Over the past three fiscal years, the city's Parks and Recreation Department has decreased its budget by 10 percent, its director, John Simeon, told city council today.

Overall, the budget he presented to council was flat. " ... I feel with this current budget we are as lean as we can go and any additional cuts have the potential for significant reduction in services," he wrote in an outline for his presentation today.

The budgets for the centers the city oversees — T.J. Davis, Chaloner, Jo Story and Kirkwood Adams — is flat, he noted.

He is seeking $2,100 to cover fuel costs for the upcoming fiscal in cars that himself and the assistant director use, which will be reflected in the T.J. Davis budget proposal.

The outdoor pool needs a new diving board and stand, he said, noting in his outline that will cost $7,000. "The current board is eight years old and the lifespan for this type of board is three years old. We have taken the old board off at this time because we cannot pass inspection currently."

Simeon is asking for $8,200 in the parks budget to account for the need to increase irrigation of athletic fields. He is seeking $4,000 to buy chemicals and fertilizer to treat athletic fields.

Simeon is requesting $6,500 to replace two mower engines, the ones which are used to cut all the parks, grounds and athletic fields.

The department seeks $6,400 to replace scoreboards at Allen and JC Fields, the last two fields in which new scoreboards are needed.

He is asking for $6,000 for bleacher pads at Allen and Doyle fields. "These bleacher pads increase the longevity of the bleachers and decrease mowing and spraying needs."

The parks and ball fields in the city need fence repairs, he said in requesting $6,000. "We have fence issues that have become safety hazards and some that will  move into the category of safety hazards if we do not address these fence issues."

The biggest concern with the library is a state proposed cut of 10 to 15 percent, Simeon said. "This would drop our monthly state aid from approximately $19,000 to around $16,000. We will absorb this reduction within the budget which means this will affect how many books and reference materials are purchased next year. I do not expect this reduction to affect services in any manner."

A bunker rake from smallenginewarehouse.com

Councilman Ernest Bobbitt was concerned with an item in Simeon's capital budget request — $11,000 for a John Deere bunker rake, which is used for dragging and lining ball fields.

Bobbitt asked why the parks department couldn't just use chain link fence, which is done at many ballparks.

Councilman Ed Liverman said, "If we want to get caught up from the neglect of the last four to five years, I think we need proven equipment to take care of our fields."

Liverman said if the city gets in a position where it can host travel tournaments for economic development, "It would be sad to see someone pulling chain link fence behind a lawn mower. It's like the police department needs certain pieces of equipment."

Another capital need within the department is to replace a maintenance vehicle, projected to cost $10,000.

One capital need that still needs to be settled is roof replacement and vinyl siding replacement of the Hodgestown Daycare Center, of which the total is $50,000.

The issue is, however, there has been some discussion of selling the center, for  which the city receives $4,500 to $4,600 a year in lease payments.

If the building is sold, the city would work out an agreement where it would keep the park there.

In other Parks and Recreation highlights Simeon:

Is proposing the adult ID card fee for T.J. Davis be increased from $20 to $25 to help offset daily cleaning and sterilizing of wellness equipment.

This discussion prompted Bobbitt to question whether there shouldn't be a separate fee for use of the wellness equipment.

There had been discussion last year of the wellness center interfering with the business at local gyms. "By having this equipment there is some degree of competition," Bobbitt said.

Liverman countered, "It's part of the rec center and not a separate entity."

City Manager Pail Sabiston said council could consider a fee that would make use of the wellness equipment an added benefit of using the center.

"I think $25 is a fair price for the city," Liverman said.

Bobbitt said he was looking at future costs of equipment maintenance. "I'm looking down the road to defray the costs of the taxpayers."

Is proposing individual swim lessons for $40 to city residents and $80 out of city residents.