By Katie Northcott, News Director
During the Shelbyville City Council meeting on Oct. 9, Samantha Galbreath, who manages and operates Musgrave Ballpark, commented on the city’s potential purchase of the Musgrave Softball Fields, sparking a response from Mayor Randy Carroll.
The Council authorized its staff to begin assessing whether the property would be an appropriate place to build another fire department building at its Sept. 2 meeting. Staff must present the Council with a contract to be approved before the purchase is completed.
Galbreath asked whether the city planned to buy the whole property or only part of it, and if the city bought only part of the property, if the ten acres on the West Lane side could be used to build more ball fields.
“All things are going to be under consideration,” City Manager Scott Collins. “We’ve got a process we’ve got to start before we get to that question.”
Galbreath asked when the property would no longer be available for softball use should the city purchase it. City Attorney Ginger Shofner then clarified that public comment time could not be used to ask questions and receive answers from the City Council.
Galbreath said she understood and informed the Council that the softball fields could also be used as soccer fields. She said the park hosts up to 4,000 people each week, and the loss of the fields could have a financial impact on the city.
“We’re looking at a number of different things,” Carroll said. “We haven’t purchased the property, yet. … As far as my personal opinion, I don’t think it’s the property we need to buy.”
Carroll said the Council may still decide to buy the property, but the process is ongoing, and the city will let the public know when more information becomes available.
Council Member Betsy Noel assured Galbreath that the Council is not taking the decision lightly.
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