Board approves $17,860 contract to replace unsafe press‑box stairs at Fairground Softball Complex

The Board of Public Works on April 7 approved a $17,860 contract with John Altman Builders LLC to replace the stairs at the Fairground Softball Complex press box.

City parks and recreation director Justin Gasperson told the board the city inspection department had issued a notice of violation after finding the existing stairs unsafe and noncompliant. "The existing stairs, leading to the press box, were deemed unsafe by the city inspector, and required replacement and be code compliant," Gasperson said, and recommended approving the low bid so the city could address the violation and allow continued use of the press box.

Gasperson said the press box is used for game broadcasting, scoreboard and sound-system operations, electrical panels and storage for umpires; media outlets and local broadcasters also use it. He said the city hired an architect to develop plans to bring the structure into compliance and that those plans received inspection-department approval before the project was bid.

Board members asked whether the work must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Gasperson replied that if a structure is altered the improvements generally must meet ADA requirements and that the plans had been developed and approved by the inspection department. Board discussion also clarified the press box is used primarily by announcers, umpires and operators rather than general public access, and that a ramp or elevator would be required only if the space is determined to be a public use requiring such access.

A motion to approve the low bid and authorize execution of the contract carried without opposition.