The following account is reproduced directly from the City of Belleview’s official October 6 meeting minutes, as prepared by the city and included in the agenda packet for the October 20 Commission meeting. The statements reflect the city’s official summary of the proceedings and should not be interpreted as independently verified findings:
The Mayor addressed ongoing issues at the Sportsplex involving the use of city ballfields and batting cages by Belleview Youth Baseball (BYB) and the public. She stated that her efforts to address citizen concerns have been characterized as a personal conflict with the league, but emphasized that she followed established procedures and coordinated with Marion County Parks and Recreation Director Jim Couillard, consistent with the City’s agreement with the County.
Beginning in March 2026, concerns were raised regarding confusion over scheduled league use versus public access to the facilities. Additional issues included weekend tournaments and fundraisers, potential restrictions on public access, concession stand renovations involving unpermitted electrical work, vendor business tax requirements, and the condition of the trailer.
The Mayor stated that several matters were initiated by staff or brought forward through citizen complaints, and that she referred concerns to the appropriate County or City personnel for review.
In July, the Mayor met with staff and Mr. Couillard to clarify the facility agreements, public access to batting cages, and the trailer’s status. A subsequent meeting with the league president addressed outstanding concerns, and the parties agreed to split the cost of a grease interceptor three ways. Following another batting cage access dispute in September, the Mayor requested the league’s use schedule and the annual financial reports required under its County agreement. She also suggested keeping at least one batting cage available to the public and requested signage to clarify access rules.
The Mayor reported that the requested financial documents had not been received, public access concerns remained unresolved, and signage had not been installed. She also clarified that her requests for financial records were directed to the County, not the league, as the documents were required under the existing agreement. In light of the ongoing issues, she requested that the Commission schedule the previously proposed Sportsplex workshop for the second meeting in November, following the outcome of the property tax and bond initiatives.
Steven Kugler, Belleview Youth Baseball’s president, addressed the City Commission regarding field usage and batting cage conflicts with the public. He stated that the only times they have issues is when the Mayor’s family is involved. He further commented that the only work completed in the concession area was changing a light fixture and it was not communicated to them that they couldn’t use the facility, only that any construction work must be halted until they obtained a permit, which they had to pay for. Mr. Kugler said that they are working with the County on submitting the league financial information to comply for reporting purposes. He would like communication to improve.
Maria Esposito remarked that there have been many communication issues between Belleview, Marion County, and BYB. She also said that she has started to work with City staff to properly permit their events as required.
Attorney Landt commented on the Mayor’s actions vis à vis the removal of the trailer and responding to inquiries or complaints by contacting staff or Marion County as appropriate.
Bob Dobkowski discussed his past coaching with BYB and the actions that the City has undertaken to improve the park and support the league through the years.
Mayor Dobkowski stated that Marion County began managing the regulation of the sports leagues in 2012 and it appears that their staff is telling the league one thing while the director is telling her something else.
Michael Bradbury discussed an issue with a fundraising event.
Michael Congleton stated that he had seen the Mayor’s son at the field when the concession stand was open and felt the timing was suspicious because the Police Department arrived shortly after to have them close their doors.
Mayor Dobkowski clarified that it was not suspicious timing as she had received the photo of the concession stand open and contacted staff to verify it should not have been occupied and informed the Police.
Mr. Congleton expressed that there are many issues with the park, including the new lights that have been installed and they have contacted the County.
Breanna Hickson commented that her son is part of the league and finds it welcoming. Commissioner Smith exited the meeting at 7:40 PM and returned at 7:43 PM.
Lucia Esposito remarked that she doesn’t believe the league monopolizes the park’s usage.
Colton Craine commented that he was the one who painted the concession stand and changed the light figure inside; BYB’s goal is to make the park better. Ronnie Woods stated that he believes all parties need to begin getting along.
Commissioner Goldman stated that he has not been privy to everything that has occurred, but noted the problem is one of communication. He believes there needs to be increased communication with a representative from Belleview, Marion County, and BYB. He added that he would like a representative from Marion County present at the upcoming workshop on the Sports Complex.
Commissioner Dwyer thanked the citizens for attending the meeting and it appears that all parties involved want what is best for the park. Commissioner Dwyer mentioned that the City, with a population of 6000 people, funded $380,000 for lights at a park that is primarily used by County residents. He stated that it may be beneficial for City staff to have more of a presence in the park to facilitate more communication.
Commissioner Smith hopes that after tonight, all parties realize they can do better and work towards solutions. He explained that the majority of the park belongs to the County, the majority of users are County residents, and believes that more communication needs to go through the County.
