The fate of updates to Fitzgerald Field may lie with the Benicia City Council at its Tuesday meeting.

Since early 2017, the city has implemented plans to renovate the historic ballpark. These renovations would include the removal and replacement of the existing bleachers and restroom, and update structures for soil conditions, seismic requirements and Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations.

The Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Commission sent the City Council their recommendation for a stadium renovation at their March meeting. The suggested work retains the current designs with a smaller environmental footprint and includes seating for approximately 175. The total cost of this recommendation– including design, construction and contingency– is $1,153,500.

The City Council has two other renovation choices for the field. One would consist of  retaining the current stadium design and footprint, with updated materials, and seating for approximately 200. This process would cost $1,395,000. The second choice, costing $1,027,000, varies from the current design and has a smaller footprint, and includes seating for about 150 people.

The Fitzgerald field renovation project is being fueled by $750,000 in Measure C funds. For architectural design and engineering services, nearly $70,000 has been expended. Approximately $60,000 is expected to be spent to complete construction designs and prepare construction documents for bidding.

City Staff recommends the council receive a presentation on the design alternatives and select the design alternative that should be completed.

In other business, the council will also discuss water rates.

At the April 17 meeting, the council began debating increases to water and sewer rates. Staff were directed by the council to evaluate the impacts of deferring the water rate increase scheduled to take effect on July 1,, and become effective Jan. 1, 2019.

Staff recommends making no change to the approved water rate increase for the 2018-19 fiscal year. Council has alternative options to direct staff to conduct further evaluations and report back at a future date or consider a water rate increase effective date other than what is being proposed.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 1 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 250 East L St. A live stream of the council meeting can also be found online at ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas.

Sharing is caring!