Yorkton Minor Baseball (YMB) appeared before the regular meeting of Yorkton Council with a proposal to fundraise to help offset rising costs for youth ballplayers.
The proposal made by Darryl Struble, secretary with YMB said the group wanted to enter into an agreement with the City "to sell advertising on the perimeter fencing at JC Beach Ball Diamonds." He added the club is trying to raise money to pay the rising expenses.
A report to Council from Darcy McLeod, Community Development, Parks & Recreation Director with the City noted YMB "who operates Yorkton's youth baseball program is continually looking for opportunities to create efficiencies in their operations to provide the community's youth with an affordable program to keep kids active. Yorkton Minor Baseball and the City of Yorkton have an excellent working relationship with an example being YMB constructing batting cages and storage facilities at Jubilee Ball Park."
In terms of an agreement to sell signage, McLeod said the City has similar contracts already in place Yorkton Minor Hockey for the Kinsmen Arena boards.
In preparation to enter into an agreement with YMB McLeod said The City's Parks Division has been working with YMB on the specifics of the advertising signs to ensure there would not be any negative impact to the fence or cause any maintenance concerns. After checking with our fencing contractor, a lightweight wind permeable product would have minimal effect on the wind load of the fence. The product that was identified was a mesh banner material with City staff ensuring the installation process does not compromise public safety or field maintenance.
The sign program would be for the two sport fields facing Gladstone, however there are two other ball diamonds at this location to which the program could be expanded in the future. Currently there are 10 - 15 ad spots available as part of a sponsorship package that YMB is offering and they are looking for a three-year commitment from advertisers.
As was the case with the Yorkton Minor Hockey Arena Board Advertising Agreement, the City will be provided with 10% of the gross annual revenue through the term of the contract with the exception of year one. In year one, YMB will be permitted to retain 100% of the revenue to offset the program start-up costs.
The agreement will be for a three-year term with an option to renew for an additional three years.
After the first term of the agreement, the City will evaluate the success of the program with YMB and review the fee provided to the City.
