Concession stands being considered
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

JACKSON - A plan to build two concession stands near new municipal athletic fields was the topic of discussion at the Feb. 11 meeting of the Township Council.

The topic may be discussed again when the council members meet on Feb. 26 and consider whether they want to award a contract for the project.

The question of whether to move forward with a project of this size during uncertain economic times was discussed by the members of the governing body last week. Bids from three firms were received on Jan. 15, according to township officials.

Pollard Construction submitted a bid of $1,176,000 to construct two concession stands at the Jackson Justice Complex off West Veterans Highway. Officials said that bid will be rejected due a problem with the firm's paperwork.

Straight Edge Construction submitted a bid of $725,401 to construct the main concession stand and $558,745 to construct the second concession stand. The total amount is $1,284,146.

J.W.T. Excavating submitted a bid of $1,985,726 to build two concession stands.

The township purchasing agent has recommended that if the council decides to move forward with the project that it does so with Straight Edge Construction.

Mayor Mark Seda explained that the concession stands to be built at the Justice Complex were part of an appropriation that was made last year in conjunction with new playing fields.

"The (sports) groups that came together gave up a certain amount of (municipal) appropriations," the mayor said. "My concern is that we will not be able to recoup the money from the state. This is a matter of public health, not having restrooms in the area where little kids are playing. They may have to go a distance from the field and the (other concern) is this would complete the complex. That was why the recommendation was made."

One concession stand was dedicated to Little League baseball and the second concession stand was dedicated to youth soccer. Seda said officials added two playing fields that makes the present restroom facilities 100 yards away.

"We spent $4.3 million" for the fields, he said.

Council President Ann Updegrave said, "My opinion at this point is that we (should) abandon this due to the economic status of the country at this time."

She said she does not believe the township should take on additional debt now.

Andrew Weathers, president of the Jackson Soccer Club, said, "On behalf of all the kids and adults that use the facilities at the Justice Complex, I'm urging you to stick with the commitment that you as the township made to us.

"In the original project we agreed to take $25,000 a year from our club and [put it] back into the township purses with the expectation that we would be able to operate and raise money. The money that we raise is used to benefit people in our club that have a hardship, those who don't pay to play soccer.Maybe their parents are out of work or have an illness or their parent is in Iraq," Weathers said.