JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Two contracts pertaining to Kimball’s local park, in addition to updates about referee sign ups and fees shared by Alderman Teresa Lofty were discussed during the Board of Mayor & Aldermen’s monthly meeting.
Both contracts were introduced during this month’s public meeting, with each serving as contracts for Mayor Rex Pesnell and the Board to sign and approve whilst the meeting was in motion. The first contract brought to the Board’s attention was from TruGreen Commercial, whose document pertained to the maintenance of the park’s soccer field. The contract would last throughout 2025 until 2026 in the amount of $4,750.00 in total.
While discussing the aforementioned contract, Lofty expressed how the soccer fields have been kept in great condition, being better in upkeep in recent times.
The second contract proposed is to allow Kimball Christian Academy once more to utilize the park’s softball fields for its softball team. The contract has been an ongoing arrangement between both parties for several years.
During Park Board Reports, Lofty stated how the Board has spoken about coverage of referee fees for children between the ages of 13-19 interested in becoming a referee during soccer season. She explained how if the Park Board is able to achieve having at least 10 people become referees, the town’s soccer complex can host the community’s referee training courses in mid-August, as well as host more games amongst the park’s premises. This goal would help the Board and those signed-on for training and play into not having to travel abroad for training or for future soccer games.
As for referee fees, Lofty noted the Park Board is willing to offer coverage of all expenses for each referee if the need to do so arises. And when asked if adults above 19 years of age can also participate, Lofty explained how the Park Board is advertising more towards the 13 to 19 years age group as a means of providing support to children interested in participating in the activity, but are financially incapable of doing so.
“We’re marketing this to 13 to 19 year olds because we think that they are the ones who have the financial problems into trying to becoming a ref,” said Lofty.
Both contracts have unanimously been approved by all attending members of Kimball’s city council. The Board additionally expressed their support towards the Park Board if it was approached by Lofty for financial assistance towards coverage of referee costs for those signing up for the task.
