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Board approves design-build step to pursue new athletic field after floodway, warranty and turf questions
Summary
The Stanley County School District 57-1 board voted to authorize a design-build contract to advance planning for a new athletic field, with the contractor to coordinate floodway modeling, lighting and warranty options and provide designs for board approval; the motion passed by voice vote.
The Stanley County School District 57-1 board voted to move forward with a design-build contract to advance design work for a new athletic field and related amenities, including possible turf, lighting and concessions. The motion to proceed with a design-build agreement (first by Tyler, second by Jess) carried by voice vote.
Consultants cautioned the board that hydraulics and floodway issues will determine whether the field can stay in its proposed footprint or must shift north. The district’s consultant said moving the field slightly north could be a low-cost solution, but if the new location encroaches on the federal floodway, hydrology work and federal coordination could cost substantially more and take 18–30 months. The consultant summarized the spectrum of effort: "If we are stuck and we do end up in that floodway… that's the $50,000 number that I gave you for hydrologists to get through the paperwork," which would include extensive modeling and reporting (Consultant, SEG 1456–1465).
Contractor representatives described equipment and warranty options for lighting and turf. One vendor noted: "Musco lighting is kinda like the Cadillac of lighting" and said Musco offers an all-in 25-year warranty while lower-cost LED vendors offer shorter warranties and lower upfront cost (Vendor representative, SEG 1640–1646). Several trustees raised cost and safety questions about turf versus grass; one trustee cautioned there are emerging safety studies and said, "there's more safety concerns with turf, even at the high school level" (Board member, SEG 1968–1975).
Board members approved the design-build step so the contractor can coordinate with city planners, finalize floodway modeling and produce a design package and budget options to present to the board. District and vendor speakers said design work could start as soon as mid-January if contracts and permitting clearances are in place. The board discussion included contingencies for ticketing, concessions and possible bleacher configurations; the district will receive a proposal and budget for the next steps before any construction-phase decision.
