Baseball complex cost strikes out in Frazier district
PERRYOPOLIS – Additional fees involved in a pact between the Frazier School District and borough officials to split the cost for necessary updates to the high school baseball complex struck out Thursday with school directors. According to Tom Shetterly, business manager, the original deal consisted of an estimated $20,000 price tag that resulted in a low bid of $48,000 and a high bid of $205,000 for the construction of new dug outs and a concession stand.
Shetterly added that the dug-outs alone were bid at $21,000 and included demolition of the current ones while the borough drafted the project’s bid specifications.
Last year, the district budgeted $10,000 of its share for the project and earmarked $5,000 out of this year’s spending plan that was to be used toward field and fence repairs without intending additional architecture or engineering fees.
The project also incurred unexpected costs for building inspections and permits from the Fayette County Zoning office in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code guidelines.
“We need another $3,000 in addition to the $5,000 and that’s not touching the field or concession stand,” said Shetterly.
But, Shetterly said the dug outs need fixed since the concrete roof is creating a safety hazard.
On the other hand, the school board determined during its work session that the field is only used for seven games that last two months out of the year not to mention that the district doesn’t even own the property.
The board also questioned whether or not borough officials have contacted any other resources for donations or applied for grants to help offset the cost.
In a separate project at a special meeting following the work session, the board discussed a $114,599 paving project at Perry Elementary School that got underway last week by McKee Asphalt of Pittsburgh.
After addressing additional fees of $14,512 for the company to pave an area of Constitution Street that flows into the site and $11,397 to resurface the playground area, the board agreed to forgo the proposals.
A separate proposal to install 238-foot of rolled curbing for $952 to eliminate a water problem was resolved with other measures at no cost to the district. McKee also agreed to install a handicapped accessible ramp and two parking spots at no additional cost.
The board also conducted the following business:
Debated over a parking problem involving the spots assigned to teachers and students that has been ongoing since last year. Dr. Dennis Spinella, superintendent, said numerous discussions on the matter garnered no permanent resolution, but a temporary fix that will be further studied.
Approved a four-year contract for Spinella with a starting salary of $95,000.
Granted a $2,000 raise to John Phillips, supervisor of buildings, grounds and maintenance that will take his salary to $44,000.
Elected D. Diane Morgan as secretary to the superintendent and board secretary with salary and benefits as established previously upon her prior announcement to retire.
Hired Melissa F. Lawrence as a substitute to replace Kris Levi, business education instructor at the high school while she is on maternity leave at a pay of $100 per day with no benefits.