Economic Development Committee — Minutes

VILLAGE OF FOOTVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025 MINUTES 1. The Economic Development Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Committee members present: Robert Selck (Chairman), Danielle Harnack, Brian Givens, Jeanne Wilson, Charles Duncan, Chuck Hagmann, and Dick Laws. Also in attendance: David Wells, Matt Wellnitz, Julia Engler, and Steve Sagen. 2. Discuss plans for the new park buildings and layout: • Bob spoke with architect Brandon Leeder (who has engaged a landscape architect to assist on this project) to review plans for two unisex bathrooms, and concession stand near the existing grandstand; plus one unisex bathroom with or without concession stand at the north field (behind the fire department). A portable concession stand for the north field is preferred by this committee. • Bob asked Matt Wellnitz to assess the existing lighting at the larger ballfield – the 6 poles may need to be moved. Matt has contacts for new high-output lighting units. Matt suggested not starting construction in spring of 2026. Start construction of the main building after August 2026 unless it is not involving the main building. • Construction of new (not attached) restrooms could start in spring of 2026 as it does not conflict with the large ballfield. • Discussion turned to whether to install an outfield fence on the large field or just on the north field for youth baseball. Consensus – no fence on existing big field. • Possibly utilize existing metal roofed pavilion (with picnic tables on a slab) to abut a new restroom and concession stand to the east end of the pavilion • Back to ‘demo the grandstand’- use the plumbing and electrical services for new restroom and concession stand – open concept with seating areas, bleachers, team seating areas. • Get disposal companies’ bids to demo the grandstand – some grants are still out for the new bathrooms. • Need to add water lines out to the field to utilize 2” hoses. Existing drinking fountain needs lots of repair to operate – pit keeps flooding, freezing, breaking pipes. • Three possible restroom locations – next to the stone pavilion, next to the metal roof pavilion, east of grandstand near wire rope fenceline – concession and bathroom building. 20 x 24 footprint. Get bids for demo and construction items. Chuck Duncan to get some bids. Concrete block building. Matt Wellnitz to get some bids for light units. Add a concrete slab next to the concession stand for grilling area. 3. Discuss plans and quotes for the ball diamond upgrade: Question: Do we spend money on upgrade of main ball field diamond, $15-45 thousand estimate - decrease infield dimensions, rebuild pitcher’s mound, reset home plate, relevel the infield, add drain tile to outfield, resod grass areas. Outfield is all extra costs. Backstop rebuild is separate cost. Incorporate a field maintenance person salary/supplies. Committee wants to move forward while the money is still available. People lose interest quickly. New backstop (match dugouts) 3-foot wall with concrete cap, 20-foot-tall back fencing - $21,000 estimate. Can’t start too early (spring) new drain tile needs time to set and not move around – reset infield, pitcher’s mound, relevel infield, home plate remount. Order: Bathrooms first, infield, backstop, outfield, etc. Brian to get quotes. Board to give definite amounts to committee Pickleball courts - 2 fit on a tennis court 20’ x 44’ placed at “old” basketball courts – across path from lighted basketball courts. Thinking four courts. 4. Update on the non-profit account: The account has been established. Can’t begin use until government is operational again. Money is in the bank but can’t be spent yet. 5. Ideas for next year’s Non-Profit Parks Fundraiser/Parks Committee Fundraiser and what should be purchased: Money in non-profit stays in parks usage/maintenance. Brainstorm fundraisers – Bob and Brian say, “aim big” . We should publicize the oldest continuously lighted softball field in the nation. Bring people to Footville 6. Further discussion on ideas and rules for the possible new subdivision: See last month’s meetings minutes for bullet point #6. 7. Discussion, ideas, or concerns from Committee Members: Brian has advertising monies available up to $8,000 plus matching funds from Carrier Heating and Cooling Inc. Chuck Duncan asked who pays for electric bill at the Veteran’s Park? Bob answered the Village pays for electric usage. 8. SET FUTURE MEETING DATE: Next meeting 12/9/2025 @ 6pm 9. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn by Dick Laws, 2nd by Chuck Hagmann. Meeting adjourned at 8:43 pm. Submitted by Chuck Hagmann Economic Development Committee Member