Sedalia Councilman Larry Stevenson Proposes That Sedalia Parks Department Purchases Jenny Jaynes Stadium

During the work session prior to the city council meeting Monday night (Aug. 5), 4th Ward City Councilman Larry Stevenson passed out a written proposal in the form of a motion that would have the city council authorize the Sedalia Parks Department to purchase the Jennie Jaynes Sports Complex from the Sedalia School District for $1 million. Sedalia Mayor Elaine Horn expressed her disapproval of Stevenson's actions, which did not deter him from continuing to pass out the proposal.

Here is the verbiage of the motion that was presented:

“Motion to the City of Sedala [sic], Missouri- City Council Floor

Motion to authorize the Sedalia Park Department to purchase what is known as the “Jenny James [sic] Sports Complex” from the Sedalia School System. For a total sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) no interest, to be paid at a rate of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) per year over a four year period. The purpose of this purchase is for the future construction of a Sedalia Community Center.”

Following the meeting, Stevenson told KSIS that he had initiated a meeting with Sedalia Parks and Recreations Director Mark Hewitt on the matter during a half-hour meeting. According to Stevenson, Hewett said the Parks Department has $1.7 million in reserve, which is money not spoken for. During their talk, Stevenson said Hewett said the Parks Department could pay for the facility in two years, but would prefer to pay $250,000 a year for four years on a no-interest loan.

Stevenson was asked if the stadium would then be torn down to make room for a community center, and he said he thinks that is the general idea, but it would entail a half-cent tax passed by the voters, something he says will be very hard to do given the economic climate.

You can listen to the interview in it's entirety below.