To:

Members, Board of Education

From:

Terry B. Grier, Ed.D.

Date:

June 22, 2007

RE:

Approval of Sod at Northern High School

The Northern High School fields #1 (football), #3 (multi-purpose) and #9 (soccer) do not have the stand(s) of grass originally anticipated for this time of year and upon further review it has been determined additional work will be required.  The three fields indicated will require the planting of Bermuda sod to replace the Bermuda sprigs originally called for in the contract.  This will allow for fall and spring sport activities to be played on Northern High School’s athletic fields this year.

Investigation by Staff has shown the soil conditions necessary to keep the Bermuda sod alive for any extended period of time is not present.  The current mixture is a sand material 9” deep on top of a “gray water” irrigation system.  The sand mixture in place is not as originally specified and will not support the continued growth of Bermuda sod year round.  The Soils Engineer has recommended adding a percentage of organics to the current sand base material as a means to establish and maintain the sod.  This will have to be completed prior to the laying of the sod material and far enough in advance of any activities on the field to ensure continued growth.

The recommendation, and estimated cost, for completing the necessary improvements to the three fields are as follows:

Therefore, we are requesting the Board to approve the additional scope of work for $323,000 to complete the work on the three fields and to establish a stand of grass suitable for use by the athletic departments at Northern Middle and Northern High School.   

RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends that the board approve the change in scope as described herein, affecting the three playing fields at Northern High School.  The funds for this work are in the project budget.