Aldermen approve city share of Fisher Cats field turf after accounting for project balance
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Summary
The board reviewed a final invoice for replacement turf at the Fisher Cats field and approved using city contingency to cover the remaining city obligation after factoring in a roughly $73,000 project balance. The final city ask was described as "just shy of $72,000."
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the city’s remaining share of the Fisher Cats stadium turf replacement after staff and the team confirmed final costs and an outstanding project balance that reduced Manchester’s obligation.
City staff presented an updated invoice showing a final total for the turf work and a breakdown of contributions. The Fisher Cats' CapEx contribution was listed at $98,212.36; the subtotal after that contribution was $286,794.64, producing a 50/50 split figure of $143,397.32 as the city’s contractual share under the lease. Staff then identified roughly $73,000 in unspent project balance on the city side that could be used against that ask.
Officials said the actual additional city payment would be "just shy of $72,000" after deducting the project balance. There was extended discussion about which fund to use — contingency, a special revenue reserve or other accounts — and whether the underlying contracts and addenda made the city legally responsible for half of field capital improvements.
Alderman Burkes moved to draw the balance from contingency funds; the motion carried on voice vote. Some aldermen asked for the contract addenda and supporting documents to be provided to the board; staff said the relevant 2016 amendment and earlier discussions would be provided for review.
City and team representatives said the Fisher Cats would pay the majority of the invoice; the city’s final payment would come from contingency unless the board later directed otherwise.