Commissioners, staff weigh warranty, costs and options to keep new turf field usable earlier in season

Lake County commissioners and staff discussed options to make a recently replaced turf field usable earlier in the season while avoiding voiding the manufacturer's warranty.

Staff reported the field currently has compacted snow and ice ("about a foot and a half of snow" with underlying ice in one inspection) and that the manufacturer's warranty limits or forbids some external heating or surface treatments. Commissioners and staff reviewed short‑term mitigation ideas—mechanical removal, selective striping to expose sections to sunlight, sprinkling ground rubber pellets reclaimed from recycled tires, and hand shoveling—and longer‑term options including a temporary inflated dome or a pressurized cover. One staff speaker said warranty coverage lasts eight years (as cited in the meeting) and warned that unauthorized surface treatments could risk losing warranty protection.

Staff suggested a coordinated approach with the school district. Athletic director Amy Peters (referenced in the discussion) was described as open to collaboration "you just let me know," and staff said they have provided the school district a draft IGA that has not yet been returned. Commissioners directed staff to have the county's PROS department take the lead on operational coordination with the school district and to present specific, warranty‑compatible options for next season.

Why this matters: The turf field is a county‑adjacent public asset used by school athletics and community recreation. Decisions about snow/ice mitigation affect season length, maintenance costs and warranty exposure for a significant capital investment.

Staff proposed several experiments for the coming months (small pellet test, limited striping and a managed "shovel party"), and suggested a site visit to Grand County to see an example dome installation. No formal action or funding commitment was made at the meeting; staff will return with cost estimates and a recommended approach that preserves warranty coverage where possible.