Ballfields, parks and poultry took up a good portion of the discussion time at the monthly Crofton City Council meeting on March 12.
Approval was being sought for a proposed new 175-foot chain-link fence to help complete the outfield on the north grass ballfield to separate the playground area from the ball field.
While such a fence would work for 10U little league baseball games, it would still be short for the 14U and 18U softball requirements. That would require a fence of 200 feet. The council decided that placement for the outfield will be flagged and the subject will be taken up at the next meeting.
With the north field discussion, the south ball parks were mentioned, making them into a playable surface. Scott Morrison said that the plan for now is to mow the baselines and paint the grass lines for some of the younger teams. Ben Mueller and Meghan LaCroix were present representing Crofton Volunteer Fields. They discussed donating a grooming machine to the city to maintain the softball fields.
Another topic of conversation involved chickens and other pets being kept within the city limits. After much discussion, it was noted that there is allowance for six chickens with no roosters allowed. A conditional use permit would have to be refiled every year and code enforcement recently banned roosters. There will be further discussion on the city ordinance and the matter was tabled for now.
In addition, a contract with Next Level Media, the city’s Facebook manager was terminated by vote of the city council. The council will reach out to other potential avenues including the high school and this item will be on the agenda for next month’s meeting.
In other action, the JEO pool contract was discussed. There were plans to terminate the contract and the council needed the recommendation from the lawyer.
There was discussion that to improve the streets in town, all city streets could be chip-sealed within three years. Examples of Yankton city roads were shown. This would buy time until Sharon Street surfacing is paid off. The long term goal is for the city to get their own chip-sealing equipment. For now, estimates will be sought for 6th street and Iowa street with the possible addition of 4th street.
City summer help is needed for mowing, weed eating, painting, watering trees, picking up trash, according to the council, with two positions open. Applications will be taken up until the April meeting.
A building permit for Tim Evans for a structure on Omaha Street to be used for light mechanic and hobby work was approved contingent upon signatures from Great Plains and the council. Another permit was approved for the addition of a storage container for Dale Merkel which is also contingent upon signatures from Great Plains and the council.
The next city council meeting will be April 9.