The city of Auburn and Cayuga Community College are continuing with a plan to install synthetic turf at city-owned Falcon Park, with both entities' governing bodies expected to vote soon on a contract to solidify the plan.Â
On Friday, the city released a draft copy of its proposed with the college, which would allow CCC to use Falcon Park and its facilities — including parking lots, clubhouse and broadcasting equipment — for a number of its athletic teams once the city installs the new turf. The college would then pay the city rent to use the facility, covering the cost the city will incur for the renovations and any other operating costs that will arise in the future. Â
The deal would give the college the rights to use the ballpark when the Auburn Doubledays, the city's Minor League Baseball franchise, are not in season, which runs from mid-June through early September.
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The college's board of trustees has called a special meeting for 1 p.m. Wednesday to vote on the contract. According to a notice about the meeting sent out by the college, the board will likely go into in executive session at the beginning of the meeting to talk about the contract and then conduct "public business" following the private discussions. This meeting is open to the public.Â
During the Auburn City Council meeting Thursday, city staff will present the agreement to council. Next week, during the Oct. 11 meeting, council will vote on the deal. During previous public discussions, all four councilors and the mayor have voiced their support for the project.Â
The agreement, if approved by the Auburn City Council and CCC board of trustees, will run for 20 years, beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, and ending Dec. 31, 2038. During the life of the contract, the college will pay the city $6.125 million. During the first five years, CCC will annually pay the city $335,000. The next 10 years, rent will go up to $350,000 a year and then the college will pay $190,000 for the remaining five years.Â
In July, the city council approved a $3 million bond to finance the turf project. However, most the city has received from contractors are coming in significantly lower than that amount.
According to the contract, the city will provide regular maintenance and upkeep of the facility. The college will be allowed to charge and retain admission to its sporting events, but will not have access to the concession facilities. The city can choose to provide concessions during games and will keep all revenue from the sale of food and drink. The college will be required to work with the city to schedule games and practices at the facility.Â
The intent behind this project is to turn Falcon Park into a multi-purpose athletic complex that will allow more use of the facility. The college intends to use the park as a home field for its men's and women's soccer teams, men's baseball team, which will have its first season in 2019, and future men's and women's lacrosse teams. According to the agreement, the city will also be able rent out the facility for additional athletic, entertainment, recreational and promotional events.Â
Staff writer Natalie Brophy can be reached at (315)282-2239 or natalie.brophy@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter .