It is actual costs that include the opening and closing of facilities as well as some custodial. Field marking is at cost as well. The $10 per day is for a 7 to 8 hour day of games and using the stone house as a refreshment area. Only actual costs were passed on to the city and/or Youth Football.

The City of Batavia School District welcomes working with youth programs and considers Youth Football a wonderful community asset.
Posted by Mark Potwora on July 18, 2008 - 1:44pm
Sounds like a Good fit..nice to see school working with the community to come up with a solution..
Posted by Philip Anselmo on July 18, 2008 - 1:54pm
I agree, Mark. We'll see what the Youth Football folks say.
Posted by Daniel Jones on July 18, 2008 - 4:42pm
This is a good solution.
Posted by Philip Anselmo on July 18, 2008 - 4:55pm
Dan, They've already rejected the offer. Check out our latest post.
Posted by Daniel Jones on July 18, 2008 - 4:56pm
Oh, my fault, just got home from work.