There will be no hot dogs at local ball parks this summer.
Due to lack of bidders, the township was unable to award a contract to run concessions stands at Sports fields in Drayton and Moorefield for 2017.
The concession stand has been operated through lease agreements for the past two sport seasons.
A request for proposals to establish a new lease to run the concession services for Drayton and Moorefield Sports fields from May to October for 2017 and 2018 closed on April 12.
One proposal was received to run only the Moorefield stand, but not the one at the Drayton park.
However, on May 8, township staff received correspondence from the bidder withdrawing their proposal due to personal commitments.
As there were no other submissions staff recommended the municipality not pursue a concession services lease for the 2017 season and re-issue an RFP for services for 2018 in the spring.
A staff report from public works director Sam Mattina notes that due to the lack of food services at the Sports fields, any licensed events under the township’s liquor license will require the proponent to provide food as part of the event.
Council reluctantly approved the recommendation on June 27.
Mayor Neil Driscoll noted the lack of interest in operating concession stands might be partly due to the large number of people who bring their own food to the ball parks.
While noting she hated to see the parks operate without food available, councillor Lori Woodham stated, “Maybe it will take one year with absolutely nothing for people to change.”
Woodham wondered if inviting operators of mobile food trucks to provide services might be a solution.
CAO Brad McRoberts suggested that option could be included in the 2018 requests for proposals.
