School board approves bond, hires architect for track project

The Ritzville School Board of Directors unanimously approved the adoption of a resolution for a limited general obligation (LGO) bond and for the hiring of Design West Architects to complete improvements to Jimmie Snider Field. With the approval of the bond, Design West Architects now move forward with completing the field renovation this year, with the project to be completed by Sept. 1.

The LGO contracts indebtedness in the amount of $325,000 through Cashmere Valley Bank for the purpose of paying costs for select capital improvements to Jimmie Snider Field. The LGO bond will be paid with tax collection monies from the capital levy approved on the Nov. 6 election ballot.

Money collected from the capital levy taxes totals $390,000 and each tax collection the money received goes toward paying for the LGO bond. The bond incurs 1.39 percent interest per annum, based on twelve 30-day months for a 360-day year.

With the approval of the LGO bond, school board members approved to hire Design West Architects as the contractor for the project. The firm is beginning geotechnical studies and surveying next week during the school district’s spring vacation.

The on-site construction phase is expected to begin in mid-June and conclude by Sept. 1, and the beginning of the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague high school football season.

Design West Architects have completed a preliminary layout design of the track and field area, and the firm is currently meeting with school district personnel to discuss the final layout.

The entire project includes extensive site work, but the existing foundation of the track is expected to make the project construction smoother and more affordable for the district. The completed project includes an eight-lane all-weather track with the appropriate approaches for field events, as well as an in ground sprinkler system for the football field.

Representatives from Design West Architects are attending the next school board meeting on Monday, April 22, in the Ritzville Grade School at 6:30 p.m.

The representatives will provide updates on the project and discuss plans for Jimmie Snider Field with the school board.