Councilman Bob Patton initiated discussion about waivers of fees charged for use of the city’s park facilities during the Kenedy City Council’s meeting on August 8.

Patton read from city documents listing the fees charged to individuals or groups for use of the facilities. He said there are only two exceptions listed in the documents. City employees or council members can use the city auditorium free of charge twice per year, and also can use the Wasso De La Garza Field without having to pay the fees.

"On July 18 of this year, 2006, the city council approved a motion to not allow the Little League to play without paying," Patton said.

"I believe the council acted in good faith based upon the documented fees. I also feel that some council members maybe were uninformed that there had been groups using Annadel Rogers Softball Field for no charge of the fees stated on the documents."

Reviewing the park reservation logbook at City Hall could substantiate this, Patton said.

"The park was developed for our enjoyment…It is a place where we can have citywide activities such as Bluebonnet Days or have family picnics or celebrate a birthday with family and friends," Patton added.

"I do not believe the parks committee developed our parks so that the city can make a profit. In fact, just recently, the city council transferred additional funds into the parks budget," Patton said.

Patton said he understands why some of the fees have been assessed.

"In some cases we have experienced groups and individuals who have destroyed park property and have left litter which does cost the city extra expense in manpower for clean up and repair. However, based upon the fact that there have been groups allowed to play without paying on the Annadel Rogers Softball Field, I move that this council rescind their motion made on July 8, 2006," Patton said.

Patton made another motion to refund all fees charged to groups and individuals for use of the field between January 6 to the present.

"Our high school athletes, our Little Leaguers and our girls’ softball teams represent the best of Kenedy. They represent us when we compete against each other and other cities," he said. "It should be our desire to provide them with the best facility possible and support them in any way we can."

Patton said he hopes that the city council will schedule a workshop with the Little League representatives, the Kenedy school representatives and the parks committee to work out a fee schedule, which will support the youth.

Councilman Ken Reiley asked Patton how many times the park facilities fees had been waived.

Patton said he found seven or eight instances.

"Who makes that decision?" Reiley asked.

City Secretary Loretta Thiele said she did not make the decision when she was in the position of city administrator.

"It didn’t come before the council, either," Reiley said.

Reiley made the point that city tax dollars should not be spent to benefit any particular groups or individuals – that the money should be spent to benefit the public as a whole.

"Is it really ethical to spend tax dollars on one group?" Reiley asked.

"There’s no exceptions to these fees," Patton said. "Someone made an exception. So someone broke a rule, so now the rule can not apply to anybody."

"Someone made an exception that is not allowed. So now we need to go back and clear the slate so that anybody who has paid since January 6, 2006 gets reimbursed," Patton said.

"I would go along with that," Mayor Randy Garza said, adding that a cleaning deposit fee should be considered.

Garza said he approved waiving the fees for the youth rally, day of prayer, Bluebonnet Days, use by the local Catholic and Baptist churches and use by the Connally Unit correctional officers involved in a fundraiser for Special Olympics.

"It was offered in good faith," Garza said. "That’s the decision I made."

"Mayor, I still think you have missed the point," Patton said.

"The point is – these two documents show no exceptions, except two, and that’s it. All those organizations you mentioned are fine organizations. So is the Little League, except the Little League is worldwide," Patton said.

"Because the rules were not followed, then we can not follow the rules," Patton said. "I have two motions on the floor."

Councilman Ken Reiley seconded the motion rescinding the council’s action requiring payment from the Little League, but said he had reservations based on his reluctance to use tax dollars to benefit specific individuals or organizations.

The motion carried unanimously.

Patton then made a motion refunding fees paid by anyone between January 6 and the present.

Councilwoman Mary Ann Sanchez seconded the motion.

The motion carried 3-2 with Patton, Sanchez and Councilman Joseph Castillo voting in favor. Councilmen Ken Reiley and Felipe Leal voted against.

Patton made another motion to not charge the Little League for the 2006 year.

Sanchez seconded the motion.

The motion carried 4-1, with Patton, Sanchez, Castillo and Reiley voting in favor while Leal voted against.