The Sioux City Community School District board voted on Sept. 8 to set a public hearing on a proposal from Morningside University to install artificial turf on East High School’s baseball infield and bullpens. The motion to set the hearing passed 4-2 in a roll-call vote; the hearing will be scheduled at the Educational Service Center for a future date.
Why it matters: Presenters said the turf installation would be funded and installed by Morningside under an eight-year lease and would reduce near-term maintenance costs for the district while creating a district-available field for weather-related scheduling. Board members raised concerns about long-term replacement costs and which party would be responsible at the end of the turf’s life.
What presenters told the board: Jim Sykes, identified as vice president of athletics at Morningside University, told board members the vendor Mid America Sports Construction quoted $495,000 to install turf on the infield and bullpens and that the vendor estimates a turf life expectancy of roughly 12 years. He said a replacement cost later was estimated at about $250,000 and that turf removal and conversion back to grass carried separate bids. Sykes said Morningside would cover the first $5,000 of repair costs in a given period, after which repairs would be split 50/50 with the district.
Board reaction and concerns: Director Miller stressed equity and long-term fiscal exposure, saying she was not inclined to approve a change that would place an uneven financial burden on one high school when the district cannot afford turf at all schools. Director Michelson and other board members said they welcomed the more concrete bids the district had received since an earlier meeting and noted potential fundraising and activity-account sources that could help cover future replacement costs.
Action taken: The board voted to set a public hearing (motion passed 4-2). In a roll call recorded by the clerk, Mr. George voted yes; Mr. Greenwell yes; Miss Lee no; Mr. Myers aye; Mr. Michelson yes; Mr. Miller no.
Financial and operational clarifications presented at the meeting: The quoted installation cost was $495,000; Morningside proposed an eight-year lease; estimated replacement cost later was cited as $250,000; a grass reconversion bid was reported at approximately $36,450 (two bids were discussed for removal/disposal). Presenters and board members discussed possibilities for East High activity accounts and parent fundraising to help build a replacement reserve over time.
Next steps and conditions: A public hearing will be scheduled to allow further public input and to present a written agreement that will be available in the purchasing manager’s office prior to that hearing. No final agreement was executed at the Sept. 8 meeting.
Ending: The district will publish the agreement details and hear public comment at the scheduled hearing before any final vote on a turf installation agreement.