Darren Perkins, facilities supervisor for the Snowflake Unified School District, requested approval last summer to move forward with replacing the press box at Lobo Stadium with a new structure. At that time, safety issues were discussed and the board approved the project.

Perkins explained to the board last week that after receiving approval, he contacted Thomas Paige, who took a look at the structure to see if it would hold the weight of a new double-decker press box. “He did work worth $45,000 for $29,000,” said Perkins.

Paige advised Perkins of changes needed for the new structure and provided the district with structural engineering plans, as well as the engineer’s stamp of approval.

The original plans required new pillars and new angles, and would have tripled the cost of the project, so it was decided to follow the same dimensions as the old press box.

With engineering in hand, Perkins went to bid on the exterior shell, which included stairs. “One thing we wanted to look at was low maintenance, which would be steel siding,” he said, noting they didn’t want corrugated siding so they went with a nicer siding and a metal roof.

The Career and Technical Education program will apply for a grant and students will complete the interior of the press box, explained Perkins.

Superintendent Hollis Merrell recommended accepting Hatch Custom Homes and Remodeling’s low bid of $39,529.12. Other bids were $47,233.53 by Pointe Restorations, $56,827.38 by ProBlue and $67,844.35 by DW Lusk. Merrell noted that the Hatch Custom Homes’ bid reflects quite a bit of donated time.

The bid came in higher than the estimated $28,000 and board member Charles Foote asked where the extra funds would come from.

“We don’t have an option,” said Merrell, noting that the current press box is not safe.

Business Manager Mark Ollerton said funds are available for the project.

Foote moved to approve the proposal for the press box. The motion passed unanimously.

In other action June 18, the board:

* Approved the use of district vehicles for out-of-state travel for the Snowflake High School girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball and volleyball teams to Utah for camps.

* Approved fundraisers for the Football Club, Volleyball Club, Wrestling Club, Girls’ Soccer Club and Girls’ Basketball Club.

* Approved the 2015-16 Snowflake Intermediate School fee schedule.

Merrell noted that they are charging minimal fees.

* Approved the treasurer and assistant treasurer for the district as listed, and authorization of bank signatures.

“We’re continuing to strive to have checks and balances,” said Ollerton, Business Manager. “Nobody reconciling is writing checks.”

Ollerton was approved to sign the year-end cash balance form.

* Approved an intergovernmental agreement between the district and Beyond Textbooks.