It’s still to be determined if Chatham will be home to an Intercounty Baseball League team, but administration has the green light to start negotiations to determine that it will cost.
It’s still to be determined if Chatham will become home to a new Intercounty Baseball League team, but staff has the green light from council to start negotiations to determine what it might cost.
While Chatham-Kent councilors approved a beginning to these negotiations with the nascent IBL team that’s voiced interest in playing out of Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park, the final decision will be made during the 2023 budget deliberations. This means the next municipal council will be making the call.
South Kent County. Trevor Thompson said he understands the recommendations but added these early negotiations do trouble him a little bit.
“That seems to be putting the cart before the horse on that side of things,” he said.
Preliminary costs are pegged at $75,000 for items the team has requested for the field, including the rental of additional aluminum seating, a portable backstop and wind-screening around the field.
Thompson asked about these operational costs while also raising the question: “Are we going to be subsidizing this team to play in Chatham?”
Rob Pollock, director parks, recreation and cemeteries, said the costs need to be determined on what is needed for the team to come here to play.
There could be increased staffing needs for cleaning of facility, mostly likely increased garbage removal and there might be other requests from the team, he said.
“We haven’t determined what they would be paying in return for the usage of the facility and the services,” Pollock said.
Ryan Brown, acting general manager of infrastructure and environmental services, said the reason for this approach is due to the likelihood of a “labour intensive negotiation” with the IBL team.
He said staff needed a decision from council on whether or not to commit the resources necessary to begin negotiations for a multi-faceted agreement out of respect for all involved.
“I think it’s the right process to make sure we have all that information before anyone’s making a final decision,” Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor said.
A deputation was also received from Chatham Minor Baseball Association president Jason Chickowski, who expressed support for the IBL team, but noted Fergie Jenkins Field is the only senior-sized ball diamond in the Chatham.
“(Chatham minor ball) has spent a considerable amount of money, time and effort on the renovations and enhancements to this facility throughout the years,” he said
He added the organization is committed to ensuring the viability for the hundreds of Chatham-Kent players who use the facility each season.
Chickowski said the minor ball association looked forward to working with the municipality and the IBL team as plans for its use of the facility is discussed.
“We simply ask that our input be received and considered if this is to proceed to ensure the (association’s) players are not disadvantaged through this venture,” he added.
Chickowski said minor ball association officials realized the addition of this franchise could only help foster growth in the game of baseball locally and provide “an opportunity for our young players to have mentors that they can look up to and we look forward to helping them with that .”