Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

­Concession stand cannot be used as it stands

With further research done on the proposed renovation of the outdoor concession stand under the Kimball High School stadium, the Kimball Board of Education is no closer to making a decision on the matter.

Board members asked last month for more information from Building and Grounds Director Gregg Fossand, Superintendent Marshal Lewis and the Building and Grounds Committee on the project.

Currently the area under the stadium is damp, with mold growing in certain areas, according to board member Brad Reader, who added that moss is also growing in front of the stadium due to water that was previously rerouted from the roof of the concession stand towards that area.

“It wasn’t fixed, it was rerouted, and it keeps the water inside the building,” Reader said. “We asked to have an engineer come down and evaluate the structure. How did that turn out?”

Building and Grounds Director Gregg Fossand reported that the engineer had evaluated the stadium and found that it was in pretty good shape. A written report is expected from that engineer.

“We would have a problem, continuing to sink money into it,” Reader said. “We are looking for a better idea of what it will cost before we start pouring money into that.”

The board received two proposals for partial renovation of the restrooms and concession stand,and though Lewis recommended the board accept the proposal from Hays Roofing and Siding, the $24,000 bid did not cover all of the necessary elements.

Removal and replacement of the concession stand lid with pitched roof, including insulation and drywall ceiling for both restrooms and the concession area was covered in that proposal, as was electrical demolition and installation of necessary wiring, LED can lights in all areas, added exhaust fans in both restrooms and 3-way switches in the concession area.

Board members were unhappy that the proposals did not include replacement costs for plumbing and fixtures or for the cost of repairing the walls that have been damaged by moisture.

“I have never seen water pouring down in the area where you walk,” Lewis added. “The other day there was actually water dripping down, it is not just seeping in and running down the structure. It is actually getting water through, not just moisture.”

The facility will have to be cleaned, bleached, sealed and painted to alleviate the mold concern and the board will revisit the idea of renovating once a proposal is received for the more immediate needs.

“At this point I think we need to fix the structure first and the ventilation,” Reader said. “Until you get the water stopped from coming in, exhaust fans aren’t going to do much good.”

“You are right, I don’t think we want to build something under there and leave it like it is,” Lewis said. “Yes I would like to move forward, but at the same time, I don’t think we do this and forget about the stadium. I think we have to be looking at that. I would expect that if we are doing this, we would look at fixing the stadium this summer as well. We do have enough to cover it, even if it is a $100,000 expense.”

At last month’s meeting Lewis stated that he would not feel safe allowing concession sales under the stadium in the upcoming year as it now sits, and restrooms would have to be made available elsewhere as well.

Discussions regarding alternate concession and restroom areas have been had, but no good alternatives have been found specifically for restrooms.

“I just like the idea of temporary concessions and bathrooms for a year until we know what it is going to cost to get the actual structure done,” board member Heather Norberg said. “I just don’t want to put all this money into it and then in three months it is moldy again.”

Board members expressed that completing this project prior to completing the necessary clean-up and repairs would be similar to putting the cart before the horse. They asked Fossand and Lewis to bring them a quote for the total repair needed by the upcoming board meeting on Monday, June 12.

“I don’t think we have enough information to make the most educated decision right now,” board member Carrie Tabor concluded.

Other actions taken by the board:

Approved the contract for incoming Physical Education teacher Ben Aarestad who will also coach football.

Approved the purchase of 70 Chrome Books for student use at a total of $15,895.20.

Approved the purchase of 23 desk top computers, 22 for the teaching lab at the Jr. Sr. High School and one for Mary Lynch Principal Mike Mitchell, at a total cost of $15,775.00.