Struthers board sets Phase 1 of stadium in motion

The project completion deadline is just a few days before the first
football game.

By WILLIAM K. ALCORN

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

STRUTHERS — The board of education awarded contracts totaling $285,603 for Phase 1 of the high school stadium renovation project, which officials said will begin with demolition of the east stands within two weeks.

The deadline for completing the project is Aug. 22, two days before the first home football game, officials said.

The board voted unanimously Tuesday to give Santini Builders of Washingtonville a $140,700 contract for demolition and construction of new east stands. Santini also received another contract for $10,070 if additional demolition is required.

Sturdisteel Co. of Hewitt, Texas, received a $134,833 contract to supply aluminum bleachers for the project.

Santini and Sturdisteel were low bidders on the project. Brian Spielvogel of Eckles Architecture’s Canfield office recommended the board accept the bids.

School officials anticipate approval of the project by the end of the week from the state Financial Planning and Supervision Commission, which has control of the school district’s finances while it is in fiscal emergency.

The project

Schools Treasurer Michael Evanson said asbestos removal at the project site is expected to be accomplished by the end of this week.

Other base bids received from general contractors were Rudzik Excavating of Struthers, $146,000; Kreidler Construction of Poland, $159,500; Tinkler Construction of Warren, $171,000; and C. Crump of Hubbard, $188,500.

Other bids for the bleachers were E&D Special Stands of North Collins, N.Y., $162,900; and Dave York Sports of Louisville, Ky., $199,760.

The board’s action put in motion work on the first phase of a four-year, four-phase plan previously adopted to use as a guideline to finance the rebuilding of the football stadium.

Until the east stands, which are nearest the high school, are replaced, the west stands can be used, Evanson said.

In other action, the board approved a new three-year contract with the Ohio Association of Public School Employees Local 4/American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 261, which represent about 80 noncertified employees. Evanson withheld contract details of the new pact, pending approval of the state commission.

alcorn@vindy.com