Warren City Council approved a request to use part of Betts Park at its meeting last Monday night, but there are some conditions.
The Warren County YMCA requested use of two ballfields at Betts to hold the Warren Co-ed Snowball Softball Tournament.
The tournament is scheduled for Dec. 29, but the possibility of the event causing field deterioration was a concern.
"The city staff has expressed concern about possible damage to the fields during wet weather usage," City Manager Nancy Freenock said to city council.
Council noted summer softball leagues maintain the fields and damages could result in significant repair costs.
Concerns also arose about toilet facilities, as bathroom facilities are not provided at the park during the winter.
Council ultimately approved the request, with the requirement that tournament organizers arrange for portable toilets, post a $5,000 bond for possible damages and only hold the event if the ground is dry or frozen.
A rain date in the event the ground was not suitable was approved for three weeks later.
According to organizers, the event is expected to draw between 60 and 80 people.
Chief Sam Pascuzzi of the City of Warren Fire Department reported ambulance subscriptions are slightly down from last year.
According to Pascuzzi, this year's subscriptions are "five or six" short of last year's numbers for the services which guarantees no out-of-pocket expenses for ambulance service in the event of an emergency. Last year the program had approximately 400 subscribers and generated approximately $15,000.
Department of Public Works Director Mike Holtz reported 24 of 30 sidewalks approved for Pridewalk sidewalk replacement work in 2012 were completed at a cost of approximately $17,000. He said the program has replaced approximately 12 miles of sidewalk since its inception.
The city did not fund Pridewalk work for 2013 as a cost-cutting measure.
Council approved prohibiting parking on a section of Watson Place intersecting the property boundaries of First Presbyterian Church. The church had a survey done and it was determined the alley was too narrow to allow free traffic flow if vehicles were parked along the roadway.
A public hearing on an amendment to the city's building code to bring it in line with the Pennsylvania Unified Construction Code was rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m.