Board awards $1.514 million contract to resurface West Athletic Complex track

The Austin Public School District board approved a $1,514,840 contract to resurface the track at the West Athletic Complex, citing durability concerns for a Mondo surface and long‑term life‑cycle costs.

District staff presented two competitive bids and a third state‑contract quote for a different gel‑core surface. Staff recommended the Mondo resurfacing despite higher initial cost because it better suits Minnesota winters and has a longer replacement cycle than the gel‑core alternative, which staff said would require resurfacing every three to five years in this climate.

Finance staff proposed funding the project by combining $550,000 already allocated in the long‑term facility maintenance (LTFM) plan with district‑assigned Westcott complex funds; the administration said it will replenish the LTFM balance over time. The board moved to award the contract to Ulman Brothers, and the motion passed after discussion about scheduling around summer events and potential signage or security measures to protect the new facility.

Administrators said construction would begin in the summer with a targeted window that minimizes disruption to summer rentals and that a short September timeframe may be needed for painting lines. The transcript records discussion of community concerns about facility misuse and the possibility of adding signage or cameras, which staff said they would explore.

No detailed roll‑call of the vote appears in the transcript; the motion was seconded and recorded as passing.