It is about to get a bit easier to find downtown Sulphur Springs and the Celebration Plaza now that the City Council has approved resolution #1077 during their regular meeting Tuesday night to rename a portion (just the bridge over Interstate 30) of Broadway as Celebration District and adopting the official logo.
With this Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell says he will obtain a permit from the Texas Department of Transportation to place an illuminated “way finding sign” on the street light at the exit. This will in no way alter any existing addresses along Broadway while spending less on signage. He also plans on updating the current billboard and obtaining another billboard on Interstate 30 to advertise the Celebration Dining District and occasionally alternating it to promote Shopping and Entertainment Districts.
“I think this will definitely help visitors find their way to Celebration Plaza,” said Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell. Council members present – Craig Johnson, Oscar Aguilar, Emily Glass, Kayla Price and John Sellers and Mayor Freddie Taylor were in favor of the change.
Mike and Veronica Yost presented their Bright Star Baseball proposal for their desires for a special needs baseball field before a large crowd and several media outlets. The duo, parents of a special needs child, showed a slideshow accompanying their testament to the league.
“We want to provide special needs children the opportunity to experience the game of baseball while building self esteem,” said Veronica Yost, with a motto “It’s hard to beat a person that never gives up – Babe Ruth.” She will be seeking donations to help construct a field with a synthetic rubberized overlay (for walker/wheelchair-bound children). Yost stated the field will benefit over 200 local middle and high school students. The league was previously granted permission to utilize a field just on the outside of the Buford Park loop near Peavine Pinion Pond.
“Celebration Field: Home of Bright Star Baseball” is the dream of the league with a $500,000 price tag. The team plays on Monday nights followed by supper provided by local banks and Lions Club volunteers assisting. The Board plans to begin raising funds with a goal of breaking ground by the Spring of 2017 and a first game set for Fall 2017.
Speaking on behalf of the local Lions Club, Don Sapaugh commented on the history of the Club with the league. He was offended with lack of appreciation and advance knowledge of the formation of the current board.
“I am disappointed we were not given the opportunity to serve,” Don Sapaugh said, feeling their trust has been broken. “We are all so divided over such a worthy cause.”
The Council took no action on the Bright Star Baseball presentation and will consider it when funds have been established.
The Council approved the interlocal agreement between the city and Region 8 Education Service Center allowing the city the ability to purchase from local vendors.
The adoption rate at the animal shelter was at 78 percent. City Manager Maxwell reported on the street and water line repairs. Lamar Street will be receiving complete reconstruction. He also noted sewer line work to relieve the stress on the line near the restaurants on Broadway to Duckworth Street to help development on Shannon Road.
“The City business office construction is moving smoothly along,” updated Maxwell. The Council will meet for another regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. at City Hall on North Davis Street.