By Martin Couch
The Bryant City Council approved $50,000 each for sponsorships on the new scoreboards at Bishop Park.
Jordan's Barbecue, Game Time and Luigi’s are the three sponsors[more] who have given $50,000 each to put their names on the scoreboards. The payments will be made over a five-year period, according to Parks and Recreation Director Jeremy Lemons.
"There are no exclusive rights and the money is in our hands already," Lemons told the Finance and Personnel committee. "There are several medium level advertising spots left. These were smaller levels. We still have some $50,000 spots and we're going to the local hotels to sell those."
Most of the marketing has been done by Lemons and assistant Derek Phillips.
"We have enough money to pay off the five-year bond before we purchase anything extra," Lemons said.
Alderman Steve Gladden asked if the plan was to continue marketing and getting information to the businesses in the city.
"When we pay off the five-year bond, all the money that has been collected is going to pay off the note and as that is paid off then the advertising funds can be used with the park," City Finance Director Gary Hollis said.
The City Council was made aware that only a single bid of $16,750 was made for starting pads on the main swimming pool at the aquatics center.
"We look on line, it's under any retail price," Lemons said. "There isn't a wave of competitive bids when we advertised, but we feel confident with the one and think it's the best thing for us. It would be custom made and be there forever."
The starters pads were earmarked for $27,000 in the original budget for the aquatics center.
"This will be meeting the regulations for the meets," alderman Scott Curtis asked. "We don't want someone coming back to say we don't have it right."
Lemons confirmed that, "it is right."
