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Maynard committee debates removing temporary bleachers after town vote
Summary
After voters declined to fund permanent alumni bleachers, the committee debated safety, keeping or demoing temporary bleachers and how to support WAVM coverage; members discussed demo RFPs, mobile press-box rentals, and potential use of an operating override or grants to fund alternatives.
School committee members spent substantial time discussing next steps after a town vote not to fund the alumni-bleacher project. The debate centered on two questions: whether the temporary bleachers should be removed to reduce ongoing liability and whether WAVM and game operations can be accommodated without the existing press box.
Some members argued the fenced, interim bleachers remain a visual reminder of an unfinished project and a liability. Others said that while the structure is fenced and not intended for regular public use, the current configuration remains useful for operations and student media unless the press-box access issue can be solved. The committee agreed that press-box access must stop if the structure is unsafe and that rerouting electrical and access would be part of any demo plan.
Members outlined next steps: facilities staff will meet with contractors and operations staff to price demo and mobile-press-box alternatives and to estimate the cost of rerouting electrical infrastructure. The committee discussed seeking a one-time capital solution through town processes (an override or other funding sources), exploring grant opportunities that had been pursued previously, and clarifying what rental contracts remain in force for the current season.
The committee also discussed communication to the public about the outcome and possible Q&A materials explaining why the vote failed and what options remain. Committee members asked staff to prepare ballpark estimates and options for the quad-board and to stop extending any optional rental obligations beyond current contracts.
No final vote to demo was taken; members asked Brian and facilities staff to return with concrete cost estimates, RFP language and a plan to prevent unauthorized use of the press box in the interim.
