Board approves $168,934 prefab press box after lengthy debate; keeps existing box intact

Public commenters and several board members pressed administration for more detail about a CoStars vendor quote to replace the athletic press box at Bulldog Stadium. A public commenter cited a $168,934 quote and asked how much of last year's tax increase that used; community members and board members questioned line items (including a $2,995 breaker box line), delivery and installation charges, engineer reports on bleacher loading, and whether less costly repairs were an option.

Administration said the prefab route via CoStars was selected to avoid a lengthy bidding process, and that schematic drawings and an engineer review would follow. "If the outcome of this you can choose to decide if you want to parcel the $1.68 out, approve the $5,500 drawing if that's what you wanna do, and work in sequential fashion," an administrator said, offering an incremental approach (pay for drawings first). After discussion, the board approved moving forward with the Guardian Booth quote (rounded in discussion to about $170,000). The chair announced the motion passed with three recorded 'no' votes.

Separately, the board approved a motion to not demolish the existing visitor‑side press box until the board directs otherwise; members discussed volunteer repair options and the need for an updated engineer inspection. Why it matters: the project uses capital reserve funds and drew public scrutiny over priorities and transparency; administration said engineer drawings and permitting remain to be completed before construction and that installation/delivery details will be confirmed.