CHAFFEE WEIGHS FEES FOR PARK USE

CHAFFEE -- Using the city parks for school activities could carry a hefty price tag.

Park Board President Bill Pfefferkorn has requested financial assistance from the school for upcoming renovations at the city baseball fields.

Members of the Chaffee Board of Education have agreed to form a committee to study the issue further.

"We want to maintain good relations with the board," said Superintendent Ernie Lawson, adding that the school appreciates all the extra help from park employees.

Last month, park board members requested funds to help with the cost of buying a fence for the baseball fields but no action was taken by the school board.

The estimated cost of the project ranges between $15,000 and $20,000 depending on the amount of volunteer labor, Pfefferkorn said, adding that fencing materials cost about $9,000.

Lawson suggested that the board offer some support through athletic booster clubs or a fund-raising campaign

But it's difficult to count on fund-raising campaigns to raise a specific amounts of money, Chaffee Mayor Bill Cannon said.

"Nothing is accurate except the fence costs," said board member Randy Dooley. "The city will bear the brunt of the unknown costs."

The park board has committed its entire budget to the two-year project and the city will pick up any additional costs, Cannon said.

It's difficult for the board to agree to a donation because budget costs are already fixed, said member Larry Meyr.

Although a donation amount wasn't set Thursday, Pfefferkorn would like the school board to donate at least $5,000 to the project.

"This is a community project," he said. "It's not just the parks, we are all in this together."

The school uses the fields at Frisco and Harmon parks for baseball and tennis activities throughout the year.

School Board President Robert Sullivan declined to comment on the proposal because he also serves on the park board.

In other action, the board approved the 1995-96 budget and adopted a professional development plan.

The state requires school districts to spend 1 percent of their state foundation money on workshops and seminars for school improvement, Lawson said.