Damage to Backboards Closes City Hall

The City Hall, used by many families and individuals for recreation and fitness, was closed on Monday by the City Office.

The reason for the closure was prompted by the destruction of backboards on basketball hoops, used at the present by the “Tiny Dribblers” group through the Parks and Rec department. The access fobs, which allow access to the gym at hours beyond the hours of 8-5, were also deactivated.

The damage occurred over the weekend. The incident was caught on surveillance cameras, however, no one took the time, or responsibility, to report the incident. This left the City with the alternative to deactivate the fobs to assess the damage and make a determination as to the next step.

The City Council voted on Tuesday to approve the purchase of necessary replacement of the destroyed equipment. Part of the equipment was ordered, and the City crew will now need to spend City crew time to fabricate part of the unit to have it ready for use at the “Tiny Dribblers” basketball practice.

The City opened the gym back up on Wednesday to facilitate the routine of activities through Parks and Rec; although as of print time of the PCN, no one has contacted the City to report the incident/damage.

The shutdown was an inconvenience to many, and could have been avoided, if the one(s) involved would have stepped up and contacted the City Office immediately.

The access fobs are available from the City office, at the cost of $20 and individuals sign a release prior to using the gym. The agreement signed at the time of acquiring the fob states, “If it is found that persons other than yourself, persons under 18 years of age and/or not on your family membership are using your fob, your fob will be de-activated and your membership will be terminated.”

The contract also states: #18: “I understand that I may have guests and my guest will be required to sign a waiver, which is valid for one year. My guests must also pay $1 each per time when accompanied by a member to use the facility.” And #19 states: “I understand that any of my family members 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult who has a membership.”

The individual(s) entering the gym went to the side doors and opened them, allowi