Meta aldermen last Wednesday approved the purchase of artificial turf for the batting cage at a cost of $3,195 from Menard’s in Jefferson City.

Several considerations went into the decision, chief among them access to the material as opposed to paying to have it shipped to Meta.

Only two options were available for local pickup at Menard’s, while the others, from On Deck Sports, would have required shipping for an additional cost.

Aldermen agreed that the Riviera Monterey 50 ounce tub at 1.58-inch thickness with a 10-year wear and fade warranty would best suit the city’s needs for the long term. At that price, a Cashmere 40 ounce, 1.5-inch option was offered at Menard’s but the durability of the Riviera Monterey was considered superior.

Of the alternatives, the cheapest was an 18-ounce, 3/8-inch option at $1,687.50 plus $326.25 for shipping. The closest alternate turf was a 60-inch Pet Paradise Pro, which at 1.25-inch thickness would have cost $2,745 plus $591.06 for shipping, or a total of $3,336.06.

Aldermen concurred that having a local source would be better in case there is a problem that needs quick rectification. 

Installation of the 15x75 strip of turf will be done before the cage is installed. City Clerk Deidra Buechter will coordinate the construction of the batting cage.

Aldermen also approved a plan to purchase fill for the playground as the existing material is in poor shape.

Alderman Otto Wankum also noted there is a safety concern. “We gotta replace what’s there,” he added. 

With a price of $8,455.96, the black nuggets include a weed barrier to prevent growth inside the playground area, and shipping costs total $298.90 for a grand total of $7,754.86 for 26,000 pounds of material, also from Menard’s.

Treasurer Mary Plassmeyer noted that after the turf purchase, the Parks Fund had a balance of $2,000, and suggested a transfer from the Capital Projects Fund to cover the cost of the nuggets. Aldermen agreed.

There is still the question of where to put the nuggets and how best to get them into the playground.

Maintenance employee Kenny Loethen suggested having it placed in the pavilion at the park and using a Bobcat to dig out the existing material and put the new in place.

City officials agree that use of the park has not been as prevalent of late and encouraged everyone to use it, even if they don’t live in Meta.

“I wish more kids would use it,” Loethen said.

A discussion about adding an infield conditioner to the ballpark led to the topic being tabled so more information could be gathered.

Buechter obtained two quotes for the mix, which helps the field drain and dry faster. One was from Sportsfields4U, which offered 24 tons for $3,950, and the other was from Professional Products Group, which offered a price of $5,760 for 24 tons.

Exactly how much is needed for the ball field is unknown and City Attorney Nathan Nickolaus suggested Buechter contact Jefferson City Parks & Recreation for guidance before a decision is made.

Aldermen will revisit the issue next month.

WATER/TRASH

Buechter reported that 665,932 gallons of water were pumped during February, with 279,548 gallons sold, 2,500 gallons used by the fire department, and 383,884 gallons (45.96%) in lost or unaccounted for water. 

Buechter noted that the Missouri Rural Water Association (MRWA) will be in town soon to check for leaks. Aldermen are still trying to figure out why the loss rate is consistently high.

* A total of $4,831.72 in water sales was recorded, with $1,165.59 collected for trash service, $110 in late fees, and $181.38 in sales tax. Total charges were $6,288.69 with a previous balance of $705.37, and payments received in the amount of $5,821.47, leaving a balance due of $1,172.59.

Buechter and Treasurer Mary Plassmeyer asked aldermen to consider a couple of options to help reduce monthly late payments.

FINANCIAL NEWS

* In her regular monthly financial report, Plassmeyer noted income/deposits totaled $14,806.41 and debits were $13,337.65 for a balance on hand as of Feb. 28 totaling $380.079.41; the money market balance was $140.417.28; and two certificates of deposit totaling $54,221.15 and $125,024.13, gave the city a total of $699,741.97 in all accounts. A total of $8,602.55 in expenses were paid in February.

* A budget planning meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 25, and the next regular meeting of the board will be held at 6:30 p.m. on April 13.