Date: Fri 13-Dec-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

schools-Jenner-stadium

Full Text:

Blue And Gold Stadium Concept Gets Green Light

B Y D OROTHY E VANS

Not wishing to hold up fund raising or pending design work for a Blue and Gold

club proposal to light Jenner Stadium and build a food concession stand where

the press box now stands, the Board of Education voted Tuesday night to

endorse the concept of the project.

They did, however, reserve the right to review materials and services that

might be donated toward completion of the project and they reiterated their

opinion stated December 3 that all work and materials relating to the proposal

would have to pass through the office of Rusty Malek, architect for Kaestle

Boos, the firm that is responsible for the current high school construction

project.

"Obviously, nothing must be allowed to delay or hinder that project in any

way," board chairman Herb Rosenthal said.

This was the second go-round on the concept proposal during which Blue and

Gold president Michael Kelley and club member Rich Barillari spoke informally

to the board, answering questions about their lighting proposal.

"Our hands are tied. We can't encumber drawings or see town permit departments

without the board's approval," Mr Kelley stated, adding that the sports

booster club is anxious to begin the process of meeting before the town boards

as soon as possible.

"I can promise you that all work will be by bonded contractors, and all

materials will be up to specifications, or it won't happen," said Mr

Barillari, who is not only a parent of a Newtown High student but also an

electrical contractor.

Board member Amy Dent insisted that the board make a clear distinction between

approval of the actual "buildings" [the concession stand and light fixtures]

and the "concept" or idea for those projects.

"What will the bidding process be?" Mrs Dent wanted to know.

Business Director John Torok Jr said that while he would clarify those details

with the town attorney, the board could still act on the spirit of the

proposal, enabling the architect to go ahead and complete an extension of

sewer and electrical conduit to the immediate outside of the high school

building.

Timely action taken on the construction site would not cost the board

anything, since "the architect is donating his services to make the

extension," Mr Torok said.

If and when the Blue and Gold club proves successful in raising funds and

gaining approval from town boards for construction of the lights and

concession stand, the necessary utility tie-ins would be in place.