PEA RIDGE — Trying to resolve concerns about the construction of the proposed multi-purpose facility, the Pea Ridge School Board met in a special School Board meeting at 6:30 a.m. Friday. The meeting, originally called as a committee of the whole, was changed to a special Board meeting, superintendent Mike Van Dyke said Friday morning.
A special School Board meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
All School Board members were present Friday, as was architect Steve Elliott, principal Rick Neal, athletic director Larry Walker and head football coach Tony Travis.
Elliott told the board he had talked with representatives from Nabholz Construction attempting to reduce costs for the proposed multi-purpose facility which was discussed at the regular School Board meeting Nov. 8, at which time board members expressedconcern about a $2.6 million cost when they had allotted $2.1 million.
The building, which includes a fabric cover over a practice field, and a metal field house, is to include locker rooms, showers and a weight room.
Elliott said the board’s options, if they are not happy with the proposal by Nabholz, is to put the building out to bid and see what the prices are, to get another construction manager or to put it outfor general bid and act as their own construction manager.
He said anyone licensed in Arkansas may bid on the project.
Board member Rick Webb said he was not in favor with the school acting as its own construction manager. Webb said each of the three construction firms interviewed for the job had said they could do the job for $2.1 million.
“When we interviewed, they were in here individually. Every one of them led us to believe they could be there ($2.1),” Webb said. “We walked out of this meeting believing we could build it.
“Number one, we’ve got a time frame. We’d like to have it done (by football season),” Webb said.
Board president Jenny Wood asked for a decision on whether to continue with Nabholz or use a different construction manager.
“Let’s don’t’ wait,” Webb said. “Let’s call a special meeting.”
“I changed that to a special called meeting,” superintendent Mike Van Dyke said, “so you can make a decision.”
Board members Joshua Ramsey and Ann Cato rose to leave to go to work.
“I’m not sure we need representatives from those folks (construction firms) here,” Webb said. “We know what our problem is. We just need to make our decision by ourselves.”
The board set a special board meeting for 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 17.
News, Pages 1 on 11/17/2010