Miles City finance committee recommends moving forward with Connors Stadium roof project

The Miles City Finance Committee voted 3-0 on Dec. 4 to recommend proceeding with a replacement of the Connors Stadium roof after Public Works Director Samantha Malenovsky told the committee she had secured a funding match and that the parks and recreation cash account held more than $60,000 for the project.

Malenovsky said she had not yet heard back from representatives of the stadium but confirmed the match and available local funds that would support the work. Committee Member Brooke Bartholomew asked whether the parks fund should be depleted for the project; the committee determined the roof is a high-priority capital need.

Charlie Lohof of Jackson Contractor Group, the contractor present for the discussion, said the critical path item is procuring steel and recommended beginning work in winter to avoid damaging the field. "Once approved the longest wait will be steel procurement, but we want to get it started in the winter otherwise the construction and equipment will ruin the field," Lohof said.

Committee Member Brant Kassner made the motion to approve the recommendation; Committee Member Brooke Bartholomew seconded. The committee recorded yea votes from Kassner, Dan Scott and Bartholomew and approved the recommendation unanimously.

The committee's vote was a recommendation to proceed; staff will move forward with procurement steps and scheduling based on contractor timelines and steel availability. The Finance Committee adjourned at 6:27 p.m.