2020 Stadium Commission Annual Report
First Energy Stadium Commission

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James Schlegel - Chairman/Secretary
Rick Mountz – Member
Michael Schorn - Member
Strat Marmarou - City Councl Liaison
Cindy Castner - DPW Liaison

It is with pleasure that I submit the following update regarding the activities of the Stadium Commission for the year 2020.

Please note that in August, 2020 Mrs. Annarose Ingarra-Milch our past Chairperson rotated off the Commission having served with distinction for the past five years. According to the Stadium Commission Procedural Rules, the Vice-Chairman/Secretary shall assume the role as Chairman until a special election is held at the next meeting. The Commission members decided to have the Vice Chairman serve the rest of the year as Chairman/Secretary. New elections will be held at the January 2021 meeting.

Over the course of 2020, the Commission met six times, in accordance with procedures. Our March 18th meeting was cancelled due to Covid 19. A replacement meeting was scheduled for August 26, 2020.

At the June 24th meeting Mr. Michael Schorn was introduced as its newest member.

In January, Scott Hunsicker, General Manager of the Fightin Phils shared with the Commission his list of Capital Improvement Projects for 2020. He noted that the stadium lights have passed their inspection for this year, however, there is a need to replace some burnt out bulbs prior to opening day. Looking into the future, the issue of new lights will need to be undertaken at a substantial cost to the city.

Commission members, The Department of Public Works and the Fightin Phils management will all need to work together to accomplish this huge endeavor.

In June of 2020, Mr. Hunsicker requested that the CPI in the amount of $5,000 be approved for the following projects: (1) Fix and replace rotted wood decking around the left field deck and (2) around the right field pool picnic area to prevent trip and fall hazards. The Commission authorized the work to be completed. Invoices were submitted and payment followed.

At our June meeting two special recognitions were made from the office of Representative Thomas Calagirone. The "Spirit of Reading" award was given to our Chairperson Annarose Ingarra-Milch for her many years of service to the Stadium Commission. A second award was given to the Stadium Commission for achievement of longevity serving the community. Also in June, a motion was made to change the number of members on the Commission from 9 members to 5 members. It was the Commission's decision that a 5 member board could be more effective in carrying out its business. On November 12, 2020 City Council approved the change to the ordinance to 5 members.

Over previous years it was expected that the Stadium Commission members volunteer hours in support of the stadium and the Fightin Phils organization. Due to the cancellation of the baseball season there were no opportunities to serve in this capacity.

It is with great hope that 2021 will bring back our beloved Fightin Phils and we can resume a full schedule of baseball. The Commission looks forward to working with the Fightin Phils organization, Department of Public Words and City Council to insure that one of our city's most treasured assets remains a viable part of our community.