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School officials debate $6,500 power upgrade to run Huddle cameras at athletic fields
Summary
Board members and facilities staff weighed running conduit and permanent power for Huddle cameras at the baseball and softball fields (estimated ~$6,500) versus using portable battery packs, citing breaker trips, long‑term maintenance and budget constraints; the item was tabled pending a smaller technical subgroup and formal quotes.
Board members and facilities staff debated how much to invest in powering Huddle cameras at the district's baseball and softball fields and whether to install permanent conduit and power or rely on rechargeable power packs.
Tom Cavage, the district's facilities lead, described the technical tradeoffs and said the estimated cost to pull new conduit and supply robust power was roughly $6,500, largely labor and conduit costs. Cavage told the committee that running permanent power would provide higher amperage and reduce problems with breakers tripping when concession stands plug in multiple appliances.
"That $6,500 is money, make no mistake — it solves pulling new power with better amps — but then we can run what we believe is important to utilize equipment," Cavage said. He also noted the work includes conduit, cable and pulling and that labor drives most of the price.
Coaches and activities representatives, including Mr. Pazaric and Mr. Bazark, argued some work could be done in‑house (for example, buying and pulling cable) to reduce contractor costs and stressed the long‑term value of hardwired PoE (power over ethernet) versus short‑lived battery packs. Others raised concerns that portable battery generators might seem cheaper initially but would impose replacement and maintenance costs every 10–12 years.
The group discussed alternative technical approaches — Cat6 shielded cable in conduit, point‑to‑point wireless links with weather‑protected switches, and improved breaker capacity at concession stands — and emphasized the need for clearer conduit sizes and whether existing conduits contain pull wires. Several members said they prefer hardwired Cat6 under conduit for reliability when feasible.
No formal motion or vote was taken. The committee agreed to form a smaller subgroup of facilities, activities and technical staff to: (1) verify existing conduit diameter/bends; (2) obtain at least one formal written quote; and (3) identify which tasks the district can safely complete in‑house. The item was tabled until that subgroup reports back to the facilities and activities committees.
Next steps: staff will gather conduit measurements and formal electrician quotes, the subgroup will evaluate cost‑saving in‑house options and the board will revisit the matter when technical details and pricing are available.
