Florence council considers development options
Staff reporter
A community foundation and development of the football field may be in Florence's future.
Florence City Council heard a report from Sarah Cope, economic development director, regarding a recent meeting that was held to discuss the topic.
"The economic development committee supports the idea," Cope said. She wanted input from the council before proceeding further.
Most of the council members had attended the meeting with a foundation representative and also supported the project.
A field of interest would need to be determined, Cope said, which could be the Florence community.
The community would have five years to raise a minimum of $25,000. Interest from the fund could be used as matches for grants, Cope said, with a minimum of a $25,000 balance always in place.
The grants could be used for non-profit projects within the community.
If the minimum amount is not raised within the five-year span, all donations will go to the foundation and not be refunded to the donor or be available for the Florence community to use.
Councilman Randy Mills said that won't be an issue.
"The goal is to have more than $25,000," Mills said, and added he was confident the community could raise the minimum amount.
Donors could specify the use of funds. A board of directors for the foundation, located in Salina, would approve the use of the funds.
Cope will arrange another meeting with the foundation representative.
Cope asked the council for its vision of the use of the football field.
"Do you see it as commercial, residential, industrial?" asked Cope.
Cope was asking because the economic development committee suggested the council give away lots at the field for new home construction.
Councilman Bryan Harper suggested lots in town with utilities and streets already in place be purchased by the city and given away.
"I see vacant lots on the tax roles," Harper said. "The city could probably get those for the taxes owed."
The council suggested input be obtained from residents regarding the use of the field.
