Shelter House Discussion Heats Up

An intense discussion about plans for a shelter house for Y-city Youth Baseball took place at Muskingum County Commissioners.

Advisor LT Kearns and Treasurer Mike Whiteman said that engineering estimates for a shelter house are running between $1,500-$2,000. It’s money the youth league doesn’t have.

They asked Commissioner Todd Sands to approach County Engineer Doug Davis to see if he’d draw up the plans. Davis said he’d do so, if commissioners gave their blessing.

Commissioner Sands then approached Commissioners Jim Porter and Jerry Lavy about okaying the work, they denied the request.

"I think Mr. Davis should have come in here and asked us personally to the board why he was wanting our opinion," said Commissioner Lavy.

Lavy said he also denied a "blessing" because it sets a precedence of having non-profits contact the engineer’s office for assistance.

Kearns said he doesn’t understand why the commissioners can’t just contact Davis to see why he wants a letter okaying this work.

"Come to the plate," Kearns said to commissioners. "It’s for the kids, put everything else aside and do it."

"Don’t put a guilt trip on me," responded Commissioner Lavy.

As a compromise the commissioners told Kearns and Whiteman that they’ll schedule a meeting with Davis to try and straighten out this issue.

"Hopefully it’s resolved and all this can be put behind us and we can go forward with our project for the children," said Kearns.

If their appeal is denied a second time, Whiteman said they’ll move forward.

"We’ll figure something out. Hopefully, they don’t, but if they do we’ve survived 45 years without any of their help. I’m sure we’ll figure it out," said Whiteman.

Kearns and Whiteman said the shelter house will be used to cover their 25 foot barbecue pit, so that they can sell food during games and for fundraisers.